I don't believe they would import any where near those numbers I would say perhaps 2 or 3.
Not sure if they would be allowed to import from Asia?
Still awaiting for the IRA to be completed
Monarto Safari Park Monarto Safari Park News 2023
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Not sure if they would be allowed to import from Asia?
Still awaiting for the IRA to be completed
Previous ungulate IRA’s have allowed imports from predominantly European and North American countries; with South Africa and Singapore being notable exceptions.
Like @Zorro says, I imagine Monarto would probably import 1.1 to create a second female line; but regionally, we may be lucky enough to get three bulls imported (one at each zoo); as well as some cows. It’d be nice to see future planning beyond the needs of the here and now.
I can see where you are all coming from just don't understand what the heck species management is doing in ZAA zoos. It should not be rocket science to import 2.4 or 3.3 hippo and secure hippo for the Australian continent long term.
The focus as far as exotic species has always been on Africa with big Savannahs and the outback open range zoos perfectly fit that spectacle and ZAA has at least 4 major ones. I can think of a longer list there including giraffe, zebra, eland, kudu, sable antelope, impala et cetera. Plus: West/Central Africa: bongo, okapi, pygmy hippo along with new African Cercopithecidae (mangabey, De Brazza monkey).
I guess it’s just that bit more challenging to accomodate the numbers of hippos needed for sustainable breeding long term since they need access to submersible water versus most ungulates, which can be held in the simplest of paddocks.
Capacity wise, Werribee have three exhibits and a cohesive pod of 0.3. They’d be looking to import a bull (which would occupy a second exhibit); with the third potentially needed to split off the breeding cow from her mother and sister for an extended period.
Monarto were originally aiming to house around 5-6 hippos long term. Again, I imagine all they’d want to import is a bull to breed to their 0.2 cows, with the focus on building up a larger pod.
As with any breeding programme, some new holders would be great.
I believe that since you are very aware of how things function within the EEP I believe you would be somewhat disappointed in comparing it with the ZAA, Here there are far fewer zoos than Europe also there appears to be a sort of hierarchy with the limited amount of zoos from a couple of dominant players down to the very junior members.
It’s a real shame we have a limited number of holders of many species, especially Common hippopotami, whose requirements for space and filtration infrastructure (which in city zoos can equate to the size of the exhibit).
On the plus size, barring the outbreak of any major global disease, the Hippopotamus IRA should be upheld for decades, allowing us not just a brief window to import; but potentially decades of gene inflow.
I remember not that many years ago before we had the rise of the many regional zoos we have today (not referring to what's termed native only animal sanctuary's eg lone pine) that it was only zoos like major city zoos like Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide which ever kept Hippos until the open range zoos like the Western Plains zoo at Dubbo stepped in to become the major player for the species. Now for the very first time we have 3 major open range zoos with the much needed room to move and if desired room to expand in exhibit area and or numbers held. If these 3 zoos can set themselves up for the long term plan to keep a certain minimum number for the long term holding requirements.
I do recall that a couple of regional zoos did appear interested in holding hippos, Altina and the territory wildlife park come to mind. But who knows for sure others may show an interest in time!
That’s correct, Crocodylus planned to import a 1.1 pair back in the 2000’s, which would be an interesting addition to their collection.
It’d be interesting to know more about Monarto’s long term plans for the future and how many hippopotamus groupings they can hold. A large exhibit may well look impressive; but zoos like Werribee demonstrate how two addition smaller exhibits (in addition to the large main exhibit) can allow them to effectively manage breeding.
Re. Crocodylus, it’s a shame they just didn’t acquire the Cairns pair of hippos that eventually went to Indonesia. That’s a 1.1 pair for them! Obviously they lost interest by this time as a move across Australia would’ve been FAR cheaper and easier rather than shipping them across to Indonesia.
I believe Monarto really has almost unlimited size so it all depends on the wants of the manager/s. This is a win win for everybody including mostly the Hippos themselves. With werribee's 3 pools I guess they do have some play room for a bull pool/yard and a cow pool/yards and a possible cow birthing/raisining pool/yard. Perhaps depending on further requirements into the future a possible 4th pool if it's needed. All we need now is some imported breeding prospects!
When I asked Monarto, all I was told is that priority was to get the Werribee females on site and that there were no immediate plans for additional hippos. The elephant complex (2/3 the size of Werribee’s) came completely out of left; and with the Australian Rhino Project ticking along in the background (as well as upgrades to the lion dens etc.), I imagine they’re happy to wait several years while they address these priority projects.
Long term, I’d love to see Monarto upgrade the complex with additional yards and it’d be nice to see Werribee build a fourth exhibit (which would also be parked far behind the other projects).
Werribee could easily divide their main pool if they ever wished too. Although as of this point, there’s been no need to. The former hippo enclosure still exists opposite the Safari drive through habitat; and although it is on the smaller side, it’s a nice little enclosure for cows to seperate and have their calves there.
That could be just a way of avoiding the question, I would be surprised if they did not have a plan 9even long term) in mind but just keeping their cards to their chest!
That’s entirely possible. Plans are invariably drawn up years in advance and like you say, not disclosed to the general public to avoid disappointment when they change. I’ve seen firsthand many projects scrapped, put on hold or reduced in scale to accomodate rising construction costs.
I thought @Steve Robinson gave good advice to someone on here considering opening their own zoo: “Whatever budget you have in mind, double it!”
Friend, I know ... just I think it proofs that it is high time there is a regional shake up. ZAA needs visionary leaders and inspired curators to enable maintaining representative collections of both native species and exotics.
We’ve seen a couple of examples of visionary planning of late:
Werribee’s elephant herd will operate under a century long succession plan, reviewed and updated every five years. The complex itself is visionary, but it’s great to see thought being given to population management.
The Australian Rhino Project will see 35 founders imported from South Africa to bring new bloodlines into the Australasian population.
Going back a few years, the import of over 20 Lowland nyala has created a thriving regional population that will be self-sustaining for decades.
Agreed some positive signs, especially the combined Nyala import (this vis a vis the IRA complex import regulations and guidelines). Monarto is making incredibly fundamental steps towards a richer collection able to hold larger populations of mainly African mammals.
I am watching with some anxious trepidation the ARP rhino import too. It has been a few years....., Orana has not yet completed the quarantaine facilities. I thought planning there is early 2024? Any indications or new insights how far ARP is now on this with the actual import?
BTW: I would love eventually for Monarto to restrict themselves to Africa, Asia (Indian Terai, Central Asian Desert and Mongolian steppe) and Australia (needs no introduction, local native species recovery programs).
I am watching with some anxious trepidation the ARP rhino import too. It has been a few years....., Orana has not yet completed the quarantaine facilities. I thought planning there is early 2024? Any indications or new insights how far ARP is now on this with the actual import?
BTW: I would love eventually for Monarto to restrict themselves to Africa, Asia (Indian Terai, Central Asian Desert and Mongolian steppe) and Australia (needs no introduction, local native species recovery programs).
Orana originally planned to finish construction on their quarantine facilities in December 2021 and import the first batch of rhinos in March/April 2022 (to avoid the heat of summer).
Orana’s facilities are now complete, they’re just working through the paperwork side of things. It’s unknown how long this will take.
I too would love to see Monarto expand into Asian Plains exhibits. Both them and Werribee should be displaying their Asian elephants as exactly that imo - with it being a good opportunity to create mixed species exhibits where possible with Indian antelope etc.
@Kifaru Bwana The "vision" had nothing to do with the ZAA it was one private man (RR) who had the idea and tried to put it into action. My understanding was he could not do the import without ZAA input/help hence they got involved, but all credit goes to the guy (RR) who spent time and money trying to make it happen, Also his plan was to import 80 in 3 to 4 batches, but that has since been watered down to the current number. Off the top of my head I believe the project/idea started in 2013 so many years ago. (I did have some early contact with him regarding the project).
Thanks mate, I think I might have actually met the guy on one of my Rhino May Days in the UK.
I think the rhino crisis in South Africa (that has now spilled into Botswana and Namibia) is much more dramatic then people realise .... Kruger rhino numbers continue to fall, both for white and black rhino. It has in fact gotten so bad that when the largest rhino holder in the country has now sold off most of his stock to the African Parks organisation that will rewild white rhinos elsewhere on the African continent.