Zoos Victoria

Zoos Victoria has welcomed a move by the Victorian Government to introduce free admission for children under 16 years of age to Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo on weekends, Victorian school holidays and Victorian public holidays.

The election commitment will take effect on July 1, 2011.

"Families are at the heart of our zoos so we look forward to welcoming more of them to our properties," Chief Executive of Zoos Victoria, Jenny Gray said.

Ms Gray said the new arrangements will also make Zoo Memberships even more affordable for Victorian families.

"Zoo Members will now no longer have to pay for children as part of their membership fee. They will be able to bring their children to our three zoos any day of the year, as many times as they like."

Zoos Victoria relies mainly on philanthropic donations and revenue from commercial activities such as Zoos Victoria Memberships to run Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo.

"With the cost of being a Zoo Member decreasing, we encourage people to become and remain Friends of the Zoos Members. They are vital in helping us provide the best possible care for our animals," Ms Gray said.

Zoos Victoria believes the increased visitations as a result of the new arrangements will enable the three zoos to engage more people in saving wildlife.

"As a not-for-profit conservation organisation, we see this as a very important step in achieving greater conservation success. As our visitor numbers grow, so too will our ability to engage more people in helping us save wildlife."