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

[Zoofan15]

Melbourne needs a two decade or longer plan to revamp the entire zoo. So much wasted space, i degress. I actually think it would be better to see Werribee take the baboons. While melbourne builds a tiger complex comparable to Taronga zoo's. Then they could hold a decent number and potentially have periodic breeding. The exhibits at taronga also allow for easy viewing and good enrichment for the cats themselves.

Keeping them seperate geographically to a degree would enable to Melbourne to focus on SEA and SA species. Which tend to be smaller and more suited to melbourne. With the exception of werribee obtaining greater one horned rhino. But then that fits the safari feel they are going for.

Melbourne’s Sumatran tiger set up is unusual in that they’re managed across two exhibits at opposite ends of the zoo. I understand the TOTE exhibit has extensive BOH facilities and breeding of two litters was undertaken within this facility, so I would assume the long term plan is for a new breeding pair to be brought in once Hutan passes, with the second exhibit acting in support.

The breeding pair in TOTE could produce a litter, which would move to the exhibit in carnivores at 12-18 months to continue their socialisation with their siblings until transferring out at 3-4 years. If Melbourne can import a genetically valuable pair, they could expect at least two breeding recommendations, with regional demand for any cubs produced. Compare this to other zoos, some of which have to accomodate their own surplus.

 

[Jambo]

Melbourne needs a two decade or longer plan to revamp the entire zoo. So much wasted space, i degress. I actually think it would be better to see Werribee take the baboons. While melbourne builds a tiger complex comparable to Taronga zoo's. Then they could hold a decent number and potentially have periodic breeding. The exhibits at taronga also allow for easy viewing and good enrichment for the cats themselves.

Keeping them seperate geographically to a degree would enable to Melbourne to focus on SEA and SA species. Which tend to be smaller and more suited to melbourne. With the exception of werribee obtaining greater one horned rhino. But then that fits the safari feel they are going for.

I really don't know what space is 'wasted' besides a few empty exhibits that will be filled/replaced soon. Melbourne's very limited with their floor space. Although unlike Taronga, they're able to utilise most of their space which I guess is a positive.

The departure of the elephants should open up more space for further expansion of current exhibits, or the construction of new ones. I think we can absolutely expect Melbourne to begin to redevelop both of their Rainforest trail over the next decade.

 

[Jambo]

This is one of the majour reasons our species in zoos have quite literally gone down the shitter. How many langur species were phased out for a species no other zoo appears to be taking on. Im hoping Adelaide will import either more duskies once there elderly ones pass or francious langurs. They sure as **** aint getting them from Taronga.

If it's a similar story to the Indian Rhinos - Adelaide will struggle to acquire Francois Langurs!

 

[Zorro]

If it's a similar story to the Indian Rhinos - Adelaide will struggle to acquire Francois Langurs!

So why is this the case?, Why did the ZAA want to phase out all the Langur species to make room for the "chosen" Francois species when only Taronga keep them? this is an unbelievable situation

 

[Jambo]

So why is this the case?, Why did the ZAA want to phase out all the Langur species to make room for the "chosen" Francois species when only Taronga keep them? this is an unbelievable situation

It's very disappointing that surplus males from Taronga were essentially exported overseas rather than being retained regionally. I'm sure there would have been many facilities willing to take them on!

 

[Zorro]

It's very disappointing that surplus males from Taronga were essentially exported overseas rather than being retained regionally. I'm sure there would have been many facilities willing to take them on!

In my view this seems very selfish of Taronga I am even more convinced now that they see themselves as the elite within the Australian zoo community, I would bet that if in the future when the Giraffe/Okapi IRA is done and dusted only they will have Okapi.
Time will tell on this one lets wait and see!

 

[Zoofan15]

In my view this seems very selfish of Taronga I am even more convinced now that they see themselves as the elite within the Australian zoo community, I would bet that if in the future when the Giraffe/Okapi IRA is done and dusted only they will have Okapi.
Time will tell on this one let’s wait and see!

The Lowland nyala import is such a good example of what can be accomplished when zoos work together. I appreciate Francois langur are an endangered species and acquiring them isn’t as simple, but the same principles apply.

The initiative to acquire a decent founder base could see multiple zoos holding natural troop sizes of 8-15 langurs, regularly breeding to supply each other with young langurs; enhance the social structure of the respective troops; and allow young females to observe maternal care.

 

[steveroberts]

In my view this seems very selfish of Taronga I am even more convinced now that they see themselves as the elite within the Australian zoo community, I would bet that if in the future when the Giraffe/Okapi IRA is done and dusted only they will have Okapi.
Time will tell on this one lets wait and see!

They probably do want to have some species which are unique to their zoo, as many big zoos are in a position (more-so) to do in a region (and the neverending competition with Melbourne Zoo which both might deny is there..but totally is there). But sharing species is the way to make species last in Australasia like your example Zoofan with the nyalas.

 

[Zorro]

They probably do want to have species which are unique to their zoo, as many big zoos are in a position (more-so) to do in a region (and the neverending competition with Melbourne Zoo which both might deny is there..but totally is there), but sharing species is the way to make species last in Australasia like your example Zoofan with the nyalas.

The down side is because our region has so few zoos especially big major zoos like they have in the USA and Europe doing things this way is an own goal. Its even more reason to share species around when we have such a small zoo community, The two major zoos in the country should be setting the standard practice for other smaller zoos to follow instead of wanting to put itself above all others, it old hat thinking and out of date in the 21 first century. What's the point in phasing out all the Langur species for one species only to have them all hogged by one zoo?

 

[Zoofan15]

They probably do want to have some species which are unique to their zoo, as many big zoos are in a position (more-so) to do in a region (and the neverending competition with Melbourne Zoo which both might deny is there..but totally is there). But sharing species is the way to make species last in Australasia like your example Zoofan with the nyalas.

The down side is because our region has so few zoos especially big major zoos like they have in the USA and Europe doing things this way is an own goal. Its even more reason to share species around when we have such a small zoo community, The two major zoos in the country should be setting the standard practice for other smaller zoos to follow instead of wanting to put itself above all others, it old hat thinking and out of date in the 21 first century. What's the point in phasing out all the Langur species for one species only to have them all hogged by one zoo?

The Okapi are the perfect example of this. They’re among the most prestigious species a zoo can hold and are hardly in surplus in North America or Europe. There’s likely to be some criticism around sending a pair to Australia (geographically isolated) without a contingency to re-pair under performing animals like there is in the US.

The solution? Multiple holders. However the lack of availability will make securing them difficult to say the least, feeding back into the lack of options for re-pairing/long term sustainability issues.

 

[steveroberts]

The down side is because our region has so few zoos especially big major zoos like they have in the USA and Europe doing things this way is an own goal. Its even more reason to share species around when we have such a small zoo community, The two major zoos in the country should be setting the standard practice for other smaller zoos to follow instead of wanting to put itself above all others, it old hat thinking and out of date in the 21 first century. What's the point in phasing out all the Langur species for one species only to have them all hogged by one zoo?

Am not trying to slander Taronga though, they are one of my favourite places in the world. And the staff there especially the keepers and veterinarians and volunteers etc are some of coolest people in the world who really personally admire. It's just some of the upper management of the organisational side do make odd decisions sometimes that just don't understand the logic of.

''Well, S̶e̶y̶m̶o̶u̶r̶ Taronga , you are an odd fellow, but I must say... you steam a good ham''

 

[Zoofan15]

Am not trying to slander Taronga though, they are one of my favourite places in the world. And the staff there especially the keepers and veterinarians and volunteers etc are some of coolest people in the world who really personally admire. It's just some of the upper management of the organisational side do make odd decisions sometimes that just don't understand the logic of.

''Well, S̶e̶y̶m̶o̶u̶r̶ Taronga , you are an odd fellow, but I must say... you steam a good ham''

You’re not alone there. I too have huge admiration for Taronga and Zoos Victoria, but not every decision makes sense to me - sometimes because there’s information we’re unaware of in the public sphere.

I will say though that the addition of nyala to the old bongo exhibit is a long overdue and obvious move none of us understood why they hadn’t done.

 

[Jambo]

They probably do want to have some species which are unique to their zoo, as many big zoos are in a position (more-so) to do in a region (and the neverending competition with Melbourne Zoo which both might deny is there..but totally is there). But sharing species is the way to make species last in Australasia like your example Zoofan with the nyalas.

Your right on the money Steve! And this is having a terrible effect on the rest of the region. What use is it to have a single zoo holding/breeding a species with a limited capacity when we are just a few moves away from having large, thriving self sustainable regional populations for a variety of species.

 

[Zorro]

Am not trying to slander Taronga though, they are one of my favourite places in the world. And the staff there especially the keepers and veterinarians and volunteers etc are some of coolest people in the world who really personally admire. It's just some of the upper management of the organisational side do make odd decisions sometimes that just don't understand the logic of.

''Well, S̶e̶y̶m̶o̶u̶r̶ Taronga , you are an odd fellow, but I must say... you steam a good ham''

I agree with you they do some good work!

 

[Zorro]

Your right on the money Steve! And this is having a terrible effect on the rest of the region. What use is it to have a single zoo holding/breeding a species with a limited capacity when we are just a few moves away from having large, thriving self sustainable regional populations for a variety of species.

That's it in a Nutshell

 

[Tiger91]

You’re not alone there. I too have huge admiration for Taronga and Zoos Victoria, but not every decision makes sense to me - sometimes because there’s information we’re unaware of in the public sphere.

I will say though that the addition of nyala to the old bongo exhibit is a long overdue and obvious move none of us understood why they hadn’t done.

Nor can anyone understand why they didn't reimport bongo and keep with the original plan, let's put an arguably more flighty and less robust species in an exhibit. We phased out a similar species because it was unsuitable for. The zoo could easily accomodate Nyala with the giraffes and bongo in there old exhibit. Especially if they dont keep zebra with the giraffe.

 

[Zoofan15]

Nor can anyone understand why they didn't reimport bongo and keep with the original plan, let's put an arguably more flighty and less robust species in an exhibit. We phased out a similar species because it was unsuitable for. The zoo could easily accomodate Nyala with the giraffes and bongo in there old exhibit. Especially if they dont keep zebra with the giraffe.

That would a fascinating comparison to see Eastern bongo in their old exhibit, adjacent to the Lowland nyala in the giraffe exhibit.

I suspect the long term intention is to acquire a bull, which will be housed in the old bongo exhibit; with the cows/calves inhabiting the giraffe exhibit. Aside from bulls being territorial, it’s a good way to manage breeding and similar arrangements have been effective at other zoos in the region.

 

[Zorro]

Nor can anyone understand why they didn't reimport bongo and keep with the original plan, let's put an arguably more flighty and less robust species in an exhibit. We phased out a similar species because it was unsuitable for. The zoo could easily accomodate Nyala with the giraffes and bongo in there old exhibit. Especially if they dont keep zebra with the giraffe.

There "appears" to be a real "reluctance" to import large species into our zoos that I have tried to fathom as to why this is the case?, When one can see now how the now ex plan of the importation of some White rhinos from South Africa ended up as a bit of a mess after a time span of 13 years make me wonder if its just in the "to hard to manage" basket or more of a financial reason of not wanting to outlay some serous money?

 

[Zoofan15]

There "appears" to be a real "reluctance" to import large species into our zoos that I have tried to fathom as to why this is the case?, When one can see now how the now ex plan of the importation of some White rhinos from South Africa ended up as a bit of a mess after a time span of 13 years make me wonder if its just in the "to hard to manage" basket or more of a financial reason of not wanting to outlay some serous money?

From what I’ve heard, the lack of progress of the Australian Rhino Project has been attributed to a number of factors, including the South African government’s stance on exports.

It’s a shame as there was consideration to importing black rhinoceros once the white rhinoceros had been imported, which would been invaluable in diversifying the region’s small, increasingly inbred population.

 

[Zorro]

From what I’ve heard, the lack of progress of the Australian Rhino Project has been attributed to a number of factors, including the South African government’s stance on exports.

It’s a shame as there was consideration to importing black rhinoceros once the white rhinoceros had been imported, which would been invaluable in diversifying the region’s small, increasingly inbred population.

I have heard from all angles of the story but when one considers the time frame at which it happened it's not surprising if governments can and do change their minds or are laws changed.
The longer it was to take the more chance something can go wrong and it did!