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

[Zoofan15]

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.

There’s several difference between cetaceans and pinnipeds though. Cetaceans swim over vast distances in a single day; compared to pinnipeds who cover a shorter distance and are content to sun themselves on a rookery for large parts of the day.

Cetaceans have highly complex socials needs, which generally can’t be replicated in captivity versus pinnipeds, which equally thrive in smaller social groupings.

 

[Josh F]

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

Crocodilians as a whole lend themselves far better to zoos/wildlife parks in QLD, NT and WA where the climate allows them to be outdoors. It is an incredibly expensive task keeping them outside of an area where heating is required. Not as easy as other reptiles that’s for sure.

This is why I’m surprised places like Aus Zoo never went fully into the crocodilian world. So much potential but instead 20 salties.

 

[Zoofan15]

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

False gharial are a stronger possibility than Gharial as they’re already held at Auckland Zoo and would be one of the focus species of the region.

That said, Melbourne Zoo already hold Phillipine crocodile, which fulfil a similar niche within their collection so to speak. The creation of a larger habitat purpose built to manage breeding of this critically endangered species is a better way to go imo.

 

[Josh F]

False gharial are a stronger possibility than Gharial as they’re already held at Auckland Zoo and would be one of the focus species of the region.

That said, Melbourne Zoo already hold Phillipine crocodile, which fulfil a similar niche within their collection so to speak. The creation of a larger habitat purpose built to manage breeding of this critically endangered species is a better way to go imo.

MZs greatest fault with their Phillipines Crocs was sending all the offspring from Isabella’s clutch overseas rather than keeping a few around as they are just stuck with a single male these days that most visitors probably just assume is the same as the freshwater Croc that lives next door unless they read the signs.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I

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.

If Fisherman's Bend redevelopment ever gets up and going in a serious way AND if Metro Tunnel 2 (Newport/Spotswood to Clifton Hill via Fisherman's Bend, Southern Cross, Parkville, and Fitzroy) It could be a good area. Or potentially land in Spotswood close to Science Works.

I guess it really needs to be a brownfield site, close to water and relatively central to the city. Will never happen though. I doubt Zoos Victoria would want to hitch their wagon to Sea Life.

 

[Zoofan15]

MZs greatest fault with their Phillipines Crocs was sending all the offspring from Isabella’s clutch overseas rather than keeping a few around as they are just stuck with a single male these days that most visitors probably just assume is the same as the freshwater Croc that lives next door unless they read the signs.

That was deeply regrettable. With less than 100 adults in the wild, I can understand why they were transferred out if they were going into breeding situations, but since they take 10-15 years to mature, there was no urgency in that regard.

They be entering maturity around now and Melbourne could be looking at importing a male to breed with the female hatchling/hatchlings they kept.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

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.

Yeah my issues with SEA LIFE Melbourne are primarily just the facility, and location only bothers me as it feels cramped/squashed in there under the viaducts. Maybe if it had been built on the site of the old Fish Market (literally across the road) it may have had more space.
But then even inside the interior flow is left wanting.

The work they do however I agree is to be commended
I'll have to go to Darwin one day and see Territory Wildlife Park while I'm there. You have me intrigued!

 

[Zoofan15]

I doubt Zoos Victoria would want to hitch their wagon to Sea Life.

I’m still struggling to understand why Zoos Victoria hitched their wagon to Kyabram. From what I can tell, it offers no point of difference to their existing facilities; and given it’s 2.5 hours out of Melbourne and an hour from the main highway, will receive very little foot traffic.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

False gharial are a stronger possibility than Gharial as they’re already held at Auckland Zoo and would be one of the focus species of the region.

That said, Melbourne Zoo already hold Phillipine crocodile, which fulfil a similar niche within their collection so to speak. The creation of a larger habitat purpose built to manage breeding of this critically endangered species is a better way to go imo.

I’d love to see Philippine croc take the limelight, but I heard them at MZ would be giving up on them(very much a recurring theme).
I have one more question, is there any dove near the water treatment plant? Kinda seems like a colossal waste to me and surely there’s some space nearby

 

[Zoofan15]

I’d love to see Philippine croc take the limelight, but I heard them at MZ would be giving up on them(very much a recurring theme).

That wouldn’t surprise me. They have an elderly male who due to his representation, clearly isn’t a priority for breeding. Sadly upon his demise, the species will likely be phased out.

It’s a shame as Australians more than anyone would surely appreciate seeing a crocodile that isn’t a Salty or a Freshie.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

That wouldn’t surprise me. They have an elderly male who due to his representation, clearly isn’t a priority for breeding. Sadly upon his demise, the species will likely be phased out.

It’s a shame as Australians more than anyone would surely appreciate seeing a crocodile that isn’t a Salty or a Freshie.

That’s why I believe a Gharial could be a great addition. It’s very disappointing MZ might not do any more for the Philippine croc despite our proximity. I certainly hope they reconsider and make a genuine exhibit that serves as an attraction in and of itself

 

[Josh F]

That wouldn’t surprise me. They have an elderly male who due to his representation, clearly isn’t a priority for breeding. Sadly upon his demise, the species will likely be phased out.

It’s a shame as Australians more than anyone would surely appreciate seeing a crocodile that isn’t a Salty or a Freshie.

This is why I’m surprised Aus Zoo and some of the other zoos up north haven’t diversified their crocodilian collections to represent some of these species. Although I will say it is quite impractical housing a crocodile larger than a Freshie in Victoria economically. I do wonder if perhaps some of the smaller species such as Chinese Alligators or some of the Caiman species maybe an option.

 

[Josh F]

That’s why I believe a Gharial could be a great addition. It’s very disappointing MZ might not do any more for the Philippine croc despite our proximity. I certainly hope they reconsider and make a genuine exhibit that serves as an attraction in and of itself

They had this in Carnivore trail and replaced it with herbivorous fish, butterflies and Reticulated Pythons.

 

[Zoofan15]

That’s why I believe a Gharial could be a great addition. It’s very disappointing MZ might not do any more for the Philippine croc despite our proximity. I certainly hope they reconsider and make a genuine exhibit that serves as an attraction in and of itself

This is why I’m surprised Aus Zoo and some of the other zoos up north haven’t diversified their crocodilian collections to represent some of these species. Although I will say it is quite impractical housing a crocodile larger than a Freshie in Victoria economically. I do wonder if perhaps some of the smaller species such as Chinese Alligators or some of the Caiman species maybe an option.

Taronga Zoo are planning to acquire Phillipine crocodile as part of their Reptile and Amphibian complex. Potentially this could reinvigorate interest from Melbourne Zoo; though worst case scenario, they’ll hurry up their phase out by transferring their male to Taronga.

Caiman would certainly be an interesting addition to a South American precinct!

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Different reptile for me - Leatherback Turtle

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Different reptile for me - Leatherback Turtle

I have no idea how that would work but I’d love to see it

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

They had this in Carnivore trail and replaced it with herbivorous fish, butterflies and Reticulated Pythons.

I meant proper enclosure. That only housed a juvenile and it’s very small. I want something that is large enough for multiple adults, including basking space and plentiful water

 

[Jambo]

I’d love to see Philippine croc take the limelight, but I heard them at MZ would be giving up on them(very much a recurring theme).
I have one more question, is there any dove near the water treatment plant? Kinda seems like a colossal waste to me and surely there’s some space nearby

Melbourne aren’t phasing them out. Last time I talked to a keeper they hoped to acquire a female but didn’t have much options as a fair bit of the world population are descendants of Luzon.

The Water Treatment Plant does take up a fair bit of space which annoys me. It’s located where the former Bison enclosure was, so it’s a decent sized area and could be used for another Tapir enclosure (if Melbourne ever went the route of breeding Brazilians).

 

[Jambo]

I meant proper enclosure. That only housed a juvenile and it’s very small. I want something that is large enough for multiple adults, including basking space and plentiful water

That was Isobella and she was their adult breeding female! They are a rather small crocodile species. Also, they can be aggressive to one another so it’s better to keep them solitary. Especially if the zoo wishes to breed them.

 

[Jambo]

If Fisherman's Bend redevelopment ever gets up and going in a serious way AND if Metro Tunnel 2 (Newport/Spotswood to Clifton Hill via Fisherman's Bend, Southern Cross, Parkville, and Fitzroy) It could be a good area. Or potentially land in Spotswood close to Science Works.

I guess it really needs to be a brownfield site, close to water and relatively central to the city. Will never happen though. I doubt Zoos Victoria would want to hitch their wagon to Sea Life.

I’m just not sure if there will be the space close to the city. Fisherman’s bend is a nice choice, but I doubt that would be a suitable location for a Sea Life centre. There’s no space in Spotswood too, but I was thinking maybe a little further west in Altona? There’s a fair amount of open space there right next to the sea. It would give Zoos Vic a location right in between Melbourne and Werribee too. Or, I guess they could consider a location along the Eastern suburbs? Just not sure there will be the space for such a location without them having to go to far away from the city.