10 December 2009
Be the first to see 'Back of House' at Werribee Open Range Zoo

School holidays at Werribee Open Range Zoo will be bigger than ever this year with visitors invited to explore the ‘back of house' of several animal enclosures for the first time in the Zoo's history.

A special ‘limited time only' opportunity is on offer this summer on Week Days (Monday to Friday) between January 4 and January 29 from 10am to 3.00pm.

For an additional two dollars on the cost of Zoo entry, visitors will be able to step inside holding yards and night quarters that are normally off-limits to the public.

Werribee Open Range Zoo Director, Sally Lewis, said this was incredibly exciting as it offered people a rare glimpse into what goes on ‘behind the scenes' at the Zoo.

‘Visitors will be able venture into a range of off-limit animal areas including cheetahs, lions, hippos, zebra or monkeys,' Ms Lewis said.

"A Zoo staff member will be stationed at each ‘back of house' area to answer questions about the animals, and to explain what the animals get up to once the Zoo closes each day."

Other school holiday activities will include the popular Keeper for a Day program aimed at teenagers between 13 and 18 years of age. The day will be filled with lots of hands-on activities and behind-the-scenes experiences. Program dates are January 12, January 14, January 19 and January 21.  Cost will be $99 per day.  For bookings, phone (03) 9285 9406.

For music lovers, the Rhythm of Africa season will kick off on Saturday 2 January. There will be an exciting range of musical performances on offer on Saturday and Sunday evenings until Saturday 7 March.

There is no additional charge for Rhythm of Africa beyond the general zoo admission price.