Summer nights at Werribee zoo

Rhinos roam Werribee Open Range Zoo during a sunset safari. (supplied)

Werribee Open Range Zoo’s after-hours event Sunset Safari is back for 2024.

For a limited time, the zoo will be opening its doors during select summer evenings, enabling visitors to embark on a safari tour of an African-inspired savannah.

There, visitors can view the zoo’s three one and two-year-old giraffes waltzing across open plains, observe zebra foals galloping while the sun sets and witness scimitar-horned oryx calves, an antelope species fighting their way back from extinction in the wild.

Safari guides will be on hand to explain the everything from the behaviours of the hippopotamus through to the plight of threatened species and special access to the zoo’s walking trails will be provided, allowing visitors to observe meerkats, monkeys, wild dogs, and the lion pride

with its three growing cubs, at dusk.

A traditional African braai barbecue and African music and dance performances will also be on offer.

Werribee Open Range Zoo Director Dr Mark Pilgrim said Sunset Safari is a must-not-miss event full of awe and wonder.

“Sunset Safari is an unforgettable experience. Being on the savannah in the evening is beautiful and we hope that builds a connection with wildlife and inspires future conservation heroes,” Dr Pilgrim said.

“It’s suitable for people of all ages – great for a family outing, a special date night, or anyone that wants to experience nature and the outdoors.”

Sunset Safari helps Zoos Victoria support sister zoos, including the Uganda Wildlife

Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) who specialise in wildlife research, animal rescues and community outreach programs.

The safari’s will be held on Saturday evenings from January 13 until March 9.

To book, or for more information, visit www.zoo.org.au/sunsetsafari.