Australasian Zoos News Summary (2023)

Zoofan15

Zoofan15

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10+ year member
Introduction

With just seven (full) days left of 2023, @Abbey and I thought it’d be interesting to compile a list of the main news events across Australasia’s zoos. Rather than spam the forum with updates to multiple threads, we thought we’d post these summaries here; which will also serve as a record of the year that’s (almost) been.

News summaries will be posted over the next seven days; with a final post on December 31 dedicated to capturing any news that occurs in the interim.

News summaries will be posted by myself and @Abbey for the following:

1. Auckland Zoo
2. Hamilton Zoo
3. Wellington Zoo
4. Orana Wildlife Park
5. Taronga Zoo
6. Melbourne Zoo
7. Perth Zoo
8. Adelaide Zoo
10. Monarto Safari Park
11. Taronga Western Plains Zoo
12. Werribee Open Range Zoo
13. Australia Zoo
14. Mogo Wildlife Park
15. Darling Downs Zoo
16. Tasmania Zoo
17. Altina Wildlife Park
18. National Zoo and Aquarium
19. Sydney Zoo
20. Wildlife HQ
21. Other (multiple facilities)
22. Missed news (from December 20-31)
 
1. Auckland Zoo News Summary (2023)

Births/Hatchings:

A male Greater flamingo chick hatched 16/02/2023 and was named ‘Baishe’.

Male Cotton-top tamarin twins were born 27/03/2023. A subsequent infant was announced in early December.

A successful breeding season for the endemic Orange fronted parakeet concluded with 27 chicks produced. The zoo announced in April that future breeding would be consolidated on the South Island.

A Rough gecko was born in May - the first since 2021.

Two Little blue penguins hatched June 24 and June 25 to Snapper and Roimata.

Three female Lowland nyala calves were born in April. They were named Victoria, Binta and Panya.

Five Brown teal (New Zealand’s rarest waterfowl) hatched in August.

Deaths:

Arif the Asian small-clawed otter died in April.

Nawnta the Tasmanian devil died this year aged four years.

The zoo’s breeding pair of Golden lion tamarins, Alonzo and Frida, died this year. Their 1.1 offspring remain at the zoo.

The zoo no longer have wallaby, following the death of the last wallaby this year.

Two Sumatran tiger cubs were born in September. One was stillborn and the other was cannibalised by the mother. The cubs were conceived on the second cycle, following a successful introduction of Ramah and Zayana earlier this year.

Pregnancies:

Kiraka the giraffe is expecting her sixth calf in December 2023/January 2024.

Zayana the Sumatran tiger is due January 2024.

Arrivals:

A female Bornean orangutan named Daya was imported from the Netherlands in July. 11 year old Daya was the zoo’s first import since 2001 and represents the zoo’s long term commitment to this critically endangered species. Introductions via the mesh to the zoo’s other orangutans have shown encouraging signs.

Female ostriches arrived in early 2023.

Departures:

The zoo released their last captive bred Kapitia skinks into the wild in April.

31 Giant weta were released onto Motuihe Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf.

Other events:

Auckland Zoo suffered flooding in January. Due to the quick actions of staff, two aviary birds were the only causalities. The South American and New Zealand precincts were most affected, with Reptile Row still closed.

In April, an intruder entered the Southern white rhinoceros exhibit and escaped without injury due to the quick response from the zoo.

An upgrade to the flamingo habitat in winter has greatly enhanced the space for these birds. In the words of the zoo: This included the creation of different layers inside the flamingo water body – a shallow feeding pool for filter feeding, a salt flat beach and a deeper area for swimming.

The zoo’s potential breeding pair of Brolga were moved off display to encourage breeding.

Attempts were made to integrate the Bornean orangutan with the Siamang. These were put on hold, but will hopefully resume once Daya is integrated with the other orangutans.

In June 2023, Auckland Zoo marked 100 years of keeping elephants. The zoo has at least one elephant on site since the import of Jamuna in June 1923.

In August 2023, it was confirmed that Burma will be sent to Monarto Safari Park in late 2024/early 2025.
 
2. Hamilton Zoo News Summary (2023)

Births:

Hamilton Zoo’s first Cape porcupine was born April 2 to Ayanfe and Ingozi. The female was named Adana. This birth was followed by twins on October 25.

A zebra foal was born to Marble in October.

Twin Cotton-top tamarins were born to Miska and Yara in October.

Deaths:

Kudu the African wild dog died in March, leaving behind his brother, Romeo. The species is planned to be phased out.

Mencari the Sumatran tiger died in March. She was 23 years, 2 months and 14 days (which is now the regional longevity record for a Sumatran tiger).

Pregnancies:

Zalika the Plains zebra is pregnant and due early 2024.

Kirana the Sumatran tiger is believed to be pregnant and due January 2024.

Arrivals:

A three year old male Cape porcupine named Ayanfe came from Hamilton Zoo in January.

A sibling pair of Lace monitors arrived in May from Auckland Zoo - a new species for Hamilton Zoo.

A male Nepalese red panda named Sang was imported from Perth Zoo in June.

Scout the Sumatran tiger arrived from Orana Wildlife Park in June as a mate for their female tiger, Kirana.

A female Siamang named Peggy arrived from Orana Wildlife Park in July. She’s a companion for the zoo’s elderly male, Itam, who’s actually Peggy’s father.

Three ferrets arrived in 2023 and went on display in December. Their exhibit is designed to educate visitors on New Zealand pest species.

Departures:

Three male Plains zebras (Malawi, Okavango and Zambia) transferred to Orana Wildlife Park. The departure of the breeding stallion (Malawi) represents the zoo’s intention to take a break from breeding.

Other events:

An aviary for Blue duck opened in Spring 2023, with a pair now on display.

An exhibit for Leopard tortoise opened in the entry precinct aviary in December.

The small cat cages in the Rainforest Boardwalk are being renovated. Both will hold Caracal long term (a new species for the zoo); with one holding ruffed lemur in the interim. The first Caracal is scheduled to arrive in the first half of 2024.

A shared entrance linked Hamilton Zoo to Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park opened in March.
 
3. Wellington Zoo News Summary (2023)

Births:

A female spider monkey named Aelina was born in March (the first spider monkey born at Wellington Zoo in 29 years). She was handraised after being orphaned at six weeks.

Pygmy marmoset twins were born in Autumn to Tunche and Maya.

Six Ring-tailed lemur were born in Spring, taking the troop to 19 lemurs.

A female giraffe calf named Nia was born in November - the first surviving giraffe calf since 2004.

Deaths:

Manasa the Nepalese red panda died in February. He was 13 years old and born at Wellington Zoo in 2009.

Two Servals named Tunde and Shanti died in March. Unfortunately, Wellington Zoo have no plans to acquire more Serval.

A female spider monkey named Dicha died in April, six weeks after the birth of her infant.

Pregnancies:

No pregnancy confirmed yet, but Keza the Common chimpanzee is off contraception in the hope she’ll welcome an infant in 2024.

Arrivals:

Two female Snow leopard (Asha and Manju) were imported from Melbourne Zoo in April. They’re the first Snow leopards to live in a New Zealand zoo since 1995.

Departures:

10 Tuatara were released in Marlborough Sounds Sounds in June, after being cared for by zoo staff for the past 12-15 years.

Other events:

The Kiwi House reopened in February.

The Snow leopard exhibit opened in April. It cost $6 million and was over a decade in the planning. The exhibit was built on the site of the old Malayan sun bear exhibit and maternity annex (a total of three bear pits from the early 20th century). The highest ever monthly visitation record was achieved in April 2023.

A Lace monitor exhibit is under construction in the Australian precinct.

In June, the Serval exhibit was renovated for ruffed lemur; with their previous exhibit being renovated for capuchin.
 
4. Orana Wildlife Park News Summary (2023)

Births/Hatchings:

In April, it was announced Orana’s two breeding pairs of kiwi had produced three chicks between them that season.

In September, it was announced 1.1 Lowland nyala calves had been born over the past few months. This is the first time this species has been bred at Orana.

Seven Blue duck ducklings hatched in October.

Four Brown teal ducklings hatched in November.

Arrivals:

Three male Slender-meerkats arrived from Wellington Zoo. The share an exhibit with porcupine.

Four ostriches arrived in March. They now inhabit the old Yak exhibit.

The arrival of two male Lady Amherst’s pheasants from Brooklands Zoo was announced in June.

A nine year old male Siamang named Suka was imported from Pairi Daiza (Belgium). He’s been paired with the zoo’s female, Basuki.

A breeding pair of Brown teal arrived from The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust in August.

Three Plains zebra stallions (Malawi, Okavango and Zambia) arrived from Hamilton Zoo.

Departures:

Scout the Sumatran tiger was transferred to Hamilton Zoo in June. The zoo intend to receive a tigress in the future to pair with their remaining male, Reggie.

A pair of Brown teal were retired to The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust in August.

Other events:

A male Giraffe calf named Kevin (born December 2022) was successfully reintegrated into the herd following his successful handrearing. The long term plan is for him to become the zoo’s new breeding bull.

The zoo are planning a walk through exhibit featuring Emu in the future.

New Orange-fronted parakeet aviaries were built this year, doubling the holding capacitiy.

Work continues on the Southern white rhinoceros import, with the last update being that they were at the paperwork stage.
 
5. Taronga Zoo News Summary (2023)

Births/Hatchings:

The male New Zealand Fur Seal pup born to Keke and Bondi on 15/12/2022 was named Kobe following a public vote.

The squirrel monkey breeding season, between December 2022 and March 2023, resulted in the births of eight babies. Among the births, Nia gave birth on 12/12/2022 and Lina gave birth on 02/01/2023 - quite possibly Taronga’s first birth of the new year.

Female chimpanzee Lisa gave birth to a female infant on 23/05/2023. She was named Lemba as part of Taronga’s ongoing partnership with Jane Goodall. Lisa became the oldest known female in an Australian zoo to give birth to a surviving infant.

Female chimpanzee Ceres gave birth to a female infant in July. She was named Cekiri in honour of her older sister Cebele, who had recently passed away, and the zoo’s young female gorilla Fikiri, who also tragically died this year.

In November, the hatching of a Short-beaked echidna puggle was announced.

43 Bellinger river turtles hatched during the 2023 breeding season.

7 Little Penguin chicks hatched during the breeding season, which were named Arnold, Carpenter, Chidiac, Foord, Fowler, Kennedy and Kerr, after members of the Matildas Australian women’s football team. Some of the players visited the zoo to meet their namesakes when the names were announced.

Pregnancies:

Female chimpanzee Kamili was revealed to be pregnant in July and her infant is due in December/January. This is Kamili’s fifth known pregnancy, but unfortunately she has never successfully reared an infant.

Deaths:

The death of Nelly the female white-cheeked gibbon was announced in March.

Juvenile female gorilla Fikiri died in June from an aggressive gastrointestinal infection. She was the only daughter of the zoo’s silverback, Kibale. The rest of the gorilla troop also suffered a significant illness, but fortunately the other animals recovered.

Young female chimpanzee Cebele died following a rare cancer.

Arrivals:

Male Fennec fox Karareu arrived as a partner for the zoo’s female.

Male Australian sea lion Storm arrived from Dolphin Marine Magic in Coffs Harbour. He was exchanged for the Taronga-born male, Moby, who will be Dolphin Marine Magic’s new breeding male.

Female ostriches, Wimbo, Asali and Leila, arrived from Taronga Western Plains Zoo in September and are being integrated with the zoo’s giraffes and zebras.

Departures:

Following the death of his mate, Nelly, Kakek the male white-cheeked gibbon was transferred back to Perth Zoo to be repaired. His departure marked the phase out of the species from the zoo, with the former gibbon enclosure becoming the home of a bachelor troop of six male squirrel monkeys, bred in the zoo’s troop.

It was confirmed that male Fishing cat, Jalur, is no longer at the zoo. I have listed this as a departure, rather than a death, as it is currently unclear whether he has died or whether he was transferred out of the zoo. Jalur doesn’t appear to have turned up at another facility, but a volunteer reported that he didn’t believe that he had in fact died.

Other events:

Nura Diya Australia was opened in April. The new Australian precinct featured the majority of the zoo’s native animals, including a new species to the zoo - six female Kangaroo Island Kangaroos. In December, two of these females moved into the former Red Kangaroo exhibit in the Backyard to Bush precinct.

The zoo’s lion pride finally went back on display in late June, following exhibit repairs after the escape in November 2022. With their mother and sisters receiving contraceptive implants, the young males, Khari and Luzuko, spend most of their time with the pride, but are occasionally separated to reduce tension with their father, Ato.

Nguwing yana, the new nocturnal house and the final section of Nura Diya Australia, opened in September. It was confirmed in December that J.R., the zoo’s male long-beaked echidna and the only one of his species in human care in the world, is on display within Nguwing yana. Other species housed include Chuditch, Greater bilby, Long-nosed potoroo, Yellow-bellied glider, Short-beaked echidna, Spinifex hopping mouse, Ghost bat and Platypus. The platypus is Matilda, a rescue female who was named after the successful Australian women’s football team.

The zoo’s proven Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo pair, Kwikila and Makali, were introduced for breeding mid-year. They previously welcomed a male joey, Taro, in 2020, who was previously transferred to Gumbuya World in Victoria.

Young male giraffe, Ebo, and young male zebra, Obi, have both been castrated, as Taronga is a non-breeding facility for both species.

A new off-display breeding facility for Bellinger river turtles was completed.
 
6. Melbourne Zoo News Summary (2023)

Births:

Asian elephant Num Oi gave birth to a female calf named Kati on New Year’s Day. What an incredible start to 2023!

The first successful litters from the captive breeding initiative for New Holland mouse were announced in February. 14 pups were born to three pairs.

A Black-winged stilt hatched in March. The hatching off an additional three chicks was reported in October.

The birth of a female Southern hairy-nosed wombat named Alkira was announced in April - their first in seven years.

Three Little blue penguins hatched this year and are now integrated with the colony.

Two meerkat pups were born in October - the first born at Melbourne Zoo since 2017.

The hatching of nine Victorian grassland earless dragons was announced in December.

Deaths:

Semangka the Malayan tapir died in May. She was the zoo’s only Malayan tapir and one of two in the region.

Man Jai the Asian elephant died from EEHV in August. He was Melbourne Zoo’s first elephant to die of EEHV.

Sundah the Snow leopard died in September aged 15 years. She was born at Melbourne Zoo.

The three baboons that arrived from Perth Zoo in February all died this year. The elderly females died of age related causes; while Chad was unable to be integrated with the resident males and was euthanised on welfare grounds.

Pregnancies:

Nakuru the giraffe is pregnant and due January 2023. This will be the zoo’s first giraffe calf since 2006.

Kemala the Siamang is pregnant - the volunteer I spoke to didn’t know the due date, but I would estimate January based on her size.

Arrivals:

In January, the arrival of a male white-cheeked gibbon (Cahn) from Perth Zoo and a male Eastern black-and-white colobus (Kyoda) from Adelaide Zoo were announced.

Three Hamadryas baboons (Chad, Grimus and Guni) arrived from Perth Zoo in February.

A male Siamang named Batak arrived from Mogo Zoo in May as a mate for Kemala.

The Victorian grassland earless dragon (last seen in 1969) was rediscovered in Victoria, with 16 individuals brought to the zoo to found a breeding programme.

Two male Binturong were imported from Singapore (Bhalu and Tugu).

Three female Tasmanian devil arrived from Healesville Sanctuary.

Three male Swamp wallaby and one male and three female Tammar wallabies arrived in early 2023.

Departures:

Four male zebra were transferred to Werribee Open Range Zoo, leaving Melbourne Zoo without zebra.

Two female Snow leopards (Asha and Manju) were sent to Wellington Zoo in April.

A male Tasmanian devil (Graham) was sent to Ballarat Wildlife Park in May.

37 Baw Baw frogs bred at Melbourne Zoo were released into protected areas on Mount Baw Baw. This was the first time fully captive-bred Baw Baw frogs were released into the wild.

Other events:

The Kangaroo exhibit underwent extensive renovations before reopening in February.

Black-winged stilt went on display in January, following a renovation of their exhibit.

Regent honeyeater went on display in May, after moving from their off-display breeding aviaries.

Brown-nosed coati were retired to an off-display exhibit, with Binturong replacing them in the Carnivores precinct.

Renovations to the lion exhibit saw new platforms installed.

Southern cassowary (Zillie) was moved to the Great Flight Aviary, leaving her exhibit vacant.
 
7. Perth Zoo News Summary (2023)

Deaths:

Male giraffe Armani was euthanised in June.

Female dingo Mirri died in June following abdominal cancer.

Male White-cheeked gibbon Philip died in July, aged 50 years old.

Arrivals:

1.1 Red-rumped agoutis arrived from Darling Downs Zoo and were named Astro and Amami following a public vote.

Male White cheeked gibbon Kayak returned to Perth from Taronga, following the death of his mate, Nelly. It is thought that he will eventually be paired with the female Jermei, Nelly’s cousin.

Departures:

1.2 Hamadryas Baboons - Chad, Guni and Grimus - departed the zoo for Melbourne Zoo in February, marking the phase out of their species from Perth.

The zoo’s four female Small-clawed otters were sent to Halls Gap Zoo in March.

Female White-cheeked gibbon Viann was sent to Rockhampton Zoo following the death of her partner, Philip, where she was reunited with her son, Nakai. Unfortunately, she also passed away shortly after the move.

Male red panda Sang was transferred to Hamilton Zoo in September.

Eight female African wild dogs were moved to Tasmania Zoo.

Other events:

It was announced in August that the zoo’s two remaining elephants, female Permai and male Putra Mas, will be transferred to Monarto Safari Park in the coming years.

A Javan gibbon, possibly the young male Owa, escaped in August, but was swiftly returned to the zoo.

The cafe precinct, playground and function centre was opened in October, marking the next development in the zoo’s masterplan. It is anticipated that construction on the Primate Crossing will commence in 2024.

On October 17, Perth Zoo celebrated its 125th birthday.

The zoo’s Dibbler release program was completed in December, after 26 years.

A world-first artificial insemination program was carried out for Ground parrots.
 
8. Adelaide Zoo News Summary (2023)

Births:

A female Black and white colobus named Jamila was born to Adale in January (the first born at Adelaide Zoo). A second infant was born to Zamba in November.

A male Hamadryas baboon was born to Tomkay and Quasi in March.

The hatching of five Western swamp turtles was announced in May.

Twin Cottontop Tamarins were born in October to Gomez and Peppa.

Deaths:

It would appear Mahali the Hamadryas baboon had a non-surviving infant, as it was announced in May that she was heavily pregnant, only for no infant to be announced.

Adelaide Zoo’s last Capyabra, Sofia, died in May. She was 10 years old. The zoo currently has no plans to continue with this species.

The zoo no longer has Hyacinth macaw after the passing of Cool Cat this year.

Naga the male Komodo dragon died in September aged 11 years.

Arrivals:

A one day old male giraffe calf arrived from Monarto Safari Park in January for hand raising. The calf was named Matumi.

1.1 Indian antelope arrived from Monarto Safari Park in March for handraising.

3.3. Yellow seahorse arrived from Tasmania in December.

Departures:

21 Red-tailed phascogale were released in March.

Other events:

In February, Adelaide Zoo announced Funi the Giant panda was not pregnant following last years AI. This represents the 11th year zoo has tried to breed their pandas without success, six of those years being via artificial insemination.

No Giant panda breeding was undertaken this year due to contract renewal in 2024.

A revised masterplan was released in March. The most notable changes was the removal of Sri Lankan leopard and Western lowland gorilla from the plans. Their planned exhibits were replaced by a third Sumatran tiger exhibit and generalised Savannah respectively. As evidenced by their omission, Mandrill will also be phased out.

Adelaide Zoo’s first litter of Sumatran tiger cubs (Ketambe, Marni and Susu) went on display in April.
 
10. Monarto Safari Park News Summary (2023)

Births:

A male giraffe calf was born to Thula in January.

A male giraffe calf was born to Scarlett in November.

The hatching of 3.1 Plains-wanderers chicks was announced in January.

A Plains zebra colt was born in February to Thembela; followed by another foal in June.

Three litters of Cheetah were born this year - 0.1 to Quella in March; 1.1 to Qailee in March; and 2.2 to Kuishi in April.

In June the births of a Ring-tailed lemur was announced; followed by a further five infants in September.

Two litters of African lion cubs were born this year. Makena gave birth to a single cub (unnamed) in August; Husani gave birth to 1.3 cubs in August (naming competition in progress).

Two Przewalski's horse foals were born in September. A third mare was noted to be heavily pregnant (outcome unknown).

The births of two Cape porcupines to Oliver and Rita were announced in October. The porcupettes were named Walter and Winni

Spotted hyena twins were born in November to Forrest. One cub died; but the surviving cub is in good health.

Deaths:

Tsotsi, the alpha male of the chimpanzee troop, died in June. The Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary (supported by Zoos SA) named an infant in their care in his honour.

A litter of African wild dog pups didn’t survive due to unsettled pack dynamics.

A Spotted hyena cub died in November; with its twin surviving.

Lioness Makena rolled on her cub, which subsequently died.

Pregnancies:

Lani the Common chimpanzee is due April 2024.

Two female Spotted hyena may be pregnant based on keeper comments.

Arrivals:

A male Cheetah (Dakari) arrived from the WCCC.

10 Mallee emu-wrens arrived to from a captive population after being collected from Victoria. According to Monarto, they had never been kept in captivity before.

Two male Spotted hyena arrived from Sydney Zoo (Enzi and Endesha).

In November, two female Common hippopotamus arrived from Werribee Open Range Zoo (Brindabella and Pansy). They’re the first of their species to be held at Monarto Safari Park.

Departures:

A female Spotted hyena (Mahali) was sent to Sydney Zoo.

A male giraffe calf (born to Thula in January) was transferred to Adelaide Zoo.

Other events:

In August, it was announced Monarto were fundraising to build a 14ha Asian elephant complex to accomodate 1.2 elephants (Putra Mas, Permai and Burma) from the Perth and Auckland Zoos. The fundraising target was swiftly reached and Monarto plan to welcome them in late 2024/early 2025; with an additional two cows planned to join them.

Monarto celebrated their 40th anniversary in October 2023.

The first Wild Africa tours opened in December.
 
11. Taronga Western Plains Zoo News Summary (2023)

Births:

The male bongo calf born to female Djembe on 21/11/2022 was named Masikio, meaning ‘ears’ in Swahili.

The female quokka joey born to Wir was named Djinda in January.

Giraffe calf Shomari went on display in February, the fifth calf to be born at the zoo in eight months.

Black rhino Kufara gave birth to a male calf, named Matobo after a national park in Zimbabwe, in April.

On June 16, female white rhino Mopani gave birth to a male calf, who was named Jabulani. The calf was sired by Umfana prior to his transfer to Monarto in 2022.

Two litters of meerkats were born to female Midra and male Howell. The first litter comprised of a male - Kheo - and three females - Nia, Asali and Karoo. Six more pups were born to this pair on August 2.

Spider monkey infants were born to Hiccups, Rosa and Jai early in the year.

2.1 African lion cubs were born to female Marion and male Lwazi on October 4 - their second litter following 0.3 surviving cubs in April 2022. The cubs were named Bahati and Jabari (males) and Zawadi (female).

Deaths:

Both of the zoo’s siamang pair died - male Saudara in January and female Puteri in May. The zoo’s white-handed gibbon pair were moved into this exhibit following the siamangs’ deaths.

Sadly, the region’s only male Common hippopotamus - Kani - was euthanised in May, shortly after his third birthday. He had been suffering from significant health issues following a compound fracture to his leg.

Departures:

Two young male giraffes were sent to Werribee Open Range Zoo.

Other events:

In December, Regent honeyeaters went on display at the zoo for the first time in the wildlife hospital aviary, alongside Zebra finches, Scaly-breasted lorikeets, Little lorikeets and Eastern whipbirds.
 
12. Werribee Open Range Zoo News Summary (2023)

Births:

Two Plains zebra foals were born in February to Abigail and Zaide.

A Plains wanderer chick hatched in February, noted to be the eighth of the season. The hatching of a further four was announced in September.

A female Southern white rhinoceros calf was born in March to Kifaru and Kipenzi. The calf sadly died at five days old.

2.1 African lion cubs were born to Sheru and Nilo in June. The cubs were named Jango, Mwezi and Kianga.

A Plains zebra foal was born in November to Zola (2020), a first time mother.

Deaths:

Werribee’s last Addax died this year, leaving them without this species.

A bull giraffe, Kona, died this year.

Pregnancies:

Keepers are hoping Asali the African lion may be pregnant after mating with Sheru.

Arrivals:

Three new bull giraffe arrived. Two bulls came from Australia Zoo (Dave and Jesse); one bull came from Taronga Western Plains Zoo (Wayo).

Departures:

In June, 19 Orange-bellied parrots were released at Lake Connewarre in Victoria’s South-West.

Two female Common hippopotamus were transferred to Monarto Safari Park. Brindabella and Pansy were a mother and daughter, both born at Werribee in 1990 and 2013 respectively.

Other events:

New exhibits for Bison and Przewalski's horse opened in March. This marked the completion of Stage 1 of the Werribee Expansion Project.

Stage 2 is underway, which includes the construction of a 21ha elephant complex. The number of paddocks has been reduced to five (with the original footprint of the complex remaining the same).

All other projects (lion expansion, hyena, SkySafari etc) are on hold until the completion of the elephant complex.

The Leopard tortoise exhibit was renovated, with the indoor area tripled in size.
 
13. Australia Zoo News Summary (2023)

Births:

1.1 Ring-tailed lemurs were born in February in the off-display group and named Tiffany and Roger.

Female giraffe calf Zaraffa was born in May.

Irwin’s Turtles hatched in captivity for the first time. On social media, the hatchling was referred to using the pronoun ‘he’, so it is possible this individual is a male.

The hatching of the zoo’s third cassowary chick was announced in December.

Deaths:

In January, it was learned that male Sumatran tigers Juma and Ranu had passed away.

Rhino, the 42-year-old Rhinoceros iguana, died in February, believed to be the oldest of his species on record.

Arrivals:

The zoo acquired six Irwin’s Turtles - three males and three females - in June.

Three juvenile Australian king parrots arrived from Alexandria Park Zoo.

Three quokkas, one male and two females, arrived in August from Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park. They were named Habibi, Gooshee and Hope following a public auction.

Departures:

Two sub-adult male giraffes, Jesse and Dave, were sent to the bachelor group at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

Other events:

Cheetah Grasslands opened in May, meaning the species now has its own exhibit space at the zoo, after almost two decades of having cheetahs housed off-display in the tiger complex and African precinct.

The zoo moved to housing tigers, cheetahs and elephants in protective contact, rather than free contact.

In September, the zoo bordered the evacuation area for a nearby grassfire, but fortunately the fire was contained and it did not reach the zoo.

All four female Sumatran elephants went on public display together, as the zoo expanded their exhibit.
 
14. Mogo Wildlife Park News Summary (2023)

Births/Hatchings:

Born in October 2022, the gorilla infant Kaius continued to be handreared by Mogo staff, although was eventually integrated with unrelated female G-Anne and has gone on public display.

The new pair of Wandering whistling-ducks have produced 11 ducklings since their arrival.

Twin Pygmy marmosets were born in February, followed by another set of twins born to Chip and Buzz in September.

A Plains zebra foal was born to Katali in November. The female was named Subira.

A lion litter was born to Evelyn and Baako, the pair’s first offspring together.

Pregnancies:

The zoo’s female hyena Thandiwe is currently pregnant. The sire is the zoo’s male, Cheka, who was imported from overseas and is a potential founder of the regional population.

The zoo’s female red panda is also pregnant and was expected to give birth around Christmas.

Deaths:

On New Year’s Day, it was reported that Tenzin, the zoo’s only snow leopard, had passed away. She was 19 years old.

It is possible that Sefu, born 2009, who was one of Mogo’s original male cheetahs, has died, although this has not been confirmed.

Arrivals:

The arrival of three male quokkas - a new species for the zoo - was announced in January.

The zoo acquired a pair of Wandering whistling-ducks.

Lioness Evelyn arrived from Taronga Western Plains Zoo in March.

A pair of Caracals, Sabi and Jesiri, went on display in August.

Male cheetah Jabari arrived from Hunter Valley Zoo in December and was paired with Imani.

Male Sri Lankan leopard Chatura arrived from the National Zoo and Aquarium, the zoo’s first - making them the third holder of the species in the region. He is being housed in the former snow leopard exhibit, so it is unclear whether the caracals - previously intended for that enclosure - are still on public display.

Departures:

Young male Siamang, Batak, transferred to Melbourne Zoo, where his partner, Kemala, is now pregnant.

It is possible that female cheetah, Ayana (b. 2017), is no longer at the zoo, given a social media post mentioned the zoo only had two cheetahs, Jabari and Imani.
 
15. Darling Downs Zoo News Summary (2023)

Births:

In January, the birth of seven Dumeril's boa was announced. The event was significant given there were only five in the country prior to their birth.

In April, the birth of a white Red kangaroo, a quokka and Cotton-top tamarin twins was announced.

Four Cape Barren geese goslings hatched in mid-2023.

A Grant’s zebra filly was born September; with another mare delivering a filly in October.

1.1 Sri Lankan leopard cubs were born in August.

The births of three Koala was announced in September.

In October births were announced in the news thread from the following species: Indian antelope, Cotton-top tamarin, Slender-tailed meerkat, Ruddy shelduck, Royal spoonbill, Wonga pigeon, Eclectus parrot and Pygmy marmoset; with Agile wallaby and Red kangaroo emerging from the pouch.

A Ring-tailed lemur infant was born in October to King Julian and Zola.

Five Slender-tailed meerkat pups were born in December.

Deaths:

A female Sri Lankan leopard cub named Chaturi died in February aged 10 months.

A litter of Maned wolf pups was unsuccessful.

A giraffe calf born in November to Tulip did not survive.

Arrivals:

A male Cape porcupine named Charles arrived from Monarto Safari Park.

Two female Cotton-top tamarins were imported from Auckland Zoo.

Two male Cotton-top tamarins were imported from Italy.

Three Black and white ruffed lemurs were imported.

A male Komodo dragon arrived from the Australian Reptile Park.

A male Addax arrived from Taronga Western Plains Zoo in November.

Departures:

A male giraffe named JoJo was transferred to Tasmania Zoo in March.

Two female Cape porcupine transferred to ZooDoo.

Other events:

New phase of Asian/Australian exhibits opened in June.

A large tortoise complex opened in September.

As of September, a large paddock was awaiting government approval to be used for Addax. Management confirmed an interest in importing Eastern bongo now the IRA is complete.
 
16. Tasmania Zoo News Summary (2023)

Births:

Two meerkat pups were born in December.

Pregnancies:

While a pregnancy has not been confirmed, the zoo’s second White-cheeked gibbon pair - potential founders - have been observed mating.

Deaths:

Male lion Vati died in July.

Male Sumatran tiger Jalur died at the age of 15 in September.

Arrivals:

Handraised male giraffe Jojo arrived from Darling Downs Zoo in January.

Two female Maned wolves arrived from Darling Downs Zoo in May - a new species for the zoo.

It was confirmed that the male Silvery gibbon, Duke, arrived from the Greensboro Science Centre and has been paired with the zoo’s female, Cinta.

Four Ring-tailed lemurs arrived from Altina in May.

Millie and Jefferson, De Brazza’s guenons, arrived in July. They will be temporarily staying at Tasmania Zoo en route to Darling Downs Zoo and mark the return of their species to the region.

The zoo’s first Small-clawed otters arrived in August. Their arrival was three years in the making.

Bolivian squirrel monkey was also a new species for the zoo in August.

A group of 8 female African wild dogs arrived in September from Perth Zoo.
 
17. Altina Wildlife Park News Summary (2023)

Births:

A female Takhi foal was born in January. She was named Eva; the previous foal had been named Ted (born December 2022). Another filly was born on 27 January and named Flicka. The birth of a fourth and final foal for the season was announced on 31 January.

Kintana, the newly arrived Black and white ruffed lemur, welcomed surprise triplets on 16 November. The babies were named Volana (female), Masoandro and Ruffus Ragamuffin (males).

The birth of the park’s first litter of African wild dog pups was announced in February, with four males born to Adrian, a founder imported from the Czech Republic, and Altina-born Rita. They were named Kasigo (meaning ‘peace’), Jumaane (meaning ‘born on Tuesday’), Shujaa (meaning ‘brave’ or ‘warrior’) and T’Challa (a West African surname and character in the Black Panther films). This final name was specifically chosen due to the large black patches on the pup’s coat.

In March, female meerkat Padfoot gave birth to two pups, one male and one female. They were named Weasley and Moony. She had another litter of twins in July, which were named Remus (male) and Tilly (female), in keeping with the Harry Potter name theme of the family. Another pair of meerkat pups were born to a different pair, and named Brian and Amber.

Arrivals:

A bachelor herd of nyala arrived in January - two males from New Zealand. The park plans to acquire females for breeding.

A female meerkat named Padfoot arrived and was paired with a male named Bop.

Two male Golden lion tamarins arrived in April, along with a potential breeding pair of Cotton-top tamarin. Both species feature in a small primate complex.
 
18. National Zoo and Aquarium News Summary (2023)

Births:

On 11th March, Plains zebra Kiva gave birth to a colt, sired by the zoo’s breeding stallion, Tambo. The foal was named Kamandi.

In April, it was revealed that a female Sri Lankan Leopard cub, Kelani, had been born the previous April.

Four Little Penguins hatched and were integrated into the colony. The zoo now houses 16 penguins.

Pregnancies:

It was reported in December that the zoo suspects Matilda the koala could be pregnant.

Deaths:

Raj, the young male Nepalese red panda, passed away. His former exhibit now houses a Lace monitor. The female, Nasarpati, is partially off-display.

Marjan, one of the male African lions born at the zoo in 2002, passed away.

Arrivals:

A female Black-capped capuchin named Mocha arrived and has been paired with the male Coco following the loss of his mate. Another female Black-capped capuchin, Santana, arrived from Perth Zoo sometime by September.

Meiko and Zuri, a sibling pair of serval, arrived from Hunter Valley Zoo. The zoo’s previous pair, Soudi and Ashaki, are still alive.

Additions to the aquarium/reptile house included a male Pig-nosed turtle, male Black headed python and male Diamond python.

A White-browed wood swallow had arrived by December.

Departures:

Leda, the female Leopard shark, was sent to the Shark Ray and Rescue Centre, while her sister, Luna, remained at the zoo.

It was confirmed that Colby, the male colobus, transferred to Adelaide Zoo.

Chatura, one of the male Sri Lankan leopards bred at the zoo, was sent to Mogo Wildlife Park, a new holder for the species.

Other events:

The potential breeding pair of lions, Mlinzi and Nairibi, went on display together in January. They are yet to produce a litter, but as the female is still showing signs of cycling, it is hoped they may breed in 2024.
 
19. Sydney Zoo News Summary (2023)

Births:

A Spotted hyena cub was born in December to Mahali and Etana.

A Tufted capuchin infant was born.

Pregnancies:

In November, the zoo’s alpha female meerkat was pregnant.

Deaths:

Maik, a 33-year-old chimpanzee within the zoo’s troop, died unexpectedly of acute heart failure on May 13.

Arrivals:

A female Spotted hyena, Mahali, arrived from Monarto Safari Park.

Ring-tailed lemurs arrived, a new species for the zoo. Sydney’s troop contains two males - Bruce and Garth - and three females - Mimi, Anja and Zahra. The males originated from Hamilton Zoo, whereas the females arrived from Monarto Safari Park.

Departures:

Male hyenas, Endesha and Enzi, were sent to Monarto Safari Park.

Jerry, the castrated male chimpanzee, was sent to Rockhampton Zoo to be integrated with their troop, to provide male companionship to their alpha male Alon, once the zoo’s elderly male, Cassius, passes away.

Other events:

In January, the zoo announced plans to acquire Cotton-top tamarin; however, this seems to have not yet eventuated.

A new exhibit for capybara was opened.

The zoo’s three Sumatran orangutans - Santan, Maimunah and their daughter Dewi - commenced using the aerial ropes attached to their exhibit, after six months of training. These ropes cross the visitor path, run above the fenceline of the elephant exhibit opposite, then cross the path again to return to the exhibit.
 
20. Wildlife HQ News Summary (2023)

Births:

Emperor Tamarin twins were born on New Year’s Day to their new pair, Santiago and Pedro. The babies were named Feliz (meaning ‘happy’) and Novo (meaning ‘year’) to reflect their birthdate. This group moved into the former cockatoo aviaries, leaving their previous enclosure at the cafe empty. It was briefly thought that this exhibit had been vacated as doucouroulis were being added to the zoo’s collection; however, the reference to ‘night monkeys’ turned out to be mentioning the zoo’s night tours.

Twin Pygmy marmosets were born in June, the first time the zoo has bred the species.

Twin Cotton-top tamarins were born on September 9.

Deaths:

Female Golden lion tamarin Muppet died of old age. Her mate, Rio, was later repartnered with a new female, but in the meantime, he lived with a group of Pygmy marmosets for companionship.

Arrivals:

Three juvenile Plumed basilisks arrived in January from Melbourne Zoo.

A female Ball python, named Queen, joined the zoo’s collection in January.

A female Golden lion tamarin named Chica arrived from Symbio Wildlife Park in June as a companion for their male, Rio, following the death of his mate.

Departures:

Maned wolf Dahlia transferred back to Altina Wildlife Park, as she was suffering from allergies while in Queensland. The zoo still has her sister, Eartha.

Other events:

The zoo’s pair of male Tasmanian devils, housed at the front of the park, were separated due to aggression.
 
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