Adelaide Zoo Adelaide Zoo News 2024

Zoofan15

Zoofan15

Well-Known Member
10+ year member
Sumatran tiger undergoes life-saving operation:

13 month old Ketambe has undergone an operation after suffering from an intestinal blockage. The operation was a success and he’s since made a recovery from the incident, which would have otherwise proved fatal.

The same condition previously caused the death of Ketambe’s great uncle, Sarti (2008), at Perth Zoo in 2009.

Reported on socials.
 
Lease extended for Giant pandas at Adelaide Zoo!

China have given the go ahead to extend the lease of Giant pandas Wang Wang and Funi. This follows talks held between Australian and Chinese representatives in Canberra.

Article is behind a paywall, but that appears to be the gist of it from what’s shown. An announcement by the zoo will no doubt follow.

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/subs...ous&mode=premium&v21=GROUPA-Segment-2-NOSCORE
 
Zoofan15 said:
Lease extended for Giant pandas at Adelaide Zoo!

China have given the go ahead to extend the lease of Giant pandas Wang Wang and Funi. This follows talks held between Australian and Chinese representatives in Canberra.

Article is behind a paywall, but that appears to be the gist of it from what’s shown. An announcement by the zoo will no doubt follow.

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=AAWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/china-gives-the-go-ahead-to-extend-lease-of-adelaide-zoo-pandas-wang-wang-and-fu-ni/news-story/115effa4d42e6601ff724d7b44e84253&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=GROUPA-Segment-2-NOSCORE
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Though I’m glad the region will retain it’s only pair of Giant pandas for the foreseeable, I remain of the opinion it would have been worthwhile exchanging Wang Wang, Funi or both for a new panda/s given their unsuccessful reproductive history:

2009: Wang Wang and Funi arrive
2011: Natural only (fails)
2012: Natural only (fails)
2013: Artificial insemination (fails)
2014: Natural only (fails)
2015: Artificial insemination (fails)
2016: Artificial insemination (fails)
2017: Artificial insemination (fails)
2018: Artificial insemination (fails)
2019: No breeding due to contract negotiations
2020: Natural only (fails)
2021: Natural only (fails)
2022: Artificial insemination (fails)
 
Zoofan15 said:
Lease extended for Giant pandas at Adelaide Zoo!

China have given the go ahead to extend the lease of Giant pandas Wang Wang and Funi. This follows talks held between Australian and Chinese representatives in Canberra.

Article is behind a paywall, but that appears to be the gist of it from what’s shown. An announcement by the zoo will no doubt follow.

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=AAWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/china-gives-the-go-ahead-to-extend-lease-of-adelaide-zoo-pandas-wang-wang-and-fu-ni/news-story/115effa4d42e6601ff724d7b44e84253&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=GROUPA-Segment-2-NOSCORE
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Considering their ages this will likely be their last period of stay. China has an agreement where the pandas return to China for retirement; usually in their early 20's so this could something we could see probably later this decade. Hopefully a new pair follows and we get the breeding success we've longed for!
 
Jambo said:
Considering their ages this will likely be their last period of stay. China has an agreement where the pandas return to China for retirement; usually in their early 20's so this could something we could see probably later this decade. Hopefully a new pair follows and we get the breeding success we've longed for!
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I assume the lease will be the standard five years, so yes that seems likely. Wang Wang is 18 years old (DOB 31 October 2005) and Fu Ni is 17 years old (DOB 23 August 2006), so they’re well past their reproductive prime. Wang Wang has had promising semen analysis results in the past though.

It’s unfortunate that Giant pandas are only ever loaned in pairs. There’s evidence to support enhanced breeding success when a female is offered the chance to mate with more than one male.
 
It looks like the media have jumped the gun regarding the future of Giant pandas at the zoo. Adelaide have since issued the following statement:

You may have heard some news today regarding the future of Giant Pandas at Adelaide Zoo. To put the record in black and white, and to make sure that Giant Panda followers hear it directly from us, please find a statement from our CE, Elaine Bensted below:

Today’s interest in Giant Pandas at Adelaide Zoo only proves the level of interest and love the country has for this species.

Zoos SA was not advised whether the topic of Giant Pandas was on the radar for talks between Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and her Chinese counterpart Minister Wang Yi.

Zoos SA is continuing talks with the China Wildlife Conservation Association around the future of Fu Ni and Wang Wang and Giant Pandas at Adelaide Zoo.

We thank everyone for their interest in the future of Giant Pandas at Adelaide Zoo and the ongoing conservation work we undertake and support to help save the species from extinction.
 
Tasko the male sea lion has died:

From socials: Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park on Instagram: "Adelaide Zoo is deeply saddened to share news from Seal Bay that our male Australian Sea Lion, 20-year-old Tasko, was humanely euthanised late on Wednesday afternoon. At 20 years of age, Tasko was an elderly Sea Lion, and not surprisingly was experiencing age-related health issues. Last week, our dedicated keepers noticed Tasko was not his usual self, resulting in vets undertaking an examination. Despite the best efforts and care from our expert team, Tasko continued to deteriorate. Our veterinary team will undertake a necropsy to determine the decline in his health. Tasko was much-loved by the Adelaide Zoo team and the zoo-going community and while we are extremely saddened to say goodbye to Tasko, this decision was made with his welfare in mind and our love for him in our hearts. The loss of Tasko is a particularly challenging time for our keepers with whom he shared a close bond. Comfort however, is found in the knowledge that Tasko had a long and healthy life and many meals of Octopus and Mackerel (his favourite treats). With the loss of Tasko, our keepers will focus on ensuring that female Sea Lion, Ady, who turned 27 just last week, receives extra keeper time and increase her training and enrichment program to ensure we continue to meet her welfare needs. Due to Ady’s age and strong bond with her keepers, it has been determined that it is best for her to remain at Adelaide Zoo. For the same reasons we will not be seeking a companion Sea Lion. We ask friends of the zoo and the community for respect and kindness at this sad time. Thank you."
 
Abbey said:
Tasko the male sea lion has died:

From socials: Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park on Instagram: "Adelaide Zoo is deeply saddened to share news from Seal Bay that our male Australian Sea Lion, 20-year-old Tasko, was humanely euthanised late on Wednesday afternoon. At 20 years of age, Tasko was an elderly Sea Lion, and not surprisingly was experiencing age-related health issues. Last week, our dedicated keepers noticed Tasko was not his usual self, resulting in vets undertaking an examination. Despite the best efforts and care from our expert team, Tasko continued to deteriorate. Our veterinary team will undertake a necropsy to determine the decline in his health. Tasko was much-loved by the Adelaide Zoo team and the zoo-going community and while we are extremely saddened to say goodbye to Tasko, this decision was made with his welfare in mind and our love for him in our hearts. The loss of Tasko is a particularly challenging time for our keepers with whom he shared a close bond. Comfort however, is found in the knowledge that Tasko had a long and healthy life and many meals of Octopus and Mackerel (his favourite treats). With the loss of Tasko, our keepers will focus on ensuring that female Sea Lion, Ady, who turned 27 just last week, receives extra keeper time and increase her training and enrichment program to ensure we continue to meet her welfare needs. Due to Ady’s age and strong bond with her keepers, it has been determined that it is best for her to remain at Adelaide Zoo. For the same reasons we will not be seeking a companion Sea Lion. We ask friends of the zoo and the community for respect and kindness at this sad time. Thank you."
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Sadly I doubt it will be long before Adelaide Zoo phases out this charismatic species. Their female has already reached an extraordinary age of 27 years. Pinnipeds will be a great loss to Adelaide (and Auckland). Sea lions especially make for highly engaging exhibits.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Sadly I doubt it will be long before Adelaide Zoo phases out this charismatic species. Their female has already reached an extraordinary age of 27 years. Pinnipeds will be a great loss to Adelaide (and Auckland). Sea lions especially make for highly
engaging exhibits.
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Unless they build a new enclosure, I don’t think that’s inherently a bad thing, the current enclosure is not up to standard.
 
Yoshistar888 said:
Unless they build a new enclosure, I don’t think that’s inherently a bad thing, the current enclosure is not up to standard.
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It was decided by the zoo a while ago that this species would be phased out. Like you say, the exhibit is inadequate and has been for many years. Pinnipeds don’t feature in Adelaide’s masterplan, indicating this decision remains in place.
 
That Aussie Guy said:
Was speaking to a member of the education team at Adelaide Zoo today who, within an unrelated conversation, mentioned that porcupines from Monarto will soon be housed in the small enclosures where the last capybaras lived (opposite the lemurs near the nocturnal house).
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That’s good news. It’s always nice to see empty exhibits filled. In addition to their breeding pair, Monarto has three young porcupines (siblings). My guess is the two females will be coming to Adelaide:

0.1 Louie (23/01/2023) Oliver x Rita
1.0 Walter (00/08/2023) Oliver x Rita
0.1 Winni (00/08/2023) Oliver x Rita
 
Adelaide Zoo’s Sumatran orangutans are off exhibit as redevelopment takes place. I was thrilled to see how it’s looking so far— very much in the vein of Auckland’s exhibit, and I’d go so far as to say it will be the best set-up for orangutans in Australia. I am so excited to see Kluet and Puspa using it, and hope a companion/mate for Kluet is upon the horizon, because the makings are there for a really great exhibit.

Edit: a few (pretty poor) photos added to the gallery. I’ll bring my wide angle lens along next time!
 
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marmolady said:
Adelaide Zoo’s Sumatran orangutans are off exhibit as redevelopment takes place. I was thrilled to see how it’s looking so far— very much in the vein of Auckland’s exhibit, and I’d go so far as to say it will be the best set-up for orangutans in Australia. I am so excited to see Kluet and Puspa using it, and hope a companion/mate for Kluet is upon the horizon, because the makings are there for a really great exhibit.

Edit: a few (pretty poor) photos added to the gallery. I’ll bring my wide angle lens along next time!
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I’m really impressed with what Adelaide have done here. The towers themselves don’t look as tall as Auckland’s, but I like how you can see the apes ascending them. Auckland’s are completely enclosed and unless you’re standing close enough to see through the meshing, the best you see is a shadow of the orangutan climbing up.

Given Kluet’s closeness to Karta, I’m inclined to believe the lack of bond between him and Puspa is entirely down to her; especially given her history of antisocial behaviour. I hope in time this genetically valuable male will be provided with an amenable young female to breed with.
 
Is there any reason why Adelaide Zoo dumped the Idea of gorillas and an Asian-based zoo theme at its CBD site? I saw gorillas in a preliminary plan of the Zoo redevelopment, and its now been replaced with "African-savannah".

Isn't that really just stupid and illogical? considering Monarto is an African safari park, with far more animals and over 15x the space, it just seems so silly. I know you lot must have talked about this before, and its old news, but I just don't see how this will work favourably, yet they're continuing with it.
 
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Luke899 said:
Is there any reason why Adelaide Zoo dumped the Idea of gorillas and an Asian-based zoo theme at its CBD site? I saw gorillas in a preliminary plan of the Zoo redevelopment, and its now been replaced with "African-savannah".

Isn't that really just stupid and illogical? considering Monarto is an African safari park, with far more animals and over 15x the space, it just seems so silly. I know you lot must have talked about this before, but I just don't see how this will work favourably.
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The reason given was that a giraffe wouldn’t get into its moving crate (so they were unable to relocate them). This led to them deciding to build a generic savannah exhibit in place of the planned gorilla complex.

Sri Lankan leopards (male and female exhibit) were replaced by a third Sumatran tiger exhibit.

I (and many others) fully agree Adelaide would be better off complimenting Monarto’s collection; rather than replicating it on a very small scale.

https://www.zoossa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AZ_masterplan_addendum_2023.pdf
 
Zoofan15 said:
The reason given was that a giraffe wouldn’t get into its moving crate (so they were unable to relocate them). This led to them deciding to build a generic savannah exhibit in place of the planned gorilla complex.

Sri Lankan leopards (male and female exhibit) were replaced by a third Sumatran tiger exhibit.

I (and many others) fully agree Adelaide would be better off complimenting Monarto’s collection; rather than replicating it on a very small scale.

https://www.zoossa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AZ_masterplan_addendum_2023.pdf
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Although I acknowledge the current exhibit is on the smaller side, I don't think there's much need to go to the lengths of constructing an entire mini savannah. Kimya will also soon be nineteen, so being in her later years they could've easily elected to wait until her passing. But ultimately a decision was made to keep them at Adelaide.o_O

With the Sri Lankan Leopards, its a huge shame but I imagine this may be a result of their latest litter. None of the cubs born are really that valuable and so Adelaide will unfortunately have to accommodate them in the meantime.
 
Jambo said:
Although I acknowledge the current exhibit is on the smaller side, I don't think there's much need to go to the lengths of constructing an entire mini savannah. Kimya will also soon be nineteen, so being in her later years they could've easily elected to wait until her passing. But ultimately a decision was made to keep them at Adelaide.o_O

With the Sri Lankan Leopards, its a huge shame but I imagine this may be a result of their latest litter. None of the cubs born are really that valuable and so Adelaide will unfortunately have to accommodate them in the meantime.
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It’s a real shame Adelaide’s previous breeding female Sumatran tiger (Rahni) never produced cubs with either of her mates, as she was the daughter of what will ultimately be two unrepresented founders (Raja and Soraya) once their remaining daughters pass.

Kembali and Kirana are the only reproductive descendants of Oz, but breeding from both of them (to full siblings) was surely unnecessary. If we’re to assume the two sisters pairs (Marni/Susu and Hamilton’s twins) remain together as non-breeding tigers; I’m guessing the male triplet at Adelaide will be the representative of that generation.
 
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