Unfortunately it sounds mostly disappointing,
Auckland Zoo Future Development of Auckland Zoo (Speculation)
- Thread starter Zoofan15
- Start date
I’m really in two minds. Considering what alternatives they could have gone with for the elephant exhibit (a sizeable area of land), replacing them with rhinoceros (exhibited at Auckland Zoo since 1980) is indeed disappointing.
However, when you consider it this way:
Unlike Melbourne Zoo, which have a thriving multigenerational herd (one bull, five cows and three calves), Auckland Zoo has a single elephant. Although Burma is popular with the general public, it’s undeniable a single elephant doesn’t make for an engaging exhibit. To look at it from this perspective, the loss of this exhibit won’t severely detract from anything other than Auckland Zoo being able to say they have New Zealand’s only elephant.
If one (currently lacklustre) exhibit can be replaced by a world class complex (housing double figures of rhinoceros, with regular breeding recommendations), then I honestly believe that will enhance the visitor experience. I would personally spend double the time viewing a large rhino herd (including calves) than I would a single elephant cow (or even a pair) standing in a paddock.
Yes, the zoo could have aimed higher, but it represents an improvement on the current state imo.
I don't disagree with you I am very happy Burma is leaving AZ to join a herd I wish her all the best.
I am in two minds with extra large animals like White rhinos being kept in city zoos, While for sure I would like to see them when visiting there but would rather see them in an open range setting since they are a herd species and huge in size.
Perhaps a pair of black rhino or Indian rhino would have been a better choice. We have already seen with Taronga's and Melbourne zoo elephants putting in city zoos was a mistake which I had mentioned on here before they even arrived in the country. Also the many millions spent at both sites which will be left vacant.
I believe AZ should have at least wanted to keep Pygmy Hippos which could have worked in conjunction with a better Flamingo exhibit/plus Aviary. I believe they should be a focus and high light of Auckland Zoo and maximise their breeding as the regions only flock also to breed large enough numbers to supply other regional zoos in the process!.
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Auckland Zoo Masterplan (1991)
I took the photo below at zoo’s centenary exhibition, which featured the zoo’s 1991 masterplan. I thought it’d be interesting to compare and contrast what eventuated from it over the decades that followed.
1991 Masterplan:
Photo taken by @Zoofan15
1996 Map:
Photo taken by @snowleopard
2021 Map:
Photo taken by @Zoofan15
Discussion (1991-2023)
Plant Eaters:
Living in Societies:
New Zealand Communities:
Exotic Communities:
The Predators:
I took the photo below at zoo’s centenary exhibition, which featured the zoo’s 1991 masterplan. I thought it’d be interesting to compare and contrast what eventuated from it over the decades that followed.
1991 Masterplan:
Photo taken by @Zoofan15
1996 Map:
Photo taken by @snowleopard
2021 Map:
Photo taken by @Zoofan15
Discussion (1991-2023)
Plant Eaters:
The ‘Plant Eaters’ zone was planned to include exhibits for elephants, giraffe, rhinoceros, hippopotamus and zebra. Though these species featured, the plans were expanded to include other African species and so the Pridelands precinct originated. Subsequent additions included African lions (1998), Chacma baboon (1999), Greater flamingo (2001), Serval (2004) and Cheetah (2005).
In summary, the Plant Eaters precinct (1991) was the genesis of the Pridelands precinct (1994). I can’t help but feel the success of the 1994 film, The Lion King, had an influence here.
In summary, the Plant Eaters precinct (1991) was the genesis of the Pridelands precinct (1994). I can’t help but feel the success of the 1994 film, The Lion King, had an influence here.
Living in Societies:
This was designated as a primate zone. In 1991, it featured the zoo’s main chimpanzee troop in an exhibit that was refurbished in 1990; the open air Orangutan Park, which had opened four years earlier in 1987 and was the zoo’s most expensive exhibit at the time.
The precinct would later include an exhibit for Ring-tailed lemur (opened circa 1997) and this trio of exhibits became known as the Primate Trail. They were demolished in 2017 (though the chimpanzee exhibit was refurbished for a second orangtuan exhibit in the interim) to build the Bornean orangtuan and Siamang exhibits that occupy this zone today.
The precinct would later include an exhibit for Ring-tailed lemur (opened circa 1997) and this trio of exhibits became known as the Primate Trail. They were demolished in 2017 (though the chimpanzee exhibit was refurbished for a second orangtuan exhibit in the interim) to build the Bornean orangtuan and Siamang exhibits that occupy this zone today.
New Zealand Communities:
It’s interesting to see plans for a New Zealand precinct as early as 1991. The freeflight aviary opened in 1992; but progress was to be slow, with the failure to integrate the hippopotami in the new exhibit contributing to the retention of the hippopotamus exhibit until 2010 and Dromedary camels subsequently replaced with Llama for the next decade. The New Zealand precinct eventually opened in 2011.
Exotic Communities:
Since the Rainforest precinct opened in January 1996, it can be assumed these plans were in place for this precinct in 1991, which were subsequently followed through on. The ‘exotic communities’ label likely refereed to the inclusion of California sea lion.
Today, little has changed, with the Rainforest complex at the heart of the South American precinct.
Today, little has changed, with the Rainforest complex at the heart of the South American precinct.
The Predators:
This is the precinct that most intrigues me, as I recall reading many years ago about a ‘Predator Gorge’ precinct and this is clearly what that alluded to. It was initially designed to be based around the lion pit (1992), but the precinct was effectively scrapped, when they decided to build the Pridelands precinct.
Other big cats including Jaguar occupied this zone; and throughout the 1990’s it housed Nepalese red panda, Serval and Temminck’s golden cat. The designation of the large area of land that housed Bison and Llama throughout the latter half of the 20th century is what intrigues me most. It no doubt would have been more exciting than the walk through wallaby exhibit that replaced it circa 2000.
The Australian precinct now occupies this space.
Other big cats including Jaguar occupied this zone; and throughout the 1990’s it housed Nepalese red panda, Serval and Temminck’s golden cat. The designation of the large area of land that housed Bison and Llama throughout the latter half of the 20th century is what intrigues me most. It no doubt would have been more exciting than the walk through wallaby exhibit that replaced it circa 2000.
The Australian precinct now occupies this space.
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Michael Stace
Active Member
As far as I'm aware, there are no confirmed plans for the old siamang exhibit in the South American Rainforest Track. I've seen some possible species ideas on Zoo Chat, for example bush dogs, other primate species, macaws, etc. All of these would definitely be interesting to see. I would like to see a species that isn't currently in any New Zealand zoo like the bush dog, the maned wolf, which is now found in multiple Australian zoos, coatis, which appears to be a phase out species unfortunately or a large primate species like a species of howler monkey, saki or uakari.
That’s correct. I asked in September and was told there’s currently no plans for this area, which is disappointing considering the amount of space there is available. The Rainforest complex opened in 1996 and is now looking tired compared to the more recent precincts.
My preference would be to see a Maned wolf exhibit built on this spot, with a ground level viewing placed at the point I stood to take this photo:
Maned wolf are a species currently supported by the ZAA and are doing well in the region. It wouldn’t be hard to source them. The viewing window lends itself to a primate species, but since the majority of the South American precinct is monkeys, it’d be nice to have a canid species.
Michael Stace
Active Member
My preference is also the maned wolf. A canid species would make a nice change for a new species in a NZ zoo.That’s correct. I asked in September and was told there’s currently no plans for this area, which is disappointing considering the amount of space there is available. The Rainforest complex opened in 1996 and is now looking tired compared to the more recent precincts.
My preference would be to see a Maned wolf exhibit built on this spot, with a ground level viewing placed at the point I stood to take this photo:
Maned wolf are a species currently supported by the ZAA and are doing well in the region. It wouldn’t be hard to source them. The viewing window lends itself to a primate species, but since the majority of the South American precinct is monkeys, it’d be nice to have a canid species.
Maned wolf would be ideal for Auckland Zoo, as they’re a species that lives happily alone or in pairs versus a pack dwelling species like African wild dog, that the zoo doesn’t have the space for.
I’ve long thought a great replacement for the elephants would be an African lion complex built to manage a large multigenerational pride. As well as creating a crowd-pulling complex showcasing a charismatic species, it’d free up their exhibit, which would be perfect for either a pair of Spotted hyena or a pack of African wild dogs. Lion Hill is a nice exhibit, but it’s looking dated after 25 years and is no longer sufficient for managing a pride of lions.
The elephant complex will instead be redeveloped for Southern white rhinoceros, which will allow the zoo to house a larger number of rhinos.
Michael Stace
Active Member
I would also like the zoo make use of that spacious Australian walk-through exhibit which now sadly occupies a couple of emus and a single brolga. I think the zoo should bring back a kangaroo species, ideally Kangaroo Island kangaroos as they are well known to engage with zoo visitors and also a couple of wallaby species.
ApeLadyNZ
Well-Known Member
I would certainly like to see better use of the Siamang exhibit; maned wolf or another canid species does sound like a good idea, or perhaps howler monkeys (perhaps having actual howler monkeys might deter certain visitors from referring to our siamang pair as such? 
) One dream animal (for me) that our zoo doesn't seem to have considered for the South America precinct is a species of sloth - I always wondered why plush sloths are sold in the gift shop, since Auckland Zoo holds none, and I don't think ever has in the past.
More primates for the African section would be something I'd love to see as well. Auckland has pledged to hold only one great ape species, Bornean orangutan, going forward, but other primate species such as mandrill or vervet monkeys would suit the area well.
) One dream animal (for me) that our zoo doesn't seem to have considered for the South America precinct is a species of sloth - I always wondered why plush sloths are sold in the gift shop, since Auckland Zoo holds none, and I don't think ever has in the past.More primates for the African section would be something I'd love to see as well. Auckland has pledged to hold only one great ape species, Bornean orangutan, going forward, but other primate species such as mandrill or vervet monkeys would suit the area well.
I would certainly like to see better use of the Siamang exhibit; maned wolf or another canid species does sound like a good idea, or perhaps howler monkeys (perhaps having actual howler monkeys might deter certain visitors from referring to our siamang pair as such?
More primates for the African section would be something I'd love to see as well. Auckland has pledged to hold only one great ape species, Bornean orangutan, going forward, but other primate species such as mandrill or vervet monkeys would suit the area well.
It’s a real shame that all these years on, Auckland Zoo has no apparent plans for the old Siamang exhibit. It’s a decent amount of space and would be ideal for anything arboreal. Sloths would be perfect, but there’s no IRA for them currently, so they’re unable to be imported. They’ve never been held in New Zealand zoos, at least not in recent decades.
Brown capuchin would be an adequate replacement; but I’d love to see something more creative such as Maned wolves. Yes they’re a grassland species, but South America need not begin and end with the Amazon!
An African forest precinct was debated as a replacement for the elephants. How incredible would Okapi, Eastern bongo, Mandrill and Black and white colobus have been?
ApeLadyNZ
Well-Known Member
Yes, it is disappointing to see the old siamang area left like that. At least they could have expanded the spider monkey area, if they weren't planning to add new species. And I did hear from a volunteer a while back that they were looking to source a replacement breeding male spider monkey, but this hasn't happened yet.
I'd have loved to have seen an African forest precinct as you've described here and I don't foresee the idea of a bigger rhino area generating as much excitement. It seems like a lot of animals are being phased out in favor of educational and play areas and that's not what zoo visitors want to see, I feel.
South American precinct:
It’d be good to see Auckland import a new male spider monkey. They’ve held an all female troop for several years now and also have an all female Bolivian squirrel monkey troop. The latter breed like rabbits and there’s several bachelor troops in the region as a result of successful breeding.
Despite opening 27 years ago, I’d still consider Auckland Zoo’s spider monkey island to provide a good standard of accomodation without the need for expansion. I’d go as far to say it’s the best exhibit in the South American precinct and would argue resources would be better allocated to other species.
We can assume Auckland Zoo will remain committed to the South American theme, so another South American primate seems likely for the Siamang space long term. I’d also love to see tapir in the future. The Capybara are missed, given they added some diversity to a heavily primate biased precinct.
Replacement for the elephants:
I feel like there are many better ideas than a Southern white rhinoceros complex for replacing the elephants - many which have been thought up by all of us on here. The drastic decline of the species in places like Kruger National Park may have renewed interest in the species (in line with the Australian Rhino Project), but considering white rhinos have been at the zoo since 1980, I’d have liked to have seen something new brought in. It would have been a struggle to find one single species worthy of replacing elephants; but a combination of 2-4 new species could been the genesis of an exciting new precinct.
ApeLadyNZ
Well-Known Member
I think there are some things that Auckland Zoo is doing brilliantly - the South East Asia Jungle Track, for example - but I do think there is room for improvement in other areas. It will be interesting to see what they might do with the South America Track.
Also I wonder what the future of the alligators might be, since they seem to be part of the South American area without actually being South American animals.
Alligators will probably remain. Although they don't fit the South American theme, they fit the 'American' theme quite nicely and provide diversity to an otherwise heavy mammal dominated area of the zone. It would be nice if they could branch into more South American species of birds.
An aviary could've been a nice replacement for the Saimang!
The American alligator exhibit opened in 2010 and is one of the newest exhibits in the precinct, so I don’t expect it to go anywhere anytime soon. Doris (the eldest alligator) has been at the zoo since the 1980’s; and the younger female hatched 2002, so she’ll be around for a while. There’s also options available for sourcing more within New Zealand as Auckland Zoo has two females out on loan; and they can also be imported.
The American alligators are popular with the public and are a nice compliment to the False gharials in the South East Asian precinct. Along with the Galapagos giant tortoise and iguanas, Auckland Zoo has an adequate (could be better) reptile collection within the South American precinct; but I agree birds are lacking.
I’ve often thought macaws could be suitable for the old Siamang exhibit, especially since Auckland Zoo hold them off display to use in their bird shows. Hamilton have previously paired their’s with Pygmy marmoset, which might be an option.
ApeLadyNZ
Well-Known Member
I'd love to see macaws occupy the vacant space - it would be easy enough to set up an aviary, and the zoo already holds the birds. I've often wondered why they are kept off display, as the bird displays have always been popular with visitors.
And thanks for the update about the alligators. I have heard talk about one of them moving to Ti Point to possibly be in the breeding programme, and I assume that was Dakota as the zoo still holds Dixie and Tallulah. The alligator exhibit is one of my favourite non-primate areas in the zoo, and when I visited yesterday, the alligators were causing quite a sensation by swimming due to the warmer weather, so they do indeed remain of great interest.
Michael Stace
Active Member
I think the zoo should rename the South American Track, the American Track considering the alligators aren't are South American species and maybe they should put a North American animal in the old siamang exhibit.
It’s a shame they had to demolish the old macaw aviary. It was built 1922 when the zoo opened and was an iconic building. Displaying the macaws in the old Siamang exhibit makes a lot of sense as it’s best suited to a species that can attain the eye level of the boardwalk (either through climbing or flying).
When I asked last year about the alligators, I was told the following:
0.1 Dixie is still at Auckland Zoo (in the large exhibit)
0.1 Tallulah is still at Auckland Zoo (in the small exhibit)
0.1 Doris was sent to Ti Point Reptile Park
0.1 Dakota was sent to Ti Point Reptile Park
0.1 Georgia died a few years ago. Her skeleton now lies in this box on the tropics boardwalk:
Renaming it the Americas makes a lot of sense imo. Though a South American species would be a lot easier to source than a North American species.
ApeLadyNZ
Well-Known Member
It’s a shame they had to demolish the old macaw aviary. It was built 1922 when the zoo opened and was an iconic building. Displaying the macaws in the old Siamang exhibit makes a lot of sense as it’s best suited to a species that can attain the eye level of the boardwalk (either through climbing or flying).
When I asked last year about the alligators, I was told the following:
0.1 Dixie is still at Auckland Zoo (in the large exhibit)
0.1 Tallulah is still at Auckland Zoo (in the small exhibit)
0.1 Doris was sent to Ti Point Reptile Park
0.1 Dakota was sent to Ti Point Reptile Park
0.1 Georgia died a few years ago. Her skeleton now lies in this box on the tropics boardwalk:
Renaming it the Americas makes a lot of sense imo. Though a South American species would be a lot easier to source than a North American species.
I agree about "the Americas" being a better name for the precinct. And I think they have swapped the alligators over this year - perhaps they rotate them - because earlier in the year I observed target training in the larger exhibit and the keeper identified that alligator as Tallulah. A volunteer also told me how to tell the alligators apart, as Dixie has a missing foot.
Do you have any idea what happened to Georgia to cause such an early death (assuming she was the same age as Dixie and Tallulah? I heard from a volunteer that they - and Dakota - all hatched from the same clutch of eggs).
Macaws would be a popular drawcard to the precinct. Parrots have always been quite the attraction at the zoo, macaws in particular as they're both attractive and very intelligent.