Orangutans would be a good enough replacement if they exhibited them in the right way as I said. Komodo Dragons would surely be a secondary attraction. I've been to many zoos were I've seen crowds gaping at the Komodos, and have even heard people say 'Let's go check out the dragons'. They're a fascinating species and if they too are exhibited well, they can be an attraction too. The San Diego Zoo recently opened a new Childrens Zoo with Komodos as one of the main attractions, so it can be done.
I agree. What i would pay to see a kiwi again. Not to mention their most notorious wildlife, the elusive New Zealand moose
Once visitors are in the door, I have no doubt that if pulled off well they will be satisfied. The problem is an actual draw card. Upon moving to WORZ, the elephants will be extremely popular. When the general public realise the only new species replacing the elephants is a Komodo dragon, not that they aren’t very popular, I’m not sure they would see it worth it. The real issue with this is not satisfying the visitors, but giving them a reason to come in the doors instead of WORZ. With only an expansion and Komodo’s, I just don’t see how it works, albeit I’m very optimistic
I agree, but I think a new Orangutan expansion would serve just as much of an attraction imo. Most visitors would be excited to see something of the like, similar to Auckland's new precinct. But I feel like the concept of them being actual islands, would make them even better.
They are present regionally, but both are ~4hour flight away. I can only see Perth and Auckland Zoos inspiring Melbourne to follow suit.
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It would certainly be an attraction, but expanded facilities for a species that is already there will likely not get visitors through the door. Like I said, once visitors arrive they would be marvelled, but as a member of the public, I wouldn’t see bigger ‘monkey’ enclosures as a reason to go. If there is a way to integrate and actual draw card that will get people into the zoo, only to be blown away by the orangutan facilities, it would be our best bet. And yes, having bears as a point of difference will certainly appeal more than expanded orangutan facilities. If it’s a possibility, zoos Victoria would be wise to focus on them. As of right now, MZ doesn’t have any species that make it a must see destination(aside from maybe snow leopard, and peccaries if you are an animal fanatic)
They are present regionally, but both are ~4hour flight away. I can only see Perth and Auckland Zoos inspiring Melbourne to follow suit.
The only exhibit that I could picture being a deterrant due to competition would be Adelaide's Giant Panda exhibit - 1 for proximity (sort of) but mostly as it is the only regional holder, and it is a unique holding situation with all the costs of housing.
(Though clearly I was recently suggesting we muscle in on Adelaide, considering we took the Grand Prix, it would be harsh to take away that city's only other drawcard
I can’t tell you how many people call orangutans monkeys. Even full grown adults… More people call orangutans monkeys than people who call wild dogs hyenas, and they literally had to put a sign up to stop itTake that back!!!
New world class facilities will surely be an attraction to members of the general public.
I’ve obviously been a zoo person less than you guys, but I’m just not sure if I’m honest.I really do like the concept, and visitors will want to keep coming back once they see it, but they need an incentive to come the first time, and they will keep on coming back.
Realistically, the best replacement for the elephants would no doubt be bears. Orangutans are great and all, but I’m willing to bet at least 8/10 members of the public would prefer to see a bear than an orangutan. All my friends and family who don’t appreciate animals nearly as much as me echo this. Elephants are probably the most popular animals with the public, followed by the textbook big cats and closely followed by bears and gorillas. Orangutans are in the next tier below leopards, jaguars and rhinos.
I don't think you have tbh. We're not as old as you think.
With this expansion, surely there is no way it would encompass 2.5 ha, that just seems over the top. Even if one acre was designated to bears, which would be the draw card they desperately need, there would be more than enough space for a world class facility. Bears would get them in the door, orangutans would keep them coming. Something to consider, I did only join this yearI don't think you have tbh. We're not as old as you think.
Experiencing Auckland's new precinct has somewhat inspired me re. the Islands expansion. If I hadn't seen and experienced it, I honestly don't think I would have that opinion. But it's really one of a kind, and I myself would 100% want to go back to experience it again. I'm sure the public would feel the same.
And it's not like the elephants would leave a MASSIVE gap. Obviously it would be, but I honestly doubt most of the public would switch to visiting Werribee just because they have Werribee. Even with the upcoming expansions, I'd still have Melbourne as a priority personally. They'd still have much more overall attractions than Werribee.
In saying that, Werribee's closing in. They have Gorillas, Lions, Hippos, Giraffe, Elephants, Cheetahs. Melbourne have Gorillas, Orangutans, Giraffe, Baboons, Seals, Lions, Snow Leopards, Tigers. As you can see, the Orangutans and Tigers are two of the main points of differences Melbourne would have over Werribee. Imo they need to take advantage of that by implementing the expansion.