Auckland Zoo Auckland Zoo News 2022

Jambo said:
Well only a week after I visit this had to happen. :rolleyes:

I'm thinking if the five moved into the Jungle track exhibit; then the other pair must remain in the enclosure next to the lemurs?
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I feel your pain. I have a habit of visiting zoos just as an infant has been born - that doesn’t go on display until a day or two after my visit.

Yes, splitting the otters that way makes sense as it also means an exhibit isn’t sitting empty. Auckland Zoo have had two otter exhibits since at least the early 2000’s, which has enabled them to manage different breeding pairings - though in this case, I wouldn’t be surprised if they re-purposed the area, along with the red panda and lemur exhibit. The three exhibits are outliers to the rest of the zoo, which is arranged in precincts.
 
Zoofan15 said:
I feel your pain. I have a habit of visiting zoos just as an infant has been born - that doesn’t go on display until a day or two after my visit.

Yes, splitting the otters that way makes sense as it also means an exhibit isn’t sitting empty. Auckland Zoo have had two otter exhibits since at least the early 2000’s, which has enabled them to manage different breeding pairings - though in this case, I wouldn’t be surprised if they re-purposed the area, along with the red panda and lemur exhibit. The three exhibits are outliers to the rest of the zoo, which is arranged in precincts.
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Yes, I was disappointed to miss out on the young rhino calf.:rolleyes:

I believe the plan is for that area to be converted into a walkthrough enclosure for Lemurs. I don't know what this means for Red Pandas; but obviously new enclosures for them too would be nice.
 
Jambo said:
Yes, I was disappointed to miss out on the young rhino calf.:rolleyes:

I believe the plan is for that area to be converted into a walkthrough enclosure for Lemurs. I don't know what this means for Red Pandas; but obviously new enclosures for them too would be nice.
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South Asian Sub Precinct

What I’d much prefer to see is the area redeveloped as a South Asian precinct featuring the Sri Lankan leopard and Nepalese red panda. The old Sumatran tiger exhibit isn’t huge, but could accomodate a male Sri Lankan leopard; with the option to expand into the space in the adjacent exhibit (otters) if they felt the need.

The adjoining Nepalese red panda exhibit could remain in its current state given it’s a relatively new exhibit.

As well as adding an exciting new attraction to the zoo (Sri Lankan leopard), it would additionally solve the long term problem of where to house the red pandas given they don’t fit into any of the other precincts.
 
Tropical Dome Species

Disappointingly, it appears no additional reptiles (i.e. turtles and tortoises) have been imported.

This article outlines the fish species that will be housed in the tropical dome: Auckland Zoo gets hot and steamy with new exhibit

With thousands of plants and dozens of fish species, the jungle is a richly biodiverse environment that really brings to life the steamy, humid conditions of a tropical rainforest.

The tropical fish are a real treat for visitors. “We have tinfoil barbs, Sumatra barbs, some clown loaches; maybe some gouramies grazing on the surfaces,” Gibson said.

“And then in the centre of the dome, we have an exquisite pool which is populated by one of South East Asia’s most incredible fishes, the Asian arowana or dragonfish: I can see them cruising now along the surface. Every now and then a tiger perch shows itself. Some really amazing aquatic landscapes for people to enjoy.”
 
Zoofan15 said:
Tropical Dome Species

Disappointingly, it appears no additional reptiles (i.e. turtles and tortoises) have been imported.

This article outlines the fish species that will be housed in the tropical dome: Auckland Zoo gets hot and steamy with new exhibit

With thousands of plants and dozens of fish species, the jungle is a richly biodiverse environment that really brings to life the steamy, humid conditions of a tropical rainforest.

The tropical fish are a real treat for visitors. “We have tinfoil barbs, Sumatra barbs, some clown loaches; maybe some gouramies grazing on the surfaces,” Gibson said.

“And then in the centre of the dome, we have an exquisite pool which is populated by one of South East Asia’s most incredible fishes, the Asian arowana or dragonfish: I can see them cruising now along the surface. Every now and then a tiger perch shows itself. Some really amazing aquatic landscapes for people to enjoy.”
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Aren't those fish species all commercially available in NZ? It is surprising and a touch disappointing given all the investment and exceptional infrastructure if it will only be used to house one 'drawcard' species that need the biome features.
 
Matt_C said:
Aren't those fish species all commercially available in NZ? It is surprising and a touch disappointing given all the investment and exceptional infrastructure if it will only be used to house one 'drawcard' species that need the biome features.
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Yes they are. Given Auckland Zoo put in an import application for dozens of turtles and tortoises a few years ago, I’m surprised none of these have been imported.

The Asian arowana came from Taranaki and have been at the zoo since 2019 (the tropical dome was originally scheduled to open 2020). There’s a video about them here:

Our new dragonfish have arrived! | Our awesome arowana have arrived! Ectotherm keeper Seth journeyed to Taranaki to collect these special fish, and since then they’ve been living in a... | By Auckland Zoo | Facebook
 
Thought I'd add some information I learned during the Tropical Swamp Forest preview that happened today.

We were able to see what the inside of the dome looked like and can confirm there are only fish species and the Sunda gharials in the exhibit. However, I did hear one of the keepers say that they are planning to introduce more species into the dome over time, with turtles being one of the likely additions. Also apparently frogs have moved into the dome so there will be tadpoles and frogs you may spot (no idea if they introduced them in or they somehow got in). The dome is humid and hot, set to about 28 degrees Celsius, and you can feel it if you stay in the dome for even more than a minute. However, the cool draft that enters (during cooler days of course) when the sliding doors open, will hopefully keep guests cool enough when going through the dome. The gharials have plenty of aquatic space and Sumpit, the smaller of the two gharials, is definitely more active compared to her sister. One thing I will say is the bottom of the tanks are quite bare and there aren't really any aquatic plant species in the tank although I'm not sure if that's the case in their natural habitat.

I also learned two other interesting things during my time at the zoo today.
1. The otters have been moved out of their new habitat after about a week as they tried to escape their new enclosure. They tried to escape up the walls and even through a drain pipe so they're fixing these problems before introducing them back in.
2. The zoo is also starting to cohabitate the orangutans and siamangs. There haven't been any strong positive or negative interactions so far with the two species keeping their distance from each other but at least they're starting to integrate the two species together to share the habitats.
 
So glad to hear they are likel
ZooNZ said:
Thought I'd add some information I learned during the Tropical Swamp Forest preview that happened today.

We were able to see what the inside of the dome looked like and can confirm there are only fish species and the Sunda gharials in the exhibit. However, I did hear one of the keepers say that they are planning to introduce more species into the dome over time, with turtles being one of the likely additions. Also apparently frogs have moved into the dome so there will be tadpoles and frogs you may spot (no idea if they introduced them in or they somehow got in). The dome is humid and hot, set to about 28 degrees Celsius, and you can feel it if you stay in the dome for even more than a minute. However, the cool draft that enters (during cooler days of course) when the sliding doors open, will hopefully keep guests cool enough when going through the dome. The gharials have plenty of aquatic space and Sumpit, the smaller of the two gharials, is definitely more active compared to her sister. One thing I will say is the bottom of the tanks are quite bare and there aren't really any aquatic plant species in the tank although I'm not sure if that's the case in their natural habitat.

I also learned two other interesting things during my time at the zoo today.
1. The otters have been moved out of their new habitat after about a week as they tried to escape their new enclosure. They tried to escape up the walls and even through a drain pipe so they're fixing these problems before introducing them back in.
2. The zoo is also starting to cohabitate the orangutans and siamangs. There haven't been any strong positive or negative interactions so far with the two species keeping their distance from each other but at least they're starting to integrate the two species together to share the habitats.
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Very glad to hear they are going to Introduce other species into to this new exhibit area which will add to visitor satisfaction. I hope in the future they do introduce a male gharial and give breeding them a fair go.
 
ZooNZ said:
Thought I'd add some information I learned during the Tropical Swamp Forest preview that happened today.

We were able to see what the inside of the dome looked like and can confirm there are only fish species and the Sunda gharials in the exhibit. However, I did hear one of the keepers say that they are planning to introduce more species into the dome over time, with turtles being one of the likely additions. Also apparently frogs have moved into the dome so there will be tadpoles and frogs you may spot (no idea if they introduced them in or they somehow got in). The dome is humid and hot, set to about 28 degrees Celsius, and you can feel it if you stay in the dome for even more than a minute. However, the cool draft that enters (during cooler days of course) when the sliding doors open, will hopefully keep guests cool enough when going through the dome. The gharials have plenty of aquatic space and Sumpit, the smaller of the two gharials, is definitely more active compared to her sister. One thing I will say is the bottom of the tanks are quite bare and there aren't really any aquatic plant species in the tank although I'm not sure if that's the case in their natural habitat.

I also learned two other interesting things during my time at the zoo today.
1. The otters have been moved out of their new habitat after about a week as they tried to escape their new enclosure. They tried to escape up the walls and even through a drain pipe so they're fixing these problems before introducing them back in.
2. The zoo is also starting to cohabitate the orangutans and siamangs. There haven't been any strong positive or negative interactions so far with the two species keeping their distance from each other but at least they're starting to integrate the two species together to share the habitats.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the update @ZooNZ. Like @Zorro says, it’s good to know other reptiles are being considered.

The original import application (2013) included False gharial; as well as Southern river terrapin, Northern river terrapin, Painted terrapin, Amboina box turtle, Giant Asian pond turtle, Spiny turtle, Sulawesi forest turtle, Malaysian giant turtle and Asian forest turtle - so presumably some of these species are what we can expect.

I’m surprised to hear of plans to integrate the Bornean orangutan and Siamang. They both have spacious exhibits and given there’s not many of either species, it’ll have little benefit beyond the stimulation they might get from each other. It makes me wonder if Auckland Zoo are considering expanding their orangutan colony (if these integrations go well), as there would then be an opportunity to.
 
Zoofan15 said:
I’m surprised to hear of plans to integrate the Bornean orangutan and Siamang. They both have spacious exhibits and given there’s not many of either species, it’ll have little benefit beyond the stimulation they might get from each other. It makes me wonder if Auckland Zoo are considering expanding their orangutan colony (if these integrations go well), as there would then be an opportunity to.
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Based on what I heard, it's likely for enrichment purposes. It also allows both species to be using the high ropes at the same time which would probably be more beneficial from a guest experience perspective. I do hope Auckland Zoo is considering expanding its orangutan colony, however, the person I was talking to did not know.
 
ZooNZ said:
Based on what I heard, it's likely for enrichment purposes. It also allows both species to be using the high ropes at the same time which would probably be more beneficial from a guest experience perspective. I do hope Auckland Zoo is considering expanding its orangutan colony, however, the person I was talking to did not know.
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It would be great to see the zoo expand their orangutan colony. It’s so ironic they once housed a colony of eight (with two adult males rotating) in the old exhibit; and now only have a pair and their infant son in this expansive facility.

They originally planned to import two females in 2021, which is when they had 1.2 adults, so it’s possibly something they’ll be open to. At a minimum, it’d be nice to see a young female join the colony.
 
I remember reading that the zoo's original plan was to import only one Tomistoma. If that is so, then perhaps the zoo instead came to a compromise with the MPI that the zoo may import two Tomistoma, but none of the novel chelonians. Other than that, I would not be surprised if the apparent failure to import any novel chelonian species is related to how the breeding and establishment of Red-eared Slider in the wild in NZ has become a major conservation concern over the last fifteen to twenty years. If the zoo staff think that the Tomistoma exhibit absolutely must still have chelonians, then at this stage it is much more likely that they will just move some of the Snakeneck Turtles that they already have into that exhibit.
 
Cassidy Casuar said:
I remember reading that the zoo's original plan was to import only one Tomistoma. If that is so, then perhaps the zoo instead came to a compromise with the MPI that the zoo may import two Tomistoma, but none of the novel chelonians. Other than that, I would not be surprised if the apparent failure to import any novel chelonian species is related to how the breeding and establishment of Red-eared Slider in the wild in NZ has become a major conservation concern over the last fifteen to twenty years. If the zoo staff think that the Tomistoma exhibit absolutely must still have chelonians, then at this stage it is much more likely that they will just move some of the Snakeneck Turtles that they already have into that exhibit.
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Perhaps it was realised that a brand new expensive exhibit with only one animal in it could of been a tad under whelming.
 
Tropical Dome Update

I visited Auckland Zoo today and got a look at the tropical dome. It’s a magnificent complex with its high humidity adding to the authenticity.

The False gharial were very active and have a decent amount of space to move around.

I have compiled a species list below for those that are interested. I will update my Auckland Zoo species list with this information once I’ve formatted it how I want it.

Tropical Dome Species List

Reptiles:

False gharial

Fish:

Siamese algae eater
Three spot gourami
Odessa barb
Checkered barb
Indonesian tiger perch
Pearl danio
Pearl gourami
Asian arowana
Tinfoil barb
Harlequin rasbora
Clown loach
Neon dwarf rainbowfish
Tiger barb
 
Are all the fish kept together with the crocs? I would have thought the Sunda gharial might prey on the larger species (tinfoil barb, arowana and tiger perch) and that the latter two would eat the barbs, danios, gourami and rainbowfish given half a chance.
 
tetrapod said:
Are all the fish kept together with the crocs? I would have thought the Sunda gharial might prey on the larger species (tinfoil barb, arowana and tiger perch) and that the latter two would eat the barbs, danios, gourami and rainbowfish given half a chance.
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No, there were a few seperate tanks within the tropical dome - in addition to the main tank holding the False gharial. Tinfoil barb were held in large numbers in with the False gharial, along with Siamese algae eater. Asian arowana were in a seperate tank.
 
tetrapod said:
Are all the fish kept together with the crocs? I would have thought the Sunda gharial might prey on the larger species (tinfoil barb, arowana and tiger perch) and that the latter two would eat the barbs, danios, gourami and rainbowfish given half a chance.
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As @Zoofan15 has mentioned, there are multiple tanks within the tropical dome - three to be exact. The Asian arowana and Indonesian tiger perch are in one tank near the left entrance/exit of the dome, while there is an array of smaller fish species in the tank near the right entrance/exit. To what I can remember, the Sunda gharial is held with the tinfoil barb, three spot gourami, tiger barb, clown loach.
 
Auckland Zoo - Notes from my Visit (22/10/2022)

Here’s a few notes from my visit yesterday:

The old Asian small-clawed otter exhibit is now closed off to the public and the otters are no longer housed there. The two brothers left behind when the other five moved into the new exhibit are now being housed in one half of the off display exhibit (a renovated bear pit built in 1922). The new exhibit has now been otter-proofed and they were on display again yesterday. They were highly active (even for otters) - you could tell the exhibit was novel to them.

Auckland Zoo are unlikely to acquire more Capybara. There’s no decision been announced (or known to staff I asked) what will happen to their exhibit (which still houses Bolivian squirrel monkey) or the vacant Siamang exhibit space. I’d assume the latter will be used to manage a breeding troop of Spider monkey, with their troop now standing at eight females.

Amali the Southern white rhinoceros calf is four weeks old and thriving. Jamila’s previous calf, two year old Nyah, has been integrated with the pair and there’s understandably some tension. Jamila postures at Nyah, who retreats - but Amali is persistent in approaching her sister, causing Jamila to chase after her. Jamila has once again proven an exceptional mother and is a notably large cow. Not surprising given her sire and dam were also large.

The zoo have no plans to import a male False gharial in the near future. This was partly due to a lack of availability i.e. what was available to them were the two females they imported. The focus is on the keepers refining husbandry skills for this species before progressing to breeding etc.

The tropical dome was phenomenal and I’ll admit I didn’t even miss the tortoises or turtles given the multitude of fish and tanks they had on display. The False gharial were impressive and the extensive underwater viewing windows gives you a close up view you wouldn’t otherwise see when they’re basking on the land. The humidity is something else and ensures this is a complex people aren’t inclined to loiter.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Auckland Zoo - Notes from my Visit (22/10/2022)

Here’s a few notes from my visit yesterday:

The old Asian small-clawed otter exhibit is now closed off to the public and the otters are no longer housed there. The two brothers left behind when the other five moved into the new exhibit are now being housed in one half of the off display exhibit (a renovated bear pit built in 1922). The new exhibit has now been otter-proofed and they were on display again yesterday. They were highly active (even for otters) - you could tell the exhibit was novel to them.

Auckland Zoo are unlikely to acquire more Capybara. There’s no decision been announced (or known to staff I asked) what will happen to their exhibit (which still houses Bolivian squirrel monkey) or the vacant Siamang exhibit space. I’d assume the latter will be used to manage a breeding troop of Spider monkey, with their troop now standing at eight females.

Amali the Southern white rhinoceros calf is four weeks old and thriving. Jamila’s previous calf, two year old Nyah, has been integrated with the pair and there’s understandably some tension. Jamila postures at Nyah, who retreats - but Amali is persistent in approaching her sister, causing Jamila to chase after her. Jamila has once again proven an exceptional mother and is a notably large cow. Not surprising given her sire and dam were also large.

The zoo have no plans to import a male False gharial in the near future. This was partly due to a lack of availability i.e. what was available to them were the two females they imported. The focus is on the keepers refining husbandry skills for this species before progressing to breeding etc.

The tropical dome was phenomenal and I’ll admit I didn’t even miss the tortoises or turtles given the multitude of fish and tanks they had on display. The False gharial were impressive and the extensive underwater viewing windows gives you a close up view you wouldn’t otherwise see when they’re basking on the land. The humidity is something else and ensures this is a complex people aren’t inclined to loiter.
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I have to take my hat off to the Auckland Zoo in creating this exceptional exhibit I could think of a few zoos here in Australia that could do well to do similar. Something like this would be a good move for the likes of Australia zoo who would have to go to a lot less trouble creating the heat and humidity which comes naturally to south east Queensland and the planting of a rainforest display would come easy.
 
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