Three male Capybara have arrived at Adelaide from Sydney Zoo. Males Iago, Iguazu and Salvador are now on-display - reported on their FB page.
Adelaide Zoo Adelaide Zoo News 2025
- Thread starter WhistlingKite24
- Start date
Giant pandas to debut soon:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE1VTedpW0o/?igsh=ZDdyeHp4d3NrcHV2
From socials:
It’s almost time to meet Yi Lan and Xing Qiu!
The Giant Panda pair have been settling in amazingly well to their new home at Adelaide Zoo, eating lots of bamboo, showing off their adorable personalities and getting to know their keepers.
Zoos SA is currently working through the final stages of their mandatory quarantine period and ensuring all regulatory processes are in place before the black-and-white duo meet the panda-loving public.
It has been a huge journey for Yi Lan and Xing Qiu, who not only have to adjust to a new environment but also the opposite season in the Southern Hemisphere including the Australian climate. Our paws are crossed that we will have an opening date for Bamboo Forest to share soon!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE1VTedpW0o/?igsh=ZDdyeHp4d3NrcHV2
From socials:
It’s almost time to meet Yi Lan and Xing Qiu!
The Giant Panda pair have been settling in amazingly well to their new home at Adelaide Zoo, eating lots of bamboo, showing off their adorable personalities and getting to know their keepers.
Zoos SA is currently working through the final stages of their mandatory quarantine period and ensuring all regulatory processes are in place before the black-and-white duo meet the panda-loving public.
It has been a huge journey for Yi Lan and Xing Qiu, who not only have to adjust to a new environment but also the opposite season in the Southern Hemisphere including the Australian climate. Our paws are crossed that we will have an opening date for Bamboo Forest to share soon!
SpoonieSafari
Member
Update from visiting on the 15/01/25
Last visit was 23/09/24
Last visit was 23/09/24
- Brush tailed Mulgaras have been introduced in the nocturnal house.
- Dingoes have been moved to the previously occupied lions enclosure, and it seems most if not all rock wallabies and kangaroos have been moved into the dingo habitat as they are doing maintenance on the wallaby/kangaroo enclosure (assumed) and then working on the dingoes enclosure as per signage.
- The aviary opposite the giraffes has been torn down.
- The inland taipan have swapped enclosures with the Aruba island rattlesnake.
- The pig nosed turtle tank in the envirodome is now completely empty, wonder what they’ll put in there?
- The seahorse aquarium is empty now unfortunately.
- There is a new tank in the envirodome- mainly generic ‘home tank’ water dwellers such as shrimps, neon tetras, catfish and others.
- Baboons are STILL boarded off and have limited visibility.
- New climbing structure on the white cheeked gibbon island (unsure when this was put in- may not be that new)
- Capybara brothers are now occupying the old penguin enclosure and part of the petting zoo yard.
- Managed to catch one of the staff putting in new map signage and unsure of this but signage dosent display a fennec fox or coati shadows, maybe just due to low space on the map? Hopefully they aren’t phasing those guys out and they’re just putting an umbrella term there instead.
Thanks for the update.
The baboons were apparently boarded off due to tensions between the males. Tomkay (2014) has all three females in his harem and Djibouti (2016) is resentful of this. Boarding off the exhibit has previously been done when infants have been born and both prime aged females have had sufficient gaps since their last offspring; though it might be advisable to have the females on contraception until things calm down.
Adelaide Zoo now have just one coati on display, an elderly female named Samba. She is the last of her species on display in Australia and will also be Adelaide Zoo’s last coati (the region are phasing this species out).
The regional Fennec fox population isn’t flourishing either, with hopes fading Taronga’s pair will breed. The majority of holders have elderly foxes (including Adelaide Zoo with theirs born 2012 and 2013). It wouldn’t surprise me if they’ve passed or moved off display to live out their final years. While there’s a diverse range of species in this row, all the exhibits are relatively small/dated, so a redevelopment of this space in the future would come as no surprise; especially with the adjacent lion complex planned for redevelopment.
That Aussie Guy
Well-Known Member
Update from visiting on the 15/01/25
Last visit was 23/09/24
Photos to come soon
- Brush tailed Mulgaras have been introduced in the nocturnal house.
- Dingoes have been moved to the previously occupied lions enclosure, and it seems most if not all rock wallabies and kangaroos have been moved into the dingo habitat as they are doing maintenance on the wallaby/kangaroo enclosure (assumed) and then working on the dingoes enclosure as per signage.
- The aviary opposite the giraffes has been torn down.
- The inland taipan have swapped enclosures with the Aruba island rattlesnake.
- The pig nosed turtle tank in the envirodome is now completely empty, wonder what they’ll put in there?
- The seahorse aquarium is empty now unfortunately.
- There is a new tank in the envirodome- mainly generic ‘home tank’ water dwellers such as shrimps, neon tetras, catfish and others.
- Baboons are STILL boarded off and have limited visibility.
- New climbing structure on the white cheeked gibbon island (unsure when this was put in- may not be that new)
- Capybara brothers are now occupying the old penguin enclosure and part of the petting zoo yard.
- Managed to catch one of the staff putting in new map signage and unsure of this but signage dosent display a fennec fox or coati shadows, maybe just due to low space on the map? Hopefully they aren’t phasing those guys out and they’re just putting an umbrella term there instead.
Thanks for the updates!
I'm honestly quite surprised the zoo acquired more capybara after the passing of their last female in 2022. I had anticipated that the lower area of the zoo (maned wolves, sea lion, meerkats) was going to be closed off completely once Ady passes (allowing the maned wolf and meerkats to go either off-display or to another zoo), and then redeveloped as per the masterplan. As far as I can see, Adelaide Zoo is making it very hard for themselves to get major developments completed (or even started) if nearly every space they want to work on is constantly being occupied by new species, although I guess they would struggle to attract visitors with a dwindling collection, so it's a catch-22.
The area you mention is supposedly going to become the 'Tropical North' as per the 2015 masterplan. The 2023 update provides us with no further updates/changes on this so we can confirm that it is still in the plans as it initially was.
Looking at the initial timeline, it was going to be constructed later on, with other complexes/exhibits preceding it but it's uncertain if this is still the case with a few revisions being made to the overall masterplan. I'd assume the African Oasis and Jewels of Asia at the very least will still be priorities, and both precincts will likely take up the rest of this decade at the very least.
Interestingly none of these four species feature in the masterplan and the adjacent colobus will apparently be relocated to an exhibit near the band rotunda; so we can safely assume this row is scheduled for redevelopment.
At this point in time, the demolition of the old lion exhibit is on hold (with Dingo currently housed in there); but will be interesting to see as and when they proceed to redevelop this area for Sumatran Tiger etc.
SpoonieSafari
Member
From my previous visits over the years they seem to have never taken the baboon barriers down since the death of the young one (or 2 can’t remember) a few years ago, every time I’ve been they’ve been boarded up so it’s almost like it’s not part of the zoo anymore, I mean you can definitely still catch a peak of them but it’s nothing great. I get it’s for the animals wellbeing which obviously comes before any other needs, but if they’re that sensitive should they really be in a big zoo like Adelaide? Adelaide zoo really need to have a big think on the baboons in my opinion.
I thought there was only one coati, that’s quite sad, I remember there being 3-4 in there a few years back. I did see one fennec fox but it was out the back sunning itself. I am yet to see the binturong out and about, seem to come at the wrong time.
I was very surprised at the addition of the 3 male capybara, and went there on the 15th specifically to see them only for them to have gone into their den, seems like they’re much more active than the capybaras at gorge which is great to see!
I feel Adelaide zoo has really fallen behind in everything these past few years and it’s getting quite sad to visit as most animals seem to be getting elderly and passing or being shipped away and due to them wanting to update things they obviously aren’t bringing many new things in. Seems like all the energy has gone into monarto atm, which is great but also why have an African area in Adelaide zoo when we have a whole safari park? Some of their moves need to be rethought really, the leopard would have been a wonderful addition but the plans for that have apparently changed.
After the Hamadryas baboons (Horus and Chappi) produced sons Tomkay (2014) and Djibouti (2016), they had three more offspring - none of which survived infancy. The social structure of the troop was unbalanced (three males to one female), but it was difficult to introduce additional females as the then juvenile Tomkay bullied them. Only once he matured and his father passed, did they bring in two new females.
Hamadryas baboon cope fine with being on display at Auckland Zoo (albeit with more space in between them and the public via a moat) but do get riled up by people inciting them through staring contests etc. The Adelaide exhibit opened 1992 and is comparatively claustrophobic.
I saw two coati on my visit (not sure if the third had died by then or was off display). It will be sad to see them disappear from the collection, epically given the emphasis on South American species in the masterplan.
On that note, a number of us are disappointing in the future plans for Adelaide Zoo - which in summary, see large parts of the zoo dedicated to species that can be seen at Monarto. The previous masterplan complimented Monarto in that it focussed on species like Sri Lankan leopard that couldn’t be see at the open range zoo.
It makes sense as all four species currently consist of either elderly or non breeding species. Coatis are being phased out and Servals and Fennec Foxes would be more suitable species for Monarto to diversify their collection there.
Adelaide's resident serval, Kali, will be seventeen this year too, although they have been known to live into their early 20's.
From the plans this row of cages will form a new Lemur habitat apart of the African development; still likely five or so years away. The Jewels of Asia precinct will apparently precede this; featuring the Tiger extension that will replace the current Lion habitat.
One of Adelaide’s male tigers is reported to be scheduled for export to the US - either Kembali (2014) or the male cub, Ketambe (2022), which will help free up space in the meantime.
My preference would have been to see the two female cubs (which appear to be surplus) allocated to one of the holders that have since gone back into generics following the passing of their last Sumatrans. This would have left Adelaide with 1.1 to house across their two tiger exhibits; and allow the additional space intended to be used to build a third tiger exhibit to instead be allocated to building the Sri Lankan leopard exhibits.
That Aussie Guy
Well-Known Member
Giant Pandas to go on display from tomorrow, the 21st of January!
Via email:
" Get ready to meet Yi Lan and Xing Qiu!
Adelaide Zoo is excited to announce that Giant Pandas, Yi Lan and Xing Qiu, will make their public debut tomorrow Tuesday 21 January!
From 12:15pm, after an official Welcome Ceremony, we would love to see panda-fans, wildlife-lovers and conservation champions come through Bamboo Forest to welcome the black-and-white duo to Adelaide.
At this stage, the Giant Pandas are still under quarantine conditions and may not have access to their outdoor habitat, but can be seen enjoying their climate-controlled day room.
We are currently working through the final stages of this process with Australian authorities and ensuring all regulatory processes are in place before the black-and-white duo can explore their external space in Bamboo Forest.
We hope to see you at this ‘beary’ special event! "
How exciting!! Hopefully we will see some breeding success in the future.
Last edited:
The new Giant Panda pair will go on display for the first time tomorrow!
Via email;
Adelaide Zoo is excited to announce that Giant Pandas, Yi Lan and Xing Qiu, will make their public debut tomorrow Tuesday 21 January!
From 12:15pm, after an official Welcome Ceremony, we would love to see panda-fans, wildlife-lovers and conservation champions come through Bamboo Forest to welcome the black-and-white duo to Adelaide.
At this stage, the Giant Pandas are still under quarantine conditions and may not have access to their outdoor habitat, but can be seen enjoying their climate-controlled day room.
We are currently working through the final stages of this process with Australian authorities and ensuring all regulatory processes are in place before the black-and-white duo can explore their external space in Bamboo Forest.
Let's hope this pair settles in well and eventually achieves the success the region has long awaited...!
Via email;
Adelaide Zoo is excited to announce that Giant Pandas, Yi Lan and Xing Qiu, will make their public debut tomorrow Tuesday 21 January!
From 12:15pm, after an official Welcome Ceremony, we would love to see panda-fans, wildlife-lovers and conservation champions come through Bamboo Forest to welcome the black-and-white duo to Adelaide.
At this stage, the Giant Pandas are still under quarantine conditions and may not have access to their outdoor habitat, but can be seen enjoying their climate-controlled day room.
We are currently working through the final stages of this process with Australian authorities and ensuring all regulatory processes are in place before the black-and-white duo can explore their external space in Bamboo Forest.
Let's hope this pair settles in well and eventually achieves the success the region has long awaited...!
Giant pandas debut:
Giant Pandas Yi Lan and Xing Qiu make their giant debut
The black-and-white duo put their best paw forward this morning, as Adelaide Zoo welcomed delegates and dignitaries for an Official Welcome Ceremony in Bamboo Forest.
After the ceremony, the Premier welcomed in the first lucky guests among the eager crowd to catch a glimpse of Yi Lan and Xing Qiu. Much to the delight of visitors, the black-and-white duo enthusiastically explored their outdoor habitat as crowds delighted in watching their playful panda antics.
They are both young pandas and were chosen with not only their ability to adapt to the Adelaide environment in mind but also their suitability as a breeding pair when they are older.
Giant Pandas Yi Lan and Xing Qiu make their giant debut
The black-and-white duo put their best paw forward this morning, as Adelaide Zoo welcomed delegates and dignitaries for an Official Welcome Ceremony in Bamboo Forest.
After the ceremony, the Premier welcomed in the first lucky guests among the eager crowd to catch a glimpse of Yi Lan and Xing Qiu. Much to the delight of visitors, the black-and-white duo enthusiastically explored their outdoor habitat as crowds delighted in watching their playful panda antics.
They are both young pandas and were chosen with not only their ability to adapt to the Adelaide environment in mind but also their suitability as a breeding pair when they are older.
Luke899
Well-Known Member
Yes please.
Could you ask:
Confirmation on whether the male Sumatran tiger to be exported to the US is Ketambe (2022). The alternative is his father Kembali (2014).
Whether there’s any plans to bring in a new male colobus following the transfer of their breeding male to Melbourne Zoo.
Whether there’s any plans to bring in new female baboons given the tensions between the two adult males.