Auckland Zoo Auckland Zoo News 2025
- Thread starter Zoofan15
- Start date
Thank you for sharing.
Even at 22 months of age, Cahya remains one of the zoo’s most popular attractions; but I’m thrilled that her transfer will enable Auckland Zoo to breed again. With three exhibits (and the separation of Zayana and Cahya inevitable), Auckland Zoo’s keepers were adamant no breeding recommendation would follow until Cahya left.
Auckland Zoo have one of the best tiger complexes in the region, so it’d be great to see it fully utilised via a larger litter. Zayana herself was a quadruplet and litters of 3-4 aren’t uncommon in this subspecies.
Ramah was always planned to remain at Auckland due to his temperament; but I’m glad Zayana will be as well. She’s one of the most confident tigers I’ve seen in captivity and her daughter has clearly taken her lead in that regard. I regularly see both females up close by the glass, completely unphased by even large crowds.
ApeLadyNZ
Well-Known Member
Thank you for sharing.
Even at 22 months of age, Cahya remains one of the zoo’s most popular attractions; but I’m thrilled that her transfer will enable Auckland Zoo to breed again. With three exhibits (and the separation of Zayana and Cahya inevitable), Auckland Zoo’s keepers were adamant no breeding recommendation would follow until Cahya left.
Auckland Zoo have one of the best tiger complexes in the region, so it’d be great to see it fully utilised via a larger litter. Zayana herself was a quadruplet and litters of 3-4 aren’t uncommon in this subspecies.
Ramah was always planned to remain at Auckland due to his temperament; but I’m glad Zayana will be as well. She’s one of the most confident tigers I’ve seen in captivity and her daughter has clearly taken her lead in that regard. I regularly see both females up close by the glass, completely unphased by even large crowds.
While I'll miss Cahya, this is very good news for the species. At last genetically valuable Reggie will be paired, and it's great news that Ramah and Zayana will be breeding again.
It’ll be interesting to see how Auckland Zoo’s visitors perceive this transfer. Unlike the majority of ZooChatters (and of course staff) who acknowledge the bigger picture and the multiple positives this transfer will have; the general public often fail to see the bigger picture and complain their favourite animal is leaving.
Either way, I’m sure a new litter of cubs (which could come as soon as the first half of 2026) will cheer them up!
Reggie is long overdue a breeding recommendation. It came as a surprise to me that Scout was recommended for transfer to Hamilton instead of him back; but I acknowledge they both descend from the same wild born founders, so in the broader sense it was irrelevant which male went (even if Reggie is the only living offspring of his mother).
ApeLadyNZ
Well-Known Member
Many zoo visitors indeed don't see the bigger picture and feel saddened that they are losing favoirte animals, which is understandable in a way. But the majority don't realise that animals don't belong to the zoo as such, but to the various international breeding programmes. Although I did hear from a senior keeper that zoos do have some input into the decisions around transfers, and she said that if Charlie and Melur were ever recommended to be transferred elsewhere, the zoo would refuse because of the strength of the bond between this pair of orangutans (although such a scenario is now very unlikely given their ages).
I'm hoping that Auckland will decide to retain Bahmi, though!
The animals are usually owned by the zoo they're at; not by the overarching program. As a result, the zoos tend to have the last say. More often than not, they tend to agree - as the moves are for the greater good of the entire population. And if they refused such a move, it would likely leave a bad taste in the mouth of others and those who run the program.
In the case of Charlie and Melur though, I do absolutely think they have a valid point in wanting to retain them for that reason. Although considering Charlie's genetic value - there may be a fair bit to weigh up if a recommendation came in to transfer him to a different facility that has many potential mates for him.
At the end of the day, it comes down to priorities. Breeding programs want the best for the breeding program (maintaining genetics, satisfying holders ect.) whilst zoos can be more concerned about their individual priorities (ie. the animals themselves).
That’s correct. It’s very much a consultative process, where zoos can decline to send an animal or give feedback on a more suitable candidate.
When Auckland Zoo’s Sumatran tiger Nisha died in 2006, the species coordinator recommended one of her sisters at Hamilton Zoo transfer up. Genetically speaking, it didn’t matter which one came, so Hamilton Zoo recommended Molek on the basis she was more confident than her sister and would adapt better to the change.
I’m similarly aware of chimpanzee transfers that were recommended and then the sending zoo asked to send a different female because of the impact the removal of that offspring would have had on its mother. To state the obvious, the impact on the hierarchy is something to consider across many social species.
This certainly hits the nail on the head.
Coordinators have little knowledge about the individual animals themselves (ie. their health, personality, social status, relationship with other animals), and all of those factors can be crucial to consider when planning for a transfer.
That's why it's simply a 'recommendation' - and why a lot of recommendations are subject to change, or don't end up coming to fruition at all.
ApeLadyNZ
Well-Known Member
@Jambo @Zoofan15 - thanks for clearing that up about the breeding programmes - looks like I was indeed mistaken about who owns the animals, but it does seem like zoos have the last say. And it makes sense that transfers also do depend on animal temperament, which was why Daya was recommended for Auckland (easy-going nature, gets along well with other females and with infants and juveniles).
Another example is Auckland Zoo importing Anjalee. Andrew Coers led the search to identify a companion for Burma, with a strong focus on identifying a female who would be a good personality match for Burma. Kashin was mismatched to both Ma Schwe and Burma and took years to warm to the latter.
It was clear upon Anjalee’s arrival what a great choice had been made. They formed a near instant friendship and while they never developed the closeness you’d expect to see between related females, they were excellent companions for each other. The only downside imo was that their ages meant their energy levels were mismatched. Anjalee was a great companion to Burma; but had she arrived 20 years earlier, she’d have been even better!
Osedax
Well-Known Member
For those who don't know:
These are Bornean orangutans.
These are Asian elephants.
Auckland Zoo Update
Update from my visit (31/10/2025):
I had a very brief visit to Auckland Zoo yesterday and have the following updates:
The two female spider monkeys who transferred to Wellington Zoo were Kiara (2018) and Jeanie (2018).
The otters on display are Hendra and Ika; with the third (Agus) held off display.
The Cape porcupine exhibit is closed for renovations. There will be a number of habitat renovations throughout November (see website for more details).
The lower end of the Southern white rhinoceros exhibit (waterhole) has reopened. There’s no noticeable change (I had hoped they were filling in the waterhole to increase the useable land area for the rhinos).
Sumatran tigers Zayana and Cahya are still cohabiting without issue. They were in the largest tiger exhibit, which is where I’ve seen them on all of my recent visits. Ramah was in the small exhibit. Cahya remains popular with the visitors ahead of her departure, but I’m sure so too will the next litter.
Photos from my visit here:
Auckland Zoo - ZooChat
Update from my visit (31/10/2025):
I had a very brief visit to Auckland Zoo yesterday and have the following updates:
The two female spider monkeys who transferred to Wellington Zoo were Kiara (2018) and Jeanie (2018).
The otters on display are Hendra and Ika; with the third (Agus) held off display.
The Cape porcupine exhibit is closed for renovations. There will be a number of habitat renovations throughout November (see website for more details).
The lower end of the Southern white rhinoceros exhibit (waterhole) has reopened. There’s no noticeable change (I had hoped they were filling in the waterhole to increase the useable land area for the rhinos).
Sumatran tigers Zayana and Cahya are still cohabiting without issue. They were in the largest tiger exhibit, which is where I’ve seen them on all of my recent visits. Ramah was in the small exhibit. Cahya remains popular with the visitors ahead of her departure, but I’m sure so too will the next litter.
Photos from my visit here:
Auckland Zoo - ZooChat
How many Spider Monkeys does this leave Auckland with now?
Auckland Zoo currently have six female spider monkeys:
0.1 Helen (1997)
0.1 Brianna (1999)
0.1 Jalisco (2000)
0.1 Kelly (2001)
0.1 Julieta (2010)
0.1 Belize (2018) Toque x Brianna
Presumably another male will be brought in at some stage (hopefully soon now two females have transferred out).
The two females that transferred to Wellington Zoo were from the last cohort (which included Belize), which makes them interesting candidates considering they haven’t had the opportunity to observe the raising of young (which would have been beneficial). It does however leave Auckland with multiple experienced mothers, which is vital for maintaining what was a successful breeding troop for decades.
Elephant exhibit update:
After the Dinosaur exhibition (a temporary exhibition) wrapped up on 31/10/2025, I was hopeful we’d hear news of a permanent redevelopment of the old elephant exhibit.
Disappointingly, Auckland Zoo have announced another temporary exhibition will occupy this space from 18/12/2025 (this time a display of art work from visitors).
Auckland Zoo have had long enough to devise a permanent replacement for the elephants, so presumably they’re awaiting funding/approval for this redevelopment.
From socials:,
We're asking people of all ages to share your art, photography, or poetry with us for our 'In Your Nature Community Art Trail’ that will open at the Zoo on 18 December. This is open to our whole community and can be anything from finger painting to fine art!
We’ll be accepting photograph or written submissions of drawings, sculpture, paintings, poetry and of course beautiful photography. Submissions open today (3 November) and can be made up until Friday 21 November.
With the Dinosaur Discovery Track winter activation finished, we're now preparing this space for our temporary art trail which will be free for all visitors to enjoy with their Zoo ticket.
After the Dinosaur exhibition (a temporary exhibition) wrapped up on 31/10/2025, I was hopeful we’d hear news of a permanent redevelopment of the old elephant exhibit.
Disappointingly, Auckland Zoo have announced another temporary exhibition will occupy this space from 18/12/2025 (this time a display of art work from visitors).
Auckland Zoo have had long enough to devise a permanent replacement for the elephants, so presumably they’re awaiting funding/approval for this redevelopment.
From socials:,
We're asking people of all ages to share your art, photography, or poetry with us for our 'In Your Nature Community Art Trail’ that will open at the Zoo on 18 December. This is open to our whole community and can be anything from finger painting to fine art!
We’ll be accepting photograph or written submissions of drawings, sculpture, paintings, poetry and of course beautiful photography. Submissions open today (3 November) and can be made up until Friday 21 November.
With the Dinosaur Discovery Track winter activation finished, we're now preparing this space for our temporary art trail which will be free for all visitors to enjoy with their Zoo ticket.
ApeLadyNZ
Well-Known Member
That's a nuisance. I was hoping Auckland Zoo would get back on track with its primary purpose - animal exhibits!
We all were. In the past, Auckland Zoo have done some decent temporary exhibitions including historic elephant photos (displayed in the Elephant House) and an exhibition celebrating the zoo’s centennial year (displayed in the Domes); but an exhibition that’s predominantly gonna be kids artwork sounds downright tedious. Not to mention its further stalling on the redevelopment of the elephant exhibit, which was vacated 12 months ago now.
In a comment on a post, the zoo have stated the elephant exhibit will be developed as part of the Africa Safari Track. This is a statement that’s been made in the past, so it’s unclear if this reflects recent meetings held by senior management on the zoo’s masterplan; but if so, implies a Savannah expansion is still in the works. At a minimum, I hope this includes future provision for Waterbuck; and the retention of Hamadryas baboon. Enough species have already been phased out, with more to follow (pinnipeds etc).
Awakōpaka skink birth:
From socials:
A second rare female awakōpaka has given birth!
This alpine skink was translocated to the Zoo from Fiordland’s Homer Saddle last summer as part of a team effort with our Department of Conservation colleagues and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu to help prevent the extinction of this ‘Nationally Critical’ taonga.
With this latest Spring birth and earlier births in May from the first female translocated to us last November, the Zoo is now home to nine awakōpaka as part of a husbandry research programme.
From socials:
A second rare female awakōpaka has given birth!
This alpine skink was translocated to the Zoo from Fiordland’s Homer Saddle last summer as part of a team effort with our Department of Conservation colleagues and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu to help prevent the extinction of this ‘Nationally Critical’ taonga.
With this latest Spring birth and earlier births in May from the first female translocated to us last November, the Zoo is now home to nine awakōpaka as part of a husbandry research programme.
I am curious why they don't just mix cheetahs in with the rhinos in Burma and Anjalee's old space - or incorporate a cheetah expansion.
That’s a great idea.
When I enquired a couple of years ago, I was told the whole space would be used to manage 10-15 rhinoceros, so imagine that hasn’t changed; but I prefer your idea and think it would be an excellent way to retain Cheetah within the collection.
The Cheetah in question are two 10 year old females, so if it were to occur, they’d probably look at bringing in adolescents or young adults (who’d be more adaptable).