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

[Jambo]

I did the backstage encounter with the Orangutans last year and was told that at the time, Kiarni was on birth control tablets, as they had no intentions of breeding her and Santan. They found out after a while she was just putting them in her mouth and not swallowing them, then giving them to Santan, and that is how Gabby came along.

That would make sense - Maimunah was imported in 1992, so it’s possible Melbourne were just awaiting her arrival as Santan had only arrived five years prior.

Melbourne also only had a single Orangutan habitat at the time - so would’ve had to keep Bono, Kiani and Santan together, which wouldn’t have helped the prevention of breeding.

 

[Zoofan15]

Melbourne also only had a single Orangutan habitat at the time - so would’ve had to keep Bono, Kiani and Santan together, which wouldn’t have helped the prevention of breeding.

Melbourne Zoo had two orangutan exhibits at this time.

It wouldn’t have been possible to have house Santan (who was 10 years old upon import) with the then 11 year old Bono as they would have fought.

I would assume Bono remained with Girlie (a Bornean female in her late 20’s); while Santan was grouped with the adolescent Suma/Kiani with whom he conceived Gabby two years later.

 

[Jambo]

Melbourne Zoo had two orangutan exhibits at this time.

It wouldn’t have been possible to have house Santan (who was 10 years old upon import) with the then 11 year old Bono as they would have fought.

I would assume Bono remained with Girlie (a Bornean female in her late 20’s); while Santan was grouped with the adolescent Suma/Kiani with whom he conceived Gabby two years later.

They had three Great Ape Grottoes, which held Gorillas, Orangutans and Chimps.

So if the Orangutans were in two groups, they would've rotated the single outdoor habitat.



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