Had a well overdue visit today. Sun was out early on but got quite overcast as the day progressed. Surprisingly majority of the animals were out and about. Perhaps the most productive zoo visit I've had in a while as a result. Seems a mixture of the cool wind and sun encouraged a lot of activity.
Some notes/updates will be listed below:
- Saw the giraffe calf Enzi, she was incredibly active and seemed to enjoy chasing the ostrich.
- Two Crested Porcupines were on display, albeit asleep. I wonder if Mwiba (the male offspring) is still there as it appears it was the Orana pair on display.
- All four rhino were on display together and fairly active. They managed to wander over to the Waterhole end as I came around which was nice to see. Nyah's starting to get huge.
- Saw 17 Flamingoes; including 5 juveniles. The young chicks born this year were apparently off display, so they'd have 20 individuals in total now.
- Burma was in her back exhibit and I noticed a Monarto keeper was there with her. It was a shame I couldn't see her closer, but it seems like the transfer preparation is progressing well. She should be moving across the ditch this spring.
- Only saw three baboons; a male, female and young offspring who I presume is Jabari who is two years of age. Not sure if the others are still there.
- Serval was very active. I note a male from Singapore arrived last year so perhaps this was him as Shani's always been the complete opposite of active.
- Saw both Kiwis active as well, which was a treat considering I've only ever seen one a few times.
- It appears they've stocked the Wetlands aviary with more bird species; Pied Stilts and a variety of additional duck species.
- Only saw four Little Penguins; all were huddled under the boat.
- Kaiako the fur seal was incredibly active despite his age, swimming around with his lunch. From what I understand his enclosure is the intended location for the new play area which will commence construction in early 2026.
- Orangutans: On my first trip past, only Daya was on display but upon return Charlie, Melur and Bahmi had joined her right in front of the viewing window. It's my first time seeing Daya and she does appear like a very reserved female. In my entire time there I didn't see her interact with Charlie or Melur, but Bahmi was hassling her for a while. At one point he dropped his food off the hammock and ran over to mum, Melur for a hug and then up too Daya for comfort as well. Melur seem's very comfortable with Bahmi in Daya's presence and didn't bat an eyelid the entire time he was with her.
- First time in the Tropical Dome and it was amazing to catch the Gharials. I appreciated the representation of fish here, although the lack of signage frustrated me!
- Only saw three otters on both trips past. They should have five so not sure if there's been any transfers or deaths. The old otter exhibit was also closed off.
- Tigers: Zayana and Cahya were incredibly active and drew a crowd. They were in the smaller, maternity exhibit. Cahya appeared to playing with a toy of hers and Zayana didn't appear the least bit shy coming right past the mesh multiple times. At one point she sat down and appeared to grumble at Cahya to join her as it started to rain a bit, but Cahya refused. Cahya seems like a very boisterous tiger cub, it's unfortunate she's now an only cub as she could do with some playmates. First trip around, didn't catch Ramah but was lucky to see him on my way back. He decided to come out when it began to rain (the opposite of the girls), and ventured across his cat walk to the other opposite exhibit he had access too. He's on the small side for a male, but much like Zayana was very confident.
- Didn't see either Alligator which was surprising. They're usually a reliable species.
- The former Lemur exhibit isn't there anymore sadly, it's apparently been demolished in the last year or so.
- The pair of Golden Lion Tamarins were very very active. The most active I've ever seen this species and I believe may have only been the first or second time I've managed to see this species at Auckland. The exhibit appeared a lot more open, so perhaps this helped.
- Saw the four adult Galapagos Tortoises. A pair were mating so fingers crossed we see more offspring soon.
- The female Tasmanian Devil was also very active in the two exhibits on the right hand side of the path. She's only the devil at the zoo currently.
- Only one Lace Monitor on display. They initially started with four males eight years ago; two were sent to Wellington earlier this year.
- The walkabout is feeling more and more empty with no more wallabies and now just a single Emu. Was lucky to see the male Brolga on display opposite though.
- Auckland are also down to just three female Lemurs.
- Saw a Red Panda in the former Red Panda exhibit (now off display). So they have two on display, plus the other one near the Zoo hospital. The next door former otter enclosure is empty.
- Was also disappointed to see the Farm animal section next to the dragon playground now gone. No more Kunekune pigs, chickens and the like which was a shame. The old farmhouse is now just a kids educational building.
Overall a really nice visit. The zoo was a hive of activity and I was fairly lucky to visit on such a day.
A species list and photos will follow in the coming days (as time permits).
) The habitat maintenance is estimated to take 5 days and zoo staff are hopeful that the orangutans will be back on display by the weekend!
