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

[Zoofan15]

I think so too - hence why I suggested that there might not be enough space for two enclosures, instead perhaps one.

An enclosure that provides them the opportunity to be inside if they wish and maximise their climbing capabilities should be priorities. A lot of American zoos are starting to design their enclosures in this manner now, highlighting the importance of both aspects for gorillas.

Less emphasis on inside housing in Australasian zoos has presumably been due to the warmer climate compared to what gorillas are housed in throughout North American and European zoos.

However, the preference gorillas have for their indoor accomodation is abundantly clear. Something that affords them more indoor space would be ideal.

 

[Jambo]

Less emphasis on inside housing in Australasian zoos has presumably been due to the warmer climate compared to what gorillas are housed in throughout North American and European zoos.

However, the preference gorillas have for their indoor accomodation is abundantly clear. Something that affords them more indoor space would be ideal.

It would be useful to at least give them the choice - it was mentioned some individuals do indeed have preferences, and when given the choice, they decided to remain indoors.

For example, Otana absolutely hates the rain and wind! I'm sure he'll prefer a larger indoor space a lot, especially on rainy and windy days.

 

[Zoofan15]

It would be useful to at least give them the choice - it was mentioned some individuals do indeed have preferences, and when given the choice, they decided to remain indoors.

For example, Otana absolutely hates the rain and wind! I'm sure he'll prefer a larger indoor space a lot, especially on rainy and windy days.

My friend visited when Taronga’s first two infants from the new troop had been born and reported that Kibale was in the indoor room with Mbeli and her infant right next to him. Frala was across the room, but in close proximity nonetheless. Johari was outside far away from all of them. It perfectly summed up the hierarchy and preferences of the females. Johari no doubt liked being indoors too, but outdoors away from Kibale was preferable.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

If the Baboons moved to Werribee, there enclosure could be freed up for the Spider Monkeys. Possibly adding in another South American Species, could possibly hold the offspring of the Brazilian Tapir if they are imported.

I think currently it is unlikely for a Gorilla Expansion, it would be costly and unless the zoo wants to take the 3 males from Weribee it would make little sense

However the redevelopment of Tree Top Apes and Monkey seems likely in the coming years

Species
Cotton Top Tamarin- Stay in this area
Emperor Tamarin - Stay in this area
Spider Monkey- Moved into the current renovated elephant complex or H Baboon enclosure, or possibly stay in this area
Colobus - Moved into mandrill enclosure, possibly introduced with Pygmy Hippo
White cheeked Gibbon - This species best suits the Asian Precinct, either a new enclosure or using the island in the lake and expanding it.

Tree top apes and monkey then would be converted into a netted enclosure with Lizards, Birds, Tamarins and other South American species if they are imported such as the sloth. It would be a walkthrough enclosure however there could be barriers between the guest meaning that they couldn’t go into the actual enclosure.

The Elephant precinct is going to be costly to redevelop, whilst it would be great to see this completely redeveloped, for the minute the think a quicker fix is likely which should be Tapir, possibly a species of antelope and orangutan expansions

however the other possibly is that Melbourne could choose to import Greater One horned rhinos, display them for a few years once funds improve, then move them to Weribee and redo the precinct, the tapir if imported could either live in one of the elephant enclosure, or possibly in the current nyala one. The nyala would be moved to the Bongo enclosure and introduced with the giraffe

 

[Zoofan15]

If the Baboons moved to Werribee, there enclosure could be freed up for the Spider Monkeys. Possibly adding in another South American Species, could possibly hold the offspring of the Brazilian Tapir if they are imported.

I think currently it is unlikely for a Gorilla Expansion, it would be costly and unless the zoo wants to take the 3 males from Weribee it would make little sense

However the redevelopment of Tree Top Apes and Monkey seems likely in the coming years

Species
Cotton Top Tamarin- Stay in this area
Emperor Tamarin - Stay in this area
Spider Monkey- Moved into the current renovated elephant complex or H Baboon enclosure, or possibly stay in this area
Colobus - Moved into mandrill enclosure, possibly introduced with Pygmy Hippo
White cheeked Gibbon - This species best suits the Asian Precinct, either a new enclosure or using the island in the lake and expanding it.

Tree top apes and monkey then would be converted into a netted enclosure with Lizards, Birds, Tamarins and other South American species if they are imported such as the sloth. It would be a walkthrough enclosure however there could be barriers between the guest meaning that they couldn’t go into the actual enclosure.

The Elephant precinct is going to be costly to redevelop, whilst it would be great to see this completely redeveloped, for the minute the think a quicker fix is likely which should be Tapir, possibly a species of antelope and orangutan expansions

however the other possibly is that Melbourne could choose to import Greater One horned rhinos, display them for a few years once funds improve, then move them to Weribee and redo the precinct, the tapir if imported could either live in one of the elephant enclosure, or possibly in the current nyala one. The nyala would be moved to the Bongo enclosure and introduced with the giraffe

Melbourne’s Hamadryas baboon exhibit would be ideal for spider monkeys. I’d hate to see yet another zoo phase out Hamadryas baboon, so I’d only be happy with this switch if it involved accomodating the troop at Werribee Open Range Zoo (either in the gorilla exhibit or elsewhere); with the gorillas then moving to Melbourne Zoo.

A second gorilla exhibit would really rejuvenate Melbourne Zoo’s gorilla facilities. The exisiting exhibit has been there since 1990 and although it remains a fantastic exhibit, an expansion would modernise it and achieve a greater connection with visitors. It’s probably reasonable to say Western lowland gorilla are Melbourne Zoo’s biggest drawcard now the elephants are gone (followed by Snow leopard, Sumatran tiger and African lion).

Although I prefer all of your ideas, thinking about it, Zoos Victoria will probably allow Treetops to limp on in the current state while they focus on the immediate priority of TOTE. They’ve got three large empty paddocks sitting empty and that needs to be addressed - Brazilian tapir being a quick fix once imported. In a couple of years, Treetops could be redeveloped with the Xenarthra IRA providing some new options.

 

[Jambo]

Melbourne’s Hamadryas baboon exhibit would be ideal for spider monkeys. I’d hate to see yet another zoo phase out Hamadryas baboon, so I’d only be happy with this switch if it involved accomodating the troop at Werribee Open Range Zoo (either in the gorilla exhibit or elsewhere); with the gorillas then moving to Melbourne Zoo.

A second gorilla exhibit would really rejuvenate Melbourne Zoo’s gorilla facilities. The exisiting exhibit has been there since 1990 and although it remains a fantastic exhibit, an expansion would modernise it and achieve a greater connection with visitors. It’s probably reasonable to say Western lowland gorilla are Melbourne Zoo’s biggest drawcard now the elephants are gone (followed by Snow leopard, Sumatran tiger and African lion).

Although I prefer all of your ideas, thinking about it, Zoos Victoria will probably allow Treetops to limp on in the current state while they focus on the immediate priority of TOTE. They’ve got three large empty paddocks sitting empty and that needs to be addressed - Brazilian tapir being a quick fix once imported. In a couple of years, Treetops could be redeveloped with the Xenarthra IRA providing some new options.

Gorillas are absolutely Melbourne's biggest attraction now that the elephants have departed. Arguably one of Melbourne's most iconic species, and it's no surprise that they were actually Melbourne's logo for many many years.

Therefore it would be great to see breeding success to resume at Melbourne. Considering how hugely popular the previous infants born were; a further group of infants would pay huge dividends when it comes to boosting the influx of visitors. Ideally, this would begin with the import of two females - and this should be something Melbourne achieve before the year ends.

 

[Jambo]

This is from 1996. Much of it never came to pass (with a few exceptions like the elephant paddocks and the baboon exhibit) but the diverse range of species listed would have made for a phenomenal collection.

It's a huge shame. Realistically only the elephant paddocks came to fruition, even the baboons didn't - it seems they planned an 'African Rocks' section where the current Reptile House, presumably with other North African species.

 

[Zoofan15]

It's a huge shame. Realistically only the elephant paddocks came to fruition, even the baboons didn't - it seems they planned an 'African Rocks' section where the current Reptile House, presumably with other North American species.

A new elephant exhibit was an inevitability. Auckland Zoo opened their new elephant exhibit (at the time, the best in the region); and Taronga’s had previously undergone an expansion in the 1980’s. Melbourne’s compared very poorly to other zoos in the region and if they wished to continue with the species, it was clear improvements needed to be made.

TOTE opened in 2003 and even when the elephants departed this year, I would still regard it a good complex - albeit with the breeding success taking it to capacity.

 

[Trua]

TOTE opened in 2003 and even when the elephants departed this year, I would still regard it a good complex - albeit with the breeding success taking it to capacity.

I saw those exhibits when I visited throughout 03. I definitely considered them to be the best back then. At the same time Mr Cooper was trying to get elephant rides reinstated at Taronga...

 

[Zoofan15]

I saw those exhibits when I visited throughout 03. I definitely considered them to be the best back then. At the same time Mr Cooper was trying to get elephant rides reinstated at Taronga...

It would have been exciting to have seen it when it first opened. Steve Irwin had high praise for the exhibit, with it featuring in the Crocodile Hunter Diaries (his team went to Melbourne to learn about elephant husbandry ahead of the acquisition of their elephants).

 

[Trua]

It would have been exciting to have seen it when it first opened. Steve Irwin had high praise for the exhibit, with it featuring in the Crocodile Hunter Diaries (his team went to Melbourne to learn about elephant husbandry ahead of the acquisition of their elephants).

Is this episode up anywhere online? Would love to check it out and see the exhibits again. I do recollect they used to be covered in long grass. As did Taronga's before the elephants. Evidently that didn't last.

 

[Jambo]

Is this episode up anywhere online? Would love to check it out and see the exhibits again. I do recollect they used to be covered in long grass. As did Taronga's before the elephants. Evidently that didn't last.

That’s a result of three tonne elephants walking on the same space every single day. The grass will inevitably die!

On that note, it’s good that Werribee’s complex which is far larger, will be able to promote further vegetation growth across the complex that will be beneficial for the viewing experience and the elephants themselves too.

 

[Zoofan15]

Is this episode up anywhere online? Would love to check it out and see the exhibits again. I do recollect they used to be covered in long grass. As did Taronga's before the elephants. Evidently that didn't last.

I’ll have a look and post it if I can find it. I recently rewatched the Howletts Gorilla episodes and enjoyed them as much as when I first saw them as a child. What impressed me most was Steve Irwin’s humble attitude and deference to the Howlett’s keepers as the experts when it came to elephants and gorillas. He was renowned as a Crocodile expert, but had the humility to acknowledge there were people more knowledgeable than him on other species.

 

[Trua]

I’ll have a look and post it if I can find it. I recently rewatched the Howletts Gorilla episodes and enjoyed them as much as when I first saw them as a child. What impressed me most was Steve Irwin’s humble attitude and deference to the Howlett’s keepers as the experts when it came to elephants and gorillas. He was renowned as a Crocodile expert, but had the humility to acknowledge there were people more knowledgeable than him on other species.

Thanks Zoofan. Would much appreciate checking it out if you can locate it. Or maybe I'll try have a look myself when I get the time haha.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I think so too - hence why I suggested that there might not be enough space for two enclosures, instead perhaps one.

An enclosure that provides them the opportunity to be inside if they wish and maximise their climbing capabilities should be priorities. A lot of American zoos are starting to design their enclosures in this manner now, highlighting the importance of both aspects for gorillas.

I think we might be on the same page - I was meaning 2 enclosures as retaining the existing gorilla exhibit, and building the second on the footprint of the treetop monkeys precinct. This second enclosure could include a larger indoor climbing space, with public viewing space. A breeding troop and bachelor troop could rotate the two enclosures.

That’s a great idea. Gorilla Rainforest is a magnificent exhibit, but it really only lends itself to the display of a single group now access to the Grotto exhibit has been closed off (with that exhibit now occupied by Ruffed lemur). Building a second gorilla exhibit and an additional BOH (I’d also retain the current one) would serve them extremely well.

If a second enclosure were built, Otana's troop could move in there, and the existing BoH could be redeveloped, enlarged and upgraded to create more space and incorporate visitor viewing as well.
Potentially updates could be made to the existing enclosure but I'm not sure what is needed. Maybe some more enrichment related fixtures.
Then the bachelor's could move in once ready.

And I still think it should be put under a huge aviary net (like Bird Paradise - Singapore) and a large-ish African Grey Parrot flock, or Guinea Fowl or both could coexist with the Gorilla. If entire Gorilla Forest were included they could have free range of the space.

 

[ElephasMaximus]

Since the gorillas seem to need more indoor space, I wonder if a good architectural model to follow would be an atrium. It could have walls and a roof that could be rolled back to allow sun and air in during warm weather, but which could also be replaced to create a warmer environment during cool weather. It could allow for the best of both worlds. And of course there would be ordinary outdoor areas outside.

 

[Zoofan15]

Since the gorillas seem to need more indoor space, I wonder if a good architectural model to follow would be an atrium. It could have walls and a roof that could be rolled back to allow sun and air in during warm weather, but which could also be replaced to create a warmer environment during cool weather. It could allow for the best of both worlds. And of course there would be ordinary outdoor areas outside.

This could work well. The lack of indoor viewing may be in part due to wanting to promote the rainforest/green image of the exhibit, which is challenging to convey via concrete floored indoor areas. A retractable roof to let in light and promote plant growth could be a compromise hear that will suit the gorillas.

The gorillas would still have access to the outside areas and not only would it give the gorillas chance to decide how to run their day (not unlike Werribee’s elephants), it will allow them space to get away from each other if needed. Even Taronga’s troop, which bar Johari, I’d describe as close knit, which dispersing into groups and then coming together on by visit (fission-fusion) and Otana’s troop has never been close knit.

 

[Jambo]

Since the gorillas seem to need more indoor space, I wonder if a good architectural model to follow would be an atrium. It could have walls and a roof that could be rolled back to allow sun and air in during warm weather, but which could also be replaced to create a warmer environment during cool weather. It could allow for the best of both worlds. And of course there would be ordinary outdoor areas outside.

This was indeed my hope; a sort of halfway exhibit with a half roofed section leading on to an outdoor area with a dividing glass wall in between that can be opened/closed by keepers. The glass wall would also allow natural sunlight to flow in to the indoor area.

I'm also a fan of having the outdoor area entirely netted too - allowing large climbing structures to be implemented.

I'm mostly basing this on the Lincoln Park's zoo design of their complex (which I believe is one of the best great ape complexes worldwide):

 

[Michael Stace]

I'm fully aware that the peccaries are on the phase out list which I'm not happy about, I was just wondering if the collared peccary is a species that is banned from being imported because what with Darling Downs Zoo planning to import coatis after they have been phased out by all the big zoos, could the collared peccary be able to imported if a zoo like Darling Downs Zoo or Tasmania Zoo which seem to be the only zoos in Australia that aren't phasing out multiple species and are actually expanding their collections be able to import the collared peccary if they wanted to?

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I'm fully aware that the peccaries are on the phase out list which I'm not happy about, I was just wondering if the collared peccary is a species that is banned from being imported because what with Darling Downs Zoo planning to import coatis after they have been phased out by all the big zoos, could the collared peccary be able to imported if a zoo like Darling Downs Zoo or Tasmania Zoo which seem to be the only zoos in Australia that aren't phasing out multiple species and are actually expanding their collections be able to import the collared peccary if they wanted to?

Currently there is a ban on importing pigs into Australia across the board, and peccaries being a species of pig are unfortunately as a result also banned.