I continue to view the new giant panda deal with some reservations. I cannot help but think Adelaide Zoo should really refocus regionally on S.E. Asia - which they been neglecting lately - and the giant panda funds would be better spend elsewhere (which trusted @MRJ also attested to). This new project will forestall major development on the Adelaide Zoo proper.
Adelaide Zoo Adelaide Zoo News 2024
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If the costs of loaning the pandas will be paid for by the conservation budget, the detraction from the development of the zoo/masterplan shouldn’t be too severe; though Zoos SA will have to pay for the cost of their upkeep, provision of bamboo, import costs etc. (which I’m sure has been factored in).
What many of us perceive as a downgrade to the master plan (scrapping of Sri Lankan leopard, Western lowland gorilla and Mandrill; in favour of a third tiger exhibit and a generic savannah) were made long before confirmation of the panda contract being renewed (which was never guaranteed).
The Sleepy Hippo
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Yeah the two things are completely seperate from each other. Lets not conflate things.
Except, of course, everything has to be paid out of the same bank account.
The Sleepy Hippo
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I was of course referring to the many other costs associated with giant pandas.I wasn't aware that the Federal conservation budget was also footing the bill for the redevelopment of a precinct of Adelaide Zoo ...
The Sleepy Hippo
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Matumi the Giraffe will be heading back to Monarto Safari Park.
Big news for Adelaide Zoo’s littlest giraffe on World Giraffe Day - Adelaide Zoo
Big news for Adelaide Zoo’s littlest giraffe on World Giraffe Day - Adelaide Zoo
Oh, so that giraffe can be crate trained?
It’s too bad he can’t show Kimya how it’s done, so she can go too and Adelaide can build that Gorilla Complex.
The Sleepy Hippo
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Why dont they leave a crate in there permanently, so Kimya might one day learn/become more comfortable? Never say never, right?
The Sleepy Hippo
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Why don't they leave a crate in there permanently, so Kimya might one day learn/become more comfortable? Never say never, right?
Tbh I think if they were that interested in building a gorilla complex, they could wait for her to pass on (she’s an elderly giraffe) and then redevelop the exhibit. Like you say, there’s ways to make her feel comfortable around crate training/overcome the problem.
I’m of the opinion the original Adelaide masterplan (with Sri Lankan leopard, Western lowland gorilla and Mandrill), was fantastic as it complimented Monarto; rather than duplicating it on a small scale like the revised masterplan does (bachelor pride of lions, generic savannah etc).
In the case of Kimya, I’ve been told she doesn’t really use the extension of the original enclosure, sticking to what she’s familiar with. For an older animal who may not be comfortable with new environments, it makes sense that she’d stay… but I can’t see why gorillas wouldn’t be a better option once she’s passed.
I agree. Monarto has no apparent plans for gorillas and in any case, already have the region’s largest chimpanzee exhibit. Housing gorillas (a rainforest species) at Adelaide would be a great addition to the collection and an invaluable support to the regional population, which has stagnated in recent years.
Establishing a breeding troop at Adelaide and either accomodating bachelor males on site as they transfer out of their natal troop; or building a facility at Monarto a decade or so down the line would have been ideal.
Will Matumi's move leave Kimya on her own? I understand why it would be less than ideal to have a herd animal (or tower animal) alone unless this is preferred for her welfare, otherwise it would make sense to retain Matumi as a non-breeding animal (he'll be non-breeding at Monarto, anyway).
No, they have an almost five year old female named Nolean (born 21/10/2019). She was hand-raised.
The planned savannah exhibit presumably has breeding in mind (even if a 1.1 breeding pair). Contraception is effective in females and used in several cows in the region e.g. Rukiya (2001) at Auckland Zoo; and Zahara (2004) at Wellington Zoo.
A very nice exotic species is now at Adelaide Zoo. Black Lories, Chalcopsitta atra are now in the walkthrough South-east Asian aviary - reported on their FB page.
Nice, its a shame a lot more of the zoos dont take on some of the more exotic parrots we have here. Instead of the more common ones. Black lories are a good choice.
A very exciting acquisition, it would be nice for other zoos to follow suit.
Maleny Bird World also recently acquired Black Lories as well. They must be breeding well in private hands.