Kids Are Free!


Kids are free so why not make the most of all three zoos!
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 public holidays and Victorian Government school holidays.

The election commitment will take effect on July 1 2011, just in time for the school holidays which begin July 2.

"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."

As a not-for-profit conservation organisation, Zoos Victoria relies mainly on philanthropic donations and revenue from commercial activities such as Zoos Victoria Memberships to run our three world class zoos. 

"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.

Zoos Victoria is looking forward to an exciting year ahead. These school holidays, come visit Mali and Ongard at Melbourne Zoo, enjoy an amazing Night Zoo experience at Werribee Open Range Zoo and the new Kangaroo Play zone at Healesville Sanctuary.

Family zoo membership are cheaper now kids are free! Find out more at www.zoo.org.au/members

Victorian School holidays
http://www.vic.gov.au/Victorian-School-Term-Dates.html  
The Victorian School Holidays are as follows:-

Year   Holiday starts   Holiday ends  
 Term 2 2011  4th July 2011  15th July 2011
 Term 3 2011  26th Sep 2011  7th Oct 2011
 Term 4 2011  23rd Dec 2011  31st Jan 2012
 Term 1 2012  3rd Apr 2012  13th Apr 2012
 Term 2 2012  2nd Jul 2012  13th Jul 2012
  Term 3 2012    24th Sep2012  5th Oct 2012
  Term 4 2012   24th Dec 2012  25th Jan 2013

Victorian Public Holidays 2011 & 2012
http://www.vic.gov.au/Victorian-Public-Holiday-Dates.html

  Event2011 2012 
New Year's DayMonday 3 January
*in addition to
Saturday 1 January
Sunday 1 January
*in addition to
Monday 2 January
Australia DayWednesday 26 JanuaryThursday 26 January
Labour DayMonday 14 March Monday 12 March
Good FridayFriday 22 AprilFriday 6 April
The Saturday
before Easter Sunday
Saturday 23 AprilSaturday 7 April
Easter Monday Monday 25 AprilMonday 9 April
ANZAC DayTuesday 26 April
*substitute for
Monday 25 April
Wednesday 25 April
Queen's Birthday Monday 13 JuneMonday 11 June
Melbourne Cup DayTuesday 1 NovemberTuesday 6 November
Christmas DayTuesday 27 December
*substitute for
Sunday 25 December
Tuesday 25 December
Boxing DayMonday 26 DecemberWednesday 26 December
Kids at butterfly house
Kids on giant jumping pillow