Perth Zoo Perth Zoo - General Discussion and Speculation

[Zoofan15]

Perth Zoo - General Discussion and Speculation

Introduction:

With the elephants leaving this year, the future direction of the zoo is very much a topic of interest at the moment. So as not to de-rail the news thread with irrelevant (non-news) posts, I have created this thread for the purpose of discussion, asking questions and speculation.

Links of interest:

A Future Vision For Perth Zoo

https://perthzoo.wa.gov.au/PerthZooWebsite/media/PerthZoo/All PDFs/8331-Master-Plan-RCII_A4-Digital-Brochure_website.pdf

Population lists:

Links to population lists of several species in the region can be found here:

Australasian Population List Index

These lists will answer the majority of questions regarding current holdings.

 

[Zorro]

Hopefully they will consider a pair of Pygmy Hippo in the future!

 

[Zoofan15]

Does anyone know if Perth zoo expands the Lion exhibit would the zoo get more lions maybe a breeding pair from Monarto or Taronga wp?

The future of lions at Perth Zoo:

The current lion exhibit underwent a two stage expansion a few years ago:

Stage 1 was completed in 2017
Stage 2 was completed in 2018

It was mentioned at the time that the expansion would increase the capacity of the lion facilities to eight lions and enable breeding. The original plan was to acquire a male/s to breed with the then young lionesses transferred in from Dubbo.

Instead, Perth received a male related to the lionesses and hold a non-breeding pride:

1.0 Jelani (24/04/2013) Leroy x Tiombe
0.1 Makeba (28/02/2015) Lazarus x Maya
0.1 Uzuri (28/02/2015) Lazarus x Maya

I don’t consider it likely the zoo will further expand this exhibit. The current (non-breeding) pride could potentially live up to a decade and so there’s every reason to believe Perth will continue as they are.

Lion breeding is increasingly undertaken by open range zoos in the region - with all three of Australia’s open range zoos breeding in 2023. It’s not hard to imagine that upon the deaths of these lions, Perth will acquire a small pride of 3-4 siblings from one of the open range zoos.

 

[Jaiden]

I think the Zoo should relocate Jelani back to Monarto since they had to close one of the viewing areas since he was keep on scratching the window because he is stressed being in an enclosure. I think a good option as a replacement is
Jelani (00/00/2019) - Wellington Zoo - his parents are unknown but he is a new blood line to Oceania since he was born in Denmark and if Wellington Zoo does want to breed they have two males. Or Perth zoo could have two prides one of the exhibits for Jelani,Uzuri and Makeba and the other Lion exhibit can be for Jelani from Wellington and some other breeding females possibly from Monarto.

 

[Zoofan15]

I think the Zoo should relocate Jelani back to Monarto since they had to close one of the viewing areas since he was keep on scratching the window because he is stressed being in an enclosure. I think a good option as a replacement is
Jelani (00/00/2019) - Wellington Zoo - his parents are unknown but he is a new blood line to Oceania since he was born in Denmark and if Wellington Zoo does want to breed they have two males. Or Perth zoo could have two prides one of the exhibits for Jelani,Uzuri and Makeba and the other Lion exhibit can be for Jelani from Wellington and some other breeding females possibly from Monarto.

That’s interesting. Jelani did of course grow up in an open range zoo, so with that being what he’s familiar with, it could indeed be stress. I recall Taronga noting the reverse with a tigress they used to have, who disliked being in an open range environment; and so was transferred from Dubbo to Taronga.

Jelani was the ideal candidate to head up this pride as the death of his older brother (and transfering out of his half-brother) meant he was otherwise alone at Monarto. Monarto have created a small sub pride of two lionesses that were taken out of the main pride due to fighting; along with their two young adult brothers. If those males were sent to Adelaide in the future, that would be an ideal opportunity to merge Jelani with those females (his nieces). The only problem with this idea is Perth’s females are 10 years old. Once they cease cycling (which could be as soon as 2-3 years time), it will be difficult to introduce an unrelated male; and we know Adelaide’s exhibit won’t be ready for at least 2-3 years yet.

At this point in time, Wellington Zoo plan to retain their males - with long term plans to expand their exhibit (and receive females).

 

[ramsayi]

That viewing area would have likley not been closed if people didnt try to encourage Jelani to attack the glass (i was told people kept banging on the glass).

the issue isnt just that covid ment the two USA males couldn't come its also the enclosure sizeing for breeding changed and now perth zoo isn't big enough to (mentioned to me by vollenteer)

it's also not a bad thing for perth to be a holding zoo , while breeding is nice the animals bred need a place to go to, perth having a current small pride could mean homes for lions bred in the open range zoos

 

[Zoofan15]

That viewing area would have likley not been closed if people didnt try to encourage Jelani to attack the glass (i was told people kept banging on the glass).

the issue isnt just that covid ment the two USA males couldn't come its also the enclosure sizeing for breeding changed and now perth zoo isn't big enough to (mentioned to me by vollenteer)

it's also not a bad thing for perth to be a holding zoo , while breeding is nice the animals bred need a place to go to, perth having a current small pride could mean homes for lions bred in the open range zoos

I had suspected as much re. the exhibit no longer being suitable for breeding. Exhibit standards are constantly evolving and the upgrades were planned to standards of close to a decade ago. Going back further, Auckland Zoo had one of the best exhibits in the region and bred four litters of cubs in the 2000’s. It’s now deemed suitable for a small non-breeding pride.

As I mentioned previously, breeding of African lions is more commonly being undertaken by the open range zoos. Around 2-4 years is when the cats reach social maturity and seems to be when hierarchy disputes flare up the most (adolescent lionesses coming through and challenging older lionesses). While the goal of Monarto (and more recently Dubbo) has been to create large cohesive prides, it’s inevitable conflicts will necessitate the removal of some females along the way (as well as males), which is a perfect opportunity for a city zoo to acquire a non-breeding pride.

 

[Jaiden]

Hopefully they will consider a pair of Pygmy Hippo in the future!

Hi @Zorro, I can see Perth zoo bringing in Pygmy hippos especially with the upcoming Perth Zoo African Savannah expansion I can see Perth bringing a breeding pair of Pygmy Hippos most likely the exhibit that the Elephant amphitheater views the exhibit would most likely take up the amphitheater and the exhibit.

I think good options would be 1.0 Obi (2015, Adelaide Zoo) 0.1 Karina (2017, Darling Downs Zoo) . The exhibit would turn out well if it has lush vegetation and Large amount of water and land. The exhibit would roughly be
Perimeter 202.03 and Area 2,1836 m which is a decent sized exhibit for breeding Pygmy Hippos.

 

[Zoofan15]

Hi @Zorro, I can see Perth zoo bringing in Pygmy hippos especially with the upcoming Perth Zoo African Savannah expansion I can see Perth bringing a breeding pair of Pygmy Hippos most likely the exhibit that the Elephant amphitheater views the exhibit would most likely take up the amphitheater and the exhibit.

I think good options would be 1.0 Obi (2015, Adelaide Zoo) 0.1 Karina (2017, Darling Downs Zoo) . The exhibit would turn out well if it has lush vegetation and Large amount of water and land. The exhibit would roughly be
Perimeter 202.03 and Area 2,1836 m which is a decent sized exhibit for breeding Pygmy Hippos.

Pygmy hippopotamus aren’t in the current plans and the African savannah extension will be focussed on extending the giraffe and rhinoceros paddocks respectively. Though this isn’t to say Pygmy hippopotamus won’t be held at Perth Zoo in the long term future.

Darling Downs Zoo will be retaining Kamina and plan to import a male in the near future. In the event Perth receive Pygmy hippopotamus in the future, I suspect it will be calves bred from the upcoming imports. Melbourne have the space to hold a breeding pair, so they’d be my next guess (after Darling Downs Zoo) for importing a mate for their hippo.

 

[Jaiden]

Does anyone know what would be apart of the Entry village? I will show a image below with what I know

 

[Zoofan15]

Does anyone know what would be apart of the Entry village? I will show a image below with what I knowView attachment 776068

These all sound like typical entry precinct species. Though the Slender-tailed meerkat have an exhibit planned within the African precinct (running parallel to the playground), it would come as no surprise to see an additional exhibit pop up in the entry precinct to accomodate multiple groups of this species. If we’re being really ambitious, perhaps coati; though something in Amazonia may be better - to compliment the adjacent South American exhibits.

The Ring-tailed lemur lighthouse looks very intriguing! Efficiency of space is essential in a city zoo, so taking advantage of them being adept climbers is a great idea to build an innovative exhibit like this.

 

[Zorro]

Hi @Zorro, I can see Perth zoo bringing in Pygmy hippos especially with the upcoming Perth Zoo African Savannah expansion I can see Perth bringing a breeding pair of Pygmy Hippos most likely the exhibit that the Elephant amphitheater views the exhibit would most likely take up the amphitheater and the exhibit.

I think good options would be 1.0 Obi (2015, Adelaide Zoo) 0.1 Karina (2017, Darling Downs Zoo) . The exhibit would turn out well if it has lush vegetation and Large amount of water and land. The exhibit would roughly be
Perimeter 202.03 and Area 2,1836 m which is a decent sized exhibit for breeding Pygmy Hippos.

I contacted the Perth zoo a couple of weeks ago directly and they stated they are not on their current plans but I would not be surprised that if the Pygmy Hippos do start breeding ok after the imports arrive I would expect them to show some interest in them!

 

[Jaiden]

@Zoofan15,
**“Yeah, having another meerkat exhibit in the entry precinct makes a lot of sense, especially if it helps manage multiple groups. Even though they’re already planned for the African section, having them right at the entrance could be a great way to draw people in.

Coati would be awesome too! But I agree—they’d probably be a better fit in Amazonia to tie in with the South American exhibits.

Glad you like the Ring-tailed lemur lighthouse! Since space is limited in a city zoo, I wanted to make the most of their climbing abilities to create something really fun and engaging.

On another note, I’m really curious to see what Perth Zoo does with their Asian Rainforest

Yeah, I think adding a secondary meerkat exhibit in the entry precinct is a smart move—it’d really allow multiple groups to be showcased right at the front door. We already have them lined up for the African precinct, but an extra exhibit near the entrance could really boost the visitor experience.


I also love the idea of including coati, though they might work better in an Amazonia setting to complement the South American exhibits. And the Ring-tailed lemur lighthouse? Super intriguing! It’s a clever way to use vertical space, especially in a city zoo where every square meter counts.


On a related note, I’m really curious about Perth Zoo’s upcoming Asian Rainforest redevelopment. They’ve done such an awesome job with immersive habitats before—how do you think they’ll approach this new project? Any thoughts on what innovative elements they might introduce?

 

[Zoofan15]

@Zoofan15,
**“Yeah, having another meerkat exhibit in the entry precinct makes a lot of sense, especially if it helps manage multiple groups. Even though they’re already planned for the African section, having them right at the entrance could be a great way to draw people in.

Coati would be awesome too! But I agree—they’d probably be a better fit in Amazonia to tie in with the South American exhibits.

Glad you like the Ring-tailed lemur lighthouse! Since space is limited in a city zoo, I wanted to make the most of their climbing abilities to create something really fun and engaging.

On another note, I’m really curious to see what Perth Zoo does with their Asian Rainforest

Yeah, I think adding a secondary meerkat exhibit in the entry precinct is a smart move—it’d really allow multiple groups to be showcased right at the front door. We already have them lined up for the African precinct, but an extra exhibit near the entrance could really boost the visitor experience.


I also love the idea of including coati, though they might work better in an Amazonia setting to complement the South American exhibits. And the Ring-tailed lemur lighthouse? Super intriguing! It’s a clever way to use vertical space, especially in a city zoo where every square meter counts.


On a related note, I’m really curious about Perth Zoo’s upcoming Asian Rainforest redevelopment. They’ve done such an awesome job with immersive habitats before—how do you think they’ll approach this new project? Any thoughts on what innovative elements they might introduce?

Linking in with the Primate Crossing concepts of arboreal pathways, my main expectation of the orangutan redevelopment is for aerial lines. I think it’s reasonable to assume that this will be their version of rotational exhibits for large carnivores. There’s suggestion in the masterplan they will implement this; though interestingly, the orangutan overpasses appear to be fully enclosed.

I still think there’s some value in rotational exhibit for carnivores, but my predication is sun bears won’t be included in these plans long term; but rather replaced with additional capacity for tigers. It was clear from visiting Taronga’s Tiger Trek that the tigers gained immense benefit from rotating exhibits, with their pair I saw in the Fig Tree exhibit intent on scent marking and smelling where previous tigers had been. Sumatran tigers are popular with the public and increasing their capacity will enable breeding (something which wouldn’t have been an option had they been rotating with sun bear).

Perth will no doubt accomodate their sun bears for the rest of their natural lives (Jamran is especially sensitive to change); but facing a lack of options for sourcing more, a phase out seems inevitable.

 

[Johnpaul21]

I think the Zoo should relocate Jelani back to Monarto since they had to close one of the viewing areas since he was keep on scratching the window because he is stressed being in an enclosure. I think a good option as a replacement is
Jelani (00/00/2019) - Wellington Zoo - his parents are unknown but he is a new blood line to Oceania since he was born in Denmark and if Wellington Zoo does want to breed they have two males. Or Perth zoo could have two prides one of the exhibits for Jelani,Uzuri and Makeba and the other Lion exhibit can be for Jelani from Wellington and some other breeding females possibly from Monarto.

Hey Jaiden,

I honestly couldn't agree more personally I think It was a waste of time money and resources to bring over Jelani just from him to be non breeding and an highly strung stressed lion compared to Nelson and Mandela (the previous males at PZ) who were very chill and only really Mandela was vocal between the pair but they were a lot more visible and relaxed lions compared to Jelani.

 

[Johnpaul21]

But I cant lie having two males called Jelani may get a bit confusing but that is certainly a good idea Jaiden.

 

[Jambo]

Hey Jaiden,

I honestly couldn't agree more personally I think It was a waste of time money and resources to bring over Jelani just from him to be non breeding and an highly strung stressed lion compared to Nelson and Mandela (the previous males at PZ) who were very chill and only really Mandela was vocal between the pair but they were a lot more visible and relaxed lions compared to Jelani.

At the time, Jelani was really one of the only options regionally for transfer unless Monarto went through with plans to further acquire males from overseas.

Despite this, it's quite clear they've deemed the current complex inadequate for breeding and it'll therefore remain as a holding facility for the foreseeable.

 

[Zoofan15]

At the time, Jelani was really one of the only options regionally for transfer unless Monarto went through with plans to further acquire males from overseas.

Despite this, it's quite clear they've deemed the current complex inadequate for breeding and it'll therefore remain as a holding facility for the foreseeable.

Demographically it was a good move. It added a male to Perth’s pride and provided them with a third lion within two years of the age of their lionesses.

There’s been several cases in recent years where lions have been euthanised the same day as their last pride mate (to avoid leaving the other on its own). Having three lions around the same age offers a greater chance at least two will survive to late teens/early twenties than if they had just two lions.

The above aside, it also saves Perth’s staff daily questions asking where the male lions are at. I hear this almost every time I visit Auckland Zoo.

 

[Johnpaul21]

Demographically it was a good move. It added a male to Perth’s pride and provided them with a third lion within two years of the age of their lionesses.

There’s been several cases in recent years where lions have been euthanised the same day as their last pride mate (to avoid leaving the other on its own). Having three lions around the same age offers a greater chance at least two will survive to late teens/early twenties than if they had just two lions.

The above aside, it also saves Perth’s staff daily questions asking where the male lions are at. I hear this almost every time I visit Auckland Zoo.

Not sure Zoofan15 on what you meant by that last part on questions?

 

[Jambo]

Not sure Zoofan15 on what you meant by that last part on questions?

Auckland don't have any male Lions - just three females, hence the question.