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

[PaddyRickMFZ]

The zoo were obviously selecting species already at the zoo that were small and would interest children.

If all of those Australian species went there, I don’t see why they didn’t add a Kangaroo walkthrough as well and scrap the Australian Bush precinct.

See suddenly I’m interested

 

[Zoofan15]

If all of those Australian species went there, I don’t see why they didn’t add a Kangaroo walkthrough as well and scrap the Australian Bush precinct.

That would make a lot more sense. Many of the Australian species lend themselves to a walk through exhibit (don’t forget walk through aviaries).

It would also give Growing Wild an additional theme of Australian natives, which is fitting as it’s about growing up (in Australia). It would enhance Growing Wild and free up significant space elsewhere in the zoo.

 

[Zoofan15]

Couldn’t find anything unfortunately but from memory it was four themed precincts around a river.

First was to be the Kalahari Desert (Meerkats), then followed by the Seychelles (Aldarban Tortoises), and then the Treetops (Tree Kangaroo, Koala, Squirell Monkeys) and lastly the burrows (Wombat and Echinda).

The design really appealed to me more than the species though. The plan was for the entrance to be underground and then take you up to into the Meerkats appearing right next to them after going past their burrows!

The paths were going to be very windy and unpredictable (much more appealing to children imo); going uphill for the Meerkats, going above ground for the Treetops, and going underground for the burrows. Overall, it seemed to be me like a very interesting concept and it’s a big shame it never eventuated.

A meerkat exhibit with tunnels and multiple viewing points would have been popular with both adults and kids.

Auckland Zoo’s original meerkat exhibit (1991-2017) was the best I’ve seen in any zoo. Despite the stench, kids loved nothing more than crawling through the extensive network of tunnels that spanned two decent sized exhibits and an indoor sun room. It was thrilling going down the ladder, knowing you were entering the dens of an old bear pit!

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

That would make a lot more sense. Many of the Australian species lend themselves to a walk through exhibit (don’t forget walk through aviaries).

It would also give Growing Wild an additional theme of Australian natives, which is fitting as it’s about growing up (in Australia). It would enhance Growing Wild and free up significant space elsewhere in the zoo.

Would allow space for a SA precinct, on the topic of the Xenarthra IRA. The GFA could be the walkthrough aviary I’ve talked about, meanwhile there would be enough space for bush dogs, tapir and Andean bear. Theoretically Jaguar would fit but for some reason we don’t think having the most enabling cat is a priority

 

[Zoofan15]

Would allow space for a SA precinct, on the topic of the Xenarthra IRA. The GFA could be the walkthrough aviary I’ve talked about, meanwhile there would be enough space for bush dogs, tapir and Andean bear. Theoretically Jaguar would fit but for some reason we don’t think having the most enabling cat is a priority

They seriously underestimate how enabling (melanistic) Jaguar would be. Black panthers are almost in the same league as white tigers in terms of visitor appeal; but they’re actually a legit species with conservation value. I love how there’s a melanistic and golden variant and it’s exciting to see a big cat from South America when everything else is Asia or Africa.

I mention this as a side note (i.e. not a suggestion), but can you imagine if Melbourne Zoo replaced the elephants with white tigers. Only Giant pandas would bring in more visitors.

 

[Jambo]

A meerkat exhibit with tunnels and multiple viewing points would have been popular with both adults and kids.

Auckland Zoo’s original meerkat exhibit (1991-2017) was the best I’ve seen in any zoo. Despite the stench, kids loved nothing more than crawling through the extensive network of tunnels that spanned two decent sized exhibits and an indoor sun room. It was thrilling going down the ladder, knowing you were entering the dens of an old bear pit!

That enclosure was one of my childhood favourites! It was easily one of the best meerkat exhibits I’ve too. The fact you could enter the tunnels from multiple points too around the large area also worked well imo.

I was devastated to hear they had demolished it. The current tunnels in the current meerkat exhibit are nothing compared to the old ones and are a lazy attempt to recreate them at best.

 

[Jambo]

Would allow space for a SA precinct, on the topic of the Xenarthra IRA. The GFA could be the walkthrough aviary I’ve talked about, meanwhile there would be enough space for bush dogs, tapir and Andean bear. Theoretically Jaguar would fit but for some reason we don’t think having the most enabling cat is a priority

The above area could easily be used for Brazilian Tapir and Andean Bears. Maybe the Peccaries could’ve got a home in there too somewhere.

That could more so be the ‘plains’ of South America whilst the GFA could serve as the ‘forest’ part with the birds (Macaws ect.), monkeys (Squirrels, Spiders, Tamarins) and others like Capybaras and Agouti.

 

[Zoofan15]

That enclosure was one of my childhood favourites! It was easily one of the best meerkat exhibits I’ve too. The fact you could enter the tunnels from multiple points too around the large area also worked well imo.

I was devastated to hear they had demolished it. The current tunnels in the current meerkat exhibit are nothing compared to the old ones and are a lazy attempt to recreate them at best.

I completely agree. From what I’ve seen on my many visits, engagement with the next exhibit is a fraction of what the old exhibit attracted. Families would easily spend 10 minutes on this exhibit as the kids crawled from one end to the other and the adults watched them appearing at each bubble dome. As a kid, I also enjoyed seeing the meerkats at eye level and then from above (as you would view most exhibits).

It was also well equipped to manage multiple groupings. In addition to the two exhibits (and sun room); they later occupied a third exhibit out back, which allowed them to pair multiple meerkats.

 

[Jambo]

Heritage Listings:

Whilst they’re unpopular to us, they are something to consider when we’re thinking about what should go where.

Any building or piece of architecture in the zoo would be heritage listed once it exceeds 50 years of age. That would make it notoriously difficult to ever get rid of, and something Zoos Vic have shown in the past they don’t want to even get close to.

The recent constructions around the zoo in the past few decades have all aligned with Melbourne replacing old exhibits before they get to the 50 year mark:
Wild Seas replaced the old seal pool which was built back in the 60’s. Growing Wild replaced the old area there which included the old baboon cages which were built in the 60’s as well. Then the Carnivores replaced the Small Cat and Big cat rows which were built in the 70’s, and also Lion Park which was built in the 60’s.

So with that in mind we need to consider what exhibits will be approaching that mark to get an idea which area Melbourne will focus on next.

First we need to consider the already heritage listed enclosures. There’s five I can think of; the giraffe enclosure, the Amazon Aviary, the GFA, the former elephant enclosure and the Reptile House. The giraffe enclosure being heritage listed is probably why the Giraffes have still remained at Melbourne and not been moved entirely over to Werribee. The other two aviaries will likely receive renovations going forward and could still be used for other things. And the elephant enclosure will likely sit empty and be used for Roar N Snores, I don’t see that changing.

Aside from that, the first thing that comes to mind is Treetop Monkeys. Some of the enclosures were built in the 70’s which means they will very soon be reaching that 50 year mark. Melbourne has long had plans to reinvigorate and expand that area and I’m not sure why they haven’t. This is definitely a ‘watch this space’ exhibit especially as there’s a fair amount of enclosures there at the moment which are empty.

Then there’s the small Platypus enclosure which I believe was built in the 80’s (1984?). It has always been very empty visitor wise as far as I can remember and I can definitely see Melbourne replacing it going forward. Another ‘watch this space’.

And of course there’s also the Wombat burrows which I believe were also opened in the 80’s (1986?). It’s a cool design imo, and I would like them to just be renovated in some way but it’s likely Melbourne might look into replacing them within the next decade or so. Probably with just an entirely new Wombat complex.

 

[Zoofan15]

Heritage Listings:

Whilst they’re unpopular to use, they are something to consider when we’re thinking about what should go where.

Any building or piece of architecture in the zoo would be heritage listed once it exceeds 50 years of age. That would make it notoriously difficult to ever get rid of, and something Zoos Vic have shown in the past they don’t want to even get close to.

The recent constructions around the zoo in the past few decades have all aligned with Melbourne replacing old exhibits before they get to the 50 year mark:
Wild Seas replaced the old seal pool which was built back in the 60’s. Growing Wild replaced the old area there which included the old baboon cages which were built in the 60’s as well. Then the Carnivores replaced the Small Cat and Big cat rows which were built in the 70’s, and also Lion Park which was built in the 60’s.

So with that in mind we need to consider what exhibits will be approaching that mark to get an idea which area Melbourne will focus on next.

First we need to consider the already heritage listed enclosures. There’s five I can think of; the giraffe enclosure, the Amazon Aviary, the GFA, the former elephant enclosure and the Reptile House. The giraffe enclosure being heritage listed is probably why the Giraffes have still remained at Melbourne and not been moved entirely over to Werribee. The other two aviaries will likely receive renovations going forward and could still be used for other things. And the elephant enclosure will likely sit empty and be used for Roar N Snores, I don’t see that changing.

Aside from that, the first thing that comes to mind is Treetop Monkeys. Some of the enclosures were built in the 70’s which means they will very soon be reaching that 50 year mark. Melbourne has long had plans to reinvigorate and expand that area and I’m not sure why they haven’t. This is definitely a ‘watch this space’ exhibit especially as there’s a fair amount of enclosures there at the moment which are empty.

Then there’s the small Platypus enclosure which I believe was built in the 80’s if I can remember correctly. Has always been very empty as far as I can remember and I can definitely see Melbourne replacing it going forward. Another ‘watch this space’.

And of course there’s also the Wombat burrows which I believe were also opened in the 80’s. It’s a cool design imo, and I would like them to just be renovated in some way but it’s likely Melbourne might look into replacing them within the next decade or so. Probably with just an entirely new Wombat complex.

Assuming Zoos Victoria don’t want to be saddled with Growing Wild for life, that means we have it for a maximum of 39 years, 7 months and 27 days (2012-2062)!

Treetop Monkeys is looking dated and combined with its expiry date and depletion of species suggests this area will be a priority. I like the idea of continuing with the African forest theme for this area given they already have Western lowland gorilla, Pygmy hippopotamus and lemurs. A walkthrough Black and white colobus exhibit in the place of Treetop Monkeys, with Mandrill reclaiming their old exhibit would round off this precinct nicely.

The adjacent TOTE could then focus on Asian forest species (Asiatic lion, Sloth bear, Sumatran tiger etc).

 

[Jambo]

Assuming Zoos Victoria don’t want to be saddled with Growing Wild for life, that means we have it for a maximum of 39 years, 7 months and 27 days (2012-2062)!

Treetop Monkeys is looking dated and combined with its expiry date and depletion of species suggests this area will be a priority. I like the idea of continuing with the African forest theme for this area given they already have Western lowland gorilla, Pygmy hippopotamus and lemurs. A walkthrough Black and white colobus exhibit in the place of Treetop Monkeys, with Mandrill reclaiming their old exhibit would round off this precinct nicely.

The adjacent TOTE could then focus on Asian forest species (Asiatic lion, Sloth bear, Sumatran tiger etc).

A walkthrough Black and White Colobus exhibit would certainly be amazing. Potentially even better if they could somehow make use of the ground level for Pygmy Hippos too, which would give them more space which they would also need going forward as well.

Spider Monkeys and Tamarins could then be moved to the GFA (as part of the South American plan) and the WC Gibbon could be inserted into the rotation with the Orangutans/Saimangs for the Orangutan extension.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Add

The above area could easily be used for Brazilian Tapir and Andean Bears. Maybe the Peccaries could’ve got a home in there too somewhere.

That could more so be the ‘plains’ of South America whilst the GFA could serve as the ‘forest’ part with the birds (Macaws ect.), monkeys (Squirrels, Spiders, Tamarins) and others like Capybaras and Agouti.

on top of that a Xenarthra Ira with giant anteater, tamandua, sloth and armadillo. Howler monkeys could also be interesting, though they would likely need an individual section

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

A walkthrough Black and White Colobus exhibit would certainly be amazing. Potentially even better if they could somehow make use of the ground level for Pygmy Hippos too, which would give them more space which they would also need going forward as well.

Spider Monkeys and Tamarins could then be moved to the GFA (as part of the South American plan) and the WC Gibbon could be inserted into the rotation with the Orangutans/Saimangs for the Orangutan extension.

This concept is amazing, thanks to both of you. I’ve loved the idea of WC gibbon being integrated with the other species. Potentially the island could be their exhibit, with overhead pathway linking them all at any given time. A colobus walkthrough would be amazing, Pygmy hippo below, allowing for a massive troop of Mandrill if the current exhibits is repurposed. These South American species would be great in the GFA. If and when colobus move to WORZ, what would you suggest as a replacement? De Brazza’s? Baboons? Also, would there be underwater viewing for the Pygmy hippo like there is now, kind of an offshoot path. Although the giraffe exhibit it is heritage, it could still be repurposed for okapi. The zebra offshoot considered for bongo shouldn’t be heritage protected I don’t think, so would work out fine. I’d love to see a duiker in the exhibit space adjacent, potentially with access to the other exhibits. With baboons ideally moving, what would you suggest for this exhibit in theme with the Congo? Makes me dream of Bonobo…

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Heritage Listings:

Whilst they’re unpopular to us, they are something to consider when we’re thinking about what should go where.

Any building or piece of architecture in the zoo would be heritage listed once it exceeds 50 years of age. That would make it notoriously difficult to ever get rid of, and something Zoos Vic have shown in the past they don’t want to even get close to.

The recent constructions around the zoo in the past few decades have all aligned with Melbourne replacing old exhibits before they get to the 50 year mark:
Wild Seas replaced the old seal pool which was built back in the 60’s. Growing Wild replaced the old area there which included the old baboon cages which were built in the 60’s as well. Then the Carnivores replaced the Small Cat and Big cat rows which were built in the 70’s, and also Lion Park which was built in the 60’s.

So with that in mind we need to consider what exhibits will be approaching that mark to get an idea which area Melbourne will focus on next.

First we need to consider the already heritage listed enclosures. There’s five I can think of; the giraffe enclosure, the Amazon Aviary, the GFA, the former elephant enclosure and the Reptile House. The giraffe enclosure being heritage listed is probably why the Giraffes have still remained at Melbourne and not been moved entirely over to Werribee. The other two aviaries will likely receive renovations going forward and could still be used for other things. And the elephant enclosure will likely sit empty and be used for Roar N Snores, I don’t see that changing.

Aside from that, the first thing that comes to mind is Treetop Monkeys. Some of the enclosures were built in the 70’s which means they will very soon be reaching that 50 year mark. Melbourne has long had plans to reinvigorate and expand that area and I’m not sure why they haven’t. This is definitely a ‘watch this space’ exhibit especially as there’s a fair amount of enclosures there at the moment which are empty.

Then there’s the small Platypus enclosure which I believe was built in the 80’s (1984?). It has always been very empty visitor wise as far as I can remember and I can definitely see Melbourne replacing it going forward. Another ‘watch this space’.

And of course there’s also the Wombat burrows which I believe were also opened in the 80’s (1986?). It’s a cool design imo, and I would like them to just be renovated in some way but it’s likely Melbourne might look into replacing them within the next decade or so. Probably with just an entirely new Wombat complex.

I still think Tree-Top Monkeys could either extend towards the butterfly house, over the Tiger off display enclosure, or expand further along the path that runs between the Tiger and Gorilla enclosures on the way out of GR. This adds to my previous suggestion of Hutan's enclosure being flipped, where the viewing side is from the Gorilla Rainforest, and it could be used to house Bongo and Okapi (though I know we have suggested the Giraffe enclosure would be good for this.

I do not support knocking down the Treetop monkeys. It could be spruced up and extended, but not physically replaced. I would love for a walkthrough Colobus section but only if it is able to be squeased into the space along the exit path.

As for the Platypus House, it is a small enclosure tucked into an area that has (what I think) are BOH for the giant tortoise and Zebras. It may be an enclosure that is not stopped from becoming heritage, although when I last walked through it I am pretty sure that there was only a single Platypus in it, which *may* indicate that MZ are planing to phase them out and consolidate them in the World of the Platypus at Healesville.

I would like to see the Wombat burrows moved, and make the area upon exiting the GFA be like entering a Tasmanian gully, and have it be the start of an immersion to Tasmanian Devil, Pademelon, Potoroo, and maybe a new place for Platypus, this could then emerge into a next section with a different regionally themed (Australia), maybe being the Otways, or something. This is if they keep an Australian section.

Otherwise I think the Growing Wild area should be converted to an Australian Bush and Rainforest area, consolidating all Aussie animals to there, including Little Penguin and Pelicans, a new Australian Aviary, Kangaroo walkthrough, and some dense bush areas, utilising the planted out area. Cassowary here too. Then GFA and Australian Bush area can become a South American precinct.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

This concept is amazing, thanks to both of you. I’ve loved the idea of WC gibbon being integrated with the other species. Potentially the island could be their exhibit, with overhead pathway linking them all at any given time. A colobus walkthrough would be amazing, Pygmy hippo below, allowing for a massive troop of Mandrill if the current exhibits is repurposed. These South American species would be great in the GFA. If and when colobus move to WORZ, what would you suggest as a replacement? De Brazza’s? Baboons? Also, would there be underwater viewing for the Pygmy hippo like there is now, kind of an offshoot path. Although the giraffe exhibit it is heritage, it could still be repurposed for okapi. The zebra offshoot considered for bongo shouldn’t be heritage protected I don’t think, so would work out fine. I’d love to see a duiker in the exhibit space adjacent, potentially with access to the other exhibits. With baboons ideally moving, what would you suggest for this exhibit in theme with the Congo? Makes me dream of Bonobo…

If this concept involved planting out the Giraffe and Zebra enclosures I would definitely 100% support this! Okapi, Bongo, Duiker, and Bonobo - tick, tick, tick, tick!!!

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I still think Tree-Top Monkeys could either extend towards the butterfly house, over the Tiger off display enclosure, or expand further along the path that runs between the Tiger and Gorilla enclosures on the way out of GR. This adds to my previous suggestion of Hutan's enclosure being flipped, where the viewing side is from the Gorilla Rainforest, and it could be used to house Bongo and Okapi (though I know we have suggested the Giraffe enclosure would be good for this.

I do not support knocking down the Treetop monkeys. It could be spruced up and extended, but not physically replaced. I would love for a walkthrough Colobus section but only if it is able to be squeased into the space along the exit path.

As for the Platypus House, it is a small enclosure tucked into an area that has (what I think) are BOH for the giant tortoise and Zebras. It may be an enclosure that is not stopped from becoming heritage, although when I last walked through it I am pretty sure that there was only a single Platypus in it, which *may* indicate that MZ are planing to phase them out and consolidate them in the World of the Platypus at Healesville.

I would like to see the Wombat burrows moved, and make the area upon exiting the GFA be like entering a Tasmanian gully, and have it be the start of an immersion to Tasmanian Devil, Pademelon, Potoroo, and maybe a new place for Platypus, this could then emerge into a next section with a different regionally themed (Australia), maybe being the Otways, or something. This is if they keep an Australian section.

Otherwise I think the Growing Wild area should be converted to an Australian Bush and Rainforest area, consolidating all Aussie animals to there, including Little Penguin and Pelicans, a new Australian Aviary, Kangaroo walkthrough, and some dense bush areas, utilising the planted out area. Cassowary here too. Then GFA and Australian Bush area can become a South American precinct.

I feel as though having Tassie devil and wombat burrows side by side in Growing Wild would be quite appealing to children. Also, where would the meerkats be in this scenario? If they are in the same spot then it could be interesting to house an aardvark right next to them. Should be enough space for the other animals we covered

 

[Jambo]

This concept is amazing, thanks to both of you. I’ve loved the idea of WC gibbon being integrated with the other species. Potentially the island could be their exhibit, with overhead pathway linking them all at any given time. A colobus walkthrough would be amazing, Pygmy hippo below, allowing for a massive troop of Mandrill if the current exhibits is repurposed. These South American species would be great in the GFA. If and when colobus move to WORZ, what would you suggest as a replacement? De Brazza’s? Baboons? Also, would there be underwater viewing for the Pygmy hippo like there is now, kind of an offshoot path. Although the giraffe exhibit it is heritage, it could still be repurposed for okapi. The zebra offshoot considered for bongo shouldn’t be heritage protected I don’t think, so would work out fine. I’d love to see a duiker in the exhibit space adjacent, potentially with access to the other exhibits. With baboons ideally moving, what would you suggest for this exhibit in theme with the Congo? Makes me dream of Bonobo…

If the Colobus move to WORZ, I can still see Melbourne maintaining the main troop at Melbourne; probably the main breeding group with surplus individuals sent over to Werribee who have a much smaller exhibit (if we’re thinking they’ll replace the Vervets). If Colobus weren’t considered though than maybe De Brazzas (which Melbourne’s previously had) or Allen’s Swamp Monkeys would fit the walkthrough.

The Pygmy Hippos would still have access to the current two enclosures in that scenario, so the path in the walkthrough would be mostly above ground.

The Giraffe Barns are the ones that are heritage listed afaik. There’s no reason why Okapi couldn’t be moved into there going forward. If them (and Bongo) were to move there as planned, the Baboon exhibit would preferably be used for Mandrill or Melbourne could retain baboons as ambassadors for the Mandrill. Another thought is to use that as a second gorilla exhibit with a very long walkway connecting both enclosures; that would bypass other species such as the Okapi, Bongo and even Orangutans.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

If the Colobus move to WORZ, I can still see Melbourne maintaining the main troop at Melbourne; probably the main breeding group with surplus individuals sent over to Werribee who have a much smaller exhibit (if we’re thinking they’ll replace the Vervets). If Colobus weren’t considered though than maybe De Brazzas (which Melbourne’s previously had) or Allen’s Swamp Monkeys would fit the walkthrough.

The Pygmy Hippos would still have access to the current two enclosures in that scenario, so the path in the walkthrough would be mostly above ground.

The Giraffe Barns are the ones that are heritage listed afaik. There’s no reason why Okapi couldn’t be moved into there going forward. If them (and Bongo) were to move there as planned, the Baboon exhibit would preferably be used for Mandrill or Melbourne could retain baboons as ambassadors for the Mandrill. Another thought is to use that as a second gorilla exhibit with a very long walkway connecting both enclosures; that would bypass other species such as the Okapi, Bongo and even Orangutans.

In this scenario, what would Zillies exhibit go towards? I stated bonobo as wishful thinking, and would realistically suit the smaller exhibit more. Also, how many Pygmy hippos are we thinking to fill up all 3 exhibits. Maybe a pair in the current enclosures, and the offspring in the aviary?

 

[Zoofan15]

If this concept involved planting out the Giraffe and Zebra enclosures I would definitely 100% support this! Okapi, Bongo, Duiker, and Bonobo - tick, tick, tick, tick!!!

It would be great to see Australasia establish a regional Bonobo population.

Several city zoos (Auckland, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth etc.) phased out Common chimpanzee for space reasons, but Bonobo are commonly housed in small family groups (often a breeding pair and their offspring), so they’re the perfect replacement.

At Melbourne Zoo, Bonobo would nicely compliment several Central African species including Pygmy hippopotamus, Western lowland gorilla and hopefully Okapi and Eastern bongo.

 

[Zoofan15]

In this scenario, what would Zillies exhibit go towards? Also, how many Pygmy hippos are we thinking to fill up all 3 exhibits. Maybe a pair in the current enclosures, and the offspring in the aviary?

If a demand for Pygmy hippopotamus can be established within the region, there’s no reason Melbourne Zoo couldn’t become a breeding hub for them, with the housing of either 1.2 hippos or 2.2 hippos across three exhibits, with off display yards.

The latter option of two pairs would allow the breeding of unrelated first generation offspring to form pairs at other zoos.