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

[Zoofan15]

Yes it would be netted. Would hope the bare minimum would be Capybaras roaming the ground, but Brazilian Tapir would be the dream there!

Though Australasia doesn’t have Jaguar (never say never to their return though), there’s still so much potential for a South American precinct with the range of monkeys and ungulates we have.

Maned wolf of course are South American, but from the grasslands biome (not rainforest/forest like just about everything else) and don’t fit the criteria of Zoos Victoria.

 

[ReturnOfPaddyRick]

Though Australasia doesn’t have Jaguar (never say never to their return though), there’s still so much potential for a South American precinct with the range of monkeys and ungulates we have. Maned wolf of course are South American, but from the grasslands biome, not rainforest and don’t fit the criteria of Zoos Victoria.

Maned Wolf perfect for the dingo exhibit. Capybara roaming the ground, some exhibits and mingling between spider monkey, coati and the tamarins. I’d hope the tapir and coati could have a sectioned off exhibit. I wonder if there could also be a place where capybara are able to get in with giant anteater, but the anteaters aren’t able to follow them out. Sloths would be a dream too

 

[Zoofan15]

Maned Wolf perfect for the dingo exhibit. Capybara roaming the ground, some exhibits and mingling between spider monkey, coati and the tamarins. I’d hope the tapir and coati could have a sectioned off exhibit. Capybara in with everything. I wonder if there could also be a place where capybara are able to get in with giant anteater, but the anteaters aren’t able to follow them out. Sloths would be a dream too

Hopefully one day we’ll be able to import sloths, though for now they’re having enough trouble getting hippos sorted; with giraffes to follow.

I feel like Melbourne’s chances of acquiring Okapi will be linked to Taronga’s success in acquiring them. If Taronga phase out gorillas, that’s pretty much the Congo precinct sunk and with it, Melbourne’s chances of importing Okapi will reduce; unless Monarto or Auckland can commit to them. Having two pairs minimum in the region would allow for swapping/contingency plans and give Europe/North America more confidence we’ll breed them.

 

[ReturnOfPaddyRick]

Hopefully one day we’ll be able to import sloths, though for now they’re having enough trouble getting hippos sorted; with giraffes to follow.

I feel like Melbourne’s chances of acquiring Okapi will be linked to Taronga’s success in acquiring them. If Taronga phase out gorillas, that’s pretty much the Congo precinct sunk and with it, Melbourne’s chances of importing Okapi will reduce; unless Monarto or Auckland can commit to them. Having two pairs minimum in the region would allow for swapping/contingency plans and give Europe/North America more confidence we’ll breed them.

Well a Xenarthra IRA couldn’t too difficult, and could make or break the precinct. Armadillos, sloths, tamanduas and Anteaters could be pretty great

 

[Zoofan15]

Well a Xenarthra IRA couldn’t too difficult, and could make or break the precinct. Armadillos, sloths, tamanduas and Anteaters could be pretty great

They’d greatly enhance it; but like the Jaguar, aren’t essential. I’d like to see a larger spider monkey troop accommodated at Melbourne, which could be possible in this precinct. They’re too aggressive to feature in a walk though, but could be housed on and island (perhaps sharing with Brazilian tapir).

Previously, Melbourne have had issues of female spider monkeys rejecting young (a common phenomenon in females who haven’t observed the raising of young). A larger troop, regularly breeding would provide a healthier social structure imo as well as making for an engaging exhibit. I’ve always enjoyed watching Auckland and Hamilton’s troops when there’s been infants and juveniles.

 

[ReturnOfPaddyRick]

They’d greatly enhance it; but like the Jaguar, aren’t essential. I’d like to see a larger spider monkey troop accommodated at Melbourne, which could be possible in this precinct. They’re too aggressive to feature in a walk though, but could be housed on and island (perhaps sharing with Brazilian tapir).

Previously, Melbourne have had issues of female spider monkeys rejecting young (a common phenomenon in females who haven’t observed the raising of young). A larger troop, regularly breeding would provide a healthier social structure imo as well as making for an engaging exhibit. I’ve always enjoyed watching Auckland and Hamilton’s troops when there’s been infants and juveniles.

I guess spider monkey could have a large section to themselves. Do you reckon there’d be any space for Andean bear? Since tapir are solitary, it could be possible to split them into 2 exhibits, one shared with coat, another with spider monkey

 

[Zoofan15]

I guess spider monkey could have a large section to themselves. Do you reckon there’d be any space for Andean bear? Since tapir are solitary, it could be possible to split them into 2 exhibits, one shared with coat, another with spider monkey

It depends what exhibits were taken out, but if we’re following the concept of the entire Gorilla Rainforest precinct being taken out (including gorillas), then yes. Alternatively, an exhibit in what is now TOTE, considering this borders the precinct. Both would be a major redevelopment, so sadly unlikely.

Housing of male and female tapir in seperate exhibits is thought to enhance breeding success (when reintroduced). Keeping their pair together 24/7 was attributed to Hamilton’s failure to breed their pair, so again yes. One housed with spider monkeys; the other with coati.

 

[ReturnOfPaddyRick]

It depends what exhibits were taken out, but if we’re following the concept of the entire Gorilla Rainforest precinct being taken out (including gorillas), then yes. Alternatively, an exhibit in what is now TOTE, considering this borders the precinct. Both would be a major redevelopment, so sadly unlikely.

Housing of male and female tapir in seperate exhibits is thought to enhance breeding success (when reintroduced). Keeping their pair together 24/7 was attributed to Hamilton’s failure to breed their pair, so again yes. One housed with spider monkeys; the other with coati.

I’d assume the coati would interact with the young better, do it may be a good idea to enlarge that exhibit as opposed to the one with the spider monkey, provided there’s enough space

 

[ReturnOfPaddyRick]

One more thing I was thinking: we were chatting about a potential upgrade to the night tour with the Malayan tapir, night monkey etc. But would a Malayan tapir- Binturong mix in one of the elephant exhibits work well? Frees up some space for potential clouded leopard too

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Would really liven up the entrance, as the males aren’t always interesting or visible. Would still like to gorillas somewhere at Werribee, maybe on the gargantuan walking trail to the elephants?

I think they would be a great candidate for te river trail, as this would give them a forested location more akin to their natural habitats.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Here's a photo of the exhibit (albeit, from when it first opened):

I personally think it's large enough for three bachelor males; and would certainly be of similar size to the current exhibit within Gorilla Rainforest.

Alongside this, it would create a central theming link for Africa (near the Giraffes), and would also allow Pygmy Hippos to also potentially receive a new enclosure/enclosures where the Tapirs and Peccaries are. I would be a big fan of the space being used for additional enclosures for them, especially if they were to be used as a breeding complex. MZ's current facilities within GR are on the small side.

I'd prefer Gorilla to take the Kangaroo exhibit area myself.

 

[Zoofan15]

One more thing I was thinking: we were chatting about a potential upgrade to the night tour with the Malayan tapir, night monkey etc. But would a Malayan tapir- Binturong mix in one of the elephant exhibits work well? Frees up some space for potential clouded leopard too

Malayan tapir/Binturong:

Yes, this is done at zoos including Bioparc Fuengirola and Minnesota Zoo (pictured below). Note how well shaded the exhibit is for the Malayan tapir:


@snowleopard

@Baldur

@geomorph

@Baldur

 

[Jambo]

I'd prefer Gorilla to take the Kangaroo exhibit area myself.

That area is probably too small for Gorillas (back of house facilities and all) and I'd pinch myself if Melbourne ever got rid of their kangaroos - very unlikely.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

That area is probably too small for Gorillas (back of house facilities and all) and I'd pinch myself if Melbourne ever got rid of their kangaroos - very unlikely.

With discussions of potential repurposing the whole of Gorilla Rainforest for a new precinct, I could imagine the entirety of Autralian Bush, including Great Flight Aviary being repurposed as a Congo precinct. Would pair up well with the Giraffe Savannah directly opposite

 

[Zoofan15]

With discussions of potential repurposing the whole of Gorilla Rainforest for a new precinct, I could imagine the entirety of Autralian Bush, including Great Flight Aviary being repurposed as a Congo precinct. Would pair up well with the Giraffe Savannah directly opposite

That’s a great idea. I’d love to see the Great Flight Aviary refurbished to house black and white colobus. This has been very successful at London Zoo re. the Snowdon Aviary (also heritage listed).

 

[Jambo]

That’s a great idea. I’d love to see the Great Flight Aviary refurbished to house black and white colobus. This has been very successful at London Zoo re. the Snowdon Aviary (also heritage listed).

With discussions of potential repurposing the whole of Gorilla Rainforest for a new precinct, I could imagine the entirety of Autralian Bush, including Great Flight Aviary being repurposed as a Congo precinct. Would pair up well with the Giraffe Savannah directly opposite

The GFA would certainly make for a very interesting walkthrough; especially if Lemurs were added into the mix as well. Considering the space, the GFA could also theoretically accommodate Pygmy Hippo as well in some of the parts!

Imagine Pygmy Hippos cruising through the water there and then Colobus's swinging above!

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

The GFA would certainly make for a very interesting walkthrough; especially if Lemurs were added into the mix as well. Considering the space, the GFA could also theoretically accommodate Pygmy Hippo as well in some of the parts!

Imagine Pygmy Hippos cruising through the water there and then Colobus's swinging above!

Then that’d leave the majority of the gorilla conplex free for the South American aviary on our plans, and even the peccary row would be free for redevelopment

 

[Zoofan15]

Then that’d leave the majority of the gorilla conplex free for the South American aviary on our plans, and even the peccary row would be free for redevelopment

Wouldn’t it have been great if they’d continued breeding peccary, then they too could have joined this (theoretical) South American precinct. They’re a grasslands species and along with maned wolves, would have been a nice compliment to the rainforest species we typically associate with South America.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Wouldn’t it have been great if they’d continued breeding peccary, then they too could have joined this (theoretical) South American precinct. They’re a grasslands species and along with maned wolves, would have been a nice compliment to the rainforest species we typically associate with South America.

Definitely. Also, do you think that a repopulation of the GFA is actually possible, or realistically never going to happen

 

[Zoofan15]

Definitely. Also, do you think that a repopulation of the GFA is actually possible, or realistically never going to happen

It’s entirely possibly. The Great Flight Aviary is heritage listed (not going anywhere), so they’ll be making use of this well into the future. Whether it will remain Australian themed (they could add koala etc) or adapts to a different use (e.g. colobus remains) to be seen.