Adelaide Zoo Adelaide Zoo News 2025

[Jambo]

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

That's good news. Things should start to look more balanced in the long term - with Lily likely to move across to Djibouti's harem once she matures, and Chappi eventually passing.

Adelaide really needs additional females - but I'm imagining they're waiting until the transfer to Monarto for this to occur. It doesn't look like there's any timetable on this move at the moment though.

 

[Zoofan15]

That's good news. Things should start to look more balanced in the long term - with Lily likely to move across to Djibouti's harem once she matures, and Chappi eventually passing.

Adelaide really needs additional females - but I'm imagining they're waiting until the transfer to Monarto for this to occur. It doesn't look like there's any timetable on this move at the moment though.

The Monarto exhibit is still be several years away, so I don’t anticipate they’ll bring in any additional females until then, especially with the troop finally reaching a point where they’re stable after close to a decade of conflict.

Males not having a harem is the point of contention, but hopefully they’ll move across to Monarto around the time Jabari hits his prime at around 8-10 years of age.

Naeemah (2011) at Auckland Zoo has remained in her father’s harem since birth, so Lili could remain in her father’s; or move across to her uncles when she reaches sexual maturity at 4-5 years.

 

[Zoofan15]

Black and white colobus birth:

Another one!

From socials:

We’re celebrating not one, but TWO Black-and-white Colobus monkey births! Zamba welcomed a little one on 29 May, and just last week, Adale gave birth too – bringing even more energy (and cuteness!) to our growing Colobus troop.

The one-month-old is already beginning to find his feet and explore, while the newest arrival is still snuggled close to mum. “Our trio of females take turns caring for the youngest, and she’s kept tucked in tight for warmth and security,” says Deb Barry, Curator at Adelaide Zoo.

—————————

Great to hear of the third infant born to Adale, just 15 months after her last infant.

Birth intervals in Adelaide’s troop:

0.1 Jamila (Jan 2023) Jasiri x Adale
~ 14 months
0.0.1 Sukari (Mar 2024) Jasiri x Adale
~ 15 months
0.0.1 Unnamed (June 2025) Jasiri x Adale

0.0.1 Nuru (Nov 2023) Jasiri x Zamba
~ 18 months
0.0.1 Unnamed (May 2025) Jasiri x Zamba

 

[Jambo]

Black and white colobus birth:

Another one!

From socials:

We’re celebrating not one, but TWO Black-and-white Colobus monkey births! Zamba welcomed a little one on 29 May, and just last week, Adale gave birth too – bringing even more energy (and cuteness!) to our growing Colobus troop.

The one-month-old is already beginning to find his feet and explore, while the newest arrival is still snuggled close to mum. “Our trio of females take turns caring for the youngest, and she’s kept tucked in tight for warmth and security,” says Deb Barry, Curator at Adelaide Zoo.

—————————

Great to hear of the third infant born to Adale, just 15 months after her last infant.

Birth intervals in Adelaide’s troop:

0.1 Jamila (Jan 2023) Jasiri x Adale
~ 14 months
0.0.1 Sukari (Mar 2024) Jasiri x Adale
~ 15 months
0.0.1 Unnamed (June 2025) Jasiri x Adale

0.0.1 Nuru (Nov 2023) Jasiri x Zamba
~ 18 months
0.0.1 Unnamed (May 2025) Jasiri x Zamba

Great news! Adelaide's really had great breeding success as of late with this breeding group.

Hopefully they'll be able to provide other collections with some individuals to continue to progress the breeding program - Melbourne could do with additional viable females to pair with Colby.

It also appears that Adale's youngest infant is a female based on what was quoted from the keeper.

 

[Zoofan15]

Great news! Adelaide's really had great breeding success as of late with this breeding group.

Hopefully they'll be able to provide other collections with some individuals to continue to progress the breeding program - Melbourne could do with additional viable females to pair with Colby.

It also appears that Adale's youngest infant is a female based on what was quoted from the keeper.

It’s great to see Adelaide’s troop thriving. Their import of females has paid dividends and revitalised the regional population. I don’t doubt Adelaide will want to retain a number of females for succession of their troop (perhaps Jasiri and any sons will split off to form a bachelor troop in a couple of years), but with five infants produced and counting, there will surely be some surplus for Melbourne.

It also appears that Adale's youngest infant is a female based on what was quoted from the keeper.

And it appears Zamba’s youngest infant is a male:

The one-month-old is already beginning to find his feet and explore…

 

[Zoofan15]

Two female Koala have arrived:

From socials:

Meet Adelaide Zoo’s newest koala duo Peaches and Pretzel!

These half-sisters have just joined us from Ballarat Wildlife Park and are already turning heads (and melting hearts) in the Natives Laneway.

Pretzel is the laid-back type, happy to lounge around in the sun without a care in the world. Peaches? She’s the social butterfly, always on the move and never far from her sister’s side.

 

[Zoofan15]

Upcoming Sumatran tiger export:

7News are reporting all three of Adelaide Zoo’s Sumatran tiger cubs are leaving the zoo; with the comment made that ‘recent visitors to the zoo have been told the cubs are moving to the US.’

Since this has yet to be confirmed by the zoo, it’s unclear whether this has been confused with the confirmed export of the male cub (Ketambe) to the US; or whether all three are indeed set to be exported.

Considering Adelaide is at capacity and Hamilton’s female twins could fulfil any breeding placement intended for Adelaide’s female cubs, it wouldn’t necessarily be surprising to see all three exported.

 

[Jambo]

Upcoming Sumatran tiger export:

7News are reporting all three of Adelaide Zoo’s Sumatran tiger cubs are leaving the zoo; with the comment made that ‘recent visitors to the zoo have been told the cubs are moving to the US.’

Since this has yet to be confirmed by the zoo, it’s unclear whether this has been confused with the confirmed export of the male cub (Ketambe) to the US; or whether all three are indeed set to be exported.

Considering Adelaide is at capacity and Hamilton’s female twins could fulfil any breeding placement intended for Adelaide’s female cubs, it wouldn’t necessarily be surprising to see all three exported.

It's quite surprising 7News have chosen to publicise this without official confirmation from the zoo. Knowing how information can often easily be confused on a variety of levels within a zoo, I would take this information with a grain of salt if they're basing this off 'visitor claims'.

Sending all three cubs across to the USA would just be an influx of the same genetics into their population; Taronga already sent Mawar earlier this year (who's a first cousin). But they do have a sizeable breeding population, so if they were really keen on new genetics, it's feasible I guess.

 

[Zoofan15]

It's quite surprising 7News have chosen to publicise this without official confirmation from the zoo. Knowing how information can often easily be confused on a variety of levels within a zoo, I would take this information with a grain of salt if they're basing this off 'visitor claims'.

Sending all three cubs across to the USA would just be an influx of the same genetics into their population; Taronga already sent Mawar earlier this year (who's a first cousin). But they do have a sizeable breeding population, so if they were really keen on new genetics, it's feasible I guess.

It’s previously only been reported that the male (Ketambe) was going; but it’s possible plans have changed as Taronga Zoo export of Pemanah appears to have been cancelled.

As a region, we have these five tigers who are the product of brother and sister (Kembali/Kirana) paired with brother and sister (Scout/Delilah) i.e. the same genetic match:

1.0 Ketambe (21/12/2022) Kembali x Delilah
0.1 Marni (21/12/2022) Kembali x Delilah
0.1 Susu (21/12/2022) Kembali x Delilah
0.1 Mayang (03/01/2024) Scout x Kirana
0.1 Andalas (03/01/2024) Scout x Kirana

Adelaide are over capacity and these tigers have little to no application within the region at this point in time (but are very valuable to the US). If they export the older three (who can no longer be housed as a group with their mother); then the younger two (who currently live with their mother) could be of great value to any number of Australasian facilities with ageing/elderly tigers that could well pass away in the next couple of years.

 

[Zorro]

Upcoming Sumatran tiger export:

7News are reporting all three of Adelaide Zoo’s Sumatran tiger cubs are leaving the zoo; with the comment made that ‘recent visitors to the zoo have been told the cubs are moving to the US.’

Since this has yet to be confirmed by the zoo, it’s unclear whether this has been confused with the confirmed export of the male cub (Ketambe) to the US; or whether all three are indeed set to be exported.

Considering Adelaide is at capacity and Hamilton’s female twins could fulfil any breeding placement intended for Adelaide’s female cubs, it wouldn’t necessarily be surprising to see all three exported.

While a small number of zoos here might be at capacity I believe its a different story for other zoos within the region, I believe a number of holders are down to one or two aged individuals living out their remaining lifes, I am sure there would be a few zoos around our region that would be more than willing to take on board some young tigers. I don't see why they have to export everything out of the country and not place some in zoos here!

 

[Zoofan15]

While a small number of zoos here might be at capacity I believe its a different story for other zoos within the region, I believe a number of holders are down to one or two aged individuals living out their remaining lifes, I am sure there would be a few zoos around our region that would be more than willing to take on board some young tigers. I don't see why they have to export everything out of the country and not place some in zoos here!

You’re correct, but nearly every zoo with ageing/elderly tigers currently has sufficient numbers to fill their on display exhibit/s. Until those tigers pass, they have no need to acquire another tiger; and some (like Perth) will take the opportunity to do a complete overhaul of their exhibit.

As a region, we need to be careful to avoid scenarios like Ballarat going into generics due to a supposed lack of surplus tigers; but we have sufficient numbers coming through (including the two young females at Hamilton; and the four young tigers at Australia Zoo) to negate that.

If Adelaide’s trio of cubs are exported, it frees Adelaide up to breed another litter, which could join other young tigers we currently have in the region in being distributed to Tasmania etc. as their elderly tigers pass. I also suspect Taronga, who has five tigers and five exhibits (three on display) would be happy to have a clear out of basically everything bar the breeding pair once they secure a mate for one of their 2019 cubs. Thats a minimum of three (possibly four once the new breeding pair breed and there’s enough to fill all three on display exhibits) that could be freed up for transfer.

 

[Zoofan15]

Upcoming Sumatran tiger export:

7News are reporting all three of Adelaide Zoo’s Sumatran tiger cubs are leaving the zoo; with the comment made that ‘recent visitors to the zoo have been told the cubs are moving to the US.’

Since this has yet to be confirmed by the zoo, it’s unclear whether this has been confused with the confirmed export of the male cub (Ketambe) to the US; or whether all three are indeed set to be exported.

Considering Adelaide is at capacity and Hamilton’s female twins could fulfil any breeding placement intended for Adelaide’s female cubs, it wouldn’t necessarily be surprising to see all three exported.

Confirmation from Adelaide Zoo:

My friend contacted Adelaide Zoo, who have confirmed that these reports are partially true. In addition to Ketambe, they plan to export one of their young females to the US:

1.0 Ketambe (21/12/2022) Kembali x Delilah
0.1 Susu (21/12/2022) Kembali x Delilah

The third cub will remain at Adelaide Zoo:

0.1 Marni (21/12/2022) Kembali x Delilah

No further details available at this stage, including the date of transfer or receiving zoos; though it was previously reported that Zoo Miami would be importing a male from Adelaide.

This will be a fantastic opportunity for these young cats to contribute to the North American breeding programme and I’m excited to follow their progress over the years to come.

 

[Jambo]

Confirmation from Adelaide Zoo:

My friend contacted Adelaide Zoo, who have confirmed that these reports are partially true. In addition to Ketambe, they plan to export one of their young females to the US:

1.0 Ketambe (21/12/2022) Kembali x Delilah
0.1 Susu (21/12/2022) Kembali x Delilah

The third cub will remain at Adelaide Zoo:

0.1 Marni (21/12/2022) Kembali x Delilah

No further details available at this stage, including the date of transfer or receiving zoos; though it was previously reported that Zoo Miami would be importing a male from Adelaide.

This will be a fantastic opportunity for these young cats to contribute to the North American breeding programme and I’m excited to follow their progress over the years to come.

Good to have confirmation on that front. I'm not surprised that Adelaide's jumped at the opportunity to offload one of the younger females too.

With Kembali and Delilah ageing, it's unlikely we'll end up seeing the pair being re-paired for another litter. Marni will therefore be valuable for Adelaide going forward, forming half of a new potential breeding pair, with the opportunity to import a male down the line once Kembali/Delilah are retired to another facility.

 

[Zoofan15]

Good to have confirmation on that front. I'm not surprised that Adelaide's jumped at the opportunity to offload one of the younger females too.

With Kembali and Delilah ageing, it's unlikely we'll end up seeing the pair being re-paired for another litter. Marni will therefore be valuable for Adelaide going forward, forming half of a new potential breeding pair, with the opportunity to import a male down the line once Kembali/Delilah are retired to another facility.

It’ll be great to free up space at Adelaide Zoo, especially since the third exhibit will be a few years away. These triplets are surplus to Australasia at this point in time; but will be invaluable to the North American breeding programme, who along with the import of Mawar, now have representation of three novel wild born founders to their population.

Long term, I’ve been made aware the keepers are hopeful of Kembali and Delilah receiving another breeding recommendation. While Marni will remain at Adelaide for now; with this in mind, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Marni transfer to one of the holders with ageing/elderly tigers (once one of them passes). Such a transfer, in the interim between now and a third exhibit being built at Adelaide would free up space for breeding. The current facilities have managed the breeding and retention of cubs to 2.5 years of age, so there’s no reason to believe they couldn’t do so again.

 

[Zoofan15]

Black and white colobus update:

Adelaide Zoo have confirmed the gender of their four youngest Black and white colobus:

- Nuru is a male
- Sukari is a male
- Zamba’s new infant (unnamed) is a female
- Adale’s new infant (unnamed) is a male

Adelaide’s troop is as follows:

1.0 Jasiri (2008)
0.1 Amanda (1994)
0.1 Zamba (2004)
0.1 Adale (2010)
0.1 Jamila (Jan 2023) Jasiri x Adale
1.0 Nuru (Nov 2023) Jasiri x Zamba
1.0 Sukari (Mar 2024) Jasiri x Adale
0.1 Unnamed (May 2025) Jasiri x Zamba
1.0 Unnamed (June 2025) Jasiri x Adale

Due to female colobus remaining in their natal troops, the long term plan is presumably for the three young males to transfer out (possibly with their sire) with a new male eventually brought in to breed with the younger females.

 

[Zorro]

Black and white colobus update:

Adelaide Zoo have confirmed the gender of their four youngest Black and white colobus:

- Nuru is a male
- Sukari is a male
- Zamba’s new infant (unnamed) is a female
- Adale’s new infant (unnamed) is a male

Adelaide’s troop is as follows:

1.0 Jasiri (2008)
0.1 Amanda (1994)
0.1 Zamba (2004)
0.1 Adale (2010)
0.1 Jamila (Jan 2023) Jasiri x Adale
1.0 Nuru (Nov 2023) Jasiri x Zamba
1.0 Sukari (Mar 2024) Jasiri x Adale
0.1 Unnamed (May 2025) Jasiri x Zamba
1.0 Unnamed (June 2025) Jasiri x Adale

Due to female colobus remaining in their natal troops, the long term plan is presumably for the three young males to transfer out (possibly with their sire) with a new male eventually brought in to breed with the younger females.

So glad to see this species making a comeback I really hope they don't end up as they did before!

 

[Zoofan15]

So glad to see this species making a comeback I really hope they don't end up as they did before!

Adelaide’s troop is well placed for succession with two breeding females, a juvenile female and an infant female.

It was encouraging to see Adelaide take the initiative to import the three females from France and its satisfying to see their efforts paying off with five infants born in less than three years.

 

[Zorro]

Adelaide’s troop is well placed for succession with two breeding females, a juvenile female and an infant female.

It was encouraging to see Adelaide take the initiative to import the three females from France and its satisfying to see their efforts paying off with five infants born in less than three years.

I remember not that many years ago that Perth zoo had a thriving breeding group which seemed to just disappear?

 

[Zoofan15]

I remember not that many years ago that Perth zoo had a thriving breeding group which seemed to just disappear?

They sent a male colobus to Melbourne Zoo, who sired several infants including Colby and Kipenzi, who are in their current troop. It appears the older members of Perth’s troop were simply allowed to die out, thus ending the zoo’s association with this species. It’s a shame to have lost both colobus and baboons from Perth consideration their meagre representation of African primates.

 

[Jambo]

I remember not that many years ago that Perth zoo had a thriving breeding group which seemed to just disappear?

They sent a male colobus to Melbourne Zoo, who sired several infants including Colby and Kipenzi, who are in their current troop. It appears the older members of Perth’s troop were simply allowed to die out, thus ending the zoo’s association with this species. It’s a shame to have lost both colobus and baboons from Perth consideration their meagre representation of African primates.

Both facilities held different sub species; Melbourne (C. g. guereza from the UK) and Perth (C. g. kikuyuensis from the USA).

I could be wrong but I thought Monarto's animals were descended from the Perth zoo stock. I know Melbourne used to have quite a large group of Colobus's too, so it's also possible Monarto's animals were also descended from Melbourne's former group.

Or perhaps from both facilities - the Exotic Mammals thread mentions the two sub species were later mixed, ie. the male from Perth being sent to be Melbourne's previous breeding male in the 2000's. It's possible individuals from both Perth and Melbourne were sent to start Monarto's group at the same time.