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

[Jambo]

Yes, @steveroberts is correct that leopards must be held in fully covered exhibits as per state rules (i.e. no open air exhibits). Historically, they’ve proved notorious escape artists across the world’s zoos.

Sri Lankan leopard are unphased by living in proximity to other big cats, so they could retain the 1992 tiger exhibit for Sumatran tigers; and build additional leopard exhibits around it. Importing a breeding pair of leopard unrelated to the pairs imported by Darling Downs Zoo and the National Zoo would enable them to supply other holders with unrelated males for their offspring; but ultimately it’d depend on availability through the EEP.

Depending on their level of commitment to Sumatran tigers, another idea which can’t be ruled out is Melbourne Zoo building an additional Sumatran tiger exhibit. Combined with their extensive BOH facilities in, this would see them well placed to import a breeding pair and establish themselves as a breeding hub.

Considering the close proximity of the BTS facilities to the former elephant complex, it's not hard to imagine them investing in an additional exhibit there which could be connected to the BOH facilities via an overhead pathway, similar to Auckland's, just on a more extensive scale.

That would mean they could utilise the enclosure in the Carnivores precinct for another species (like Sri Lankan Leopard), or even as a third supporting tiger exhibit to perhaps hold a surplus pair of cubs born.

 

[Zoofan15]

Considering the close proximity of the BTS facilities to the former elephant complex, it's not hard to imagine them investing in an additional exhibit there which could be connected to the BOH facilities via an overhead pathway, similar to Auckland's, just on a more extensive scale.

That would mean they could utilise the enclosure in the Carnivores precinct for another species (like Sri Lankan Leopard), or even as a third supporting tiger exhibit to perhaps hold a surplus pair of cubs born.

I think there could be great value in using the tiger exhibit in the Carnivores precinct as a maturation/grow out exhibit for tigers.

It’s a well recognised phenomenon that around 12-18 months, tigresses are cycling again and want their cubs gone; yet said cubs aren’t ready to go into a breeding situation until at least 3-4 years. It can be negated by putting the female on contraception, but this is undesirable if she is to breed again. Separating the cubs for another 2-3 year socialisation with litter mates is therefore ideal.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I still believe as a part of the TOTE redevelopment that a second on display exhibit for tigers should be constructed across the path from Hutan, and between the lake and the deep pool elephant enclosure. This would mean that Leopard couldn't take the Bull enclosure though, but maybe could take Indrah's tiger enclosure in Carnivores?

 

[Zoofan15]

I still believe as a part of the TOTE redevelopment that a second on display exhibit for tigers should be constructed across the path from Hutan, and between the lake and the deep pool elephant enclosure. This would mean that Leopard couldn't take the Bull enclosure though, but maybe could take Indrah's tiger enclosure in Carnivores?

The leopard exhibit would need to be completely covered, which would be a huge undertaking if they upgraded the exhibit in Carnivores due to the size/openess of the exhibit.

That said, the benefit would be being able to manage all the tigers held at Melbourne across one area. It would be easier to manage the transitioning out of cubs from their mother; and it would be enriching for the tigers to rotate between each other’s exhibits.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

The leopard exhibit would need to be completely covered, which would be a huge undertaking if they upgraded the exhibit in Carnivores due to the size/openess of the exhibit.

That said, the benefit would be being able to manage all the tigers held at Melbourne across one area. It would be easier to manage the transitioning out of cubs from their mother; and it would be enriching for the tigers to rotate between each other’s exhibits.

It would be a big undertaking to enclose the space, but not insurmountable

I also think it would be cool to have two "leopard" species in close proximity to each other. (Snow leopards being more related to tigers than they are to leopards).

 

[Zoofan15]

It would be a big undertaking to enclose the space, but not insurmountable

I also think it would be cool to have two "leopard" species in close proximity to each other. (Snow leopards being more related to tigers than they are to leopards).

Big Cat Precinct > Carnivores Precinct:

If we’re being honest, the Dingo and Tasmanian devil hold little appeal for anyone that visits the Carnivores precinct; and the Binturong that nobody ever sees, even less so.

Melbourne would be better off redeveloping the Carnivores precinct as a big cats precinct (with Sri Lankan leopard joining the African lion, Sumatran tiger and Snow leopard). Big cats can be exhibited in close proximity to each other and they’re highly popular with visitors. It would easily be the zoo’s most popular precinct.

It would of course be a fitting redevelopment of the area considering part of it is built upon Big Cat Row.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Big Cat Precinct > Carnivores Precinct:

If we’re being honest, the Dingo and Tasmanian devil hold little appeal for anyone that visits the Carnivores precinct; and the Binturong that nobody ever sees, even less so.

Melbourne would be better off redeveloping the Carnivores precinct as a big cats precinct (with Sri Lankan leopard joining the African lion, Sumatran tiger and Snow leopard). Big cats can be exhibited in close proximity to each other and they’re highly popular with visitors. It would easily be the zoo’s most popular precinct.

It would of course be a fitting redevelopment of the area considering part of it is built upon Big Cat Row.

Move the Dingo Healesville and Devils up Australian Bush precinct.
My other penchant - send the African Lions to Werribee and somehow source a breeding pair of Asiatic lions and connect the Dingo enclosure to the lion enclosure.
(Of course would be hard nee impossible to source Asiatic lions, and would probably need 2+ more holders to make this a viable option so won't hold my breath.)

 

[Zoofan15]

Move the Dingo Healesville and Devils up Australian Bush precinct.
My other penchant - send the African Lions to Werribee and somehow source a breeding pair of Asiatic lions and connect the Dingo enclosure to the lion enclosure.
(Of course would be hard nee impossible to source Asiatic lions, and would probably need 2+ more holders to make this a viable option so won't hold my breath.)

These are all good ideas. Melbourne Zoo doesn’t even breed Tasmanian devils, so doubling up on exhibits serves no purpose and does nothing to enhance the collection. One exhibit in the native precinct would satisfy the needs of any visitor with a burning urge to see one.

While often kept in 1.1 pairs, it’s now recognised that the Asiatic lion’s social structure consists of small prides of 2-3 females and their young; with males living alone or in small coalitions (2-4 males). Bonds between males and females are weak and and usually only last as long as courtship/mating in the wild. With this in mind, I’d aim to manage two prides at Werribee (breeding males, plus the female pride); and then have Melbourne house surplus (e.g. a bachelor pride).

 

[Jambo]

These are all good ideas. Melbourne Zoo doesn’t even breed Tasmanian devils, so doubling up on exhibits serves no purpose and does nothing to enhance the collection. One exhibit in the native precinct would satisfy the needs of any visitor with a burning urge to see one.

While often kept in 1.1 pairs, it’s now recognised that the Asiatic lion’s social structure consists of small prides of 2-3 females and their young; with males living alone or in small coalitions (2-4 males). Bonds between males and females are weak and and usually only last as long as courtship/mating in the wild. With this in mind, I’d aim to manage two prides at Werribee (breeding males, plus the female pride); and then have Melbourne house surplus (e.g. a bachelor pride).

The former Tasmanian Devil enclosure currently holds Long Nosed Potoroo and Echidna, so even though both species can be seen at Healesville, I still like the display they have for them at Melbourne.

My preference however would be to see the Koalas moved into the Great Flight Aviary; which would be an efficient use of space. This would allow their current enclosure out the front of the GFA (of which they share with Quokka), to be used for the Tasmanian Devils.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I do like that there is an arboreal animal in that enclosure though, with the elevated path wrapping around it. Could devils go in place of the toilet maze? (But that would be too much to ask of a modern Australian zoo I guess...)

While talking of Australian Bush, I would like to see something done with that small pond. It is shouting out to be utilised in an exhibit!

 

[Zoofan15]

The former Tasmanian Devil enclosure currently holds Long Nosed Potoroo and Echidna, so even though both species can be seen at Healesville, I still like the display they have for them at Melbourne.

My preference however would be to see the Koalas moved into the Great Flight Aviary; which would be an efficient use of space. This would allow their current enclosure out the front of the GFA (of which they share with Quokka), to be used for the Tasmanian Devils.

The GFA would make an amazing Koala habitat. They’re an unnecessary addition to the exhibit outside GFA when they’re already held further along in the precinct, though the exhibit is mixed with Quokka, which are in favour of the general public and would need to be accommodated elsewhere.

Growing Wild would benefit from a redevelopment. The tortoises do nothing to enhance the collection when a younger (future breeding group) are held in the larger exhibit by the Reptile House. They should go to Werribee. I have nothing against the zoo having multiple meerkat exhibits, but the flow between the exhibits were very poor compared to Auckland’s 1991 complex - which opened with three interconnected outdoor exhibits and a dayroom; with an additional exhibit then renovated behind the complex. It allowed them to house multiple social groupings and proved an engaging display.

 

[Jambo]

I do like that there is an arboreal animal in that enclosure though, with the elevated path wrapping around it. Could devils go in place of the toilet maze? (But that would be too much to ask of a modern Australian zoo I guess...)

While talking of Australian Bush, I would like to see something done with that small pond. It is shouting out to be utilised in an exhibit!

There's plenty of unused space around the whole precinct that could be utilised for a Tasmanian Devil enclosure, which to be fair, wouldn't need a huge amount of space. They already have a new childrens nature play area next to the northern entrance to the trail - so removing the toilet maze wouldn't be much of a loss. I'm sure there's better ways they could promote the campaign anyway.

The small pond actually has the pair of male Black Swans in it now. It's good to finally have a species in it, as I've said the same for a long time - it always felt like an area that could be utilised.

 

[Jambo]

The GFA would make an amazing Koala habitat. They’re an unnecessary addition to the exhibit outside GFA when they’re already held further along in the precinct, though the exhibit is mixed with Quokka, which are in favour of the general public and would need to be accommodated elsewhere.

Growing Wild would benefit from a redevelopment. The tortoises do nothing to enhance the collection when a younger (future breeding group) are held in the larger exhibit by the Reptile House. They should go to Werribee. I have nothing against the zoo having multiple meerkat exhibits, but the flow between the exhibits were very poor compared to Auckland’s 1991 complex - which opened with three interconnected outdoor exhibits and a dayroom; with an additional exhibit then renovated behind the complex. It allowed them to house multiple social groupings and proved an engaging display.

Quokka could even be mixed into the GFA to in said idea. Utilising the GFA in such manner would be an effective use of space imo.

Werribee has plenty of space to acquire the two elderly male Giant Tortoises - they also fit the 'African' theme being Aldabras. Another option would be to see the pair transfer north to Kyabram, where they could serve as one of the drawcards for their already impressive reptile collection.

 

[Zoofan15]

Quokka could even be mixed into the GFA to in said idea. Utilising the GFA in such manner would be an effective use of space imo.

Werribee has plenty of space to acquire the two elderly male Giant Tortoises - they also fit the 'African' theme being Aldabras. Another option would be to see the pair transfer north to Kyabram, where they could serve as one of the drawcards for their already impressive reptile collection.

Kyabram Fauna Park would be the ideal facility to relocate Melbourne’s elderly Aldabra giant tortoises. In the absence of even a crocodile, two massive tortoises would the centrepiece of the zoo’s reptile collection, if not the park.

Like all city zoos, Melbourne needs to maximise efficiency of space and integrating mammals into the GFA is a good place to start, freeing up their exhibits for Tasmanian devil, which in turn would enable something more exciting to go into the Carnivores precinct.

As many of us have previously suggested, the Binturong could be accommodated in the squirrel monkey exhibit if value is seen in retaining them within the collection. They add nothing to the Carnivores exhibit in the current step up (nest boxes nobody can see into).

 

[Zoofan15]

I’ve replied in this thread @Zoofan64, as members prefer the news threads are kept to current news (not speculation):

I'm scared for forest of wonder trail they said it would get replaced with mostly insects sure insects are cool but they are kind of boring they should just stick with Indian rhinos and Asian buffalo like Taronga zoo and Taronga zoo has a smaller elephant enclosure tbh

I’m not too concerned at this stage. Insects are a quick fix (like how Auckland and Perth have put dinosaurs inside their vacant elephant exhibits). Long term, there’s every indication a full scale redevelopment of the Trail of the Elephants precinct will take place.

The elephant complex at Werribee was costly (exceeding the original budget). It was a necessity to build this and Werribee’s additional projects were put on hold to make it happen; so it’s reasonable to assume Melbourne (also under the Zoos Victoria umbrella) will be similarly impacted. That doesn’t mean either will stagnate - one is importing hippopotami; the other tapir, but on the other hand, don’t expect anything dramatic to happen in TOTE/FOW for the next few years.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I agree Zillie isn’t very visible in the GFA, but there’s many better uses for the old Mandrill exhibit (namely colobus) than sticking a cassowary in there, which always felt like a filler species to me.

I do think that either MZ should house Tree Kangaroo and be in an twin-exhibits paired with Zillie, or that Zillie should be moved to Healesville and pair them there. Find one a couple of other species, maybe reptile, frogs and birds, and create a small Daintree precinct at either campus.

 

[Jambo]

I do think that either MZ should house Tree Kangaroo and be in an twin-exhibits paired with Zillie, or that Zillie should be moved to Healesville and pair them there. Find one a couple of other species, maybe reptile, frogs and birds, and create a small Daintree precinct at either campus.

It's worth noting Healesville no longer have Cassowary (and haven't for years), so moving Zillie across could be beneficial, especially if a Daintree precinct was to be implemented there.

The current Australian Bush precinct is looking rather 'full' at the present time, and it's purpose is to essentially serve as a 'taste' of Healesville with a generalised approach to native species. With Healesville then diversifying from there - a Northern Australian Rainforest precinct would be a perfect place to start.

 

[Zoofan15]

I do think that either MZ should house Tree Kangaroo and be in an twin-exhibits paired with Zillie, or that Zillie should be moved to Healesville and pair them there. Find one a couple of other species, maybe reptile, frogs and birds, and create a small Daintree precinct at either campus.

It's worth noting Healesville no longer have Cassowary (and haven't for years), so moving Zillie across could be beneficial, especially if a Daintree precinct was to be implemented there.

The current Australian Bush precinct is looking rather 'full' at the present time, and its purpose is to essentially serve as a 'taste' of Healesville with a generalised approach to native species. With Healesville then diversifying from there - a Northern Australian Rainforest precinct would be a perfect place to start.

Prior to Koala/Quokka moving in, I favoured housing tree kangaroos in their exhibit outside the GFA. Tree kangaroos have been documented to kill aviary birds, so would be unsuitable for the GFA.

They should definitely look at transferring Zillie to Healesville to both enhance their collection and free up space at Melbourne Zoo.

 

[Jambo]

Prior to Koala/Quokka moving in, I favoured housing tree kangaroos in their exhibit outside the GFA. Tree kangaroos have been documented to kill aviary birds, so would be unsuitable for the GFA.

They should definitely look at transferring Zillie to Healesville to both enhance their collection and free up space at Melbourne Zoo.

The exhibit is on the small side for a Tree Kangaroo though. Not that that didn't stop them previously keeping a male in the small adjacent exhibit to the Bong Su Function Centre!

If they weren't herbivores, I'd say the best option for them would be to have an exhibit in what is the current Binturong habitat. Otherwise I wouldn't mind seeing them return to the Treetops trail, especially in it's current state (it could do with an additional species).

 

[Zoofan15]

The exhibit is on the small side for a Tree Kangaroo though. Not that that didn't stop them previously keeping a male in the small adjacent exhibit to the Bong Su Function Centre!

If they weren't herbivores, I'd say the best option for them would be to have an exhibit in what is the current Binturong habitat. Otherwise I wouldn't mind seeing them return to the Treetops trail, especially in it's current state (it could do with an additional species).

I’d like Treetops to look at options beyond monkeys and I’m hopeful the Xenarthra IRA will give them adequate opportunity to do. Sloths and tamandua would be ideal and if/when the gibbons and colobus move out, see the area become a South America sub-precinct.

I still think there’s value in a Brazilian tapir/Spider monkey exhibit within the elephant paddocks; but with the Komodo dragon needing a permanent exhibit and the tigers likely remaining in Forests of Wonder long term, I’m doubtful of it becoming a South American precinct (so a sub-precinct within Gorilla Rainforest may be as good as we get). Bar the Australian native precinct and Wild Seas, Melbourne Zoo has always been adverse to geographic themeing.