Big changes are happening at Werribee Open Range Zoo! The beloved Asian elephant herd from Melbourne Zoo has moved to a brand-new, purpose-built habitat.
We visited the Elephant Trail at Werribee Open Range Zoo during its opening week, and wow—what an experience! The new enclosure is absolutely stunning. There’s so much space for the elephants to roam, plus two large swimming lagoons where they can splash about and cool off. The best part? You can get incredibly close to them, watching as they interact, forage, and play. It’s also so clear how much they love their new home—their relaxed and playful energy says it all!
If you’re eager to visit these gentle giants in their new home, here’s everything you need to know about the new Elephant Trail at Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Elephants Werribee Zoo: Visit Them Now!
When Can You Visit the Elephants at Werribee Open Range Zoo?
Open Now! As of Monday 24 March 2025, the elephant herd is ready for visitors at Werribee Zoo.
Moving house is a big deal—even for elephants! Now that the herd of nine Asian elephants has settled in at Werribee Open Range Zoo, they’re ready for visitors.
Their new 21-hectare home, funded by the Victorian State Government, features six spacious areas to explore, exciting enrichment items, and two enormous swimming pools.
Werribee Zoo Elephant Trail
The Elephant Trail is impressive, and visitors can explore this incredible new habitat!
The entire trail takes about an hour to walk in full, but if you’d prefer a shorter visit, you can linger near the main entrance and still see plenty of action.
This area also has a café, toilets, and shaded seating, making it an ideal base for those who’d rather not tackle the full loop.
What to Expect at the Werribee Zoo Elephant Trail
The brand new Elephant Trail at Werribee Open Range Zoo is a world-class experience for both visitors and the elephants. Here’s what’s included in this expansive new habitat:
- A 21-hectare open-range habitat with plenty of space for the elephants to explore.
- A central habitat featuring deep-water pools, a sandpit, and natural vegetation for foraging.
- A state-of-the-art elephant barn, including communal sleeping areas and training spaces.
- Five outer habitats with existing trees and greenery to encourage natural behaviours.
- Two dedicated overpass bridges, allowing elephants to roam freely between habitats without disrupting visitor trails.
Unlike traditional zoo enclosures, this trail winds through the elephants’ expansive habitat, allowing you to observe them in different environments.
One of the highlights is watching them splash about in the water, clearly enjoying their new surroundings.
The elephant enclosure has been carefully designed to promote natural behaviours, so you might see elephants dust-bathing, foraging, or interacting in their social groups.
With plenty of open viewing areas, you don’t need to worry about jostling for a good spot. Best of all, there’s ample seating along the way, so you can take your time and rest whenever needed.
Why Have the Elephants Moved to Werribee Open Range Zoo?
Melbourne Zoo has been home to the elephant herd for many years, but with three calves born in the past 18 months, the herd has outgrown its urban space.
The move to Werribee Open Range Zoo ensures the elephants have a more natural and spacious environment, where they can enjoy activities like mud bathing, long walks, and grazing together as a herd.
The new 21-hectare habitat at Werribee Zoo is designed to replicate their wild environment.
This move aligns with Zoos Victoria’s commitment to providing the highest standard of care and wellbeing for these incredible animals.
How Were the Elephants Transported?
Moving a herd of elephants is no small task! Each elephant was transported in a specially designed, air-conditioned crate, ensuring they remained comfortable and safe during the short 40-minute journey from Melbourne Zoo to Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Mothers and calves were kept together to reduce stress, and a team of expert keepers and veterinarians closely monitored the elephants throughout the trip.
What About Melbourne Zoo’s Elephant Habitat?
With the elephant herd now at Werribee, Melbourne Zoo has exciting plans for the former elephant habitat.
While details haven’t been fully revealed, visitors can look forward to new experiences, including a butterfly trail, colobus monkeys, lemurs, and even a Komodo dragon!
Why This Move Matters
The Werribee Zoo elephant relocation isn’t just about providing more space—it’s about creating a world-class environment that supports the natural behaviours of Asian elephants.
The new habitat at Werribee Zoo allows the elephants to form stronger social bonds, engage in daily activities that mimic life in the wild, and thrive in a setting that prioritises their wellbeing.
Get to Know the Elephant Herd
Can’t wait to meet the Asian elephants at Werribee Open Range Zoo?
As they settle into their new home, take a closer look at the herd online via Zoos Victoria—discover their favourite foods, unique features, fun facts, and quirky personalities.
Each elephant is one-of-a-kind! Can you tell them apart when you visit?
Stay Updated on the Elephants at Werribee Zoo
If you’re eager to visit the elephants at Werribee Open Range Zoo, the best way to stay informed is by following Zoos Victoria on social media or becoming a member.
With a stunning new habitat designed for both the elephants and their visitors, this is set to be one of the most exciting new wildlife experiences in Victoria!
Get ready to meet Werribee’s newest (and biggest) residents now!
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