Melbourne Zoo Future of Melbourne Zoo 2022 (Speculation / Fantasy)

[Zoofan15]

In perfect world yes I agree with you. The public will likely expect a big ticket item to replace a herd of elephants and yes if it can house a herd of elephants its big enough for a pair of IR. I don't think we we will ever see a larger herd of IR any where in the region, all these years now and still only one pair in the region but a herd would be wonderful but unlikely

By herd, I mean two bulls (one breeding, one stimulant) and two cows, with first generation daughters retained to breed with the stimulant bull a decade or so later. Given the surplus in Europe, I’m confident they could supply most of the 2.2 this would require.

 

[Zoofan15]

An extension to the Asian area is what I expect with species such as Sri Lankan Leopards, Binturongs, Red Pandas ect.

They could slot those species in with little problem

Auckland Zoo were planning a similar approach by extending the Savannah precinct, which would have been incredibly low key. I similarly hope Melbourne Zoo have something better planned, but acquiring Sri Lankan leopard would be better than nothing. It would be nice to see the Sumatran orangutan facilities expanded given this species is critically endangered and an expansion would put them in a better position to establish a colony.

 

[Jambo]

They could slot those species in with little problem

Yep, the space is needed though, so using the space currently made up by their elephant complex is a no brainer. Something else i'd like to see in addition, as part of the potential redeveloped elephant area is a walkthrough Asian bird aviary.

 

[Zorro]

By herd, I mean two bulls (one breeding, one stimulant) and two cows, with first generation daughters retained to breed with the stimulant bull a decade or so later. Given the surplus in Europe, I’m confident they could supply most of the 2.2 this would require.

I don't know why the type changed?

 

[Zorro]

I am very happy that Australia will have two dedicated elephant breeding centres, I believe Auckland and Perth have made a good choice to phase theirs out, This type of animal these days needs a all in commitment especially since importation is difficult and expensive plus all the noise from AR groups and added red tape these days. I hope WPZ does expand its complex further also cut down the time gaps between calfs while the females are capable of bearing young.

I don't know what direction Austzoo is taking but it seems like they are working on their own, I would of thought with them having imported 4 cows they would have been eager to start a breeding program, I would of thought bringing in a bull with the cows would of been a logical step but even at this time as far as I am aware I believe no provision for housing a bull has been started or built so I am not following the direction they are going. I wish them the best in the project.

 

[Zoofan15]

I am very happy that Australia will have two dedicated elephant breeding centres, I believe Auckland and Perth have made a good choice to phase theirs out, This type of animal these days needs a all in commitment especially since importation is difficult and expensive plus all the noise from AR groups and added red tape these days. I hope WPZ does expand its complex further also cut down the time gaps between calfs while the females are capable of bearing young.

I don't know what direction Austzoo is taking but it seems like they are working on their own, I would of thought with them having imported 4 cows they would have been eager to start a breeding program, I would of thought bringing in a bull with the cows would of been a logical step but even at this time as far as I am aware I believe no provision for housing a bull has been started or built so I am not following the direction they are going. I wish them the best in the project.

Melbourne Zoo’s decision to transfer their elephants to Werribee is a logical progression. Many would say it should have happened years ago when you consider zoos like London did the same in the early 2000’s. Melbourne (and Taronga) instead went the half way route with expanded exhibits that their growing herds quickly outgrew.

It would have been nice to see Auckland Zoo invest in facilities for a breeding herd; but since this never got off the ground, they and Perth are making the right decision to phase their elephants out. It’s been an evolution in elephant husbandry from keeping them in pairs in city zoos to holding natural, multigenerational herds at open range zoos and I can find no argument against that progression.

Australia Zoo I believe will continue with their herd of four cows before possibly liaising with another zoo to undertake AI (or the loan of a bull) for breeding at the eleventh hour. Their youngest cow is eight years old, so they have just over a decade before they reach the point of no return.

 

[Abbey]

In previous threads from 2006-2008, it was widely thought that Treetop Monkeys and Apes would be demolished and replaced with a new and improved series of exhibits exclusively for African primates, perhaps with a second trail developed for Asian species between the tigers and butterfly house.

Would I be correct in saying that, largely, this has not occurred? Is the Treetop Monkeys and Apes area currently considered fit for purpose?

With the phase out of mandrill (temporary or otherwise), as well as TMAA housing primate species from various continents (and, at times, non-primate species like coati, tree kangaroo and binturong), the need for a separate Asian primate trail has been lessened as the African rainforest is just a generic rainforest (in combination with Trail of the Elephants).

Besides, the phase out of larger South American species, like jaguar, Brazilian tapir and maned wolf, has meant that a South American rainforest area has not been developed at Melbourne, so TMAA has been needed to house South American primate species.

 

[Zoofan15]

In previous threads from 2006-2008, it was widely thought that Treetop Monkeys and Apes would be demolished and replaced with a new and improved series of exhibits exclusively for African primates, perhaps with a second trail developed for Asian species between the tigers and butterfly house.

Would I be correct in saying that, largely, this has not occurred? Is the Treetop Monkeys and Apes area currently considered fit for purpose?

With the phase out of mandrill (temporary or otherwise), as well as TMAA housing primate species from various continents (and, at times, non-primate species like coati, tree kangaroo and binturong), the need for a separate Asian primate trail has been lessened as the African rainforest is just a generic rainforest (in combination with Trail of the Elephants).

Besides, the phase out of larger South American species, like jaguar, Brazilian tapir and maned wolf, has meant that a South American rainforest area has not been developed at Melbourne, so TMAA has been needed to house South American primate species.

I'd agree with that given Hamadrayas baboons now occupy an exhibit that isn't linked to any geographical area; and their primate collection across all regions has dwindled.

I'd consider the gorilla exhibit to be of a high standard and certainly big enough to accommodate the small troop they've held over the past decade.

The orangutan facilities are looking tired. The elephants leaving presents an opportunity to expand into this area and at a minimum I'd urge the zoo to consider aerial pathways for their orangutans. It's an efficient use of floor space and could potentially pass over other exhibits. At Auckland Zoo, they pass over a lake, which would otherwise be unused space.

 

[Jambo]

In previous threads from 2006-2008, it was widely thought that Treetop Monkeys and Apes would be demolished and replaced with a new and improved series of exhibits exclusively for African primates, perhaps with a second trail developed for Asian species between the tigers and butterfly house.

Would I be correct in saying that, largely, this has not occurred? Is the Treetop Monkeys and Apes area currently considered fit for purpose?

With the phase out of mandrill (temporary or otherwise), as well as TMAA housing primate species from various continents (and, at times, non-primate species like coati, tree kangaroo and binturong), the need for a separate Asian primate trail has been lessened as the African rainforest is just a generic rainforest (in combination with Trail of the Elephants).

Besides, the phase out of larger South American species, like jaguar, Brazilian tapir and maned wolf, has meant that a South American rainforest area has not been developed at Melbourne, so TMAA has been needed to house South American primate species.

The Treetop Trail is actually quite a great complex and I definitely would not like to see it demolished anytime soon. It could easily be renovated and still suit it's purpose. Of course, it was initially for African primate species only, but with Melbourne's decreasing collection it's proven difficult to maintain this, so the now the trail primarily compromises of a generic primate collection.

Imo the Treetop Trail should be used for a South American Trail. Besides White Cheeked Gibbon, and Colobus, the trail is already made up of all South American primate species. The White Cheeked Gibbon could move to the Japanese garden island (which is a massive upgrade) and it seems Melbourne's phasing out their Colobus anyways. Squirrel Monkeys, Coatis and Macaws could then be moved into the trail to join the other pre-existing species. The current Cassowary enclosure could also be used for a species such as Capybara if they wish. This would create a Forest trail going from Africa to South America and then finally into Asia, all pretty much as a single trail.

In between the Tigers and Butterfly House is a little area of forest that could be renovated for something I guess; but I don't think it's enough space for a mini primate complex. More so maybe a single enclosure for Languars or something.

 

[Jambo]

I'd agree with that given Hamadrayas baboons now occupy an exhibit that isn't linked to any geographical area; and their primate collection across all regions has dwindled.

I'd consider the gorilla exhibit to be of a high standard and certainly big enough to accommodate the small troop they've held over the past decade.

The orangutan facilities are looking tired. The elephants leaving presents an opportunity to expand into this area and at a minimum I'd urge the zoo to consider aerial pathways for their orangutans. It's an efficient use of floor space and could potentially pass over other exhibits. At Auckland Zoo, they pass over a lake, which would otherwise be unused space.

The Hamadryas Baboons are apart of Melbourne's small African trail; which also holds Giraffe and Zebra (and used to hold Bongo too).

The Gorilla enclosure is great and shouldn't desire any major renovations anytime soon. It could easily accomodate a group of ten or so gorillas. It's more than double the size of Taronga's exhibit which currently holds eight gorillas, so i'm sure Melbourne could manage a large to medium sized group if they desire.

My opinion regarding the Orangutan pathways has always been to expand their access to the island opposite the current Orangutan complex, which was currently sits bare. It would serve as a third Orangutan enclosure; one Melbourne desperately needs especially as they've added Saimang to the rotational mix, and would allow them to use aerial pathways, which give their Orangs more space to roam and are very much a spectacular sight.

 

[Zoofan15]

The Hamadryas Baboons are apart of Melbourne's small African trail; which also holds Giraffe and Zebra (and used to hold Bongo too).

The Gorilla enclosure is great and shouldn't desire any major renovations anytime soon. It could easily accomodate a group of ten or so gorillas. It's more than double the size of Taronga's exhibit which currently holds eight gorillas, so i'm sure Melbourne could manage a large to medium sized group if they desire.

My opinion regarding the Orangutan pathways has always been to expand their access to the island opposite the current Orangutan complex, which was currently sits bare. It would serve as a third Orangutan enclosure; one Melbourne desperately needs especially as they've added Saimang to the rotational mix, and would allow them to use aerial pathways, which give their Orangs more space to roam and are very much a spectacular sight.

The link of Hamadryas baboon to the giraffe and zebra is pretty weak when you consider the former is from North Africa. Although geographic zones are better than nothing, it's nice to see some progressing to regions e.g. South East Asia rather than Asia, which encompasses a variety of biomes.

I hope Melbourne Zoo redevelop or expand their South East Asian precinct but it'd be nice to see a region poorly represented in Australasian zoos e.g. India (South Asia).

 

[Josh F]

May be an unpopular opinion but I’d suggest Melbourne really needs to take a look at the Australian section of the zoo. In the 15 odd years I’ve been going it truly hasn’t aged well compared to the rest of the zoo.

 

[Jambo]

The link of Hamadryas baboon to the giraffe and zebra is pretty weak when you consider the former is from North Africa. Although geographic zones are better than nothing, it's nice to see some progressing to regions e.g. South East Asia rather than Asia, which encompasses a variety of biomes.

I hope Melbourne Zoo redevelop or expand their South East Asian precinct but it'd be nice to see a region poorly represented in Australasian zoos e.g. India (South Asia).

Yes, but imo it's better than having them in other zones (taxonomically comes to mind).

Re. expanding their current Asian precinct, i'd like to see that too, although they'd have to import a variety of new species to do this. A bio-dome sort of thing like the one at Auckland would be a nice replacement for the current elephant complex.

 

[Jambo]

May be an unpopular opinion but I’d suggest Melbourne really needs to take a look at the Australian section of the zoo. In the 15 odd years I’ve been going it truly hasn’t aged well compared to the rest of the zoo.

Melbourne has been looking to upgrade that area recently, and has done so with some new aviaries, kid areas ect. The area is decent, but I think what they really need is a newer, better Kangaroo/Emu walkthrough and a new Koala enclosure. Simply adding these two would make the area much better and more lively as most of the exhibits in the area are starting to age drastically. Adding terrariums for insects/arachnids/amphibians in the Wombat tunnel is always something i've wanted to see which would improve that part of the trail; especially species diversity wise.

 

[Zoofan15]

May be an unpopular opinion but I’d suggest Melbourne really needs to take a look at the Australian section of the zoo. In the 15 odd years I’ve been going it truly hasn’t aged well compared to the rest of the zoo.

Melbourne Zoo’s native section has greatly declined in the past decade. This shows the reduction of species in the past 10 years:

2012:

Short-beaked Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus aculeatus
Platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus
Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis sagitta
Eastern Barred Bandicoot Perameles gunnii
Koala Phascolarctos cinereus victor
Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat Lasiorhinus latifrons
Common Wombat Vombatus ursinus hirsutus
Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus tridactylus
Goodfellow’s Tree-kangaroo Dendrolagus goodfellowi buergersi
Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus
Parma Wallaby Macropus parma
Red-necked Wallaby Macropus rufogriseus
Red Kangaroo Macropus rufus
Quokka Setonix brachyurus
Tasmanian Pademelon Thylogale billardierii
Common Ringtail Possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus peregrinus

2022:

Tasmanian Devil Sarcophilus harrisii
Platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus
Koala Phascolarctos cinereus victor
Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat Lasiorhinus latifrons
Goodfellow’s Tree-kangaroo Dendrolagus goodfellowi buergersi
Western Grey Kangaroo Macropus fuliginosus

What Melbourne Zoo need to consider is that they’re on the world stage, attracting thousands of international visitors each year. It’s all well and good focussing their efforts on maintaining the bulk of their natives at Healesville, but the majority of international visitors only visit Melbourne Zoo - and they visit an Australian zoo expecting to see a diverse native collection. They don’t even have Dingo!

 

[Zoofan15]

Re. expanding their current Asian precinct, i'd like to see that too, although they'd have to import a variety of new species to do this. A bio-dome sort of thing like the one at Auckland would be a nice replacement for the current elephant complex.

A temperature controlled tropical dome could be useful in establishing breeding colonies of multiple small monkeys e.g. tamarins and marmosets - under the umbrella of a South American theme. There could be outdoor exhibits for some of these animals attached to the building, with temperature controlled flaps.

This could be linked to adjacent exhibits for Brazilian tapir and Maned wolf (for the sake of adding a carnivore and representing a different biome). The alternative of housing Brazilian tapir in the Malayan tapir/Collared peccary exhibits when they pass would require modification of the space and only serve to create an exhibit that’s geographically isolated from the neighbouring exhibits.

 

[Josh F]

Melbourne has been looking to upgrade that area recently, and has done so with some new aviaries, kid areas ect. The area is decent, but I think what they really need is a newer, better Kangaroo/Emu walkthrough and a new Koala enclosure. Simply adding these two would make the area much better and more lively as most of the exhibits in the area are starting to age drastically. Adding terrariums for insects/arachnids/amphibians in the Wombat tunnel is always something i've wanted to see which would improve that part of the trail; especially species diversity wise.

For me as much as I absolutely love the massive flight aviary, it’s showing it’s age these days. The newer aviaries have been taken up by Koalas while they renovate the old Koala space.

 

[Zoofan15]

For me as much as I absolutely love the massive flight aviary, it’s showing it’s age these days. The newer aviaries have been taken up by Koalas while they renovate the old Koala space.

The Great Flight Aviary in it’s current form dates back to the 1930’s, so it’s impressive they’ve maintained this piece of architecture for close to a century - with it remaining fully functional.

Other historic landmarks at Melbourne Zoo have been demolished such as the Lion Park (1967-2014), which was in my mind and that of many other’s a great loss to the zoo - so I’m glad the Great Flight Aviary has at least been retained. I agree renovations will be needed to keep it looking fresh and as we’ve seen with the upgrades to the Snowdon Aviary at London, these are more than achievable.

 

[Zorro]

Melbourne Zoo’s native section has greatly declined in the past decade. This shows the reduction of species in the past 10 years:

2012:

Short-beaked Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus aculeatus
Platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus
Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis sagitta
Eastern Barred Bandicoot Perameles gunnii
Koala Phascolarctos cinereus victor
Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat Lasiorhinus latifrons
Common Wombat Vombatus ursinus hirsutus
Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus tridactylus
Goodfellow’s Tree-kangaroo Dendrolagus goodfellowi buergersi
Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus
Parma Wallaby Macropus parma
Red-necked Wallaby Macropus rufogriseus
Red Kangaroo Macropus rufus
Quokka Setonix brachyurus
Tasmanian Pademelon Thylogale billardierii
Common Ringtail Possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus peregrinus

2022:

Tasmanian Devil Sarcophilus harrisii
Platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus
Koala Phascolarctos cinereus victor
Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat Lasiorhinus latifrons
Goodfellow’s Tree-kangaroo Dendrolagus goodfellowi buergersi
Western Grey Kangaroo Macropus fuliginosus

What Melbourne Zoo need to consider is that they’re on the world stage, attracting thousands of international visitors each year. It’s all well and good focussing their efforts on maintaining the bulk of their natives at Healesville, but the majority of international visitors only visit Melbourne Zoo - and they visit an Australian zoo expecting to see a diverse native collection. They don’t even have Dingo!

Don’t forget the new zoo board is made up of mostly non animal savvy people so I would not expect them to make a lot of informed decisions, I believe this is a backward step so they can tick all the woke boxes

 

[Jambo]

Melbourne Zoo’s native section has greatly declined in the past decade. This shows the reduction of species in the past 10 years:

2012:

Short-beaked Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus aculeatus
Platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus
Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis sagitta
Eastern Barred Bandicoot Perameles gunnii
Koala Phascolarctos cinereus victor
Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat Lasiorhinus latifrons
Common Wombat Vombatus ursinus hirsutus
Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus tridactylus
Goodfellow’s Tree-kangaroo Dendrolagus goodfellowi buergersi
Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus
Parma Wallaby Macropus parma
Red-necked Wallaby Macropus rufogriseus
Red Kangaroo Macropus rufus
Quokka Setonix brachyurus
Tasmanian Pademelon Thylogale billardierii
Common Ringtail Possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus peregrinus

2022:

Tasmanian Devil Sarcophilus harrisii
Platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus
Koala Phascolarctos cinereus victor
Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat Lasiorhinus latifrons
Goodfellow’s Tree-kangaroo Dendrolagus goodfellowi buergersi
Western Grey Kangaroo Macropus fuliginosus

What Melbourne Zoo need to consider is that they’re on the world stage, attracting thousands of international visitors each year. It’s all well and good focussing their efforts on maintaining the bulk of their natives at Healesville, but the majority of international visitors only visit Melbourne Zoo - and they visit an Australian zoo expecting to see a diverse native collection. They don’t even have Dingo!

Some points to add here; some of those species you listed weren't even apart of the Australian precinct too! The only four losses the Australian trail has had over the past decade were the two wallaby species, Red Kangaroos and of course, Common Wombat.

I also believe Melbourne have Kangaroo Island Kangaroos; which I may have listed incorrectly initially in my species list (Assuming that's where you got that from).

You also need to keep in mind Zoos Vic also has Healesville, so whilst they don't have an expansive Australian collection; Wombats, Koalas, Kangaroos, Tassie devils, Emus and birds is all really most expect (And want) to see in an Australian section. The other lesser known species Quokka, Greater Bilby ect. can be found at Healesville if one really wants to see them, but most of the general public don't. Healesville isn't a extremely far drive too; only an hour and a half from Melbourne.