Australasian Hippo Population

[Jambo]

Good point man.

There was also Penny 0.1 the Pygmy hippo at Perth Zoo from December 1937 (wild born and caught) until she died there in April 1980; based on the old 1975 map of the zoo I think for her last years at the zoo she was the only hippopotamus still there and was the last hippo to date kept at PZ. Don't think she ever had contact with any other member of her species for the 42 years she lived at the zoo. Believe she had one of the longest lifespans of Pygmy hippos thats still considerable in contemporary longevity comparisons.

She was indeed Perth's only Pygmy Hippo by all accounts.

In regards to their Common Hippos, Perth had a few;

They acquired a male named 'Nat' in 1928 from Africa. He died in 1930 after swallowing a tennis ball - not surprised!

They then acquired 'Pondo' from NZ in 1934. He was born there five years earlier. He was apparently grouped with Penny early on. Not sure how long this lasted but they get along well initially. An article mentioned the pair fighting over food and keepers resorting to switching their diets leading to Pondo getting skinnier and eventually the pair never fought over food again - not sure how much truth is in this story!

Pondo passed in 1955. Presumbly the last Common Hippo at Perth.

 

[Zoofan15]

She was indeed Perth's only Pygmy Hippo by all accounts.

In regards to their Common Hippos, Perth had a few;

They acquired a male named 'Nat' in 1928 from Africa. He died in 1930 after swallowing a tennis ball - not surprised!

They then acquired 'Pondo' from NZ in 1934. He was born there five years earlier. He was apparently grouped with Penny early on. Not sure how long this lasted but they get along well initially. An article mentioned the pair fighting over food and keepers resorting to switching their diets leading to Pondo getting skinnier and eventually the pair never fought over food again - not sure how much truth is in this story!

Pondo passed in 1955. Presumbly the last Common Hippo at Perth.

Nat was also known as Bill and was indeed died after swallowing a tennis ball - the second hippopotamus in the region to do so following an incident at Adelaide Zoo in 1928. There were to be at least seven more fatalities between 1933-1970, though no more at Perth.

Pondo was notable as Auckland Zoo’s first surviving Common hippopotamus calf. His parents (Chaka and Bella) had six offspring:

1.0 Unnamed (September 1926) Died 1926
1.0 Pondo (January 1929) Exported 1934
1.0 Unnamed (November 1930) Died 1930
1.0 Zulu (January 1932) Exported 1933
1.0 Unknown (November 1935) Died 1935
10 Dimazulu (February 1937) Died 1946

 

[steveroberts]

She was indeed Perth's only Pygmy Hippo by all accounts.

In regards to their Common Hippos, Perth had a few;

They acquired a male named 'Nat' in 1928 from Africa. He died in 1930 after swallowing a tennis ball - not surprised!

They then acquired 'Pondo' from NZ in 1934. He was born there five years earlier. He was apparently grouped with Penny early on. Not sure how long this lasted but they get along well initially. An article mentioned the pair fighting over food and keepers resorting to switching their diets leading to Pondo getting skinnier and eventually the pair never fought over food again - not sure how much truth is in this story!

Pondo passed in 1955. Presumbly the last Common Hippo at Perth.

Wow thanks Jambo thats really interesting, had wanted to know more about the Common hippos at Perth Zoo. Thats interesting too Penny and Pondo shared an exhibit home together for some time, thats nice to know it worked for them.

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

She was indeed Perth's only Pygmy Hippo by all accounts.

In regards to their Common Hippos, Perth had a few;

They acquired a male named 'Nat' in 1928 from Africa. He died in 1930 after swallowing a tennis ball - not surprised!

They then acquired 'Pondo' from NZ in 1934. He was born there five years earlier. He was apparently grouped with Penny early on. Not sure how long this lasted but they get along well initially. An article mentioned the pair fighting over food and keepers resorting to switching their diets leading to Pondo getting skinnier and eventually the pair never fought over food again - not sure how much truth is in this story!

Pondo passed in 1955. Presumbly the last Common Hippo at Perth.

Probably the only time I have (and probably will never again) heard of a Nile Hippo and Pygmy Hippo cohabitating, this is interesting! I am also shocked that they thrived together if this was true because one mistake would in most cases lead to Pondo killing Penny in one bite! Even more so, it would be interesting to hear if they ever attempted to mate each other (it would have never been successful, but it would still be insane if they did!)

 

[Zoofan15]

Wow thanks Jambo thats really interesting, had wanted to know more about the Common hippos at Perth Zoo. Thats interesting too Penny and Pondo shared an exhibit home together for some time, thats nice to know it worked for them.

Probably the only time I have (and probably will never again) heard of a Nile Hippo and Pygmy Hippo cohabitating, this is interesting! I am also shocked that they thrived together if this was true because one mistake would in most cases lead to Pondo killing Penny in one bite! Even more so, it would be interesting to hear if they ever attempted to mate each other (it would have never been successful, but it would still be insane if they did!)

That does indeed surprise me considering Pondo was close to full grown when imported as a five year old in 1934. Auckland Zoo housed a then three year old bull with a pig upon his import in 1956, but he soon outgrew the pig and moved onto female hippopotami.

In most cases a bull and cow Common hippopotamus can cohabit. The separation of the bull (and any other hippopotamus in the exhibit, including juveniles) is recommended following the birth of a calf; but it is generally safe for the cow to return to her pod once the calf is a few months old. Auckland Zoo had two bulls at one stage. The younger bull (Scuba) was actually bullied by the cows he was housed with (Bonnie and Faith), though they were known to be especially dominant cows amongst Auckland’s colony.

 

[Zorro]

Hi I was just wondering does anyone see Perth zoo getting Pygmy hippopotamus?

My contacts have told me they have no plans for Pygmy hippos or River Hippos, Unfortunately!

 

[steveroberts]

My contacts have told me they have no plans for Pygmy hippos or River Hippos, Unfortunately!

It's a shame Perth has no current plans for either hippo species; thanks for sharing what you were told though. Just me guessing here, but with their current masterplan they seem to probably see their zoo-grounds as being at full capacity with the plans they are working on.

The only area of the zoo that can identify in terms of not definitely still being part of already set-out plans, or the b.o.h sections of the zoo or quarantine, b.t.s holding & veterinary areas etc; still within general visitor accessible central areas of the zoo: is the old farmyard area (the 'Homestead' as its been known as for over 27 years now since the 'Harmony Farm' closed) which was marked in the previous masterplan concept siteplans as a (potential) being revived for its previous use in being a farmyard animals precinct, but could also imagine perhaps is not the plan for the area anymore.

(This is completely just me speculating here): but if Perth Zoo was not intending that area of the zoo ('Homestead'/'Harmony Farm') for reviving that former use (of farm animals) and was still looking at housing additional medium to large exotic mammals in addition to those they have made clear they intend to still (*in additional speciesin this case, lets say Pygmy hippos): That site of the zoo is about 2,300 square metres in size, maybe even a bit more (well technically it does encompass a bit more but lot of terrain elevation differing and trees and plants/other foliage in directly surrounding area), and would be an ideal area of the zoo (one of very few remaining in the general area of the zoo not already 'earmarked' with site-use in mind for future development plans) for constructing new habitats for potential animals.

 

[Zoofan15]

It's a shame Perth has no current plans for either hippo species; thanks for sharing what you were told though. Just me guessing here, but with their current masterplan they see their zoo-grounds as being at full capacity with those plans in the works.

The only area of the zoo that can identify in terms of in zoo grounds that isn't part of the boh sections or quarantine & veterinary areas etc that am uncertain of its long-term plan is the old farmyard area (the 'Homestead' as its been known as for over 25 years now) which did seem marked as a potentially revived farmyard animals precinct in the previous masterplan, but could also imagine perhaps not the plan for the area anymore.

But of course I have to say this completely just me speculating: if Perth was looking at housing additional medium to large exotic mammals like either species of hippos (again, albeit been a long time) sometime in relatively close future; but is pure speculative conjecture my comment here (that site in the zoo encompasses about 2,300 square metres, maybe even a bit more).

With regards to Pygmy hippopotamus, it’s really a matter of priorities. Adelaide Zoo hold them (albeit a single bull) and they’re the smallest main zoo in the region at 8ha. Perth Zoo is double the size at 17ha, but choose to focus on species like rhinoceros and giraffe (one of which Adelaide Zoo doesn’t have; and one of which Adelaide Zoo is not currently breeding).

Common hippopotamus require significantly more space, so sadly their days at Perth Zoo are well and truly over. Considering the standards for exhibit sizes in the 20th century were considerably lower than they are today, I’m surprised Common hippopotamus were phased out as early as the 1950’s though - compared to Auckland and Adelaide holding them until the deaths of their last hippos in 2016 and 2020 respectively. It was pleasing to see those zoos accomodate their hippos until the end of their natural lives, with Auckland Zoo’s 2014 masterplan even catering for them on the expectation of Faith and Fudge reaching an older age than they did.

Perth of course continued with Pygmy hippopotamus after the death of Pondo; versus Melbourne and Taronga which had the option to transfer their Common hippopotami to their open range sites and continue with Pygmy hippopotamus.

It’s been said before, but an open range zoo in Western Australia would provide endless benefits to Perth Zoo, both in support of their breeding programmes and in holding a more diverse range of species. How incredible would it be to see fourth holder of Common hippopotamus emerge - ideally importing 1.1 founders; as opposed to maintaining a degree of relatedness amongst our regional population via importing bulls to breed with the existing population.

 

[Zorro]

It's a shame Perth has no current plans for either hippo species; thanks for sharing what you were told though. Just me guessing here, but with their current masterplan they see their zoo-grounds as being at full capacity with those plans in the works.

The only area of the zoo that can identify in terms of in zoo grounds that isn't part of the boh sections or quarantine & veterinary areas etc that am uncertain of its long-term plan is the old farmyard area (the 'Homestead' as its been known as for over 25 years now) which did seem marked as a potentially revived farmyard animals precinct in the previous masterplan, but could also imagine perhaps not the plan for the area anymore.

But of course I have to say this completely just me speculating: if Perth was looking at housing additional medium to large exotic mammals like either species of hippos (again, albeit been a long time) sometime in relatively close future; but is pure speculative conjecture my comment here (that site in the zoo encompasses about 2,300 square metres, maybe even a bit more).

I do hope over time they do become holders perhaps in the future plans do and can change!. I still hope that Perth one day can end up with an open range zoo!

 

[steveroberts]

I do hope over time they do become holders perhaps in the future plans do and can change!. I still hope that Perth one day can end up with an open range zoo!

It would be really great hey if eventually (but hopefully not too long away in the future) that long desired and previously considerably close to actually being in the works plan did actually become a reality and there was an open range zoo just outside Perth or within a reasonable distance to metropolitan Perth within the wider south-west WA region (love TWPZ but by reasonable distance mean much closer in distance to say Melbourne to Werribee and Adelaide to Monarto than Taronga Sydney to Taronga Dubbo lol). Think WA especially Perth and the rest of the south-west region would definitely welcome and support an open range zoo there with by regular visits there and any overnight stays and tours would be popular and would take visiting relatives from overseas there etc.

A while ago now but remember think it was late 2016 not long after joined ZC here saw some the postings about the state government at the time offering support in a certain capacity towards hopefully getting the idea actually to happen, and then was 'tabled' by an election lead up (believe some might of said, likely very warranted-ly that the promoting the idea had to be taken with a pinch-of-salt as was possibly election vote garnering promises which often aren't then fulfilled or financial 'purse-string' tightenings of the state government at the time for whatever reasons were deemed neccesary seemed to once again completely halt the idea. Think was actually around the same time that the news and excitement was first posted and discussed on here about Sydney Zoo Blacktown going ahead and being in the works (one now up and running and open to visitors or five years now, the other still unfortunately a yet to be realised concept strongly wanted by many of us).

It's been a bit over 8 years now since the idea seemed to lose its momentum in being publicly promoted as a possibility, so really hoping too that it is once again revived in suggesting and gains same public support and pledges of financial backing to make happen by the WA government hopefully. Could very much see the idea of Common hippos being one of the majorly sought after species for if that open range zoo does actually get established in not too distant future.

Or some exciting and talented + experienced animal care industry people with similar creative drive as the private zoo proprietors we know in our region, set up a zoo of a similar size and design to Altina say in the south-west region of WA (certainly would hope the state government of WA no matter which party is in operational tenure of, would find the funds to donate to as much as is possible if an open range zoo in WA did come into existance but as a privately owned-operated facility).

 

[Zorro]

It would be really great hey if eventually (but hopefully not too long away in the future) that long desired and previously considerably close to actually being in the works plan did actually become a reality and there was an open range zoo just outside Perth or within a reasonable distance to metropolitan Perth within the wider south-west WA region (love TWPZ but by reasonable distance mean much closer in distance to say Melbourne to Werribee and Adelaide to Monarto than Taronga Sydney to Taronga Dubbo lol). Think WA especially Perth and the rest of the south-west region would definitely welcome and support an open range zoo there with by regular visits there and any overnight stays and tours would be popular and would take visiting relatives from overseas there etc.

A while ago now but remember think it was late 2016 not long after joined ZC here saw some the postings about the state government at the time offering support in a certain capacity towards hopefully getting the idea actually to happen, and then was 'tabled' by an election lead up (believe some might of said, likely very warranted-ly that the promoting the idea had to be taken with a pinch-of-salt as was possibly election vote garnering promises which often aren't then fulfilled or financial 'purse-string' tightenings of the state government at the time for whatever reasons were deemed neccesary seemed to once again completely halt the idea. Think was actually around the same time that the news and excitement was first posted and discussed on here about Sydney Zoo Blacktown going ahead and being in the works (one now up and running and open to visitors or five years now, the other still unfortunately a yet to be realised concept strongly wanted by many of us).

It's been a bit over 8 years now since the idea seemed to lose its momentum in being publicly promoted as a possibility, so really hoping too that it is once again revived in suggesting and gains same public support and pledges of financial backing to make happen by the WA government hopefully. Could very much see the idea of Common hippos being one of the majorly sought after species for if that open range zoo does actually get established in not too distant future.

From what I can recall it never went ahead because of a lack of money to buy the land that was wanted. I had hoped that one of the Billionaire's in WA might have donated it for the WA public.
I believe that a 4th open range zoo within the country would be a major plus
for working with the really large game type species like Rhinos, Hippos and elephants, it just gives more options to any breeding programs as we see now with Werribee and Monarto zoo joining in with keeping Hippos and Asian elephants

 

[Zoofan15]

It would be really great hey if eventually (but hopefully not too long away in the future) that long desired and previously considerably close to actually being in the works plan did actually become a reality and there was an open range zoo just outside Perth or within a reasonable distance to metropolitan Perth within the wider south-west WA region (love TWPZ but by reasonable distance mean much closer in distance to say Melbourne to Werribee and Adelaide to Monarto than Taronga Sydney to Taronga Dubbo lol). Think WA especially Perth and the rest of the south-west region would definitely welcome and support an open range zoo there with by regular visits there and any overnight stays and tours would be popular and would take visiting relatives from overseas there etc.

A while ago now but remember think it was late 2016 not long after joined ZC here saw some the postings about the state government at the time offering support in a certain capacity towards hopefully getting the idea actually to happen, and then was 'tabled' by an election lead up (believe some might of said, likely very warranted-ly that the promoting the idea had to be taken with a pinch-of-salt as was possibly election vote garnering promises which often aren't then fulfilled or financial 'purse-string' tightenings of the state government at the time for whatever reasons were deemed neccesary seemed to once again completely halt the idea. Think was actually around the same time that the news and excitement was first posted and discussed on here about Sydney Zoo Blacktown going ahead and being in the works (one now up and running and open to visitors or five years now, the other still unfortunately a yet to be realised concept strongly wanted by many of us).

It's been a bit over 8 years now since the idea seemed to lose its momentum in being publicly promoted as a possibility, so really hoping too that it is once again revived in suggesting and gains same public support and pledges of financial backing to make happen by the WA government hopefully. Could very much see the idea of Common hippos being one of the majorly sought after species for if that open range zoo does actually get established in not too distant future.

Or some exciting and talented + experienced animal care industry people with similar creative drive as the private zoo proprietors we know in our region, set up a zoo of a similar size and design to Altina say in the south-west region of WA (certainly would hope the state government of WA no matter which party is in operational tenure of, would find the funds to donate to as much as is possible if an open range zoo in WA did come into existance but as a privately owned-operated facility).

From what I can recall it never went ahead because of a lack of money to buy the land that was wanted. I had hoped that one of the Billionaire's in WA might have donated it for the WA public.
I believe that a 4th open range zoo within the country would be a major plus
for working with the really large game type species like Rhinos, Hippos and elephants, it just gives more options to any breeding programs as we see now with Werribee and Monarto zoo joining in with keeping Hippos and Asian elephants

Plans for Perth’s open range zoo were canned in 2017:

Perth’s open-range zoo is cancelled

The McGowan Government does not intend to proceed with former premier Colin Barnett’s plan for an open-range zoo in Lower Chittering.

Environment Minister Stephen Dawson this week confirmed the development of the open-range concept was not part of the Labor Government’s election commitments.

Mr Barnett’s plan was to use 700ha of land vested with the Department of Parks and Wildlife in the embankments of the Avon Valley to display elephants, bears, lions, pygmy hippopotamuses, baboons, giraffes and Australian animals.

 

[steveroberts]

@Zoofan15 @Zorro

re with WA as a statedone very well with its mining minerals resources wealth and has multiple multi-millionaires (and believe about 8 billionaires) and surely the idea could still of become an actual reality with the right backing from those people as a gift to the people of the state seeing as things like that have been done before for the benefit of the population of a city or state or country (the state government of course would still be expected to finance in whatever capacity it could towards, hopefully considerable, albeit health & education and other stuff needs all the financing it can too obvs').

With Hippos though, was only now that you found the article again Zoofan' thanks man, appreciate: that realise it was Pygmy hippos who were in the list of animals suggested for. My personal recollection of got muddled up and thought it had been specifically Common/River', given the open range setup being optimal for them (but obviously Pygmy hippos would thrive there too, think was caught up on what was saying before about noticing the popularity with Pygmy hippos as city zoo ungulates who have remained through the phase out era intensity of recent times).

Am curious if was ever suggested during the pre public announcement discussions as to whether they could house a small pod or a 1.1 pair (& offspring) of Common hippos too (or instead of initially); but with the successful ira we're all celebrating from last month, at that time was still almost a decade away from being approved (and correct me if wrong, hadnt been submitted for assessment yet at that time), and Pygmy hippos being the more prevalent species still, in the country, was why they went with in the planning.

 

[Zorro]

@Zorro

I remember my mum who wasnt a zoo person but most definitely an animal lover (and patiently supported-sometimes tolerated which was good enough imo lol) having me also animal lover but raving about zoos almost from day dot, telling her about the plans for the open range zoo in WA (am from there originally and she lived there for many years, think she was much more onboard with the open range zoos, Dubbo being the only one she ever said was fantastic when we visited) and when mentioned the idea had been 'tabled' indefinitely, she brought up the point about as a state WA has done very well with its mineral resources wealth and has multiple multi-millionaires (and believe about 8 billionaires) and surely the idea could still of become an actual reality with the right backing from those people as a gift to the people of the state seeing as things like that have been done before for the benefit of the population of a city or state or country.

This country is certainly the right place to have an open range zoo,When the Western Plains zoo opened in 1977 I was amazed by it as to compared to the big city zoos where many range type animals were still are somewhat cramped, the WPZ was like a breath of fresh air, even the Giraffes appeared to be better in a acreage paddock also seeing three adult Hippos sleeping on an Island in a lake looked great compared to the all concrete bathtubs they had at Taronga zoo.
I was 100% fully against the Thai elephants going to Taronga and Melbourne zoos. they should have gone to the open range zoo to start with as I said at the time.
As far as I am concerned the Monarto zoo is doing everything right as far as I can tell, Its a bench mark for other open range zoos to follow!

 

[Zoofan15]

@Zoofan15 @Zorro

I remember my mum who wasnt a zoo person but most definitely an animal lover (and patiently supported-sometimes tolerated my zoo talk which was good enough imo lol) having me also animal lover but raving about zoos almost from day dot, telling her about the plans for the open range zoo in WA (am from there {Perth} originally and she lived there for many years, think she was much more onboard with the open range zoos, Dubbo being the only one she ever said was fantastic when we visited) and when mentioned the idea had been 'tabled' indefinitely, she brought up the point about as a state WA has done very well with its mining minerals resources wealth and has multiple multi-millionaires (and believe about 8 billionaires) and surely the idea could still of become an actual reality with the right backing from those people as a gift to the people of the state seeing as things like that have been done before for the benefit of the population of a city or state or country (the state government of course would still be expected to finance in whatever capacity it could towards, hopefully considerable, albeit health & education and other stuff needs all the financing it can too obvs').

With Hippos though, was only now that you found the article again Zoofan' thanks man, appreciate: that realise it was Pygmy hippos who were in the list of animals suggested for. My personal recollection of got muddled up and thought it had been specifically Common/River', given the open range setup being optimal for them (but obviously Pygmy hippos would thrive there too, think was caught up on what was saying before about noticing the popularity with Pygmy hippos as city zoo ungulates who have remained through the phase out era intensity of recent times).

Am curious if was ever suggested during the pre public announcement discussions as to whether they could house a small pod or a 1.1 pair (& offspring) of Common hippos too (or instead of initially); but with the successful ira we're all celebrating from last month, at that time was still almost a decade away from being approved (and correct me if wrong, hadnt been submitted for assessment yet at that time), and Pygmy hippos being the more prevalent species still, in the country, was why they went with in the planning.

I think your idea of housing Common hippopotamus at the open range zoo would have been better than the proposed Pygmy hippopotamus as there would have been more than enough room for the larger hippo species - a luxury nearly ever city zoo in the region lacks. Like you point out, this was presumably influenced by a lack of surplus Common hippopotamus at the time.

Had this gone ahead earlier (i.e. at least by early 2010’s), they could have taken in Tippi (2004) and built a pod around him and a female - perhaps Brindabella (1990), who didn’t produce surviving offspring at Werribee until 2013. A bull calf could have then returned to Werribee in the mid-2010’s after the death of Harold in 2014; and sired offspring to their remaining trio of cows (Primrose, Lotus and Tulip). Either the Perth open range site or the Werribee site could have in turn supplied both Sydney and Monarto with hippopotami.

As a side note, the best way to building up a cohesive Common hippopotamus pod is clearly to retain offspring within a single female line, ideally breeding a number of calves in succession so reintroduction time of the mother and calf to siblings can be reduced. However, noting Auckland Zoo maintained a cohesive 1.1 pair consisting of a mother and her castrated son without issue, it wouldn’t surprise me if we see this replicated again in the future. Bull calves will inevitably be produced and demand for them will presumably be limited to a bull each for Monarto and Dubbo (and that’s only assuming neither import).

 

[Zorro]

My contacts have told me they have no plans for Pygmy hippos or River Hippos, Unfortunately!

I contacted the Perth zoo directly about if there was any possibly of the zoo obtaining Pygmy Hippos at any stage and its a negative as I already had heard!

 

[Zoofan15]

I contacted the Perth zoo directly about if there was any possibly of the zoo obtaining Pygmy Hippos at any stage and its a negative as I already had heard!

That makes sense considering they don’t feature on the masterplan. It couldn’t have totally been ruled out given the masterplan was drawn up prior to the IRA being approved; but clearly Perth are content with the numerous species they will be accommodating in high quality exhibits going forward - mainly focussed on South East Asian rainforest and (African) Savannah species.

 

[steveroberts]

I contacted the Perth zoo directly about if there was any possibly of the zoo obtaining Pygmy Hippos at any stage and its a negative as I already had heard!

Its a real shame as they would be a good species for the zoo (personally think the 'Oak lawn' would be a great location to build 2 or 3 conjoined Pygmy hippo habitats); but if they're not in the plans: then they're not in the plans (do wonder perhaps if once Permai and Putra Mas are in Monarto, if a considerable number of visitors to the zoo will begin to feel that the number of exotic species at the zoo is indeed at a considerably minimal number). It's good to prioritise certain species meaning they get more living space: but do feel there is room for some new or returning species to Perth Zoo, even just a couple.

 

[Zorro]

Its a real shame as they would be a good species for the zoo (personally think the 'Oak lawn' would be a great location to build 2 or 3 conjoined Pygmy hippo habitats); but if they're not in the plans: then they're not in the plans (do wonder perhaps if once Permai and Putra Mas are in Monarto, if a considerable number of visitors to the zoo will begin to feel that the number of exotic species at the zoo is indeed at a considerably minimal number).

Absolutely agree!

 

[Tiger91]

Its a real shame as they would be a good species for the zoo (personally think the 'Oak lawn' would be a great location to build 2 or 3 conjoined Pygmy hippo habitats); but if they're not in the plans: then they're not in the plans (do wonder perhaps if once Permai and Putra Mas are in Monarto, if a considerable number of visitors to the zoo will begin to feel that the number of exotic species at the zoo is indeed at a considerably minimal number). It's good to prioritise certain species meaning they get more living space: but do feel there is room for some new or returning species to Perth Zoo, even just a couple.

Perth zoo doesnt have any majour competitors near it, so as long as it has orangs, gibbons, lions, tigers, rhino, giraffe and a species of lemur/monkey or two. People won't care.
Even with the elephants gone it still has a decent exotic collection, but it is very quickly falling into the same trap as Taronga. Mininmal species, maximum space for humans.