Excellent to see that Australia Zoo once again displays elephants. This has to be the greatest exhibit complex on the whole continent and from the looks of it blows the dusty paddocks at Taronga and Melbourne out of the water. Any idea of what the size of the complex is? I have seen reports that range from three acres, to ten, to apparently hundreds (no way that last ones true). Either way, it looks plenty big for a sizable group and it would be super impressive to Australia zoo with a dynamic breeding herd.
@pachyderm pro It's a decent size and having seen both Melbourne and Taronga's exhibits in person it's certainly more impressive. An article in the zoo's magazine publication mentions the following: "the almost 16-acre enclosure encompasses everything needed to keep the herd happy; a large pool, mud wallows, grazing areas, bushland, a heated barn and a 1-kilometre long walking track between areas to provide them with mental and physical stimulation."
@pachyderm pro I believe the exhibit area is 13 acres which is now linked to the two holding yards and barn.also there is a very large bush wooded area next to the barn/yard area. I believe that Werribee zoos new 50 acre elephant complex is going to take some beating in terms of being the best in this region
@pachyderm pro I’m hopeful the zoo will follow through with their plans to import Sumatran bulls and begin a breeding programme as they originally stated was their intention. They currently have the best exhibit in the region imo (along with Dubbo’s complex); but the new exhibit at Werribee will be truly groundbreaking - easily one of the best in the world.
For those interested in the design/planning of the Werribee exhibit (including nine comparison studies), I’ve just posted a comprehensive study here (Post #129): Australasian Asian Elephant Population
