I like the idea of Komodos where the devils are, Clouded Leopard where the binturong is and binturong moved back to the elephant trail. Of course looking further to the future Sun Bears would be great in the original exhibit meant for them. Couldn’t remember whether Maned Wolf or Dhole were the most popular for the dingo exhibit, but either would be optimal and accessible in the future
That would certainly improve the carnivores precinct by a fair margin!
Which exhibit was this?
Weren't they also considering Giant Anteater for the carnivores trail at one point? That would be amazing to see, though they would need an IRA of course. They could even go in a mixed exhibit with Maned Wolves.
I would hope for Giraffids after hippos myself, but certainly Xenarthrans would be incredible!
The tiger exhibit apart of the trail.
Yes! And Komodo Dragons too. Neither ended up eventuating, although you can see why Melbourne were never able to acquire Giant Anteaters - due to the lack of an IRA for them.
I would like to see our zoos stop breeding hybrid giraffes, then as spaces open up import pure individuals of an agreed species/subspecies and breed those instead. So in a couple of decades there would be no hybrids left.New Zealand got that IRA so long ago, I forgot Australia still had to catch up.
Seriously though, I really hope some thought will be given to importing via New Zealand if that’s an option. Height of the giraffes could be a challenge (factoring in 12 month quarantine in New Zealand). I’ve had a look back on previous transfers and see several were transferred between NZ/Aus at 15-18 months. Giraffes can be weaned at 5-6 months, but have to remain in the country of birth for 12 months prior to export as per conditions of the IRA, making them a minimum of two years by the time they ship from New Zealand to Australia. Transfers of adults are accomplished inter-state in Australia, suggesting it wouldn’t be impossible.
And as the wise zoofan15 once told me, Melbourne had already identified an Aardvark for import, which also unfortunately fell through…
I know they wouldn’t fit the precinct, but theoretically capybara could cohabit with them if they wanted to save space
Wow, that is news to me. Any idea when this was and where they planned to display them?
I just assumed it was you since you pretty much tel me everything, but someone definitely said a male had been identified for import, but fell through exactly because of the IRA
Not the first time Zoos Vic have done this - *cough* growing wild *cough*’
I just assumed it was you since you pretty much tel me everything, but someone definitely said a male had been identified for import, but fell through exactly because of the IRA
Edit: Okay, I clearly misinterpreted it, but this is what Jambo said last year: ‘It was stage 2 of the carnivores which was following the opening of stage 1 (Lion Gorge) in 2014.
Lion Gorge opened with Lions, African Wild Dogs and Philippine Crocodiles but there were plans for both Giant Anteaters and Aardvarks as well, but unfortunately an IRA could not be completed in time for either. There was a point where Melbourne actually had a male that they were going to import, they just needed the IRA.
Stage 2 was to follow and open in 2017. It initially was going to have Snow Leopards, Sun Bears and Komodo Dragons (this was prior to the opening of stage 1), and then was later advertised to have Snow Leopards, Spotted Hyenas, Tasmanian Devils and Coatis. Sometime in 2015/2016 Spotted Hyena were then removed from the plans and replaced with Sumatran Tiger. Not sure exactly why, but maybe they just simply decided to hold them at Werribee instead (as is the plan now).
In 2017, stage 2 opened as it currently is with the Snow Leopards, Sumatran Tigers, Coatis and Tasmanian Devils. A fraction of what it was meant to be imo.
Sorry. I'm not sure as to why I included Aardvarks in there; my mind must have been wandering at the timeI just assumed it was you since you pretty much tel me everything, but someone definitely said a male had been identified for import, but fell through exactly because of the IRA
Edit: Okay, I clearly misinterpreted it, but this is what Jambo said last year: ‘It was stage 2 of the carnivores which was following the opening of stage 1 (Lion Gorge) in 2014.
Lion Gorge opened with Lions, African Wild Dogs and Philippine Crocodiles but there were plans for both Giant Anteaters and Aardvarks as well, but unfortunately an IRA could not be completed in time for either. There was a point where Melbourne actually had a male that they were going to import, they just needed the IRA.
Stage 2 was to follow and open in 2017. It initially was going to have Snow Leopards, Sun Bears and Komodo Dragons (this was prior to the opening of stage 1), and then was later advertised to have Snow Leopards, Spotted Hyenas, Tasmanian Devils and Coatis. Sometime in 2015/2016 Spotted Hyena were then removed from the plans and replaced with Sumatran Tiger. Not sure exactly why, but maybe they just simply decided to hold them at Werribee instead (as is the plan now).
In 2017, stage 2 opened as it currently is with the Snow Leopards, Sumatran Tigers, Coatis and Tasmanian Devils. A fraction of what it was meant to be imo.
. The male I referenced was in fact a Giant Anteater, and it was mentioned on here on zoochat as well if I can remember correctly. He was to brought in from Europe.