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

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Zoofan15 said:
Foreshadowing Exotic Phase Outs (2006)

I came across this interesting article from 2006, which foreshadows the rampant phase outs seen across Australian zoos:

Exotic extinction looms in zoos

Say goodbye to the African elephant, the black rhinoceros and jaguar, for sure. Possibly to the leopard, the polar bear and hippopotamus as well. Most exotic mammals in Australia's zoos are headed for local extinction.

The number of foreign species that the public can see will start to shrink from 127 mammals to as few as 31 in years to come, a survey of the zoos has found.

Their survey, Going, Going Gone. A zoo without exotic mammals? was conducted for the Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria. The alarming change it shows includes the loss of 30 out of the 46 different primates - monkeys and their relatives. There would be only eight carnivore species left out of 31 now, and even open-range zoos face a crisis in African hoofed animals such as the hippo.

"The majority of exotic mammal species in our collections are spiralling down a 'tunnel' of extinction, which, depending on the average lifespan of individual specimens is anticipated during the next five to 15 years."
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Good find. I've read the Going, Going Gone report previously, but unfortunately don't seem to be able to find it online anymore.

It would be interesting to conduct an analysis of even just the numbers provided in the newspaper article. I think, despite our concerns, the picture today is probably rosier than it would have been thought to be in 2006, which has also been supported by the import of new species, like the Sri Lankan Leopard.
 
Abbey said:
Good find. I've read the Going, Going Gone report previously, but unfortunately don't seem to be able to find it online anymore.
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I will amend a well known quote from The Simpsons to: “Whoever can find (and post) that report will forever hold a special place in my heart.” With the exception of a complete list of every Hamadryas baboon held by the Melbourne Zoo, I couldn’t imagine a more fascinating read right now.
Abbey said:
It would be interesting to conduct an analysis of even just the numbers provided in the newspaper article. I think, despite our concerns, the picture today is probably rosier than it would have been thought to be in 2006, which has also been supported by the import of new species, like the Sri Lankan Leopard.
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Challenge accepted, I’ll see what I can do.
 
PaddyRickMFZ said:
I think if you ask many visitors I think you’ll find Giraffes are not a make or break species. An okapi would have similar success, but gorillas, bears and big cats are simply unrivalled in terms of visitor appeal and will more than certainly be noticed. Elephants are an obvious one but the fact that they are moving to WORZ is enough for many visitors to feel content
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Considering Bears haven't been held at MZ for quite some time, I don't think they hold the same status for Victorians at least, there is none displayed at any zoo in VIC as far as I am aware.

Personally, I'd put Ring-tailed Lemurs very high on this list arguably higher than Bears. Any zoo with them draws a consistent crowd throughout the day wherever their exhibit is especially when they are part of a walkthrough like MZ.
 
Josh F said:
Considering Bears haven't been held at MZ for quite some time, I don't think they hold the same status for Victorians at least, there is none displayed at any zoo in VIC as far as I am aware.

Personally, I'd put Ring-tailed Lemurs very high on this list arguably higher than Bears. Any zoo with them draws a consistent crowd throughout the day wherever their exhibit is especially when they are part of a walkthrough like MZ.
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There are no bears displayed at any facility in Victoria; but conversely, Melbourne Zoo would be exhibiting the only bears in the State - that’s a notable point of difference.

Bears are enabling. Period. There’s no reason a new generation of visitors wouldn’t fall in love with them; while any Victorian aged in their teens or older that visited Melbourne Zoo would have memories of Melbourne’s last bear (it only died in 2016).

Ring-tailed lemurs are an enabling species, but how they’re displayed is crucial (walk throughs are preferable). I would identify Monarto as an excellent (albeit expensive) example of displaying them well versus Wellington, where they’re a speck in the distance that nobody spends long looking for. The same goes for Auckland, where the glare of the glass makes them inconspicuous.
 
Josh F said:
Considering Bears haven't been held at MZ for quite some time, I don't think they hold the same status for Victorians at least, there is none displayed at any zoo in VIC as far as I am aware.

Personally, I'd put Ring-tailed Lemurs very high on this list arguably higher than Bears. Any zoo with them draws a consistent crowd throughout the day wherever their exhibit is especially when they are part of a walkthrough like MZ.
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Ring Tailed lemurs are popular, but they simply don’t hold a candle to what a bear would attract. They certainly hold the same prestige within Victorian’s, amplified by their rarity. Ask 95% of Victorians what they would rather see and it would be bears every time. Not implementing a bear species would be a massive missed opportunity for MZ. I can’t think of a single other species that would generate more visitors/ attention
 
I would dare say the average zoo visitor wouldn't actually know what species the zoo houses unless they are regular visitors. The general public go to the zoo for the idea of the 'zoo' sure they want to see the ABC species but their experience of the zoo will be wholly dictated by one thing, the activity level of the animals at the zoo. Ask any zoo general visitor what their favourite part was and it will almost always be either the most active species they saw or an animal with young that were visible.

I don't think the public expect to see a bear at MZ and would think it extremely unlikely they will ever acquire a bear species again.
 
Analysis of 2006 Phase Out Predictions (Carnivores)

Exotic extinction looms in zoos

The articles states: There would be only eight carnivore species left out of 31 now.

——————————————————————

<<< In 2006 >>>

The 31 species of exotic carnivores held in the region in 2006 were as follows:

African lion
Sumatran tiger
Snow leopard
Cheetah
Serval
Fishing cat
Polar bear
Malayan sun bear
Binturong
Asian small-clawed otter
Nepalese red panda
Spotted hyena
African wild dog
Maned wolf
Fennec fox
Syrian brown bear
Eurasian brown bear
Kodak brown bear
Jaguar
Persian leopard
Temminck’s golden cat
Leopard cat
Ocelot
Dhole
Clouded leopard
Asiatic caracal
Puma
Bobcat
European badger
Dwarf mongoose
White-nosed coati

Note: It appears the subspecies of brown bear were counted as different species by the author.

——————————————————————

<<< What Remained >>>

Of the 31 exotic carnivore species in the region in 2006, 15 of these have remained continuously up until now:

African lion *
Sumatran tiger *
Snow leopard
Cheetah *
Serval *
Fishing cat
Polar bear
Malayan sun bear
Binturong
Asian small-clawed otter *
Nepalese red panda *
Spotted hyena
African wild dog *
Maned wolf
Fennec fox *

The article was concerned with species likely to disappear in the region. I’ve therefore placed an * next to the species I believe were the eight identified as likely to survive in the region long term.

Others in this list were either confirmed as phase out at that time (Maned wolf) or breeding poorly and held by a small number of zoos e.g. Malayan sun bear.

——————————————————————

<<< What Was Phased Out >>>

Of the 31 exotic carnivore species in the region in 2006, 16 of these were phased out:

Syrian brown bear
Eurasian brown bear
Kodak brown bear
Jaguar
Persian leopard
Temminck’s golden cat
Leopard cat
Ocelot
Dhole
Clouded leopard
Asiatic caracal
Puma
Bobcat
European badger
Dwarf mongoose
White-nosed coati

Clouded leopard were reimported; South African caracal replaced Asiatic caracal (different subspecies); Sri Lankan leopard replaced Persian leopard (different subspecies); and Brown-nosed coati replaced White-nosed coati (similar species).

——————————————————————

<<< In 2023 >>>

As of 2023, we have 19 species of carnivore in the region:

African lion
Sumatran tiger
Snow leopard
Sri Lankan leopard
Cheetah
Caracal
Clouded leopard
Serval
Fishing cat
Brown nosed coati
Polar bear
Malayan sun bear
Binturong
Asian small-clawed otter
Nepalese red panda
Spotted hyena
African wild dog
Maned wolf
Fennec fox

——————————————————————

<<< In 2033 >>>

I predict in 2033, we will have 17 species of carnivores in the region:

African lion
Sumatran tiger
Snow leopard
Sri Lankan leopard
Cheetah
South African caracal
Clouded leopard
Serval
Polar bear
Sloth bear
Binturong
Asian small-clawed otter
Nepalese red panda
Spotted hyena
African wild dog
Maned wolf
Fennec fox

It’s a slight decrease from what we have now. I predict we’ll lose Fishing cat and Brown-nosed coati in the next decade; and Polar bear and Serval won’t be far behind - but it’s double the original prediction of eight species, so I guess that’s a positive.

——————————————————————
 
Zoofan15 said:
Analysis of 2006 Phase Out Predictions (Carnivores)

Exotic extinction looms in zoos

The articles states: There would be only eight carnivore species left out of 31 now.

——————————————————————

<<< In 2006 >>>

The 31 species of exotic carnivores held in the region in 2006 were as follows:

African lion
Sumatran tiger
Snow leopard
Cheetah
Serval
Fishing cat
Polar bear
Malayan sun bear
Binturong
Asian small-clawed otter
Nepalese red panda
Spotted hyena
African wild dog
Maned wolf
Fennec fox
Syrian brown bear
Eurasian brown bear
Kodak brown bear
Jaguar
Persian leopard
Temminck’s golden cat
Leopard cat
Ocelot
Dhole
Clouded leopard
Asiatic caracal
Puma
Bobcat
European badger
Dwarf mongoose
White-nosed coati

Note: It appears the subspecies of brown bear were counted as different species by the author.

——————————————————————

<<< What Remained >>>

Of the 31 exotic carnivore species in the region in 2006, 15 of these have remained continuously up until now:

African lion *
Sumatran tiger *
Snow leopard
Cheetah *
Serval *
Fishing cat
Polar bear
Malayan sun bear
Binturong
Asian small-clawed otter *
Nepalese red panda *
Spotted hyena
African wild dog *
Maned wolf
Fennec fox *

The article was concerned with species likely to disappear in the region. I’ve therefore placed an * next to the species I believe were the eight identified as likely to survive in the region long term.

Others in this list were either confirmed as phase out at that time (Maned wolf) or breeding poorly and held by a small number of zoos e.g. Malayan sun bear.

——————————————————————

<<< What Was Phased Out >>>

Of the 31 exotic carnivore species in the region in 2006, 16 of these were phased out:

Syrian brown bear
Eurasian brown bear
Kodak brown bear
Jaguar
Persian leopard
Temminck’s golden cat
Leopard cat
Ocelot
Dhole
Clouded leopard
Asiatic caracal
Puma
Bobcat
European badger
Dwarf mongoose
White-nosed coati

Clouded leopard were reimported; South African caracal replaced Asiatic caracal (different subspecies); Sri Lankan leopard replaced Persian leopard (different subspecies); and Brown-nosed coati replaced White-nosed coati (similar species).

——————————————————————

<<< In 2023 >>>

As of 2023, we have 19 species of carnivore in the region:

African lion
Sumatran tiger
Snow leopard
Sri Lankan leopard
Cheetah
Caracal
Clouded leopard
Serval
Fishing cat
Brown nosed coati
Polar bear
Malayan sun bear
Binturong
Asian small-clawed otter
Nepalese red panda
Spotted hyena
African wild dog
Maned wolf
Fennec fox

——————————————————————

<<< In 2033 >>>

I predict in 2033, we will have 16 species of carnivores in the region:

African lion
Sumatran tiger
Snow leopard
Sri Lankan leopard
Cheetah
South African caracal
Clouded leopard
Polar bear
Sloth bear
Binturong
Asian small-clawed otter
Nepalese red panda
Spotted hyena
African wild dog
Maned wolf
Fennec fox

——————————————————————
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So you believe that despite breeding efforts, serval and fishing cat will be phased out? I personally believe coati will be reimported, and sun bears will be continued. Where was the Eurasian Brown Bear held? Was it National Zoo? I really hope at least 1 species, up to 3 will be introduced to the region. Sloth bear is a no brainer, as is the brown bear, while asiatic blacks being phased out of AZA presents as a good opportunity. Are there still breeding facilities in Asia and Europe for the blacks? Really interesting and unique species. Any other carnivores you think could be imported into the region with luck? Potentially Dhole? Asiatic lions are as unlikely as ever but are a possibility ig. Is there any chance of an ocelot return? They are quite a popular species and I wouldn’t imagine overly difficult to source
 
Babirusa said:
I would dare say the average zoo visitor wouldn't actually know what species the zoo houses unless they are regular visitors. The general public go to the zoo for the idea of the 'zoo' sure they want to see the ABC species but their experience of the zoo will be wholly dictated by one thing, the activity level of the animals at the zoo. Ask any zoo general visitor what their favourite part was and it will almost always be either the most active species they saw or an animal with young that were visible.

I don't think the public expect to see a bear at MZ and would think it extremely unlikely they will ever acquire a bear species again.
Click to expand...
I think you are confused as to the market. Most visitors are Melbourne Residents, not international visitors. When going to the zoo, most families know roughly what they are going to see. If on the news as MZ often is, the aight of a bear for the first time in what would be a decade is certainly something that would pull a crowd. I know many people that would go to see a bear if an opportunity presented itself
 
PaddyRickMFZ said:
So you believe that despite breeding efforts, serval and fishing cat will be phased out? I personally believe coati will be reimported, and sun bears will be continued.
Click to expand...

Yes, I doubt the region will continue with Fishing cat long term. They’re not enabling (nobody ever sees them) and they breed poorly. Hamilton has held three potential pairings over the last 15 years and failed to breed from any of them. Taronga haven’t bred since 2002. Only Melbourne Zoo had any level of success and they had off display breeding facilities. Hamilton wish to acquire.

Serval has been phased out of several zoos over the last decade - including two New Zealand zoos. Once Auckland’s elderly female dies, no Servals will remain in New Zealand and they don’t appear to be doing much better in Australia. The Darling Downs Zoo has bred enough to keep them going for at least the next decade via the zoos that have acquired them.

If Malayan sun bear continue, I believe it’ll be via imports of surplus females from Europe until we can receive males. It could easily be 15-20 years before we can source males from Europe. We may or may not see a switch to Sloth bears.

Coati are a strong candidate for phase out as Europe are phasing them out due to restrictions on breeding. Given Australia’s biosecurity stance, it’s not hard to imagine we could have similar rules enforced on Australian holders soon.
PaddyRickMFZ said:
Where was the Eurasian Brown Bear held? Was it National Zoo?
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1.2 Eurasian brown bear were held at the National Zoo. They died between 2015 and 2018.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Yes, I doubt the region will continue with Fishing cat long term. They’re not enabling (nobody ever sees them) and they breed poorly. Hamilton has held three potential pairings over the last 15 years and failed to breed from any of them. Taronga haven’t bred since 2002. Only Melbourne Zoo had any level of success and they had off display breeding facilities. Hamilton wish to acquire.

Serval has been phased out of several zoos over the last decade - including two New Zealand zoos. Once Auckland’s elderly female dies, no Servals will remain in New Zealand and they don’t appear to be doing much better in Australia. The Darling Downs Zoo has bred enough to keep them going for at least the next decade via the zoos that have acquired them.

If Malayan sun bear continue, I believe it’ll be via imports of surplus females from Europe until we can receive males. It could easily be 15-20 years before we can source males from Europe. We may or may not see a switch to Sloth bears.

Coati are a strong candidate for phase out as Europe are phasing them out due to restrictions on breeding. Given Australia’s biosecurity stance, it’s not hard to imagine we could have similar rules enforced on Australian holders soon.


1.2 Eurasian brown bear were held at the National Zoo. They died between 2015 and 2018.
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So annoying that amazing species like that were held so recently. I’m hoping that due to all the bans we will recognise our potential last chance to import coati. Another that could reinforce a future South American precinct. Do you think it’s possible that Adelaide may show interest in MZ’s peccary with the new jungle journey? Could present as an opportunity to preserve a species we may never be able to import again as well. Hopefully their ban is lifted as they are not a member of suidae, but it’s unlikely we will commit funding to that without interest
 
PaddyRickMFZ said:
I think you are confused as to the market. Most visitors are Melbourne Residents, not international visitors. When going to the zoo, most families know roughly what they are going to see. If on the news as MZ often is, the aight of a bear for the first time in what would be a decade is certainly something that would pull a crowd. I know many people that would go to see a bear if an opportunity presented itself
Click to expand...
Although the vast majority are Melbourne residents, I am less confident that the majority are fully aware of what they will see on arrival, and would agree with @Babirusa that majority go with the idea of 'the zoo'.
 
PaddyRickMFZ said:
Any other carnivores you think could be imported into the region with luck? Potentially Dhole? Asiatic lions are as unlikely as ever but are a possibility ig. Is there any chance of an ocelot return? They are quite a popular species and I wouldn’t imagine overly difficult to source
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Dhole could do well, though aren’t held in large numbers throughout North America.

Asiatic lions could potentially be sourced from Europe. I’d like to see them replace African lions in city zoos, as they mostly hold non breeding prides due to space limitations; and many European zoos house Asiatic lions in 1.1 pairs breeding pairs.

Although Ocelot would enhance South American precincts, I think Clouded leopard will become the felid of the future. Hamilton Zoo will likely acquire them prior to phasing out Fishing cat and I can see Taronga and Melbourne reacquiring them.
PaddyRickMFZ said:
Do you think it’s possible that Adelaide may show interest in MZ’s peccary with the new jungle journey? Could present as an opportunity to preserve a species we may never be able to import again as well. Hopefully their ban is lifted as they are not a member of suidae, but it’s unlikely we will commit funding to that without interest
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They’re not in Adelaide’s 2023 Masterplan, though for the record I’m in favour of “anyone who isn’t Melbourne Zoo” taking those peccaries. I’ve long been of the opinion if they’re not gonna breed them, then give them to someone who will.
 
tigris115 said:
So how hard is it to get to the open sister zoos from the city itself for Sydney and Melbourne?
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StoppableSan said:
Melbourne and Werribee are 30 minutes apart, while Sydney/Dubbo are 2 hours apart.
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Melbourne and Werribee are 40 minutes.
Adelaide and Monarto are 55 minutes.
Taronga and Dubbo are 5 hours, 30 minutes.

Dubbo has had double ups to Taronga for years - Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers etc. because they essentially attract different market.

Zoos South Australia originally planned for Adelaide and Monarto to compliment each other, with Adelaide holding rainforest species and Monarto holding savannah species. Sadly the revised masterplan has undone a lot of those plans, which is illogical when they for the most part attract the same market. Long term, Adelaide could become a very tame, scaled back version of Monarto.
 
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