Auckland Zoo Future Development of Auckland Zoo (Speculation)

[Zorro]

From what i have heard, they aren't pinioned now, which is great as that's considered now almost like de-clawing a cat. they do get their flight feathers cut to prevent them flying after each moult. the size of the enclosure is also a factor in that too.

Ill quote the EAZA Flamingo Husbandry Manual here

"Unfortunately, most current exhibits are open-air enclosures creating the need for the birds to be rendered flightless to prevent escape. Most common methods for restricting flight are pinioning and wing feather clipping. It has been shown that reproduction is severely hindered by pinioning, due to the male’s difficulty in balancing himself during copulation. The recommendation is to keep flamingos full-winged and design new exhibits to accommodate a full-winged flock. Sadly, there are very few exhibits that are designed for full-winged flocks. There are advantages to keeping full winged or pinioned birds in an aviary. These include minimal threat of predation, reduced food stealing by gulls and mallards (Crieighton & Stevens-Woods 1990) and increased fertility (Yoshitake, M. Suuki, T., Yasufuku, M. & Murata, K. 1988). The same basic principles of exhibit construction apply to aviaries. Special care is needed to reduce the risk of injury to flamingos attempting to fly in large aviaries. An exhibit of this type would be very educational, have considerable public appeal, and would increase the likelihood of reproduction within a flock. The zoos that are successfully exhibiting full-winged birds are Sacramento (U.S.), San Antonio (U.S.), Basel (Switzerland), Kobe (Japan) and Xcaret (Mexico)."

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/http://www.zoocentral.dk/uploads/4/9/7/5/49755431/flamingo_-_aza___eaza.pdf

I am really surprised that considering the amount of effort, time and money spent by Auckland zoo that they don't give them a large aviary to the regions only flock, even better would be if another zoos in the region started their own flock from new imports and work hand in hand to start other new flocks in the region over time!

 

[Zoofan15]

I am really surprised that considering the amount of effort, time and money spent by Auckland zoo that they don't give them a large aviary to the regions only flock, even better would be if another zoos in the region started their own flock from new imports and work hand in hand to start other new flocks in the region over time!

It’s not possible for Australian zoos to import flamingos from New Zealand, so the only other facilities within the region that can receive them are from within New Zealand.

Orana Wildlife Park and Hamilton Zoo are the most likely candidates. Orana have the space and Hamilton are investing a lot in the development of the zoo of late. As I mentioned in the other thread, draining the wetlands and redeveloping it for a flamingo exhibit would be a progressive step. The wetlands plays little to no role in the zoo’s conservation projects in its current state and is basically wasted space.

Hamilton Zoo’s wetlands are least five times larger than Auckland Zoo’s current flamingo exhibit and could potentially house a huge flock. At the current rate of breeding, surplus could be generated within the next five years (bearing in mind their intention to grow their flock to 40 birds).

 

[Zoofan15]

It does make sense for Auckland's younger baboons to join a larger breeding troop eventually, but I hope that Auckland will still consider getting an African primate species. The closest thing they will have when the baboons go will be ring-tailed lemurs, and at present Auckland only houses 4 ageing females - I wouldn't be surprised if ring-tailed lemurs are also on the phase-out list. Personally, I would like to see vervet monkeys considered as a replacement African monkey species.

Potential primate species for Auckland Zoo:

Red-ruffed lemur have been considered by Auckland Zoo; while Black and white colobus and De Brazza’s are another two African primate species that are starting to take off in the region.

Auckland’s lemurs make for an uninspiring display. Visibility is the main issue, but a larger troop of anything would be more interesting to observe than four ageing female lemurs that are often inactive.

Auckland Zoo’s baboons:

The exhibit was built to accommodate an ageing troop of Chacma baboon, which were designated as phase out. They zoo did have plans in the early 90’s to import Mandrill, but given the Safari theme of the track, I imagine this influenced the decision to switch to Hamadryas in the 2000’s.

The zoo has bred one female at a time (back to back) to manage breeding:

Ayisha: Yafeu (2009), Sekani (2011)
Kito: Naeemah (2011), Badi (2012)
Ayisha: Zala (2013), Mali (2015)
Mali: Iniko (2020), Jabari (2022)

Especially considering there’s been multiple harems, it’d be preferable to have multiple breeding females.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Potential primate species for Auckland Zoo:

Red-ruffed lemur have been considered by Auckland Zoo; while Black and white colobus and De Brazza’s are another two African primate species that are starting to take off in the region.

Auckland’s lemurs make for an uninspiring display. Visibility is the main issue, but a larger troop of anything would be more interesting to observe than four ageing female lemurs that are often inactive.

Auckland Zoo’s baboons:

The exhibit was built to accommodate an ageing troop of Chacma baboon, which were designated as phase out. They zoo did have plans in the early 90’s to import Mandrill, but given the Safari theme of the track, I imagine this influenced the decision to switch to Hamadryas in the 2000’s.

The zoo has bred one female at a time (back to back) to manage breeding:

Ayisha: Yafeu (2009), Sekani (2011)
Kito: Naeemah (2011), Badi (2012)
Ayisha: Zala (2013), Mali (2015)
Mali: Iniko (2020), Jabari (2022)

Especially considering there’s been multiple harems, it’d be preferable to have multiple breeding females.

Red-ruffed lemurs would be amazing to see. Personally, as much as I love our ring-tailed lemurs, I wouldn't mind if Auckland Zoo added them to the phase-out list. There are successful breeding groups at Wellington and Hamilton Zoos, and Auckland's ring-tailed lemur exhibit, as you've said, does little for the animals or the visitor experience (and plus, if Auckland no longer hold ring-tails, I wouldn't have to hear that blasted song ever again - I think you know the one! )

Colobus and De Brazza's monkeys would both be amazing - both species are visually striking and fascinating animals! It's my dream for Auckland Zoo to add to their primate species and African primate species would be vital to this.

 

[Zoofan15]

Red-ruffed lemurs would be amazing to see. Personally, as much as I love our ring-tailed lemurs, I wouldn't mind if Auckland Zoo added them to the phase-out list. There are successful breeding groups at Wellington and Hamilton Zoos, and Auckland's ring-tailed lemur exhibit, as you've said, does little for the animals or the visitor experience (and plus, if Auckland no longer hold ring-tails, I wouldn't have to hear that blasted song ever again - I think you know the one! )

Colobus and De Brazza's monkeys would both be amazing - both species are visually striking and fascinating animals! It's my dream for Auckland Zoo to add to their primate species and African primate species would be vital to this.

I agree. Auckland and Wellington have far more engaging troops of Ring-tailed lemurs. Auckland Zoo had two breeding females in the early years (Shona and Sheba), who each had several infants and would have made for a lively troop; but they haven’t bred in two decades now.

Red ruffed lemur live in much smaller troops (usually with only one adult female per troop), so I hope they’re not added to that exhibit. I imagine they’d start with a 1.1 pair in any case.

Rather than wiping out exhibits for a massive playground, I’d be more in favour of an integrated approach. Child friendly interactives alongside exhibits (basically what they have now). A play area by the baboons does a great job at filtering out the kids, who’d otherwise be crowded around the adjacent exhibits making noise because they were bored.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I agree. Auckland and Wellington have far more engaging troops of Ring-tailed lemurs. Auckland Zoo had two breeding females in the early years (Shona and Sheba), who each had several infants and would have made for a lively troop; but they haven’t bred in two decades now.

Red ruffed lemur live in much smaller troops (usually with only one adult female per troop), so I hope they’re not added to that exhibit. I imagine they’d start with a 1.1 pair in any case.

Rather than wiping out exhibits for a massive playground, I’d be more in favour of an integrated approach. Child friendly interactives alongside exhibits (basically what they have now). A play area by the baboons does a great job at filtering out the kids, who’d otherwise be crowded around the adjacent exhibits making noise because they were bored.

I totally agree with everything you've said here. It's frustrating, what Auckland Zoo is planning re this playground, because the whole concept is being approached in a very wrong-headed fashion. When they are capable of getting things spectacularly right - the whole South East Asia Jungle Track being a prime example!

 

[Zoofan15]

I totally agree with everything you've said here. It's frustrating, what Auckland Zoo is planning re this playground, because the whole concept is being approached in a very wrong-headed fashion. When they are capable of getting things spectacularly right - the whole South East Asia Jungle Track being a prime example!

The South East Asian precinct is the most popular by far. Sometimes when I visit, there’s not enough time to see all the precincts, but that’s one I never miss; and the crowds of people outside the tiger and orangutan viewing windows are rivalled only by Burma’s exhibit.

In terms of visitor interest, I’d estimate the following order of popularity:

1. South East Asian precinct
2. African precinct
3. New Zealand precinct
4. Australian precinct
5. South American precinct

The South East Asian precinct perfectly captures the immersive approach to design and features modern exhibits showcasing high profile species.

The appeal of the African precinct is obvious with giraffes, rhinos and lions being high profile species. The departure of the elephants provides an opportunity to expand this precinct further, though lions (and hyena) are what they should be running with here; with a lion complex built on the site of the elephant exhibit and hyena occupying the relatively small lion exhibit.

The New Zealand precinct, while modern, predominantly displays reptiles and birds, who will always have less appeal to the public than exotic megafauna. The inclusion of Tasmanian devil gives the Australian precinct a slight edge, but the wallaby walkabout is under stocked (i.e. there’s no wallabies) and let’s the precinct down.

Due to the age of the rainforest complex in South America, it’s looking tired and the lack of effort to replace the Siamangs with something has done it no favours. For me, the highlight is the Galapagos tortoise crèche, with the tortoise facilities benefiting from a recent upgrade.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

The South East Asian precinct is the most popular by far. Sometimes when I visit, there’s not enough time to see all the precincts, but that’s one I never miss; and the crowds of people outside the tiger and orangutan viewing windows are rivalled only by Burma’s exhibit.

In terms of visitor interest, I’d estimate the following order of popularity:

1. South East Asian precinct
2. African precinct
3. New Zealand precinct
4. Australian precinct
5. South American precinct

The South East Asian precinct perfectly captures the immersive approach to design and features modern exhibits showcasing high profile species.

The appeal of the African precinct is obvious with giraffes, rhinos and lions being high profile species. The departure of the elephants provides an opportunity to expand this precinct further, though lions (and hyena) are what they should be running with here; with a lion complex built on the site of the elephant exhibit and hyena occupying the relatively small lion exhibit.

The New Zealand precinct, while modern, predominantly displays reptiles and birds, who will always have less appeal to the public than exotic megafauna. The inclusion of Tasmanian devil gives the Australian precinct a slight edge, but the wallaby walkabout is under stocked (i.e. there’s no wallabies) and let’s the precinct down.

Due to the age of the rainforest complex in South America, it’s looking tired and the lack of effort to replace the Siamangs with something has done it no favours. For me, the highlight is the Galapagos tortoise crèche, with the tortoise facilities benefiting from a recent upgrade.

Absolutely, the South East Asia precinct is a must-see for any zoo visitor. Great apes and big cats are often the biggest visitor drawcards at zoos (leaving elephants aside here for the moment) so it's not surprising that the orangutans and tigers generate so much interest. Even before the birth of Bahmi, crowds could always be seen outside the orangutan viewing window. And I will freely admit to sometimes visiting the zoo and spending the whole day entirely with the orangutans. They are my all-time favourites! It's also pleasing to see that the primate team have added small signs detailing the orangutans' names and personalities!

And yes, the Australia and South America precincts have aged badly. An obvious choice of replacement exhibit for the former siamang enclosure would be a parrot aviary, as the zoo already holds the birds, which are currently kept off display and only brought out for flight training sessions.

Although Te Wao Nui is beautiful and a very worthy addition to the zoo in terms of conservation value, I do admit that it is not as engaging as other precincts. Except perhaps for the kea, which are always popular due to their cheekiness and intelligence! I do like the kea aviary with its water features and walk-through pathway providing a naturalistic and very attractive environment for the birds.

 

[Zoofan15]

Absolutely, the South East Asia precinct is a must-see for any zoo visitor. Great apes and big cats are often the biggest visitor drawcards at zoos (leaving elephants aside here for the moment) so it's not surprising that the orangutans and tigers generate so much interest. Even before the birth of Bahmi, crowds could always be seen outside the orangutan viewing window. And I will freely admit to sometimes visiting the zoo and spending the whole day entirely with the orangutans. They are my all-time favourites! It's also pleasing to see that the primate team have added small signs detailing the orangutans' names and personalities!

And yes, the Australia and South America precincts have aged badly. An obvious choice of replacement exhibit for the former siamang enclosure would be a parrot aviary, as the zoo already holds the birds, which are currently kept off display and only brought out for flight training sessions.

Although Te Wao Nui is beautiful and a very worthy addition to the zoo in terms of conservation value, I do admit that it is not as engaging as other precincts. Except perhaps for the kea, which are always popular due to their cheekiness and intelligence! I do like the kea aviary with its water features and walk-through pathway providing a naturalistic and very attractive environment for the birds.

If A Tiger by the Tail and media releases are anything to go by, I think it would be fair to say the following have been the stars of the show at Auckland Zoo throughout their history:

Asian elephant
Common hippopotamus
African lion
Bengal tiger
Sumatran tiger
Polar bear
Common chimpanzee
Bornean orangutan

With the following a close second:

Southern white rhinoceros
Giraffe
Dromedary camel
Jaguar
Indian leopard
Chacma baboon
Hamadryas baboon
California sea lion
Brown kiwi

Of these, nine have been phased out and a further two are confirmed to be disappearing from the zoo’s collection in the near future. While accepting phase outs are inevitable and an ongoing trend for the region’s main zoos, thought should still be given to investing in suitable new species: Okapi could replace the elephants instead of an extend rhino exhibit; Sri Lankan leopard could inhabit the old tiger exhibit instead of lemurs; Hamadryas baboons could be retained and a larger exhibit built instead of a playground.

 

[Zoofan15]

Auckland Zoo certainly need to be mindful of maintaining secondary animal attractions, especially in the wake of primary attractions such as the elephants. The False gharial could arguably be a secondary attraction, though visitor interest in the tropical dome is less than I anticipated, especially 18 months on from its opening.

Going one step down to tertiary animal attractions, I’d assess the following as being in this category:

Siamang
Nepalese red panda
Spider monkey
Slender-tailed meerkat
Asian small-clawed otter
Plains zebra
Tasmanian devil
Lowland nyala
New Zealand fur seal
Kea
Tuatara
Galapagos giant tortoise
Tamarins (arguably?)

These are all species which don’t attract visitors in their own right, but enhance the collection nonetheless and engage visitors during their visit.

Going one step further are species that speaking frankly, the average visitor wouldn’t even notice the absence of. Examples include Waterbuck, Cape porcupine (never on exhibit) etc.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

If A Tiger by the Tail and media releases are anything to go by, I think it would be fair to say the following have been the stars of the show at Auckland Zoo throughout their history:

Asian elephant
Common hippopotamus
African lion
Bengal tiger
Sumatran tiger
Polar bear
Common chimpanzee
Bornean orangutan

With the following a close second:

Southern white rhinoceros
Giraffe
Dromedary camel
Jaguar
Indian leopard
Chacma baboon
Hamadryas baboon
California sea lion
Brown kiwi

Of these, nine have been phased out and a further two are confirmed to be disappearing from the zoo’s collection in the near future. While accepting phase outs are inevitable and an ongoing trend for the region’s main zoos, thought should still be given to investing in suitable new species: Okapi could replace the elephants instead of an extend rhino exhibit; Sri Lankan leopard could inhabit the old tiger exhibit instead of lemurs; Hamadryas baboons could be retained and a larger exhibit built instead of a playground.

Thanks for this amazing research! It's sobering to see that most of the animals that have been a massive drawcard for the zoo over the decades have been phased out. As you've said here, phaseouts are sometimes necessary, but a zoo's priority should be looking into new species to replace the phased-out ones, not building more play spaces when the zoo already has several playgrounds, and Western Springs is right next door.

Personally, I would prefer to add the ring-tailed lemurs to the phase-out list, as much as I do like them, and replace them with red-ruffed lemurs. And I would prefer also to retain the baboons, or if they are phased out, I'd like to see them replaced by another African primate species such as colobus or vervet monkeys. I also like the idea of okapi, as the nyala and waterbuck are currently the only antelope species and the waterbuck look like they'll be phased out also.

I'm glad to see animals such as the Bornean orangutans and Sumatran tigers enjoying such popularity, although I personally would love to add yet another primate species to the South East Asia Jungle Track, possibly a monkey species (proboscis monkeys would be a HUGE drawcard) or a second type of gibbon in addition to the siamang (I think Australasia is phasing out lar gibbons and other species currently in the breeding programme are Javan and white-cheeked gibbons, but I'm not 100% sure on that). Also, as fond as I am of our siamang pair Intan and Kera, I would consider transferring them to another zoo and importing a breeding siamang pair to make full use of the extensive habitat. Possibly, in the future, I would also consider establishing a second orangutan colony, if I could design my dream South East Asia precinct!

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for this amazing research! It's sobering to see that most of the animals that have been a massive drawcard for the zoo over the decades have been phased out. As you've said here, phaseouts are sometimes necessary, but a zoo's priority should be looking into new species to replace the phased-out ones, not building more play spaces when the zoo already has several playgrounds, and Western Springs is right next door.

Personally, I would prefer to add the ring-tailed lemurs to the phase-out list, as much as I do like them, and replace them with red-ruffed lemurs. And I would prefer also to retain the baboons, or if they are phased out, I'd like to see them replaced by another African primate species such as colobus or vervet monkeys. I also like the idea of okapi, as the nyala and waterbuck are currently the only antelope species and the waterbuck look like they'll be phased out also.

I'm glad to see animals such as the Bornean orangutans and Sumatran tigers enjoying such popularity, although I personally would love to add yet another primate species to the South East Asia Jungle Track, possibly a monkey species (proboscis monkeys would be a HUGE drawcard) or a second type of gibbon in addition to the siamang (I think Australasia is phasing out lar gibbons and other species currently in the breeding programme are Javan and white-cheeked gibbons, but I'm not 100% sure on that). Also, as fond as I am of our siamang pair Intan and Kera, I would consider transferring them to another zoo and importing a breeding siamang pair to make full use of the extensive habitat. Possibly, in the future, I would also consider establishing a second orangutan colony, if I could design my dream South East Asia precinct!

Lots of good ideas here! Based on the current capacity of the ape complex (two exhibits plus dens), I wouldn’t want to see an additional gibbon pair added; and it’s worth noting the territorial nature of the species would make this inadvisable. However, I love your idea of adding a monkey species and think the off-display red panda exhibit (1922 bear pit) would be perfect for a small troop if the dividing wall in the middle was removed. It’s hard to believe this once housed bears on either side. The lack of species has been one of the few criticisms of the otherwise excellent SE Asia precinct.

I hope they can achieve integration of the Siamang/Bornean orangutan as that would be necessary before they can expand on their current numbers. I too would like to see a larger colony of orangutan housed at the zoo, which would be possible with the two exhibits.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Lots of good ideas here! Based on the current capacity of the ape complex (two exhibits plus dens), I wouldn’t want to see an additional gibbon pair added; and it’s worth noting the territorial nature of the species would make this inadvisable. However, I love your idea of adding a monkey species and think the off-display red panda exhibit (1922 bear pit) would be perfect for a small troop if the dividing wall in the middle was removed. It’s hard to believe this once housed bears on either side. The lack of species has been one of the few criticisms of the otherwise excellent SE Asia precinct.

I hope they can achieve integration of the Siamang/Bornean orangutan as that would be necessary before they can expand on their current numbers. I too would like to see a larger colony of orangutan housed at the zoo, which would be possible with the two exhibits.

Thank you, that's a great idea for a habitat for a monkey species, as that area deserves better use than it's currently getting! I do see your point about perhaps not having the capacity for another gibbon species, even if it would be delightful to see - and yes, gibbons are extremely territorial so maybe having two groups in close proximity wouldn't be desirable.

In your other post, you made some very interesting points about the Swamp Forest, which I tend to agree with. It's an amazing exhibit, but I too am noticing that it isn't as popular as initially thought - perhaps the limited number of species is the reason?

I hope, too, that the siamang gibbons and Bornean orangutans will end up integrated. It would be delightful, especially if Auckland do end up getting a breeding siamang pair, to see Bahmi and any future young orangutans engaging in play with juvenile gibbons, as has happened at San Diego Zoo and Zoo de la Boissière du Doré, which have integrated orangutans and gibbons.

 

[Zoofan15]

Thank you, that's a great idea for a habitat for a monkey species, as that area deserves better use than it's currently getting! I do see your point about perhaps not having the capacity for another gibbon species, even if it would be delightful to see - and yes, gibbons are extremely territorial so maybe having two groups in close proximity wouldn't be desirable.

In your other post, you made some very interesting points about the Swamp Forest, which I tend to agree with. It's an amazing exhibit, but I too am noticing that it isn't as popular as initially thought - perhaps the limited number of species is the reason?

I hope, too, that the siamang gibbons and Bornean orangutans will end up integrated. It would be delightful, especially if Auckland do end up getting a breeding siamang pair, to see Bahmi and any future young orangutans engaging in play with juveniles gibbons, as has happened at San Diego Soo and Zoo de la Boissière du Doré, which have integrated orangutans and gibbons.

What their plans are for the red panda exhibit are a source of curiosity for me, especially since it’s now screened off. It would presumably be used to afford the red pandas privacy when breeding. Hamilton Zoo kept their last breeding pair on public display and Auckland previously did (near the tigers in the 2000’s); but it might be considered beneficial from a privacy perspective as the new exhibit is quite open/exposed.

It’s difficult to say why the tropical dome appears to lack popularity. The humidity certainly keeps people moving; but as you mention, the lack of species could be a factor. Most people want to see “the crocodile” and leave. There were originally plans for reptiles, which would have enhanced the building imo.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

What their plans are for the red panda exhibit are a source of curiosity for me, especially since it’s now screened off. It would presumably be used to afford the red pandas privacy when breeding. Hamilton Zoo kept their last breeding pair on public display and Auckland previously did (near the tigers in the 2000’s); but it might be considered beneficial from a privacy perspective as the new exhibit is quite open/exposed.

It’s difficult to say why the tropical dome appears to lack popularity. The humidity certainly keeps people moving; but as you mention, the lack of species could be a factor. Most people want to see “the crocodile” and leave. There were originally plans for reptiles, which would have enhanced the building imo.

I too was wondering what was going on with the red panda exhibit - as far as I know they don't currently have a breeding pair, is that correct? They seem to still be a popular exhibit (and red panda plush toys are still a huge seller at the gift shop! )

I agree with what you've said about the Swamp Forest - the humid environment, while realistic, isn't for everyone (most people aren't partial to being randomly rained on, either ) and most visitors want to leave after viewing the Sunda gharials, which can sometimes be hard to spot, particularly Malu, although they are spectacular to see when they venture near the window. Sumpit will often sit on one of the ledges closest to the viewing window on the right, and always gets a lot of attention when she does! But otherwise, the place is a glorified garden and aquarium, and many visitors don't seem all that interested in the fish - well, maybe a glance or two at the Asian arowana, but that's about it!

 

[Zoofan15]

I too was wondering what was going on with the red panda exhibit - as far as I know they don't currently have a breeding pair, is that correct? They seem to still be a popular exhibit (and red panda plush toys are still a huge seller at the gift shop! )

I agree with what you've said about the Swamp Forest - the humid environment, while realistic, isn't for everyone (most people aren't partial to being randomly rained on, either ) and most visitors want to leave after viewing the Sunda gharials, which can sometimes be hard to spot, particularly Malu, although they are spectacular to see when they venture near the window. Sumpit will often sit on one of the ledges closest to the viewing window on the right, and always gets a lot of attention when she does! But otherwise, the place is a glorified garden and aquarium, and many visitors don't seem all that interested in the fish - well, maybe a glance or two at the Asian arowana, but that's about it!

That’s correct, they currently have 2.1 red pandas (a father and his 1.1 offspring). All three were born at the zoo.

1.0 Ramesh (20/01/2015) Sagar x Bo
1.0 Tashi (01/12/2018) Ramesh x Khela
0.1 Dahla (00/12/2019) Ramesh x Khela

Khela (Ramesh’s mate) died in 2022.

Yes that’s very true regarding the positioning of the False gharial. Sumpit is often at the ledge near the entrance and frustratingly, always facing away from me. Some visitors are likely to see her facing front ways. Malu lives up to her name (Indonesian for shy). I did see her gliding between the ledges on the far side once, but otherwise she’s sedentary under the ledge. It’s unfortunate the zoo has no plans to breed the species. I had hoped interest would have taken off across other facilities in the region; though I’m glad the Australian zoos (Taronga and Melbourne) are focussed on the critically endangered Philippine crocodile.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

That’s correct, they currently have 2.1 red pandas (a father and his 1.1 offspring). All three were born at the zoo.

1.0 Ramesh (20/01/2015) Sagar x Bo
1.0 Tashi (01/12/2018) Ramesh x Khela
0.1 Dahla (00/12/2019) Ramesh x Khela

Khela (Ramesh’s mate) died in 2022.

Yes that’s very true regarding the positioning of the False gharial. Sumpit is often at the ledge near the entrance and frustratingly, always facing away from me. Some visitors are likely to see her facing front ways. Malu lives up to her name (Indonesian for shy). I did see her gliding between the ledges on the far side once, but otherwise she’s sedentary under the ledge. It’s unfortunate the zoo has no plans to breed the species. I had hoped interest would have taken off across other facilities in the region; though I’m glad the Australian zoos (Taronga and Melbourne) are focussed on the critically endangered Philippine crocodile.

I too had hoped there'd be a regional interest in breeding the false gharial species and am a bit disappointed that there isn't. Malu and Sumpit are quite an attraction when they can be seen, and a couple of times I've been lucky enough to get good views of them, usually on days with fewer visitors. Once, I was even able to get a short video of the elusive Malu swimming! I must note that taking photos in the Swamp Forest is rather frustrating due to my phone fogging up in the heat!

 

[Zoofan15]

• 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.

Thanks, this confirms what @ApeLadyNZ first referred to from a comment on a socials post about where the playground will be located. Though I have zero enthusiasm for the new playground, it’s arguably the best location we could hope for given there’s been nothing of note proposed for replacing the seals. The area is too big for the size of the Blue penguin colony they currently have and building up numbers has been slow progress.

It’ll be interesting to see if they now phase the penguins out, since their exhibit is an annex to the seal pool. Wellington have a colony and could be one option. Auckland’s penguins don’t make for an engaging exhibit considering they never use the pool and don’t attract a great deal of visitor interest. They’d arguably be no great loss to the collection.

What I really hope is that the playground doesn’t occupy the space occupied by the seal pool AND baboons/serval. The fact these exhibits are adjacent has be concerned they might; but there’s a strong argument for redeveloping these for the rhino expansion given it will allow a link to the elephant exhibit and allow for a free-flowing management of these exhibits as an integrated savannah. Presumably an overhead bridge (similar to the one at Hamilton Zoo) would re-route the visitor pathway.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Thanks, this confirms what @ApeLadyNZ first referred to from a comment on a socials post about where the playground will be located. Though I have zero enthusiasm for the new playground, it’s arguably the best location we could hope for given there’s been nothing of note proposed for replacing the seals. The area is too big for the size of the Blue penguin colony they currently have and building up numbers has been slow progress.

It’ll be interesting to see if they now phase the penguins out, since their exhibit is an annex to the seal pool. Wellington have a colony and could be one option. Auckland’s penguins don’t make for an engaging exhibit considering they never use the pool and don’t attract a great deal of visitor interest. They’d arguably be no great loss to the collection.

What I really hope is that the playground doesn’t occupy the space occupied by the seal pool AND baboons/serval. The fact these exhibits are adjacent has be concerned they might; but there’s a strong argument for redeveloping these for the rhino expansion given it will allow a link to the elephant exhibit and allow for a free-flowing management of these exhibits as an integrated savannah. Presumably an overhead bridge (similar to the one at Hamilton Zoo) would re-route the visitor pathway.

I too have zero enthusiasm for the playground, but I am in agreement that the seal pool area is the best place for it if they have to make one. Staff I've spoken to have cited the costs of the pool's upkeep and difficulties with getting the penguins to swim to the level at which they would make full use of the pool as reasons to dispense with it.

I haven't heard if the zoo intends to phase out the penguins, though if they intend to use that entire area it might make sense to send the penguins to another zoo. They don't seem to be flourishing as well as they could where they are. Another possibility is moving them elsewhere in the Te Wao Nui area, but I am not sure how they would manage that.

And if the zoo does phase out servals, cheetahs and baboons, I also hope they won't add those areas to the playground space. Ideally new species would be brought in (my dream is for a new African primate species of some sort), or the space could be utilised to enhance the space for rhinos and possibly the zoo's expanding flamingo flamboyance!

 

[Zoofan15]

I too have zero enthusiasm for the playground, but I am in agreement that the seal pool area is the best place for it if they have to make one. Staff I've spoken to have cited the costs of the pool's upkeep and difficulties with getting the penguins to swim to the level at which they would make full use of the pool as reasons to dispense with it.

I haven't heard if the zoo intends to phase out the penguins, though if they intend to use that entire area it might make sense to send the penguins to another zoo. They don't seem to be flourishing as well as they could where they are. Another possibility is moving them elsewhere in the Te Wao Nui area, but I am not sure how they would manage that.

And if the zoo does phase out servals, cheetahs and baboons, I also hope they won't add those areas to the playground space. Ideally new species would be brought in (my dream is for a new African primate species of some sort), or the space could be utilised to enhance the space for rhinos and possibly the zoo's expanding flamingo flamboyance!

It’s unfortunate that Auckland’s penguin colony have never thrived, but housing them in the seal pool would have greatly under-utilised the exhibit. I was advised on a visit that the supporting infrastructure (filtration equipment) was coming towards the end of ifs lifespan, so presumably a substantial renovation to a more terrestrial environment for the penguins (in keeping with their aversion to the water) was in the plans, with a small pool offered to give them the option. There was hope the captive bred chick would take to the water, but it appears he’s equally unenthusiastic.

My long standing preference would have been to see the elephant exhibit replaced with a large lion complex; with African wild dog or Spotted hyena moving into lion hill. Realistically though, I think Caracal would have been the ideal replacement for Serval. Now he’s settled in, Hamilton’s new Caracal makes for an engaging exhibit.