Perth Zoo Perth Zoo News 2024

[Princeabebe]

Do we know what the plan is for the mixed savannah and the current african precincts ?. It would be quite an asset to combine there white rhino, giraffe and african hoof stock into a mixed exhibit. They could potentially design a really nice mixed exhibit that may free up space that these species currently take up to house other species. Or enable new species like nyala or eland which are the other typical savannah species to be acquired. Ideally WA Gov would hurry up and build an open range zoo, but i dont forsee that happening.

In the previous master plan (remembering master plans only as long as it takes managers to commission the next one), the intention seemed to have been to have mixed African species exhibits separated by interchange gates of some kind (can't remember the language they used) that would allow animals to be moved from one enclosure to others on an ongoing basis, such that visitors would never be sure what they'd see in any particular enclosure...although the low number of species they'd inevitably hold, I doubt the mystery would have lasted particularly long. In any event, that idea seems to have disappeared from the current (pretty thin, in my opinion) master plan - as has, thankfully, the mindless marketing catchphrase that was peppered throughout the previous masterplan - 'the zoo that moves with you.'

I think, from memory, the last master plan did mention bongos, and my suspicion at the time was that this was because they are already in the country at other zoos, although I could be wrong of course.

 

[Princeabebe]

Does any one know about the masterplan of the Asian rain forest or Australian bushwalk if anyone does I would love to know

I haven't been able to find much information of their plans for the rainforest and Australian walkthrough. I'm not sure what you could do with the walkthrough as it currently exists - simply put it is embarrassing - some trees, sand and not many animals. The emus are behind two layers of fence, and the concrete mock-Western Australian geological landmarks are cringey.

 

[Princeabebe]

African lions remain one of the biggest attractions in zoos and so if zoos want to focus on African species, it’d be nice to see lions held in exhibits large enough to house a breeding pride; instead of the small exhibits housing non-breeding pairs/trios more commonly seen. Perth could have built a spectacular lion exhibit, complimented by a larger hyena exhibit.

They have expanded the lion enclosure to absorb the old cheetah one, so it is much bigger than it was.

 

[Princeabebe]

From plans it seems it will include the current lake islands (including the one inhabited by the Ruffed Lemurs) and also the lawn opposite; where the ropes will form an additional circuit.

Re. the pelicans, their wings can be clipped to prevent them from flying elsewhere. They could be zoo owned.

When I was there a couple of weeks ago, the lake had been drained and it looked as though they might be joining the two existing islands together - although maybe it was just a pile of sand that happened to be sitting between them. I also noticed a very, very tall old Canary Island date palm had been removed from where these poles are obviously going outside the lake; where the new eatery and playground have been built next to the main lawn next to the lake, two huge Cuban royal palms have vanished too...I bumped into someone who works at the zoo last week, and he said they'd had huge cranes there and that he assumed they'd dug these palms out to use somewhere else - I hope so!

 

[Zoofan15]

In the previous master plan (remembering master plans only as long as it takes managers to commission the next one), the intention seemed to have been to have mixed African species exhibits separated by interchange gates of some kind (can't remember the language they used) that would allow animals to be moved from one enclosure to others on an ongoing basis, such that visitors would never be sure what they'd see in any particular enclosure...although the low number of species they'd inevitably hold, I doubt the mystery would have lasted particularly long. In any event, that idea seems to have disappeared from the current (pretty thin, in my opinion) master plan - as has, thankfully, the mindless marketing catchphrase that was peppered throughout the previous masterplan - 'the zoo that moves with you.'

I think, from memory, the last master plan did mention bongos, and my suspicion at the time was that this was because they are already in the country at other zoos, although I could be wrong of course.

That doesn’t surprise me as they were considering something similar for Sumatran tiger, Malayan sun bear etc. a rotational exhibit of sorts. In the case of carnivores, its efficient use of space in a city zoo and in many cases, the animals would find it enriching. Taronga previously undertook a swap between their lions and tigers, when they were housed in adjacent exhibits.

With ungulates, it seems kinda pointless. In my opinion, they should either build a large enough integrated exhibit and integrate whatever can be integrated; or better yet, make difficult but ultimately practical decisions on what can be held at a city zoo. The unfortunate fact is Perth lacks an open range sister zoo, which will ultimately underpin the decision to retain both
Giraffe and Southern white rhinoceros.

Eastern bongo were previously mentioned; as were Indian rhinoceros. The latter has been scrapped according to the latest mastermind; though if bongo take off again in the region, perhaps they may be exhibited at Perth one day.

They have expanded the lion enclosure to absorb the old cheetah one, so it is much bigger than it was.

With the facilities they have, Perth should be able to manage a small breeding pride; but hold non-breeding (related) lions. To be fair, not every zoo can breed, so this may well be Perth accomodating what the region needs.

 

[Princeabebe]

Eastern bongo were previously mentioned; as were Indian rhinoceros. The latter has been scrapped according to the latest mastermind; though if bongo take off again in the region, perhaps they may be exhibited at Perth one day.


With the facilities they have, Perth should be able to manage a small breeding pride; but hold non-breeding (related) lions. To be fair, not every zoo can breed, so this may well be Perth accomodating what the region needs.

I would love an Indian rhino exhibit with lots of water etc...if only! When they had cheetahs back in the day, I think they were non-breeding left-overs...not sure why they got rid of them, but it might've been to allow more room for the lions. The overall impression of this zoo is that there are fewer and fewer animals in total these days, in terms of both species and numbers of individuals.

 

[Princeabebe]

That doesn’t surprise me as they were considering something similar for Sumatran tiger, Malayan sun bear etc. a rotational exhibit of sorts. In the case of carnivores, its efficient use of space in a city zoo and in many cases, the animals would find it enriching. Taronga previously undertook a swap between their lions and tigers, when they were housed in adjacent exhibits.

With ungulates, it seems kinda pointless. In my opinion, they should either build a large enough integrated exhibit and integrate whatever can be integrated; or better yet, make difficult but ultimately practical decisions on what can be held at a city zoo. The unfortunate fact is Perth lacks an open range sister zoo, which will ultimately underpin the decision to retain both
Giraffe and Southern white rhinoceros.

The rotational aspect seems to have disappeared from the latest master plan...although master plans are only every indicative of what might happen and what things might look like, so who knows. My impression is that the rotational gate things would take up too much space and be too obtrusive given the total land area to be viable. Perth zoo is already way too fencey and cagey (although this seems to be a common zoo trend, and Perth zoo always seems to follow other zoos' ideas)...

 

[Zorro]

I would love an Indian rhino exhibit with lots of water etc...if only! When they had cheetahs back in the day, I think they were non-breeding left-overs...not sure why they got rid of them, but it might've been to allow more room for the lions. The overall impression of this zoo is that there are fewer and fewer animals in total these days, in terms of both species and numbers of individuals.

I believe you will find most if not all the main stream zoos have been cutting down the number of species they have exhibited over the last couple of decades, wether its a cost cutting move like less time and less keepers/wages, food, vets or exhibits or all of the above who can say for sure?

 

[Jambo]

Update on Elephants transfer to Monarto:

Gentle giants to leave Perth Zoo more than two years after Tricia the elephant's death

Relocation efforts recently hit a milestone, with the completion of containers designed to keep the four-tonne animals safe on their journey.

Whether Putra Mas and Permai will travel by air or road will depend on the timing of the move and the availability of aircraft large enough to carry the elephants.

It had initially been hoped the pair would move to Adelaide this year, but this is now not expected to occur until mid-2025.

 

[Tigergal]

An email update sent to Perth Zoo members about Permai and Putra Mas’ move to Monarto:


Their specially designed transport crates have arrived at Perth Zoo, so they can get used to them before embarking on their journey to Monarto Safari Park in South Australia.

The purpose-built travel crates were manufactured by CADDS Group’s CADDS Fabrication in Henderson and designed collaboratively with Perth Zoo staff. Being the most isolated zoo in the world, moving animals to and from Perth Zoo safely whilst providing all their creature comforts is something the Zoo team are internationally renowned for.

Moving elephants is a jumbo effort, nothing is rushed when it comes to safely preparing our precious pachyderm pair for travel – that includes crate training!

Our dedicated elephant carers have been working with the elephants every day for the past 12 months doing daily training with a temporary crate borrowed from Taronga Zoo in Sydney.

Now their own specialised crates have arrived, constructed at the perfect height, width, and length. They are literally made to measure!

The elephant team will be taking small steps each day to ensure both Permai and Putra Mas see this crate as a sanctuary – a safe space before they start their cross-country adventure.

These crates, designed specifically for their needs and comfort, will play a crucial role in their safe and stress-free transition to South Australia.

It will be bittersweet to say goodbye to the elephant pair, but the welfare of the two elephants has been the guiding principle for their move. Permai needs to be with other female elephants and Putra Mas will benefit by being in an expansive habitat with multiple females close- by.

Our elephants deserve the very best, and the new herd and habitat at Monarto Safari Park will give them just that!

 

[Jambo]

Update on Elephant Crate Training;

Perth also posted a photo on their socials of Permai already in her crate already! Huge step already taken.

 

[Swanson02]

Update on Elephant Crate Training;

Perth also posted a photo on their socials of Permai already in her crate already! Huge step already taken.

View attachment 749277

Hopefully, we can see Permai arrive even earlier than May/June. That would be best for both her and Burma

 

[Zoofan15]

Northern rockhopper penguin being sent to Singapore:

The penguin pair that crossed the ocean | Perth Zoo

From socials:

Our amazing vet team have been busy behind-the-scenes caring for this rescued Northern Rockhopper Penguin, Pascale, after she was found washed up on a beach in our south-west, VERY far from home.

Pascale arrived with arrested moult from her epic journey across the ocean, so she couldn’t be safely released back into the wild.

Now, thanks to months of TLC from the dedicated Zoo team, Pascale is fit enough to travel to Singapore and join fellow rescued rockhopper penguin pal, Pierre!

 

[WhistlingKite24]

Unfortunately, Sierra the Galapagos Tortoise had to be euthanised due to a congenital heart issue. Perth has a single remaining male Galapagos Tortoise, Cerro, who lived in an adjacent habitat. The exhibit will be opened up to give the remaining tortoise more space - reported on their FB page.

 

[steveroberts]

vale Sierra rest in peace

 

[Zoofan15]

Permai transferring to Monarto January 2025:

Putra Mas is intended to follow mid-2025:

Perth Zoo's female elephant Permai set to depart in late January, months ahead of schedule - ABC News

Successful training with her moving crate, and the arrival of another elephant, Burma, at Monarto from Auckland, has convinced keepers to move Permai earlier.

She's also been exhibiting loneliness behaviour, such as rocking and not participating in activities.

Permai will travel by truck to South Australia, accompanied by keepers and other zoo staff. Her crate will be fitted with air-conditioning for comfort.

Additional article from zoo:

https://perthzoo.wa.gov.au/article/update-on-perth-zoo’s-asian-elephants

 

[steveroberts]

Permai's journey in January:

source: Google Maps


So glad she's leaving earlier as she is showing loneliness and need for company of other female Eles'. Travel safely Permai <3