Taronga Zoo Taronga Zoo News 2024

[Zoofan15]

Three Koala joeys have been born this spring - to first time mums, Luna and Stormi and experienced mum, Willow.

All have yet to be named, however there is a naming competition for Luna's joey

Reported on socials.

Koala naming competition for male joey:

From socials:

We’re celebrating the arrival of three adorable Koala Joeys emerging from their Mum’s pouches and we need your help naming one of the male Joeys!

Choose from:

Wadi (branch)

Yanada (moon) ️

Bana (rain)

 

[Abbey]

A post on socials has confirmed that red panda twins, Khyana and Keisho, were born on 01/12/2023. They were born to Daiyu and sired by her father, Pabu, as a result of an accidental mating.

Sadly, their grandmother Amala died on 27/12/2023.

Thus, Taronga's red panda holdings are as follows:

1.0 Pabu (Sagar x Bo) 24-12-2012 at Auckland Zoo
1.0 Keisho (Pabu x Daiyu) 01-12-2023 at Taronga Zoo
0.1 Zeya (Pabu x Amala) 08-12-2021 at Taronga Zoo
0.1 Daiyu (Pabu x Amala) 08-12-2021 at Taronga Zoo
0.1 Khyana (Pabu x Daiyu) 01-12-2023 at Taronga Zoo

@WhistlingKite24

 

[Tiger91]

A post on socials has confirmed that red panda twins, Khyana and Keisho, were born on 01/12/2023. They were born to Daiyu and sired by her father, Pabu, as a result of an accidental mating.

Sadly, their grandmother Amala died on 27/12/2023.

Thus, Taronga's red panda holdings are as follows:

1.0 Pabu (Sagar x Bo) 24-12-2012 at Auckland Zoo
1.0 Keisho (Pabu x Daiyu) 01-12-2023 at Taronga Zoo
0.1 Zeya (Pabu x Amala) 08-12-2021 at Taronga Zoo
0.1 Daiyu (Pabu x Amala) 08-12-2021 at Taronga Zoo
0.1 Khyana (Pabu x Daiyu) 01-12-2023 at Taronga Zoo

@WhistlingKite24

How genetically valuable is Pabu do we know? Either the Pabu/Daiyu offspring will be valuable or not very.

At this point there probably better of transferring the boys out. And bringing in another male as a mate for at least one of them.

 

[Zoofan15]

How genetically valuable is Pabu do we know? Either the Pabu/Daiyu offspring will be valuable or not very.

At this point there probably better of transferring the boys out. And bringing in another male as a mate for at least one of them.

Pabu’s father Sagar was a regional founder imported from India in 2010. To that effect, he’s relatively genetically valuable compared to the rest of the population. His mother Bo was born at Melbourne Zoo and is from a better represented line.

Pabu was the eldest offspring of his parents and has had younger siblings since breed. Auckland Zoo’s population consists of his brother, niece and nephew; while Wellington Zoo has his brother and nephew.

The majority of the regional population descends from Auckland Zoo’s founder pair, Mario (from Madrid) and Tashi (from Taronga).

With regards to Taronga’s population, the 1.1 cubs from the father/daughter mating could easily be designated non-breeding; with the mother and aunt plenty young enough to be paired with unrelated mates.

 

[Tiger91]

Pabu’s father Sagar was a regional founder imported from India in 2010. To that effect, he’s relatively genetically valuable compared to the rest of the population. His mother Bo was born at Melbourne Zoo and is from a better represented line.

Pabu was the eldest offspring of his parents and has had younger siblings since breed. Auckland Zoo’s population consists of his brother, niece and nephew; while Wellington Zoo has his brother and nephew.

The majority of the regional population descends from Auckland Zoo’s founder pair, Mario (from Madrid) and Tashi (from Taronga).

With regards to Taronga’s population, the 1.1 cubs from the father/daughter mating could easily be designated non-breeding; with the mother and aunt plenty young enough to be paired with unrelated mates.

If he is a 1st generation from a founder import. The cubs would actually be pretty valuable. Genetically they are on par with his daughters/there mother. That could actually make them a good genetic match for other panda in the region. They could do the old way of going roughly 75% of there DNA matches his. Or they could utilze genome sequencing (quite inexpensive in todays world). and match it to his and other prospects. There is potential they are actually mostly made up of founder genes and unmatched to the majority of the rest of the population.

 

[Trua]

If he is a 1st generation from a founder import. The cubs would actually be pretty valuable. Genetically they are on par with his daughters/there mother. That could actually make them a good genetic match for other panda in the region. They could do the old way of going roughly 75% of there DNA matches his. Or they could utilze genome sequencing (quite inexpensive in todays world). and match it to his and other prospects. There is potential they are actually mostly made up of founder genes and unmatched to the majority of the rest of the population.

There are no plans to breed from the current pandas. The previous breeding female passed earlier this year. Pabu will remain at Taronga, in retirement it seems.

The cubs will likely be sent elsewhere soon. Time will tell.

 

[Osedax]

I was at Taronga today and have a few things to report:


- Crate training for the elephants has begun! There is a crate in their barn and as such the Elephant Barn is closed, and visitors must enter Rainforest Trail directly through the Palm Aviary.

- Reptile World / Serpentaria has been almost entirely demolished. The only thing remaining is the old Freshwater Crocodile pool out the front, not sure if that means anything.

- The signage on the screens in front of where Reptile World used to be now has a timeline of various milestones in the life of the zoo's wildlife hospitals that it has had since it opened, in preparation for the upcoming Wildlife and Teaching Hospital that will be replacing the old reptile house. Some interesting information contained within, and some great photos of current vets when they were much younger!

- There is currently an Australian Brush Turkey chick in the Palm Aviary.

- The Woodland Immersive Habitat Classroom in the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning (off-display to the general public) has had some exciting changes. Ooma the Bush Stone Curlew is no longer in there, but replacing her are a (hopefully breeding) pair of Long-nosed Potoroos named Spud and Penny. But the most exciting additions are with birds. A flock of Red-whiskered Bulbuls have been added, and most excitingly, a Chirruping Wedgebill!!! I didn't even know they were kept in captivity at all! They look identical to the Chiming Wedgebill which is kept in zoos, in low numbers but still present, but that call is unmistakable.

- A further bit of news from the Woodland Classroom is that one of the female Superb Parrots is currently sitting on eggs.

- And two male Luzon Bleeding-heart Doves from the Rainforest Immersive Habitat Classroom have moved temporarily to the Palm Aviary for breeding.

 

[Jambo]

I was at Taronga today and have a few things to report:


- Crate training for the elephants has begun! There is a crate in their barn and as such the Elephant Barn is closed, and visitors must enter Rainforest Trail directly through the Palm Aviary.

- Reptile World / Serpentaria has been almost entirely demolished. The only thing remaining is the old Freshwater Crocodile pool out the front, not sure if that means anything.

- The signage on the screens in front of where Reptile World used to be now has a timeline of various milestones in the life of the zoo's wildlife hospitals that it has had since it opened, in preparation for the upcoming Wildlife and Teaching Hospital that will be replacing the old reptile house. Some interesting information contained within, and some great photos of current vets when they were much younger!

- There is currently an Australian Brush Turkey chick in the Palm Aviary.

- The Woodland Immersive Habitat Classroom in the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning (off-display to the general public) has had some exciting changes. Ooma the Bush Stone Curlew is no longer in there, but replacing her are a (hopefully breeding) pair of Long-nosed Potoroos named Spud and Penny. But the most exciting additions are with birds. A flock of Red-whiskered Bulbuls have been added, and most excitingly, a Chirruping Wedgebill!!! I didn't even know they were kept in captivity at all! They look identical to the Chiming Wedgebill which is kept in zoos, in low numbers but still present, but that call is unmistakable.

- A further bit of news from the Woodland Classroom is that one of the female Superb Parrots is currently sitting on eggs.

- And two male Luzon Bleeding-heart Doves from the Rainforest Immersive Habitat Classroom have moved temporarily to the Palm Aviary for breeding.

Good news regarding the elephants! It seems like the move is on track for the middle of next year.

Pak Boon and Tang Mo have travelled before, including across to Gung's habitat via a crate on occasions over the years so I don't foresee any issues. It'll be interesting to see how it all goes and hopefully we get more updates as the months go on!

Also intriguing to hear the former Freshwater Crocodile enclosure is still there. I wonder if they plan to utilise it still apart of the new Wildlife Hospital display. Maybe to keep injured, rehabilitated turtles?

 

[Zoofan15]

I was at Taronga today and have a few things to report:


- Crate training for the elephants has begun! There is a crate in their barn and as such the Elephant Barn is closed, and visitors must enter Rainforest Trail directly through the Palm Aviary.

- Reptile World / Serpentaria has been almost entirely demolished. The only thing remaining is the old Freshwater Crocodile pool out the front, not sure if that means anything.

- The signage on the screens in front of where Reptile World used to be now has a timeline of various milestones in the life of the zoo's wildlife hospitals that it has had since it opened, in preparation for the upcoming Wildlife and Teaching Hospital that will be replacing the old reptile house. Some interesting information contained within, and some great photos of current vets when they were much younger!

- There is currently an Australian Brush Turkey chick in the Palm Aviary.

- The Woodland Immersive Habitat Classroom in the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning (off-display to the general public) has had some exciting changes. Ooma the Bush Stone Curlew is no longer in there, but replacing her are a (hopefully breeding) pair of Long-nosed Potoroos named Spud and Penny. But the most exciting additions are with birds. A flock of Red-whiskered Bulbuls have been added, and most excitingly, a Chirruping Wedgebill!!! I didn't even know they were kept in captivity at all! They look identical to the Chiming Wedgebill which is kept in zoos, in low numbers but still present, but that call is unmistakable.

- A further bit of news from the Woodland Classroom is that one of the female Superb Parrots is currently sitting on eggs.

- And two male Luzon Bleeding-heart Doves from the Rainforest Immersive Habitat Classroom have moved temporarily to the Palm Aviary for breeding.

Good news regarding the elephants! It seems like the move is on track for the middle of next year.

Pak Boon and Tang Mo have travelled before, including across to Gung's habitat via a crate on occasions over the years so I don't foresee any issues. It'll be interesting to see how it all goes and hopefully we get more updates as the months go on!

Also intriguing to hear the former Freshwater Crocodile enclosure is still there. I wonder if they plan to utilise it still apart of the new Wildlife Hospital display. Maybe to keep injured, rehabilitated turtles?

@steveroberts and I were advised on our visit that the zoo’s other crate (currently in Perth) will be returning soon, following the delivery of their custom built crates.

On the whole, I was impressed with Taronga’s elephant facilities; though the move is undoubtedly the right one given the size of Taronga’s exhibit doesn’t support the development of a multigenerational herd due to its size.

 

[Jambo]

@steveroberts and I were advised on our visit that the zoo’s other crate (currently in Perth) will be returning soon, following the delivery of their custom built crates.

On the whole, I was impressed with Taronga’s elephant facilities; though the move is undoubtedly the right one given the size of Taronga’s exhibit doesn’t support the development of a multigenerational herd due to its size.

I may be wrong but I believe the crate has already been sent back, or at least this is what was said from the Perth side of things.

I too have enjoyed Taronga's elephant facilities. I always thought if the matriarchal herd were to be phased out, a pair of bulls would fit the facilities really nicely. Long term this isn't out of question entirely (once the breeding program continues to grow), but in the meantime it will be awesome to have a rhino back at Taronga for the first time in almost 20 years!

 

[Zoofan15]

I too have enjoyed Taronga's elephant facilities. I always thought if the matriarchal herd were to be phased out, a pair of bulls would fit the facilities really nicely. Long term this isn't out of question entirely (once the breeding program continues to grow), but in the meantime it will be awesome to have a rhino back at Taronga for the first time in almost 20 years!

I was impressed with Sydney Zoo’s elephant facilities, which comfortably accomodate the two young bulls. They have the space to manage them separately, but the pair are still living amicably together and so have the run of the entire complex.

Had Jai Dee survived, it wouldn’t have surprised me if Taronga had transferred Sabai over from Dubbo and held them as a pair - at least until if/when Jai Dee was required for breeding programme.

It’ll be interesting to see to what extent the general public shares our enthusiasm for seeing an Indian rhinoceros in the elephant exhibit. The two remaining elephant cows were attracting some interest on my visit; but not a fraction of the engagement a bustling multigenerational herd or majestic bulls generate.

 

[tigris115]

This is probably incorrect but, for an elephant bachelor herd, wouldn't it be better to have at least accommodations for 3 rather than just a pair?

I know Denver has 5 which to me seems best

 

[Zoofan15]

This is probably incorrect but, for an elephant bachelor herd, wouldn't it be better to have at least accommodations for 3 rather than just a pair?

I know Denver has 5 which to me seems best

It’s essential that each bull in a bachelor herd has space to get away from the other bulls; as well as the capacity to seperate them during musth cycles, which can be irregular in maturing bulls.

With regards to numbers, it’d be hugely dependent in personality. A more forceful bull would be directing dominance multiple ways, benefiting subordinates in a larger bachelor grouping; while I’ve seen pairs (Luk Chai and Sabai; Luk Chai and Man Jai; Kavi and Ashoka) thrive in each other’s company. Conversely, Luk Chai and Pathi Harn had contact sessions reduced to three times a week due to their sparring (Pathi Harn is an assertive young bull by all accounts).

 

[Jambo]

This is probably incorrect but, for an elephant bachelor herd, wouldn't it be better to have at least accommodations for 3 rather than just a pair?

I know Denver has 5 which to me seems best

Denver has five habitats though so they're able to accommodate five elephants in the event they all can't be grouped together.

Taronga has a single decent sized enclosure which has the ability to be split into two if required. So their current complex as it is would be suitable for a pair of bulls at most.

 

[tigris115]

Denver has five habitats though so they're able to accommodate five elephants in the event they all can't be grouped together.

Taronga has a single decent sized enclosure which has the ability to be split into two if required. So their current complex as it is would be suitable for a pair of bulls at most.

Ok that makes sense

 

[Zoofan15]

Taronga Zoo Updates

Update from my visits (18/11/2024 and 20/11/2024):

Frala the Western lowland gorilla will not be breeding again. The decision was made based on her age as she’s now 43 years old. Frala gave birth to nine infants between 1989 and 2019, five of which are alive today.

I saw Penmanah and Mawar the Sumatran tigers on exhibit. I’m mentioning this as a couple of people have noted their absence in recent months. They will be exported to the US in the near future.

A hospital is planned to be constructed on the site of Serpentaria.

I’ll post a chimpanzee update in the population thread shortly.

 

[Trua]

Taronga Zoo Updates

Update from my visits (18/11/2024 and 20/11/2024):

Frala the Western lowland gorilla will not be breeding again. The decision was made based on her age as she’s now 43 years old. Frala gave birth to nine infants between 1989 and 2019, five of which are alive today.

I saw Penmanah and Mawar the Sumatran tigers on exhibit. I’m mentioning this as a couple of people have noted their absence in recent months. They will be exported to the US in the near future.

A hospital is planned to be constructed on the site of Serpentaria.

I’ll post a chimpanzee update in the population thread shortly.

I talked to a friend who still works at Taronga although not with the gorillas specifically. She too emphasized the fact that Frala won’t be bred again due to her age. From her Appenhual days she has bred quite well in the past but she’s always been a valuable female. It was a shame to hear her latest daughter passed too, Frala’s always been a great mum. It appears Taronga’s holding off on breeding with the other females to allow the older boys to stay in the troop for as long they can. The Congo precinct hasn’t been scrapped by any means so an extension may still be on the cards to accommodate those boys.

It’s also a disappointment to see Serpentia go, it was one of my favourite places to pop into. I haven’t got the opportunity to get down to the new complex yet but it looks stunning from photos. A larger hospital at Taronga is long overdue. From what I remember it has been on the cards for over twenty years now!

 

[Jambo]

I talked to a friend who still works at Taronga although not with the gorillas specifically. She too emphasized the fact that Frala won’t be bred again due to her age. From her Appenhual days she has bred quite well in the past but she’s always been a valuable female. It was a shame to hear her latest daughter passed too, Frala’s always been a great mum. It appears Taronga’s holding off on breeding with the other females to allow the older boys to stay in the troop for as long they can. The Congo precinct hasn’t been scrapped by any means so an extension may still be on the cards to accommodate those boys.

It’s also a disappointment to see Serpentia go, it was one of my favourite places to pop into. I haven’t got the opportunity to get down to the new complex yet but it looks stunning from photos. A larger hospital at Taronga is long overdue. From what I remember it has been on the cards for over twenty years now!

Frala has five surviving offspring (two daughters and three sons). Combine that with her genetic value and age there's limited reason to suffice breeding from her again. Her two older daughters each have a son, although their sons are almost reaching maturity now.

Paternally and maternally Frala also isn't the most valuable female although both her parents are founders they are decently represented. In saying that due to her older two daughters breeding success as of late it's possible one of her sons (likely young Fabumi) may get the opportunity to be placed into a breeding situation soon although it's not a given.

It's also good to hear the Congo precinct hasn't been scrapped as there were talks to if it potentially being. A renovation of the whole complex was proposed, new habitats for the breeding group and bachelor group plus supporting habitats for smaller species (like Colobus and/or Pygmy Hippo). Do you know if this has changed?

 

[Zoofan15]

I talked to a friend who still works at Taronga although not with the gorillas specifically. She too emphasized the fact that Frala won’t be bred again due to her age. From her Appenhual days she has bred quite well in the past but she’s always been a valuable female. It was a shame to hear her latest daughter passed too, Frala’s always been a great mum. It appears Taronga’s holding off on breeding with the other females to allow the older boys to stay in the troop for as long they can. The Congo precinct hasn’t been scrapped by any means so an extension may still be on the cards to accommodate those boys.

It’s also a disappointment to see Serpentia go, it was one of my favourite places to pop into. I haven’t got the opportunity to get down to the new complex yet but it looks stunning from photos. A larger hospital at Taronga is long overdue. From what I remember it has been on the cards for over twenty years now!

That’s great to know the Congo precinct is not necessarily off the cards. While I acknowledge my visits are only a snapshot of their troop’s interactions, the troop seemed cohesive and peaceful with the adolescents interacting primarily with each other - but also with Kibale. It would be great to see them all remain at Taronga, with exhibits to accomodate a bachelor troop alongside the breeding troop.

Frala’s wild born mother isnt nearly as well represented as her peers (Mouila etc.) so I’m surprised there hasn’t been more interest in breeding from Frala’s offspring (especially her daughters in Europe, who only have one son each - one of which is castrated). It doesn’t seem likely any of Frala’s sons will be breeding any time soon either, with the older two settled in bachelor pair; and Fabumi likely heading into one with Mbeli’s sons.

Frala was the first female to breed in Taronga’s troop and it seemed fitting from a social perspective, given she was the outsider to the Mouila/Kriba clique that she should have the compensation of breeding (offspring being beneficial to status). I don’t doubt she prefers living in Kibale’s troop, where she’s inbetween Mbeli (Kibale’s favourite female) and Johari in status.

 

[Trua]

Frala has five surviving offspring (two daughters and three sons). Combine that with her genetic value and age there's limited reason to suffice breeding from her again. Her two older daughters each have a son, although their sons are almost reaching maturity now.

Paternally and maternally Frala also isn't the most valuable female although both her parents are founders they are decently represented. In saying that due to her older two daughters breeding success as of late it's possible one of her sons (likely young Fabumi) may get the opportunity to be placed into a breeding situation soon although it's not a given.

It's also good to hear the Congo precinct hasn't been scrapped as there were talks to if it potentially being. A renovation of the whole complex was proposed, new habitats for the breeding group and bachelor group plus supporting habitats for smaller species (like Colobus and/or Pygmy Hippo). Do you know if this has changed?

I don't know specific details regarding what is still planned. I know for a fact okapi are no longer going to be an addition, not sure why. If it was up to me to assume I'd say a gorilla expansion is possible alongside maybe a new habitat for the lemurs but that is just guess work at this point in time. If he has the time, I've kindly asked Steve to seek an answer on this when he visits next week so we should wish him luck on this!