PART 1: AUSTRALIAN PRECINCT
Darling Downs Zoo is Queensland’s largest regional zoo currently and is located two hours from Brisbane. Situated in an area with limited water resources, very hot summers and cold dry winters, the collection largely maintains grassland and desert species, creating a nice point of difference from the often lush, rainforest-like nature of the coastal zoos across south-east Queensland. The zoo is divided and aims towards maintaining four main geographical zones; Australia, South-east Asia, Africa and South America. The zoo is undergoing a large expansion especially involving their African species and will continue developing this particular area.
The last time I did a proper review for DDZ was in December 2018 so approaching four years [A Review of Darling Downs Zoo [Darling Downs Zoo]] and since then the zoo has developed dramatically and broaden their collection further. Unlike the 2018 review, I will now provide images from my recent visit and a final species list to align with my established format I use when reviewing zoos. Also note the zoo has experienced a lot of rainfall recently, creating a greener-than-usual look about the place. The appearance of the zoo is greatly influenced by the climate and rain, and the zoo can look very different from one visit to another.
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The first enclosures include the cockatoos which creates a lively and engaging introduction to the visit. The first two smaller aviaries are of similar size; the first one contains a pair of Red-tailed Black Cockatoos, and the second aviary has a pair of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos. The main cockatoo aviary is a mix of Galah and Sulphur-crested Cockatoo as it has been for many years. The cockatoos share their enclosure with Australian Brush Turkey. Next to the cockatoos, there is an open-topped exhibit for the waterfowl that runs along the fence line and includes two main bodies of water along with smaller gravelly streams. This is a well-planted display with a range of native plants and grasses that provides great visual appeal. The waterbird area was divided in half on my visit; one half contained a pair of Australian Pelicans, Black Swans and Wandering Whistling Ducks while the other half had a second pair of Black Swans with a cygnet. The wild Red-rumped Parrots that live across the zoo are particularly numerous in this area, adding a great deal of colour and activity.
Cockatoo aviaries
Waterbird enclosure
The first enclosure that starts on the opposite side is a large open-topped yard with a shaded viewing area and a raised ramp for visitor access. This contains Koalas and is a generously sized enclosure for them providing access to the elements as well as opportunities for shade and privacy, contrasting the often ‘box with sticks’ set-ups they received at too many local zoos. There is an additional meshed exhibit that can be seen at the back with extra koalas as well. The koalas are also mixed with the new Red-legged Pademelons that are already breeding very well and is currently serving as a holding exhibit for young Aldabra Giant Tortoises. Quokkas are also indicated on the map but were not seen. The neighbouring enclosure is similarly as open with a front viewing area with a mesh-fronted den allowing visitors to see the breeding pair of Common Wombats which are mixed with Rufous Bettong which most members of the public label “baby wombats".
Koala enclosure
Wombat enclosure
Formerly housing Whiptail Wallabies, the next paddock currently houses Red Kangaroo and Cape Barren Geese among the long, dense grass. This was home to their last rhea for a few years. There is also the main enclosure with the breeding group of Red Kangaroos and a trio of Emus where visitors can feed both species. The kangaroos breed well here and I saw one female with a joey attempting to get back into the pouch.
Serving as a gateway connecting Australia and Asia is a very tall waterbird aviary with dense vegetation and pools of water, representing species from both continents. I have always been mightily impressed with this enclosure for many years as there is always so much to stop and see. As the trees have grown taller and thicker, this has provided great hiding opportunities and it can often take a few laps to see everything. The first few species are very visible however; colonies of Royal Spoonbill and Glossy Ibis are joined by Cattle Egret, Australasian Swamphen, Pied Stilt and the often-elusive Nankeen Night-Heron that have bred well at DDZ. Complementing these larger waterbirds are the ducks; Ruddy Shelduck, Hardhead, Wandering Whistling Duck and Rajah Shelduck. When all the ducks noisily congregate in the water it truly is a sight. Filling the top half of the aviary, there are Eclectus Parrot, Nicobar Pigeon, Topknot Pigeon and Torresian Imperial Pigeon. Wonga Pigeon and White-headed Pigeon were also signed but not seen. Lady Amherst’s Pheasant and Bush Stone-Curlew complete the mix along with a recently added pair of Laughing Kookaburras. There are usually Broad-shelled River Turtles in this enclosure as well but I didn’t manage to see any and there is a chance I missed some additional bird species as well. It’s a really considered group of species that creates a very enjoyable visitor experience. There is also a nearby enclosure for an additional pair of Cape Barren Geese as well to complete the first half of the Australian precinct.
Waterbird aviary (use the large spoonbills at the bottom to get a sense of the scale)
Part 2 will discuss the South-east Asian precinct from Siamang to Sri Lankan Leopard.
Darling Downs Zoo is Queensland’s largest regional zoo currently and is located two hours from Brisbane. Situated in an area with limited water resources, very hot summers and cold dry winters, the collection largely maintains grassland and desert species, creating a nice point of difference from the often lush, rainforest-like nature of the coastal zoos across south-east Queensland. The zoo is divided and aims towards maintaining four main geographical zones; Australia, South-east Asia, Africa and South America. The zoo is undergoing a large expansion especially involving their African species and will continue developing this particular area.
The last time I did a proper review for DDZ was in December 2018 so approaching four years [A Review of Darling Downs Zoo [Darling Downs Zoo]] and since then the zoo has developed dramatically and broaden their collection further. Unlike the 2018 review, I will now provide images from my recent visit and a final species list to align with my established format I use when reviewing zoos. Also note the zoo has experienced a lot of rainfall recently, creating a greener-than-usual look about the place. The appearance of the zoo is greatly influenced by the climate and rain, and the zoo can look very different from one visit to another.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
The first enclosures include the cockatoos which creates a lively and engaging introduction to the visit. The first two smaller aviaries are of similar size; the first one contains a pair of Red-tailed Black Cockatoos, and the second aviary has a pair of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos. The main cockatoo aviary is a mix of Galah and Sulphur-crested Cockatoo as it has been for many years. The cockatoos share their enclosure with Australian Brush Turkey. Next to the cockatoos, there is an open-topped exhibit for the waterfowl that runs along the fence line and includes two main bodies of water along with smaller gravelly streams. This is a well-planted display with a range of native plants and grasses that provides great visual appeal. The waterbird area was divided in half on my visit; one half contained a pair of Australian Pelicans, Black Swans and Wandering Whistling Ducks while the other half had a second pair of Black Swans with a cygnet. The wild Red-rumped Parrots that live across the zoo are particularly numerous in this area, adding a great deal of colour and activity.
Cockatoo aviaries
Waterbird enclosure
The first enclosure that starts on the opposite side is a large open-topped yard with a shaded viewing area and a raised ramp for visitor access. This contains Koalas and is a generously sized enclosure for them providing access to the elements as well as opportunities for shade and privacy, contrasting the often ‘box with sticks’ set-ups they received at too many local zoos. There is an additional meshed exhibit that can be seen at the back with extra koalas as well. The koalas are also mixed with the new Red-legged Pademelons that are already breeding very well and is currently serving as a holding exhibit for young Aldabra Giant Tortoises. Quokkas are also indicated on the map but were not seen. The neighbouring enclosure is similarly as open with a front viewing area with a mesh-fronted den allowing visitors to see the breeding pair of Common Wombats which are mixed with Rufous Bettong which most members of the public label “baby wombats".
Koala enclosure
Wombat enclosure
Formerly housing Whiptail Wallabies, the next paddock currently houses Red Kangaroo and Cape Barren Geese among the long, dense grass. This was home to their last rhea for a few years. There is also the main enclosure with the breeding group of Red Kangaroos and a trio of Emus where visitors can feed both species. The kangaroos breed well here and I saw one female with a joey attempting to get back into the pouch.
Serving as a gateway connecting Australia and Asia is a very tall waterbird aviary with dense vegetation and pools of water, representing species from both continents. I have always been mightily impressed with this enclosure for many years as there is always so much to stop and see. As the trees have grown taller and thicker, this has provided great hiding opportunities and it can often take a few laps to see everything. The first few species are very visible however; colonies of Royal Spoonbill and Glossy Ibis are joined by Cattle Egret, Australasian Swamphen, Pied Stilt and the often-elusive Nankeen Night-Heron that have bred well at DDZ. Complementing these larger waterbirds are the ducks; Ruddy Shelduck, Hardhead, Wandering Whistling Duck and Rajah Shelduck. When all the ducks noisily congregate in the water it truly is a sight. Filling the top half of the aviary, there are Eclectus Parrot, Nicobar Pigeon, Topknot Pigeon and Torresian Imperial Pigeon. Wonga Pigeon and White-headed Pigeon were also signed but not seen. Lady Amherst’s Pheasant and Bush Stone-Curlew complete the mix along with a recently added pair of Laughing Kookaburras. There are usually Broad-shelled River Turtles in this enclosure as well but I didn’t manage to see any and there is a chance I missed some additional bird species as well. It’s a really considered group of species that creates a very enjoyable visitor experience. There is also a nearby enclosure for an additional pair of Cape Barren Geese as well to complete the first half of the Australian precinct.
Waterbird aviary (use the large spoonbills at the bottom to get a sense of the scale)
Part 2 will discuss the South-east Asian precinct from Siamang to Sri Lankan Leopard.
DDZ looks great, I like the grassland setting. The style of exhibits shows why they have been able to expand at the rate they have, it’s cost effective, but as you said prioritises the animals needs. It reminds me of Taralga, though on a much bigger scale. And handfeeding zebras sounds amazing! DDZ is definitely on my list to visit next time I’m up that way 
