Melbourne Zoo Melbourne Zoo News 2022

[Jambo]

Pania, it looks like?

That's the one! She and Iha came from Marineworld in 2014/2015. It seems unfortunately she has died in around 2020, and i'm surprised no announcement was made (but i'm assuming if it was in 2020 it was due to lockdowns).

That leaves Melbourne with two females Iha (2006) and Bella (2018). Three seal deaths in three years is quite a lot; Pania in 2020, Tarwin in 2021 and now Fiesty in 2022. Hopefully Melbourne is able to bring in one or two more seals in the future.

 

[Jambo]

Confirmation from @Swanson02 via a keeper at Adelaide:

Melbourne do indeed have plans to import a new breeding group of Mandrill.

As we've already found out thanks to @Astrobird, it appears they were coming from San Diego. Although after crosschecking, San Diego only has four Mandrill, which would make a group import from there virtually impossible. San Diego do though, have two young males, and I think it'll be one of these two younger males that will be sent to Melbourne to head up the new breeding group.

It's unknown where the females will come from, or even when these imports happen; but by the sounds of it, they may take place sooner rather than later.


Moderator note: all speculation on this topic moved to this thread - Australasian Mandrill Population

 

[DesertRhino150]

Melbourne Zoo have recently received twenty-two Pookila mice as part of a new captive breeding programme. As well as Melbourne Zoo, there is also an insurance colony at Moonlit Sanctuary (already mentioned on the relevant thread) and plans for a further one at Cranbourne Botanical Gardens.

More information can be found in the link below:
Playing matchmaker in bid to bring native mouse populations back from brink of extinction

 

[Zoofan15]

Mandrill Update

Melbourne Zoo have confirmed via email there are no plans to receive Mandrill from San Diego Zoo (or anywhere). This information is apparently up to date and verified by the primate team and the Australasian species coordinator for Mandrill.

This was a surprise to me given we had two sources say otherwise. It’s possible they were referring to outdated information; or there was a miscommunication somewhere along the line.

On a personal level, I’m extremely disappointed to hear Melbourne Zoo won’t be acquiring this species. Another holder would have been an asset to the region given only Adelaide Zoo intends to holding a breeding troop in the future and Tasmania Zoo holds an elderly female.

Possibly long term, Melbourne Zoo may reconsider this phase out, but they currently have no plans to do so.

 

[Zorro]

Mandrill Update

Melbourne Zoo have confirmed via email there are no plans to receive Mandrill from San Diego Zoo (or anywhere). This information is apparently up to date and verified by the primate team and the Australasian species coordinator for Mandrill.

This was a surprise to me given we had two sources say otherwise. It’s possible they were referring to outdated information; or there was a miscommunication somewhere along the line.

On a personal level, I’m extremely disappointed to hear Melbourne Zoo won’t be acquiring this species. Another holder would have been an asset to the region given only Adelaide Zoo intends to holding a breeding troop in the future and Tasmania Zoo holds an elderly female.

Possibly long term, Melbourne Zoo may reconsider this phase out, but they currently have no plans to do so.

That's quite disappointing.

 

[Zoofan15]

That's quite disappointing.

It really is. This is the species nobody understood why Melbourne phased out given how charismatic they are and how they compliment other African forest species like the Pygmy hippopotamus. Along with the Eastern bongo they’ve also phased out, Melbourne Zoo used to have a decent representation of this geographic zone.

At this stage, I’m going off the theory this was outdated information. Perhaps Melbourne had plans a year or two ago to acquire Mandrill that have since been scrapped. This would explain why a keeper from Adelaide was also under the impression Melbourne were importing this species.

 

[Zorro]

It really is. This is the species nobody understood why Melbourne phased out given how charismatic they are and how they compliment other African forest species like the Pygmy hippopotamus. Along with the Eastern bongo they’ve also phased out, Melbourne Zoo used to have a decent representation of this geographic zone.

At this stage, I’m going off the theory this was outdated information. Perhaps Melbourne had plans a year or two ago to acquire Mandrill that have since been scrapped. This would explain why a keeper from Adelaide was also under the impression Melbourne were importing this species.

I would appear Mandrills will follow Adelaide Dusky Langurs out the door, I am sure we will in the future see a number of the smaller regional zoos having a bigger and much more diverse collections than several of the major zoos. I get the idea, perhaps its not correct ,that with some of the major zoos that some of the people in the management stream see what they doing as just a job because of a non animal back ground. At the end of the day the public come to see animals, Also from the many visits I have had over many years most of those zoos are exhibiting exotic species from around the world (I am not referring to native species animal parks).

 

[Zoofan15]

I would appear Mandrills will follow Adelaide Dusky Langurs out the door, I am sure we will in the future see a number of the smaller regional zoos having a bigger and much more diverse collections than several of the major zoos. I get the idea, perhaps its not correct ,that with some of the major zoos that some of the people in the management stream see what they doing as just a job because of a non animal back ground. At the end of the day the public come to see animals, Also from the many visits I have had over many years most of those zoos are exhibiting exotic species from around the world (I am not referring to native species animal parks).

Sadly it’s a door that’s also been held wide open to Jaguar, Temminck’s golden cat and countless others.

Management at zoos like Melbourne are trying to cater towards what they perceive the public are interested in amongst other goals. Species like Asian-small clawed otters trend highest on social media alongside more obvious crowd pullers like elephants, great apes and big cats.

The phase out of species like Temminck’s golden and Leopard cat are understandable given their lack of appeal to the public; but letting Mandrill go was a decision that to this day, I struggle to understand the rationale behind. They tick so many boxes.

 

[Zorro]

Sadly it’s a door that’s also been held wide open to Jaguar, Temminck’s golden cat and countless others.

Management at zoos like Melbourne are trying to cater towards what they perceive the public are interested in amongst other goals. Species like Asian-small clawed otters trend highest on social media alongside more obvious crowd pullers like elephants, great apes and big cats.

The phase out of species like Temminck’s golden and Leopard cat are understandable given their lack of appeal to the public; but letting Mandrill go was a decision that to this day, I struggle to understand the rationale behind. They tick so many boxes.

I agree. I have been watching this from the fence over many years the decline of species in our "few" major zoos, At first glance one can get the impression that public run zoos are almost embarrassed about keeping animals in captivity, this, if its the case could stem from a fear of AR groups and any bad press associated with that. A case in point was seeing a certain marine park in the USA bend to the pressure of keeping Orcas and running sacred of them with little to no pushing back with it, a set back they still suffer for today. If some in management feel this way perhaps they are in the wrong job. The good work done by good zoos with both native and exotics should be high lighted and pushed at every turn, the number of species that have been saved from extinction and also the many reintroduction programs worldwide. Zoos like the Jersey zoo have earn a outstanding reputation for saving lots of ultra endangered species which puts good zoos in a good light.

 

[Zoofan15]

I agree. I have been watching this from the fence over many years the decline of species in our "few" major zoos, At first glance one can get the impression that public run zoos are almost embarrassed about keeping animals in captivity, this, if its the case could stem from a fear of AR groups and any bad press associated with that. A case in point was seeing a certain marine park in the USA bend to the pressure of keeping Orcas and running sacred of them with little to no pushing back with it, a set back they still suffer for today. If some in management feel this way perhaps they are in the wrong job. The good work done by good zoos with both native and exotics should be high lighted and pushed at every turn, the number of species that have been saved from extinction and also the many reintroduction programs worldwide. Zoos like the Jersey zoo have earn a outstanding reputation for saving lots of ultra endangered species which puts good zoos in a good light.

There will always be those of the belief that animals shouldn’t be held in captivity. Following on from the trend of cetaceans being perceived as unacceptable to be kept in captivity came the movement towards elephants no longer being held in captivity, which has contributed to them moving out of several city zoos within the region. In the case of Melbourne’s herd, this has resulted in their transfer to Werribee which I doubt anyone would argue is in their best interests.

I think our region’s zoos should be proud of the many accomplishments in conservation they’ve achieved. In 2019, Melbourne Zoo achieved the first captive breeding of the Crucifix frog and Taronga Western Plains are currently developing a centre to house up to 65 Platypus.

 

[Zorro]

There will always be those of the belief that animals shouldn’t be held in captivity. Following on from the trend of cetaceans being perceived as unacceptable to be kept in captivity came the movement towards elephants no longer being held in captivity, which has contributed to them moving out of several city zoos within the region. In the case of Melbourne’s herd, this has resulted in their transfer to Werribee which I doubt anyone would argue is in their best interests.

I think our region’s zoos should be proud of the many accomplishments in conservation they’ve achieved. In 2019, Melbourne Zoo achieved the first captive breeding of the Crucifix frog and Taronga Western Plains are currently developing a centre to house up to 65 Platypus.

If the AR groups start having wins like stopping cetaceans in captivity and then have a victory with elephants they will continue on until zoos and animal parks are gone for ever. I believe it was peta that wants to remove all animals out of human care entirely that includes zoos, circus, farms and even house hold pets like cats and dogs. these extreme groups need to be checked and curtailed.
I don't see any of them running over the parts of Asia protesting about the bear and tiger farms over there?. They look for the easy targets not far from where they can get to without to much effort. A case in point a group turned up at a certain marine park in S/E Queensland a few years ago as members of the general pubic and once in the seated stands unfolded their banners and flags shouting insults and shopping the show but as it happens quite a few of the public took their banners away and told them to leave they get shown the door by the public

 

[Zoofan15]

If the AR groups start having wins like stopping cetaceans in captivity and then have a victory with elephants they will continue on until zoos and animal parks are gone for ever. I believe it was peta that wants to remove all animals out of human care entirely that includes zoos, circus, farms and even house hold pets like cats and dogs. these extreme groups need to be checked and curtailed.
I don't see any of them running over the parts of Asia protesting about the bear and tiger farms over there?. They look for the easy targets not far from where they can get to without to much effort. A case in point a group turned up at a certain marine park in S/E Queensland a few years ago as members of the general pubic and once in the seated stands unfolded their banners and flags shouting insults and shopping the show but as it happens quite a few of the public took their banners away and told them to leave they get shown the door by the public

So we don’t get too far off track re. Melbourne Zoo news, I thought I’d create a seperate thread to continue what is otherwise a fascinating discussion:

Evolution of the Zoo Industry in Australasia
As

 

[WhistlingKite24]

Chocolate Argus Junonia hedonia and Red Lacewing Cethosia cydippe have recently been introduced to the zoo's butterfly house. The Red Lacewings join the zoo's prolific population of Orange Lacewings: Two vibrant new species are coming to the Melbourne Zoo’s Butterfly House

 

[Jambo]

I am...truly devastated to announce this tragic news.

Yuska the gorilla has died. She was 51 years of age.

This is devastating news, especially for those who knew Yuska. I've known Yuska for more than a decade now, and this is incredibly heartbreaking to hear.

Her death leaves Melbourne with just three gorillas.

She'll go down as one of Melbourne's most prestigious animals, producing Mzuri (the worlds first artificially inseminated baby) back in 1984.

Over the last few years i've defenitely seen a decline in Yuska's health. She was moving around much more slowly than usual. I could share many stories about Yuska. How she was such a caring aunty figure to Kanzi, and how she always seemed to be watching and engaging with the public ever so keenly. She had that gorgeous smile that would make little children laugh. I could go on and on, she was such a wonderful individual. Yuska was family to many; some members of the public have known her for almost half a century now. It's tragic to hear her time's up. But i'm glad that she'll be living on, pain free.

May she rest in peace. She will be greatly missed.

Yuska​

1971-2022​

 

[Zorro]

I am...truly devastated to announce this tragic news.

Yuska the gorilla has died. She was 51 years of age.

This is devastating news, especially for those who knew Yuska. I've known Yuska for more than a decade now, and this is incredibly heartbreaking to hear.

Her death leaves Melbourne with just three gorillas.

She'll go down as one of Melbourne's most prestigious animals, producing Mzuri (the worlds first artificially inseminated baby) back in 1984.

Over the last few years i've defenitely seen a decline in Yuska's health. She was moving around much more slowly than usual. I could share many stories about Yuska. How she was such a caring aunty figure to Kanzi, and how she always seemed to be watching and engaging with the public ever so keenly. She had that gorgeous smile that would make little children laugh. I could go on and on, she was such a wonderful individual. Yuska was family to many; some members of the public have known her for almost half a century now. It's tragic to hear her time's up. But i'm glad that she'll be living on, pain free.

May she rest in peace. She will be greatly missed.

Yuska​

1971-2022​

Sad news indeed. Melbournes gorilla troop shrinks ever smaller.

 

[Zoofan15]

I am...truly devastated to announce this tragic news.

Yuska the gorilla has died. She was 51 years of age.

This is devastating news, especially for those who knew Yuska. I've known Yuska for more than a decade now, and this is incredibly heartbreaking.

Her death leaves Melbourne with just three gorillas.

She'll go down as one of Melbourne's most prestigious animals, producing Mzuri (the worlds first artificially inseminated baby) back in 1984.

Over the last few years i've defenitely seen a decline in Yuska's health. She was moving around much more slowly than usual. I could share many stories about Yuska. How she was such a caring aunty figure to Kanzi, and how she always seemed to be watching the public ever so keenly.

May Yuska rest in peace. She will be missed.

Yuska​

1971-2022​

Yuska (1971-2022)

Although this news was not unexpected given her age, it’s no less saddening to hear of the loss of the incredible animal who has been a much loved presence at the zoo since her arrival in 1973. She was the zoo’s second longest resident after Wilbur the Aldabra tortoise, who arrived in 1965.

At 51 years of age, Yuska holds the record for the longest lived Western lowland gorilla in Australasia. Her legacy continues through her son, Yakini, at Werribee Open Range Zoo; and the descendants of her deceased son, Mzuri - the gorilla whose birth made her famous as the mother of the first gorilla IVF mother in 1984.

Rest in peace, Yuska. My thoughts are with those who cared for you during your many years at Melbourne, your troop and last but not least, the many visitors who you inspired each and every day.

 

[Jambo]

Sad news indeed. Melbournes gorilla troop shrinks ever smaller.

Hopefully this will open up doors for future female imports.

Right now though, they'll be mourning Yuska. She was such an icon and I imagine a lot of Melbournians will be as saddened as I am right now after hearing this news. Arguably she may be one of Melbourne's most popular animals in history.

 

[Zoofan15]

Sad news indeed. Melbournes gorilla troop shrinks ever smaller.

Although the troop will remain stable due to the adolescent female, Kanzi, adding to the female presence within the troop; long term, they will surely add some more females. I can understand why they choose not to given the disruption this would have brought for Yuska.

While Kimya was the clear favourite of Otana, Yuska had a place in the troop and was much adored by Kanzi. It’s inspiring that despite her background, taken from the wild as a two year old, that Yuska was able to assimilate into a troop that held gorillas from a diverse range of backgrounds over the years.

Right now though, they'll be mourning Yuska. She was such an icon and I imagine a lot of Melbournians will be as saddened as I am right now after hearing this news. Arguably she may be one of Melbourne's most popular animals in history.

Rigo and Yuska would be right up there with their son, Mzuri; the orangutan twins: and of course, Melbourne’s beloved elephant herd.

Apologies to Wilbur the tortoise, who despite living there close to 60 years, remains relatively unknown - at least internationally.

 

[Jambo]

Although the troop will remain stable due to the adolescent female, Kanzi, adding to the female presence within the troop; long term, they will surely add some more females. I can understand why they choose not to given the disruption this would have brought for Yuska.

While Kimya was the clear favourite of Otana, Yuska had a place in the troop and was much adored by Kanzi. It’s inspiring that despite her background, taken from the wild as a two year old, that Yuska was able to assimilate into a troop that held gorillas from a diverse range of backgrounds over the years.


Rigo and Yuska would be right up there with their son, Mzuri; the orangutan twins: and of course, Melbourne’s beloved elephant herd.

Apologies to Wilbur the tortoise, who despite living there close to 60 years, remains relatively unknown - at least internationally.

Introducing new females would've only been much harder for Yuska, who could barely walk, let alone run and assume her own dominance. An introduction of even one female could be disrupting.

Kanzi (and Kimya) did adore Yuska. During my last visit there was one moment when Yuska got up, and both Kimya and Kanzi followed. All three (in a perfect line) walked to the back of the enclosure and all sat in the same area. Obviously, Kimya respected Yuska, and I imagine that she looked up to Yuska who was pretty much the 'matriarch' of the troop in a sense.

Mzuri would of course be one of the most famous; but I imagine many would know Yuska too, especially the younger generation who's grown up with her as well. Yuska, Mali and Kiani would have to have been Melbourne's three most popular individuals (of course, prior to Yuska's death).

To be honest, i've never heard anyone call the Giant Tortoises by their names. I too didn't know their names up until a few years ago. There's no signage at their enclosures, and also less publicity, so Wilbur (and the others) live quite the peaceful life.

 

[Pertinax]

She'll go down as one of Melbourne's most prestigious animals, producing Mzuri (the worlds first artificially inseminated baby) back in 1984.

Yuska​

1971-2022​

I'm not actually sure whether this has been achieved successfully anywhere since either.