That Aussie Guy
Well-Known Member
I'll be hopefully heading to Adelaide Zoo either Friday or Saturday, are there any questions people want asked, or any particular areas to look out for updates?
Adelaide Zoo Adelaide Zoo News 2025
- Thread starter WhistlingKite24
- Start date
Yes please!
1. Update on export date for Ketambe (male Sumatran tiger.
2. Confirmation of destination for female Sumatran tiger (either Marni or Susu) that’s scheduled to leave Adelaide Zoo.
3. Has there been any progress on breeding Komodo dragons? These may have been put on hold with the recent success at Australia Zoo.
4. Has a new female red panda been identified?
We considered these females strong candidates:
0.1 Zeya (08/12/2021)
0.1 Daiyu (08/12/2021)
With Zeya being ideal considering she lives alone.
That Aussie Guy
Well-Known Member
I will do my best to get answers to everything of yours, as well as check on any orangutan plans for @marmolady
Where are Zeya and Daiyu currently living?
I will do my best to get answers to everything of yours, as well as check on any orangutan plans for @marmolady
Where are Zeya and Daiyu currently living?
Thank you, we appreciate it.
Red pandas Zeya and Daiyu currently live at Taronga Zoo. It was reported Daiyu was living with her offspring, so Zeya (being a free agent) would be the best candidate with regards to optimising efficient use of space. They’re both full siblings of the female at Adelaide they’d be replacing.
Thank you, we appreciate it.
Red pandas Zeya and Daiyu currently live at Taronga Zoo. It was reported Daiyu was living with her offspring, so Zeya (being a free agent) would be the best candidate with regards to optimising efficient use of space. They’re both full siblings of the female at Adelaide they’d be replacing.
From memory, Zeya is now at Currumbin, although with Daiyu having bred previously (albeit with her own father), she may be a good option as she is a proven breeder and mother.
Yes, you’re correct. I see it was mentioned on their socials. In that case, Daiyu would be ideal. We’re heading into red panda breeding season now, so it would be the ideal time to transfer her across as they’d otherwise have to separate her from her son during breeding season to avoid putting her on contraception.
I'd also like to know the following;
- Is there a timeline now for the construction of the African Oasis? I presume they'll be looking at starting construction soon now.
- What species will be replacing the former Seal enclosure; if any? And are they considering bringing them back in the future.
- Is the male Brazilian Tapir destined for Adelaide? If not, all sources seem to point to Melbourne at this point.
- Also would be nice to know whether Adelaide are phasing out their Dusky Langurs, and whether there's been any thought towards a replacement species.
Release of Red-tailed phascogales:
From socials:
In an exciting milestone for native species conservation, we recently partnered with Australian Wildlife Conservancy to release 93 Red-tailed Phascogales into Scotia Wildlife Sanctuary – marking their return to the region after more than a century!
Bred right here at Adelaide Zoo, these tiny, carnivorous marsupials are part of a broader recovery effort to restore populations in safe, predator-free habitats.
From socials:
In an exciting milestone for native species conservation, we recently partnered with Australian Wildlife Conservancy to release 93 Red-tailed Phascogales into Scotia Wildlife Sanctuary – marking their return to the region after more than a century!
Bred right here at Adelaide Zoo, these tiny, carnivorous marsupials are part of a broader recovery effort to restore populations in safe, predator-free habitats.
That Aussie Guy
Well-Known Member
I visited Adelaide Zoo yesterday, and managed to speak to a few keepers throughout. Unfortunately, I didn't get answers to many questions, but I did my best to still get as much info as possible.
@marmolady
Orangutan Plans
There are no future plans for the orangutans as far as the keepers and volunteers I spoke to were aware of. I was not able to find a dedicated Orangutan keeper unfortunately.
@Zoofan15
Tiger Exports
I also unfortunately wasn't able to find a dedicated tiger keeper, with those I spoke to having only found out about Ketambe's export themselves a week or two ago. As such, I can't confirm a date or location for either him or any cubs. I did notice, however, that it appeared only 2 tigers were on display (one in each enclosure), and vocalisations could be heard frequently around the area, which did not appear to come from a tiger on display.
Komodo Dragon Breeding
Plans are being created as I post this, with breeding introductions and attempts hopefully occurring soon.
Female Red Panda Import
I spoke to a panda keeper, and was informed that a request has been put out for a female red panda, but none have been offered thus far. I did question the possibility of Daiyu from Taronga, and was told that all trades do rely on the zoo currently housing them to be keen to give them up, so whether or not she does come across appears entirely up to Taronga.
@Jambo
Sea Lion Enclosure Plans
I was unable to get a solid answer on what was going to happen, or whether sea lions would return, so we'll have to just take it as it comes. I could definitely foresee capybara moving here though, with some adjustments, freeing up that back end of the zoo for:
African Oasis Plans
Funding is required to shift all of the staff facilities to the other end of the zoo (where the old quokka walkthrough and petting zoo was). Until this happens, construction of the Oasis will be on hold, with low funding leading to minimal plans currently. A giraffe, meerkat, and tapir keeper confirmed giraffe, ostrich, and nyala were planned, but seemed uncertain regarding zebra.
Brazilian Tapir Imports
Apparently an import was on the cards, but it didn't happen, so they're still seeking to lock in an import. This nearly 100% confirms the tapirs destined for Australia will be heading to Melbourne.
Dusky Langurs
Unfortunately, this beautiful and charismatic species is indeed being phased out, with only two individuals remaining. Their keeper was unsure of any replacement species at the present.
Other Updates
The veiled chameleon appears to be settling in well in the Envirodome, occupying the third of the wall-mounted vivariums visible on your left as you enter, replacing the spiny leaf insects, which have moved into the larger stick insect tank (which itself appears to only contain one or two species).
The Orange-Bellied Parrot aviary upgrade is coming along nicely! The frame has been put up already, with the larger dark green box on the right being what appears to be a viewing shelter, as there are two entry points and a concrete footpath.
@marmolady
Orangutan Plans
There are no future plans for the orangutans as far as the keepers and volunteers I spoke to were aware of. I was not able to find a dedicated Orangutan keeper unfortunately.
@Zoofan15
Tiger Exports
I also unfortunately wasn't able to find a dedicated tiger keeper, with those I spoke to having only found out about Ketambe's export themselves a week or two ago. As such, I can't confirm a date or location for either him or any cubs. I did notice, however, that it appeared only 2 tigers were on display (one in each enclosure), and vocalisations could be heard frequently around the area, which did not appear to come from a tiger on display.
Komodo Dragon Breeding
Plans are being created as I post this, with breeding introductions and attempts hopefully occurring soon.
Female Red Panda Import
I spoke to a panda keeper, and was informed that a request has been put out for a female red panda, but none have been offered thus far. I did question the possibility of Daiyu from Taronga, and was told that all trades do rely on the zoo currently housing them to be keen to give them up, so whether or not she does come across appears entirely up to Taronga.
@Jambo
Sea Lion Enclosure Plans
I was unable to get a solid answer on what was going to happen, or whether sea lions would return, so we'll have to just take it as it comes. I could definitely foresee capybara moving here though, with some adjustments, freeing up that back end of the zoo for:
African Oasis Plans
Funding is required to shift all of the staff facilities to the other end of the zoo (where the old quokka walkthrough and petting zoo was). Until this happens, construction of the Oasis will be on hold, with low funding leading to minimal plans currently. A giraffe, meerkat, and tapir keeper confirmed giraffe, ostrich, and nyala were planned, but seemed uncertain regarding zebra.
Brazilian Tapir Imports
Apparently an import was on the cards, but it didn't happen, so they're still seeking to lock in an import. This nearly 100% confirms the tapirs destined for Australia will be heading to Melbourne.
Dusky Langurs
Unfortunately, this beautiful and charismatic species is indeed being phased out, with only two individuals remaining. Their keeper was unsure of any replacement species at the present.
Other Updates
The veiled chameleon appears to be settling in well in the Envirodome, occupying the third of the wall-mounted vivariums visible on your left as you enter, replacing the spiny leaf insects, which have moved into the larger stick insect tank (which itself appears to only contain one or two species).
The Orange-Bellied Parrot aviary upgrade is coming along nicely! The frame has been put up already, with the larger dark green box on the right being what appears to be a viewing shelter, as there are two entry points and a concrete footpath.
Attachments
Thanks for the updates!
I had suspected this due to a variety of reasons. Most notably, Melbourne recently moved the Nyala out of the former Tapir exhibit, indicating they're preparing for this male's arrival. I was also told by a volunteer at Werribee that they had heard Melbourne were expecting the import as well. Good to have confirmation nonetheless.
That's a shame, but not unexpected. I hope Francois Langurs would be considered. Or any new species for that matter rather than replacing them with a species already present at the zoo.
Thanks a lot for finding out as much as you could @That Aussie Guy, we appreciate it.
Fingers crossed the Brazilian tapir imports follow through, though with 1.2 elderly tapirs housed across three exhibits, this could give Adelaide time to free up capacity before importing and breeding.
The tiger cubs are well and truly at dispersal age now, so it wouldn’t surprise me if they’re approaching the point where all three are held separately from their mother and each other. With Ketambe and one of the females set to transfer out of Adelaide, there’s a possibility that Delilah may tolerate the remaining female cub, but there’s no guarantees.
I don’t personally believe pinnipeds will ever return to Adelaide Zoo. There’s never been any indication they will in the masterplan and there’s a wealth of projects outlined for Adelaide Zoo over the coming years.
id love to see them import a 2:2 grouping of duskies and start again. If they are to be getting Francois they would have to import at this point. I dont think Taronga have the numbers.
Unless an import is in the works and this is why Taronga have halted breeding.
Either way the exhibit is a great exhibit, hopefully a langur species will be utilised for it once the old ones die out.
I’d love to see Francois langurs come to Adelaide Zoo. They’re an endangered species and held by two holders, with recent births (within the last five years).
Dusky langurs aren’t endangered and the entire regional population consists of a group of elderly siblings at Adelaide. It’s a non-starter at this point.
Duskies are listed as endangered, both are going to require them to import. So either is a possibility. The last two Dusky's could fall of the perch any day. Taronga have a reduced troop of Francois compared to previous troop sizes and they havent bred in a few years. If they were going to be breeding for Adelaide they would be breeding now. So Adelaide dont have to have a gap while they wait for young to mature.
Well we know that's not happening since it was just confirmed that they are a planned phase out species.
On Francois, an import would be necessary considering Taronga has limited numbers as it is. The only way I could see Adelaide acquiring Francois Langurs regionally is if they acquire the two males from Canberra, or Taronga decides to send their whole troop to Adelaide and pivot to another species.
Dusky langur are listed as near threatened.
Taronga have two young males and approx three ageing females (unconfirmed how many are still alive). It’s possible they’ll acquire more females and resume breeding since they’ve retained the males.
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Endangered.
Hopefully some new females are on the way for them. Tho with the move to SA species coming I can see spider monkeys being used. Jambo's idea is more likely what will happen, sad to see Adelaide not hold langurs tho.
Hamadryas baboon update:
According to an update on socials, Mahali is now in Djibouti’s harem. Up until recently, Tomkay had all three adult females in his harem, which was causing conflict within the troop. Hopefully this will lead to a more settled troop culture going forward and breeding can resume.
Harem 1:
1.0 Tomkay (2014) Horus x Chappi
0.1 Chappi (2003) Jarmah x Gina
0.1 Quasi (2017) Jabari x Qetesh
0.1 Lily (2022) Tomkay x Quasi
1.0 Jabari (2023) Tomkay x Quasi
Harem 2:
1.0 Djibouti (2016) Horus x Chappi
0.1 Mahali (2018) Jabari x Macey
According to an update on socials, Mahali is now in Djibouti’s harem. Up until recently, Tomkay had all three adult females in his harem, which was causing conflict within the troop. Hopefully this will lead to a more settled troop culture going forward and breeding can resume.
Harem 1:
1.0 Tomkay (2014) Horus x Chappi
0.1 Chappi (2003) Jarmah x Gina
0.1 Quasi (2017) Jabari x Qetesh
0.1 Lily (2022) Tomkay x Quasi
1.0 Jabari (2023) Tomkay x Quasi
Harem 2:
1.0 Djibouti (2016) Horus x Chappi
0.1 Mahali (2018) Jabari x Macey
I would love Adelaide to continue with the Duskies but I believe if that was the case they would of done something a lot sooner unfortunately another wonderful species phased out