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
| Event | 2011 | 2012 |
| New Year's Day | Monday 3 January *in addition to Saturday 1 January | Sunday 1 January *in addition to Monday 2 January |
| Australia Day | Wednesday 26 January | Thursday 26 January |
| Labour Day | Monday 14 March | Monday 12 March |
| Good Friday | Friday 22 April | Friday 6 April |
| The Saturday before Easter Sunday | Saturday 23 April | Saturday 7 April |
| Easter Monday | Monday 25 April | Monday 9 April |
| ANZAC Day | Tuesday 26 April *substitute for Monday 25 April | Wednesday 25 April |
| Queen's Birthday | Monday 13 June | Monday 11 June |
| Melbourne Cup Day | Tuesday 1 November | Tuesday 6 November |
| Christmas Day | Tuesday 27 December *substitute for Sunday 25 December | Tuesday 25 December |
| Boxing Day | Monday 26 December | Wednesday 26 December |

