Melbourne Zoo The Future of Zoos Victoria 2025 (Speculation/Fantasy)

[Zoofan15]

Introduction:

Welcome everyone to the 2025 discussion thread of the Future of Zoos Victoria.

This is a thread to discuss all four of Zoos Victoria’s zoos (Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Kyabram Fauna Park); but I will list it under Melbourne Zoo to assist people (especially new users) with finding it.

I anticipate the majority of the discussion this year will again centre around Melbourne Zoo, namely what will be replacing the elephants; but with Werribee completing their elephant complex early this year, discussion will no doubt progress to what lies ahead for their masterplan.

Key Events 2025:

Melbourne Zoo’s phase out of Asian elephant, with the transfer of the herd to Werribee Open Range Zoo in early 2025.

Redevelopment (likely small scale/remedial) of elephant complex at Melbourne Zoo.

Werribee Open Range Zoo’s import a male Common hippopotamus in late 2025.

Resources:

Latest Zoos Victoria Inventory (June 2024):

https://cdn-site.zoo.org.au/media/55ylpgyv/zv-inventory-2023-24-1.pdf

Notable changes since the publishing of this report include Melbourne Zoo’s acquisition of a male Komodo dragon.

 

[Zoofan15]

Pygmy Hippopotamus at Melbourne Zoo:

Link to exhibit overview:

ZooLex Exhibit - Pygmy Hippopotamus/Mandrill Exhibit

The current regional Pygmy hippopotamus population stands at 2.3 hippopotami:

Taronga Zoo - 0.2
Melbourne Zoo - 1.0
Adelaide Zoo - 1.0
Darling Downs Zoo - 0.1

Unlike Common hippopotamus, where it has already been confirmed that a bull Common hippopotamus will be imported by Werribee Open Range Zoo in 2025, no Pygmy hippopotamus imports have been announced.

There have been (unconfirmed) reports that Melbourne Zoo intend to import a female Pygmy hippopotamus long term and it appears likely Taronga Zoo will import a male.

Felix at Melbourne Zoo is 18 years old. Though they could import a female and breed with the expectation of transferring any offspring out, it seems more likely they’ll wait until a third exhibit is built (as indicated by Felix being given the run of both exhibits lately). This could still be 3-5 years away.

As reported, the plan to breed with Felix isn’t fixed i.e. if he passes, then there would always be the option of transferring one of Taronga’s cows (currently aged 12 months and 14 years). Petre at Taronga bred for the last time at 31 years, so time is on their side.

The great unknown is the number of new holders that will arise. At least two new holders would be beneficial for transferring Australian bred calves to, allowing us to put the new founder/founders to good use. If Melbourne build a new exhibit, they could theoretically retain a calf into adulthood; while Taronga would only have that luxury should Lololi (or her mother) transfer out.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

Pygmy Hippos
At this stage at the Zoo I cannot see the extension of the Pygmy Hippo enclosures for the foreseeable future, yes maybe in 7 years or more. There are simply too many many other areas that are without animals, going to be without animals or are in dire need of a renovation.
Included exhibit

Mandrill/Cassowary exhibit. - without animals
Treetop monkey and apes - small exhibits and need a renovation
Old Bongo enclosure - without animals, looks ugly and small, mixing giraffe with nyala and using the bongo enclosure as back of house for the Nyala is the best option
The peccaries exhibit - Will almost certainly be vacant in the near future 5 - 10 years away
3 Asian Elephant exhibits.
Along with this many exhibits are starting to look very dated when compared to new precincts ie lion gorge, growing wild and Lemur island, these include
Orangutang and Siamang exhibits - with only 2 orangutan there is no life to the enclosure along with this the concrete wall and lack of tall trees and foliage makes it look unappealing.
The Nyala and Old Tapir exhibit looks and a rundown.

The zoo is in a weird period right now where half of there enclosures and precinct were build pre 2010 including Growing Wild, Wild Sea, Lemurs area, Lion Gorge.
There are also some old exhibits which still look remarkably great
Gorillas, Hutan Tiger enclosure, Asian small clawed otter ( renovated in 2020 with underwater viewing, however could do with some more greenery as it does look a bit dull )

Overall the Zoo needs to prioritise the exhibits that are vacant and are home to there biggest drawcard
The elephants should be of most importance, putting a children playground would be extremely underwhelming and frankly disappointed visitors
How I would rank Melbourne Zoo Animals
Elephants
Lions, Tigers
Gorillas and Orangutans
Seals, Hippo, Giraffe
Otter, other monkeys, lemur
Zebra and reamaning animals

With Melbourne zoo losing there number 1 drawcard, they must find a way to draw visors back in with species that they can get excited about, once they have done this then they can focus on others areas of the zoo. They must prioritise

 

[Michael Stace]

Pygmy Hippos
At this stage at the Zoo I cannot see the extension of the Pygmy Hippo enclosures for the foreseeable future, yes maybe in 7 years or more. There are simply too many many other areas that are without animals, going to be without animals or are in dire need of a renovation.
Included exhibit

Mandrill/Cassowary exhibit. - without animals
Treetop monkey and apes - small exhibits and need a renovation
Old Bongo enclosure - without animals, looks ugly and small, mixing giraffe with nyala and using the bongo enclosure as back of house for the Nyala is the best option
The peccaries exhibit - Will almost certainly be vacant in the near future 5 - 10 years away
3 Asian Elephant exhibits.
Along with this many exhibits are starting to look very dated when compared to new precincts ie lion gorge, growing wild and Lemur island, these include
Orangutang and Siamang exhibits - with only 2 orangutan there is no life to the enclosure along with this the concrete wall and lack of tall trees and foliage makes it look unappealing.
The Nyala and Old Tapir exhibit looks and a rundown.

The zoo is in a weird period right now where half of there enclosures and precinct were build pre 2010 including Growing Wild, Wild Sea, Lemurs area, Lion Gorge.
There are also some old exhibits which still look remarkably great
Gorillas, Hutan Tiger enclosure, Asian small clawed otter ( renovated in 2020 with underwater viewing, however could do with some more greenery as it does look a bit dull )

Overall the Zoo needs to prioritise the exhibits that are vacant and are home to there biggest drawcard
The elephants should be of most importance, putting a children playground would be extremely underwhelming and frankly disappointed visitors
How I would rank Melbourne Zoo Animals
Elephants
Lions, Tigers
Gorillas and Orangutans
Seals, Hippo, Giraffe
Otter, other monkeys, lemur
Zebra and reamaning animals

With Melbourne zoo losing there number 1 drawcard, they must find a way to draw visors back in with species that they can get excited about, once they have done this then they can focus on others areas of the zoo. They must prioritise

Correct me if I'm wrong but Melbourne Zoo must be the only major Australasian zoo with multiple empty exhibits and has not announced many plans to get new animals into those exhibits. I am aware that Melbourne Zoo plans to import a pair of Brazilian tapirs which is great news, but still there are no other import plans that I'm aware of. I think Melbourne Zoo should continue to hold peccaries and coatis, and I personally think a bear species would be a major attraction for Melbourne Zoo and could be what goes into the elephant exhibit after the elephants leave.

 

[Zoofan15]

Correct me if I'm wrong but Melbourne Zoo must be the only major Australasian zoo with multiple empty exhibits and has not announced many plans to get new animals into those exhibits. I am aware that Melbourne Zoo plans to import a pair of Brazilian tapirs which is great news, but still there are no other import plans that I'm aware of. I think Melbourne Zoo should continue to hold peccaries and coatis, and I personally think a bear species would be a major attraction for Melbourne Zoo and could be what goes into the elephant exhibit after the elephants leave.

I visited Taronga, Sydney, Adelaide, Auckland, Hamilton, Orana and Wellington in 2024 and with the exception of Sydney Zoo, all had at least one empty exhibit (some of which have sat empty for many years).

Melbourne has finally filled the old tapir exhibit; but as mentioned, still have the old Eastern bongo exhibit and old Mandrill exhibit. This is in addition to the three elephant paddocks which will soon be vacant. With this in mind, I’m inclined to agree Melbourne has the most vacant exhibits.

The reports of the upcoming Brazilian tapir import is encouraging to hear. While tapirs alone are not a crowd-puller, they and countless other species undoubtedly enhance the visitor experience.

If I could name a single species that would greatly enhance Melbourne’s collection, it would be the Sri Lankan leopard. Including this species in plans to redevelop the elephant complex would be a good move imo. Though I doubt it would happen, combining them with adjacent exhibits housing Sri Lankan sloth bear would make for a complex more than worthy of replacing the elephants.

 

[Jambo]

The reports of the upcoming Brazilian tapir import is encouraging to hear. While tapirs alone are not a crowd-puller, they and countless other species undoubtedly enhance the visitor experience.

This is a species that would fit the current elephant complex well - with limited renovations needing to be done to house them. Considering the size of the exhibits however, I wonder if they can be mixed with other species. Perhaps Capybara? In any case, I don't foresee them having the entire complex (if this is to be the case). The pool paddock is a good size for them however.

 

[Michael Stace]

This is a species that would fit the current elephant complex well - with limited renovations needing to be done to house them. Considering the size of the exhibits however, I wonder if they can be mixed with other species. Perhaps Capybara? In any case, I don't foresee them having the entire complex (if this is to be the case). The pool paddock is a good size for them however.

A South American themed exhibit with capybara, tapir and perhaps mara all mixed together would make a nice exhibit. If bird imports were possible, a pair of greater rhea would be a nice addition to.

 

[Zoofan15]

This is a species that would fit the current elephant complex well - with limited renovations needing to be done to house them. Considering the size of the exhibits however, I wonder if they can be mixed with other species. Perhaps Capybara? In any case, I don't foresee them having the entire complex (if this is to be the case). The pool paddock is a good size for them however.

A South American themed exhibit with capybara, tapir and perhaps mara all mixed together would make a nice exhibit. If bird imports were possible, a pair of greater rhea would be a nice addition to.

I could definitely see Brazilian tapir inhabiting the pool paddock. The cow barn paddock is way too large for a medium sized solitary species; but exhibiting them in one exhibit (with the other half of the pair housed in the old bongo exhibit) would make good use of space. They could cohabit with Patagonia mara.

Capybara could potentially inhabit a second paddock. They can live in medium sized groups, so there would be more activity. It would be better yet to have them cohabit with Bolivian squirrel monkey, so this could make housing them here prohibitive (cost of enclosing/moating paddock to prevent primates escaping).

 

[Jambo]

I could definitely see Brazilian tapir inhabiting the pool paddock. The cow barn paddock is way too large for a medium sized solitary species; but exhibiting them in one exhibit (with the other half of the pair housed in the old bongo exhibit) would make good use of space. They could cohabit with Patagonia mara.

Capybara could potentially inhabit a second paddock. They can live in medium sized groups, so there would be more activity. It would be better yet to have them cohabit with Bolivian squirrel monkey, so this could make housing them here prohibitive (cost of enclosing/moating paddock to prevent primates escaping).

Or potentially the other half of the pair could live in the Bull paddock. Hypothetically, this could be used to house the male alongside the likes of Capybara and Squirrel Monkey, giving the mother (and calves) full run of the Pool paddock.

The bull paddock is also already pretty much moated on the front side (where they could perhaps fill it with water), and would just require the construction of a new fence along the back side.

This would leave the much larger main cow paddock and the cow barn to be utilised for something else. I can see a scenario where they only end up filling up a few of the enclosures (like mentioned above), and leave the cow paddock empty for a while until funding can be sorted for a more innovative project. Side note, I'm still of the opinion the Cow barn would be perfect for a pair of Komodo Dragons!

 

[Tiger91]

Or potentially the other half of the pair could live in the Bull paddock. Hypothetically, this could be used to house the male alongside the likes of Capybara and Squirrel Monkey, giving the mother (and calves) full run of the Pool paddock.

The bull paddock is also already pretty much moated on the front side (where they could perhaps fill it with water), and would just require the construction of a new fence along the back side.

This would leave the much larger main cow paddock and the cow barn to be utilised for something else. I can see a scenario where they only end up filling up a few of the enclosures (like mentioned above), and leave the cow paddock empty for a while until funding can be sorted for a more innovative project. Side note, I'm still of the opinion the Cow barn would be perfect for a pair of Komodo Dragons!

Lets be realistic with the way our zoo managers work.
They'll chuck some camels in the old elephant enclosures and call it a day.

 

[Zoofan15]

Lets be realistic with the way our zoo managers work.
They'll chuck some camels in the old elephant enclosures and call it a day.

I think we can have a little more faith than that.

In addition to the recent acquisition of the zoo’s first Komodo dragon; Melbourne Zoo are planning to import a pair of Brazilian tapir. Combined with the news Werribee will be importing a Common hippopotamus bull, it’s clear Zoos Victoria are being very proactive with regards to new animal acquisitions.

 

[Tiger91]

I think we can have a little more faith than that.

Can we ? it's exactly what Taronga's managers did. Then they have phased out critical endangered bongo while they had camels, with space sited as one of the reasons for the bongo phase out, which now with there ability to be imported. Makes that decision that much more Ludacris. It's not like the enclosure would need all that much changing bongo are not exactly tiny.

I tend to put Melbournes and Tarongas current managers on par with each other.

In addition to the recent acquisition of the zoo’s first Komodo dragon; Melbourne Zoo are planning to import a pair of Brazilian tapir. Combined with the news Werribee will be importing a Common hippopotamus bull, it’s clear Zoos Victoria are being very proactive with regards to new animal acquisitions.

That is a positive change in the right direction, and while exciting. Let's not count our chickens before they hatch. The only guarantee is the male hippo. Tapir can be dropped as countless other species have been as well. They are nice to have in zoos, so let's hope they follow through.

 

[Zoofan15]

Can we ? it's exactly what Taronga's managers did. Then they have phased out critical endangered bongo while they had camels, with space sited as one of the reasons for the bongo phase out, which now with there ability to be imported. Makes that decision that much more Ludacris. It's not like the enclosure would need all that much changing bongo are not exactly tiny.

I tend to put Melbournes and Tarongas current managers on par with each other.



That is a positive change in the right direction, and while exciting. Let's not count our chickens before they hatch. The only guarantee is the male hippo. Tapir can be dropped as countless other species have been as well. They are nice to have in zoos, so let's hope they follow through.

Some of the species that have previously been dropped were dependent on IRA’s. An example was Giant anteater (where only now is the Xenarthra IRA being processed).

Brazilian tapir can be imported and there’s significant regional support, so I’m optimistic about this particular species.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

If the old Mandrill enclosure isn't incorporated into being a third Pygmy Hippo enclosure, could be a good location for an African Golden Cat exhibit, if fully netted.

 

[Zoofan15]

If the old Mandrill enclosure isn't incorporated into being a third Pygmy Hippo enclosure, could be a good location for an African Golden Cat exhibit, if fully netted.

Theoretically yes. The exhibit reminds me of Taronga’s Fishing cat exhibit and would be suitable for a small felid.

Unfortunately this felid is even rarer in captivity than the Temminck’s golden cat, which was formerly held by many zoos around the world (including five in Australasia); but has itself dwindled to just two facilities in Europe and a handful in Asia.

I doubt we’ll ever see Temminck’s golden cat return to the region; but along with Jaguar, they’re the species I’d most like to see return to Australasian zoos.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

From the name of the trail itself 'Forest of Wonder' doesn't imply that the area is going to be an Asian Trail. It will most likely be a forest theme.

I believe that most likely the area will be turned into a South American Mini precinct. A Bairds Tapir breeding pair, would be housed in this area, possibly acting as a regional hub for the species. The incorporation of other smaller south american species seems feasible and likely, as I would argue Tapir are quite an unknown and elusive species. Capybara, Mara, Squirrel Monkey and Spider monkey all be housed in the enclosure, it would require some small renovations.
Planting out all the exhibits with foliage, it is good to note that the exhibits are quite shaded from the trees around the area. Change the current barriers so smaller animals cannot escape, adding climbing frames ect. It would not cost much be could be a good use of space. Having animals at all eye levels ground, and canopy can make for a highly immerse guest experience whilst also putting some species that are less well known in the spotlight. I think this idea of a small South American area is the most likely to come to fruition. They could use the current squirrel money enclosure as a seperate area for the monkey species also, give it a small renovation.
They could also if they wanted extend the orangutang enclosure also
Maybe in the future would could see sloth bear also!
This could lean on for a renovation of tree tops in a later date, seeing as there wont be many species left, they could even use this area as an exteneded pygmy hippo, colobus and mandrill area, a Congo precinct, dare to say Okapi if that ever could happen

 

[Zoofan15]

From the name of the trail itself 'Forest of Wonder' doesn't imply that the area is going to be an Asian Trail. It will most likely be a forest theme.

I believe that most likely the area will be turned into a South American Mini precinct. A Bairds Tapir breeding pair, would be housed in this area, possibly acting as a regional hub for the species. The incorporation of other smaller south american species seems feasible and likely, as I would argue Tapir are quite an unknown and elusive species. Capybara, Mara, Squirrel Monkey and Spider monkey all be housed in the enclosure, it would require some small renovations.
Planting out all the exhibits with foliage, it is good to note that the exhibits are quite shaded from the trees around the area. Change the current barriers so smaller animals cannot escape, adding climbing frames ect. It would not cost much be could be a good use of space. Having animals at all eye levels ground, and canopy can make for a highly immerse guest experience whilst also putting some species that are less well known in the spotlight. I think this idea of a small South American area is the most likely to come to fruition. They could use the current squirrel money enclosure as a seperate area for the monkey species also, give it a small renovation.
They could also if they wanted extend the orangutang enclosure also
Maybe in the future would could see sloth bear also!
This could lean on for a renovation of tree tops in a later date, seeing as there wont be many species left, they could even use this area as an exteneded pygmy hippo, colobus and mandrill area, a Congo precinct, dare to say Okapi if that ever could happen

I agree it will likely feature multiple continents:

South East Asia: An expansion of the orangutan exhibit is long overdue; with other zoos in the region using aerial pathways to expand their arboreal ape exhibits beyond the enclosure itself. It’s a great image for the modern zoo and endlessly enriching for the apes. I would be amazed if the “Man of the Forest” (orangutan) wasn’t the star of the Forest of Wonder precinct.

South America: Brazilian tapir are coming and the Xenarthra IRA will hopefully be completed in the coming years, allowing the import of anteaters, sloths and armadillos. It would be premature to assume the IRA will be processed (nothing is guaranteed), so plans will surely be flexible with regards to how much space within the precinct is allocated to South American species.

Central Africa: Since Okapi are a non-starter (no IRA, no readily available surplus) and Western-lowland gorilla are accommodated in the adjacent Gorilla Rainforest precinct, I’m anticipating the extent of the Congo’s representation will be an additional Pygmy hippopotamus exhibit. This could well be built on the site of the old Mandrill exhibit; with the colobus (a good fit for the Mandrill exhibit) either joining them in a mixed species exhibit or transferring to Werribee.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Just was thinking, that if/when the Psittacine birds IRA is completes, that I would love to see the entirety of Growing Wild become an Amazon precinct, with a major focus on birds of the Amazon. Create a huge Aviary, akin to Bird Paradise in Singapore, netting the entirety of Growing Wild, and the gardens/trees between it and the path running behind it, where Komodo and Red Panda are. Fill it with as many Parrots and Macaws as it can hold (ethically).

Have a path that winds through that can be at ground, with raised sections near the fig tree etc. Where the raised paths are could also be enclosures at ground level for ground dwelling animals like Capybara, Tapir, Giant Anteater, etc, and in a canopied area Sloth could be housed as well (use the Xenarthra IRA as well). Would maximise the Growing Wild area if it can go upwards.

Space allowing, they could also include the Spider Monkey and Tamarins here, but in enclosed sections with in, or maybe along the outer fenceline, so separate from the main walk through aviary/enclosure.

 

[Zoofan15]

Just was thinking, that if/when the Psittacine birds IRA is completes, that I would love to see the entirety of Growing Wild become an Amazon precinct, with a major focus on birds of the Amazon. Create a huge Aviary, akin to Bird Paradise in Singapore, netting the entirety of Growing Wild, and the gardens/trees between it and the path running behind it, where Komodo and Red Panda are. Fill it with as many Parrots and Macaws as it can hold (ethically).

Have a path that winds through that can be at ground, with raised sections near the fig tree etc. Where the raised paths are could also be enclosures at ground level for ground dwelling animals like Capybara, Tapir, Giant Anteater, etc, and in a canopied area Sloth could be housed as well (use the Xenarthra IRA as well). Would maximise the Growing Wild area if it can go upwards.

Space allowing, they could also include the Spider Monkey and Tamarins here, but in enclosed sections with in, or maybe along the outer fenceline, so separate from the main walk through aviary/enclosure.

This is a great idea and would completely transform Growing Wild into a world class precinct. It’s undeniable that in the current state it generates minimal visitor engagement (even with the target audience). Kids want to see animals; and their parents want to jam them up against the glass to get a photo of them for their socials.

The vast majority of South American species we have available to us (or will once the Xenarthra IRA is completed) can cohabit, which make your idea implementable. Black-handed spider monkey are a territorial species, but can coexist with Brazilian tapir. The smaller Bolivian squirrel monkey pairs well with Capybara; and the diminutive Pygmy marmoset can dwell with macaws without issue.

I think the best way to implement this would be to either have the precinct divided into sections i.e. divisions between zones across the spiralling board walk that ascends to the top of the giant aviary.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

I believe all the zoos in the Australian region should do more to house South American species, Melbourne especially, they use to have one of the best collections. However as much as I would love to see growing wild redeveloped, it seems highly unlikely. For starters the precinct is quite new, and the zoos uses it educational facilities on the daily to teach younger children.
For me there are 2 places where a South American area could be developed.

Gorilla Rainforest or Forest of wonder
Calling the precinct forest of wonders, makes me hopeful that it will features more than just animals from Asia.

They could redevelop the Elephant enclosures into a mini amazon precinct, this would be costly, but could the the most rewarding. The species that could take centre stage being Baird tapir, sloth , capybara and a variety of monkeys species . Some animals could have separated enclosure and other joined togeather.

They could use the treetop apes and monkeys ares, it would be smaller, but would be more affordable.

What I see happening is possibly Tapir, capybara and spider monkey in the enclosures this could mean they would make minimal changes, they would then once they have the money overhaul the area