Taronga Zoo Future of Taronga Zoo (Speculation / Fantasy)

[Jambo]

@Zoofan15

I like those ideas, I feel like public recreation space has been carved out heaps in Taronga of late and personally I think thats enough space now allocated for public and play-areas etc (am sure some members of the public would say yes to more...I vehemently think they have quite enough now). Would be good to have a breeding pair of Okapis, sounds like its going to be quite difficult in acquiring one let alone a pair from what have read.

@Jambo

Oh the plan map is from when the Lemurs were still there, who knows, maybe they will move back there and the Capybaras will move out. I kind of like the idea of renovating the old Alligator area for a Capybara habitat next to the Squirrel Monkey islands and pond. Now the Taronga has Capybaras think would be a shame if they phased out, and think public fondness will mean they will remain.

Having seen the Squirrel Monkeys in the old Gibbon aviary the other day and how popular they were with the public (and very very showy and fun to watch), have thought that exhibit would best be occupied by a showy monkey species and perhaps the Lemurs would be better suited for their old area or perhaps and additional pond island next to the Tamarin one. I don't necessarily think the Squirrel Monkeys should remain long term in that aviary (while advocating for larger spaces for all species, the Squirrel Monkeys looked tiny in it, albeit they are a diminutive monkey and very cute, only saying because the island setup they have had for long time is a good exhibit too so either way Taronga's Squirrel Monkeys have a happy life which is awesome). I started to wonder if perhaps Dusky Langurs could ever be a possibility for that aviary exhibit (would be nice if Taronga did contemplate housing a Gibbon species pair again in the future say if they turned Pak Boon & Tang Mo's home area once they move into the hypothetical Orangutan precinct?

Zoos seem to be investing more into kids play areas as of late, and I do get it; kids are the future and it’s important to get them in and around zoos from a young age to help with education. But then again, my passion for zoos certainly didn’t come from playing at the zoo playground when I was younger - it was from seeing the variety of species. So whilst I do support the addition of kids play areas, I definitely do not see the need for a multitude of them and especially more so when they replace multiple species as well.

I did initially have the same thoughts re. Squirrel Monkeys in the former Gibbon enclosure. They would certainly be hard to spot at times! I really agree with that take on the Langurs. The current Gibbon enclosure is much bigger and would be better suited to their troop (if they want to expand and breed further). It would also allow better viewing of them; which the current enclosure lacks.

The current Langur enclosure could then be used for the bachelor males if they wish. Or perhaps the Lemurs? I don’t think the Lemurs will be returning to their previous enclosure due to the renovations that have since been made following their move to their current habitat. It would make sense for them to maybe get a new exhibit in the Congo enclosure, but if not, the current Langur or Squirrel Monkey enclosures in the Rainforest trail could be options if Taronga wished to retain them.

Another thought re. the langur enclosure is that it could potentially serve as a mixed species enclosure with the water portion being used by a pair of the zoos Asian Short Clawed Otters and shared with a small primate species.

 

[loganjmuir]

A change to these plans which I would potentially identify is that a toilet block which has been constructed in the area just to the left of the Congo Entry near the okapi exhibit. While a much-anticipated precinct would be derailed by a toilet, it is a relatively recent structure (as part of the African Savannah).

Therefore, I would think that it has been constructed with the intention that it will last, although there is path and lawn space on this plan which could allow that building to fit within what's planned here. Also worth keeping in mind is the quite heavy foliage in that area of the zoo, so some portions may be retained (especially as some are memorial gardens) around the exhibits.

A change to these plans which I would potentially identify is that a toilet block which has been constructed in the area just to the left of the Congo Entry near the okapi exhibit. While a much-anticipated precinct would be derailed by a toilet, it is a relatively recent structure (as part of the African Savannah).

Therefore, I would think that it has been constructed with the intention that it will last, although there is path and lawn space on this plan which could allow that building to fit within what's planned here. Also worth keeping in mind is the quite heavy foliage in that area of the zoo, so some portions may be retained (especially as some are memorial gardens) around the exhibits.

I was at the zoo today and was speaking to a keeper about the potential for a congo precinct, and they unfortunately weren't able to tell me much as to what is going on, but they did say that the initial plans have changed. Whether that is to do with importing the okapis or not, for the meantime there will be no further changes to the planning. Another thing they were able to tell me was that there isn't a long term plan for gorillas at taronga. This is probably due to space but there is a chance if the congo precinct doesn't go into it's building stages in the next 5 or so years, gorillas might be heading out of taronga for good. If so, I could see the okapis instead occupying the current gorilla enclosure, as it was originally designed to hold an ungulate of some description but with the backstage appropriate for an ape, it is probably not likely.

 

[Zoofan15]

I was at the zoo today and was speaking to a keeper about the potential for a congo precinct, and they unfortunately weren't able to tell me much as to what is going on, but they did say that the initial plans have changed. Whether that is to do with importing the okapis or not, for the meantime there will be no further changes to the planning. Another thing they were able to tell me was that there isn't a long term plan for gorillas at taronga. This is probably due to space but there is a chance if the congo precinct doesn't go into it's building stages in the next 5 or so years, gorillas might be heading out of taronga for good. If so, I could see the okapis instead occupying the current gorilla enclosure, as it was originally designed to hold an ungulate of some description but with the backstage appropriate for an ape, it is probably not likely.

Wow, that’s ground breaking news!

I’m very disappointed to hear Taronga don’t plan to hold gorillas long term. They’re such an iconic species and they don’t require a huge amount of space. With the revelation an ape species (widely believed to be orangutans) will be occupying the elephant exhibit, it appears Taronga plans to focus on chimpanzees and orangutans long term.

I’d say it’s likely the gorillas will have a future at the Dubbo site. There were plans to house a bachelor troop of chimpanzees there back in the early 1990’s and 30 years later, they’re yet to acquire a great ape species. They have the space to build a large gorilla complex.

With regards to the Okapi, I’d assume they’re definitely on the cards if gorillas are out. Gorillas were supposed to be the main characters and if they can’t source Okapi instead, they might as well scrap the precinct. A large Mandrill troop would be about the only other option, but I struggle to see that happening. Pygmy hippos, colobus and bongo are all supporting species and not sufficient to be the focus of the precinct.

 

[marmolady]

I would personally hugely miss gorillas if Taronga goes out of the species, it's a great surprise it's being considered. They are such a high profile species to lose, especially with elephants on the way out as well. I hope that they will be investing heavily in an orangutan program if gorillas are out.

 

[Zoofan15]

I would personally hugely miss gorillas if Taronga goes out of the species, it's a great surprise it's being considered. They are such a high profile species to lose, especially with elephants on the way out as well. I hope that they will be investing heavily in an orangutan program if gorillas are out.

It’s been 26 years since Kibabu’s troop arrived in December 1996 and its hard to imagine Taronga without this iconic species. Though the existing exhibit has surpassed its lifespan, I know we were all looking forward to the opportunities that would come from a purpose built facility.

Though Frala, Mouila and Fikiri could join other troops within the region long term (once Fikiri is an adolescent), options will be limited for Kibale and his sons (I doubt Orana will want to triple their food bill) and of course, Johari. Ideally, a transfer to Dubbo would be on the cards if Monarto don’t have a complex up and running by then.

I agree re. orangutans. If they’re gonna do it, I’d like to see a decent sized facility to house a medium sized colony of at least five or six orangutans (perhaps 1.2 and offspring), not a small exhibit holding a single pair.

 

[Zoofan15]

That's incredible news, especially the gorillas. But you'd think they would've started sectioning off parts of the zoo for the site planning. The proposed area is quite large and would need a lot of time to renovate it. Given they would like to complete construction by around 2026/27 they would need to get a move on. I'm not completely sure about where it will cover, but it surely wouldn't block the path down to the rainforest trail right? As for the lemur's, they have always been in and out of their exhibit, and the planning for the congo precinct doesn't overlap with their enclosure, and given they haven't started construction yet, the lemurs wouldn't have to be moved. The same goes for the current gorilla habitat, the plans don't include overlapping the exhibit. But when they do eventually start construction(if they do), they would have to move the gorillas and lemurs out temporarily for privacy and health issues you'd assume, which makes it interesting as the lemurs aren't out but the gorillas are.

My assumption was the gorilla exhibits would be the first exhibits constructed as part of the Congo precinct, as this complex is clear of the existing gorilla exhibit. Once these are complete, the gorillas could be transferred over - leaving their current exhibit open for redevelopment.

The construction noise will be disruptive and the ideal would be for the gorillas to move out of Taronga while it takes place; though the challenge would be finding a facility to take a troop of eight gorillas - including two adolescents who will need to leave the troop soon.

If the information you received that Taronga plan to phase out gorillas long term is correct, then I’d expect them to leave before construction begins

 

[loganjmuir]

Does anyone know what Taronga is doing with the sky safari, and whether or not it will still go over the heads of the elephants? I've been doing some deep diving about it and quite a few people wrote off orangutans as a replacement for the elephants, due to the sky safari, because they were expecting(and still are), raised paths and view points should Taronga eventually house the great ape species in the current cow enclosure. They assumed due to the placement of the sky safari directly over the proposed orangutan enclosure, that raised paths would not be possible, or even high climbing frames such as the ones on display in the chimp enclosure(indoor and outdoor). Although Taronga has released a statement claiming they will reopen the sky safari, it begs the question of where will it be situated, should they introduce orangutans into that cow enclosure. In the statement Taronga released, they stated that the sky safari is scheduled to reopen in 2025. The positioning of the sky safari, at least in my eyes, could give us an answer as to whether or not Taronga will house the great ape in their future. Personally I think Taronga may want to stick with chimps and gorillas, and let other AZA zoos such as Auckland have success with breeding them. If this is correct, I could see that flat block of land in the top half of the enclosure being utilised as a large pygmy hippo breeding facility, like that of the tigers, or potentially housing an ungulate like the eastern bongo or okapi, if the congo precinct doesn't go ahead.

 

[Zoofan15]

Does anyone know what Taronga is doing with the sky safari, and whether or not it will still go over the heads of the elephants? I've been doing some deep diving about it and quite a few people wrote off orangutans as a replacement for the elephants, due to the sky safari, because they were expecting(and still are), raised paths and view points should Taronga eventually house the great ape species in the current cow enclosure. They assumed due to the placement of the sky safari directly over the proposed orangutan enclosure, that raised paths would not be possible, or even high climbing frames such as the ones on display in the chimp enclosure(indoor and outdoor). Although Taronga has released a statement claiming they will reopen the sky safari, it begs the question of where will it be situated, should they introduce orangutans into that cow enclosure. In the statement Taronga released, they stated that the sky safari is scheduled to reopen in 2025. The positioning of the sky safari, at least in my eyes, could give us an answer as to whether or not Taronga will house the great ape in their future. Personally I think Taronga may want to stick with chimps and gorillas, and let other AZA zoos such as Auckland have success with breeding them. If this is correct, I could see that flat block of land in the top half of the enclosure being utilised as a large pygmy hippo breeding facility, like that of the tigers, or potentially housing an ungulate like the eastern bongo or okapi, if the congo precinct doesn't go ahead.

There’s information under the Capital Projects section of the website which mentions expanding it (albeit nothing specific about rerouting that section traversing the elephant exhibit):

Building a Zoo for the Future

The revitalised Sky Safari will revolutionise the guest experience. It will feature:

• additional larger and accessible gondolas, up from 21 currently in circulation
• an extended guest journey along an expanded route with new terminals and supporting accessible infrastructure.

I’ve long been in favour of orangutans being housed in that area and the upgrade offers the ideal opportunity to reroute that section of the Sky Safari. I believed you mentioned an ape being in the floor plans earlier this and the link above specifically mentions guests view critically endangered species. Even without rerouting, it may be possible for an aerial pathway to run parallel to the Sky Safari, which would be an incredible sight.

With both the Bornean and Sumatran orangutan now critically endangered, it’d be great to see Taronga develop a complex dedicated to housing a colony of one of them (hopefully Bornean).

While my preference is to see them go all out and develop a Borneo forest precinct or similar; shared use of the space to build Pygmy hippopotamus exhibits seems likely given the zoo’s commitment to this species and that the area of flat land presents an opportunity to do this.

 

[loganjmuir]

Following a visit to Taronga yesterday, I have a few questions and also things to share. The gorillas were finally on exhibit and viewable, although only the west end of the exhibit. The bongo was absent although the Langurs opposite were not. The binturong was out on exhibit as was the fishing cat. Also, does anyone know how many pygmy hippos Taronga has? From what I could see they had 3, but I had only ever seen 2 and the female was supposedly pregnant.

After speaking with a keeper about the congo precinct, he was able to tell me that they were ready to finalise the plans and begin building pre-covid, but due to complications surrounding permission from the government was postponed, and then covid hit. The only projects Taronga are working on(ARC, Wildlife Hospital etc.) are all being completed at once, and upon completion we should have an idea on when and where the congo precinct will begin it's building phases, if it does happen. The keeper was unable to confirm whether or not the zoo planned to include the congo precinct at all, but he said more than likely it would. He also told me the list of animals Taronga planned/plan to house in said congo area, which include:
Gorillas, Okapis, Colobus Monkeys and one other he couldn't remember.

If Taronga choose to build the congo precinct, it will be finalised and guaranteed around 2025-26. Also I was able to catch a glimpse of 2 or 3 lesser ostrich roaming around the back of the zebra backstage and was wondering if anyone knew they were actually in the zoo and for how long they have been there for.

 

[Zoofan15]

Following a visit to Taronga yesterday, I have a few questions and also things to share. The gorillas were finally on exhibit and viewable, although only the west end of the exhibit. The bongo was absent although the Langurs opposite were not. The binturong was out on exhibit as was the fishing cat. Also, does anyone know how many pygmy hippos Taronga has? From what I could see they had 3, but I had only ever seen 2 and the female was supposedly pregnant.

After speaking with a keeper about the congo precinct, he was able to tell me that they were ready to finalise the plans and begin building pre-covid, but due to complications surrounding permission from the government was postponed, and then covid hit. The only projects Taronga are working on(ARC, Wildlife Hospital etc.) are all being completed at once, and upon completion we should have an idea on when and where the congo precinct will begin it's building phases, if it does happen. The keeper was unable to confirm whether or not the zoo planned to include the congo precinct at all, but he said more than likely it would. He also told me the list of animals Taronga planned/plan to house in said congo area, which include:
Gorillas, Okapis, Colobus Monkeys and one other he couldn't remember.

If Taronga choose to build the congo precinct, it will be finalised and guaranteed around 2025-26. Also I was able to catch a glimpse of 2 or 3 lesser ostrich roaming around the back of the zebra backstage and was wondering if anyone knew they were actually in the zoo and for how long they have been there for.

That’s good to hear you saw the gorillas. They returned to public display at least a couple of weeks ago, but the viewing path is being gradually reopened to allow them to acclimatise to being back on display. It’s been a difficult time for the troop - with Fikiri’s death and their illness.

Taronga should have 1.1 adult Pygmy hippopotamus:

1.0 Fergus (06/08/2009) Frank x Fluffy
0.1 Kambiri (26/06/2010) Timmy x Petre

Was the third Pygmy hippopotamus you saw an adult or a calf?

That’s understandable re. the Congo precinct. The Giraffe IRA is years away, so it’s unknown whether Okapi can even be imported. They’d be a great addition to the precinct, but when I contacted the zoo, I was told the gorillas would be the main focus of the precinct (which is fine with me if they hold a breeding troop).

 

[Abbey]

Following a visit to Taronga yesterday, I have a few questions and also things to share. The gorillas were finally on exhibit and viewable, although only the west end of the exhibit. The bongo was absent although the Langurs opposite were not. The binturong was out on exhibit as was the fishing cat. Also, does anyone know how many pygmy hippos Taronga has? From what I could see they had 3, but I had only ever seen 2 and the female was supposedly pregnant.

After speaking with a keeper about the congo precinct, he was able to tell me that they were ready to finalise the plans and begin building pre-covid, but due to complications surrounding permission from the government was postponed, and then covid hit. The only projects Taronga are working on(ARC, Wildlife Hospital etc.) are all being completed at once, and upon completion we should have an idea on when and where the congo precinct will begin it's building phases, if it does happen. The keeper was unable to confirm whether or not the zoo planned to include the congo precinct at all, but he said more than likely it would. He also told me the list of animals Taronga planned/plan to house in said congo area, which include:
Gorillas, Okapis, Colobus Monkeys and one other he couldn't remember.

If Taronga choose to build the congo precinct, it will be finalised and guaranteed around 2025-26. Also I was able to catch a glimpse of 2 or 3 lesser ostrich roaming around the back of the zebra backstage and was wondering if anyone knew they were actually in the zoo and for how long they have been there for.

The Ostrich are a recent, but much anticipated arrival. Great to finally have the species back at Taronga!

 

[Jambo]

Following a visit to Taronga yesterday, I have a few questions and also things to share. The gorillas were finally on exhibit and viewable, although only the west end of the exhibit. The bongo was absent although the Langurs opposite were not. The binturong was out on exhibit as was the fishing cat. Also, does anyone know how many pygmy hippos Taronga has? From what I could see they had 3, but I had only ever seen 2 and the female was supposedly pregnant.

After speaking with a keeper about the congo precinct, he was able to tell me that they were ready to finalise the plans and begin building pre-covid, but due to complications surrounding permission from the government was postponed, and then covid hit. The only projects Taronga are working on(ARC, Wildlife Hospital etc.) are all being completed at once, and upon completion we should have an idea on when and where the congo precinct will begin it's building phases, if it does happen. The keeper was unable to confirm whether or not the zoo planned to include the congo precinct at all, but he said more than likely it would. He also told me the list of animals Taronga planned/plan to house in said congo area, which include:
Gorillas, Okapis, Colobus Monkeys and one other he couldn't remember.

If Taronga choose to build the congo precinct, it will be finalised and guaranteed around 2025-26. Also I was able to catch a glimpse of 2 or 3 lesser ostrich roaming around the back of the zebra backstage and was wondering if anyone knew they were actually in the zoo and for how long they have been there for.

Ekundu can often be hard to see at times due to the plantation that surrounds the exhibit, so he's probably just there albeit hidden away.

Taronga should only have the pair, Fergus and Kambiri. I don't want to say your probably were just mistaken but I have no idea why Taronga would go and acquire a third hippo which they wouldn't be able to accommodate. Unless this was a newborn calf? Taronga have usually announced Pygmy Hippo births quite quickly though.

The Ostrich would've also been a fairly new addition. They haven't been at Taronga in a while so it's good to see them returning. As the Giraffes and Zebras have had integration issues it's obviously hoped the Ostrich will be able to get along with the giraffe to make better use of that main savannah area.

 

[Zoofan15]

Also, does anyone know how many pygmy hippos Taronga has? From what I could see they had 3, but I had only ever seen 2 and the female was supposedly pregnant.

Taronga should have 1.1 adult Pygmy hippopotamus:

1.0 Fergus (06/08/2009) Frank x Fluffy
0.1 Kambiri (26/06/2010) Timmy x Petre

Was the third Pygmy hippopotamus you saw an adult or a calf?

Taronga should only have the pair, Fergus and Kambiri. I don't want to say your probably were just mistaken but I have no idea why Taronga would go and acquire a third hippo which they wouldn't be able to accommodate. Unless this was a newborn calf? Taronga have usually announced Pygmy Hippo births quite quickly though.

I’m struggling to envisage any scenario where Taronga would acquire a third adult Pygmy hippopotamus.

A male swap in the future is possible, but would surely involve Fergus transferring out either simultaneously or prior to the new bull arriving from Melbourne or Adelaide - taking into account the lack of space at Taronga. In any case, it appears Kambiri is heavily pregnant and if the calf survives, she won’t be able to conceive for several months.

I can’t see Kamina from DDZ being paired with her father, when more distant relatives are available at Adelaide and Melbourne.

The only remaining possibility for Taronga acquiring a third adult is that the Hippopotamus IRA was passed quietly during the night (in which case I’ll eat my hat).

 

[Zoofan15]

Pygmy hippopotamus update:

My friend visited today and Fergus was in the exhibit adjacent to the Binturong and Kambiri was in the exhibit adjacent to the otters.

Apparently Fergus and Kambiri have switched exhibits as per previous reports of them being housed in the contrary exhibit.

No third Pygmy hippopotamus (adult or calf) in sight, but Kambiri did look heavily pregnant - fingers crossed for a calf soon.

 

[loganjmuir]

I didn’t think they had acquired a third hippo, but I saw what I thought at first was Kambiri, then rushed to her exhibit and there was a much larger hippo in there. The exhibit I saw the backstage from was housing Fergus at that time.

 

[Zoofan15]

It wouldn't surprise me if future projects at Taronga are under revision. It wasn't that long ago I seen a few news articles of people and government people calling out taronga's current state of building up the zoo into a concrete zoo instead of a place for animals. The director was even defending the building of the new reptile areas being a new big concrete building etc.

Which is, a very poignant point, the zoo is over developed when it comes to non animal related areas. And I see no reason that the Congo precinct wouldn't have also been on that track as well. A few species mixed with large amounts of space dedicated to humans and not animals. So it would be good to see Taronga start dedicating its space to animals again while utilising the already built up areas for humans without adding to them. With the backlash in mind their is bound to be a rethink of future projects to avoid it in the future.

Tiger Trek was a massive disappointment. The amount of floor space dedicated to fake supermarkets etc. is ridiculous and while the concept behind these ideas re. conservation messages sound great on paper in an annual report, the average visitor couldn’t care less and is at a zoo to see animals and have fun. Instead, they could have used the space to accomodate additional tigers or house other species (birds, reptiles or small mammals).

Compare this to Auckland Zoo, where the entire section of that complex (Lowlands) is dedicated to tiger and otter exhibits. There’s a visitor viewing area (imagine if there wasn’t ) but they placed it in the centre so it offers viewing of the two largest tiger exhibits simultaneously (fantastic efficiency of space); as well as innovation e.g. overhead tunnels, which are not just enriching (for staff and visitors) but space efficient. No fake supermarkets, no compulsory plane rides, just animals. Taronga could indeed learn from this example.

 

[Osedax]

Tiger Trek was a massive disappointment. The amount of floor space dedicated to fake supermarkets etc. is ridiculous and while the concept behind these ideas re. conservation messages sound great on paper in an annual report, the average visitor couldn’t care less and is at a zoo to see animals and have fun. Instead, they could have used the space to accomodate additional tigers or house other species (birds, reptiles or small mammals).

Compare this to Auckland Zoo, where the entire section of that complex (Lowlands) is dedicated to tiger and otter exhibits. There’s a visitor viewing area (imagine if there wasn’t ) but they placed it in the centre so it offers viewing of the two largest tiger exhibits simultaneously (fantastic efficiency of space); as well as innovation e.g. overhead tunnels, which are not just enriching (for staff and visitors) but space efficient. No fake supermarkets, no compulsory plane rides, just animals. Taronga could indeed learn from this example.

I actually quite like Tiger Trek. I agree that the theming goes over the heads of most visitors and could have been used to accomodate smaller species; and I don't like the supermarket, but the actual tiger exhibits are of outstanding quality, and very enriching to the inhabitants. I believe Sumatran Tigers are the only species housed at both Taronga zoos that have a larger exhibit in Sydney than in Dubbo.

re. Animal Overhead Passageways, there is actually an AOP at Tiger Trek, albeit not often used. It is at the entrance to the Ranger Station exhibit (the one with the jeep) viewing area.

 

[Jambo]

I actually quite like Tiger Trek. I agree that the theming goes over the heads of most visitors and could have been used to accomodate smaller species; and I don't like the supermarket, but the actual tiger exhibits are of outstanding quality, and very enriching to the inhabitants. I believe Sumatran Tigers are the only species housed at both Taronga zoos that have a larger exhibit in Sydney than in Dubbo.

re. Animal Overhead Passageways, there is actually an AOP at Tiger Trek, albeit not often used. It is at the entrance to the Ranger Station exhibit (the one with the jeep) viewing area.

The enclosures are nicely designed and themed; I just feel like the supermarket and ‘plane’ you enter and exit through ruin the whole experience by quite a bit. The enclosures are sizeable but I would’ve probably preferred more plantation in the ranger station exhibit to give it more of a forestry feel.

On the other hand, there are so many other cool features not often talked about; like the jeep (which is similar to Werribee’s with the lions), the tree in the final exhibit which they can climb, the pool in the first exhibit (which Kembali loves to sit in) and also the ledge in that said exhibit which the tigers could climb to get out of view.

The whole complex is definitely smaller than Dubbo’s two exhibits though.

And with the AOP; I assume your talking about the indoor area they have above the ranger hut?

 

[Osedax]

The enclosures are nicely designed and themed; I just feel like the supermarket and ‘plane’ you enter and exit through ruin the whole experience by quite a bit. The enclosures are sizeable but I would’ve probably preferred more plantation in the ranger station exhibit to give it more of a forestry feel.

I agree; luckily the plane is no longer compulsory.

The whole complex is definitely smaller than Dubbo’s two exhibits though.

But a lot more interesting and enriching.

And with the AOP; I assume you're talking about the indoor area they have above the ranger hut?

Yes, that is was I was talking about. It is used to move tigers between the Figtree and Waterfall exhibits.

 

[Zoofan15]

I actually quite like Tiger Trek. I agree that the theming goes over the heads of most visitors and could have been used to accomodate smaller species; and I don't like the supermarket, but the actual tiger exhibits are of outstanding quality, and very enriching to the inhabitants. I believe Sumatran Tigers are the only species housed at both Taronga zoos that have a larger exhibit in Sydney than in Dubbo.

re. Animal Overhead Passageways, there is actually an AOP at Tiger Trek, albeit not often used. It is at the entrance to the Ranger Station exhibit (the one with the jeep) viewing area.

The enclosures are nicely designed and themed; I just feel like the supermarket and ‘plane’ you enter and exit through ruin the whole experience by quite a bit. The enclosures are sizeable but I would’ve probably preferred more plantation in the ranger station exhibit to give it more of a forestry feel.

On the other hand, there are so many other cool features not often talked about; like the jeep (which is similar to Werribee’s with the lions), the tree in the final exhibit which they can climb, the pool in the first exhibit (which Kembali loves to sit in) and also the ledge in that said exhibit which the tigers could climb to get out of view.

The whole complex is definitely smaller than Dubbo’s two exhibits though.

And with the AOP; I assume your talking about the indoor area they have above the ranger hut?

The exhibits themselves are well presented and offer a good view of the tigers, but I think they should have either cut the plane out or at least offer a bypass to go straight through to the exhibits. I (and many others who visit zoos) like to visit an exhibit more than once throughout the day (it’s the best way to see things) and doing the plane flight each time would be a chore. Auckland Zoo’s African aviary has a bypass, which is great if you’re in a hurry.

Taronga don’t rotate their tigers a great deal, but they have the potential to, which is a plus for the complex. Auckland Zoo’s exhibits are as much around catering to different life stages - which will be especially important in the lead up to the birth of their first litter in the complex.