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

[Zoofan15]

Interesting you would rather see the exhibits repurposed for orangutans. I assumed that with access to the adjacent island there would be enough space.

That would be enough space for another female and resulting offspring, but I'd like to see the complex expanded even more to hold more than one breeding female. That's just my personal preference.

It’d be nice to see Melbourne Zoo hold a colony of orangutans. Perth, Auckland, Taronga and Melbourne all used to hold decent sized colonies and while the trend has been to downsize, they remain a charismatic species that are even more engaging when displayed in large numbers.

Being a semi-social species at best, multiple small exhibits would need to be utilised with options for rotating them through a larger exhibit/high ropes.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

It’d be nice to see Melbourne Zoo hold a colony of orangutans. Perth, Auckland, Taronga and Melbourne all used to hold decent sized colonies and while the trend has been to downsize, they remain a charismatic species that are even more engaging when displayed in large numbers.

Being a semi-social species at best, multiple small exhibits would need to be utilised with options for rotating them through a larger exhibit/high ropes.

I would love that as well, admittedly I would love new species more, but MZ have seemed to indicate that I’d not in their interests unfortunately

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

That would be enough space for another female and resulting offspring, but I'd like to see the complex expanded even more to hold more than one breeding female. That's just my personal preference.

The current Tiger enclosure would be a little small for Sloth Bears though and a considerable part of it is taken up by a pool. It's clearly designed for Tigers, and I'd imagine they'd stay there long term.

Sorry I wrote the wrong thing. I would prefer to see a bear species held in the trail of the elephants to add uniqueness following the edit of elephants. I’m hopeful either sun bear, sloth bear or more unlikely asiatic black bear could be rotated with the tiger

 

[Zoofan15]

I would love that as well, admittedly I would love new species more, but MZ have seemed to indicate that I’d not in their interests unfortunately

Orangutan complex:

If Melbourne utilised the entire elephant complex space, they’d have the room to build a world class orangutan complex. This would include multiple exhibits, with several breeding females and exhibits that accomodate them throughout their development e.g. interaction spaces for juveniles.

The final exhibit could be a boot camp style exhibit based on the wilds of Sumatra. This would be used in preparation for the occasional release into the wild as Perth has done and generate a huge amount of positive PR for the zoo.

Though I think this in its own right would be a worthy attraction, if Melbourne deem it to take up too much space that could be allocated to multiple speices, it’d be great to see this built at Werribee. Not necessarily what you think of when you imagine species for an open range zoo, but the space would allow scope to construct this on an immense scale - with aerial pathways expanding for kilometres.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Orangutan complex:

If Melbourne utilised the entire elephant complex space, they’d have the room to build a world class orangutan complex. This would include multiple exhibits, with several breeding females and exhibits that accomodate them throughout their development e.g. interaction spaces for juveniles.

The final exhibit could be a boot camp style exhibit based on the wilds of Sumatra. This would be used in preparation for the occasional release into the wild as Perth has done and generate a huge amount of positive PR for the zoo.

Though I think this in its own right would be a worthy attraction, if Melbourne deem it to take up too much space that could be allocated to multiple speices, it’d be great to see this built at Werribee. Not necessarily what you think of when you imagine species for an open range zoo, but the space would allow scope to construct this on an immense scale - with aerial pathways expanding for kilometres.

I honestly don’t care how good this is for conservation, if MZ did this I would kill myself

 

[Jambo]

Orangutan complex:

If Melbourne utilised the entire elephant complex space, they’d have the room to build a world class orangutan complex. This would include multiple exhibits, with several breeding females and exhibits that accomodate them throughout their development e.g. interaction spaces for juveniles.

The final exhibit could be a boot camp style exhibit based on the wilds of Sumatra. This would be used in preparation for the occasional release into the wild as Perth has done and generate a huge amount of positive PR for the zoo.

Though I think this in its own right would be a worthy attraction, if Melbourne deem it to take up too much space that could be allocated to multiple speices, it’d be great to see this built at Werribee. Not necessarily what you think of when you imagine species for an open range zoo, but the space would allow scope to construct this on an immense scale - with aerial pathways expanding for kilometres.

It's a wonderful idea, and if they could include other arboreal species like White Cheeked Gibbons and Saimangs this would definitely be worth it.

They could use the complex as the basis of the area, with smaller surrounding enclosures for Otters, Binturongs and other bird and reptile species.

 

[Zoofan15]

It's a wonderful idea, and if they could include other arboreal species like White Cheeked Gibbons and Saimangs this would definitely be worth it.

They could use the complex as the basis of the area, with smaller surrounding enclosures for Otters, Binturongs and other bird and reptile species.

Thank you. I like the idea of the orangutan complex forming the centre and the other exhibits dotted around.

Siamang and White-cheeked gibbons could rotate use of the aerial pathways and potentially have some interaction with the orangutans.

Some zoos have reported positive interactions between their orangutans and otters - so potentially the otter exhibit could adjoin the orangutan exhibit with an interconnecting door, allowing the otters to come and go.

 

[Josh F]

Just a slightly off topic point of discussion, with the movements made in animal welfare especially against the captive keeping of ocean aquatic mammals is it possible that once this group go Seals/Sea Lions (whichever they are) die out, they may not be replaced? This could lend itself to a whole new section of the zoo up for a change, a section that in my eyes looks rather outdated in the modern times.

 

[Zoofan15]

Just a slightly off topic point of discussion, with the movements made in animal welfare especially against the captive keeping of ocean aquatic mammals is it possible that once this group go Seals/Sea Lions (whichever they are) die out, they may not be replaced? This could lend itself to a whole new section of the zoo up for a change, a section that in my eyes looks rather outdated in the modern times.

I feel like pinnipeds are for the most part exempt from the anti-marine mammals movement that’s opposed to cetaceans in captivity. Many of the pinnipeds in our region are wild rescues and so fulfil a conservation purpose in that regard.

There’s been several pups of both species born in recent years with the region, which indicates a long term commitment to holding them. I’m not saying Melbourne won’t phase them out, but if they do, the reason wouldn’t be public perception.

 

[Jambo]

Just a slightly off topic point of discussion, with the movements made in animal welfare especially against the captive keeping of ocean aquatic mammals is it possible that once this group go Seals/Sea Lions (whichever they are) die out, they may not be replaced? This could lend itself to a whole new section of the zoo up for a change, a section that in my eyes looks rather outdated in the modern times.

They don't have any plans to phase them out. They're the face of their 'seals for wildlife' campaign of which is one they're willing to carry forward long term. Melbourne only obtain rescues, but seeing as they don't come often, it's likely they may acquire some Taronga or Seaworld born individuals down the line. Melbourne's enclosure isn't large so can easily suit two or three individuals.

 

[Josh F]

I feel like pinnipeds are for the most part exempt from the anti-marine mammals movement that’s opposed to cetaceans in captivity. Many of the pinnipeds in our region are wild rescues and so fulfil a conservation purpose in that regard.

There’s been several pups of both species born in recent years with the region, which indicates a long term commitment to holding them. I’m not saying Melbourne won’t phase them out, but if they do, the reason wouldn’t be public perception.

I find it quite interesting that the public perception has largely skipped over the pinnies but seems to hammer the cetaceans (which personally I’m not against) I just wonder if this will be another case like the Elephant where they are deemed not fit for city zoos in years to come. I do hope that if they plan on keeping the Wild Seas exhibit long term that it at least gets some superficial polishing touches to it. Particularly around the interps displays and perhaps adding some more fish/saltwater species to the indoor space. It’s something simple yet effective that is largely inexpensive that could be done especially with the likes of Melbourne Aquarium working on various endangered species that could go into other collections at some point into the future.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I find it quite interesting that the public perception has largely skipped over the pinnies but seems to hammer the cetaceans (which personally I’m not against) I just wonder if this will be another case like the Elephant where they are deemed not fit for city zoos in years to come. I do hope that if they plan on keeping the Wild Seas exhibit long term that it at least gets some superficial polishing touches to it. Particularly around the interps displays and perhaps adding some more fish/saltwater species to the indoor space. It’s something simple yet effective that is largely inexpensive that could be done especially with the likes of Melbourne Aquarium working on various endangered species that could go into other collections at some point into the future.

I think that If they do phase seals out, there will have to be a species to replace it considering the size of Wild Sea. With some renovations I could see it holding some gharial among other things

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Just a slightly off topic point of discussion, with the movements made in animal welfare especially against the captive keeping of ocean aquatic mammals is it possible that once this group go Seals/Sea Lions (whichever they are) die out, they may not be replaced? This could lend itself to a whole new section of the zoo up for a change, a section that in my eyes looks rather outdated in the modern times.

I could definitely see this scenario eventuating. The MRU only bring back animals that need medical attention, and only retain individual animals that are not able to return to the wild.
Considering their commitment to bein first responders for marine wildlife recovery it will be curious what they would do with the facility if the existing population has no additions.

 

[Josh F]

I think that If they do phase seals out, there will have to be a species to replace it considering the size of Wild Sea. With some renovations I could see it holding some gharial among other things

Gharials are renowned for being difficult to import into Aus plus any crocodilian aside from an American Alligator which doesn’t fit ZV requirements at all would cost a small fortunate to heat. I’d say that if the seals left the whole area would be redone. Perhaps this could be your South American area with the Macaw aviary being just down the road.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

@The Sleepy Hippo
Really quickly, do you volunteer at MZ or were you just visiting. From what I know of people make quite big of a deal when they visit one of the zoos unless they are a volunteer, so I was just interested

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Gharials are renowned for being difficult to import into Aus plus any crocodilian aside from an American Alligator which doesn’t fit ZV requirements at all would cost a small fortunate to heat. I’d say that if the seals left the whole area would be redone. Perhaps this could be your South American area with the Macaw aviary being just down the road.

Given gharial are critically endangered, they certainly fit into zoos vics categories. If imported through New Zealand, I could see something eventuating. I realise gharial would be incredibly hard to source, so false gharial would be better, and even they are vulnerable I highly doubt with all those species and all that water the area would be knocked down, not to mention there isn’t much space there. It just feels large because it’s vertical

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

First up - I'm not a fan of Melbourne Aquarium. I like the animals, but don't like the facility. The interiors, the exteriors, the location. Not a fan.

I would however be a fan if Melbourne Aquarium and Melbourne Zoo together created a new campus (in a suitable location) which could include the Aquarium's collection, and also include Melbourne Zoo's Wild Sea.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I

First up - I'm not a fan of Melbourne Aquarium. I like the animals, but don't like the facility. The interiors, the exteriors, the location. Not a fan.

I would however be a fan if Melbourne Aquarium and Melbourne Zoo together created a new campus (in a suitable location) which could include the Aquarium's collection, and also include Melbourne Zoo's Wild Sea.

I quite like that idea. The difficulty would be finding the campus, but an improved sealife would be Greatly appreciated. If I’m honest though, I don’t despise the aquarium as it stands. I just see American aquariums and all I feel is sadness.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

@PaddyRickMFZ
Not a volunteer. I have considered it in the past, but time doesn't allow.
I live quite local to Melbourne Zoo and as a member do the regular drop in to get a coffee and walk one or two of the trails.

Also nice to walk the dogs in Royal Park at dusk - catch the sounds of the Lion's roaring!

(Sometimes drop in just to go to the Zoo Shop to buy a bag of coffee beans)

 

[Josh F]

First up - I'm not a fan of Melbourne Aquarium. I like the animals, but don't like the facility. The interiors, the exteriors, the location. Not a fan.

I would however be a fan if Melbourne Aquarium and Melbourne Zoo together created a new campus (in a suitable location) which could include the Aquarium's collection, and also include Melbourne Zoo's Wild Sea.

Entirely fair criticism but the work they do behind the scenes with some of our endangered aquatics cannot be understated. Setting up breeding programs for Murray River Rainbowfish, Southern or Yarra (can’t remember which) Pygmy Perch, Murray Southern Purple-Spotted Gudgeons plus the saltwater stuff like those Handfish that were produced a few weeks back are all things that could be both used in reintro programs as well as in other Zoological institutions. I think our zoos as a whole do a rather poor job overall of displaying particularly our freshwater native fish. I’d say Territory Wildlife Park is probably the only one that comes to mind that is outside of the “Aquarium” scene that does it well.