There are approximately 20 species of grebes that are found on continents and islands all over the world. Three species – the Hoary-headed, Australasian, and Great crested grebe – are common to Victoria.

Grebes are very strong swimmers, but find it difficult to walk and are unable to take flight from land, and therefore get into some difficult situations. Teams of veterinarians and wildlife experts at Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary are rescuing the grebes found stranded and injured away from their usual freshwater habitat.

So why are Grebes being released at the Western Treatment Plant?

The Western Treatment Plant (WTP) treats half of Melbourne’s sewage – wastewater from kitchens, laundries, bathrooms, and toilets – through a world-leading, environmentally-friendly process. But the WTP is home to more than just sewage treatment: it also has wetlands of international significance under the RAMSAR convention.

“Across more than 10,000 hectares of land – about the size of Phillip Island – sewage flows through a series of lagoons where bacteria gradually break down organic material. As we have improved efficiency, lagoons that are no longer required for sewerage treatment are now purposefully managed to create the ideal habitat for birds and other wildlife,” said Cody McCormack, Melbourne Water Conservation and Land Officer.

For more than two years we've been working in partnership with Zoos Victoria, specifically Werribee Open Range Zoo and the Melbourne Zoo Marine Rescue Unit, and this collaboration has led to amazing outcomes for wildlife at the WTP. Zoos Victoria has provided ongoing assistance and expertise, which has meant that staff at the WTP have been able to attend to wildlife incidents more swiftly and place animals with the appropriate care.

Watch the release of the Grebes on the Zoos Victoria Facebook page.