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

[PaddyRickMFZ]

There’s room for two adequate exhibits in that space, but if you factor in a winter house and keeper facilities, I’m not sure there’d be enough room. It’s also essential to future proof. What’s an adequate size now will be looking outdated a decade from now. A large exhibit now will look adequate in the equivalent time.

The giraffe/zebra paddock would be perfect size wise to develop a Komodo complex if Zoos Victoria ever bite the bullet and phase out these species. The zebras won’t be missed; and people can still see the giraffes at Werribee if they mean that much to them.

Surely there is some space around the devils that could be used aswell. Also, Komodo’s taking up the giraffe space wouldn’t be ideal especially if it inhibits space for rarer ungulates such as okapi or bongo. I was thinking the winter house could be in the dome

 

[Jambo]

Surely there is some space around the devils that could be used aswell. Also, Komodo’s taking up the giraffe space wouldn’t be ideal especially if it inhibits space for rarer ungulates such as okapi or bongo. I was thinking the winter house could be in the dome

There's not really any usable space around the Devils. I don't think there'd be enough space.

The best spot for Komodos would have to be either where the Tapir/Peccary are now, or a single enclosure down in Growing Wild. Don't see them building one anywhere else; there's just not the space.

 

[Zoofan15]

Okapi Export Analysis (Europe)

I’ve had a look over the European population for the purpose of assessing the potential to export Okapi from their regional population.

The population list I have available is current as of January 2023, but since it doesn’t list parentage, my assessment is purely made on demographics (age and gender).

Okapi can typically live 20-25 years in captivity and attain sexual maturity around the age of two years. Give these parameters and the effort involved to import, it’s commonsense to acquire young animals. My assessment will therefore focus on those born 2019 onwards (maximum of four years of age).

This assessment is purely for interest’s sake. Australia lacks the IRA needed to import them; though hypothetically speaking, import via New Zealand would be possible.

In assessing the regional population, it’s clear that some Okapi have been paired i.e. they’ve been transferred to a zoo that isn’t their birth zoo, which has opposite sex Okapi; or an unrelated Okapi has been transferred in. Clearly paired Okapi are therefore noted.

European Regional Population:

2019: 2.6 (1.3 paired)
2020: 3.3
2021: 1.3 (1.0 paired)
2022: 9.1
Total: 15.13 (2.3 paired)

List originally compiled by @MennoPebesma:

Spoiler: European Okapi Population (2023)

Zoo Antwerpen

1,0 Ubundu (26-01-2019, Zoo Antwerpen)
1,0 Xandor (23-02-2022, Zoo Antwerpen)
1,0 Xambo (07-10-2022, Zoo Antwerpen)


Zoo du Bassin d’Arcachon

1,0 Likasi (26-10-2022, Zoo du Bassin d'Arcachon)


ZooParc de Beauval

0,1 Quinta (30-10-2019, Zoo Basel) P

Parc de Branféré

1,0 Thabo (19-01-2020, Zoo Leipzig)
1,0 Guus (19-06-2020, Beekse Bergen)

Zoo Berlin

1,0 Laluk (07-04-2020, Wilhelma Stuttgart)

Zoo Frankfurt

0,1 Elikia (10-12-2020, Zoo Frankfurt)

Cologne Zoo

1,0 Quenco (18-02-2019, Zoo Basel) P
1,0 Kijana (??-06-2022, Cologne Zoo)
0,1 Imani (12-10-2019, Cologne Zoo) P


Wilhelma Stuttgart

1,0 Isito (04-10-2022, Wilhelma Stuttgart)
0,1 Thamani (02-03-2022, Wilhelma Stuttgart)

Zoo Wuppertal

0,1 Niara (08-03-2021, Zoo Wuppertal)

Dublin Zoo

1,0 Leki (07-07-2022, Dublin Zoo)

Parco Zoo Falconara

1,0 Italo (24-04-2022, Parco Zoo Falconara)

Beekse Bergen

1,0 Dex (25-03-2022, Beekse Bergen)

Diergaarde Blijdorp

0,1 Kisala (02-09-2019, Diergaarde Blijdorp)
0,1 Mhina (26-11-2019, Diergaarde Blijdorp)
0,1 Mayala (21-11-2021, Diergaarde Blijdorp)

Lisbon Zoo

0,1 Dalia (31-10-2019, Dublin Zoo) P

Zoo Basel

1,0 Toka (10-07-2022, Zoo Basel)

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

1,0 Mzimu (30-10-2021, Yorkshire Wildlife Park) P

Chester Zoo

0,1 Nia-Nia (28-12-2020, Chester Zoo)
0,1 Kora (00-12-2021, Chester Zoo)

London Zoo

0,1 Ede (21-09-2020, London Zoo)

Marwell Zoo

0,1 Niari (17-04-2019, Marwell Zoo)

Conclusion:

From the data, it’s clear that they have a surplus of bulls within this age demographic. Okapi are not a monogamous species and bulls can and do breed with multiple females. The population of 15 bulls to 13 cows suggests they can spare several bulls, taking into account genetic value of the remaining population.

Okapi are sexually mature around the age of two years (cows usually mature even earlier). Despite this, there are several Okapi who appear to be unpaired at this point in time.

We can assume there are plans for pairings we’re unaware of - but I’m of the belief that if the situation was that critical and every Okapi was as valuable as people have previously claimed; then there wouldn’t be a second to waste and Okapi would be transferred out and into breeding situations by their second birthday.

Instead what we can see if multiple reproductive age Okapi not in breeding situations and a clear surplus of bulls (including some at bull only facilities). I’d additionally argue there’s adequate numbers of young cows to spare a minimum of one to Australasia; but will assess the North American population before making an overall judgement.

Please note: These opinions are my own and based on the information I have available to me. Limitations to this assessment are detailed above.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Surely there is some space around the devils that could be used aswell. Also, Komodo’s taking up the giraffe space wouldn’t be ideal especially if it inhibits space for rarer ungulates such as okapi or bongo. I was thinking the winter house could be in the dome

There would be some room there around the devils for keeper spaces etc. There is a decent (not huge) space behind the devils. Land between the Railgate Cafe and Leopard Lodge.

 

[Zoofan15]

There would be some room there around the devils for keeper spaces etc. There is a decent (not huge) space behind the devils. Land between the Railgate Cafe and Leopard Lodge.

On a side note, it’d be nice to see more variation within the Carnviores precinct. Another reptile species (especially an apex predator like the Komodo dragon) would balance out the many mammals; and they still don’t have any bird species represented - which is surprising given the abundance of birds of prey they could house there.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

On a side note, it’d be nice to see more variation within the Carnviores precinct. Another reptile species (especially an apex predator like the Komodo dragon) would balance out the many mammals; and they still don’t have any bird species represented - which is surprising given the abundance of birds of prey they could house there.

If a bird was housed there I’d prefer one from another region. It’s a shame something like secretary bird can’t be imported

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

There's not really any usable space around the Devils. I don't think there'd be enough space.

The best spot for Komodos would have to be either where the Tapir/Peccary are now, or a single enclosure down in Growing Wild. Don't see them building one anywhere else; there's just not the space.

@The Sleepy Hippo seems to think differently and the carnivore precicnt would certainly be my first choice. If there really isn’t any space (which I doubt) then he peccary row is Certainly an option. If semangka moved to the barn and the peccaries were transferred out for breeding purposes(or for other reasons), I could easily see komodos moving there. How much space would the combination of those exhibits equate to?

 

[Zoofan15]

If a bird was housed there I’d prefer one from another region. It’s a shame something like secretary bird can’t be imported

A Secretary bird would bring people in from the four corners of the region. The best we could hope for with regards to exotic predatory bird species is the Andean condor (technically more of a scavenger). There’s a surplus female within the region bearing in mind there’s 1.2 young birds (siblings).

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

A Secretary bird would bring people in from the four corners of the region. The best we could hope for with regards to exotic predatory bird species is the Andean condor (technically more of a scavenger). There’s a surplus female within the region bearing in mind there’s 1.2 young birds (siblings).

I forgot those were in the region. Certainly want to see the devils moved out and if Komodo’s were implemented in the dome, peccary row or TOTE then with some expansions and a vertical uplift it could be quite suitable

 

[Zoofan15]

@The Sleepy Hippo seems to think differently and the carnivore precicnt would certainly be my first choice. If there really isn’t any space (which I doubt) then he peccary row is Certainly an option. If semangka moved to the barn and the peccaries were transferred out for breeding purposes(or for other reasons), I could easily see komodos moving there. How much space would the combination of those exhibits equate to?

I forgot those were in the region. Certainly want to see the devils moved out and if Komodo’s were implemented in the dome, peccary row or TOTE then with some expansions and a vertical uplift it could be quite suitable

There would certainly be enough room in the Carnivores precinct to build a decent sized exhibit for a single Komodo dragon. With several zoos in the region holding breeding pairs, it may be beneficial to have Melbourne Zoo as a non breeding holder.

If they want to breed them however, my vote would be for the Malayan tapir/Collared peccary exhibit space. I don’t know the exact dimensions, but it’s more than big enough to build two large Komodo dragon exhibits and keeper facilities. Given we’ve yet to identify any standout idea of what could replace the tapir/peccaries in this space, I’d suggest Komodo dragon are the best option to date.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

There would certainly be enough room in the Carnivores precinct to build a decent sized exhibit for a single Komodo dragon. With several zoos in the region holding breeding pairs, it may be beneficial to have Melbourne Zoo as a non breeding holder.

If they want to breed them however, my vote would be for the Malayan tapir/Collared peccary exhibit space. I don’t know the exact dimensions, but it’s more than big enough to build two large Komodo dragon exhibits and keeper facilities. Given we’ve yet to identify any standout idea of what could replace the tapir/peccaries in this space, I’d suggest Komodo dragon are the best option to date.

An African mini precinct was floated but I can’t say I’m fully on board. The tapirs and peccaries will pass in just over a decade as it stands, so if it was fast tracked then the tapir would be moved and all fingers crossed the peccaries would be transferred, preferably to WORZ. Considering the large walking trail to the elephants sits relatively empty it would be great for filling space and would ensure the species does not die out. A babirusa would be the absolute icing on the cake, darn the Australian import laws. Although it won’t be demolished and MZ wouldn’t entertain them, I’d love to see a predator prey side by side comparison of Water buffalo. It’s be nice to have another cattle species return in a pace of bison, and a shame it likely wouldn’t be considered

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

If they want to breed them however, my vote would be for the Malayan tapir/Collared peccary exhibit space. I don’t know the exact dimensions, but it’s more than big enough to build two large Komodo dragon exhibits and keeper facilities. Given we’ve yet to identify any standout idea of what could replace the tapir/peccaries in this space, I’d suggest Komodo dragon are the best option to date.

Before reading this I was also thinking the Malayan tapir/peccary could be a good location for Komodo, as it is close to the Reptile House.
I would add, that I still think that the smaller piece of lawn behind the Reptile House, beside the Hamadryas Baboon could be converted into an enclosure for something, which could be an additional enclosure for another Komodo, which could give one access to the Reptile House, if they do move the Phillipines Crocodile into a tropical dome.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Before reading this I was also thinking the Malayan tapir/peccary could be a good location for Komodo, as it is close to the Reptile House.
I would add, that I still think that the smaller piece of lawn behind the Reptile House, beside the Hamadryas Baboon could be converted into an enclosure for something, which could be an additional enclosure for another Komodo, which could give one access to the Reptile House, if they do move the Phillipines Crocodile into a tropical dome.

I really hope they consider converting some of the lawn. Could even be a standalone enclosure for Komodo’s without repurposing the peccary row if need be. Unfortunately members of the general public find it relaxing or smn

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I also still think that the Australian Bush precinct should be reduced to the GFA and the path that runs beside it directly back to the start. A couple of arboreal species could be placed into the GFA, including Tree Kangaroo and Koala (if they aren't returned to their enclosure at the entrance the GFA or to one of my roundabout display enclosures) and return cassowary to here as well.
Enclosures could be put in the space beside the aviary either side of the return path, and the rest of the bush area (predominantly the recently renovated Kangaroo/Emu area) could be converted to another themed precinct.
Emu and Kangaroo could be added to either the collection at Werribee or Healesville.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I really hope they consider converting some of the lawn. Could even be a standalone enclosure for Komodo’s without repurposing the peccary row if need be. Unfortunately members of the general public find it relaxing or smn

I'd leave the main lawn area intact, and just siphon off the smaller lawn to the south.

 

[Zoofan15]

An African mini precinct was floated but I can’t say I’m fully on board. The tapirs and peccaries will pass in just over a decade as it stands, so if it was fast tracked then the tapir would be moved and all fingers crossed the peccaries would be transferred, preferably to WORZ. Considering the large walking trail to the elephants sits relatively empty it would be great for filling space and would ensure the species does not die out. A babirusa would be the absolute icing on the cake, darn the Australian import laws. Although it won’t be demolished and MZ wouldn’t entertain them, I’d love to see a predator prey side by side comparison of Water buffalo. It’s be nice to have another cattle species return in a pace of bison, and a shame it likely wouldn’t be considered

Odds of probability are that the peccaries will outlive the tapir by five years, so it may be best to replace the tapir with “something exciting” like a Tasmanian devil that can easily move out once the peccaries pass. Then take the opportunity to redevelop the whole area.

The elephants will leave the biggest hole in the collection, which funding should be prioritised for versus the tapir/peccary row, which is a lower priority and can wait another decade.

With that in mind, they could delay acquiring Komodo dragon until this time - which would also allow time to assess whether the breeding of hatchlings at the ARP (a regional first) was a fluke or the genesis of a successful breeding programme; and therefore whether Melbourne are needed as a breeding facility.

 

[Jambo]

There would be some room there around the devils for keeper spaces etc. There is a decent (not huge) space behind the devils. Land between the Railgate Cafe and Leopard Lodge.

There’s no keeper spaces there. The devils have those small dens that are viewable to the public and that’s it. Their enclosure pretty much backs onto one of the rotundas behind which is on the lawn you mention. Doubt they’d use that area unless they absolutely need/want to.

Before reading this I was also thinking the Malayan tapir/peccary could be a good location for Komodo, as it is close to the Reptile House.
I would add, that I still think that the smaller piece of lawn behind the Reptile House, beside the Hamadryas Baboon could be converted into an enclosure for something, which could be an additional enclosure for another Komodo, which could give one access to the Reptile House, if they do move the Phillipines Crocodile into a tropical dome.

I’m of sure whereabouts your thinking? A new back of house amphibian breeding facility was built back there recently, so there’s only the space to the left of the reptile house next to the main path.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I also still think that the Australian Bush precinct should be reduced to the GFA and the path that runs beside it directly back to the start. A couple of arboreal species could be placed into the GFA, including Tree Kangaroo and Koala (if they aren't returned to their enclosure at the entrance the GFA or to one of my roundabout display enclosures.
Enclosures could be put in the space beside the aviary either side of the return path, and the rest of the bush area (predominantly the recently renovated Kangaroo/Emu area) could be converted to another themed precinct.
Emu and Kangaroo could be added to either the collection at Werribee or Healesville.

You should know my opinion on domestic species by now and I couldn’t agree more. The problem is the fact that the general public come to Australian zoos hellbent on seeing a kangaroo. They likely wouldn’t consider that, as much as u would love it. Considering 4 zoos in Victoria hold said species I’m not sure why they are regarded so highly wothin

 

[Jambo]

I also still think that the Australian Bush precinct should be reduced to the GFA and the path that runs beside it directly back to the start. A couple of arboreal species could be placed into the GFA, including Tree Kangaroo and Koala (if they aren't returned to their enclosure at the entrance the GFA or to one of my roundabout display enclosures.
Enclosures could be put in the space beside the aviary either side of the return path, and the rest of the bush area (predominantly the recently renovated Kangaroo/Emu area) could be converted to another themed precinct.
Emu and Kangaroo could be added to either the collection at Werribee or Healesville.

That’s a nice idea but just don’t see Melbourne eventuating with a concept like that. International visitors would visit Melbourne and most don’t have the time to get out to Werribee and Healesville so would expect to see at least the main Australian species. That would mean, Kangaroo and Koala at the very least, of which Melbourne has accommodated.

It’s a small area so even if they took away everything else (besides the GFA) they’d only be left with something big enough for a very small complex.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

There’s no keeper spaces there. The devils have those small dens that are viewable to the public and that’s it. Their enclosure pretty much backs onto one of the rotundas behind which is on the lawn you mention. Doubt they’d use that area unless they absolutely need/want to.

I’m of sure whereabouts your thinking? A new back of house amphibian breeding facility was built back there recently, so there’s only the space to the left of the reptile house next to the main path.

I am meaning that the deadspace between the rotunda and Leopard Lodge could be converted from deadspace to keeper areas. There is a redundant path to nowhere between the cafe and the lodge and the back of the devils. This is wasted public access area that has little use. The area around the rotunda between it and the toilets and south lawn could remain, but the path and space beyond could all be fenced/built over for keeper space behind the devils current enclosure.