Melbourne Zoo was established on 1862 and has over 300 species of animals on their 22 ha site near the city. Residents include Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), orangutans (Pongo abelii), sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris sondaica), gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and giraffes (Giraffa). The ocean aquarium includes Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus) and a variety of penguin species.

The zoo has free keeper talks throughout the day and close-up animal encounters are available for an extra fee.

The zoo’s conservation program is working to protect 27 native species including the mountain pygmy possum (Burramys parvus), the giant burrowing frog (Heleioporus australiacus) and Leadbeater’s possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri).

The zoo is open everyday. Entry fees apply. There are cafés and picnic grounds for visitors.