Melbourne Zoo Melbourne Zoo News 2025

Tiger91 said:
Searching about exports to Aus, back in April he was already in quarantine over there for a month to move here. The article I found also stated a companion would be coming from cologne zoo to start up a new breeding program. Both animals may already be here.
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Zoofan15 said:
In that case the male tapir may be close to completing his quarantine here in Australia and could be making his debut soon. Very exciting.

It’s been a while since the Lowland nyala moved out now, so there was obviously a reason for this.
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The pair were scheduled to arrive this month. So considering the month is nearing it's end, there's a good possibility they've already arrived and are in quarantine off display.

It wasn't mentioned whether the female from Cologne would be imported alongside him, but it seems we can at least expect her to be imported soon too if she isn't arriving with the male.
 
Jambo said:
The pair were scheduled to arrive this month. So considering the month is nearing it's end, there's a good possibility they've already arrived and are in quarantine off display.

It wasn't mentioned whether the female from Cologne would be imported alongside him, but it seems we can at least expect her to be imported soon too if she isn't arriving with the male.
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Both Adelaide and Melbourne’s pairs were reported to be arriving this year, so while Adelaide’s plans have hit a hitch, we can assume the female coming from Cologne Zoo will be imported within the next few months (if not with the male).

It’s an international import, so there will be a quarantine period, with an announcement unlikely to follow until they’re ready to make their debut.
 
Jambo said:
I'm pretty confident it's Melbourne. Aside from the reasons above, a volunteer I talked to at Werribee who works both zoos mentioned Melbourne were importing Tapir. I was planning to seek confirmation when I next visited - sometime during this coming week.

It's also worth noting the pair were scheduled to arrive this month. Unless there's been delays, they may have already arrived, and in quarantine.
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That is good to hear. Hopefully there will be news from the zoo before too long and, in any case, it will be very exciting to have a new young tapir in the country! Hopefully it won't be too long until the first calf is born in Australia in two decades.
 
Abbey said:
That is good to hear. Hopefully there will be news from the zoo before too long and, in any case, it will be very exciting to have a new young tapir in the country! Hopefully it won't be too long until the first calf is born in Australia in two decades.
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Sexual maturity is reached at around three years of age, so the male at least will be of prime breeding age. Factoring in the 13 month gestation and we could have calves on the ground as soon as late 2026 (optimistic).

2027 is more probable, bearing in mind we don’t know when the female is coming.
 
Abbey said:
That is good to hear. Hopefully there will be news from the zoo before too long and, in any case, it will be very exciting to have a new young tapir in the country! Hopefully it won't be too long until the first calf is born in Australia in two decades.
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It'll be a long time coming for Melbourne in particular, who haven't bred this species in over three decades.

They phased out their last pair of Brazilian Tapir in the 90's in favour of Malayan Tapir, and it's a full circle moment that now thirty years later, they're acquiring a Brazilian Tapir pair again for breeding purposes.
 
Upcoming Gorilla Transfers:

Melbourne will be acquiring two female gorillas from Taronga in the coming months.

They should arrive by September - and the pair will be joining Melbourne's existing pair (Otana and Kanzi). The hope is for both females to have the opportunity to breed with Otana.

Based on information provided, it's assumed the two gorillas will be Johari (2000) and Mbeli (2003). Mbeli is essentially guaranteed due to her reproductive status, but if not Johari, it will be Frala (1981).
 
Jambo said:
Upcoming Gorilla Transfers:

Melbourne will be acquiring two female gorillas from Taronga in the coming months.

They should arrive by September - and the pair will be joining Melbourne's existing pair (Otana and Kanzi). The hope is for both females to have the opportunity to breed with Otana.

Based on information provided, it's assumed the two gorillas will be Johari (2000) and Mbeli (2003). Mbeli is essentially guaranteed due to her reproductive status, but if not Johari, it will be Frala (1981).
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This is truly exciting news!
 
Jambo said:
Upcoming Gorilla Transfers:

Melbourne will be acquiring two female gorillas from Taronga in the coming months.

They should arrive by September - and the pair will be joining Melbourne's existing pair (Otana and Kanzi). The hope is for both females to have the opportunity to breed with Otana.

Based on information provided, it's assumed the two gorillas will be Johari (2000) and Mbeli (2003). Mbeli is essentially guaranteed due to her reproductive status, but if not Johari, it will be Frala (1981).
Click to expand...
The Sleepy Hippo said:
This is truly exciting news!
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This is very exciting news, though I would have concerns about Johari (a socially inept female) integrating with Otana (a male with a known history of intolerance for socially inept females).

While Otana has no doubt matured in the decade since the incident with Julia (and his eviction of G-Anne), I remain of the opinion that transferring across Frala and Mbeli is the more logical way to proceed.
 
Zoofan15 said:
This is very exciting news, though I would have concerns about Johari (a socially inept female) integrating with Otana (a male with a known history of intolerance for socially inept females).

While Otana has no doubt matured in the decade since the incident with Julia (and his eviction of G-Anne), I remain of the opinion that transferring across Frala and Mbeli is the more logical way to proceed.
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Indeed I too was questionable due to Johari's social background and Otana's past - but the volunteer seemed adamant it was the two younger girls. It's possible she could be a little bit wrong here, as she didn't know their names.

I guess in the event Johari and Mbeli are sent down together, they will have each other for support which will be crucial. It's normal for females to band together and 'fight back' against a silverback when they view he is misusing his power - so perhaps Melbourne are banking on this aspect.
 
Jambo said:
Indeed I too was questionable due to Johari's social background and Otana's past - but the volunteer seemed adamant it was the two younger girls. It's possible she could be a little bit wrong here, as she didn't know their names.

I guess in the event Johari and Mbeli are sent down together, they will have each other for support which will be crucial. It's normal for females to band together and 'fight back' against a silverback when they view he is misusing his power - so perhaps Melbourne are banking on this aspect.
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Yeah, it honestly makes so much more sense to transfer over Frala (1981) and Mbeli (2003). They’re both mother raised females with Frala assimilating effortlessly into Kibale’s troop in 2014. Frala is past prime breeding age, but there’s an outside chance she may still be able to conceive.

Frala and Kriba were far from friends at Taronga, so I doubt Kriba would be thrilled to have her turn up at Mogo; whereas G-Anne and Johari would hopefully be a more amicable reunion. Mbeli and Johari’s relationship soured as soon as they met Kibale and Mbeli established herself as his favourite female. I feel like if they were to move into Otana’s troop, it would follow a similar trajectory.
 
I visited a few days ago and have finally gotten around to writing up some updates.

This visit was the first visit in quite a long time where I spent almost the whole day at the zoo, so there are quite a lot of updates I'd like to mention. I'll group the updates via trail;


Gorilla Rainforest:
  • I asked about a potential Pygmy Hippo mate import for Felix, and the keeper was vague with plans but said there isn't currently an individual lined up. However they're open to acquiring a female.
  • The Treetop Monkey trail is looking incredibly empty these days. Former Cotton Top Tamarin enclosure is still shut off. Only saw three Spider Monkeys (the zoo had five as of last year). Only saw two of the Colobus together in one of the exhibits - no sign of the other one. No signs of the Emperor Tamarins too. However did see both White Cheeked Gibbons and noticed that the foliage in the enclosure has been cleared.
  • A Pink Tongued Skink has been added into a terrarium in the Gorilla Ranger Hut.
Forest of Wonders:
  • Hutan the Sumatran Tiger was off display for the day - unsure as to why.
  • Was delighted to catch both the Luzon Bleeding Heart Doves and a Noisy Pitta who shares an exhibit with them.
  • Saw one of the Rose Crowned Fruit Doves in the Butterfly House - and was trying to find the other with the chick but had no luck.
  • In the new Invertebrate House (which was a small educational building outlooking the former bull elephant paddock) the final terrarium, seems to now be occupied by Egyptian Beetles. No sign of the Red Spotted Rose Chafers that used to reside there.
  • A keeper advised me that there were no immediate plans to acquire a mate for Malu, although there was hope they'd still be able to contribute to the regional breeding program down the line.
Australian Bush:
  • The zoo currently has four Koalas; three in the avairy exhibit and another in the main exhibit next to the Great Flight Aviary. Three females, and one male. All are rescues from the 2020 bushfires. The three females should be expecting joeys to emerge later this year assuming all goes well.
  • The male Quokka who shares a habitat with one of the Koalas was out for a little bit which was a pleasant surprise. There are plans to acquire another male Quokka. Although he will be housed elsewhere (will be interesting to see where). Female Quokkas are apparently hard to acquire at the moment so there's no breeding plans.
  • Was lucky enough to see pretty much every species in the GFA (I'll post a species list for this in my species list thread) - minus Zillie the Cassowary and a few of the smaller species - Bush Stone Curlew and Buff Banded Rail.
  • Also was lucky enough to catch both Long Nosed Pottoro active and the resident female Echidna.
Carnivores:
  • Not many updates her but chatted to a Lion keeper. Ndidi and Zuberi are well represented so likely won't be moved into a breeding situation. Nairobi is Nilo's full sister so they share the same genetics; all of the older Werribee born cubs are essentially the same genetically as a result.
Main Trail:
  • From the keeper talk, Klintun the Giraffe will have the chance to breed with both girls (Nakuru and Iris).
  • Saw two of the elusive Nyala in the former Bongo habitat. It took me three trips to the exhibit to catch them emerging from the foliage at the back of their exhibit.
  • Only saw about twelve baboons (four males), but they were choosing to remain in the off display enclosure.
  • The former Tapir enclosure is under renovation with a sign denoting to this.
Frog House/Reptile House:
  • Mixed terrarium for Stuttering Frogs and Perons Tree Frogs was under renovation. Both species are consequently off display.
  • Plumed Basilisk and Twist Necked Turtle enclosure was also under renovation. Both species are off display as a result.

Overall, a great visit. I was lucky enough to have the zoo pretty much to myself for the most part - overcast weekdays must be the best time to visit! I was also impressed with the activity and the amount of species I was able to see - only real disappointment was due to it being winter, it seems a lot of the species were taken off display very early, so I missed a few in the mid afternoon.

I'm looking to get back asap to check up on a few other things - to try and catch a few species I didn't see, and ask a few additional questions. I've also posted photos from my visit in the gallery for those interested.
 
Jambo said:
I visited a few days ago and have finally gotten around to writing up some updates.

This visit was the first visit in quite a long time where I spent almost the whole day at the zoo, so there are quite a lot of updates I'd like to mention. I'll group the updates via trail;


Gorilla Rainforest:
  • I asked about a potential Pygmy Hippo mate import for Felix, and the keeper was vague with plans but said there isn't currently an individual lined up. However they're open to acquiring a female.
  • The Treetop Monkey trail is looking incredibly empty these days. Former Cotton Top Tamarin enclosure is still shut off. Only saw three Spider Monkeys (the zoo had five as of last year). Only saw two of the Colobus together in one of the exhibits - no sign of the other one. No signs of the Emperor Tamarins too. However did see both White Cheeked Gibbons and noticed that the foliage in the enclosure has been cleared.
  • A Pink Tongued Skink has been added into a terrarium in the Gorilla Ranger Hut.
Forest of Wonders:
  • Hutan the Sumatran Tiger was off display for the day - unsure as to why.
  • Was delighted to catch both the Luzon Bleeding Heart Doves and a Noisy Pitta who shares an exhibit with them.
  • Saw one of the Rose Crowned Fruit Doves in the Butterfly House - and was trying to find the other with the chick but had no luck.
  • In the new Invertebrate House (which was a small educational building outlooking the former bull elephant paddock) the final terrarium, seems to now be occupied by Egyptian Beetles. No sign of the Red Spotted Rose Chafers that used to reside there.
  • A keeper advised me that there were no immediate plans to acquire a mate for Malu, although there was hope they'd still be able to contribute to the regional breeding program down the line.
Australian Bush:
  • The zoo currently has four Koalas; three in the avairy exhibit and another in the main exhibit next to the Great Flight Aviary. Three females, and one male. All are rescues from the 2020 bushfires. The three females should be expecting joeys to emerge later this year assuming all goes well.
  • The male Quokka who shares a habitat with one of the Koalas was out for a little bit which was a pleasant surprise. There are plans to acquire another male Quokka. Although he will be housed elsewhere (will be interesting to see where). Female Quokkas are apparently hard to acquire at the moment so there's no breeding plans.
  • Was lucky enough to see pretty much every species in the GFA (I'll post a species list for this in my species list thread) - minus Zillie the Cassowary and a few of the smaller species - Bush Stone Curlew and Buff Banded Rail.
  • Also was lucky enough to catch both Long Nosed Pottoro active and the resident female Echidna.
Carnivores:
  • Not many updates her but chatted to a Lion keeper. Ndidi and Zuberi are well represented so likely won't be moved into a breeding situation. Nairobi is Nilo's full sister so they share the same genetics; all of the older Werribee born cubs are essentially the same genetically as a result.
Main Trail:
  • From the keeper talk, Klintun the Giraffe will have the chance to breed with both girls (Nakuru and Iris).
  • Saw two of the elusive Nyala in the former Bongo habitat. It took me three trips to the exhibit to catch them emerging from the foliage at the back of their exhibit.
  • Only saw about twelve baboons (four males), but they were choosing to remain in the off display enclosure.
  • The former Tapir enclosure is under renovation with a sign denoting to this.
Frog House/Reptile House:
  • Mixed terrarium for Stuttering Frogs and Perons Tree Frogs was under renovation. Both species are consequently off display.
  • Plumed Basilisk and Twist Necked Turtle enclosure was also under renovation. Both species are off display as a result.
Overall, a great visit. I was lucky enough to have the zoo pretty much to myself for the most part - overcast weekdays must be the best time to visit! I was also impressed with the activity and the amount of species I was able to see - only real disappointment was due to it being winter, it seems a lot of the species were taken off display very early, so I missed a few in the mid afternoon.

I'm looking to get back asap to check up on a few other things - to try and catch a few species I didn't see, and ask a few additional questions. I've also posted photos from my visit in the gallery for those interested.
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Great update!

That’s really interesting to hear that Nilo and Nairibi the African lions are full-siblings. Not sure how/where the misinformation of them being half-siblings started, but makes complete sense regarding the lack of urgency to breed from Nairibi’s offspring. It could be that Melbourne’s brothers never enter a breeding situation.

It sounds like Treetops is looking very run down. While I’m thrilled Melbourne has finally addressed the vacant bongo and tapir exhibits, I hope once priorities like the elephant paddocks have been addressed, they give some thought to upgrading Treetops - possibly tying in with the Xenarthra IRA.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Great update!

That’s really interesting to hear that Nilo and Nairibi the African lions are full-siblings. Not sure how/where the misinformation of them being half-siblings started, but makes complete sense regarding the lack of urgency to breed from Nairibi’s offspring. It could be that Melbourne’s brothers never enter a breeding situation.

It sounds like Treetops is looking very run down. While I’m thrilled Melbourne has finally addressed the vacant bongo and tapir exhibits, I hope once priorities like the elephant paddocks have been addressed, they give some thought to upgrading Treetops - possibly tying in with the Xenarthra IRA.
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I too was surprised to learn that. Looking at the population lists, I see Nilo and Nairobi have different birthdays - so perhaps whilst they might not be directly 'full siblings' it would make sense if their mothers were, which would essentially still give them the same genetic make-up. The keeper I talked to seemed confident they'd remain at Melbourne until their eventual passings.

The Treetops has certainly gone downhill in the last five or so years. Out of the eight habitats, only half are essentially occupied, with four species on display. The Colobus are hardly even viewable through the windows as well - which is something that desperately needs fixing. And with the ever unreliable Emperor Tamarins, your really only seeing a few Spider Monkeys and the pair of Gibbons. It's certainly an area that needs re-stocking/redevelopment.

On that point, I also found it disappointing that unless your an avid lover of Invertebrates, it feels like the Forest of Wonder trail no longer has the drawcards it once did. Three of the five mammal species here can be seen elsewhere in the zoo. One of the two mammal species that can't is the Squirrel Monkeys, which appear to only have a single individual remaining. The only drawcards on the trail as a result are the Butterfly House (which seemed to have half the zoo in it when I visited), and the Orangutans. It's another area that desperately needs attention now that the elephants have gone.
 
The Sleepy Hippo said:
It probably won't happen, but it would be nice to think a development plan for the Zoo might come out in the next 6-12 months -> where exactly is Melbourne Zoo headed?
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It would indeed be fascinating, but I agree it won’t happen. In recent decades, Zoos Victoria have never disclosed upcoming developments at Melbourne Zoo ahead of the construction phase.

It was refreshing to therefore see the Werribee Open Range Zoo masterplan a few years ago, but this was no doubt due to the zoo receiving $84 million in government funding for the project (i.e. people wanted to see where this money was going). Zoos SA (which are heavily reliant on public donations) have been similarly open about their future developments.
 
The Sleepy Hippo said:
It probably won't happen, but it would be nice to think a development plan for the Zoo might come out in the next 6-12 months -> where exactly is Melbourne Zoo headed?
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Zoofan15 said:
It would indeed be fascinating, but I agree it won’t happen. In recent decades, Zoos Victoria have never disclosed upcoming developments at Melbourne Zoo ahead of the construction phase.

It was refreshing to therefore see the Werribee Open Range Zoo masterplan a few years ago, but this was no doubt due to the zoo receiving $84 million in government funding for the project (i.e. people wanted to see where this money was going). Zoos SA (which are heavily reliant on public donations) have been similarly open about their future developments.
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I'm sure we'll at least get something on what's going to end up replacing the Elephants.

My moneys on a themed precinct - and I wouldn't be surprised if it's an extension of the Forest of Wonders theme with a random combination of species thrown together and the trail being named after one of the species (ie. Dragon trail, after the Komodo Dragon).

The best course however, would to see an extension of the current Orangutan/Gibbon facilities, with some supporting exhibits (ie. still for Komodo Dragon).

Also, on the note of the Komodos, I forgot to mention in my update that the central area in the Carnivores precinct that is under renovation is almost certainly going to be an updated childrens play area.
 
Jambo said:
I'm sure we'll at least get something on what's going to end up replacing the Elephants.

My moneys on a themed precinct - and I wouldn't be surprised if it's an extension of the Forest of Wonders theme with a random combination of species thrown together and the trail being named after one of the species (ie. Dragon trail, after the Komodo Dragon).

The best course however, would to see an extension of the current Orangutan/Gibbon facilities, with some supporting exhibits (ie. still for Komodo Dragon).

Also, on the note of the Komodos, I forgot to mention in my update that the central area in the Carnivores precinct that is under renovation is almost certainly going to be an updated childrens play area.
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I’m having doubts as to the orangutan expansion considering there’s no plan to acquire a female Sumatran orangutan to pair with Malu. Even though they’d likely wait until the expansion was completed to bring one in, that would be within the next 1-3 years and the keeper you spoke would have at least had an awareness of future plans to bring in a female.

I agree Komodo dragons will be in the plans for redeveloping FOW, possibly even the stars of the precinct. I also consider it likely the precinct will take its name from the headlining species (as did TOTE, Gorilla Rainforest and Lion Gorge).
 
Jambo said:
I visited a few days ago and have finally gotten around to writing up some updates.

This visit was the first visit in quite a long time where I spent almost the whole day at the zoo, so there are quite a lot of updates I'd like to mention. I'll group the updates via trail;


Gorilla Rainforest:
  • I asked about a potential Pygmy Hippo mate import for Felix, and the keeper was vague with plans but said there isn't currently an individual lined up. However they're open to acquiring a female.
  • The Treetop Monkey trail is looking incredibly empty these days. Former Cotton Top Tamarin enclosure is still shut off. Only saw three Spider Monkeys (the zoo had five as of last year). Only saw two of the Colobus together in one of the exhibits - no sign of the other one. No signs of the Emperor Tamarins too. However did see both White Cheeked Gibbons and noticed that the foliage in the enclosure has been cleared.
  • A Pink Tongued Skink has been added into a terrarium in the Gorilla Ranger Hut.
Forest of Wonders:
  • Hutan the Sumatran Tiger was off display for the day - unsure as to why.
  • Was delighted to catch both the Luzon Bleeding Heart Doves and a Noisy Pitta who shares an exhibit with them.
  • Saw one of the Rose Crowned Fruit Doves in the Butterfly House - and was trying to find the other with the chick but had no luck.
  • In the new Invertebrate House (which was a small educational building outlooking the former bull elephant paddock) the final terrarium, seems to now be occupied by Egyptian Beetles. No sign of the Red Spotted Rose Chafers that used to reside there.
  • A keeper advised me that there were no immediate plans to acquire a mate for Malu, although there was hope they'd still be able to contribute to the regional breeding program down the line.
Australian Bush:
  • The zoo currently has four Koalas; three in the avairy exhibit and another in the main exhibit next to the Great Flight Aviary. Three females, and one male. All are rescues from the 2020 bushfires. The three females should be expecting joeys to emerge later this year assuming all goes well.
  • The male Quokka who shares a habitat with one of the Koalas was out for a little bit which was a pleasant surprise. There are plans to acquire another male Quokka. Although he will be housed elsewhere (will be interesting to see where). Female Quokkas are apparently hard to acquire at the moment so there's no breeding plans.
  • Was lucky enough to see pretty much every species in the GFA (I'll post a species list for this in my species list thread) - minus Zillie the Cassowary and a few of the smaller species - Bush Stone Curlew and Buff Banded Rail.
  • Also was lucky enough to catch both Long Nosed Pottoro active and the resident female Echidna.
Carnivores:
  • Not many updates her but chatted to a Lion keeper. Ndidi and Zuberi are well represented so likely won't be moved into a breeding situation. Nairobi is Nilo's full sister so they share the same genetics; all of the older Werribee born cubs are essentially the same genetically as a result.
Main Trail:
  • From the keeper talk, Klintun the Giraffe will have the chance to breed with both girls (Nakuru and Iris).
  • Saw two of the elusive Nyala in the former Bongo habitat. It took me three trips to the exhibit to catch them emerging from the foliage at the back of their exhibit.
  • Only saw about twelve baboons (four males), but they were choosing to remain in the off display enclosure.
  • The former Tapir enclosure is under renovation with a sign denoting to this.
Frog House/Reptile House:
  • Mixed terrarium for Stuttering Frogs and Perons Tree Frogs was under renovation. Both species are consequently off display.
  • Plumed Basilisk and Twist Necked Turtle enclosure was also under renovation. Both species are off display as a result.
Overall, a great visit. I was lucky enough to have the zoo pretty much to myself for the most part - overcast weekdays must be the best time to visit! I was also impressed with the activity and the amount of species I was able to see - only real disappointment was due to it being winter, it seems a lot of the species were taken off display very early, so I missed a few in the mid afternoon.

I'm looking to get back asap to check up on a few other things - to try and catch a few species I didn't see, and ask a few additional questions. I've also posted photos from my visit in the gallery for those interested.
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With the cottontop Tamarins, on a recent visit I saw that the Tamarin were actually in the enclosure, despite the blocked off viewing points. I also saw both Emperor Tamarin on my visit this week.
 
FunnyJamie said:
With the cottontop Tamarins, on a recent visit I saw that the Tamarin were actually in the enclosure, despite the blocked off viewing points. I also saw both Emperor Tamarin on my visit this week.
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During my visit I did find it unusual to see a keeper doing work in the Cotton Top Tamarin enclosure. I presumed it was simple maintenance.

It's surprising that Tamarins are still there, despite the viewing windows being blocked off. A new female arrived at the beginning of the year, so it appears she's still settling in.
 
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