Darling Downs Zoo Darling Downs Zoo news
- Thread starter Jabiru96
- Start date
Some good news coming from Darling Downs Zoo tonight - the zoo (along with other Australian zoos) will receive the grant package from the federal government.
Source: WIN News Toowoomba
Source: WIN News Toowoomba
Good to see both channel 9 and 7 giving good time to the zoo!
Darling Downs Zoo is reopening and has announced the arrival of a Komodo Dragon and a pair of Golden Lion Tamarins! They have also mentioned that they have welcomed more Red-rumped Agouti and Emperor Tamarin births, and have received a rescued Koala. The zoo also imported over 20 Radiated Tortoises in cooperation with other zoos. Darling Downs Zoo retained five of the tortoises from the import to join their existing five. From their Facebook page:
Darling Downs Zoo
Last edited:
Darling Downs Zoo is now open! Another news story - glad to see the media are giving the attention the zoo deserves.
Source: 7News Toowoomba
7NEWS Toowoomba
Source: 7News Toowoomba
7NEWS Toowoomba
I visited the Darling Downs zoo yesterday and was amazed at the huge number of people there the most I had ever seen on any visit we are in the middle of the school holidays so that would of helped numbers along.
It has been about six months since my last visit and I really wanted to see how the new Leopard enclosure looked since it was only just being started on my last visit. It covers a large area and is of steel mesh construction and parted into two sections with few plantings yet but what caught my eye was the really nice raised wooden platforms up on some of the support frames I believe there were about eight all up at different levels it should be be well liked by this species, as with resent events it is unknown when leopards will arrive I hope it this year.
I was pleased to see another baby Addax they are doing so well with them. The new Komodo Dragon was hiding so I need to return another day to see some of the species I missed this time. I was surprised to see all the Giant Tortoises out and about in the winter sun its the first time I saw all ten of the first import group at any one time and nice to see how much they have grown since arriving there. I did not see any of the new Radiated Tortoises on the day I assume they were being kept indoors at this point until the return of warmer weather.
I got my first view of the zoos new Squirrel monkeys the 3 boys were quite active as were all the primates on the day, I did not see the zoos new Golden Lion tamarin as I believe they are off exhibit at this time.
I counted 3 pairs of Australian Bustards there they looked outstanding!
It was looking forward to see the zoos new Maned Wolfs and only got a short look at a distance of them so its a must return visit to pick up on what I did not see this time. It was good to see the zoo back into action after the 3 months of shut down and to be that busy. I had a good very pleasant day there!
It has been about six months since my last visit and I really wanted to see how the new Leopard enclosure looked since it was only just being started on my last visit. It covers a large area and is of steel mesh construction and parted into two sections with few plantings yet but what caught my eye was the really nice raised wooden platforms up on some of the support frames I believe there were about eight all up at different levels it should be be well liked by this species, as with resent events it is unknown when leopards will arrive I hope it this year.
I was pleased to see another baby Addax they are doing so well with them. The new Komodo Dragon was hiding so I need to return another day to see some of the species I missed this time. I was surprised to see all the Giant Tortoises out and about in the winter sun its the first time I saw all ten of the first import group at any one time and nice to see how much they have grown since arriving there. I did not see any of the new Radiated Tortoises on the day I assume they were being kept indoors at this point until the return of warmer weather.
I got my first view of the zoos new Squirrel monkeys the 3 boys were quite active as were all the primates on the day, I did not see the zoos new Golden Lion tamarin as I believe they are off exhibit at this time.
I counted 3 pairs of Australian Bustards there they looked outstanding!
It was looking forward to see the zoos new Maned Wolfs and only got a short look at a distance of them so its a must return visit to pick up on what I did not see this time. It was good to see the zoo back into action after the 3 months of shut down and to be that busy. I had a good very pleasant day there!
Last edited:
Thanks for the update @Zorro. Where in the zoo is the new Komodo Dragon housed?
Last edited:
It is to be located at the far left end of the reptile house I really dont know how I missed it unless in was right under the viewing window?
I should of also of added that there were two very young looking baboon babies there but not to sure of their age, due to there being no keeper talks at this time no general questions could be asked.I am pleased to see that the last one in Australia I believe yellow anaconda is still there doing well. One thing I wanted to cross of my must see list was to see the stunning Nicobar Pigeons there I am sure I counted six among the plantings!
Last edited:
I had a great visit to Darling Downs Zoo today. I had never visited the zoo during a crisp winter day but it certainly beats the hot and humid visits I am used to. The zoo is filling out its collection nicely with several new developments and births. It was also heartening to see Darling Downs Zoo filled with visitors and the carpark overflowing. Some notes from my visit:
-Since my last visit in February, a new aviary has been opened between the tiger and future Sri Lankan leopard enclosures. It contained Eclectus Parrot (1.2), Australian Bustard and Ring-necked Pheasant. Even though the Eclectus Parrots were the main crowd-pleasers with their noisy, showy displays, I thought the real star was the male Ring-necked Pheasant – such wonderful colours.
-The zoo’s Sumatran Tiger, Rani (2010) was back on display in her usual enclosure next to the Ruddy Shelducks and opposite the Blackbuck. Next door, the maned wolves were living in the future Sri Lankan Leopard enclosure. This set of exhibits are progressing well. The new raised wooden platforms will certainly be of benefit for the leopards as both good vantage points and climbing opportunities. The steel exhibit itself has been painted green and there were a few new plantings.
-Darling Downs Zoo seems to be having a population boom with their Brazilian Agouti. I counted seven agouti in the squirrel monkey enclosure, two in a macaw aviary and I caught a glimpse of a set of very young twins in the Common Marmoset enclosure.
-The recent Addax calf was out and about with the main herd. I don’t think I have ever seen the herd of Addax come down so close to the fence – it was a pleasure to appreciate them up close. Down the hill, the group of zebra were very popular with the visitors. I’m no expert but one of the Grant’s Zebras looked heavily pregnant.
-A few bird-related observations; there are now several Australian Brush Turkeys in the main cockatoo aviary, an increased number of Nicobar and Spinifex Pigeons [either because they are new arrivals/hatchings or I didn’t see them all on my last visit], two juvenile Pied Stilts in the aviary near the entrance and a pair of Cape Barren goslings with their fiercely protective parents. There is also now Tawny Frogmouth in the bustard/kookaburra aviary. There were also several species that showed particularly well today like Rose-crowned Fruit Dove and Eastern Whipbird.
-The Serval enclosure was probably one of the most popular exhibits I saw today – one of the Servals was playing around and pouncing on a ball attracting quite the crowd. Nearby, the Hamadryas Baboons were also a source of great interest with so many youngsters including at least two small infants.
-The new Komodo Dragon enclosure is located inside the small reptile house where the Green Iguana once lived. Although labelled, I couldn’t see any sign of the dragon. I was glad to see the Yellow Anaconda is still alive and well.
-The Koala enclosure is currently empty and there were signs of construction (ladders etc.). I’m not sure if it’s for an upgrade for the Koalas or a new species.
-In regards to wild birds, I saw my first ever Striated Pardalote on the zoo grounds near the cheetahs. It was nice to see the bird out in the open. They are one of those many species that are heard more often than they are seen.
See here for more photos of the animals and their enclosures: Darling Downs Zoo - ZooChat
-Since my last visit in February, a new aviary has been opened between the tiger and future Sri Lankan leopard enclosures. It contained Eclectus Parrot (1.2), Australian Bustard and Ring-necked Pheasant. Even though the Eclectus Parrots were the main crowd-pleasers with their noisy, showy displays, I thought the real star was the male Ring-necked Pheasant – such wonderful colours.
-The zoo’s Sumatran Tiger, Rani (2010) was back on display in her usual enclosure next to the Ruddy Shelducks and opposite the Blackbuck. Next door, the maned wolves were living in the future Sri Lankan Leopard enclosure. This set of exhibits are progressing well. The new raised wooden platforms will certainly be of benefit for the leopards as both good vantage points and climbing opportunities. The steel exhibit itself has been painted green and there were a few new plantings.
-Darling Downs Zoo seems to be having a population boom with their Brazilian Agouti. I counted seven agouti in the squirrel monkey enclosure, two in a macaw aviary and I caught a glimpse of a set of very young twins in the Common Marmoset enclosure.
-The recent Addax calf was out and about with the main herd. I don’t think I have ever seen the herd of Addax come down so close to the fence – it was a pleasure to appreciate them up close. Down the hill, the group of zebra were very popular with the visitors. I’m no expert but one of the Grant’s Zebras looked heavily pregnant.
-A few bird-related observations; there are now several Australian Brush Turkeys in the main cockatoo aviary, an increased number of Nicobar and Spinifex Pigeons [either because they are new arrivals/hatchings or I didn’t see them all on my last visit], two juvenile Pied Stilts in the aviary near the entrance and a pair of Cape Barren goslings with their fiercely protective parents. There is also now Tawny Frogmouth in the bustard/kookaburra aviary. There were also several species that showed particularly well today like Rose-crowned Fruit Dove and Eastern Whipbird.
-The Serval enclosure was probably one of the most popular exhibits I saw today – one of the Servals was playing around and pouncing on a ball attracting quite the crowd. Nearby, the Hamadryas Baboons were also a source of great interest with so many youngsters including at least two small infants.
-The new Komodo Dragon enclosure is located inside the small reptile house where the Green Iguana once lived. Although labelled, I couldn’t see any sign of the dragon. I was glad to see the Yellow Anaconda is still alive and well.
-The Koala enclosure is currently empty and there were signs of construction (ladders etc.). I’m not sure if it’s for an upgrade for the Koalas or a new species.
-In regards to wild birds, I saw my first ever Striated Pardalote on the zoo grounds near the cheetahs. It was nice to see the bird out in the open. They are one of those many species that are heard more often than they are seen.
See here for more photos of the animals and their enclosures: Darling Downs Zoo - ZooChat
Last edited:
Andrew Swales
Well-Known Member
I had a great visit to Darling Downs Zoo today. I had never visited the zoo during a crisp winter day but it certainly beats the hot and humid visits I am used to. The zoo is filling out its collection nicely with several new developments and births. It was also heartening to see Darling Downs Zoo filled with visitors and the carpark overflowing. Some notes from my visit:
-Since my last visit in February, a new aviary has been opened between the tiger and future Sri Lankan leopard enclosures. It contained Eclectus Parrot (1.2), Australian Bustard and Ring-necked Pheasant. Even though the Eclectus Parrots were the main crowd-pleasers with their noisy, showy displays, I thought the real star was the male Ring-necked Pheasant – such wonderful colours.
-The zoo’s Sumatran Tiger, Rani (2010) was back on display in her usual enclosure next to the Ruddy Shelducks and opposite the Blackbuck. Next door, the maned wolves were living in the future Sri Lankan Leopard enclosure. This set of exhibits are progressing well. The new raised wooden platforms will certainly be of benefit for the leopards as both good vantage points and climbing opportunities. The steel exhibit itself has been painted green and there were a few new plantings.
-Darling Downs Zoo seems to be having a population boom with their Brazilian Agouti. I counted seven agouti in the squirrel monkey enclosure, two in a macaw aviary and I caught a glimpse of a set of very young twins in the Common Marmoset enclosure.
-The recent Addax calf was out and about with the main herd. I don’t think I have ever seen the herd of Addax come down so close to the fence – it was a pleasure to appreciate them up close. Down the hill, the group of zebra were very popular with the visitors. I’m no expert but one of the Grant’s Zebras looked heavily pregnant.
-A few bird-related observations; there are now several Australian Brush Turkeys in the main cockatoo aviary, an increased number of Nicobar and Spinifex Pigeons [either because they are new arrivals/hatchings or I didn’t see them all on my last visit], two juvenile Pied Stilts in the aviary near the entrance and a pair of Cape Barren goslings with their fiercely protective parents. There is also now Tawny Frogmouth in the bustard/kookaburra aviary. There were also several species that showed particularly well today like Rose-crowned Fruit Dove and Eastern Whipbird.
-The Serval enclosure was probably one of the most popular exhibits I saw today – one of the Servals was playing around and pouncing on a ball attracting quite the crowd. Nearby, the Hamadryas Baboons were also a source of great interest with so many youngsters including at least two small infants.
-The new Komodo Dragon enclosure is located inside the small reptile house where the Green Iguana once lived. Although labelled, I couldn’t see any sign of the dragon. I was glad to see the Yellow Anaconda is still alive and well.
-The Koala enclosure is currently empty and there were signs of construction (ladders etc.). I’m not sure if it’s for an upgrade for the Koalas or a new species.
-In regards to wild birds, I saw my first ever Striated Pardalote on the zoo grounds near the cheetahs. It was nice to see the bird out in the open. They are one of those many species that are heard more often than they are seen.
See here for more photos of the animals and their enclosures: Darling Downs Zoo - ZooChat
Very good news, of a return to a new kind of 'normality'.
A question for the moderators, though - and not one which relates to DDZ in ANY way, but just something which had been asked before. Is there an assumption that pictures (ie media) are posted in the media gallery, or are posters encouraged to duplicate and post twice?
@WhistlingKite24 The return visit did not take you long since your last visit I agree the winter visits are better and I hope to get another couple in myself. The zoo is a Work in Progress even if one cant see all of what is being done it never stops. everytime I go theres more to see and more work and building happening.
Darling Downs Zoo have announced the birth of a Dromedary. The male has been named Jabba. From their Facebook page:
Security CheckWelcome little Jabba!
The newest member of our Zoo family is camel calf, Jabba. The camels have prime real estate in the Zoo - right at the top of the hill to make the most of our beautiful views.
Did you know- a common misconception is that Camels store water in their humps, it's actually a fat store.
However, their body is well adapted to conserve water and they can go long periods of time without drinking.
Well now I know that the well-rounded zebra I saw on my last visit was indeed pregnant. Fantastic news! Darling Downs Zoo have welcomed the birth of 0.1 Grant's Zebra! This should be the zoo's fifth successful zebra birth since the group arrived from the United States in 2014.
Security CheckBaby News!
Welcome to the family Sapphire!
Look who has arrived just in time for the school holidays! Those of you who are regular visitors will know that we have been waiting a looooong time for Zavannah to have her baby!
This little filly foal was born on Friday night and is already alert, confident and inquisitive. She is on view every day with the rest of the herd.
Zavannah came to us from a private collection in the State of Georgia and has proved to be a marvellous mum.
She is one of the ten Zebras that we imported into Australia from Texas in 2014 and this little one is her third baby.
The zoo is open every day from 9am til 4pm, with last entries at 3pm. Under our Covid SAFE Plan there is no need to bo
Wonderful news good to see another female!
It’s great to see a flourishing breeding herd in the region. Prior to the births that occurred from this import (five at DDZ; two at ZD), the last birth in the region was at Hamilton Zoo in 2003. With a herd of around 12 (three founders were sent to ZD; seven retained), DDZ may soon be at the stage where they can supply another zoo with a splinter herd.
I’d love to see Hamilton Zoo (whose herd now has just a single Grant’s zebra mare) rebuild their herd. An initial import of 1.1 would give them a decent starting base of 1.2.
I believe some may have been already sent to other collections last time I was there there were around 5 the time before I am sure I counted 11 of them!