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

[Jambo]

I’d prefer to see something of that’s scale at WORZ, where space isn’t as much of an issue

I'd prefer to see it at Melbourne as I think it would be a better use of space.

I feel like such an attraction would do better at Werribee where there's more space to create something on a worldclass level (and would allow the Nocturnal House to feature African species as well). It would also help to enhance Werribee's collection, which currently mainly consists of larger species.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

My wording there wasn't exactly the best there. I was more so referring to the region phasing them out as a whole.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I feel like such an attraction would do better at Werribee where there's more space to create something on a worldclass level (and would allow the Nocturnal House to feature African species as well). It would also help to enhance Werribee's collection, which currently mainly consists of larger species.

But if Werribee, as stated on this forum, is dedicated to being African themed,then that is precisely why I would not want to waste such a facility.

There are so many amazing species that could be included in such a facility. And the beauty of it being indoors is that it could be multi leveled with an underground level, and ground level, doubling the space.

Night Hunters at Cincinnati is a great example of what could be done.

As for Moonlit, fair call, but my idea has never been Australian native focused, and if a point of difference is needed, the rest of my list would be that difference.

 

[Jambo]

But if Werribee, as stated on this forum, is dedicated to being African themed,then that is precisely why I would not want to waste such a facility.

There are so many amazing species that could be included in such a facility. And the beauty of it being indoors is that it could be multi leveled with an underground level, and ground level, doubling the space.

Night Hunters at Cincinnati is a great example of what could be done.

As for Moonlit, fair call, but my idea has never been Australian native focused, and if a point of difference is needed, the rest of my list would be that difference.

Werribee could easily create a central complex near the entrance that could include species from Africa, Australia ect. I don't see there being a reason with it being 'not solely African themed'.

Melbourne don't have the space for a facility on the scale of the one at Cincinnati though; that's the problem. I'd much prefer a larger, more impressive complex at Werribee focusing on only African/Australian species (if thats the case) than a smaller, more diverse one at Melbourne.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

The Trail of the Elephants is soon to lose elephants leaving over half that precinct as empty space. I would argue there is tonnes of space.

 

[Zoofan15]

But if Werribee, as stated on this forum, is dedicated to being African themed,then that is precisely why I would not want to waste such a facility.

There are so many amazing species that could be included in such a facility. And the beauty of it being indoors is that it could be multi leveled with an underground level, and ground level, doubling the space.

Night Hunters at Cincinnati is a great example of what could be done.

As for Moonlit, fair call, but my idea has never been Australian native focused, and if a point of difference is needed, the rest of my list would be that difference.

I agree something large scale would be a huge attraction, but there's no reason it couldn't be built at Werribee.

Historically, Werribee have been African-centric, but the Asian elephants represent a detraction from what would otherwise be a very limiting business model. All the open range zoos have to accept we don't have access to enough African species to persist with soley African zoos.

 

[Zoofan15]

The Trail of the Elephants is soon to lose elephants leaving over half that precinct as empty space. I would argue there is tonnes of space.

There will be a large amount of space vacated. Ultimately, it'll be depend on what species Melbourne have identified as priorities. Larger ungulates such as Indian rhinoceros will have both commercial appeal and require the least alterations to existing infrastructure (cost effective).

 

[Jambo]

The Trail of the Elephants is soon to lose elephants leaving over half that precinct as empty space. I would argue there is tonnes of space.

As far as I know, they'll be using the current elephant enclosures in a way; maintaining the general infrastructure rather than demolishing it all. Also, don't think a Nocturnal House would fit the theming of that area, being an Asian precinct.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

The Night Hunters exhibit is physically only the size of the paddock adjoining the barn.
As an empty plot it would easily fit.
I agree that it wouldn't necessarily fit an Asian theme but to me it isn't a reason not to.
As I have said before, in this area is the Butterfly House and I do think this is a great opportunity to build an Insectarium where amongst other amazing creatures, they could display some Lord Howe Island Stick Insects, which they breed by the thousand in a small greenhouse just behind there. (as seen with David Attenborough)
Their keeper/breeder when I met them on site did lament that MZ doesn't have the facility to show them off. Was very lucky a month back to get to spend a good long while with them showing off their work and all that has been accomplished with that long term success story. Extremely knowledgeable and great to hear.

 

[Zoofan15]

The Night Hunters exhibit is physically only the size of the paddock adjoining the barn.
As an empty plot it would easily fit.
I agree that it wouldn't necessarily fit an Asian theme but to me it isn't a reason not to.
As I have said before, in this area is the Butterfly House and I do think this is a great opportunity to build an Insectarium where amongst other amazing creatures, they could display some Lord Howe Island Stick Insects, which they breed by the thousand in a small greenhouse just behind there. (as seen with David Attenborough)
Their keeper/breeder when I met them on site did lament that MZ doesn't have the facility to show them off. Was very lucky a month back to get to spend a good long while with them showing off their work and all that has been accomplished with that long term success story. Extremely knowledgeable and great to hear.

The issue with insects is they lack the commercial appeal of megafauna and are greatly under appreciated. I feel the same way about small felids, but along with conservation of native species (which I think we all agree are already catered for in abundance by Zoos Victoria); their greatest emphasis is on displaying enabling species.

Enabling species are what bring visitors through the doors and when the elephants go, the visitors will be expecting a replacement. The species that fit the bill are limited; and those that are feasible are even more limited (they’re obviously not going to acquire Giant panda for example).

A nocturnal house or insect house would be a great addition to Werribee, where it’s not perceived as taking up space; but Melbourne needs to be savvy here - and megafauna is and always will be the answer.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I agree that something that gets people coming through the gates would be ideal. An insectarium could really just take over the space of the Bong Su Room with an annex to it on the land behind the toilet block. Have an entrance to the annex opposite the exit from the Butterfly House, where the current display showing photos and information about Lord Howe Stick Insects is This annex could exhibit LHISI in it, and then the converted Bong Su room could hold the rest of the insectarium.

A new function space could be built elsewhere, and one honouring Bong Su be built in the Waterhole precinct at Werribee and the new Elephant enclosure there.

If we are talking a need for an exciting, get people through the gate to come to the zoo, that definitely rules tapir out of the running. I don't think the general public really know what they are or particularly care for them in any great way. MZ obviously feels similarly otherwise they'd have been displayed in a more prominent location than the tucked away area they currently are in, and they would have come up with a working solution to the bright sun problem.

 

[Zoofan15]

I agree that something that gets people coming through the gates would be ideal. An insectarium could really just take over the space of the Bong Su Room with an annex to it on the land behind the toilet block. Have an entrance to the annex opposite the exit from the Butterfly House, where the current display showing photos and information about Lord Howe Stick Insects is This annex could exhibit LHISI in it, and then the converted Bong Su room could hold the rest of the insectarium.

A new function space could be built elsewhere, and one honouring Bong Su be built in the Waterhole precinct at Werribee and the new Elephant enclosure there.

If we are talking a need for an exciting, get people through the gate to come to the zoo, that definitely rules tapir out of the running. I don't think the general public really know what they are or particularly care for them in any great way. MZ obviously feels similarly otherwise they'd have been displayed in a more prominent location than the tucked away area they currently are in, and they would have come up with a working solution to the bright sun problem.

There’s really two ways Melbourne could go with this:

The indication we’ve been given from staff is that multiple species will replace the elephants. Under this model, no species alone would be considered a replacement for the elephants; but combined, they’ll create an enabling precinct. In this case, there would be an overarching theme - perhaps South Asia; or something more generic like rainforests, which would allow them to incorporate multiple continents.

The other option is a continuation of Melbourne’s history of an all or nothing approach. Historical examples include the Lion Park and Gorilla Rainforest, where they created the largest complex for those species in the region at that time. This allowed them, not only to build something spectacular, but breed crowd-pulling species on a regular basis. I mention this as a point of interest as I believe the first idea is the route they’ll take; but I’m sure we’d all love to see a complex dedicated to a high profile species of megafauna. Since bears are notably absent, Sloth Bear Mountain anyone???

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Don’t you think with the right advertising a tapir could be a crowd puller?

I agree that something that gets people coming through the gates would be ideal. An insectarium could really just take over the space of the Bong Su Room with an annex to it on the land behind the toilet block. Have an entrance to the annex opposite the exit from the Butterfly House, where the current display showing photos and information about Lord Howe Stick Insects is This annex could exhibit LHISI in it, and then the converted Bong Su room could hold the rest of the insectarium.

A new function space could be built elsewhere, and one honouring Bong Su be built in the Waterhole precinct at Werribee and the new Elephant enclosure there.

If we are talking a need for an exciting, get people through the gate to come to the zoo, that definitely rules tapir out of the running. I don't think the general public really know what they are or particularly care for them in any great way. MZ obviously feels similarly otherwise they'd have been displayed in a more prominent location than the tucked away area they currently are in, and they would have come up with a working solution to the bright sun problem.

Tell me With a straight face that anything looks even remotely similar. It also fits the conservation bill, and I refuse to believe general public wouldn’t be fascinated by such a creature if it wasn’t tucked away in the corner. On top of this, every time I’m near semangka visitors are always marvelling at her and wondering what she is. Great species and would be certainly popular

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

There’s really two ways Melbourne could go with this:

The indication we’ve been given from staff is that multiple species will replace the elephants. Under this model, no species alone would be considered a replacement for the elephants; but combined, they’ll create an enabling precinct. In this case, there would be an overarching theme - perhaps South Asia; or something more generic like rainforests, which would allow them to incorporate multiple continents.

The other option is a continuation of Melbourne’s history of an all or nothing approach. Historical examples include the Lion Park and Gorilla Rainforest, where they created the largest complex for those species in the region at that time. This allowed them, not only to build something spectacular, but breed crowd-pulling species on a regular basis. I mention this as a point of interest as I believe the first idea is the route they’ll take; but I’m sure we’d all love to see a complex dedicated to a high profile species of megafauna. Since bears are notably absent, Sloth Bear Mountain anyone???

Everyone would love to see a species of bear. I personally think that Indian Rhino and Sri Lankan leopard/Sloth bear would be great in the elephant paddocks. If they moved Indrah and Hutan in together then that opens up an enclosure that could be potentially used for Sun Bear. A completely revamped elephant trail featuring leopards, tapirs, bears and rhinos is sure to be enough of a replacement for elephants

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

See, I like Semangka, but rarely see many near the exhibit on any of my regular visits (and unless going to an early morning encounter I exclusively use the Railway Entrance).

I must completely disagree. If in a more prominent location, I am sure more people would stop by, but tapir will never be a destination, reason I came to the zoo species for the general public. Yes for enthusiasts, no for the other 99.9%.
I applaud your enthusiasm and optimism, but I do believe it's just the reality of the situation.

Maybe they can go to Werribee where they have the space to build an enclosure with proper sun protection.

 

[Zoofan15]

Don’t you think with the right advertising a tapir could be a crowd puller?

Tell me With a straight face that anything looks even remotely similar. It also fits the conservation bill, and I refuse to believe general public wouldn’t be fascinated by such a creature if it wasn’t tucked away in the corner. On top of this, every time I’m near semangka visitors are always marvelling at her and wondering what she is. Great species and would be certainly popular

Crowd-puller? No.

Great addition? Yes.

I discussed Malayan tapir with a crowd of non-zoo friends this week. None of them knew what it was. Only one knew what a tapir was (and even then didn’t know there were different species). They were interested to hear about their issues with the Australian sun; and even more intrigued to see photos of them. As unbelievable as their reaction sounds, it’s pretty consistent throughout the general adult population, who have only a basic knowledge of zoos.

With this in mind, I doubt having Malayan tapir will draw the crowds in (as indeed it hasn’t to date); but I similarly have no doubt everyone who meets them will be intrigued and agree they’re a good supporting act to the adjacent higher profile species they came to see.

 

[Zoofan15]

Everyone would love to see a species of bear. I personally think that Indian Rhino and Sri Lankan leopard/Sloth bear would be great in the elephant paddocks. If they moved Indrah and Hutan in together then that opens up an enclosure that could be potentially used for Sun Bear. A completely revamped elephant trail featuring leopards, tapirs, bears and rhinos is sure to be enough of a replacement for elephants

The combination of those species would be phenomenal, though even with the reclamation of the Sumatran tiger exhibit, I’d be concerned the number of megafauna species would inhibit the creation of a world class exhibit.

I’d prefer to see the Indian rhinoceros housed at Werribee (which we all agree would be their long term destination anyway); and Melbourne create a huge Sloth bear exhibit (supported by a smaller Sri Lankan leopard exhibit). The combination of these two carnivores would hold endless appeal - with exhibits that will meet their needs for several decades.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

See, I like Semangka, but rarely see many near the exhibit on any of my regular visits (and unless going to an early morning encounter I exclusively use the Railway Entrance).

I must completely disagree. If in a more prominent location, I am sure more people would stop by, but tapir will never be a destination, reason I came to the zoo species for the general public. Yes for enthusiasts, no for the other 99.9%.
I applaud your enthusiasm and optimism, but I do believe it's just the reality of the situation.

Maybe they can go to Werribee where they have the space to build an enclosure with proper sun protection.

I never said they would be a crowd puller, but they are at risk of extinction and could cause a lot of intrigue. As I stated, there are rarely people at Semangka’s enclosure due to its suboptimal position. When people do see it they are thoroughly impressed. You say you appreciate my optimism, but forget that Malayan tapir are already housed at the zoo and are supposedly in discussion. This nocturnal house has no substance, so I’d say the same to you. There is no need to build a large enclosure with sun shades, when the barn is a perfect place and doesn’t take up a large amount of space

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

The combination of those species would be phenomenal, though even with the reclamation of the Sumatran tiger exhibit, I’d be concerned the number of megafauna species would inhibit the creation of a world class exhibit.

I’d prefer to see the Indian rhinoceros housed at Werribee (which we all agree would be their long term destination anyway); and Melbourne create a huge Sloth bear exhibit (supported by a smaller Sri Lankan leopard exhibit). The combination of these two carnivores would hold endless appeal - with exhibits that will meet their needs for several decades.

I completely agree. For now Indian Rhino would be the better idea imo, but should be moved to WORZ when space becomes limited. Sri Lankan leopard would be great, and a large sloth bear exhibit featuring a langur species would be a great attraction. I must admit I’m not sure what you mean in the first statement. Are you saying the sun bear exhibit wouldn’t be first class? Or did you think I meant all those species would be housed in the elephant paddocks

 

[Zoofan15]

I must admit I’m not sure what you mean in the first statement. Are you saying the sun bear exhibit wouldn’t be first class? Or did you think I meant all those species would be housed in the elephant paddocks

I was meaning that with three elephants exhibits and one Sumatran tiger exhibit, there would only be room to create acceptable exhibits for a bull and cow Indian rhinoceros, Sloth bear and Sri Lankan leopard within that space.

The exhibits would no doubt be built to a high standard, but would be vulnerable to ageing two decades from now; as opposed to a complex like the Gorilla Rainforest, which is as impressive now as it was 33 years ago when it was built.

If we take the Indian rhinoceros out, that frees up two elephant paddocks to build Sloth bear mountain (a huge bear exhibit that will more than suffice for decades to come). Sri Lankan leopard would occupy the third exhibit and then the Sumatran tiger exhibit could either continue to hold this species; or be repurposed for something else.