The Royal Melbourne Zoo-Past, Present and Future

Before the Royal Melbourne Zoo found its home in Royal Park, Melbourne’s wildest residents were once caged on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River). Lions, tigers, and exotic birds were housed in rudimentary enclosures, a far cry from the lush habitats we see today. In this episode of Down the Yarra, we uncover the fascinating history of Australia’s oldest zoo-from the early days with iron-barred cages with concrete floors to the grand vision that led to its establishment in 1862. We’ll explore the forgotten inner circle railway line, which transported visitors directly to the zoo’s gates, and take a look at how the zoo has evolved into a world- leader in wildlife conservation and sustainably. Plus, what does the future hold? Bigger enclosures, rewilding programs, and cutting-edge technology are all on the horizon. And stick around for the teaser of our next episode-where we head to the Melbourne University to uncover its rich history, hidden stories, and even its Mad Max connection. Hit play and step back into the wild!