A NEW ERA FOR WERRIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOO

The Werribee Open Range Zoo Expansion has introduced a new era of habitats and visitor experiences, with the purpose-built Elephant Sanctuary playing a key role in this shift.

THE ELEPHANT SANCTUARY

Spanning 21 hectares, roughly the size of the entire Melbourne Zoo, the sanctuary provides Zoos Victoria’s Asian elephant herd with the space and freedom to thrive. At the centre of the sanctuary is a yard with sandpits and deep-water pools. Surrounding this are outer habitats that retain significant trees and existing vegetation. Two overpass bridges allow elephants to move safely between the management yards and the wider habitats, supporting both their welfare and the visitor experience.

HANSEN’S CONTRIBUTION

Hansen Partnership supported the project from 2018 to 2023, providing initial planning strategy and approvals advice for the WORZ Expansion Masterplan. The team identified opportunities within the habitat units to streamline approvals and keep construction moving efficiently without compromising compliance. Guidance on native vegetation requirements supported the permit process for the elephant enclosure, while ongoing advice on planning and building matters helped the habitat take shape as intended. By combining practical solutions with strategic insight, Hansen Partnership played a key role in delivering a habitat that prioritises animal welfare and aligns with the broader vision of the expansion.

VISITOR EXPERIENCE AND CONSERVATION

Visitors of the Elephant Trail can explore the sanctuary from pedestrian pathways and elevated viewing areas, observing elephants in environments designed for both enrichment and conservation. Two large pools are supplied by 150 million litres of recycled water through a 2.5-kilometre pipeline, providing a sustainable resource for the herd. The sanctuary also includes a communal barn, training yards, breeding facilities, and landscape supporting priority conservation species.

Funded by an $88 million investment from the Victorian Government, the expansion provides a gold-standard home for nine Asian elephants, including three calves born over the past 18 months. Beyond its role as a habitat, the sanctuary connects visitors with wildlife in meaningful ways, allowing Zoos Victoria to share its conservation message and inspire action to protect species from extinction. The Werribee Open Range Zoo Elephant Sanctuary opened to the public in early 2025.