Frequently asked questions

What time does the event start?

Gates will open at 5:30pm, entry via both Main Gate and Rail Gate.

What is the movie about?

Introducing Zoovie Doco-night, Trail of the Elephants: A new home for the herd.

Zoo Members, join us at Melbourne Zoo for an exclusive premiere screening of a documentary series featuring the lives of Zoos Victoria’s herd of Asian Elephants.

The series will take an in-depth look into the past and future of the herd – from the heralded arrival of bull, Luk Chai, the birth of the three new calves, the passing of our beloved Man Jai, and the giant step in transporting the new family to Werribee Open Range Zoo.

How long does the movie go for?

Each episode runs for approximately 30 minutes.

Two episodes will be shown on the night. There will be a short intermission of 10 minutes between each episode.

What time will the movie start?

The Trail of the Elephants: A new home for the herd will start at approximately 8:20pm, just after sunset.

When will the event finish?

The Trail of the Elephants: A new home for the herd will end at approximately 9.20pm, and grounds will close at 9.30pm.

Will the movie have subtitles?

No subtitles will be provided on the night of the screening. However, full subtitles will be available when the documentary is launched on Zoos Victoria’s YouTube channel.

Will there be other entertainment at Zoovie Night?

Yes. We will be hosting a live Q&A with one of our wonderful elephant keepers each night. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn a little more about the upcoming move to Werribee Open Range Zoo. There will also be Keeper talks at 6.00pm (Elephants), 6.30pm (Giraffe) and 6.45pm (Lions).

The historic Carousel will also be open for free rides until 8pm (located within Carousel Park)

Will animal areas be open?

Yes, all animal areas will be open (excluding platypus house) on the night until 7pm. We have organised special keeper talks for the evening.

  • 6pm Elephant
  • 6.30pm Giraffe
  • 6.45pm Lion
Can I come to the zoo during the day?

If you wish to visit Melbourne Zoo during the day, you are more than welcome you just need to scan your membership card as per normal. Non-members will be need to purchase a separate daytime ticket for entry as day time zoo admission is not included in the Zoovie Doco-night ticket.

If I come to the zoo during the day can I stay in the grounds when the zoo closes to the general public?

No, if you have a Zoovie Doco -night ticket and come to Melbourne Zoo during the day you will need to exit the grounds by 5:00pm and re-enter by having your Zoovie Doco-night ticket scanned at 5:30pm when gates open.

Can I buy tickets at the gate?

Tickets will only be available on the night if the event is not sold out. We encourage members and visitors to pre-purchase tickets to avoid disappointment.

Are tickets refundable?

Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by Zoos Victoria.

How much are tickets?

There are two ticket types – Standard and Golden Elephant Lounge.

Standard

Member Adult (16+ years) $25

Member Child (4-15 years) $15

Non Member Adult (16+ years) $40

Non Member Child (4-15 years) $25

Infant (0-3) years – Free

 

Golden Elephant Lounge

(Includes tickets to Zoovie Doco-night, prime viewing area with bean bag, popcorn, ice-cream and an elephant plush)

Member Adult (16+ years) $60

Member Child (4-15 years) $55

Non Member Adult (16+ years) $75

Non Member Child (4-15 years) $65

Infant (0-3 years) – Free

 

Membership cards will need to be shown upon entry.

Can non-members buy tickets?

Yes. Non-member tickets are now available for purchase.

What will the seating arrangements be?

The front of the lawn closest to the screen will be sectioned off for the Golden Elephant Lounge.

After this area, it will be free seating for all guests.

What is the disability seating?

Please ask our friendly staff if you require any assistance on the night. The staff will then direct you accordingly.

Can I bring chairs?

Yes. Low profile chairs are permitted. Please do not bring high back chairs as they hinder the view of the screen for fellow members and visitors. If for medical reasons, you need to use a high back chair you will be asked to sit towards the rear of the lawns.

Can I hire a beanbag on the night?

Yes. If we have available beanbags, you are more than welcome to hire one until our allocation is exhausted, from the rail gate, ticket window up until 8pm. Beanbag hire is $15 per bag. All beanbags will need to be returned at the end of the evening.

What happens if it rains?

Zoos Victoria will monitor the weather in the lead up to the event. The event will only be cancelled in the event of extreme weather and at the discretion of Zoos Victoria.

Will there be food and drinks available for purchase?

Don't worry about packing your food. We have some delicious hot food, dessert and drinks available for purchase before the screening. 

Food options:

  • Hot Chips
  • Chicken Nuggets and Chips
  • Korean Chicken Bao
  • Tempura Prawn Bao
  • Mushroom and Tofu Bao
  • Popcorn
  • Ice Creams

Drink options:

Alcohols (beer)

  • 4 Pines Ultra-light
  • Mountain Goat
  • Asahi

Alcohols (wine)

  • Tread Softly Prosecco
  • Tread Softly Rose
  • Elephant in the Room Chardonnay
  • This Little Pig went to Market Red Blend

Non-alcohol

  • Soft Drinks
  • Water
Can I bring my own food?

Yes, visitors may bring their own food to Zoovie Doco-night.

Can I bring alcohol?

No. BYO alcohol is not permitted. Alcohol can only be purchased at the event.

I am a teacher, can I use this documentary as professional development hours?

Yes, if you are Teacher Member. All Teacher Members will be emailed a 1 hour teacher PD certificate after the event that you can use to count towards your PD hours. They will also receive a supporting teaching resources about Asian Elephants.