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

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I’m aware of the cotton tops in the tree top path, I just don’t think there are a large enough amount to fill you a proposed large amount of space

As they breed you could have more, but with multiple species (as you suggested) there would be more to see, and they don't need to be occupying all their spaces at once.

Completely agree that MZ would need more than they currently hold for this scenario.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Taronga, Auckland and Adelaide will all have Sumatran tiger complexes (three exhibits each) by that stage - but Melbourne isn’t competing with these facilities as they’re outside Victoria, so that may be something they want to consider. Sumatran tiger are critically endangered and enabling, so will surely have a future at Melbourne Zoo.

It’s amazing to think Melbourne Zoo have held Sumatran tiger for almost 50 years (1976)!

Exhibiting Asiatic lions would hopefully give them the confidence to phase out African lions from Melbourne Zoo.

That's why I think that they might build a new Tigers area with 3 enclosures (and hopefully bridges between them), which would allow for a breeding pair of Asiatic Lions to take Hutan's enclosure.
I do think that MZ should move all African Lions to WORZ, and thus free up both Indrah's enclosure, and the African Lion enclosure, and those two exhibits could be repurposed, or redeveloped (potentially how @PaddyRickMFZ described).
I think both Tigers should be on display, and should be in proximity to each other, so that in the future when MZ import a new breeding pair they will have the opportunity to breed them and have both the mother and father in proximity to eachother. Adelaide have theirs set up so that the father can see his cubs when they are on display. This allows for some connection, as wild male tigers, although not care givers, do occassionally interact with their young if they come into contact.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

That's why I think that they might build a new Tigers area with 3 enclosures (and hopefully bridges between them), which would allow for a breeding pair of Asiatic Lions to take Hutan's enclosure.
I do think that MZ should move all African Lions to WORZ, and thus free up both Indrah's enclosure, and the African Lion enclosure, and those two exhibits could be repurposed, or redeveloped (potentially how @PaddyRickMFZ described).
I think both Tigers should be on display, and should be in proximity to each other, so that in the future when MZ import a new breeding pair they will have the opportunity to breed them and have both the mother and father in proximity to eachother. Adelaide have theirs set up so that the father can see his cubs when they are on display. This allows for some connection, as wild male tigers, although not care givers, do occassionally interact with their young if they come into contact.

I still can’t get behind a move of tigers considering there is literally a purpose built breeding facility. Then again, would you be saying the off display tiger breeding facility would hold the asiatic males? Still seems like a waste of space to build 3 more exhibits for tigers, as opposed to 1 exhibit for lions, 1 for tigers, 1 for sloth bear, and potentially Sri Lankan Leopard in excess space. Obviously we can’t all agree but if both species are breeding just the same as they would in either scenario and you get bonus species, I’m all for it. Realistically, every zoo goer would prefer to see 2 tiger exhibits, lions, a bear and a leopard over lions and 3 tiger exhibits

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I still can’t get behind a move of tigers considering there is literally a purpose built breeding facility. Then again, would you be saying the off display tiger breeding facility would hold the asiatic males? Still seems like a waste of space to build 3 more exhibits for tigers, as opposed to 1 exhibit for lions, 1 for tigers, 1 for sloth bear, and potentially Sri Lankan Leopard in excess space. Obviously we can’t all agree but if both species are breeding just the same as they would in either scenario and you get bonus species, I’m all for it. Realistically, every zoo goer would prefer to see 2 tiger exhibits, lions, a bear and a leopard over lions and 3 tiger exhibits

Hutan's current enclosure, even with the one off display enclosure, doesn't allow for another on display enclosure adjoining it to allow for paternal interaction post birth. I think Hutan's enclosure is great, but could be used to house Asiatic Lion's instead.
Alternatively Man Jai's paddock could be renovated and repurposed as a second on display Tiger enclosure with a bridge over to the off display enclosure to allow natural access for breeding (rather than having to be physically transported across the Zoo if they kept their two existing enclosures).

Another scenario would be to use both the current African Lion enclosure, and the Dingo enclosure for Asiatic Lion to allow for the separation of the male and female. (Spitballing)
The acquisition of asiatic lion could involve acquiring from both Europe and India, as India has restarted their exporting of Lions post pandemic.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Hutan's current enclosure, even with the one off display enclosure, doesn't allow for another on display enclosure adjoining it to allow for paternal interaction post birth. I think Hutan's enclosure is great, but could be used to house Asiatic Lion's instead.
Alternatively Man Jai's paddock could be renovated and repurposed as a second on display Tiger enclosure with a bridge over to the off display enclosure to allow natural access for breeding (rather than having to be physically transported across the Zoo if they kept their two existing enclosures).

Another scenario would be to use both the current African Lion enclosure, and the Dingo enclosure for Asiatic Lion to allow for the separation of the male and female. (Spitballing)
The acquisition of asiatic lion could involve acquiring from both Europe and India, as India has restarted their exporting of Lions post pandemic.

I believe it’s not 1 off display enclosure, I’m open to correction though. I’m not sure if the parental interaction is a great idea, potentially hazardous and doesn’t seem to provide a huge benefit. That’s what I was thinking, that one more tiger exhibit would be built where the elephant paddock is. Asiatic lion would take one of the others, using off display elephant space as well, with sloth bear in the other. Sloth bear would also have access to off display areas. Sri Lankan Leopard would be placed near the off display paddocks, and fishing cat where previously discussed

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I believe it’s not 1 off display enclosure, I’m open to correction though. I’m not sure if the parental interaction is a great idea, potentially hazardous and doesn’t seem to provide a huge benefit. That’s what I was thinking, that one more tiger exhibit would be built where the elephant paddock is. Asiatic lion would take one of the others, using off display elephant space as well, with sloth bear in the other. Sloth bear would also have access to off display areas. Sri Lankan Leopard would be placed near the off display paddocks, and fishing cat where previously discussed

It isn't hazardous. They aren't in the same enclosure, but in adjoining enclosures. It allows wild behaviours to occur safely, and has proven most effective in Adelaide, providing great enrichment for the male tiger there.
I'll be honest, I'm not entirely wedded to the idea that the elephant enclosures need to remain each in their current size. I could see a new Tiger area with two on display enclosures and an off display enclosure occupying just the maternal paddock and the barn area (with the barn not having to stay as is, although if the windows were made one way, that could become part of the "off-display" area for when there are cubs. At Adelaide the cubs frequently retreat to their den.

If they occupied the space I've described that would still allow for a Sloth bear enclosure, Asiatic Lion in Hutan's enclosure, and something else in Luk Chai's enclosure.

 

[Zoofan15]

It isn't hazardous. They aren't in the same enclosure, but in adjoining enclosures. It allows wild behaviours to occur safely, and has proven most effective in Adelaide, providing great enrichment for the male tiger there.
I'll be honest, I'm not entirely wedded to the idea that the elephant enclosures need to remain each in their current size. I could see a new Tiger area with two on display enclosures and an off display enclosure occupying just the maternal paddock and the barn area (with the barn not having to stay as is, although if the windows were made one way, that could become part of the "off-display" area for when there are cubs. At Adelaide the cubs frequently retreat to their den.

If they occupied the space I've described that would still allow for a Sloth bear enclosure, Asiatic Lion in Hutan's enclosure, and something else in Luk Chai's enclosure.

It’s common practice in several European zoos (London, Chester, Dublin etc) for male Sumatran tigers to live with their cubs, so tbh I’m surprised no zoo in Australasia has attempted this. The minimal risk is outweighed by the enrichment the tigers get from this interaction. It’s not gonna be possible with every tiger (Satu at Taronga was an aggressive male for example); but I have no doubt other males like Oz would have had positive interactions with their cubs.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

It isn't hazardous. They aren't in the same enclosure, but in adjoining enclosures. It allows wild behaviours to occur safely, and has proven most effective in Adelaide, providing great enrichment for the male tiger there.
I'll be honest, I'm not entirely wedded to the idea that the elephant enclosures need to remain each in their current size. I could see a new Tiger area with two on display enclosures and an off display enclosure occupying just the maternal paddock and the barn area (with the barn not having to stay as is, although if the windows were made one way, that could become part of the "off-display" area for when there are cubs. At Adelaide the cubs frequently retreat to their den.

If they occupied the space I've described that would still allow for a Sloth bear enclosure, Asiatic Lion in Hutan's enclosure, and something else in Luk Chai's enclosure.

Can someone confirm the nature of the tiger enclosures? I thought they were right next to each other but seemingly I’m incorrect. I don’t think you would be able to build 3 exhibits within the maternal paddock. Each paddock would have to be 300-400 metres squared. Just to confirm, the elephants did have off display residence right, because that is potential location for Sri Lankan Leopard and an off display asiatic lion exhibit. If there is only one off display tiger exhibit then I agree with you, I was just informed differently

 

[Zoofan15]

Can someone confirm the nature of the tiger enclosures? I thought they were right next to each other but seemingly I’m incorrect. I don’t think you would be able to build 3 exhibits within the maternal paddock. Each paddock would have to be 300-400 metres squared. Just to confirm, the elephants did have off display residence right, because that is potential location for Sri Lankan Leopard and an off display asiatic lion exhibit. If there is only one off display tiger exhibit then I agree with you, I was just informed differently

Adelaide Zoo have two tiger exhibits (one housing the male; the other housing the female and cubs) that are next to each other. They can see into each other’s exhibits.

Each of the three tiger exhibits (at Melbourne) wouldn’t need to be huge. For example, these are the dimensions of Auckland’s tiger complex:

Small Exhibit = 200m2
Medium Exhibit = 370m2
Large Exhibit = 790m2
Dens (x3) = 69m2

Melbourne’s largest elephant paddock is 1750m2, so the above could easily fit into this space with 321m2 remaining for visitor observation areas, staff facilities etc.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Adelaide Zoo have two tiger exhibits (one housing the male; the other housing the female and cubs) that are next to each other. They can see into each other’s exhibits.

Each of the three tiger exhibits (at Melbourne) wouldn’t need to be huge. For example, these are the dimensions of Auckland’s tiger complex:

Small Exhibit = 200m2
Medium Exhibit = 370m2
Large Exhibit = 790m2
Dens (x3) = 69m2

Melbourne’s largest elephant paddock is 1750m2, so the above could easily fit into this space with 321m2 remaining for visitor observation areas, staff facilities etc.

Had no idea tigers required so little space. What is the size of Hutan’s exhibit

 

[Zoofan15]

Had no idea tigers required so little space. What is the size of Hutan’s exhibit

I don’t know the dimensions, but yes it seems to be a new way of thinking within regards to housing tigers.

Hamilton’s original tiger exhibit is almost equivalent in the size to Auckland’s three exhibits combined, but was poorly equipped to manage multiple groupings of tigers. One tiger would be locked in the dens, while the other had access to the exhibit.

Having a trio of exhibits (varying in size) is an efficient way to manage multiple tigers. By rotating the tigers through the exhibits, they’re more stimulated than a single tiger housed permanently in a larger exhibit. It also caters to life stages of the tigers.

 

[Jambo]

If such a concept did occur at MZ, I would also like to see aerial paths created for other arboreal animals, like the Tree-Top path enclosures, and the Red Panda.
Adelaide has such paths for their red panda, tamarins and colobus monkey.

That’s a really interesting idea. I think the Philadelphia Zoo really does this best, they call it ‘Zoo 360’.

It’s a concept that could really be done with all species, and fits city zoos very well giving the animals the opportunity to not only have more space and roaming grounds but also the visitors a more improved experience and the feel of ‘not knowing’ where the animals will be at any given time.

I feel like Melbourne could first start off by doing this with their Big Cats. They already have them in the same area which would make it much easier. A starting point would be connecting all of the enclosures there for the Lions, Tiger and Snow Leopards with pathways, and then possibly extending another pathway to the other Tiger enclosure (which also has the off display big cat facilities).

Regarding the smaller monkeys, they could probably have pathways connecting the current Treetop enclosures to other enclosures throughout the rest of the zoo; the Squirrel Monkey enclosure ect.

 

[Jambo]

Had no idea tigers required so little space. What is the size of Hutan’s exhibit

Hutan’s exhibit is bigger than Indrah’s and I would say it’s of similar size to the smaller elephant enclosures so about 350m2.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Hutan’s exhibit is bigger than Indrah’s and I would say it’s of similar size to the smaller elephant enclosures so about 350m2.

Isn’t the smallest elephant exhibit 1000m2? I actually agree with this concept now, 3 exhibits for tiger, 2 for sloth bear, 2 for SL Leopard in the elephant exhibits, with overhead pathways connecting the individual exhibits. The asiatic lions would theoretically have Hutan’s exhibit and the baskstage for breeding, while a fishing cat would be located near the otters, and my luvy duvy tapir in the barn

 

[Zoofan15]

Isn’t the smallest elephant exhibit 1000m2?

Enclosure 1 is 1050 m², including the 'village tank' pool that is about 150 m².

Enclosure 2 is 1750 m².

Enclosure 3 is the bull yard of about 1100 m² including a small pool.

I actually agree with this concept now, 3 exhibits for tiger, 2 for sloth bear, 2 for SL Leopard in the elephant exhibits, with overhead pathways connecting the individual exhibits.

We also can’t rule out rotational exhibits, such as the ones Perth Zoo are implementing for their tigers and sun bears.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Enclosure 1 is 1050 m², including the 'village tank' pool that is about 150 m².

Enclosure 2 is 1750 m².

Enclosure 3 is the bull yard of about 1100 m² including a small pool.


We also can’t rule out rotational exhibits, such as the ones Perth Zoo are implementing for their tigers and sun bears.

The rotational exhibits are what I was trying to portray, with off display facilities for them before transition

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Maybe the Zoo Education room near the entrance could be moved to somewhere out of the way (or above the gift shop) and a second Gorilla exhibit could be near the entrance there, taking in the Fig tree, Classroom and part of Growing Wild (but not much of it), and this enclosure could house a bachelor group of Gorilla, and have aerial pathway to the BOH area, and allow for a breeding group and bachelors to rotate.

 

[Jambo]

Isn’t the smallest elephant exhibit 1000m2?

Yes, wrote the wrong thing after reading Zoofan’s post above on the Tiger exhibits at Auckland.

Hutan’s exhibit is around roughly 1000m2, with Indrah’s exhibit being slightly smaller (I’d say around 700-800m2).

 

[Zoofan15]

Maybe the Zoo Education room near the entrance could be moved to somewhere out of the way (or above the gift shop) and a second Gorilla exhibit could be near the entrance there, taking in the Fig tree, Classroom and part of Growing Wild (but not much of it), and this enclosure could house a bachelor group of Gorilla, and have aerial pathway to the BOH area, and allow for a breeding group and bachelors to rotate.

Gorillas don’t brachiate, so the the aerial pathway concept is more suited to orangutans and gibbons; but it’s a good idea to utilise this area for a bachelor troop. The bachelor troop would be reasonably fixed (i.e. there wouldn’t be fission-fusion between the troops), so males could transfer out of the breeding troop upon adolescence.

 

[Jambo]

Maybe the Zoo Education room near the entrance could be moved to somewhere out of the way (or above the gift shop) and a second Gorilla exhibit could be near the entrance there, taking in the Fig tree, Classroom and part of Growing Wild (but not much of it), and this enclosure could house a bachelor group of Gorilla, and have aerial pathway to the BOH area, and allow for a breeding group and bachelors to rotate.

That’s a good idea, although I’ve always wondered why Melbourne went the route of using the old Great Ape grottoes for Lemurs when the most theoretical idea would’ve been to maintain that area for a second gorilla enclosure and build the Lemur enclosure opposite the path to be apart of Growing Wild.

Having a gorilla enclosure at Werribee is good as it does give the bachelor males more space than they would get at Werribee, but I feel like going forward it would be better for Melbourne to have a second exhibit to maintain troops more cohesively.

Baboons (or Chimps) could easily replace the bachelor males at Melbourne and they could receive a new exhibit somewhere else in Melbourne. The current Tiger exhibit is a suitable location being right opposite the current gorilla complex.