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

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Hopefully another regional zoo will pick them up in the future.

I'm certain a primate species will replace them, and Colobus monkeys are the only theoretical option.

How many colobus do you think would fit in such an exhibit? I am a fan of the black and white colobus, but I feel they won’t be as popular with the kids as the vervet monkeys. Would be better as an addition near the vervets imo

 

[Jambo]

How many colobus do you think would fit in such an exhibit? I am a fan of the black and white colobus, but I feel they won’t be as popular with the kids as the vervet monkeys. Would be better as an addition near the vervets imo

In large and engaging troops, Colobus's can actually be quite entertaining to watch. I don't think Werribee's big enough for a large troop, but could hold around eight individuals at most I'd say.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

In large and engaging troops, Colobus's can actually be quite entertaining to watch. I don't think Werribee's big enough for a large troop, but could hold around eight individuals at most I'd say.

I would consider 8 individuals a very engaging exhibit. I was having difficulty seeing how they would be able to source that many though

 

[Zoofan15]

I would consider 8 individuals a very engaging exhibit. I was having difficulty seeing how they would be able to source that many though

Melbourne have a breeding pair so all going well, they should be able to produce up to five offspring over the next decade (given the age of the female, probably three or four). Female offspring from Adelaide’s troop born over the next decade could be merged with Melbourne stock to form the female component of Werribee’s troop - with a male imported from overseas. We haven’t got a huge colobus population, so imports would be welcome.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Melbourne have a breeding pair so all going well, they should be able to produce up to five offspring over the next decade (given the age of the female, probably three or four). Female offspring from Adelaide’s troop born over the next decade could be merged with Melbourne stock to form the female component of Werribee’s troop - with a male imported from overseas. We haven’t got a huge colobus population, so imports would be welcome.

An import would be great, but as a recurring theme, I doubt zoos Vic can be bothered to import, which is very annoying. Still holding out hope. Are there any other species that would fit the exhibit? With some renovations I could see a small group of Mandrill

 

[Zoofan15]

I certainly hope so. Our ideas would no doubt sit well with the general public and make a more impressive zoo at all locations. I mean if they’re watching now, do you want to do the honours and post a new species list? Just saying we have discussed a few new options and it’s due for an update

I'd be happy to do something of the sort, but we've discussed an abundance of ideas and alternatives it would be a nightmare putting it all together! We all have our own perspectives too, so its very individual. I'll see what I can do though.

I’m thinking the best way to do this is stick to mammals. Bar getting shot of the cassowary and bringing in some condors, I don’t think there’s been a single discussion around birds (or reptiles), so it’s clear out interest lies with mammals.

From here, each person can outline what mammal species they’d like to see Melbourne Zoo hold based on the ideas we’ve discussed. Like @Jambo says, they’ll be variation based on our personal preferences and there’s no right or wrong answers (within reason ).

 

[Zoofan15]

An import would be great, but as a recurring theme, I doubt zoos Vic can be bothered to import, which is very annoying. Still holding out hope. Are there any other species that would fit the exhibit? With some renovations I could see a small group of Mandrill

Given the size of the exhibit, I think colobus are the best fit. If Werribee did acquire Mandrill, I’d prefer to see this done on a large scale with a troop numbering 20-25 Mandrill like at Colchester Zoo. This troop could be built up over a number of years.

On that note, the best fit would be Hamadryas baboon at Werribee and Mandrill at Melbourne - but the baboons have a decent exhibit at Melbourne and the zoo have no plans to phase them out at present.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I’m thinking the best way to do this is stick to mammals. Bar getting shot of the cassowary and bringing in some condors, I don’t think there’s been a single discussion around birds (or reptiles), so it’s clear out interest lies with mammals.

From here, each person can outline what mammal species they’d like to see Melbourne Zoo hold based on the ideas we’ve discussed. Like @Jambo says, they’ll be variation based on our personal preferences and there’s no right or wrong answers (within reason ).

If we are counting pre existing animals then I’d love to see a breeding population of Malayan tapirs move into the barn and Current off display habitat. If it’s in regards to new animals I’d have to say Bongo, Okapi or Mandrill

 

[Grant Rhino]

I think the vervets will eventually be replaced by colobus (as I said in the MZ thread). I think they are the natural replacement.

However I also have a dark horse: Patas Monkeys

I’ve never once heard anyone mention them but they would be a good fit in my view. I doubt it will happen though so my money is on colobus.

 

[steveroberts]

Its a real shame that the Vervets are desexed and hence destined to be phased out. Like you said Jambo hopefully some of our privately owned regional zoos will pick up on them which will require imports but those zoos have done amazing with exotic imports in recent years so will hold hope.

Have long thought Vervets should of remained at Perth Zoo. The area adjacent to where the Painted Dog (what PZ calls them now) exhibit opened in '05 is a lawn that once had a Japanese Macaque enclosure on it until '99 and was saying to ZooFan15 recently that wish the 600-700 sq m or so had been turned into a Serval exhibit, but now kind of wish Vervet Monkeys would be fitting and although not endangered they are actually the closest African monkeys in proximity to Australia (alongside Chacma Baboons and Samango Monkeys) due to their range including south-eastern Africa.

Its a shame too about Patas Monkeys being phased out of the region years back, they suited Western Plains very well and would of fitted in well at other zoos like Altina (was impressed Werribee went with Vervets in the first place and the exhibit is well sized, doesnt make the blow of hearing about their phase out any easier).

While can see Werribee going with B&W Colobuses (another non endangered monkey but like Vervets are as you mentioned Paddy, highly charsimatic and engaging monkeys to watch) and love your idea ZooFan about the Mandrills perhaps a big troop via Colchester..do you think perhaps if Melbourne can be convinced to have Mandrills again they could convert their Hamadryas exhibit to be for a troop of Mandrills instead and have the Hamadryas troop go to Werribee?

Would be great if Werribee could take on another monkey species in their African area again like the return of Patas Monkeys to the region as an example thanks Grant for mentioning them. While Vervets seem to inevitably gone from Werribee in ten years as before mentioned maybe other zoos will ensure there are some in our region. Would be cool to see Orana with some as one example, DDZ another maybe?

ps the Vervet natural range proximity mention was in relation to that have noticed our zoos seem to like to foster a choice of ambassador species often that happen to be exotics from parts of continents that geographically are close to our region like SE Asia so thought it could be a good justification for the continuation of at least some Vervets being kept in our region despite being a 'least concern' species (i.e they technically fit the same criteria as say Meerkats in iucn status but also geographical proximity, just something would say if was debating with collection management in the region about maintaining Vervets in some of our zoos).

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Its a real shame that the Vervets are desexed and hence destined to be phased out. Like you said Jambo hopefully some of our privately owned regional zoos will pick up on them which will require imports but those zoos have done amazing with exotic imports in recent years so will hold hope.

Have long thought Vervets should of remained at Perth Zoo. The area adjacent to where the Painted Dog (what PZ calls them now) exhibit opened in '05 is a lawn that once had a Japanese Macaque enclosure on it until '99 and was saying to ZooFan15 recently that wish the 600-700 sq m or so had been turned into a Serval exhibit, but now kind of wish Vervet Monkeys would be fitting and although not endangered they are actually the closest African monkeys in proximity to Australia (alongside Chacma Baboons and Samango Monkeys) due to their range including south-eastern Africa.

Its a shame too about Patas Monkeys being phased out of the region years back, they suited Western Plains very well and would of fitted in well at other zoos like Altina (was impressed Werribee went with Vervets in the first place and the exhibit is well sized, doesnt make the blow of hearing about their phase out any easier).

While can see Werribee going with B&W Colobuses (another non endangered monkey but like Vervets are as you mentioned Paddy, highly charsimatic and engaging monkeys to watch) and love your idea ZooFan about the Mandrills perhaps a big troop via Colchester..do you think perhaps if Melbourne can be convinced to have Mandrills again they could convert their Hamadryas exhibit to be for a troop of Mandrills instead and have the Hamadryas troop go to Werribee?

Would be great if Werribee could take on another monkey species in their African area again like the return of Patas Monkeys to the region as an example thanks Grant for mentioning them. While Vervets seem to inevitably gone from Werribee in ten years as before mentioned maybe other zoos will ensure there are some in our region. Would be cool to see Orana with some as one example, DDZ another maybe?

ps the Vervet natural range proximity mention was in relation to that have noticed our zoos seem to like to foster a choice of ambassador species often that happen to be exotics from parts of continents that geographically are close to our region like SE Asia so thought it could be a good justification for the continuation of at least some Vervets being kept in our region despite being a 'least concern' species (i.e they technically fit the same criteria as say Meerkats in iucn status but also geographical proximity, just something would say if was debating with collection management in the region about maintaining Vervets in some of our zoos).

All very good points.
Re. Mandrill
Your idea about moving Mandrill to the Baboon exhibit has been discussed frequently and is universally considered the best idea. WORZ are lacking in primates for an open range zoo, and the addition of Hamadryas baboon would be a great one. Mandrill need less space and make an exhibit that is just as interactive if not more.
Just wondering, are WORZ considering converting their river trail to have exhibits, since I didn’t see the trail in the masterplan

 

[Zoofan15]

Its a real shame that the Vervets are desexed and hence destined to be phased out. Like you said Jambo hopefully some of our privately owned regional zoos will pick up on them which will require imports but those zoos have done amazing with exotic imports in recent years so will hold hope.

Have long thought Vervets should of remained at Perth Zoo. The area adjacent to where the Painted Dog (what PZ calls them now) exhibit opened in '05 is a lawn that once had a Japanese Macaque enclosure on it until '99 and was saying to ZooFan15 recently that wish the 600-700 sq m or so had been turned into a Serval exhibit, but now kind of wish Vervet Monkeys would be fitting and although not endangered they are actually the closest African monkeys in proximity to Australia (alongside Chacma Baboons and Samango Monkeys) due to their range including south-eastern Africa.

Its a shame too about Patas Monkeys being phased out of the region years back, they suited Western Plains very well and would of fitted in well at other zoos like Altina (was impressed Werribee went with Vervets in the first place and the exhibit is well sized, doesnt make the blow of hearing about their phase out any easier).

While can see Werribee going with B&W Colobuses (another non endangered monkey but like Vervets are as you mentioned Paddy, highly charsimatic and engaging monkeys to watch) and love your idea ZooFan about the Mandrills perhaps a big troop via Colchester..do you think perhaps if Melbourne can be convinced to have Mandrills again they could convert their Hamadryas exhibit to be for a troop of Mandrills instead and have the Hamadryas troop go to Werribee?

Would be great if Werribee could take on another monkey species in their African area again like the return of Patas Monkeys to the region as an example thanks Grant for mentioning them. While Vervets seem to inevitably gone from Werribee in ten years as before mentioned maybe other zoos will ensure there are some in our region. Would be cool to see Orana with some as one example, DDZ another maybe?

ps the Vervet natural range proximity mention was in relation to that have noticed our zoos seem to like to foster a choice of ambassador species often that happen to be exotics from parts of continents that geographically are close to our region like SE Asia so thought it could be a good justification for the continuation of at least some Vervets being kept in our region despite being a 'least concern' species (i.e they technically fit the same criteria as say Meerkats in iucn status but also geographical proximity, just something would say if was debating with collection management in the region about maintaining Vervets in some of our zoos).

All great ideas @steveroberts. Mandrill would certainly be regarded as a good replacement for the baboons at Melbourne (even an upgrade). The baboon exhibit could accommodate 10-12 Mandrill.

It's funny you mention Patas monkey at Orana as they previously held a large troop.

 

[Jambo]

All very good points.
Re. Mandrill
Your idea about moving Mandrill to the Baboon exhibit has been discussed frequently and is universally considered the best idea. WORZ are lacking in primates for an open range zoo, and the addition of Hamadryas baboon would be a great one. Mandrill need less space and make an exhibit that is just as interactive if not more.
Just wondering, are WORZ considering converting their river trail to have exhibits, since I didn’t see the trail in the masterplan

The enclosure would need a little upgrade (with the addition of more plants/shade) but it's of decent size for a large troop of them, and they would be the most suitable replacement for the Baboons. Although in saying that, I can confirm Melbourne has long term plans with holding their baboons.

Which river trail are you referring to?

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

The enclosure would need a little upgrade (with the addition of more plants/shade) but it's of decent size for a large troop of them, and they would be the most suitable replacement for the Baboons. Although in saying that, I can confirm Melbourne has long term plans with holding their baboons.

Which river trail are you referring to?

Adjacent to the Aus section. The river walk it’s called I think

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

He's getting on in years (15), but personally would swap his mate for the younger tigress at Hamilton (Kirana), who is planned to breed with his nephew. Hamilton is at capacity with three tigers across two exhibits and can't breed.

Yeah, at the Zoo today the keeper was quite emphatic that there are no plans to import another tiger or breed. I expect the intention is to see Indrah and Hutan out, and then import a new breeding pair in the future.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I actually think that the area of the Elephant Barn an adjacent paddock could be developed into a proper insectarium and nocturnal house. This would integrate well with the neighbouring Butterfly House, and give a location to exhibit the Lord Howe Stick Insects (that require a nocturnal house to exhibit).

This would also allow the exhibiting of owls, bats, nocturnal cats (of various sizes) and other nocturnal mammals. An insectarium would be great to exhibit various arachnids, and giant and wonderful buglife from around the world.

 

[Jambo]

Adjacent to the Aus section. The river walk it’s called I think

That trail will stay the same. It's more so designed as a natural riverwalk, alongside the Werribee river giving visitors the opportunity to view wild natives. I usually skip it, but there's certainly still a fair amount of people who enjoy that area.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I actually think that the area of the Elephant Barn an adjacent paddock could be developed into a proper insectarium and nocturnal house. This would integrate well with the neighbouring Butterfly House, and give a location to exhibit the Lord Howe Stick Insects (that require a nocturnal house to exhibit).

This would also allow the exhibiting of owls, bats, nocturnal cats (of various sizes) and other nocturnal mammals. An insectarium would be great to exhibit various arachnids, and giant and wonderful buglife from around the world.

As good of an idea is, I’d prefer to exhibit an endangered animal such as the Tapir, which are on the brink in this region. There is some empty space near the butterfly house which could be repurposed into a bug house. I’d love to see a nocturnal house at growing wild

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

As good of an idea is, I’d prefer to exhibit an endangered animal such as the Tapir, which are on the brink in this region. There is some empty space near the butterfly house which could be repurposed into a bug house. I’d love to see a nocturnal house at growing wild

I think it would be great to keep tapir, but would argue that the elephant Barn and paddocks are the best locations to build structures like an Insectarium, proper scale Nocturnal House, or Desert Dome, as it is a large open space devoid of any trees. Growing Wild, although not a great area of the zoo would be inappropriate for such structures as it has many large trees that would require removing.

We keep lamenting the loss of diversity in exhibits and any one of these ideas could truly expand the range of species.

Considering the struggle to find a species to replace elephants, something like one of these would be a greater drawcard to the zoo than one single endangered species.

 

[Zoofan15]

As good of an idea is, I’d prefer to exhibit an endangered animal such as the Tapir, which are on the brink in this region. There is some empty space near the butterfly house which could be repurposed into a bug house. I’d love to see a nocturnal house at growing wild

I think it would be great to keep tapir, but would argue that the elephant Barn and paddocks are the best locations to build structures like an Insectarium, proper scale Nocturnal House, or Desert Dome, as it is a large open space devoid of any trees. Growing Wild, although not a great area of the zoo would be inappropriate for such structures as it has many large trees that would require removing.

We keep lamenting the loss of diversity in exhibits and any one of these ideas could truly expand the range of species.

Considering the struggle to find a species to replace elephants, something like one of these would be a greater drawcard to the zoo than one single endangered species.

I would also love to see a nocturnal house, though would prefer to see a large nocturnal house focus on a handful of medium species e.g. Cape porcupine rather than lots of small native species. For this reason, a Desert nocturnal house would be my preference with Fennec fox, Cape porcupine etc. as well as reptiles.