Melbourne Zoo Future of Melbourne Zoo 2023 (Speculation / Fantasy)

[Grant Rhino]

Really quickly, I’m not sure if you’re able to answer this but I believe you stated you knew of a potential replacement for elephants that had been floated. Of course I’m not going to ask what said species was, I’m aware you can’t share that, but my query was whether it is something that has been floated by zoochatters, or an entirely new species we may be able to speculate on. If you can’t share that, I more than understand

Nearly right:

I know of a high profile species that has been ruled out. I can't mention it though without asking first though. If I get the go-ahead to mention it I will though.

I don't know which species have been seriously discussed though - but I know that numerous species have been discussed.

That said, I'd be amazed if most the species that have been talked about constantly in this thread were not amongst the ones discussed.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Nearly right:

I know of a high profile species that has been ruled out. I can't mention it though without asking first though. If I get the go-ahead to mention it I will though.

I don't know which species have been seriously discussed though - but I know that numerous species have been discussed.

That said, I'd be amazed if most the species that have been talked about constantly in this thread were not amongst the ones discussed.

Thank you. Don’t feel pressured to ask if you can share that with us though. if it’s anything apart from Indian Rhino it won’t be unexpected by zoochatters. If the rhino is the animal they ruled out, that leaves the replacement as a very intriguing question, with a lack of a ‘front runner’ per say. I desperately hope Malayan Tapir are still in contention, could be a real reason to do roar and snore, on top of the likely return of bongo(from what I’ve heard) and as @Zoofan15 floated, potentially night monkeys

 

[Zoofan15]

Could this problem be overcome by using artificial insemination - from animals from overseas populations?

If this is legal then problem solved? Or is there some reason this can't or won't work?

Yes it potentially could. Hamilton Zoo for example cannot import Bison from North America, but has been working to import semen to undertake artificial insemination. I’m searching, I found multiple health standards pertaining to the import of embryos and semen of several banned domestic species (including pigs) so I believe this may be an option.

Of course, we need recipient animals, so it’ll be no good to our peccary population once the last females have gone.

 

[Jambo]

Nearly right:

I know of a high profile species that has been ruled out. I can't mention it though without asking first though. If I get the go-ahead to mention it I will though.

I don't know which species have been seriously discussed though - but I know that numerous species have been discussed.

That said, I'd be amazed if most the species that have been talked about constantly in this thread were not amongst the ones discussed.

I'd be surprised if the high profile species that has been ruled out isn't the Indian Rhino. They're a great replacement for elephants, but I don't necessarily think they fit MZ (especially when Zoos Vic have Werribee).

 

[Zoofan15]

Nearly right:

I know of a high profile species that has been ruled out. I can't mention it though without asking first though. If I get the go-ahead to mention it I will though.

I don't know which species have been seriously discussed though - but I know that numerous species have been discussed.

That said, I'd be amazed if most the species that have been talked about constantly in this thread were not amongst the ones discussed.

The main species discussed in replacement of the elephants have been:

- Indian rhinoceros, to be replaced with Okapi long term
- Eastern bongo
- Mandrill
- Sri Lankan leopard
- Malayan tapir

With regards to species elsewhere in the zoo:

- Maned wolf (Carnivore precinct)
- Clouded leopard (Carnivore precinct)
- Brazilian tapir (Peccary row)
- Night monkeys

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Yes it potentially could. Hamilton Zoo for example cannot import Bison from North America, but has been working to import semen to undertake artificial insemination. I’m searching, I found multiple health standards pertaining to the import of embryos and semen of several banned domestic species (including pigs) so I believe this may be an option.

Of course, we need recipient animals, so it’ll be no good to our peccary population once the last females have gone.

At least a positive is that we have 2 female peccaries, and they are still within breeding age

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I'd be surprised if the high profile species that has been ruled out isn't the Indian Rhino. They're a great replacement for elephants, but I don't necessarily think they fit MZ (especially when Zoos Vic have Werribee).

I heard they wouldn’t be housed at WORZ, but Grant Rhino could provide more info than me. I believe they are certainly a great fit for MZ. With a trademark species leaving, the second best thing is Indian Rhino, and we certainly have the space

 

[Zoofan15]

I heard they wouldn’t be housed at WORZ, but Grant Rhino could provide more info than me. I believe they are certainly a great fit for MZ. With a trademark species leaving, the second best thing is Indian Rhino, and we certainly have the space

At this point in time, I’m of the opinion Indian rhinoceros at Werribee would be completely wasted. They’d be overshadowed by the opening of the new elephant complex and the succession of calves that will follow.

Melbourne however, will soon have three empty elephant paddocks and the arrival of a new species that’s unlike anything held at the zoo would be a welcome addition.

A decade from now, once the novelty of Indian rhinoceros at Melbourne has worn off and the elephant exhibit at Werribee is part of the furniture is the time to consider a transfer.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

At this point in time, I’m of the opinion Indian rhinoceros at Werribee would be completely wasted. They’d be overshadowed by the opening of the new elephant complex and the succession of calves that will follow.

Melbourne however, will soon have three empty elephant paddocks and the arrival of a new species that’s unlike anything held at the zoo would be a welcome addition.

A decade from now, once the novelty of Indian rhinoceros at Melbourne has worn off and the elephant exhibit at Werribee is part of the furniture is the time to consider a transfer.

That’s a great concept. Whose would see the rhinos when elephants are on the table? At MZ however, being a new species, it could be a great replacement. Fill the last enclosure with Sri Lankan leopard and send Hutan to the carnivore trail replaced by sun bear and you have an Asian trail that I personally believe is better than 3 exhibits of elephants. Interestingly though I believe Bongo are being heavily considered for one of those exhibits, which could coincide well with Malayan Tapir and a nighttime expedition. Considering I was told Bongo was ‘in the works’, I’m quite hopeful

 

[Patrick Keegan]

I don't know if this has been mentioned prior but I think another potential replacement for the dingos could be dholes as they're small enough for the exhibit, and are an endangered species and if Melbourne zoo were to commit to dholes than it is possible taronga zoo may take some interest in this species once more.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I don't know if this has been mentioned prior but I think another potential replacement for the dingos could be dholes as they're small enough for the exhibit, and are an endangered species and if Melbourne zoo were to commit to dholes than it is possible taronga zoo may take some interest in this species once more.

They have been mentioned on the thread in the past and the general consensus(I believe) is that they would be a great addition. Ussuri Dhole are the largest of the subspecies and would make the best exhibit imo, nicely complimenting the tiger and snow leopard from Asia. Would be great to see Taronga register renewed interest in them

 

[Zoofan15]

That’s a great concept. Whose would see the rhinos when elephants are on the table? At MZ however, being a new species, it could be a great replacement. Fill the last enclosure with Sri Lankan leopard and send Hutan to the carnivore trail replaced by sun bear and you have an Asian trail that I personally believe is better than 3 exhibits of elephants. Interestingly though I believe Bongo are being heavily considered for one of those exhibits, which could coincide well with Malayan Tapir and a nighttime expedition. Considering I was told Bongo was ‘in the works’, I’m quite hopeful

I had wondered if Melbourne would be receiving a pair of Eastern bongo, but they fact they’d be occupying one of the three elephant exhibits gives me hope for a trio (1.2 bongo) to be imported.

There’d be more than enough room to accomodate three adult bongo and their offspring - hopefully with regular breeding taking place and offspring transferred out at adolescence as the next calves are being born. There’d be high demand for the offspring within the region.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I had wondered if Melbourne would be receiving a pair of Eastern bongo, but they fact they’d be occupying one of the three elephant exhibits gives me hope for a trio (1.2 bongo) to be imported.

There’d be more than enough room to accomodate three adult bongo and their offspring - hopefully with regular breeding taking place and offspring transferred out at adolescence as the next calves are being born. There’d be high demand for the offspring within the region.

Obviously we can’t confirm whether they would claim the last exhibit, it would be a great idea. I can somewhat confirm they will be housed at MZ, but where is the biggest question

 

[Zoofan15]

I don't know if this has been mentioned prior but I think another potential replacement for the dingos could be dholes as they're small enough for the exhibit, and are an endangered species and if Melbourne zoo were to commit to dholes than it is possible taronga zoo may take some interest in this species once more.

That’s a great idea. Upon further research, I see several facilities hold the C. a. lepturus subspecies, so that would probably be the subspecies Melbourne were to acquire.

 

[Zoofan15]

Obviously we can’t confirm whether they would claim the last exhibit, it would be a great idea. I can somewhat confirm they will be housed at MZ, but where is the biggest question

A few people have been told that multiple species will replace the elephants, so I’m of the opinion Eastern bongo will be one of them. Melbourne clearly aren’t married to the idea of geographical arrangement, so it’s possible a generalised rainforest theme will follow - which would allow Sri Lankan leopard and either Mandrill or Malayan tapir to occupy the other two exhibits.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

A few people have been told that multiple species will replace the elephants, so I’m of the opinion Eastern bongo will be one of them. Melbourne clearly aren’t married to the idea of geographical arrangement, so it’s possible a generalised rainforest theme will follow - which would allow Sri Lankan leopard and either Mandrill or Malayan tapir to occupy the other two exhibits.

I’m not sure about Mandrill, but I would certainly love to see their return. I’d hope Malayan Tapir occupy the barn, While Sri Lankan Leopard and Bongo have 2 exhibits, leaving the third for another species. Clearly they don’t base everything around geography, considering there is a cassowary in the African rainforest

 

[Zoofan15]

I’m not sure about Mandrill, but I would certainly love to see their return. I’d hope Malayan Tapir occupy the barn, While Sri Lankan Leopard and Bongo have 2 exhibits, leaving the third for another species. Clearly they don’t base everything around geography, considering there is a cassowary in the African rainforest

The barn would be the best for the Malayan tapir, though I’d love to see an adjoining yard for night time access.

If taking up on elephant exhibit, there would be enough space to build two Sri Lankan leopard exhibits to allow breeding (with early transfer out of cubs); or one larger exhibit to house a non breeding sibling or retired pair. With two breeding facilities already, a non breeding holder may be useful.

 

[Zoofan15]

I’m not sure about Mandrill, but I would certainly love to see their return. I’d hope Malayan Tapir occupy the barn, While Sri Lankan Leopard and Bongo have 2 exhibits, leaving the third for another species. Clearly they don’t base everything around geography, considering there is a cassowary in the African rainforest

After all said and done, Mandrill would be best off returned to their original exhibit. It’s fit for purpose and can house five adults. Unless a Melbourne aspires to holding a large troop (which I doubt they would), then it makes sense to house them in their original exhibit - which links nicely to the Pygmy hippopotamus.

Though Melbourne have stated they have no intention to acquire Mandrill, you never know if regional interest will increase and persuade Zoos Victoria to give it some consideration.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

After all said and done, Mandrill would be best off returned to their original exhibit. It’s fit for purpose and can house five adults. Unless a Melbourne aspires to holding a large troop (which I doubt they would), then it makes sense to house them in their original exhibit - which links nicely to the Pygmy hippopotamus.

Though Melbourne have stated they have no intention to acquire Mandrill, you never know if regional interest will increase and persuade Zoos Victoria to give it some consideration.

Considering how popular they were, and through our constant pestering, I hope they reconsider the decision to phase them out. on a side note, I was recently looking at the mammals lost from Australian zoos(don’t get me started on Melbourne) and it occurred to me how many interesting antelopes and the lot were phased out by WORZ. From Sable Antelope to Congo buffalo, then Kudu. If you have 7 females and 1 male remaining, why on earth would you castrate the male? Absolutely absurd to me

 

[Zoofan15]

Considering how popular they were, and through our constant pestering, I hope they reconsider the decision to phase them out. on a side note, I was recently looking at the mammals lost from Australian zoos(don’t get me started on Melbourne) and it occurred to me how many interesting antelopes and the lot were phased out by WORZ. From Sable Antelope to Congo buffalo, then Kudu. If you have 7 females and 1 male remaining, why on earth would you castrate the male? Absolutely absurd to me

It’s disappointing no initiative to date has been seen to take advantage of the Bovid IRA that was completed two years ago. This wasn’t completed in an evening, so zoos have had years to prepare for being able to import Bovids.

At a minimum, I’d have expected to see some Eastern bongo imports from those that already hold the species.