Werribee Open Range Zoo (WORZ) opened to the public in September 1983 providing an open range and up-close adventure. The safari bus transports visitors into the expansive open range grasslands to view mixed herds of large iconic animals such as rhino, giraffe and zebra.
Hosted by director Dr Mark Pilgrim, you will be welcomed with arrival drinks at Hippo Beach while Mark shares his international and Australian experiences along with the latest Master Plan developments taking place at WORZ. Experience an open savanna tour and hear some stories of the transition to Australia. Finish your evening with some light dinner and entertainment. A night on the savanna is not to be missed in your ZAA Conference 2022.
Tour details
Date: Tuesday 9th August 2022
Time: 3:00pm – 9:30pm
Host: Dr Mark Pilgrim
Tour Guides: Greg Wood / Mark Pilgrim / Dominic Moss / Russell Traher
Tour Cost: included in conference registration
Schedule
3:00pm Bus departs Melbourne Zoo
4:00pm Arrival at Werribee Open Range Zoo
4.05pm Ethiopian Welcome Performance
4:15pm Safari Bus tour - Guides: Greg Wood / Mark Pilgrim / Dominic Moss / Russell Traher
5:10pm Welcome drinks at Hippo Beach
5:30pm Speeches and African performance - Speakers: Mark P and Agum Maluach
6:00pm Dinner & Entertainment at Hippo Beach - Menu: Traditional African cuisine
8:00pm Depart Werribee
9:00pm Return to Melbourne Zoo
Host: Dr Mark Pilgrim
Mark joined Zoos Victoria after 33 years at the North of England Zoological Society’s (NEZS) Chester Zoo. He’s held many roles during this time, being everything from a Keeper, Curator and Director to finally being CEO, the post he held for more than a decade. He has been Vice-Chair of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), chaired the EAZA Ex-situ Committee and Technical Assistance Committee.
Mark’s strong belief that positive animal welfare should be at central to the zoo’s vision led his appointment as the first chair of the UK Government/BIAZA’s Elephant Welfare Group, established to ensure significant improvements in the welfare of UK zoo elephants over a ten year period. He brings a thorough knowledge of the detailed husbandry requirements of most taxa, and a track record of developing innovative animal habitats that balance excellent animal welfare with high levels of visitor appreciation.
