This year, Melbourne Zoo is celebrating its 150 year anniversary at Royal Park. We’ve come a long way since our humble beginnings as an Acclimatisation Society. Today we are proud to be one of the most established and best known city zoos in the world.

During 2012 there will be plenty of opportunities to join in the fun and enjoy this very special milestone with us. You can help us celebrate our past and join us as we embark on our future of fighting extinction.

What’s on in 2012?

• The 150th Anniversary flagship event is a one-of-a-kind public art event, 'Mali in the City', which will see a herd of 50 artist-designed Malis appearing in the City from August.
  

• We are excited to announce the sister event to Mali in the City for school students called Mali in my School. Fifty-three lucky Victorian schools are currently designing and decorating their mini-Malis (a 70cm fibreglass sculpture of Mali the elephant) which will later go on display in their local communties beginning in August.
  
  
• Our major fundraiser event for the anniversary was a 'Wild Glamour' themed inaugural Gala Ball. The event was a roaring success -thanks to all our supporters! 
  
  
• During June, we will be inviting visitors to take a trip down 'Memory Lane' to experience how the Zoo has changed over time. We are currently calling for all our supporters and past visitors to submit their own special memories and images as part of the exhibition.
  
  
• For the spring school holidays, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will present, the musical classic 'Carnival of the Animals', narrated by Play School presenter, Noni Hazlehurst at Leopard Lodge. Tickets are now on sale.
  
  
• Visit us during October, our official birthday month and join in the excitement!

Stay tuned as we announce more details about these exciting events to celebrate our 150th birthday.

150 Years Melbourne Zoo 

NOW AVAILABLE - The commemorative book published to celebrate Melbourne Zoo's amazing history is finally here! The limited edition hard and soft cover books are available for purchase at all three of our zoo stores.

The hard cover book features an additional chapter of photos & will retail for $59.95.
The paperback edition features the lovable Asian Elephant calf, Mali & will retail for $24.95.

For book enquiries please email lakeretail@zoo.org.au

Zoos Victoria is proud to acknowledge City of Melbourne, our Community Partner for Melbourne Zoo’s 150th birthday and ANZ, our major Financial Partner.