Given how much space they have available it's a shame they haven't joined the Australian Rhino Project along with Dubbo and Monarto. There's huge potential here and they could have made a major contribution.
Comparing Australian zoos
- Thread starter Zoofan15
- Start date
Given how much space they have available it's a shame they haven't joined the Australian Rhino Project along with Dubbo and Monarto. There's huge potential here and they could have made a major contribution.
Correct. As its been mentioned a few times there was going to be 3 stages built over 10 years but many projects appeared to have been dropped! Apart from the elephants not much animal wise has appeared.
Their only projects of note in recent years have been the crocodile/alligator exhibits and the elephants. It's definately stagnated since Steve's day, but with Robert now an adult he may well have more of an influence. He's apparently scientifically minded like his father and clearly the most passionate about animals.
Yes, Gorillas, Orangutans and Hippos were planned.
It's a shame these plans didn't come to fruition.
I believe it goes far beyond these ,There was mention on a tv show years ago that they were interested in a 12 acre tiger breeding complex of all sub species which one could probably still find some reference to if searching. Also was mentioned they wanted a collection of rare Lemur species as well.
Although I haven’t been able to find any record of this, I do remember hearing it mentioned on ZooChat and can envisage Steve aspiring to do this. It would have been a challenge given Sumatran and Siberian are realistically the only two subspecies the zoo could acquire; but they were referring to their hybrids as Bengal tigers at this time, so arguably could have proceeded with three subspecies.
The Malayan subspecies was discovered shortly before Steve’s passing. There’s a limited number in zoos, but I have no doubt he’d have aspired to bring this subspecies to the zoo if there was an opportunity to do so. Had he been alive today, the zoo may well have had the international prestige to open a few doors.
I know it was mentioned before by someone on here so it must be tucked away in some part of the forum some where about the former proposed tiger breeding complex.
Sir Edward Hallstrom had similar ambitions for Taronga Zoo. He imported what was described as a “Nepalese tiger” in 1963 and stated his intention to house every subspecies of tiger at the zoo. Sadly this was never realised, though it’s interesting to note that if it was - this would have included the Javan tiger, which was believed to exist up until the 1970’s.
While Steve’s zoological knowledge and experience was unrivalled, him and Sir Edward Hallstrom shared the same charisma, enthusiasm and drive that made their respective zoos so successful under their leadership.
Agreed, Steve was the driving force behind AZ growth one can only imagine what it would look like today if he had still been there
As a combined force, him and Terri were unstoppable. Had it not been for her initiative and entrepreneurial sense, then I have no doubt it would have remained a successful but small town wildlife park with a handful of reptiles. Together they took Australia Zoo to the world stage and with his vision, it was on track to becoming something great.
PlainsWanderer
New Member
Altina is massive already. It's over 500 acres and the guide of my tour said they also have a large amount of adjoining bushland which isn't included in that. I think the size of it definitely helps with their success with hoof stock as they keep seperate breeding herds and bachelor groups off exhibit.
I agree every year saw some kind of progress usually just opening just before Easter its a shame most of the forward momentum has disappeared
Werribee's incredibly close to the city; technically just a 20 minute drive down the highway. Once Werribee completes their expansion, they'll be in a fair run competing with Melbourne. Especially with the addition of elephants, they'll give Melbourne a run for their money. Even the ongoing expansion of the Western suburbs too (around Werribee) is assisting with their rising visitor numbers over recent years.
But to be honest, I doubt Werribee will ever outsell Melbourne. But they'll definitely come close.
Monarto, on the other hand, is almost an hour away from Adelaide, but may be one of the best open range zoos worldwide in years to come. Still, I know a lot of families that won't visit zoos just due to their distance. Healesville Sanctuary is less than two hours from Melbourne, but dosen't receive even half the visitors Melbourne gets; most are locals, but tourism dosen't really reach there.
Brisbane has never had this problem of having a real city zoo for the public to visit. Even today one has to travel out of town to see a zoo collection. Apart from a few scattered native animal sanctuarys that's been around for a long time and one former (closed down) Lion park half way between the city and the coast. As it stands today one still has a drive for anyone wishing to visit them.
Yep, i've always considered Brisbane (and the Gold Coast) as prime places to open up a zoo.
I've travelled up to Gold Coast before and although i'm always bugging my family to drive up to Australia Zoo, it's a two hour drive, and not really worth it on their behalf.
There has been a smattering of animal parks along both the north and south coasts for years mainly for the tourism dollar. But very little in-between them. Lone pine Koala sanctuary has been within close proximity to Brisbane for a long time,If one wants to view a zoo collection with large exotic animal species like giraffes and big cats they can travel north to Australia zoo or west to the Darling Downs zoo.Yep, i've always considered Brisbane (and the Gold Coast) as prime places to open up a zoo.
I've travelled up to Gold Coast before and although i'm always bugging my family to drive up to Australia Zoo, it's a two hour drive, and not really worth it on their behalf.