Miranda Luby

What does it take to save a species? Budding conservationists now have the chance to go behind-the-scenes with threatened species keepers at Werribee Open Range Zoo and witness first hand how they’re saving our Aussie animals from extinction. Werribee Zoo is ground zero for some of Australia’s most important conservation programs. It houses critically endangered species like the plains wanderer bird (there are less than 1,000 left in the wild), the orange-bellied parrot (less than 50 left in the wild), and the eastern barred bandicoot. On the hour-long tour, you’ll join the front line in the fight for wildlife, helping keepers identify birds from leg bands and documenting animal behaviours from video footage like a total pro. If you ever dreamed of being a zookeeper as a kid, this one’s for you.  The new tour is part of a growing trend in the animal industry that’s moving away from offering visitors direct contact with animals and instead focusing on the conservation and welfare of our much-adored Aussie critters.  The tour runs from 9.15am to 10.15am on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. It costs $50 per person or $45 for Zoo Members.