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

[Jambo]

There is a standard path that runs directly from the end of the Treetop Monkey trail through to the TOTE, which skirts between the tiger enclosure and back-of-house native bird breeding facility.

I could see the Tiger enclosure being reconfigured for gorilla, and tiger moved around near the barn potentially - probably wouldn't be the solution but I could see the path potentially being used, or the Treetop Money trail being extended above it.

Treetop Monkey trail is probably my favourite part of the whole zoo, and I for many years have liked to imagine it being extended further, even if it were to be a continuation that included more aviaries, and other non-primate species. Sloth maybe, or smaller rainforest cats...

In fact if this treetop trail did continue along that trajectory, it could then swing left towards th first paddock, giving a higher view of a potential orangutan/gibbon into an expanded lake with two islands, with more treetop exhibits continuing towards a descent at the exit of the Butterfly House. and a second Gorilla bachelor enclosure based in Man Jai's paddock, or the matriachal paddock.

the matriarchal paddock could be then made for Spirit or Kermode bears, as they are also found in rainforests

The trail at the other end once it loops to the current Orangutan enclosure, could cut back across past the island exhibit, and tap back in finishing with the tiger and otters.

Yes, I just doubt Zoos Vic would install a path straight past their BTS big cat facilities that are designed for off display breeding and the like.

Since the current Tiger enclosure is directly behind the current gorilla exhibit, that would make sense; especially if they're no longer going to use that path that goes in between to exit, that would allow both exhibits to be back to back with the current dens just needing to be extended a little bit (which could allow for an indoor enclosure too that could potentially be viewed from the main path).

If that was the case, I think they'd then likely use the first elephant enclosure for a fourth orangutan exhibit (assuming they'd use the adjacent island too) and would leave the other two elephant exhibits for Tigers if they want a decent breeding complex. The enclosure in the Carnivores trail could then be vacated for Sun Bears *hopefully*

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

A

Yes, I just doubt Zoos Vic would install a path straight past their BTS big cat facilities that are designed for off display breeding and the like.

Since the current Tiger enclosure is directly behind the current gorilla exhibit, that would make sense; especially if they're no longer going to use that path that goes in between to exit, that would allow both exhibits to be back to back with the current dens just needing to be extended a little bit (which could allow for an indoor enclosure too that could potentially be viewed from the main path).

If that was the case, I think they'd then likely use the first elephant enclosure for a fourth orangutan exhibit (assuming they'd use the adjacent island too) and would leave the other two elephant exhibits for Tigers if they want a decent breeding complex. The enclosure in the Carnivores trail could then be vacated for Sun Bears *hopefully*

Ahh, sun bear, sloth bear, spirit bear, asiatic black bear, Syrian brown bear. I’m basically salivating just thinking about it

 

[Zoofan15]

Ahh, sun bear, sloth bear, spirit bear, asiatic black bear, Syrian brown bear. I’m basically salivating just thinking about it

Unfortunately the best we can hope for is the ZAA supporting the establishment of a new regional bear species (probably Sloth bear); with the view of phasing out the existing regional bear species (Malayan sun bear).

Internationally, bears are subject to animal welfare complaints second only to elephants and cetaceans in captivity and Zoos Victoria would be conscious to give them above and beyond the minimum special requirements. This alone would limit them in what they hold.

Zoos of the early 1900’s may have had impressive bear collections, but they were crammed into exhibits that combined would equal what we’d expect to see a single bear species housed in.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Unfortunately the best we can hope for is the ZAA supporting the establishment of a new regional bear species (probably Sloth bear); with the view of phasing out the existing regional bear species (Malayan sun bear).

Internationally, bears are subject to animal welfare complaints second only to elephants and cetaceans in captivity and Zoos Victoria would be conscious to give them above and beyond the minimum special requirements. This alone would limit them in what they hold.

Zoos of the early 1900’s may have had impressive bear collections, but they were crammed into exhibits that combined would equal what we’d expect to see a single bear species housed in.

It’s a shame WORZ are not willing to diversify as of yet. Great opportunity seemingly going to waste

 

[Zoofan15]

It’s a shame WORZ are not willing to diversify as of yet. Great opportunity seemingly going to waste

Werribee would certainly be the place to do it. Some of the bear species such as American black bear are CITES II, which means they’re not subject to the restrictions of CITES I species (e.g. ZAA approval); same as the Grey wolf and Puma.

North American is one of the most underrepresented continents in our region’s zoos - despite having a diverse range of megafauna that could be imported with relative ease.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Werribee would certainly be the place to do it. Some of the bear species such as American black bear are CITES II, which means they’re not subject to the restrictions of CITES I species (e.g. ZAA approval); same as the Grey wolf and Puma.

North American is one of the most underrepresented continents in our region’s zoos - despite having a diverse range of megafauna that could be imported with relative ease.

Not to mention how popular the majority of megafauna is with the public. Bears, wolves, mountain lions and wolverines are all species that would be extremely popular within the region.

 

[Josh F]

NA is decently represented in the reptile department which could allow itself for quite an immersive display. With species such as Corn Snakes, Gila Monsters, Milk Snakes etc.

 

[Zoofan15]

Not to mention how popular the majority of megafauna is with the public. Bears, wolves, mountain lions and wolverines are all species that would be extremely popular within the region.

Exactly. Large carnivores will always be a favourite with the general public and along with Africa and Asia, North America has the most dramatic.

The latter was historically well represented across our region's zoos up until the 1970's and 1980's when the emphasis shifts to focussing on more endangered species.

 

[Zoofan15]

NA is decently represented in the reptile department which could allow itself for quite an immersive display. With species such as Corn Snakes, Gila Monsters, Milk Snakes etc.

These species would be an excellent compliment to the mammals of North America; but they can never compete with the likes do brown bears, black beaes, Puma, Moose etc.

California sea lion are one of the last remaining NA mammals in the region. Having seen both this species and the native seals now held at zoos like Melbourne and Auckland, I can say there's no comparison. California sea lions excude a charisma on par with cetaceans.

 

[Josh F]

These species would be an excellent compliment to the mammals of North America; but they can never compete with the likes do brown bears, black beaes, Puma, Moose etc.

California sea lion are one of the last remaining NA mammals in the region. Having seen both this species and the native seals now held at zoos like Melbourne and Auckland, I can say there's no comparison. California sea lions excude a charisma on par with cetaceans.

Absolutely was just suggesting that the species are there to compliment a North American display.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

These species would be an excellent compliment to the mammals of North America; but they can never compete with the likes do brown bears, black beaes, Puma, Moose etc.

California sea lion are one of the last remaining NA mammals in the region. Having seen both this species and the native seals now held at zoos like Melbourne and Auckland, I can say there's no comparison. California sea lions excude a charisma on par with cetaceans.

If we housed other local seal species it would be nice - Elephant seal, leopard seal

 

[Zoofan15]

If we housed other local seal species it would be nice - Elephant seal, leopard seal

That would be great to see. I was surprised to learn recently that Taronga held Elephant seals into the 90's. Due to their sheer size, they would have made an impressive exhibit.

Leopard seal were of course in a class of their own. This mysterious apex predator had even more allure by virtue of being held nowhere else in captivity. Taronga (and Marineland) surely had a unique species for a while there!

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Little bit off topic but what is our macaw population sitting at? I think a variety would be great for a SA precinct but I’m not sure of the numbers, and ofc we can’t import them

 

[Jambo]

Little bit off topic but what is our macaw population sitting at? I think a variety would be great for a SA precinct but I’m not sure of the numbers, and ofc we can’t import them

There's a pair in Keeper Kids and maybe another four or five in the Amazon Aviary.

Back in 2021 they had the following: 1.1 Blue and Gold Macaws, 1.1 Green-winged Macaws, 1.1 Red-fronted Macaws and a very precious 0.1 Buffon’s Macaw. The Blue and Gold Macaws (Pedro and Goldie) are the ones in Keeper kids. The other species are all in the Amazon aviary.

Imports wouldn't be a worry; there's plenty of dealers and stock within the country to choose from if needed.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

There's a pair in Keeper Kids and maybe another four or five in the Amazon Aviary.

Back in 2021 they had the following: 1.1 Blue and Gold Macaws, 1.1 Green-winged Macaws, 1.1 Red-fronted Macaws and a very precious 0.1 Buffon’s Macaw. The Blue and Gold Macaws (Pedro and Goldie) are the ones in Keeper kids. The other species are all in the Amazon aviary.

Imports wouldn't be a worry; there's plenty of dealers and stock within the country to choose from if needed.

Are any of these species breeding pairs? And what is so social about buffoon’s macaw

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I've been looking at Bronx Zoo's amazing collection, and have thought that it would be cool if the Hamadryas baboons could be extended either direction / joined with the Giraffe/Zebra.
Bronx have in their exhibit Gelada, Nubian Ibex and Rock Hyrax. Would love to see something similar at MZ just with Gelada subbed for our Hamdryas.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I've been looking at Bronx Zoo's amazing collection, and have thought that it would be cool if the Hamadryas baboons could be extended either direction / joined with the Giraffe/Zebra.
Bronx have in their exhibit Gelada, Nubian Ibex and Rock Hyrax. Would love to see something similar at MZ just with Gelada subbed for our Hamdryas.

If at all possible gelada would be preferred. Considering they’re herbivorous it’d ofc be an easier mix and gelada are extremely interesting to look at. If gelada aren’t achievable, then some ‘trickery’ to make it seem like they’re in the same enclosure but are just next to each other would be awesome. Ofc this is factoring in that idk of those species can be mixed

 

[Jambo]

Are any of these species breeding pairs? And what is so social about buffoon’s macaw

No, they're all display animals unfortunately.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

If at all possible gelada would be preferred. Considering they’re herbivorous it’d ofc be an easier mix and gelada are extremely interesting to look at. If gelada aren’t achievable, then some ‘trickery’ to make it seem like they’re in the same enclosure but are just next to each other would be awesome. Ofc this is factoring in that idk of those species can be mixed

Bronx keep Gelada, Rock Hyrax and Nubian Ibex all in the one exhibit. If Hamadryas moved to Werribee, MZ could expand the Giraffe and Zebra enclosure into the current Baboons exhibit and make it a mixed species exhibit with Giraffe, Zebra, Gelada, Rock Hyrax and Nubian Ibex.

 

[Jambo]

I've been looking at Bronx Zoo's amazing collection, and have thought that it would be cool if the Hamadryas baboons could be extended either direction / joined with the Giraffe/Zebra.
Bronx have in their exhibit Gelada, Nubian Ibex and Rock Hyrax. Would love to see something similar at MZ just with Gelada subbed for our Hamdryas.

I don't know how well a mix of baboons with Giraffe and Zebra would go though. Not sure if it would be best to have baboons around large hoofstock that could hurt them quite easily. The Giraffe and Zebra already have issues mixing as it is!

A simple solution similar to the one mentioned by @PaddyRickMFZ would be an illusion to make it seem like the enclosures are together. This could easily be achieved if they just took down that wall in between the current baboon and zebra enclosures. The baboons are already on a hill, so could be seen in the distance (if your looking from the top of the giraffes), and potentially vice versa if they install an elevated viewing at the bottom end of the baboons (which I'd prefer). I feel like the Baboon enclosure has very limited viewing, but maybe that's just me.