Taronga Zoo Future of Taronga Zoo (Speculation / Fantasy)

[Jambo]

Obi is the son of Bwana, but is likely related to Kaya via his mother Kioni. If Kaya’s mother is indeed Kioni that makes sense as the K initial may indicate a shared lineage. This tradition was used at Auckland and Hamilton for many years. Makes a change from giving them Z names because they’re zebras.

It’s a real shame to see how the efforts of Auckland (Grant’s) and Werribee (Chapman’s) have gone to waste in the last decade or so due to the region being content to hybridise. I think priority should be either establishing small breeding herds as you suggest; or replacing all generic breeding stallions of large herds with purebreds. These stallions are typically in place for a decade or more and purebred mares (the scarcer commodity) can be added as and when they become available.

Kaya and Kioni were both born around the same time (in the late 2000's), and it's likely they at least therefore shared the same father and then potentially the same mother (Kijani), as they both share 'K' names.

At the present, the focus should be on maintaining the current purebred herds. It's good to see DDZ holding multiple groups to allow a continuation of breeding rather than sending stock off to other regional facilities where they will be hyrbidised.

More imports would obviously be needed; but I see no reason why a zoo like Werribee can't go and acquire some additional stock to form their own herd. Their current breeding stallion is the older half brother of their former stallion making him very closely related to all of the younger fillies.

 

[Zoofan15]

Kaya and Kioni were both born around the same time (in the late 2000's), and it's likely they at least therefore shared the same father and then potentially the same mother (Kijani), as they both share 'K' names.

At the present, the focus should be on maintaining the current purebred herds. It's good to see DDZ holding multiple groups to allow a continuation of breeding rather than sending stock off to other regional facilities where they will be hyrbidised.

More imports would obviously be needed; but I see no reason why a zoo like Werribee can't go and acquire some additional stock to form their own herd. Their current breeding stallion is the older half brother of their former stallion making him very closely related to all of the younger fillies.

ZooDoo have had limited success at breeding Grant’s zebra, but unfortunately only with a single pair. There has been limited transfers (just of males I believe) to other zoos from Darling Downs Zoo; but one went to Australia Zoo and is now castrated, which is frustrating considering the huge effort that went into the US import.

It would indeed be nice to see Werribee run a purebred herd alongside a non breeding herd. Hamilton has several paddocks out back which have been used to hold both colts and fillies that have transitioned out of the main breeding herd (on the savannah). They just have two breeding mares now (one elderly), so this trio could be retired, with Grant’s taking centre stage - literally and figuratively.

 

[Abbey]

I believe the original intention was to breed with Bwana and Kaya. Bwana was well represented, but his transfer to Taronga with one of his mares meant his breeding options were reduced to a single mare mare; which combined with his age, at least limited their long term output.

Contraception of zebra mares doesn’t appear to be readily used within the region. Fillies transfer out of their natal herd as well as colts, so it stands to reason there’s a regional surplus of females (considering placing them all in breeding herds would generate more zebra). Some zoos like Auckland hold all female herds, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see Taronga castrate their colt and receive at least one or two additional mares. Even with the ostrich, there’s room to accomodate this.

On a side note, it’d be nice to see a phase out of generic zebra long term. Two facilities are breeding Grant’s zebra, so the other breeding holders should be subbing surplus purebred colts and fillies into their herd where they can.

I'm not sure to what extent contraception is used at other facilities, but at least at Taronga, Kaya is on contraception, via injection once a year. It was mentioned on Who's Zoo at the Zoo.

 

[Zoofan15]

I'm not sure to what extent contraception is used at other facilities, but at least at Taronga, Kaya is on contraception, via injection once a year. It was mentioned on Who's Zoo at the Zoo.

That’s interesting as clearly they’re not planning to geld the colt. I’m not aware of other facilities using contraception (bar castration in males) as the large breeding herds appear to have all mares breeding; and Hamilton transfers fillies out (even if they’re held in an adjacent paddock) rather than let them remain with their father in the natal herd.

 

[Abbey]

That’s interesting as clearly they’re not planning to geld the colt. I’m not aware of other facilities using contraception (bar castration in males) as the large breeding herds appear to have all mares breeding; and Hamilton transfers fillies out (even if they’re held in an adjacent paddock) rather than let them remain with their father in the natal herd.

The only caveat I'd add to that was that the episode would have been filmed when Bwana was still alive, so perhaps things have changed with the new males. As you've said, it seems like many zoos don't use contraception for zebras. I would just be speculating, but perhaps it's unadvised in females intending for future breeding - Kaya is unlikely to be in that category.

 

[Zoofan15]

The only caveat I'd add to that was that the episode would have been filmed when Bwana was still alive, so perhaps things have changed with the new males. As you've said, it seems like many zoos don't use contraception for zebras. I would just be speculating, but perhaps it's unadvised in females intending for future breeding - Kaya is unlikely to be in that category.

Due to Bwana being an older animal, it was likely unadvisable to subject him to the procedure. In some cases, males castrated after reaching maturity continue to exhibit the behaviours of an intact male; compared to Obi who arrived as a colt and would have coped better with the procedure as well as being young enough to benefit from the changes (reduction in aggression etc).

I think it therefore makes sense to castrate Obi (while still a colt) and eliminate the need to inject the mare yearly (as well as other mares that may join). With the exception of the Grant’s, no zebra is so genetically valuable to warrant leaving it intact when it hinders management of a herd - and even then we castrate purebred Grant’s apparently.

 

[Zoofan15]

Orangutans at Taronga

It’s looking more and more likely orangutans will be returning to Taronga following reports an ape species was being considered for replacing the elephants; and additional reports the zoo are considering phasing out gorillas.

Unlike gorillas, orangutans are capable of brachiation, which makes them suitable for aerial pathways. Aerial pathways are an efficient use of space, taking up minimal floor space while vastly increasing the exhibit size of the ape. Use of the aerial pathway can also be rotated with Siamang and other gibbon species.

Due to overcrowding in European zoos, breeding recommendations for gorillas have greatly decreased. The flow on affect to Australian zoos is that they will likely be expected to accomodate their own surplus, but even this is restrictive. A bachelor exhibit like the one at Taronga would suit the three young males currently in the troop; but then issues could arise with introducing additional males born in the breeding troop a decade or two down the line.

 

[loganjmuir]

Due to Bwana being an older animal, it was likely unadvisable to subject him to the procedure. In some cases, males castrated after reaching maturity continue to exhibit the behaviours of an intact male; compared to Obi who arrived as a colt and would have coped better with the procedure as well as being young enough to benefit from the changes (reduction in aggression etc).

I think it therefore makes sense to castrate Obi (while still a colt) and eliminate the need to inject the mare yearly (as well as other mares that may join). With the exception of the Grant’s, no zebra is so genetically valuable to warrant leaving it intact when it hinders management of a herd - and even then we castrate purebred Grant’s apparently.

Should Taronga bring genetically available mares into their herd, you would think it would be done once Kaya dies. To me, this would make the most sense, as Obi would be able to start his own herd without disruptive or lacking mares to cause disturbance amongst the group. Although there is the issue of Obi being Bwana's son, as it poses the risk of inbreeding in one way or another. Should Taronga be able to obtain unrelated genetically available mares-within the region-to accompany Obi however, if the move needs to happen in Kaya's lifetime so be it.

 

[Zoofan15]

Should Taronga bring genetically available mares into their herd, you would think it would be done once Kaya dies. To me, this would make the most sense, as Obi would be able to start his own herd without disruptive or lacking mares to cause disturbance amongst the group. Although there is the issue of Obi being Bwana's son, as it poses the risk of inbreeding in one way or another. Should Taronga be able to obtain unrelated genetically available mares-within the region-to accompany Obi however, if the move needs to happen in Kaya's lifetime so be it.

Tbh, it sounds like Obi comes from an extremely well represented line. His father sired foals for nearly a decade at Hamilton Zoo and then bred at Dubbo. Obi’s mother is believed to have several close relatives (including a mother and sister) in breeding herds. They may choose to maintain a non breeding herd or even become a bachelor facility when Kaya passes.

Prior to the import of the Grant’s zebra from the US, the regional population had reached the stage where inbreeding was starting to occur and I strongly believe more thought needs to be given to which zebras are breeding at which zoos going forward.

 

[Jambo]

Should Taronga bring genetically available mares into their herd, you would think it would be done once Kaya dies. To me, this would make the most sense, as Obi would be able to start his own herd without disruptive or lacking mares to cause disturbance amongst the group. Although there is the issue of Obi being Bwana's son, as it poses the risk of inbreeding in one way or another. Should Taronga be able to obtain unrelated genetically available mares-within the region-to accompany Obi however, if the move needs to happen in Kaya's lifetime so be it.

There aren’t really any genetically valuable females in the region that aren’t related to Obi. The region only has a few generic breeding herds, of which over the last few decades, have become related due to transfers.

Bwana was Adelaide born meaning he’s therefore related to most of Monarto’s large group. He then also sired offspring at Hamilton and Dubbo, meaning he has relations there as well. Obi’s mother, Kioni, was potentially descended from the Werribee line; so Obi’s pretty much related to a lot of the regions zebras.

Unrelated females would probably have to come from overseas if anything, but the region seems content with further inbreeding at this stage.

I’m of the firm belief Taronga will remain as a non breeding holder. A bachelor herd might indeed be the best way to go following Kaya’s death. Kaya’s in her early teens, but females can live into their 30’s, so it’s really up in the air as to how long she’ll be around.

 

[Zoofan15]

Bornean versus Sumatran

A decade ago, I would have automatically assumed Taronga would acquire Sumatran orangutan if they wished to establish a purebred colony. In 2013, both Perth and Melbourne had recently bred and Auckland Zoo (the only holder of Borneans) was seeking to phase out the species (then endangered) to focus on Sumatran orangutans (critically endangered).

As we know, the Bornean orangutan was upgraded to critically endangered in 2016 and now Auckland Zoo have resumed breeding them (as well as importing an additional breeding female).

Auckland’s efforts are a stark contrast to the apparent stagnation of Australasia’s Sumatran orangutan breeding programme. Various reasons have been given including the hiatus at Perth and Melbourne in anticipation of upgrades; however, one thing to consider is a global decrease in breeding recommendations. While both species have bred at international zoos over the past two decades, it stands to reason the emphasis overseas has mainly been on breeding the Sumatran orangutan. With Bornean orangutans now upgraded to critically endangered, it seems the majority of births overseas are that of Bornean orangutans - a cyclic trend mirrored in Australasia.

With that in mind, it may well be a better for Taronga to acquire Bornean orangutans. Breeding recommendations are more likely to be given (and more regularly), enhancing interest in the exhibit.

 

[loganjmuir]

Bornean versus Sumatran

A decade ago, I would have automatically assumed Taronga would acquire Sumatran orangutan if they wished to establish a purebred colony. In 2013, both Perth and Melbourne had recently bred and Auckland Zoo (the only holder of Borneans) was seeking to phase out the species (then endangered) to focus on Sumatran orangutans (critically endangered).

As we know, the Bornean orangutan was upgraded to critically endangered in 2016 and now Auckland Zoo have resumed breeding them (as well as importing an additional breeding female).

Auckland’s efforts are a stark contrast to the apparent stagnation of Australasia’s Sumatran orangutan breeding programme. Various reasons have been given including the hiatus at Perth and Melbourne in anticipation of upgrades; however, one thing to consider is a global decrease in breeding recommendations. While both species have bred at international zoos over the past two decades, it stands to reason the emphasis overseas has mainly been on breeding the Sumatran orangutan. With Bornean orangutans now upgraded to critically endangered, it seems the majority of births overseas are that of Bornean orangutans - a cyclic trend mirrored in Australasia.

With that in mind, it may well be a better for Taronga to acquire Bornean orangutans. Breeding recommendations are more likely to be given (and more regularly), enhancing interest in the exhibit.

As of recent years, Taronga have been more focused on a predominantly younger demographic of guests by incorporating things like the farm and playgrounds, therefore in my opinion I don't think the demand for a specific sub-species of great ape(in this case orangutan) will come down to public demand or influence. A further great ape will already be an incredible addition in itself, which I am sure guests will just appreciate seeing alone. But from a conservation perspective the zoo could go either way with both species sharing a conservation status. You would think considering the nearby sumatran tigers, Taronga would be more inclined to go with their sumatran counterpart, although considering how often plans have changed over the years, we could see bornean's.

 

[Zoofan15]

As of recent years, Taronga have been more focused on a predominantly younger demographic of guests by incorporating things like the farm and playgrounds, therefore in my opinion I don't think the demand for a specific sub-species of great ape(in this case orangutan) will come down to public demand or influence. A further great ape will already be an incredible addition in itself, which I am sure guests will just appreciate seeing alone. But from a conservation perspective the zoo could go either way with both species sharing a conservation status. You would think considering the nearby sumatran tigers, Taronga would be more inclined to go with their sumatran counterpart, although considering how often plans have changed over the years, we could see bornean's.

What I meant is by acquiring Bornean orangutan, Taronga Zoo are more likely to receive regular breeding recommendations than if they acquired Sumatran orangutans.

Most visitors would neither know or care what species of orangutan the zoo holds, but infant orangutans are a huge crowd puller. They have a long childhood, remaining playful throughout their juvenile years. By breeding orangutans, Taronga could easily triple interest in their complex versus a couple of sedentary adults that occasionally take to the aerial pathway.

Auckland Zoo timed this to perfection. The new exhibit opened in mid-2020 and wowed the visitors with its aerial pathway. It’s not hard to image that three years on, the novelty would be starting to wear off; but instead the zoo has a 17 month old orangutan infant, who continues to attract crowds five or six people deep at the viewing window.

I’m not saying Taronga wouldn’t receive breeding recommendations with Sumatran orangutans, but it’s clear breeding of this species has slowed and would ultimately depend on how genetically valuable the orangutans they can source would be.

 

[Zorro]

What I meant is by acquiring Bornean orangutan, Taronga Zoo are more likely to receive regular breeding recommendations than if they acquired Sumatran orangutans.

Most visitors would neither know or care what species of orangutan the zoo holds, but infant orangutans are a huge crowd puller. They have a long childhood, remaining playful throughout their juvenile years. By breeding orangutans, Taronga could easily triple interest in their complex versus a couple of sedentary adults that occasionally take to the aerial pathway.

Auckland Zoo timed this to perfection. The new exhibit opened in mid-2020 and wowed the visitors with its aerial pathway. It’s not hard to image that three years on, the novelty would be starting to wear off; but instead the zoo has a 17 month old orangutan infant, who continues to attract crowds five or six people deep at the viewing window.

I’m not saying Taronga wouldn’t receive breeding recommendations with Sumatran orangutans, but it’s clear breeding of this species has slowed and would ultimately depend on how genetically valuable the orangutans they can source would be.

I would love to see Auckland zoos wonderful award winning Southeast Asian Rainforest exhibit replicated at Australia Zoo. It's exactly the shot in the arm which the zoo needs, It has the climate and the room along with its lush tropical gardens, I am sure it would be a winner for them.
Also Orangs were a species of interest before Steves passing.

 

[Zoofan15]

I would love to see Auckland zoos wonderful award winning Southeast Asian Rainforest exhibit replicated at Australia Zoo. It's exactly the shot in the arm which the zoo needs, It has the climate and the room along with its lush tropical gardens, I am sure it would be a winner for them.
Also Orangs were a species of interest before Steves passing.

That’s a great idea. Considering the zoo originally planned to acquire gorillas and orangutans, it now appears orangutans are the better option. They’d compliment the numerous South East Asian species held at the zoo; and they can brachiate, making them well suited to aerial pathways.

Australia Zoo pride themselves on creating innovative exhibits. What better way to demonstrate this than the region’s largest aerial pathway?

If Taronga Zoo and Australia both acquired Bornean orangutans; then combined with Auckland’s growing colony, it would make for a thriving regional breeding programme.

 

[Zoofan15]

Something interesting came up this morning (thanks to @Kestrel) is that Ragunan Zoo hold Sri Lankan leopard. They currently have around 10 leopards, descended from 2.2 from Sri Lanka.

Taronga Zoo have worked with Ragunan Zoo in the past. They received a Komodo dragon from them in 1991; and I’m sure many of us recall the deal Taronga made with them to receive a pair of Sumatran tigers (in exchange for the giraffes we sent them in 2015). Since Indonesia imposes a number of restrictions on the exportation of native species, I’m wondering if Taronga would have more luck securing a pair of Sri Lankan leopard.

Like Melbourne Zoo, Taronga will be considering new species in the wake of their elephants leaving. If they wished to acquire Sri Lankan leopard and imported from Ragunan Zoo, they could surely secure more genetically valuable leopards than they could from Europe.

 

[Zorro]

I for one would like to see Taronga among others have another shot at keeping Dhole's, They certainly need a better plan than last time without giving up on them so easily. I believe they were a chosen ZAA species for the region so I believe there would have to of been other zoos with an interest in obtaining them, They are small, easy to transport, colourful and interesting so perhaps time to start over again with a better plan!

 

[Zoofan15]

I for one would like to see Taronga among others have another shot at keeping Dhole's, They certainly need a better plan than last time without giving up on them so easily. I believe they were a chosen ZAA species for the region so I believe there would have to of been other zoos with an interest in obtaining them, They are small, easy to transport, colourful and interesting so perhaps time to start over again with a better plan!

It’d be great to see them return to the region. As with many species, a small founder base (one pair imported 2006) and a lack of support saw the population dwindle and then collapse. An Asian canid would be a nice compliment to the African wild dog, maned wolf and dingo.

Potentially, Altina Wildlife Park could be interested; as well as Perth Zoo, which are constructing rotational exhibits suitable for carnivores.

 

[Zorro]

It’d be great to see them return to the region. As with many species, a small founder base and a lack of support saw the population dwindle and then collapse. An Asian canid would be a nice compliment to the African wild dog, maned wolf and dingo.

I was a little disappointed no other zoo had obtained any others not sure as to why. Also I can't understand why Taronga are the only zoo in the region only holding a group (bar 2 m) of Francois Langurs since they have been here for many years. Is no other zoos interested? There would have to be a reason.

 

[Abbey]

I agree. My understanding is that both Dholes and Francois Langurs were designated as program, priority species (that might not be the right lingo) in the 2000s. Dholes, as we know, were swiftly phased out again. The breeding female at Taronga having a difficult second birth (resulting in a hysterectomy) didn't help, but it seems like the regional support which may have been planned at one point was never followed through upon; plans changed.

Maybe I'm just taking a particularly Taronga-centric view, but it would be interesting to know a bit more about the process involved. Francois' are relatively difficult to obtain, but I would think Taronga wouldn't have exported their surplus males if the interest was there.