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

[Jambo]

As am I, and I was basing my prior comments off the fact that I didn’t know colobus would likely move to WORZ. I still want to see baboons move to WORZ, but Mandrill would well suit the old enclosure. The only thing that could waver my opinion is if Jambos great plan came to fruition, and Bongo and Okapi replaced giraffe and zebra, and Mandrill would fit right in

Mandrill suited the old enclosure. The aforementioned enclosure has since been renovated, with the addition of new fence lines ect. that are specifically designed for Mandrill.

In saying that, if Mandrill were to return, Melbourne would only be able to accomodate a small group. The exhibits smaller than it looks, and I imagine the fact that Melbourne’s former group only reached four/five at max further supports this. Melbourne could never theoretically hold a large or even medium sized troop in that enclosure, which may have been one of the reasons for a phase out.

If Melbourne were to send baboons to Werribee, it would make a whole lot of sense to then focus on Mandrill (in the current baboon enclosure). They would have an abundance of space for breeding, and that’s the most realistic option for them going forward *if* they were to return to Melbourne.

 

[Zoofan15]

Mandrill suited the old enclosure. The aforementioned enclosure has since been renovated, with the addition of new fence lines ect. that are specifically designed for Mandrill.

In saying that, if Mandrill were to return, Melbourne would only be able to accomodate a small group. The exhibits smaller than it looks, and I imagine the fact that Melbourne’s former group only reached four/five at max further supports this. Melbourne could never theoretically hold a large or even medium sized troop in that enclosure, which may have been one of the reasons for a phase out.

If Melbourne were to send baboons to Werribee, it would make a whole lot of sense to then focus on Mandrill (in the current baboon enclosure). They would have an abundance of space for breeding, and that’s the most realistic option for them going forward *if* they were to return to Melbourne.

The Mandrill exhibit (opened 1992) has a capacity of five adults. In an ideal world, there would be opportunities to transfer out offspring at adolescence (and therefore breed reguarly); but a lack of interest from other holders means they'd like have to accommodate the majority of offspring long term within the troop.

With that in mind, Melbourne would likely import a pair or trio and retain offspring. Importing a young trio (who breed young) would ensure the troop all aged together; while enacting the same plan with 10 year olds would generate succession - the daughters would be young viable breeders when their elderly father passed.

 

[dylan downward]

Mandrill suited the old enclosure. The aforementioned enclosure has since been renovated, with the addition of new fence lines ect. that are specifically designed for Mandrill.

In saying that, if Mandrill were to return, Melbourne would only be able to accomodate a small group. The exhibits smaller than it looks, and I imagine the fact that Melbourne’s former group only reached four/five at max further supports this. Melbourne could never theoretically hold a large or even medium sized troop in that enclosure, which may have been one of the reasons for a phase out.

If Melbourne were to send baboons to Werribee, it would make a whole lot of sense to then focus on Mandrill (in the current baboon enclosure). They would have an abundance of space for breeding, and that’s the most realistic option for them going forward *if* they were to return to Melbourne.

I think I’d rather see them in there old exhibit

 

[Zoofan15]

I think I’d rather see them in there old exhibit

The Mandrill and Pygmy hippopotamus exhibit were designed to compliment the Western lowland gorilla exhibit based on geographical and biome arrangement. Therefore this exhibit remains the best fit with the zoo in its current state.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

The Mandrill and Pygmy hippopotamus exhibit were designed to compliment the Western lowland gorilla exhibit based on geographical and biome arrangement. Therefore this exhibit remains the best fit with the zoo in its current state.

Is there any space around the exhibit that it may be able to expand into? Surely there is a lot of unused forest that could be expanded to hold a medium sized troop

 

[Zoofan15]

Is there any space around the exhibit that it may be able to expand into? Surely there is a lot of unused forest that could be expanded to hold a medium sized troop

It would be quite an undertaking to clear all the vegetation, remodel the existing perimeter etc. I’m of the belief they’d either accept the limitations of the exhibit (maximum of five adults); or look into constructing a larger exhibit elsewhere.

Personally I’d love to see a huge troop of Mandrill accommodated in a large exhibit on the site of the elephant complex; but we know Zoos Victoria intend to house multiple species on this spot, which rules out such an outcome.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

If they knocked down that weatherboard house(?) building that stands to the right of the "Mandrill" exhibit, they could create second mandrill exhibit beside the existing one. This would allow to have a larger troop, and a separate exhibit which could allow flexibility in how they manage them.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Personally I’d love to see a huge troop of Mandrill accommodated in a large exhibit on the site of the elephant complex; but we know Zoos Victoria intend to house multiple species on this spot, which rules out such an outcome.

Sidenote, I'd love to see a big Mandrill exhibit on one of the Elephant paddocks, expand the Orangutan over the trail onto te island, and start a troop of Chimpanzee or Bonobo in another one of the paddocks.

 

[Zoofan15]

If they knocked down that weatherboard house(?) building that stands to the right of the "Mandrill" exhibit, they could create second mandrill exhibit beside the existing one. This would allow to have a larger troop, and a separate exhibit which could allow flexibility in how they manage them.

That would be useful. Some of the European zoos like Colchester manage a large troop, with new breeding males brought in every 8-10 years, but there’s greater opportunities to transfer out young males than what we can expect within Australasia.

Having a second exhibit would mean a bachelor troop could be established from the previous breeding male and his sons, ahead of a new breeding male heading up the main troop. Taronga previously held a bachelor troop.

 

[Zoofan15]

Sidenote, I'd love to see a big Mandrill exhibit on one of the Elephant paddocks, expand the Orangutan over the trail onto te island, and start a troop of Chimpanzee or Bonobo in another one of the paddocks.

I’d love to see chimpanzees return to Melbourne Zoo; though am thinking if they did, it’d be at Werribee where there’s space to manage a large community.

Taronga, Wellington and Monarto all hold large troops, which are recognised as beneficial to their social welfare. Many of the city zoos held small troops in the past and that in turn has led to social issues within those troops.

We know this isn’t in Werribee’s immediate plans, but it’d tie in really well to implement this in 10-15 years time when the huge cohort of female infants that’s recently been born approach the age of emigration from their natal troops.

 

[Jambo]

Is there any space around the exhibit that it may be able to expand into? Surely there is a lot of unused forest that could be expanded to hold a medium sized troop

No, there’s no space they can expand into unfortunately. Unless it was to the left, but the Pygmy Hippo exhibits currently sit there.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

If the behind the scenes building that stands directly to the right of the enclosure were demolised, and the facility it serves moved elsewhere in the ample open space in its vicinity there would be plenty of room for an expansion/duplication of the current enclosure.
The Pygmy Hippo enclosure is not the only direction it can move.

 

[Jambo]

If the behind the scenes building that stands directly to the right of the enclosure were demolised, and the facility it serves moved elsewhere in the ample open space in its vicinity there would be plenty of room for an expansion/duplication of the current enclosure.
The Pygmy Hippo enclosure is not the only direction it can move.

That area behind is also where the Zoo's Hospital and cottages are though?

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Sidenote, I'd love to see a big Mandrill exhibit on one of the Elephant paddocks, expand the Orangutan over the trail onto te island, and start a troop of Chimpanzee or Bonobo in another one of the paddocks.

I’m not a fan of that idea. There are so many potential candidates for that exhibit, some floated are rhino, leopard, tapir, okapi and Bongo. With a perfectly good Mandrill exhibit already in place, and potentially a change to expand as you previously stated, see no reason they’d occupy an elephant paddock. Chimpanzees returning in another exhibit would be less than ideal imo. Would be much better served at WORZ and is not something I believe would suit the area. Would you be interested in making your own species list for MZ? I believe Zoofan15 provided a template not long ago

 

[Zoofan15]

Would you be interested in making your own species list for MZ? I believe Zoofan15 provided a template not long ago

Mammals Template (2023)

The template is as follows for anyone who wants to use it:

Spoiler: 2023 Mammals Template

Mammals Template (2023 vs 2028)

The following is a list of mammals by precinct.

Gorilla Rainforest:

Current:

Pygmy hippopotamus
Western lowland gorilla
White-cheeked gibbon
Black and white colobus
Black-handed spider monkey
Black and white ruffed lemur
Ring-tailed lemur
Emperor tamarin
Cotton-top tamarin

Trail of the Elephants:

Current:

Asian elephant
Sumatran tiger
Asian small-clawed otter
Sumatran orangutan
Hybrid orangutan
Siamang
Bolivian squirrel monkey

Central Trail:

Current:

Nepalese red panda
Platypus
Giraffe
Plains zebra
Hamadryas baboon
Malayan tapir
Collard peccary

Australian Bush:

Current:

Tasmanian devil
Eastern grey kangaroo
Southern hairy-nosed wombat
Koala

Wild Sea:

Current:

Australian sea lion
New Zealand fur seal

Lion Gorge:

Current:

African lion
Sumatran tiger
Snow leopard
Dingo
Tasmanian devil
Brown-nosed coati

Growing Wild:

Current:

Slender-tailed meerkat

Simply edit out mammals you wish to see removed from the collection; and edit in mammals you wish to see added to the collection.

 

[Zoofan15]

I’m not a fan of that idea. There are so many potential candidates for that exhibit, some floated are rhino, leopard, tapir, okapi and Bongo. With a perfectly good Mandrill exhibit already in place, and potentially a change to expand as you previously stated, see no reason they’d occupy an elephant paddock. Chimpanzees returning in another exhibit would be less than ideal imo. Would be much better served at WORZ and is not something I believe would suit the area. Would you be interested in making your own species list for MZ? I believe Zoofan15 provided a template not long ago

Zoos Victoria will need to consider what species are best suited to a city zoo and which species are best suited to an open range zoo. As a generalisation, rainforest species are better suited to the the former; and savannah and grasslands species the latter.

Chimpanzees are an exception to the above rule. They have a large, open plan exhibit at Monarto and Taronga Zoo (the latter which could easily be situated in an open range setting) and as long as there is some provision for shade, the need for space outweighs anything else.

Indian rhinoceros may well start off at Melbourne, but should be relocated to Werribee long term imo - as per my previous idea of replacing them with Okapi.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I’m not a fan of that idea. There are so many potential candidates for that exhibit, some floated are rhino, leopard, tapir, okapi and Bongo. With a perfectly good Mandrill exhibit already in place, and potentially a change to expand as you previously stated, see no reason they’d occupy an elephant paddock. Chimpanzees returning in another exhibit would be less than ideal imo. Would be much better served at WORZ and is not something I believe would suit the area. Would you be interested in making your own species list for MZ? I believe Zoofan15 provided a template not long ago

There are many musings on this thread, I agree.

The current exhibit is good but small. It potentially could be extended as I suggested. To Jambo's response, I am unsure what the current function of the weatherboard is but my thoughts are that architecturally its not necessary to keep, and that around the Zoos Vic corporate office behind it there is a lot of open space that is extremely underutilised considering the already small footprint for the zoo as a whole, and this open space could be utilised to house a new facility to serve the same function as the building I would happily see demolished for an exhibit.

If the Mandrill exhibit could be extended as I suggested then I would prefer Mandrill there in the Gorilla Forest, however if this isn't possible as Jambo suggests it may not, then I'd say that the elephant paddock that Man Jai occupies could easily, size-wise, be converted to a decent sized Mandrill exhibit. By eye it is roughly the same size as the current Baboon enclosure. This would allow for a sizeable Mandrill troop.

As to Chimpanzee, I wouldn't describe them having the top Elephant paddock as less than ideal. It is a larger enclosure that would allow a sizeable troop. Put some Bonobo in Luk Chai's paddock and bingo - Melbourne Zoo has a grouping of each of the world's Great Apes.

This isn't me saying that this is my final list of what I would ideally house, but speculation of what is possible

 

[Zoofan15]

If the Mandrill exhibit could be extended as I suggested then I would prefer Mandrill there in the Gorilla Forest, however if this isn't possible as Jambo suggests it may not, then I'd say that the elephant paddock that Man Jai occupies could easily, size-wise, be converted to a decent sized Mandrill exhibit. By eye it is roughly the same size as the current Baboon enclosure. This would allow for a sizeable Mandrill troop.

As to Chimpanzee, I wouldn't describe them having the top Elephant paddock as less than ideal. It is a larger enclosure that would allow a sizeable troop. Put some Bonobo in Luk Chai's paddock and bingo - Melbourne Zoo has a grouping of each of the world's Great Apes.

Monarto Zoo and Hamilton Zoo’s chimpanzee exhibits are 1.5 ha and 1.2 ha respectively. Each can accomodate up to 15 chimpanzees.

Melbourne Zoo’s elephant complex (which includes the Asian village, marketplace etc). comprises 2.5 ha.

With this in mind, Melbourne Zoo could potentially build two spectacular exhibits for Mandrill and Common chimpanzee in this space and house decent sized troops of each.

If exploring primate options for this area, it’d be my preference to see this over three adequate sized exhibits for Common chimpanzee, Mandrill and Bonobo - which will soon be perceived as lacking in space as welfare standards evolve.

Given the lack of ZAA interest in Bonobo, they would be first on the chopping block if I’m choosing three species; with this plan also discounting the housing of several smaller monkey species - which though more biodiverse, would have less visitor appeal than large troops of Mandrill and Common chimpanzee.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Monarto Zoo and Hamilton Zoo’s chimpanzee exhibits are 1.5 ha and 1.2 ha respectively. Each can accomodate up to 15 chimpanzees.

Melbourne Zoo’s elephant complex (which includes the Asian village, marketplace etc). comprises 2.5 ha.

With this in mind, Melbourne Zoo could potentially build two spectacular exhibits for Mandrill and Common chimpanzee in this space and house decent sized troops of each.

If exploring primate options for this area, it’d be my preference to see this over three adequate sized exhibits for Common chimpanzee, Mandrill and Bonobo - which will soon be perceived as lacking in space as welfare standards evolve.

Given the lack of ZAA interest in Bonobo, they would be first on the chopping block if I’m choosing three species; with this plan also discounting the housing of several smaller monkey species - which though more biodiverse, would have less visitor appeal than large troops of Mandrill and Common chimpanzee.

I’m still of the opinion chimpanzees would be a great addition at WORZ. Now that you mentioned it, do you believe MZ might knockdown all the elephant related villages and marketplace sun place of potentially new species? Or do you believe it will just be a small renovation to get rid of the theming

 

[Zoofan15]

I’m still of the opinion chimpanzees would be a great addition at WORZ. Now that you mentioned it, do you believe MZ might knockdown all the elephant related villages and marketplace sun place of potentially new species? Or do you believe it will just be a small renovation to get rid of the theming

I’m hopeful it’s for the scrap heap. I know some people rave about it from an education/awareness perspective, but it’s taking up valuable real estate and the majority of visitors coming through have seen it many times before - lessening the impact it once had.

If they can retain it, I think they will; but it’d be difficult to retheme it if the species comprise of Indian rhinoceros, Malayan tapir and Eastern bongo - so ultimately it’ll come down to what direction they want to go in for this precinct.