Melbourne is a city that caters to the wild soul. It’s home to some of the world’s best zoos and animal sanctuaries that attract thousands of visitors every year. If you’re planning a visit to Melbourne and have a deep love for animals, then visiting the various zoos and wildlife sanctuaries is a must-do activity. Here, we’ve listed the six best zoos to visit in Melbourne that will leave you in awe of the wonders of Australian wildlife.
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Melbourne Zoo
The first in the list of must-see zoos in Melbourne is without a doubt the famous Melbourne Zoo. Owned by the Royal Zoological Society of Victoria, this zoo has been in operation for over 150 years and is a pioneer in animal welfare research. It’s home to more than 320 species of animals from various continents, including Australia. The zoo has facilitated various interactive animal encounters, including experiencing life as a zookeeper and experiencing breakfast with orangutans.
Healesville Sanctuary
Healesville Sanctuary is located in the stunning Australian bushland, an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s city center. It’s best known for its work in animal conservation, especially with native Australian wildlife. The sanctuary houses kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, echidnas, and various species of birds, among others.
Werribee Open Range Zoo
Opened in 1983, Werribee Open Range Zoo is located 32 km west of Melbourne city center. It’s set on 225 hectares of parkland and has some of the best African wildlife exhibits, including Lions, Zebras, Cheetahs, and Giraffes. Guests can also explore the zoo on a safari tour, which is a fantastic way to get up close and personal with the animals.
Melbourne’s Aquarium
The aquarium is home to several aquatic animals, including sharks, giant octopuses, and stingrays. There are interactive zones where visitors can touch and learn about various species of marine animals. Guests can take part in a guided tour of the aquarium, which includes exploring sections that are usually closed to the public.
Moonlit sanctuary
Located an hour south of Melbourne, Moonlit Sanctuary has various native Australian animals, including wallabies, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, and dingoes. One of the sanctuary’s most exciting activities is a virtual tour in a dark enclosure where guests observe nocturnal animals such as possums and bandicoots, which are very rare to see in the wild.
Collingwood Children’s Farm
The Collingwood Children’s Farm is a not-for-profit organization that aims to educate people of all ages about animal husbandry and conservation. It’s home to various farm animals, including cows, pigs, goats, and chickens, and visitors can take part in various animal care activities such as cow milking, egg collection, and feeding troughs.
Conclusion
Melbourne has some of the most comprehensive and exciting zoos and sanctuaries in the world, each with different exhibitions and animal collections. Whether you’re interested in local Australian animals or exotic species from different parts of the world, these six zoos offer visitors unique experiences in animal care, conservation, and education. Your visit to Melbourne isn’t complete without adding one of these zoos to your itinerary!