Taronga Zoo Taronga Zoo News 2024

[Zoofan15]

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!

Australia doesn’t have a Giraffe/Okapi IRA and this will still be a number of years off. Combined with the fact there’s a lack of surplus Okapi in North American and European zoos (especially cows) and it’s a bit of a non-starter.

Auckland Zoo were reportedly considering an African forest precinct a couple of years ago, which has since been rejected in favour of expanding their rhino facilities. Had Auckland Zoo come on board with the Okapi, they could have quarantined a pair in New Zealand, prior to sending them on to Australia (Australia can import from New Zealand). This is how Dubbo received their female Eastern bongo.

 

[Tiger91]

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!

While the rhino will be interesting to see. I to think the enclosure would be better set up to house two bull elephants. It's large enough for them, and can be separated of into two enclosures when musth occurs. It's a bit of a waste for them not to have it done that way. Hopefully In the years to come when there are more bulls around, we'll see elephants return to taronga.

 

[Zoofan15]

While the rhino will be interesting to see. I to think the enclosure would be better set up to house two bull elephants. It's large enough for them, and can be separated of into two enclosures when musth occurs. It's a bit of a waste for them not to have it done that way. Hopefully In the years to come when there are more bulls around, we'll see elephants return to taronga.

That’s one of many reasons I feel like Dubbo should have bred a cohort of three calves to Porntip, Thong Dee and Anjalee - which would have likely produced 1-2 bull calves.

Hari the Indian rhinoceros could spend the next 6-8 years at Taronga and then return to Dubbo; with Pathi Harn and Sabai taking his place at Taronga. Any bull calves born at Dubbo during that time could then be accommodated in their paddocks. Alternatively, the bull calves could move to Taronga.

Having a mentor bull on site is preferable, but this could be accomodated depending on the number of bulls e.g. if only one bull calf is produced, he and Sabai could be transferred to Taronga.

 

[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.

I forgot to mention that there are now tadpoles on display in the Northern Corroboree Frog exhibit.

 

[Jambo]

That’s one of many reasons I feel like Dubbo should have bred a cohort of three calves to Porntip, Thong Dee and Anjalee - which would have likely produced 1-2 bull calves.

Hari the Indian rhinoceros could spend the next 6-8 years at Taronga and then return to Dubbo; with Pathi Harn and Sabai taking his place at Taronga. Any bull calves born at Dubbo during that time could then be accommodated in their paddocks. Alternatively, the bull calves could move to Taronga.

Having a mentor bull on site is preferable, but this could be accomodated depending on the number of bulls e.g. if only one bull calf is produced, he and Sabai could be transferred to Taronga.

I do appreciate the fact that retaining the current complex allows Taronga to have significant leeway in the long term in regards to their elephant program. Although they do have the aforementioned paddocks at Dubbo that can accomodate a few bulls, it might be preferable for this to be limited in the long run if Taronga wish to expand their breeding program at the Dubbo site.

The paddocks at Taronga may not be able to be utilised now, but in ten or twenty years I'm sure the regional breeding program will be in a completely different shape and will require the contingency the current complex at Taronga provides. Despite the fact Dubbo and Werribee are built to cater for most of their bull calves produced, we won't be able to funnel the rest overseas to the likes of the US forever.

 

[Zoofan15]

I do appreciate the fact that retaining the current complex allows Taronga to have significant leeway in the long term in regards to their elephant program. Although they do have the aforementioned paddocks at Dubbo that can accomodate a few bulls, it might be preferable for this to be limited in the long run if Taronga wish to expand their breeding program at the Dubbo site.

The paddocks at Taronga may not be able to be utilised now, but in ten or twenty years I'm sure the regional breeding program will be in a completely different shape and will require the contingency the current complex at Taronga provides. Despite the fact Dubbo and Werribee are built to cater for most of their bull calves produced, we won't be able to funnel the rest overseas to the likes of the US forever.

Yes, the elephant exhibit in the current state will only require minor modifications to accomodate the Indian rhinoceros. It could easily be reverted back to an elephant exhibit long term as long as the fencing meets the specifications for holding bull elephants (which may well be even more stringent a decade or so on).

It stands to reason that our Australian bred bulls will never be more valuable to the North American programme than they are here and now, when the majority are being born to wild born founders. As time goes on and we merge the Dublin line (which is well represented globally) into our population, the value of these surplus bulls outside the region will only decrease.

 

[WhistlingKite24]

A few updates from Taronga’s bird department:

• a new flock of Torresian Imperial-Pigeons have arrived and been introduced into the wetlands aviary to form a mixed-sex flock. They have already bred with a chick from a pair. They will maintain a male group in the rainforest aviary to manage breeding.

• a breeding pair of Splendid Fairywrens have arrived from Alice Springs Desert Park.

• two Variegated Fairywrens have fledged.

• nine (3.1.5) Luzon Bleeding-heart Doves have hatched.

• six male White-rumped Shamas have moved into the wetlands aviary.

 

[Trua]

It stands to reason that our Australian bred bulls will never be more valuable to the North American programme than they are here and now, when the majority are being born to wild born founders. As time goes on and we merge the Dublin line (which is well represented globally) into our population, the value of these surplus bulls outside the region will only decrease.

Is there a tier list of which bulls we have that would be the most valuable overseas? I know the Dublin bulls haven't been introduced into the program yet but once they are consideration might be given towards breeding them with more valuable cows one would think to enhance their desirability.

 

[Osedax]

• a breeding pair of Splendid Fairywrens have arrived from Alice Springs Desert Park.

Excellent news! I wonder where they will be housed, I hope they'll be on display.

• two Variegated Fairywrens have fledged.

Though the zoo still calls them Variegated, these are actually the rarely kept Purple-backed Fairy Wrens!

 

[Pertinax]

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 does have several full siblings (all Mintha x Bongo) in Europe also, that in turn have their own several descendents. Dihi in Howletts is one, another is Tamani, ex Rotterdam now in Italy at Fasano. While her youngest sister Mfugaji, still living in Apenheul, recently had her first baby there.

Frala's mother Mintha is still alive and well at Apenheul too though obviously past breeding age now.

 

[Tiger91]

Yes, the elephant exhibit in the current state will only require minor modifications to accomodate the Indian rhinoceros. It could easily be reverted back to an elephant exhibit long term as long as the fencing meets the specifications for holding bull elephants (which may well be even more stringent a decade or so on).

It stands to reason that our Australian bred bulls will never be more valuable to the North American programme than they are here and now, when the majority are being born to wild born founders. As time goes on and we merge the Dublin line (which is well represented globally) into our population, the value of these surplus bulls outside the region will only decrease.

It will decrease somewhat. However they are still born to wild born founder females or descendants. Which gives them an edge over others with similar lines. It'll be interesting to see if Europe picks up any of our bull calves.

 

[Jambo]

It will decrease somewhat. However they are still born to wild born founder females or descendants. Which gives them an edge over others with similar lines. It'll be interesting to see if Europe picks up any of our bull calves.

It would but considering the incredible expense and effort involved in importing from overseas, these bulls really need to be valuable enough for another zoo in the US (for example) to look at the bull and say 'it's worth it'!

Europe is in slight need of maybe new genetics. They have the luck of having a very diverse founder base, but with no new wild imports in the last 30 or so years they're starting to reach a point where additional genetics would be valued. A bull like Sabai or Roi Yim would be a perfect candidate for such an export.

 

[Tiger91]

It would but considering the incredible expense and effort involved in importing from overseas, these bulls really need to be valuable enough for another zoo in the US (for example) to look at the bull and say 'it's worth it'!

Europe is in slight need of maybe new genetics. They have the luck of having a very diverse founder base, but with no new wild imports in the last 30 or so years they're starting to reach a point where additional genetics would be valued. A bull like Sabai or Roi Yim would be a perfect candidate for such an export.

Europe has arguably larger herds than the US. Sabai or Roy Yim would greatly benefit one of there larger herds.
I wonder how it would fly to export them as adolescents, easier as they are smaller. Larger risk of EEHV. Which Europe can have more of. However I don't think our overall elephant population is in any real need for export at this current time. Unfortunately very few of our calves are out of the danger zone and of our current track record. A few will fall to EEHV.

 

[Zoofan15]

Europe has arguably larger herds than the US. Sabai or Roy Yim would greatly benefit one of there larger herds.
I wonder how it would fly to export them as adolescents, easier as they are smaller. Larger risk of EEHV. Which Europe can have more of. However I don't think our overall elephant population is in any real need for export at this current time. Unfortunately very few of our calves are out of the danger zone and of our current track record. A few will fall to EEHV.

Melbourne Zoo previously exported Ongard as an adolescent and he’s doing well in the United States. The herd were keen for him to move on, which surely contributed to the timing.

With the EEHV vaccine trials progressing in three US, I’m more optimistic than ever about the fate of future calves growing up in Australia. I acknowledge there’s still a long way to go, but it’d progress nonetheless.

I agree with you that no facility is currently at critical levels of overcrowding and we can certainly accomodate the surplus bulls we have at this point.

 

[Jambo]

Europe has arguably larger herds than the US. Sabai or Roy Yim would greatly benefit one of there larger herds.
I wonder how it would fly to export them as adolescents, easier as they are smaller. Larger risk of EEHV. Which Europe can have more of. However I don't think our overall elephant population is in any real need for export at this current time. Unfortunately very few of our calves are out of the danger zone and of our current track record. A few will fall to EEHV.

Sabai makes the most sense considering his brother's success in siring calves at Melbourne. Dubbo would need all the space they have going forward if they wish to continue breeding from more than just a few cows.

Stress is known to be a factor that can flair up EEHV so fingers crossed the new large Werribee facility will help negate those factors being more natural and expansive. Not to mention the EEHV vaccine is progressing overseas so it will also hopefully be trialed here sooner rather than later!

 

[Zoofan15]

Sabai makes the most sense considering his brother's success in siring calves at Melbourne. Dubbo would need all the space they have going forward if they wish to continue breeding from more than just a few cows.

Stress is known to be a factor that can flair up EEHV so fingers crossed the new large Werribee facility will help negate those factors being more natural and expansive. Not to mention the EEHV vaccine is progressing overseas so it will also hopefully be trialed here sooner rather than later!

While used in reference to elephant orphanages etc. which have huge populations, greater EEHV resistance has been reported in larger herds. Hopefully the size of the herd Werribee are aspiring to hold will provide greater protection than the single figure herds held at zoos in the region previously.

Long term, the successful development of the vaccine remains the main hope this devastating virus can be reduced.

 

[Patrick Keegan]

Taronga's two camels have left (presumably back to TWPZ) and the exhibit will become a 'pop up activity space'.

Yatz Taronga on Instagram: "We said goodbye to our Camels, Ras and Storm, recently but now their exhibit will be made over as a Pop Up Activity space. YAtZ are invited to take part in these activities and you can check your emails to find out more and sign up on VICNet! in 2022 Kerry got close to our camels in the lead up to a Taronga Team Oxfam 100 kms Trail Walk! They are excellent survivors known for endurance and became the team’s spirit animal! #yatz"

 

[Zoofan15]

Taronga's two camels have left (presumably back to TWPZ) and the exhibit will become a 'pop up activity space'.

Yatz Taronga on Instagram: "We said goodbye to our Camels, Ras and Storm, recently but now their exhibit will be made over as a Pop Up Activity space. YAtZ are invited to take part in these activities and you can check your emails to find out more and sign up on VICNet! in 2022 Kerry got close to our camels in the lead up to a Taronga Team Oxfam 100 kms Trail Walk! They are excellent survivors known for endurance and became the team’s spirit animal! #yatz"

Thanks for sharing. Hopefully Taronga has something more imaginative for this exhibit space long term. I always viewed the camels as a temporary filler species, following the departure of Gung for Dubbo and assumed it’d be redeveloped long term into something else.

 

[Abbey]

Taronga's two camels have left (presumably back to TWPZ) and the exhibit will become a 'pop up activity space'.

Yatz Taronga on Instagram: "We said goodbye to our Camels, Ras and Storm, recently but now their exhibit will be made over as a Pop Up Activity space. YAtZ are invited to take part in these activities and you can check your emails to find out more and sign up on VICNet! in 2022 Kerry got close to our camels in the lead up to a Taronga Team Oxfam 100 kms Trail Walk! They are excellent survivors known for endurance and became the team’s spirit animal! #yatz"

An interesting and somewhat unexpected update. There were quite a few keepers in with the camels on my last visit a couple of weeks ago, so perhaps this was part of these preparations. Hopefully another animal will be able to use this exhibit in the future following the school holidays, or a redevelopment of the space.

 

[Zoofan15]

An interesting and somewhat unexpected update. There were quite a few keepers in with the camels on my last visit a couple of weeks ago, so perhaps this was part of these preparations. Hopefully another animal will be able to use this exhibit in the future following the school holidays, or a redevelopment of the space.

The best investment in my opinion would be to redevelop this space for a Pygmy hippopotamus complex - with two on display exhibits; a stable and off display yard. The zoo’s Pygmy hippopotamus exhibits are dated and a new exhibit is in the plans. This would be the perfect space to build this; with the possibility of then building a Congo precinct separately, centred around gorillas and colobus.

It seems inevitable Eastern bongo will be phased out of Taronga’s collection; but there’s more motivation than ever to build upon their success with Pygmy hippopotamus by investing in new infrastructure - ahead of new imports via the newly approved IRA.