Future of Zoos SA zoos (Speculation)

[Zoofan15]

What are the chances of Spectacled bears, river otters, Giant anteaters, or giant armadillos? I know they are all relatively unrealistic as no other zoos in the region have them (making a sustainable breeding program challenging). I heard somewhere that Pumas were permanently banned from importation due to the "wild cat" cryptids in Victoria. What do we think are the most/least likely options?

Jaguar, Spectacled bear and Giant otter are all CITES I which make them impossible to import without a regional breeding programme; but Giant anteater are CITES II, which may make importation simpler.

I’d say the import of Brazilian tapir is a possibility (Adelaide’s elderly tapir are not a viable population long term) and the precinct will have a heavy focus on primates from South America - many of which are already within the region including tamarins and spider monkeys.

Adelaide are the most successful breeder in the region of Golden lion tamarin, having bred around 100 infants over the years. Their success comes from holding multiple pairs whereas most zoos focus on a single pair.

 

[Jambo]

What are the chances of Spectacled bears, river otters, Giant anteaters, or giant armadillos? I know they are all relatively unrealistic as no other zoos in the region have them (making a sustainable breeding program challenging). I heard somewhere that Pumas were permanently banned from importation due to the "wild cat" cryptids in Victoria. What do we think are the most/least likely options?

In my opinion, all have a decent chance. Breeding programs would need to be created though, and like Jaguar, other zoos would need to get on board.

Giant Otter and Spectacled Bear sound most likely for me though. Giant Otters are endangered, although are region is focused on Short Clawed Otters, they're now doing better in the wild and breeding another more endangered otter species might be the next choice. Spectacled Bears are also likely as they may be the regions replacement for Sun Bear. They could easily star in any South American precinct built.

 

[Jambo]

Jaguar, Spectacled bear and Giant otter are all CITES I which make them difficult to import; but Giant anteater are CITES II, which may make importation simpler.

I’d say the import of Brazilian tapir is a possibility (Adelaide’s elderly tapir are not a viable population long term) and the precinct will have a heavy focus on primates from South America, many of which are already within the region.

Melbourne and Taronga had Giant Anteater pairs in the 1970's. Adelaide last had some in the 80's. I believe the lack of breeding success was the reason they were phased out. It would be great if Adelaide, and other zoos in the region gave them another try.

 

[Zorro]

What are the chances of Spectacled bears, river otters, Giant anteaters, or giant armadillos? I know they are all relatively unrealistic as no other zoos in the region have them (making a sustainable breeding program challenging). I heard somewhere that Pumas were permanently banned from importation due to the "wild cat" cryptids in Victoria. What do we think are the most/least likely options?

I believe the species you mentioned could only be obtained and kept if the zoo wanting them were in the EEP for the said species

 

[Zoofan15]

Melbourne and Taronga had Giant Anteater pairs in the 1970's. Adelaide last had some in the 80's. I believe the lack of breeding success was the reason they were phased out. It would be great if Adelaide, and other zoos in the region gave them another try.

As with many species, the trick is finding a compatible pair. Adelaide would ideally import two pairs and dedicate the infrastructure to housing and breeding them long term. While two pairs would bring in little more visitors than an ambassador pair, a thriving breeding programme could lead to Adelaide supplying the other zoos and founding a sustainable breeding programme.

 

[Jambo]

I believe the species you mentioned could only be obtained and kept if the zoo wanting them were in the EEP for the said species

What do zoos need to do join a specific EEP? Just apply?

 

[Zorro]

What do zoos need to do join a specific EEP? Just apply?

The National zoo and the Darling Downs zoo are both part of the EEP for Sri Lankan leopards any other zoo wanting them would have to be in the program, this would be the same with other species that are in breeding programs within EEP programs. Zoos need to apply to be part of it

 

[Zoofan15]

Spectacled Bears are also likely as they may be the regions replacement for Sun Bear. They could easily star in any South American precinct built.

I can see logic in this. The European captive population for Malayan sun bear is short on males, so it’ll be difficult to import them without resorting to rescues from South East Asia, which come with a raft of behavioural issues. Malayan sun bear have proved difficult to breed versus the Spectacled bear which has breeds well overseas.

As a CITES I species, the support of a regional breeding programme would be needed but I imagine Melbourne may also be keen. A bear species would be a great replacement for their elephants.

 

[Zoofan15]

What do zoos need to do join a specific EEP? Just apply?

The National zoo and the Darling Downs zoo are both part of the EEP for Sri Lankan leopards any other zoo wanting them would have to be in the program, this would be the same with other species that are in breeding programs within EEP programs. Zoo need to apply to be part of it

According to their website, Auckland Zoo is the only EAZA member in Australasia, but any zoo can apply to become part of one of the EEP programmes as long as they’re accredited and meet the standards required.

 

[Jambo]

I can see logic in this. The European captive population for Malayan sun bear is short on males, so it’ll be difficult to import them without resorting to rescues from South East Asia, which come with a raft of behavioural issues. Malayan sun bear have proved difficult to breed versus the Spectacled bear which has breeds well overseas.

As a CITES I species, the support of a regional breeding programme would be needed but I imagine Melbourne may also be keen. A bear species would be a great replacement for their elephants.

Spectacled Bears would also be great for South American precincts Australian zoos are wanting to create. They have the monkeys, the birds, but they don't have a major attraction species. Spectacled Bears would easily fix this.

Spectacled Bears are also doing well across breeding programs in both the US and Europe. Melbourne have been wanting bears since the death of Honey back in 2016. Initially they planned for Sun Bears, but of course the region is struggling with breeding them. Spectacled Bears may be the next option. Taronga could get involved as well, and i've heard of Mogo wanting bears.

 

[Jambo]

According to their website, Auckland Zoo is the only EAZA member in Australasia, but any zoo can apply to become part of one of the EEP programmes as long as they’re accredited and meet the standards required.

So it should be simple then. I don't see why zoos can't import species from overseas, unless there are of course restrictions in place. There's no reason why zoos shouldn't be willing to get on board with a new species, especially if they have the space.

 

[Zoofan15]

So it should be simple then. I don't see why zoos can't import species from overseas, unless there are of course restrictions in place. There's no reason why zoos shouldn't be willing to get on board with a new species, especially if they have the space.

I suppose the challenge is getting everyone on the same page i.e. agreeing on a new focus species with regards to CITES I species; as well as justifying to zoo management how the importation of a new species (which costs hundreds of thousands) will bring in more revenue than a species held at a zoo across state. This has been the issue with Grant’s zebra. Many zoos are unwilling to import when a generic zebra brings in equivalent crowds.

 

[Swanson02]

Jaguar, Spectacled bear and Giant otter are all CITES I which make them impossible to import without a regional breeding programme; but Giant anteater are CITES II, which may make importation simpler.

What about Giant Armadillos they are more common arent they?
The reason I bring these animals up is that I believe Adelaide would need at least one more key species to flesh out a good South American area.

Also, are Pumas/Cougars still banned? They'd be a good alternative to Jaguar and could also be imported from N.America and displayed as S.American.

Spectacled Bears would also be great for South American precincts Australian zoos are wanting to create. They have the monkeys, the birds, but they don't have a major attraction species. Spectacled Bears would easily fix this.

I agree Spectacled bear would make a great inner-city species. They have a more relaxed amiable temperament than Black or Brown bears (from both Eurasia and N.America). But are also more entertaining to the public than the reclusive Sun Bear and lazy Giant Panda.

 

[Zoofan15]

What about Giant Armadillos they are more common arent they?
The reason I bring these animals up is that I believe Adelaide would need at least one more key species to flesh out a good South American area.

Also, are Pumas/Cougars still banned? They'd be a good alternative to Jaguar and could also be imported from N.America and displayed as S.American.



I agree Spectacled bear would make a great inner-city species. They have a more relaxed amiable temperament than Black or Brown bears (from both Eurasia and N.America).

Giant armadillo are CITES I unfortunately and I haven’t heard of any other regional zoo express an interest in acquiring them. Of all the CITES I species, I believe Spectacled bear stands the most chance of attracting support from within the region.

Yes, I believe Puma are banned. It was mentioned on here last year, though I forget the reason. Biosecurity I assume.

 

[Jambo]

What about Giant Armadillos they are more common arent they?
The reason I bring these animals up is that I believe Adelaide would need at least one more key species to flesh out a good South American area.

Also, are Pumas/Cougars still banned? They'd be a good alternative to Jaguar and could also be imported from N.America and displayed as S.American.



I agree Spectacled bear would make a great inner-city species. They have a more relaxed amiable temperament than Black or Brown bears (from both Eurasia and N.America).

Giant Armadillos are extremely rare in zoos. Only in some in South America I believe. Three Banded Armadillos are far more common.

Pumas are banned from import as far as i'm aware. Mountain Lions are just incredibly common and there's not really any need for a lot of breeding programs in captivity.

Spectacled Bears would easily be the key species for a South American precinct if they were imported. Either them or Jaguar, but Spectacled Bears are far more of a possibility.

 

[Zorro]

I suppose the challenge is getting everyone on the same page i.e. agreeing on a new focus species with regards to CITES I species; as well as justifying to zoo management how the importation of a new species (which costs hundreds of thousands) will bring in more revenue than a species held at a zoo across state. This has been the issue with Grant’s zebra. Many zoos are unwilling to import when a generic zebra brings in equivalent crowds.

Zoos really also have a responsibility to keep their animals healthy if inbreeding becomes to much life spans will be affected and health issues will happen because of it. Long term they could lose species because not enough effort was put into keeping inbreeding to a minimum

 

[Zoofan15]

Zoos really also have a responsibility to keep their animals healthy if inbreeding becomes to much life spans will be affected and health issues will happen because of it. Long term they could lose species because not enough effort was put into keeping inbreeding to a minimum

Exactly. The incentive to import is that breeding recommendations are more likely to follow as we’ve seen with Australia Zoo and Auckland Zoo re. Sumatran tiger imports. The chance to breed brings in extra visitation and can potentially recoup the cost of importing.

A lack of initiative in importing has seen many regional populations die out as the animals we have age and there’s no succession to sustain the population.

 

[Zoofan15]

Also, are Pumas/Cougars still banned? They'd be a good alternative to Jaguar and could also be imported from N.America and displayed as S.American.

Yes, I believe Puma are banned. It was mentioned on here last year, though I forget the reason. Biosecurity I assume.

Pumas are banned from import as far as i'm aware. Mountain Lions are just incredibly common and there's not really any need for a lot of breeding programs in captivity.

Re. Puma importation:

They’re not banned, but a restriction exists that only desexed Puma can be imported. It was discussed in more detail in the attached thread (Page 3), but the common consensus was the reason behind this was to prevent feral populations becoming established.

A sustainable population could therefore never be established, but zoos may well be able to justify its import given they can live for 15-20 years.

Bovine Import Review

 

[Swanson02]

Exactly. The incentive to import is that breeding recommendations are more likely to follow as we’ve seen with Australia Zoo and Auckland Zoo re. Sumatran tiger imports. The chance to breed brings in extra visitation and can potentially recoup the cost of importing.

A lack of initiative in importing has seen many regional populations die out as the animals we have age and there’s no succession to sustain the population.

Peccary are on the way out too arent they? Could they ever return? Also are there any Caiman of any species in Australasia?

Re. Puma importation:
They’re not banned, but a restriction exists that only desexed Puma can be imported. It was discussed in more detail in the attached thread (Page 3), but the common consensus was the reason behind this was to prevent feral populations becoming established. Bovine Import Review

IMO I find it highly unlikely that they could go feral. Is it the same for NZ as well?

 

[Zoofan15]

Peccary are on the way out too arent they? Could they ever return? Also are there any Caiman of any species in Australasia?



IMO I find it highly unlikely that they could go feral. Is it the same for NZ as well?

Yes, there are only three Collared peccary left in the region (all at Melbourne). They’re the remnants of a highly inbred population descended from the import of a single pair in 1969. They can’t be imported due to the risk to the agricultural industry.

There’s no Caiman unfortunately, though reptiles are easier to import. Auckland Zoo have easily arranged the import of False gharial and several species of turtle.

I agree, especially considering any facility importing would have to meet containment standards. I assume the same restrictions apply to New Zealand facilities. Somebody mentioned Hamilton Zoo may have an interest in importing Puma as the director apparently wants to exhibit more North American species.