The Future of Zoos Victoria 2024 (Speculation/Fantasy)

[Zoofan15]

Sorry. I'm not sure as to why I included Aardvarks in there; my mind must have been wandering at the time. 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.

I’ve had a look and found there was quite a discussion on species for the Carnivores precinct on Page 2 of the 2013 Melbourne Zoo news thread:

Melbourne 2013 news [Melbourne Zoo]

Of the links posted at the time, this one is still available and mentions anteaters: Predators in the classroom? Only at Melbourne Zoo

The sun bears are referenced in discussion as Syrian bears/sun bears, indicating Honey (who died in 2016) would have been replaced by Malayan sun bears long term. In 2013, the future of this species in the region was looking much brighter - with cubs bred in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

 

[Jambo]

The sun bears are referenced in discussion as Syrian bears/sun bears, indicating Honey (who died in 2016) would have been replaced by Malayan sun bears long term. In 2013, the future of this species in the region was looking much brighter - with cubs bred in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

Yeah Melbourne were fairly keen on acquiring Sun Bears at the time as a replacement for Honey. The Carnivores precinct was always going to have the headliners of bears/lions/leopards with a few smaller species too.

I assume the reason Melbourne never acquired them was due to the fact that there just wasn't any individuals available. With the dwindling population now, it's a shame when you think about it. Since the worldwide population has limited success, I'd hope the region pivots to another bear species going forward. Andean Bear would be the hope (as they'd be a cornerstone species for a South American precinct), but obviously Sloth Bears would be great additions too.

 

[Zoofan15]

Yeah Melbourne were fairly keen on acquiring Sun Bears at the time as a replacement for Honey. The Carnivores precinct was always going to have the headliners of bears/lions/leopards with a few smaller species too.

I assume the reason Melbourne never acquired them was due to the fact that there just wasn't any individuals available. With the dwindling population now, it's a shame when you think about it. Since the worldwide population has limited success, I'd hope the region pivots to another bear species going forward. Andean Bear would be the hope (as they'd be a cornerstone species for a South American precinct), but obviously Sloth Bears would be great additions too.

Considering the challenges around breeding sun bears, I think even if some became available (e.g. surplus females from Europe), we’d have more luck forming a sustainable population long term with either Andean or Sloth bears. North America’s decision to phase out sun bears further weakens support. Like you say, Andean bears would be the headliner for any South American species in the absence of Jaguar.

I often wonder how Jaguar would have gone had Melbourne’s last breeding pair succeeded in producing cubs. Muana’s infertility put pay to any plans to do so, but her import in 1997 was supposed to lead to breeding of this species. I imagine a litter would have been bred in the late-1990’s, perhaps followed by a second in the early-2000’s (after the first had transferred out). Whether these offspring would have simply been passed onto the small zoos/wildlife parks following a decision to phase out; or rejuvenated ZAA interest is unknown, but an interesting point to consider nonetheless.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

It seems like most, if not all of this, are in agreement Tasmanian devil should be removed from the Carnivores precinct.

What replacement species would we like to see?

I’d like to see Clouded leopard, but fear the close proximity of the tiger exhibit would make the reclusive cat even more of a recluse. I’d therefore house Nepalese red panda in the Carnivores precinct (providing the visitors with an interesting lesson on why red pandas are classed as carnivores); and redevelop their exhibits for Clouded leopard. It’s a relatively quiet area of the zoo and a good distance away from apex predator

I could see Maned Wolves replacing Dingos, clouded leopard replacing Binturong, with an aerial path to the first (renovated) Devils enclosure, an appropriate bear species replacing Indrah, and Komodo taking the second Devil's enclosure, with the small lawn near the picnic shelter and toilets converted to a second Komodo enclosure with the Picnic shelter being converted to a BoH area for Komodo.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

(And I still think a breeding pair of Asian Lions should replace the African bachelor's)
Dhole I think should be included in the Waterhole precinct at Werribee.

 

[Zoofan15]

I could see Maned Wolves replacing Dingos, clouded leopard replacing Binturong, with an aerial path to the first (renovated) Devils enclosure, an appropriate bear species replacing Indrah, and Komodo taking the second Devil's enclosure, with the small lawn near the picnic shelter and toilets converted to a second Komodo enclosure with the Picnic shelter being converted to a BoH area for Komodo.

That all sounds perfect, with the exception of Clouded leopard - which might not thrive in close proximity to the Snow leopards and African lions. My idea the other day was to exhibit them where the red pandas are now (with red pandas moving to the Carnivores precinct).

Maned wolf would be a much more exciting exhibit than Dingo imo. The exhibit is more than big enough for a pair. If not, then hopefully Werribee will give thought to housing this species in the future. They have the space to build multiple exhibits and they’re ideal for open range zoos, being a grasslands species.

 

[Zoofan15]

(And I still think a breeding pair of Asian Lions should replace the African bachelor's)
Dhole I think should be included in the Waterhole precinct at Werribee.

Since Melbourne clearly don’t want to commit to allocating the space to house a breeding pride of African lion, a pair of Asian lions would be a much better fit for Melbourne. With large prides of African lions held at Dubbo, Werribee and Monarto (and the facilities to accomodate their own bachelor males), it’d be nice to see more city zoos phase out their non-breeding African lions for Asian lions.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

That all sounds perfect, with the exception of Clouded leopard - which might not thrive in close proximity to the Snow leopards and African lions. My idea the other day was to exhibit them where the red pandas are now (with red pandas moving to the Carnivores precinct).

Maned wolf would be a much more exciting exhibit than Dingo imo. The exhibit is more than big enough for a pair. If not, then hopefully Werribee will give thought to housing this species in the future. They have the space to build multiple exhibits and they’re ideal for open range zoos, being a grasslands species.

I'd keep Binturong where they are in light of that, and create a new Clouded Leopard enclosure in the vicinity of Growing Wild.
(I must say though that I'd like a Leopard enclosure visible from Leopard Lodge)

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I'd keep Binturong where they are in light of that, and create a new Clouded Leopard enclosure in the vicinity of Growing Wild.
(I must say though that I'd like a Leopard enclosure visible from Leopard Lodge)

The reason for leaving Binturong where they are in this scenario is it would be near the Maned Wolf, both having distinct odours.

Ideally an enclosure would be formed over the pondage in the middle/ in the first Devils enclosure with a Shoebill Stork, but we know that'll never happen...

 

[Zoofan15]

I'd keep Binturong where they are in light of that, and create a new Clouded Leopard enclosure in the vicinity of Growing Wild.
(I must say though that I'd like a Leopard enclosure visible from Leopard Lodge)

Clouded leopard breeding hub:

I’d really like to see Melbourne Zoo replicate their success with breeding Temminck’s golden cat, Leopard cat and Fishing cat in the 80’s and 90’s by housing multiple Clouded leopard in off display exhibits to enhance breeding. A couple of on display exhibits could show non-breeding pairs and the mother and young (from three months of age onwards); but the breeding pairs would be housed off display.

Clouded leopard are a popular species and Melbourne Zoo has the opportunity here to establish themselves as the breeding hub of the region, supplying other zoos. If they have unrelated pairs, matches between unrelated males/females could be made as juveniles, which eliminates the risk of forming pairs between adults.

 

[ReturnOfPaddyRick]

I'd keep Binturong where they are in light of that, and create a new Clouded Leopard enclosure in the vicinity of Growing Wild.
(I must say though that I'd like a Leopard enclosure visible from Leopard Lodge)

Binturong would be a nice fit in the TOTE however, but realistically it doesn’t matter too much where the species are if they are there. Hopefully they do a binturong experience in the future, the one in Tasmania was amazing

 

[Zoofan15]

Binturong would be a nice fit in the TOTE however, but realistically it doesn’t matter too much where the species are if they are there. Hopefully they do a binturong experience in the future, the one in Tasmania was amazing

I’d like to see Binturong move to TOTE. They don’t utilise their exhibit in the Carnivores precinct to the extent a more active species would and on my recent visits, they were smelt but not seen. The nesting towers provide no option to view them and a lot of visitors were just passing by the exhibit. I was warned it was the tiger I’d never see, but both were in full view in their respective exhibits and the female even went in the moat.

 

[Jambo]

I’d like to see Binturong move to TOTE. They don’t utilise their exhibit in the Carnivores precinct to the extent a more active species would and on my recent visits, they were smelt but not seen. The nesting towers provide no option to view them and a lot of visitors were just passing by the exhibit. I was warned it was the tiger I’d never see, but both were in full view in their respective exhibits and the female even went in the moat.

The old exhibit was suitable enough for them; and actually encouraged them to be viewable as the nesting boxes were right in front of the enclosure.

Indrah's almost never active. The thick vegetation at the back of her enclosure is where she spends most of her time and this had to be trimmed back a few years ago because she would just hide back there and it was overgrowing the whole exhibit far too much. The select few times I have seen her was early in the morning. Hutan's the opposite and I tend to see him late in the afternoon; but I remember being told he loves to sleep in so it wouldn't surprise me if he just spends his mornings sleeping back of house.

 

[Zoofan15]

The old exhibit was suitable enough for them; and actually encouraged them to be viewable as the nesting boxes were right in front of the enclosure.

Indrah's almost never active. The thick vegetation at the back of her enclosure is where she spends most of her time and this had to be trimmed back a few years ago because she would just hide back there and it was overgrowing the whole exhibit far too much. The select few times I have seen her was early in the morning. Hutan's the opposite and I tend to see him late in the afternoon; but I remember being told he loves to sleep in so it wouldn't surprise me if he just spends his mornings sleeping back of house.

Apparently Hutan is periodically fed a large carcass and then sleeps it off out back. I got a brief glimpse of him. Indah, I was lucky to see at all hours one day. It was raining, which excited her; and then the next time I went, it was so hot that going in the water helped her cool down.

Hamilton Zoo used to have the same problem as Melbourne Zoo, overgrown vegetation meaning the tigers could be on display but completely hidden. Both exhibits were pruned right back and even shy tigers like Mencari made adjustment with ease.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I would love to see Melbourne Zoo to create a South America precinct (as we have frequently discussed) and in addition to all we have speculated before that could be incorporated, I'd love to see a Guina (guinga leopards) included.

I only found it existed 5 minutes ago! We could help start a regional breeding program

Conservationists aim to save South America’s super tiny wild cat, the guina

 

[Zoofan15]

I would love to see Melbourne Zoo to create a South America precinct (as we have frequently discussed) and in addition to all we have speculated before that could be incorporated, I'd love to see a Guina (guinga leopards) included.

I only found it existed 5 minutes ago! We could help start a regional breeding program

Conservationists aim to save South America’s super tiny wild cat, the guina

I’d also never heard of them. They don’t appear to be held in captivity (at least outside of their home range), so it’s more likely we’ll see Jaguar make a return to the region before we see this species imported. Ocelot could be a viable alternative, especially if there’s interested from other regional facilities like the WCCC.

 

[Zoofan15]

The areas are themed by biome, which apart from some of the central trail is almost entirely jungle

Good point. While they’ll be exceptions like lions and giraffes (high profile species), Melbourne would be best to concentrate on rainforest species. It’s much easier to replicate their natural habitat in the city than at Werribee.

Maned wolf at Werribee would be ideal. They’re a grasslands species after all.

 

[NathanTheAsian]

Good point. While they’ll be exceptions like lions and giraffes (high profile species), Melbourne would be best to concentrate on rainforest species. It’s much easier to replicate their natural habitat in the city than at Werribee.

Maned wolf at Werribee would be ideal. They’re a grasslands species after all.

If Melbourne continues with the rainforest species I would love to see some hornbills in Melbourne Zoo, especially Bornean species. They'd probably fit in well with the Southeast Asian theme of Trail Of The Elephants. However, hornbills most likely would not attract many visitors as the average Australian does not know what they are.

 

[Jambo]

If Melbourne continues with the rainforest species I would love to see some hornbills in Melbourne Zoo, especially Bornean species. They'd probably fit in well with the Southeast Asian theme of Trail Of The Elephants. However, hornbills probably would not attract many visitors as the average Australian does not know what they are.

I’d like to see them too. The current squirrel monkey exhibit would be suitable for them otherwise I would love to see some sort of enclosure built for them (and other birds) replacing the elephants.

 

[Zoofan15]

If Melbourne continues with the rainforest species I would love to see some hornbills in Melbourne Zoo, especially Bornean species. They'd probably fit in well with the Southeast Asian theme of Trail Of The Elephants. However, hornbills probably would not attract many visitors as the average Australian does not know what they are.

That would be amazing, but we’re unable to import hornbills sadly. The parrot IRA wouldn’t cover them and I’m not aware of any in the region, even in private hands.