Felids in Australasian Zoos – News, History and Discussion

WhistlingKite24 said:
‘Yakalla’ the Sri Lankan Leopard is now on-display and her mate is due to arrive from Spain in a few weeks.
What a stunning animal!
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I've copied this post over to the National Zoo news thread. The problem with this thread is that people have been posting news into it instead of into the actual news threads, which makes it much more difficult to find information on specific zoos when looking at the forum.
 
Chlidonias said:
I've copied this post over to the National Zoo news thread. The problem with this thread is that people have been posting news into it instead of into the actual news threads, which makes it much more difficult to find information on specific zoos when looking at the forum.
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I will keep this in mind when I post news-related information in the future. :)
 
Chlidonias said:
I've copied this post over to the National Zoo news thread. The problem with this thread is that people have been posting news into it instead of into the actual news threads, which makes it much more difficult to find information on specific zoos when looking at the forum.
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I'm equally guilty of posting news in here; after all I did create the thread for the purpose of posting news, history and discussion, but I was hoping we can still continue to do so (in addition to posting in the news thread if you want us to) as it's nice to have big cat news in one place as a record of big cats in the region and to have discussions on them. The zoo specific news threads become obsolete on Jan 1 of each year and largely disappear into the ethos. If I was looking for a news article on the death of a tiger in the region etc. it's much easier to search this forum than trying to remember what year it died and then searching through the zoo news thread of that year.

In addition, by having this thread for the discussion of big cats in the region; people not interested in big cats are spared hearing about them in detail in the general news thread. I know for sure there's times I've clicked on the general news thread for a zoo only to realise it's people posting on a species which is of little interest to me. The subject of posts in this thread should therefore come as no surprise or disappointment to those that check them.
 
WhistlingKite24 said:
‘Yakalla’ the Sri Lankan Leopard is now on-display and her mate is due to arrive from Spain in a few weeks.
What a stunning animal!
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Nisha said:
The incoming male Sri Lankan Leopard is called Ankesh. He's 3 years old (Born August 2016) and is from Santillana Zoo
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It's always exciting to see a new species in the region; and a young breeding pair even more so!

Does anyone know where Darling Downs Zoo are at with importing this species? Is this still in their plans, as it says on their website they were due to arrive 2017.
 
Zoofan15 said:
It's always exciting to see a new species in the region; and a young breeding pair even more so!

Does anyone know where Darling Downs Zoo are at with importing this species? Is this still in their plans, as it says on their website they were due to arrive 2017.
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So there are no more leopards in Australia than this pair?
 
Kakapo said:
So there are no more leopards in Australia than this pair?
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Not yet, though Adelaide Zoo will be importing them in the future.

Other subspecies of leopard have been historically held in Australasian Zoos e.g. Indian leopard at Auckland Zoo and Persian leopard at Perth Zoo, but I don’t believe any zoo in the region has held the Sri Lankan subspecies prior to the National Zoo’s import.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Jaguar in Australasian Zoos

I’m interesting in learning more about Jaguar kept in our region’s zoos. Information is hard to find on the internet as many zoos phased them out decades ago but any information people have would be appreciated. I have been able to find out a small amount about the jaguar at Auckland Zoo via online sources:

Auckland Zoo

Auckland Zoo received 1.1 Jaguar from Lincoln Park Zoo in 1969. I’m not sure if this was the first pair or if there had previously been jaguar held at Auckland Zoo.

The male was born 11/06/1968 at Topeka Zoo (transferred to Lincoln Park Zoo at 3 months of age) and arrived 01/08/1969. He died at Auckland Zoo 20/04/1979.

The female was born 06/06/1968 at Lincoln Park Zoo and arrived 10/01/1969. She died at Auckland Zoo 27/02/1987.

1.2 cubs were born 18/12/1977 and were sent to Hamilton Zoo in 1978. I’m not sure of the names/parentage of these three cubs, but it seems likely they were born to the pair imported in 1969 as it would have been uncommon for Auckland (or any other zoo in the region) to have held multiple pairs of jaguar.

An article about natural enrichment of Chacma baboon at Auckland Zoo (dated 2000) referred to an encounter between the dominant male Chacma baboon (Nicholas) and the “old jaguar” named Lima, who was a male. Considering Nicholas was born approximately 1983 (i.e.) he wouldn’t have been the dominant male at the age of 1, we can assume the encounter described took place between the late 80s but most likely the early-mid 90s. It was implied Lima was the last jaguar held at Auckland Zoo.

We know from the history book, Tiger by the Tail (1992), that an attack on a keeper occurred in 1985 involving two jaguars (who were kept together). Again assuming multiple pairs were not kept at Auckland, one of these would have been the female imported 1969 (died 1987), the other I’m guessing would be Lima.

From here there are two possibilities: 1) Lima was born at the zoo and was the son of the female, 2) He was born at another zoo and imported as a mate for the female, after her original mate died in 1979. Since the female would have turned 11 years old the year her mate died, I’m guessing it’s unlikely they would have imported a new male with the intention of breeding her and therefore it’s most likely Lima was her son.

Lima’s birthdate is unknown, but if he is the son of this female, it’s likely he was born between 1978 and mid 1979 as the imported male died in April 1979 and the female gave birth to cubs in December 1977, indicating Lima was born after them as it would been unusual to separate him from his mother for the birth of a subsequent litter, then reintroduce him at a later date (when they were no longer familiar with each other). This would have made him 18 years old by the mid-1990s, which is believed to be around the time Auckland Zoo’s last jaguar died.

If anyone can add to this information, or contribute information on jaguars held at Taronga, Melbourne or Hamilton Zoo, I would be very grateful.
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I worked at Auckland Zoo from 1985-1996, the two male jaguars were Jesu and Lima and they were kept in one enclosure next to the baboons. Next to them were the two females Yari and her daughter Miani. Next to their enclosure was the black leopard Toby. In 1985, Miani attacked a keeper who had mistakenly not locked her up and was emptying the pool to clean when Miani had got between the keeper and the exit. A member of the public saw what had happened and pushed the alarm on the old cafeteria. I was the first keeper on the scene with a pitchfork, I managed to get her off Jenni and then she attacked me and dragged me towards the pool to drown me. Peter West came in with came in with his pitchfork and smashed her over the head but his handle broke. Wayne Smith then came in and pitchforked her in the side of the face. She turned towards the back of the enclosure and we all ran out. Still got the scars and it's always a story to tell.
 
Brett-nz said:
I worked at Auckland Zoo from 1985-1996, the two male jaguars were Jesu and Lima and they were kept in one enclosure next to the baboons. Next to them were the two females Yari and her daughter Miani. Next to their enclosure was the black leopard Toby. In 1985, Miani attacked a keeper who had mistakenly not locked her up and was emptying the pool to clean when Miani had got between the keeper and the exit. A member of the public saw what had happened and pushed the alarm on the old cafeteria. I was the first keeper on the scene with a pitchfork, I managed to get her off Jenni and then she attacked me and dragged me towards the pool to drown me. Peter West came in with came in with his pitchfork and smashed her over the head but his handle broke. Wayne Smith then came in and pitchforked her in the side of the face. She turned towards the back of the enclosure and we all ran out. Still got the scars and it's always a story to tell.
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Wow what a story! Glad you were all ok
 
Brett-nz said:
I worked at Auckland Zoo from 1985-1996, the two male jaguars were Jesu and Lima and they were kept in one enclosure next to the baboons. Next to them were the two females Yari and her daughter Miani. Next to their enclosure was the black leopard Toby. In 1985, Miani attacked a keeper who had mistakenly not locked her up and was emptying the pool to clean when Miani had got between the keeper and the exit. A member of the public saw what had happened and pushed the alarm on the old cafeteria. I was the first keeper on the scene with a pitchfork, I managed to get her off Jenni and then she attacked me and dragged me towards the pool to drown me. Peter West came in with came in with his pitchfork and smashed her over the head but his handle broke. Wayne Smith then came in and pitchforked her in the side of the face. She turned towards the back of the enclosure and we all ran out. Still got the scars and it's always a story to tell.
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That's incredible, I'm glad you all made it out alive (and hope the Jaguar wasn't too badly injured)! :p

Was Yari the female who arrived from Topeka Zoo in 1979 (and died 1985)?

Were the two males you mentioned littermates (or father and son, living separately)? I believe Lima was the last Jaguar at Auckland Zoo (who died approximately 1996), so I'm guessing he was Yari or Miani's offspring?
 
Brett-nz said:
I worked at Auckland Zoo from 1985-1996, the two male jaguars were Jesu and Lima and they were kept in one enclosure next to the baboons. Next to them were the two females Yari and her daughter Miani. Next to their enclosure was the black leopard Toby. In 1985, Miani attacked a keeper who had mistakenly not locked her up and was emptying the pool to clean when Miani had got between the keeper and the exit. A member of the public saw what had happened and pushed the alarm on the old cafeteria. I was the first keeper on the scene with a pitchfork, I managed to get her off Jenni and then she attacked me and dragged me towards the pool to drown me. Peter West came in with came in with his pitchfork and smashed her over the head but his handle broke. Wayne Smith then came in and pitchforked her in the side of the face. She turned towards the back of the enclosure and we all ran out. Still got the scars and it's always a story to tell.
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Zoofan15 said:
That's incredible, I'm glad you all made it out alive (and hope the Jaguar wasn't too badly injured)! :p

Was Yari the female who arrived from Topeka Zoo in 1979 (and died 1985)?

Were the two males you mentioned littermates (or father and son, living separately)? I believe Lima was the last Jaguar at Auckland Zoo (who died approximately 1996), so I'm guessing he was Yari or Miani's offspring?
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Edit: I meant was Yari the female who arrived from Lincoln Park Zoo in 1969 (and died 1987)?

Also, 'Tiger by the Tail - a History of Auckland Zoo' mentions Black leopard cubs arriving from the Chicago Zoo in 1968. Was one of these the Black leopard 'Toby' you mentioned?
 
Zoofan15 said:
Edit: I meant was Yari the female who arrived from Lincoln Park Zoo in 1969 (and died 1987)?

Also, 'Tiger by the Tail - a History of Auckland Zoo' mentions Black leopard cubs arriving from the Chicago Zoo in 1968. Was one of these the Black leopard 'Toby' you mentioned?
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I don't remember where Yari came from but I am pretty sure that she died in 1987. I also don't remember anything else about Toby but there were two other black leopards when I was there, Ace and Trixie. They were kept in an enclosure next to the mountain lions. One of the mountain lions Kay was hand raised and friendly enough that you could go in with her. The zoo also had a margay called Alison, who was the oldest living margay in captivity.
 
Brett-nz said:
I don't remember where Yari came from but I am pretty sure that she died in 1987. I also don't remember anything else about Toby but there were two other black leopards when I was there, Ace and Trixie. They were kept in an enclosure next to the mountain lions. One of the mountain lions Kay was hand raised and friendly enough that you could go in with her. The zoo also had a margay called Alison, who was the oldest living margay in captivity.
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I suppose if Black leopard cubs were imported in 1968, it’d be pushing it for them both/all to still be alive in the late 1980s. Maybe Toby, Ace and Trixie were their offspring.

How were the males (Jesu and Lima) related to Yari and Miami?

Also, do you know anything about these Jaguar, who were rejected by their mother at Auckland Zoo (and sent to Hadlow Game Park):

Timaru District - Hadlow Game Park 1972 - 1986
 
Zoofan15 said:
I suppose if Black leopard cubs were imported in 1968, it’d be pushing it for them both/all to still be alive in the late 1980s. Maybe Toby, Ace and Trixie were their offspring.

How were the males (Jesu and Lima) related to Yari and Miami?

Also, do you know anything about these Jaguar, who were rejected by their mother at Auckland Zoo (and sent to Hadlow Game Park):

Timaru District - Hadlow Game Park 1972 - 1986
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That sounds possible I just can't remember. I think Jesu and Lima were brothers but I'm not sure about their relationship to Yari and Miani. I do know that we kept them separate so they wouldn't breed as no one wanted jaguars. The jaguar rejected by its mother would have happened before I started working there, so I don't remember anything about it.
 
Brett-nz said:
That sounds possible I just can't remember. I think Jesu and Lima were brothers but I'm not sure about their relationship to Yari and Miani. I do know that we kept them separate so they wouldn't breed as no one wanted jaguars. The jaguar rejected by its mother would have happened before I started working there, so I don't remember anything about it.
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From what I’ve heard, Lima was the last Jaguar at Auckland Zoo (died in 1996) so I suppose it’s reasonable to assume he (and Jesu) were born either 1978 or 1979 at Auckland Zoo; as the male died 1979, and the female produced 1.2 cubs in 1977 that were sent to Hamilton Zoo.

I’d also say it was likely that Miani was in Yari’s last litter (possibly along with Jesu and Lima) as you mentioned Yari and Miani were housed together; and if Yari had litters after Miani, it would have disrupted their bond.
 
I noticed a video on news.com.au today about a 15 year old Lion - Kovu, who has been "retired" at Zambi Wildlife retreat for 10 months - the video also showed a lioness sharing his very nice enclosure - does anyone know where they've come from?
 
Zoofan15 said:
Oldest Living Sumatran Tigers in Australasia:

1. Malu (F) at Mogo Zoo born 10/12/1996
2. Assiqua (F) at Adelaide Zoo born 18/05/1999
3. Mencari (F) at Hamilton Zoo born 10/01/2000
4. Binjai (F) at Melbourne Zoo born 30/08/2002
5. Dumai (M) at Perth Zoo born 04/04/2003

After this, the eldest tigers are Dumai (2003) at Orana Wildlife Park; Jumilah (2003) at Taronga Zoo; Oz (2004) at Hamilton Zoo; Satu (2005) at Ballarat Zoo and Satu (2006) at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

The record for longevity in the region for this species is 22 years and 7 months (Kemiri at Adelaide Zoo).
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Malu sadly passed away earlier this year at just over 22 years, so Kemiri's record of longevity stands at 22 years and 7 months.

The eldest Sumatran tiger in the region is now Assiqua at 20 years and 7 months.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Malu sadly passed away earlier this year at just over 22 years, so Kemiri's record of longevity stands at 22 years and 7 months.

The eldest Sumatran tiger in the region is now Assiqua at 20 years and 7 months.
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Thank you for confirming the news about Malu - very sad, but she had good innings..

Mencari at Hamilton is now the only remaining offspring from Wellington's former breeding pair (Cantik X Jambi). They had two litters, the first in 1996 (Nisha, Malu and Rokan) and a second set of triplets in 2000 (Mencari, Molek and Jaka)
 
Nisha said:
Thank you for confirming the news about Malu - very sad, but she had good innings..

Mencari at Hamilton is now the only remaining offspring from Wellington's former breeding pair (Cantik X Jambi). They had two litters, the first in 1996 (Nisha, Malu and Rokan) and a second set of triplets in 2000 (Mencari, Molek and Jaka)
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Mencari is also the last of the second generation of Sumatran tigers in the region (from the Nico/Meta line) as she is the last survivor of Jambi’s six offspring; and the last survivor of Shiva’s offspring (Kemiri) died in 2017.

It’s interesting to note that Assiqua (the oldest Sumatran tiger in the region); Mencari (the third oldest Sumatran tiger in the region); and Djelita (also a second generation descendent of Nico/Meta and the record holder for longevity worldwide) all had one thing in common, they were speyed. It makes me wonder if this has influenced their long lives by decreasing their chances of cancer of the reproductive tract.
 
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