PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
Not fan of giraffe at Melbourne, but that might just sway me
Melbourne Zoo Future of Melbourne Zoo 2023 (Speculation / Fantasy)
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I think the one thing we can guarantee about Melbourne’s future developments is efficient use of space (essential thinking within any city zoo). Whether this is mixed species exhibits or the more novel concept of rotational exhibits - including aerial pathways for apes.
Giraffe pregnancy/zebra phase out:
As mentioned in the Melbourne Zoo news thread, Nakuru the giraffe is pregnant with the zoo’s first calf since 2006!
From the photos I’ve seen, I’m estimating the due date as approx November 2023. Thought I’d mention it here with regards to the transfer of the zebras to Werribee. Many of us commented at the time, this would have been influenced by the intention to breed from Klintun and Iris in a couple of years; little knowing the older female was pregnant too and a birth was more imminent that expected!
As mentioned in the Melbourne Zoo news thread, Nakuru the giraffe is pregnant with the zoo’s first calf since 2006!
From the photos I’ve seen, I’m estimating the due date as approx November 2023. Thought I’d mention it here with regards to the transfer of the zebras to Werribee. Many of us commented at the time, this would have been influenced by the intention to breed from Klintun and Iris in a couple of years; little knowing the older female was pregnant too and a birth was more imminent that expected!
I suppose availability of Eastern bongo, being a critically endangered species, may limit the number we can initially import, which means Melbourne Zoo might be too cramped for them after all.
In the event breeding takes off, Werribee could always manage surplus from the herd.
Good question! The orangutan expansion has received the most credible reporting, so I’m predicting a significant increase of their space - with aerial lines that they’ll share with Siamang. It’s a popular concept within the region and maximises efficiency of space.
I’m hopeful we might see some interest from Melbourne in participating in the Sri Lankan leopard breeding programme, which could potentially take up one of the elephant exhibit spaces.
Ungulates such as Eastern bongo are a strong possibility, especially now we know giraffe aren’t going anywhere for the forseable.
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PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
Sorry, what do you mean orangutans have the most credible reporting? Is there reason to believe they’re expanded. Last time I was there the spare island was getting planted if that means anything
I mean people from here have been told this via discussions with staff and it makes complete sense with Sumatran orangutan being a critically endangered and charismatic species that will attract the crowds.
Auckland’s new exhibits have been a huge drawcard and when you factor in efficiency of space (aerial pathways/rotational exhibits or mixed species exhibits with Siamang or otters), it’s a no brainer.
An orangutan expansion would be my best bet to replace the elephants (alongside some other species too).
It's certainly something that will attract crowds in place of the elephants (especially if there's the inclusion of overhead pathways ect.)
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
Of
course I’m not asking you to reveal, but you are aware of some other species in contention yes?An orangutan expansion would be my best bet to replace the elephants (alongside some other species too).
It's certainly something that will attract crowds in place of the elephants (especially if there's the inclusion of overhead pathways ect.)
Yes there will be multiple species replacing the elephants.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
Again, trying not to insinuate I want to know, but have you been given somewhat of a shortlist or an all but confirmed roster?
Nothing's been confirmed as of yet; but there have been species floated about.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the info, as always
Multiple species are the best approach to replacing the elephants as with the exception of Giant pandas, there’s really nothing that could singularly rival elephants in public appeal.
I look forward to seeing what species eventuate - as well as the possibility of a few surprises none of us have previously considered.
Just have to hope they won't go the generic way and add in some non Asian species.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
Meerkats starting to look real appealing nglJust have to hope they won't go the generic way and add in some non Asian species.
Just have to hope they won't go the generic way and add in some non Asian species.
As long as they stay clear of domestic species and playgrounds, I’ll be happy. Even Brazilian tapir would be exciting considering the decline of the regional population, though I’d think they’d be more likely for the Capyabra/Malayan tapir row in 5-10 years from now.
Slender-tailed meerkats can be decent. I liked Auckland Zoo’s old exhibit (1991-2017). It was a remodelled bear pit built in 1922 that had three outdoor meerkat exhibits and a sun room. It allowed for the management of multiple groupings and had an extensive tunnel network that took the visitors through the old bear dens through all the exhibits. It stank of the buses, but it was a lot of fun as a kid.
The Sleepy Hippo
Well-Known Member
To memory a giant Meerkat enclosure is going to be built at the relocated safari bus terminal at Werribee. When it is built all Melbourne Meerkats should be relocated there. I'd like to think in that same area they could have enclosures for a couple of other mongoose species.
The Sleepy Hippo
Well-Known Member
Leopard Tortoise would be nice! If Growing Wild is not set to change too much in the remaining years of the 2020s I'd suggest that Giant Tortoise could all consolidate near the reptile enclosure, and Leopard Tortoise could take their place in Growing Wild.
We had a Leopard Tortoise on my school grounds yesterday and it was on the lawn happily munching on the fallen flowers from the trees in that part of the yard. A whole family are in residence in the Deputy Head of Campus' garden!
Students and staff all stopped to enjoy a view.
I could see an encounter being that a paying customer could feed the tortoises fresh flowers. Like how some zoos including Adelaide have the Pygmy Hippo, and Giraffe feeding encounters, and how MZ has Otter encounter customers feed the otters.
The Sleepy Hippo
Well-Known Member
Alongside a new breeding pair of Malayan Tapir?An orangutan expansion would be my best bet to replace the elephants (alongside some other species too).
It's certainly something that will attract crowds in place of the elephants (especially if there's the inclusion of overhead pathways ect.)
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