Pools for Elephants underway at Werribee Zoo

Work is well underway on the $88m Werribee Open Range Zoo Expansion, with slabs poured in the herd and bull barns and elephant pools.

The elephant herd, currently living at Melbourne Zoo, will relocate to Werribee Open Range Zoo upon completion of the expansion towards the end of 2024.  

The pools are 3.5m deep and hold almost 2 million litres of recycled water.

Designed by award-winning Victorian landscape architects TCL, the Werribee Open Range Zoo expansion is prioritising animal welfare and ensuring the Zoo is a must-see destination. It will provide immersive experiences and opportunities to connect more visitors with Zoos Victoria’s fighting extinction work.   

The Elephant Trail at Werribee Open Range Zoo will comprise a 21-hectare open range habitat for Zoos Victoria’s growing Asian elephant herd, featuring a central yard with sandpit and deep-water pools. 

Visitors will be able to view the Elephant barn including a communal area, training yards and breeding facilities. Five outer habitats will retain and build upon existing vegetation and significant trees. Two dedicated overpass bridges will allow Asian elephants to pass over visitor walking trails, between the central management yard and outer habitats.

Development Victoria is proud to be delivering this project in partnership with Zoos Victoria.