I think that the "big zoos" will say they pay for imports when they think they are needed. So it comes back to your opinion as to how the zoo should look verses theirs. Mind you, an expense is an expense, no matter how big an organisation you are, and avoidable expenses should always be avoided.I appreciate your opinion @MRJ and like yourself I also have no stake in this I am also an observer.
I do see your point about the shipping costs and understand your view but if small private zoos can bear the cost of doing this I am sure our big government run zoos would not flinch to much, In fact when one sees the amount of money they do waste, the transport costs would be just pocket money to them.
I do have some understanding regarding costs involved and how complex it can be. I have imported and exported dogs (As dogs are my hobby) world wide for over 20 years also going through the process of importing/exporting frozen dog semen. While I do not consider myself an expert I do have some understanding how it works. Regarding costs yes they are massive but if a private citizen can foot these bills multiple times I am sure the large state run zoos can do the same. Since you mentioned prices, One cost of importing 2 dogs from Toronto to Perth (flight only) not including one months quarantine and the flight from Perth to Brisbane was almost $9000 and that was 21 years ago.
Private zoos can do exactly what they want to do. If the owner wants to sacrifice, say, a new car for a new species that is entirely up to them. It will be interesting to see how adventurous Mogo and Hunter Valley will be with new species now they are owned by (the same) investment corporation.
I do have to say though that, from a distance, the potential genetic viability of some imports is of concern. I was very pleased to see Altina have taken on the role of species coordinator for maned wolf.
