Australia Zoo Australia Zoo News 2021

If this video is current the construction could well be a second barn and yards for housing the expected bull elephants to the current exhibit area.
 
Zorro said:
If this video is current the construction could well be a second barn and yards for housing the expected bull elephants to the current exhibit area.
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'Tis current, and the only walled off section I saw was the gift shop, which did still have outdated stuff mentioning the old elephants in there as of the last time I visited. Because of that, I wouldn't be too convinced that the construction is for something as big as a new barn/holding area. The only thing I can think of that points towards it is that the 'Bindi's Treehouse' beside the shop looks as if it is being demolished (though that could just be it falling into disrepair).
 
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Elephants on Display From Late December

According to their social media, Australia Zoo’s elephants will be on display from late December. By this time, their new elephant Burma will have been at the zoo for three months and hopefully be integrated into their herd.

Following on from the construction of their new crocodile and alligator exhibits, it’s good to see Australia Zoo opening another decent (and long awaited) exhibit.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Elephants on Display From Late December

According to their social media, Australia Zoo’s elephants will be on display from late December. By this time, their new elephant Burma will have been at the zoo for three months and hopefully be integrated into their herd.

Following on from the construction of their new crocodile and alligator exhibits, it’s good to see Australia Zoo opening another decent (and long awaited) exhibit.
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Going by what was mentioned before they would have to of built a raceway to move them to the exhibit area Australiasia?. Also if they are bringing in bulls real facilities for them including yards and barn are going to be needed.
Were the new Croc and alligator exhibits an upgrade of what they had or something new?
 
Zorro said:
Were the new Croc and alligator exhibits an upgrade of what they had or something new?
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It was an upgrade of the existing crocodile environmental park for four to five exhibits for mainly their larger Saltwater Crocodiles and their group of Freshwater Crocodiles. The turtle enclosure also received a revamp. They also opened the new alligator enclosure nearby as well this year. The zoo added wooden boardwalks and ramps mainly to improve public viewing.

Photos:
Renovated Crocodile Environmental Park (Opened 2020) - Second Saltwater Crocodile Enclosure - ZooChat
Renovated Crocodile Environmental Park (Opened 2020) - First Saltwater Crocodile Enclosure - ZooChat
Renovated Crocodile Environmental Park (Opened 2020) - Freshwater Crocodile Enclosure - ZooChat
Crocodile Environmental Park - Turtle Enclosure - ZooChat
Crocodile Environmental Park - Saltwater Crocodile Enclosure - ZooChat
Crocodile Environmental Park - Saltwater Crocodile Enclosure - ZooChat
Crocodile Environmental Park - Viewing Area - ZooChat
New Alligator Enclosure - ZooChat
 
Visit to Australia Zoo - 14/08/2021:

*the elephant enclosure actually had evidence of construction. Rows of metal poles have been installed behind the entry gate to create a path for the elephants to follow, connecting their off-display space to the exhibit. A keeper said that the elephants will be on display by the end of the year. Past experience tells me to believe it when I see it. The closed gifted shop located near the elephants will be a ‘new retail and dining experience’.

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Elephant enclosure construction

*the enclosure that is often used for tiger cubs positioned near the red panda is currently under renovation for an unspecified reptile species. The enclosure is open-topped and the majority of the vegetation has been removed. I am very glad they will finally put the space to good use but I wonder what reptile/s will move in. The nearby Tiger Temple recently received new signage as well with a particular focus on the zoo’s breeding success.

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Under Renovation - signed for future reptile species

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New signage examples

*the rainforest aviary has several additional species that have been introduced since my last visit due to the completion of the aviary’s revamp; White-headed Pigeon, Wonga Pigeon, Peaceful Dove, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin and Glossy Ibis. The only other species that I haven’t seen recently that are still signed are the fairywren and kingfisher. Also, several Rainbow Lorikeets have been introduced into the aviary; not sure if the Red-collared Lorikeets are still around. The Regent Honeyeaters are bolder than ever now. The keepers leave out native flowers for the honeyeaters to feed on right near the path.

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Regent Honeyeater

Photos of today's trip: Australia Zoo - ZooChat
 
WhistlingKite24 said:
Visit to Australia Zoo - 14/08/2021:

*the elephant enclosure actually had evidence of construction. Rows of metal poles have been installed behind the entry gate to create a path for the elephants to follow, connecting their off-display space to the exhibit. A keeper said that the elephants will be on display by the end of the year. Past experience tells me to believe it when I see it. The closed gifted shop located near the elephants will be a ‘new retail and dining experience’.

full

Elephant enclosure construction

*the enclosure that is often used for tiger cubs positioned near the red panda is currently under renovation for an unspecified reptile species. The enclosure is open-topped and the majority of the vegetation has been removed. I am very glad they will finally put the space to good use but I wonder what reptile/s will move in. The nearby Tiger Temple recently received new signage as well with a particular focus on the zoo’s breeding success.

full

Under Renovation - signed for future reptile species

full

full

New signage examples

*the rainforest aviary has several additional species that have been introduced since my last visit due to the completion of the aviary’s revamp; White-headed Pigeon, Wonga Pigeon, Peaceful Dove, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin and Glossy Ibis. The only other species that I haven’t seen recently that are still signed are the fairywren and kingfisher. Also, several Rainbow Lorikeets have been introduced into the aviary; not sure if the Red-collared Lorikeets are still around. The Regent Honeyeaters are bolder than ever now. The keepers leave out native flowers for the honeyeaters to feed on right near the path.

full

Regent Honeyeater

Photos of today's trip: Australia Zoo - ZooChat
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It’s great to see the Irwins honoring Steve’s legacy.
 
WhistlingKite24 said:
Visit to Australia Zoo - 14/08/2021:

*the elephant enclosure actually had evidence of construction. Rows of metal poles have been installed behind the entry gate to create a path for the elephants to follow, connecting their off-display space to the exhibit. A keeper said that the elephants will be on display by the end of the year. Past experience tells me to believe it when I see it. The closed gifted shop located near the elephants will be a ‘new retail and dining experience’.

full

Elephant enclosure construction

*the enclosure that is often used for tiger cubs positioned near the red panda is currently under renovation for an unspecified reptile species. The enclosure is open-topped and the majority of the vegetation has been removed. I am very glad they will finally put the space to good use but I wonder what reptile/s will move in. The nearby Tiger Temple recently received new signage as well with a particular focus on the zoo’s breeding success.

full

Under Renovation - signed for future reptile species

full

full

New signage examples

*the rainforest aviary has several additional species that have been introduced since my last visit due to the completion of the aviary’s revamp; White-headed Pigeon, Wonga Pigeon, Peaceful Dove, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin and Glossy Ibis. The only other species that I haven’t seen recently that are still signed are the fairywren and kingfisher. Also, several Rainbow Lorikeets have been introduced into the aviary; not sure if the Red-collared Lorikeets are still around. The Regent Honeyeaters are bolder than ever now. The keepers leave out native flowers for the honeyeaters to feed on right near the path.

full

Regent Honeyeater

Photos of today's trip: Australia Zoo - ZooChat
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That must be some long raceway connecting the off exhibit area to the main display paddock. With the setup thus far it would be hard to say just how the bull housing would fit in with whats being done to date, But as you say believe it when you see it. ;)
 
A few interesting stories from Australia Zoo's wildlife hospital including a Platypus, Eastern Tube-nosed Bat (what fantastic creatures) and a Whistling Kite. :D

Source: Australia's Zoo YouTube channel
 
A quick update from today’s visit to Australia Zoo. I will be writing a new review on the zoo to update the 2019 one with additional photos from today. But for now, a few observations/newsy updates:
  • the elephant enclosure is looking good. A series of wire cables have been added around the perimeter of the enclosure while the pathway from the barn to the display space looks near complete. Construction was actively occurring throughout the day. Hotwires have also been added to several of the large eucalypt trees. Some welding work was also happening today with the elephant gift shop/eating area adding some new metal theming.
  • Elongated Tortoises are now on display in the Asian area; a perfect addition that makes a great filler for the tiger cub enclosure that is usually vacant throughout the year. They complement the nearby red panda as well.
  • Zebra Finches are apparently now on display in the walkthrough aviary. I didn’t see them but there are several groups of Red-browed Finch fledglings and I found a very young Pacific Emerald Dove sitting on the path.
  • the former shingleback enclosure is now occupied by an Eastern Bluetongue and a large breeding group of Cunningham’s Skinks. They currently have several offspring and I must say a large colony of them among the rocks make for an incredibly engaging display with skinks of all ages. Some very tiny ones!
  • A new species has gone on display in the reptile house; a pair of Yakka Skinks! They are fantastic animals and are mixed with Shinglebacks in the former woma python enclosure. In turn, the Western Brown Snakes are now no longer on show and their exhibit has a juvenile Woma. I was also happy to see the Blue Poison Dart Frogs as I missed them on my last visit and the shy Land Mullet was seen in the lizard enclosure at the front of the zoo.
  • the row of three alligator enclosure nears the front are all closed for renovation. The first tiger enclosure is also currently being renovated.
  • I should also mention the zoo was so quiet today and I only saw a handful of visitors. This was reflected by the unusually rich level of wildlife in the front part of the zoo. There was an Azure Kingfisher right above the turtles near where is often the most busiest part of the place, heaps of treecreepers, robins and black cockatoos as well. The water skinks were out in their droves today as well. Also, the more elusive zoo animals like the Black-footed Rock Wallabies and Black-necked Storks were very active today which was great.

Stay tuned for the review soon with further detail about the current collection, photos and new developments.
 
Australia Zoo have more Komodo Dragons that the 1.1 pair previously believed. The zoo confirmed that they currently have males Gili, Ragnar and Naga, and females Indah and Lagertha. All of these individuals but Indah came from the Prague import of the seven individuals into Australia. However, I then contacted Snakes Downunder and they still have 1.0 Gili, so I guess Australia Zoo actually have four (2.2) dragons currently. Here is a video of one the new males below, Ragnar in the Crocoseum. The zoo hope to have Komodos in the show.

Source: Australia Zoo's YouTube
 
In todays news paper mentioned that the proposed Glamping tent accommodation at Australia zoo has had a set back and might be pushed back 12 years. Apart from small adds here and there it appears nothing major is happening there! :(
 
Zorro said:
In todays news paper mentioned that the proposed Glamping tent accommodation at Australia zoo has had a set back and might be pushed back 12 years. Apart from small adds here and there it appears nothing major is happening there! :(
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Also known as the accomodation no one asked for.

With their new alligator and crocodile exhibits, elephant exhibit expansion, Sumatran tiger cubs and a show in the Crocoseum featuring Komodo dragons - Australia Zoo has had bigger fish to fry. I for one am glad to see them focusing on the important things.

If they can import these bull elephants from Sumatra and give their Cheetah an on display exhibit of their own, I’ll be really impressed.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Also known as the accomodation no one asked for.

With their new alligator and crocodile exhibits, elephant exhibit expansion, Sumatran tiger cubs and a show in the Crocoseum featuring Komodo dragons - Australia Zoo has had bigger fish to fry. I for one am glad to see them focusing on the important things.

If they can import these bull elephants from Sumatra and give their Cheetah an on display exhibit of their own, I’ll be really impressed.
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I am not really sure if it was an expansion of the elephant exhibit. Yes they have had a off exhibit barn built for some time which now they have made a raceway to connect it to the elephantasia which was the home of the former elephants. I would be surprised if any bulls do arrive even in the long term. As far as I can tell no barn/s or yards have been built for them to date.
 
Zorro said:
I am not really sure if it was an expansion of the elephant exhibit. Yes they have had a off exhibit barn built for some time which now they have made a raceway to connect it to the elephantasia which was the home of the former elephants. I would be surprised if any bulls do arrive even in the long term. As far as I can tell no barn/s or yards have been built for them to date.
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I can see Australia Zoo holding an all female herd - acquiring Burma next year and then Permai upon Tricia’s passing.
 
Mr.Ivory said:
The zoo may close The Irwins may sell Australia Zoo 'soon' due to financial stress
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From what I can tell this is utter speculation from a magazine. This line says it all, A source spoke to New Idea, revealing "several key staffers" have been made redundant in the past few weeks.

Funny how the sources that supply these magazines with “info” are never named, which gives the story zero credibility imo.

Australia Zoo is about to import a middle aged female Indian elephant from Auckland Zoo, which will cost thousands to import and to feed each year. I doubt they’d be going ahead with this if it was resulting in mass lay offs. Acquiring Burma makes no business sense. She’s purely been acquired on humanitarian grounds - a luxury the zoo couldn’t afford if they were going under.
 
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