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

[Zoofan15]

I’m inclined to believe that the move is just to give the giraffes more space (without the risk of being occasionally separated from the zebra), or potentially to hold a medium sized group of Nyala like @Zoofan15 said. They would be much more attractive and engaging compared to a small group of zebra and would potentially also be more compatible with the giraffe.

Bongos probably won’t return to Melbourne. Werribee would be my bet if they were ever to return to Zoos Vic but further breeding and imports would be required for that.

I’ve long favoured the housing of Eastern bongo in large herds and I think the history of this species in the region has proved pairs aren’t ideal for optimal breeding and succession planning.

By housing them at Werribee, this would at least allow them to establish a decent sized herd. There’d also be space for off display yards to accomodate surplus bulls to sub in for the founder bull in the breeding herd as and when required.

It’s hard to say whether Okapi will eventuate. I’m hopeful Taronga’s apparent plans to build the gorilla exhibits first is as much around delaying the Okapi exhibits to coincide with the eventual Giraffidae IRA as it is around prioritising vacating the current gorilla exhibit to utilise that space for the precinct.

 

[Zoofan15]

I agree, and the size of the Tasmanian Devils in the Carnivores trail will definitely accomodate a larger, more active group.

The current platypus enclosure is definitely on the smaller side, and taking into consideration that it’s on the old side a larger upgrade should certainly be on the agenda. The space is there for a native nocturnal precinct where the Wombats currently are; especially as it would give the Wombats an improved home too (their complex is beginning to age as well).

I certainly believe a completely new precinct should and would be in plans if the Seals were to be phased out. Little Penguins could easily be accommodated elsewhere in the zoo (two suitable locations would be the current Peccary/Tapir habitats next to the north entrance, or even in Growing Wild).

An improved Congo precinct would be beneficial (especially if Melbourne were to look into Okapi); but this would be better suited for the current Giraffe enclosure.

A South American dome would be something that should be on the cards to replace Wild Sea, especially as such an attraction would be located right in the centre of the zoo.

In an ideal world, a South American precinct would replace Growing Wild, but I have to agree the Wild Seas precinct is the more likely outcome. The elephant exhibit can be similarly discounted based on their size - we simply don’t have the variety of species to create a decent precinct on that size land.

The only alternative I see for Wild Seas is if the area was converted into a marine bird facility - with a covered aviary and large penguin rookery like Auckland Zoo are planning. My understanding is Auckland’s penguin exhibit will be largely rock based - the penguins simply don’t make enough use of the pool to justify filtering/treating such a large volume of water (the primary issue with housing pinnipeds).

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

In an ideal world, a South American precinct would replace Growing Wild, but I have to agree the Wild Seas precinct is the more likely outcome. The elephant exhibit can be similarly discounted based on their size - we simply don’t have the variety of species to create a decent precinct on that size land.

The only alternative I see for Wild Seas is if the area was converted into a marine bird facility - with a covered aviary and large penguin rookery like Auckland Zoo are planning. My understanding is Auckland’s penguin exhibit will be largely rock based - the penguins simply don’t make enough use of the pool to justify filtering/treating such a large volume of water (the primary issue with housing pinnipeds).

Imo the best SA precinct would be held in the Australian section, incorporating the GFA as previously discussed. I believe it was @Jambo who masterminded an improved Australian precinct in Growing Wild, featuring a similarly diverse array of animals compacted into a smaller space. It was also jambo that suggested an African dwarf crocodile replace the platypus, coinciding with, ideally, Okapi, Bongo, Mandrill and Duiker(multiple species)

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I’ve long favoured the housing of Eastern bongo in large herds and I think the history of this species in the region has proved pairs aren’t ideal for optimal breeding and succession planning.

By housing them at Werribee, this would at least allow them to establish a decent sized herd. There’d also be space for off display yards to accomodate surplus bulls to sub in for the founder bull in the breeding herd as and when required.

It’s hard to say whether Okapi will eventuate. I’m hopeful Taronga’s apparent plans to build the gorilla exhibits first is as much around delaying the Okapi exhibits to coincide with the eventual Giraffidae IRA as it is around prioritising vacating the current gorilla exhibit to utilise that space for the precinct.

I doubt this would be possible considering WORZ’s absolutely unnecessary obsession over Savannah species, and also the lack of individuals available. I’d love to see a breeding pair held at MZ, potentially incorporating some of the offspring. Either way, that IRA needs to be in use. Someone may have mentioned impala or kudu being imported sometime soon?

 

[Zoofan15]

Imo the best SA precinct would be held in the Australian section, incorporating the GFA as previously discussed. I believe it was @Jambo who masterminded an improved Australian precinct in Growing Wild, featuring a similarly diverse array of animals compacted into a smaller space. It was also jambo that suggested an African dwarf crocodile replace the platypus, coinciding with, ideally, Okapi, Bongo, Mandrill and Duiker(multiple species)

That would be fantastic to see, but realistically speaking I wouldn’t expect to see a full scale redevelopment of the Australian precinct. Funding is limited and the priority will be TOTE, then Wild Seas, Treetop Monkeys and Peccary/Tapir Row (probably in that order).

Those would all be greater priorities in Zoos Victoria’s eyes than Growing Wild (being redeveloped for Australian natives), which they regard as fully functional; or the redevelopment of the Australian precinct for South American precincts.

 

[Zoofan15]

I doubt this would be possible considering WORZ’s absolutely unnecessary obsession over Savannah species, and also the lack of individuals available. I’d love to see a breeding pair held at MZ, potentially incorporating some of the offspring. Either way, that IRA needs to be in use. Someone may have mentioned impala or kudu being imported sometime soon?

Monarto are reportedly interested in Impala and will hopefully accomodate a large herd.

I wouldn’t mind Werribee focussing on Savannah/Grassland species if Melbourne dedicated themselves solely to rainforest species. Instead they persist with exhibiting giraffe and lions in exhibits a fraction of the size of what you can see 45 minutes away at the open range zoo because of a belief the visitors expect to see lions and giraffes.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I'd want to see African Dwarf Crocodiles housed in closer proximity to Pygmy Hippos, but don't know whether that means I want the Pygmys moved to near the current platypus, or if I am wanting a Dwarf Croc exhibit squeezed in near the Pygmys...

 

[Zoofan15]

I'd want to see African Dwarf Crocodiles housed in closer proximity to Pygmy Hippos, but don't know whether that means I want the Pygmys moved to near the current platypus, or if I am wanting a Dwarf Croc exhibit squeezed in near the Pygmys...

I’m tempted to say the former would be preferable. The existing Pygmy hippopotamus exhibit opened in 1992 and the supporting infrastructure for cleaning the pool (filtration pumps etc) would be approaching the end of their lifespan - depending on what date an upgrade (if any) has been undertaken since 1992.

A redevelopment of the Wild Seas area or the baboon exhibit (with the baboons transferred to Werribee) are both long term possibilities.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Monarto are reportedly interested in Impala and will hopefully accomodate a large herd.

I wouldn’t mind Werribee focussing on Savannah/Grassland species if Melbourne dedicated themselves solely to rainforest species. Instead they persist with exhibiting giraffe and lions in exhibits a fraction of the size of what you can see 45 minutes away at the open range zoo because of a belief the visitors expect to see lions and giraffes.

Do you believe WORZ would likewise be interested in holding impala if Monarto also do so?

 

[Zoofan15]

Do you believe WORZ would likewise be interested in holding impala if Monarto also do so?

Definately. I’d expect at least one or two other zoos to be involved in a mass import with Monarto and receive them soon after. Like with the Lowland nyala, the founder base will likely be large, with breeding supplying those not involved with the initial import soon after.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I’m tempted to say the former would be preferable. The existing Pygmy hippopotamus exhibit opened in 1992 and the supporting infrastructure for cleaning the pool (filtration pumps etc) would be approaching the end of their lifespan - depending on what date an upgrade (if any) has been undertaken since 1992.

A redevelopment of the Wild Seas area or the baboon exhibit (with the baboons transferred to Werribee) are both long term possibilities.

I guess this would place the Dwarf croc closer to the Reptile House

 

[Zoofan15]

I guess this would place the Dwarf croc closer to the Reptile House

Yes, which would be a good move imo in terms of applying a theme to an area which has long been muddled by a mix of African animals with Australian. The African dwarf crocodiles would branch off to the reptile houses while remaining part of the central trail.

 

[Jambo]

I'd want to see African Dwarf Crocodiles housed in closer proximity to Pygmy Hippos, but don't know whether that means I want the Pygmys moved to near the current platypus, or if I am wanting a Dwarf Croc exhibit squeezed in near the Pygmys...

There’s definitely the space around that area for a small enclosure for Dwarf Crocodile.

The current Pygmy hippo underwater viewing would definitely support a croc species quite well. Especially if they were to share the enclosure with fish.

I’ve long hoped Melbourne would consider an alternative for the empty Pygmy hippo exhibit (at least if it’s only for a few years). They’ve tried to house an older peccary and even carp there, but there hasn’t been a real effort to find a suitable species. Capybara would be nice; but Dwarf Crocodile would be even better (to fit in with the African theming).

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I doubt this would be possible considering WORZ’s absolutely unnecessary obsession over Savannah species, and also the lack of individuals available. I’d love to see a breeding pair held at MZ, potentially incorporating some of the offspring. Either way, that IRA needs to be in use. Someone may have mentioned impala or kudu being imported sometime soon?

They could create some enclosures in the forested area beside the Werribee river. Could be a nice new walk

 

[Zoofan15]

They could create some enclosures in the forested area beside the Werribee river. Could be a nice new walk

With the exception of the Eastern bongo, antelopes are greatly under-appreciated by the general public and therefore zoos seem reluctant to hold a diverse range - despite many of them holding a number of species three or four decades ago.

Impala are the only species in their genus, which might do them some favours re. mixed species exhibits. Eastern bongo, Lowland nyala, Greater kudu and Sitatunga all share a genus and can readily hybridise with each other.

Male Impala are fiercely territorial, but females can generally cohabit with other species without issue.

 

[Jambo]

They could create some enclosures in the forested area beside the Werribee river. Could be a nice new walk

I believe that’s a protected area that Werribee has fenced off for native wildlife, but could certainly be used for a small drive through featuring a species like Bongo.

 

[Zoofan15]

now what animals are coming to werribee zoo are we off topic well not really because it could be hint of something coming like the nyalas might come i remember the nyalas coming soon on the map they lied but ok anyways i know hyenas and elephants are coming and when will melbourne zoo get something to replace the tapir will it take years like the old koala exhibit and the bongo one and the monkey enclosures and will they put something else into growing wild too like i want something new like the old koala exhibit could be a tree kangaroo exhibit they should welcome back emus to the kangaroos and wallabies and they should put a few savannah species like rhinos with the giraffes i remember the zebras they used to fight the ostriches so maybe they can have ostriches back with rhinos and more

I’ll reply in this thread @LucaTheStarWarsDude Zoo, as the forum prefers the news threads remain for news.

Giraffe and rhinoceros typically aren’t mixed. Giraffes are easily spooked, which can happen when rhinos run around the exhibit or engage in scuffles.

Giraffes are usually housed with nyala and ostrich and I’d anticipate that’s the combination we’ll see at Melbourne Zoo in the future. Rhinos are often housed with antelope species including Waterbuck and Lowland nyala.

The completion of the Bovid IRA allows the region to import several antelope species, so hopefully Werribee will acquire some. Eastern bongo would be a great addition imo.

 

[LucaTheStarWarsDude Zoo]

I’ll reply in this thread @LucaTheStarWarsDude Zoo, as the forum prefers the news threads remain for news.

Giraffe and rhinoceros typically aren’t mixed. Giraffes are easily spooked, which can happen when rhinos run around the exhibit or engage in scuffles.

Giraffes are usually housed with nyala and ostrich and I’d anticipate that’s the combination we’ll see at Melbourne Zoo in the future. Rhinos are often housed with antelope species including Waterbuck and Lowland nyala.

The completion of the Bovid IRA allows the region to import several antelope species, so hopefully Werribee will acquire some. Eastern bongo would be a great addition imo.

its still a good idea to have rhinos its not like the giraffes will die and i might know why they have not come yet i think because they are bussy and i think they will do it when the elephants leave

 

[LucaTheStarWarsDude Zoo]

guys because no one is replying on worz news 2023 someone reply back
what animals are coming to worz i know asian elephants from melbourne zoo
hyenas and porcupines will be there in 2024 but what else
and when will they start the porcupine exhibit and the other exhibits have they already started the new wild dog exhibit cuz the hyenas will be in the wild dog exhibit and the wild dogs are moving to i think the bus because i was told that or at least near the bus where the bison are and btw have you guys seen the elephant exhibit its there but its not completed its on google maps near the bus

 

[Jambo]

guys because no one is replying on worz news 2023 someone reply back
what animals are coming to worz i know asian elephants from melbourne zoo
hyenas and porcupines will be there in 2024 but what else
and when will they start the porcupine exhibit and the other exhibits have they already started the new wild dog exhibit cuz the hyenas will be in the wild dog exhibit and the wild dogs are moving to i think the bus because i was told that or at least near the bus where the bison are and btw have you guys seen the elephant exhibit its there but its not completed its on google maps near the bus

Not sure but I think the Porcupines will be apart of the new Waterhole trail, which should open within the next few years, probably following the completion of the elephant complex.

The plan is to create a new breeding complex for the Wild Dogs and Cheetahs in the upcoming waterhole trail, so adding Hyenas into the current Wild Dog exhibit would make a lot of sense imo.