Melbourne Zoo

The Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens, commonly known as the Melbourne Zoo, contains more than 350 animal species from Australia and around the world. The zoo is just 4 km north of the centre of Melbourne. It is accessible via Royal Park station on the Upfield railway line, and is also accessible via tram routes 55 and 19 , as well as by bicycle on the Capital City Trail.

Melbourne Zoo is Australia's oldest zoo and was modeled on London Zoo. It is reputed to be the eleventh oldest zoo in the world. The zoo was opened on the Royal Park site of 55 acres (22 hectares) in 1862 on land donated by the City of Melbourne. Before this, animals were housed at the botanical gardens in Melbourne.

Initially the zoo was important for the acclimatisation of domestic animals recovering from their long trip to Australia. It was only with the appointment of Albert Le Souef in 1870 that more exotic animals were procured for public display, and the gardens and picnic areas were developed.

Visitors can see historical cages built for the public display of animals when zoos were primarily menageries of exotic species for public amusement. Zoological collections now play an important role in regional conservation and research programs, educational activities and international breeding programs for endangered species.

The zoo is set among flower gardens and picnic areas. Many of the animals are now organised in bioclimatic zones: African rainforest featuring gorillas, mandrills, pigmy hippos and parrots; Asian Rainforest with tigers and otters; and the Australian Bush with koala, kangaroos, emu, echidnas and endangered hairy nose wombats. Popular exhibits also include the Butterfly house, the great flight aviary and the Trail of the Elephants.

The Zoological Board of Victoria administers the Melbourne Zoo, as well as the Werribee Open Range Zoo which features herbivorous creatures in an open range setting; and Healesville Sanctuary on 175 hectares of bushland exhibiting Australian fauna.

External links

• Zoos Victoria