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

[Jambo]

A point of interest we previously discussed was Taronga publicly expressing an interest in Babirusa. Whether this was an oversight or an indication they intended to seek an exemption to importing them, I don’t know; but there could potentially be scope to do so if the interest was there. They would be of great interest to the visitors.

Melbourne did too actually.

Ultimately both were for their respective Asian precincts which were both new/being developed at the time. I assume it was more wishful thinking than anything (and Taronga's potentially in the same boat with Okapi unless they pull out a miracle).

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Pools wayyy to deep for the Gharial and they wouldn't be much of a sight just sitting at the bottom.

A tropical walkthrough's a nice idea though. Especially if they go with something like 'Rivers of the Tropical North' with native Australian fish/turtles/ (in the current Penguin enclosure) and then Saltwater/Freshwater Crocodile being the star attractions in the current Seal enclosure.

Of course renovations would be in order, in size, scope and decoration of the exhibit. As it currently stands gharial would not fit, but some tropical plant life and sand would be beneficial. Considering g the underwater viewing are, I don’t see gharial sitting on the bottom as too much of an issue, but it is one that can easily be fixed

 

[Zoofan15]

If the entire building was destroyed, are you sure there is not enough space for a larger felid. It’s pretty hard to judge but still seems decent sized. Of the species you mentioned fishing cat would be my preference. Albeit elusive, several could be housed in such a space. As for serval and caracal, I’d prefer to see both housed at WORZ long term(preferably on display). One of the keepers potentially hinted at more felid species, and caracal would be the far and away best option. I’m still of the opinion clouded leopard would be a great addition to the carnivore precinct with renovations to the coati exhibit. It’s still appropriate for one leopard though, and the theming of the playground nearby fits nicely indeed

Potentially Sri Lankan leopard could be an option. Being a solitary species, they would take up less space than a pride of lions; or a larger felid such as a tiger. Leopards are also highly adept at climbing and a tall cage (with ledges etc) would ensure they can build a decent sized exhibit on minimal floor space.

Caracal would be perfect. A fitting link to the African exhibits and a confident, active species to engage the visitors.

 

[Jambo]

Of course renovations would be in order, in size, scope and decoration of the exhibit. As it currently stands gharial would not fit, but some tropical plant life and sand would be beneficial. Considering g the underwater viewing are, I don’t see gharial sitting on the bottom as too much of an issue, but it is one that can easily be fixed

I was just stating the enclosure would be much boring than it actually is if a Gharial was just sitting at the bottom. At least if it was a large Saltwater crocodile, visitors would have something more impressive to gap at. Especially if they were able to combine it with some tropical fish species, which would make for a far more attractive display.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Melbourne did too actually.

Ultimately both were for their respective Asian precincts which were both new/being developed at the time. I assume it was more wishful thinking than anything (and Taronga's potentially in the same boat with Okapi unless they pull out a miracle).

The okapi mightn’t actually be that miraculous. It would of course be wishful thinking but a Giraffe IRA is apparently next in line, and okapi were allegedly part of the deal that sent platypus to San Diego. If anything we can supply them with breeders to fill up their colossal platypus facility. I believe @Zoofan15 had mapped out the entire theoretical deal thought, of which involved multiple facilities

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I was just stating the enclosure would be much boring than it actually is if a Gharial was just sitting at the bottom. At least if it was a large Saltwater crocodile, visitors would have something more impressive to gap at. Especially if they were able to combine it with some tropical fish species, which would make for a far more attractive display.

That is true, but gharial are more compatible with other species from what I hear. Various fish and an assortment of turtles would liven up the exhibit in the scenario the gharial are feeling particularly lethargic

 

[Zoofan15]

I was just stating the enclosure would be much boring than it actually is if a Gharial was just sitting at the bottom. At least if it was a large Saltwater crocodile, visitors would have something more impressive to gap at. Especially if they were able to combine it with some tropical fish species, which would make for a far more attractive display.

The exhibit would need a complete overall to house False gharial. Melbourne’s climate isn’t suitable for housing then outside year round, so tropical dome is the way to go. It would be an expensive undertaking, but most ideas for this space would require demolition of the pool - with the exception of Saltwater crocodile. Though not the most exciting species, they’d at least link nicely to the Platypus.

 

[Jambo]

That is true, but gharial are more compatible with other species from what I hear. Various fish and an assortment of turtles would liven up the exhibit in the scenario the gharial are feeling particularly lethargic

I was just thinking that Zoos Vic may still want to echo the Australian theme as it would still be a way to highlight their 'protect the oceans' campaign and could be changed to something more general but more effective imo; like 'protect the waterways'.

 

[Jambo]

The exhibit would need a complete overall to house False gharial. Melbourne’s climate isn’t suitable for housing then outside year round, so tropical dome is the way to go. It would be an expensive undertaking, but most ideas for this space would require demolition of the pool - with the exception of Saltwater crocodile. Though not the most exciting species, they’d at least link nicely to the Platypus.

Yes, Saltwater Crocodile would be best suited just simply due to their size. Especially if Melbourne had a display for feeding they could finally make use of those stands that they have opposite the seal pool!

I forgot about the Platypus. Them being opposite makes it even more perfect imo, and they would finally be apart of a trail.

 

[Zoofan15]

That is true, but gharial are more compatible with other species from what I hear. Various fish and an assortment of turtles would liven up the exhibit in the scenario the gharial are feeling particularly lethargic

The False gharial at Auckland Zoo cohabit well with a range of fish species. The dome includes multiple tanks, some of which are seperate from the False gharial. There’s plans to introduce turtles to the dome long term.

The False gharial are not an active species. 90% of the time, they’re resting (snout breaking the surface of the water) on ledges; with occasional swimming from the bottom of the pool to the ledge.

 

[Zoofan15]

The okapi mightn’t actually be that miraculous. It would of course be wishful thinking but a Giraffe IRA is apparently next in line, and okapi were allegedly part of the deal that sent platypus to San Diego. If anything we can supply them with breeders to fill up their colossal platypus facility. I believe @Zoofan15 had mapped out the entire theoretical deal thought, of which involved multiple facilities

My theory was for Taronga and Melbourne to acquire a pair each from Europe and North America. These two regions for the most part hold populations unrelated to each other, so by breeding calves from these pairings in Australasia, we could theoretically supply them with genetically valuable calves to broaden their gene pools.

It would also address the supply issue in part - neither region has an abundance of Okapi; but a request to both regions halves the demand we’re making - while ensuring a contingency for underperforming pairs.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

My theory was for Taronga and Melbourne to acquire a pair each from Europe and North America. These two regions for the most part hold populations unrelated to each other, so by breeding calves from these pairings in Australasia, we could theoretically supply them with genetically valuable calves to broaden their gene pools.

It would also address the supply issue in part - neither region has an abundance of Okapi; but a request to both regions halves the demand we’re making - while ensuring a contingency for underperforming pairs.

Does anyone know how mich space is actually at Growing Wild? I was thinking that the tropical dome brainstormed by @Jambo cpuld be featured here instead of taking up space in the TOTE. Best case scenario this allows Sloth Bear mountain to proceed while featuring some aspects of the orangutan expansion and the tropical dome. Potentially the Indian Gharial could be moved here, but my preference would be in the mountain as it stands. Featuring both species of Gharial would be unlikely and not appreciated by the public, so potentially the Philippine crocodile could be the centrepiece in such a dome, among housing smaller mammals, birds and reptiles, potentially even an indoor exhibit for komodo(the other being on the carnivore trail). Would be a massive hit in Winter and have great conservation implications. As for mammals maybe something like a muntjac or chevrotain? Or alternatively a small old world monkey, such as a talapoin which would be adored by children

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I don't think ZV would allow for the Growing Wild area to be clear felled. It is highly vegetated, and I think they would intend on retaining many of the old growth trees there, and put enclosures amongst it.
I could be completely wrong.
If a dome were to be built, my best bet would be that it would occupy one of the elephant paddocks, or the Wild Seas precinct, if that were to be demolished.

It would be a smaller precinct, but maybe a South American precinct could occupy Wild Seas space, connecting it directly to the Macaws.

 

[Jambo]

Does anyone know how mich space is actually at Growing Wild? I was thinking that the tropical dome brainstormed by @Jambo cpuld be featured here instead of taking up space in the TOTE. Best case scenario this allows Sloth Bear mountain to proceed while featuring some aspects of the orangutan expansion and the tropical dome. Potentially the Indian Gharial could be moved here, but my preference would be in the mountain as it stands. Featuring both species of Gharial would be unlikely and not appreciated by the public, so potentially the Philippine crocodile could be the centrepiece in such a dome, among housing smaller mammals, birds and reptiles, potentially even an indoor exhibit for komodo(the other being on the carnivore trail). Would be a massive hit in Winter and have great conservation implications. As for mammals maybe something like a muntjac or chevrotain? Or alternatively a small old world monkey, such as a talapoin which would be adored by children

It doesn't have 'large' amount of space, but I'd roughly say it compromises the same amount of area as Wild Seas maybe a little smaller.

 

[Jambo]

I don't think ZV would allow for the Growing Wild area to be clear felled. It is highly vegetated, and I think they would intend on retaining many of the old growth trees there, and put enclosures amongst it.
I could be completely wrong.
If a dome were to be built, my best bet would be that it would occupy one of the elephant paddocks, or the Wild Seas precinct, if that were to be demolished.

It would be a smaller precinct, but maybe a South American precinct could occupy Wild Seas space, connecting it directly to the Macaws.

I agree. As much as we don't like it, Growing Wild should be here to stay with or without some potential minor changes along the way.

A South American dome to replace Wild Seas is another brilliant idea. That's theoretically the only space left for a South American precinct left in the zoo and could be a nice exhibit; especially as it's located virtually in the centre of the zoo and would draw quite a lot of crowd. It would be a perfect replacement for the seals.

 

[Zoofan15]

Does anyone know how mich space is actually at Growing Wild? I was thinking that the tropical dome brainstormed by @Jambo cpuld be featured here instead of taking up space in the TOTE. Best case scenario this allows Sloth Bear mountain to proceed while featuring some aspects of the orangutan expansion and the tropical dome. Potentially the Indian Gharial could be moved here, but my preference would be in the mountain as it stands. Featuring both species of Gharial would be unlikely and not appreciated by the public, so potentially the Philippine crocodile could be the centrepiece in such a dome, among housing smaller mammals, birds and reptiles, potentially even an indoor exhibit for komodo(the other being on the carnivore trail). Would be a massive hit in Winter and have great conservation implications. As for mammals maybe something like a muntjac or chevrotain? Or alternatively a small old world monkey, such as a talapoin which would be adored by children

In an ideal world, I’d love to see growing Wild bulldozed and on this site build an orangutan exhibit (linked to the exisitng orangutan exhibit by an aerial pathway). Though like @The Sleepy Hippo says, the vegetation in Growing Wild would hinder this idea.

I can guarantee Melbourne Zoo won’t import Indian gharial and False gharial. Tbh, I’d be surprised if they held one of these in addition to Phillipine crocodile, but there may be some overlap if they intend to phase Phillipine crocodile out.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Apologies, I meant Wild Seas when I stated Growing Wild. As it stands the South American precinct would be optimal if Growing Wild is destroyed. The dome I was talking about would be at Wild Sea, and I was asking how much space is occupied by Wild sea. Also, it seems that Growing Wild certainly has more space that Wild Sea, considering the abandoned exhibits and observable space.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

In an ideal world, I’d love to see growing Wild bulldozed and on this site build an orangutan exhibit (linked to the exisitng orangutan exhibit by an aerial pathway). Though like @The Sleepy Hippo says, the vegetation in Growing Wild would hinder this idea.

I can guarantee Melbourne Zoo won’t import Indian gharial and False gharial. Tbh, I’d be surprised if they held one of these in addition to Phillipine crocodile, but there may be some overlap if they intend to phase Phillipine crocodile out.

I can’t say that would be my preference, but certainly not a bad idea. The Japanese island among the adjacent island should be a bough space and would have large overhead pathways. I anticipate Growing Wild will receive changes in the upcoming years, considering how much space isn’t currently used. I doubt it will be demolished, but there is still some space they will likely harness.

 

[Zoofan15]

I agree. As much as we don't like it, Growing Wild should be here to stay with or without some potential minor changes along the way.

A South American dome to replace Wild Seas is another brilliant idea. That's theoretically the only space left for a South American precinct left in the zoo and could be a nice exhibit; especially as it's located virtually in the centre of the zoo and would draw quite a lot of crowd. It would be a perfect replacement for the seals.

A South American dome could see them import a species of caiman, with the mammal species within the dome supplementing it offering a variation (or even an improvement) on Auckland Zoo’s tropical dome which currently houses just False gharial and fish.

The caiman could be sourced from North America. Spectacled caiman are held across multiple North American zoos and are ranked as Least Concern. They’d likely be imported for display only (as opposed to breeding) - the same as with Auckland’s False gharial.

 

[Jambo]

Apologies, I meant Wild Seas when I stated Growing Wild. As it stands the South American precinct would be optimal if Growing Wild is destroyed. The dome I was talking about would be at Wild Sea, and I was asking how much space is occupied by Wild sea. Also, it seems that Growing Wild certainly has more space that Wild Sea, considering the abandoned exhibits and observable space.

It does, but it's more so a trick of the eye, they're certainly of similar size to one another. The largeness of the Wild Sea building just fools most into thinking it to be smaller than it actually is.

Growing Wild only has one abandoned exhibit (which used to hold Mara) and it's a pretty tiny exhibit. So not much space else than can be seen.