Taronga Zoo Future of Taronga Zoo (Speculation / Fantasy)

[Jambo]

Unless there are imports - there won't be any Bongo for Taronga to hold.... I'd like to see that space given to the Pygmy Hippos maybe with another pool at the far end of that exhibit.

Concerning Gung's habitat I personally don't see any major changes being made to it going forward. The train will still run until the new sky safari ride is complete which is still likely years away. There were talks of using this area as a 'third' sky safari stop although I'm not aware of how far into the plans this got.

It's good enough sized to be fit for another Pygmy Hippo exhibit. Maybe then they can afford to merge the current two exhibits together to form one.

I also recall hearing initial plans about the sky safari receiving a third stop at the opposite end of the zoo, however from the looks of it with recent announcements, this is no longer on the cards. Instead, a new route is being planned down to the bottom - I wonder whether any plans for a gorilla expansion may have any ruling towards this.

 

[Zoofan15]

It's good enough sized to be fit for another Pygmy Hippo exhibit. Maybe then they can afford to merge the current two exhibits together to form one.

I also recall hearing initial plans about the sky safari receiving a third stop at the opposite end of the zoo, however from the looks of it with recent announcements, this is no longer on the cards. Instead, a new route is being planned down to the bottom - I wonder whether any plans for a gorilla expansion may have any ruling towards this.

The Sky Safari has received a reasonable amount of opposition as reported in recent months, so it’ll be interesting to see what eventuates. Personally I didn’t miss its absence on my visits, but acknowledge its value - especially to those requiring assistance in getting around the zoo. It is/was regionally a unique feature.

New gorilla exhibits would certainly prove a greater draw to the zoo in my opinion.

 

[Trua]

The Sky Safari has received a reasonable amount of opposition as reported in recent months, so it’ll be interesting to see what eventuates. Personally I didn’t miss its absence on my visits, but acknowledge its value - especially to those requiring assistance in getting around the zoo. It is/was regionally a unique feature.

New gorilla exhibits would certainly prove a greater draw to the zoo in my opinion.

There is a lift to the lower portion of the zoo now so I can grasp why there has been a lot of debate on whether a new sky safari is really needed.

It's a very costly operation to run and to be entirely truthful, it hasn't ever got as much use as it probably should. It pretty much got to the point where it was mainly used to sight see the city and the harbour.

 

[Jambo]

There is a lift to the lower portion of the zoo now so I can grasp why there has been a lot of debate on whether a new sky safari is really needed.

It's a very costly operation to run and to be entirely truthful, it hasn't ever got as much use as it probably should. It pretty much got to the point where it was mainly used to sight see the city and the harbour.

During my last few visits to the zoo when the Sky Safari was still in operation, I took it multiple times. And I do admit, it was mainly for the view. Which is beautiful up there. And it was also really cool to clock the zoo from a birds eye view; getting to see the overall layout from a more intriguing perspective.

 

[Zoofan15]

During my last few visits to the zoo when the Sky Safari was still in operation, I took it multiple times. And I do admit, it was mainly for the view. Which is beautiful up there. And it was also really cool to clock the zoo from a birds eye view; getting to see the overall layout from a more intriguing perspective.

Though there’s no space for one at Taronga, I’ve often thought a mono-rail would greatly enhance Taronga Western Plains Zoo; and to a greater extent, Monarto Safari Park, albeit with the latter having a Safari Bus in place. Chester Zoo’s mono-rail was extremely popular and they wouldn’t encounter the cold weather related closures that afflict North American and European zoos.

 

[Tiger91]

Though there’s no space for one at Taronga, I’ve often thought a mono-rail would greatly enhance Taronga Western Plains Zoo; and to a greater extent, Monarto Safari Park, albeit with the latter having a Safari Bus in place. Chester Zoo’s mono-rail was extremely popular and they wouldn’t encounter the cold weather related closures that afflict North American and European zoos.

Of memory when they were taking down the old monorail that was in Sydneys CBD, there was talk of putting it at taronga to ferry people from the station to the main entrance. I can't remember why it never eventuated.

 

[Zoofan15]

Of memory when they were taking down the old monorail that was in Sydneys CBD, there was talk of putting it at taronga to ferry people from the station to the main entrance. I can't remember why it never eventuated.

That’s not a bad idea, though I was perfectly happy entering the zoo via the Lower Entrance each time on my two visits a couple of months ago. I did however seek out the Main entrance on my second visit to admire the architecture.

Either way, a bus serves this purpose for transporting people from the ferry terminal to the Main Entrance.

 

[Tiger91]

That’s not a bad idea, though I was perfectly happy entering the zoo via the Lower Entrance each time on my two visits a couple of months ago. I did however seek out the Main entrance on my second visit to admire the architecture.

Either way, a bus serves this purpose for transporting people from the ferry terminal to the Main Entrance.

Yes the bus works well. However there was a fairly decent while where the lower entrance was closed. You had to enter via the top entrance but could exit via the bottom one.
A monorail would just give a more impressive view of the views and the zoo from the sky, which the sky safari does anyway.

 

[Zoofan15]

Mind you ; when I visited last Monday ; I asked one of the workers down by the former camel / elephant exhibit and she said that it was brought up in conversation as they don’t like to be on display and in “the public eye” . She then followed up by saying that the current Gorilla exhibit would be merged into the newly constructed ARC .

So if I understand correctly, in the event Taronga’s gorillas were phased out, the site of the gorilla exhibit could become an extension of the ARC. Though it already has a handful of outdoor exhibits, one of the most glaring omissions from the ARC (aside from Philippine crocodile) was the Komodo dragon.

As much as I think gorillas would be a loss to the zoo, the prospect of being able to potentially build a large Komodo dragon complex is exciting, with outdoor exhibits for a minimum of a breeding pair; serviced by indoor rooms and a grow out exhibit for any young produced could serve them well. This could be supported by a crèche for new hatchlings/yearlings in the ARC.

 

[Younesmark]

Hey All !

Marco here ! Apologies for the sudden interjection- I was inactive for almost ten years and recently reactivated my account after resurrecting my animal related passion .

long story short ; is everyone content with the rhino and buffalo occupying the elephants exhibit once the elephants move to Monarto ?

Hear me out ; why do I envision the space being better suited to a pod of hippos ? The habitat wouldn’t need major renovations and considering the IRA is complete ; Taronga would have the opportunity to import a formerly kept species and much needed bloodlines .

And for the former camel exhibit ( previously housing elephants ; then giraffes) ; shift the rhinos over there with a few other species such as buffalo , scimitar- horned oryx or Nyala . Of course ; for as long as the animals are compatible with each other and revisions are made to the exhibit to include more brush and to make it more naturalistic .


And is it too much to ask to bring back the Barbary sheep and the Himalayan Tahr ?? those exhibits were crackerrrrrrrr !


Wish I was born in the 70’s when the zoos were a lot more diverse than what they are today !

 

[Younesmark]

So if I understand correctly, in the event Taronga’s gorillas were phased out, the site of the gorilla exhibit could become an extension of the ARC. Though it already has a handful of outdoor exhibits, one of the most glaring omissions from the ARC (aside from Philippine crocodile) was the Komodo dragon.

As much as I think gorillas would be a loss to the zoo, the prospect of being able to potentially build a large Komodo dragon complex is exciting, with outdoor exhibits for a minimum of a breeding pair; serviced by indoor rooms and a grow out exhibit for any young produced could serve them well. This could be supported by a crèche for new hatchlings/yearlings in the ARC.

Much prefer the gorillas ! surely the can rid the floral lawn or find space elsewhere to build a reasonable breeding enclosure for Komodos

 

[Zoofan15]

Hey All !

Marco here ! Apologies for the sudden interjection- I was inactive for almost ten years and recently reactivated my account after resurrecting my animal related passion .

long story short ; is everyone content with the rhino and buffalo occupying the elephants exhibit once the elephants move to Monarto ?

Hear me out ; why do I envision the space being better suited to a pod of hippos ? The habitat wouldn’t need major renovations and considering the IRA is complete ; Taronga would have the opportunity to import a formerly kept species and much needed bloodlines .

And for the former camel exhibit ( previously housing elephants ; then giraffes) ; shift the rhinos over there with a few other species such as buffalo , scimitar- horned oryx , Nyala . Of course ; for as long as the animals are comparable and revisions are made to the exhibit to include more brush and to make it more naturalistic .


And is it too much to ask to bring back the Barbary sheep and the Himalayan Tahr ?? those exhibits were crackerrrrrrrr !


Wish I was born in the 70’s when the zoos were a lot more diverse than what they are today !

Welcome back Marco! I’m glad to hear you rediscovered your interest in zoology and hope you enjoy your time here.

The replacement of Asian elephant with Indian rhinoceros is actually the most exciting replacement that’s yet to be announced by any of the zoos phasing out elephants. Auckland and Perth for example are expanding their savannahs to accomodate species like Southern white rhinoceros, which have been at those respective zoos for decades.

I’d love to see tahr etc return to Taronga; but as magnificent as Tahr Mountaim was, I understand it’d reached the end of its lifespan and was no longer suitable for them.

 

[Jambo]

Hear me out ; why do I envision the space being better suited to a pod of hippos ? The habitat wouldn’t need major renovations and considering the IRA is complete ; Taronga would have the opportunity to import a formerly kept species and much needed bloodlines .

Since the Elephant complex borders on the current Pygmy Hippo complex I've previously mentioned on here that it would be my preference for them to utilise at least the lower half of the elephant exhibit apart of an expansion of the current facilities. The exhibit would require little to no renovation, they even have a decent sized pool there too.

Hari (the Indian Rhino) could easily still occupy the main exhibit.

 

[Zoofan15]

Since the Elephant complex borders on the current Pygmy Hippo complex I've previously mentioned on here that it would be my preference for them to utilise at least the lower half of the elephant exhibit apart of an expansion of the current facilities. The exhibit would require little to no renovation, they even have a decent sized pool there too.

Hari (the Indian Rhino) could easily still occupy the main exhibit.

I’m optimistic that the elephant complex (with two paddocks) could long term be used to manage a breeding pair of Indian rhinoceros, though I acknowledge it’s more likely this will continue solely via the Dubbo site - with the water buffalo keeping Hari company for the foreseeable.

I’ve long favoured Gung’s exhibit as a site for Pygmy hippopotamus pools. There’s adequate space to build a minimum of three to four exhibits and it’s a rare flat expanse of land.

 

[Younesmark]

Welcome back Marco! I’m glad to hear you rediscovered your interest in zoology and hope you enjoy your time here.

The replacement of Asian elephant with Indian rhinoceros is actually the most exciting replacement that’s yet to be announced by any of the zoos phasing out elephants. Auckland and Perth for example are expanding their savannahs to accomodate species like Southern white rhinoceros, which have been at those respective zoos for decades.

I’d love to see tahr etc return to Taronga; but as magnificent as Tahr Mountaim was, I understand it’d reached the end of its lifespan and was no longer suitable for them.

Thank you While I do admire the prehistoric look of the Indian rhino ; the reason why I am not in favour for it is because I don’t believe it will be managed long term as there are no other facilities other than TWPZ holding them ?

What are the current numbers ? 2:1 being parents and offspring ?

I’d hate to get my hopes high only to have them phased out

 

[Zoofan15]

Thank you While I do admire the prehistoric look of the Indian rhino ; the reason why I am not in favour for it is because I don’t believe it will be managed long term as there are no other facilities other than TWPZ holding them ?

What are the current numbers ? 2:1 being parents and offspring ?

I’d hate to get my hopes high only to have them phased out

Yes, you’re correct that Hari’s parents are the only other Indian rhinoceros in the region, totalling 2.1 rhinos.

While it would be nice to see a mate imported for Hari, what I’d rather see is a second founder pair imported to give some semblance of semi-sustainable population via matches of first generation offspring.

Having additional holders such as Werribee and Monarto come on board would be ideal and support a larger and more sustainable population long term. I had hoped Werribee’s elephant complex (with five paddocks and an additional play space) could have been used to accomodate a breeding pair until the elephants required use of an additional paddock; but the plans are for the elephants to have the run of all the paddocks, which I acknowledge will be highly exciting for them.

 

[Younesmark]

Yes, you’re correct that Hari’s parents are the only other Indian rhinoceros in the region, totalling 2.1 rhinos.

While it would be nice to see a mate imported for Hari, what I’d rather see is a second founder pair imported to give some semblance of semi-sustainable population via matches of first generation offspring.

Having additional holders such as Werribee and Monarto come on board would be ideal and support a larger and more sustainable population long term.

SAME !

I wish Werribee , Monarto , TWPZ , Sydney zoo and Taronga were to import unrelated individuals to maintain healthy populations without the need for regular inbreeding or supplementary imports .

 

[Zoofan15]

SAME !

I wish Werribee , Monarto , TWPZ , Sydney zoo and Taronga were to import unrelated individuals to maintain healthy populations without the need for regular inbreeding or supplementary imports .

Similarly, there is now a prime opportunity to establish a genetically diverse population of Common hippopotamus in the region via the completed IRA.

As a starting point, Werribee will be importing a bull; Dubbo’s intentions are unclear; while it appears Monarto will wait to receive a bull calf from Werribee. I acknowledge that if all three of the above zoos imported, they would struggle to place their respective surplus; but it’d be a shame to revert back to inbreeding after one generation.

What I hope most of all is that a new founder will emerge (such as Australia Zoo), which could enable the import of a 1.1 pair (brining a valuable new female line into the region).

 

[Younesmark]

Similarly, there is now a prime opportunity to establish a genetically diverse population of Common hippopotamus in the region via the completed IRA.

As a starting point, Werribee will be importing a bull; Dubbo’s intentions are unclear; while it appears Monarto will wait to receive a bull calf from Werribee. I acknowledge that if all three of the above zoos imported, they would struggle to place their respective surplus; but it’d be a shame to revert back to inbreeding after one generation.

What I hope most of all is that a new founder will emerge (such as Australia Zoo), which could enable the import of a 1.1 pair (brining a valuable new female line into the region).

Fingers crossed before a new virus or outbreak comes into existence and a hippo ban comes into place !

n Surely then open range zoos have sufficient space or surplus can be housed on a private acreage .

@Steve Robinson any space where you at mate

 

[Zoofan15]

Fingers crossed before a new virus or outbreak comes into existence and a hippo ban comes into place !

n Surely then open range zoos have sufficient space or surplus can be housed on a private acreage .

That would indeed be devastating. It’s time to make hay while the sun shines and take advantage of the opportunities this IRA offers.

I had hoped to have seen some Bovid imports four years on from the completion of the corresponding IRA. The regional bongo population is in dire straights; with no viable females left in the region, following the birth of the last breeding female at Dubbo.

Furthmore, I had hoped that with Auatralia not getting a Giraffe IRA anytime soon, that consideration could be given to importing via New Zealand, which completed its Giraffe IRA sometime ago.