Premier Daniel Andrews recently announced that the upcoming 2015-16 State Budget will provide $5.8 million to ensure visits by children aged under 16 remain free on weekends, public holidays, and State School holidays at the Melbourne zoo.
“We want to make sure Victorian families can afford to spend a day of fun at the zoo.” Premier Andrews commented “Whether you’re a kid or a parent – everyone loves the zoo. We’re ensuring families can admire the animals and spend some quality time together.” Andrews added. Premier Andrews pointed out that Victorian families love their zoos, and the visitation numbers prove it: in the past 12 months over 2.1 million people have enjoyed visits to Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary, and Werribee Open Range Zoo. Andrews explained that children under the age of 16 make up a large proportion of those visitors, with over 800,000 kids visiting Zoos Victoria’s three zoos in the past 12 months.
Minister for the Environment Lisa Neville explained that the Labor Government has also provided $9 million for a state of the art facility for the Zoo’s Big Cats, designed and built to the same exciting standard recently achieved in the newest exhibit, Lion Gorge, launched in December.
“By investing in infrastructure and tourist attractions at our zoos and in our parks, we’re supporting jobs and growth across Victoria.” Ms Neville commented.
Ms Neville added that the outdated Big Cat Row will be removed, and Snow Leopards, Sumatran Tigers, other Big Cats and additional species will be in a new setting, providing visitors with improved viewing and meeting animal welfare standards adding that there will be areas for Keepers to give talks about the animals and the conservation messages linked to the different species.

The new development is scheduled to open in December 2017 in time to celebrate the Zoo’s 155th birthday year.