Auckland Zoo Future Development of Auckland Zoo (Speculation)

[Jambo]

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.

The current Seal enclosure would have little use to the zoos current penguins who barely use their current water area. It wouldn't be worth maintaining that large space for a species that won't even use it.

I was also wondering what the plans were for Kaiako. It seems Auckland are firm on commencing construction early 2026. Although he's an older seal, there's no guarantee he won't have passed by then. Maybe the plan is to send him to a zoo like Melbourne or Taronga if not.

If they really wanted Auckland could move their Little Penguins into one of their two wetland themed aviaries within Te Wao Nui. But it's probably more likely that if Kaiako goes, the Little Penguins will as well.

One species I don't hope departs is the Cheetah. I've always thought the current Lion enclosure would be suitable for them. It would then tie into your idea with the elephant exhibit being used for an expanded Lion enclosure and then the Baboon/Serval enclosures utilised for an expansion for the Rhino and Nyala. Would be nice if some additional antelope species were added as well.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

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.

At any rate, I hope that after any phase-outs that Auckland don't decide on more play areas. There are more than sufficient places for play and recreation around the zoo and in Western Springs Park. Some enhancement definitely is due for the African exhibit, which has fallen behind the Southeast Asia Jungle Track both in popularity and visitor engagement from what I've seen.

 

[Zoofan15]

At any rate, I hope that after any phase-outs that Auckland don't decide on more play areas. There are more than sufficient places for play and recreation around the zoo and in Western Springs Park. Some enhancement definitely is due for the African exhibit, which has fallen behind the Southeast Asia Jungle Track both in popularity and visitor engagement from what I've seen.

The South American precinct is in even greater need of renewal (though I agree the African precinct could benefit from a refurbishment). If they wanna build a playground so much, they should have utilised the vacant Siamang exhibit and even the Riverside exhibit that has only held a small troop of Bolivian squirrel monkeys over the past couple of years.

They could have built some sort of ropes course, which would tie in well for the aboreal species in this trail - Black-handed spider monkey etc.

 

[Zoofan15]

The current Seal enclosure would have little use to the zoos current penguins who barely use their current water area. It wouldn't be worth maintaining that large space for a species that won't even use it.

I was also wondering what the plans were for Kaiako. It seems Auckland are firm on commencing construction early 2026. Although he's an older seal, there's no guarantee he won't have passed by then. Maybe the plan is to send him to a zoo like Melbourne or Taronga if not.

If they really wanted Auckland could move their Little Penguins into one of their two wetland themed aviaries within Te Wao Nui. But it's probably more likely that if Kaiako goes, the Little Penguins will as well.

One species I don't hope departs is the Cheetah. I've always thought the current Lion enclosure would be suitable for them. It would then tie into your idea with the elephant exhibit being used for an expanded Lion enclosure and then the Baboon/Serval enclosures utilised for an expansion for the Rhino and Nyala. Would be nice if some additional antelope species were added as well.

I was told the zoo were looking into exporting Kaiako the Subantarctic fur seal to Australia a couple of years ago. It surprised me given his age, but they’re clearly keen to phase the exhibit out and commence redevelopment of this area. I’m glad they have a Plan B to relocate him if he is still alive by then. I always enjoy seeing him on my visits, though you can’t beat the charisma of sea lions. I used to think it was just the California sea lions; but Bella, Melbourne’s Australian sea lion was drawing huge crowds with her fascination for the human’s beyond the glass.

The Cheetah exhibit is looking cramped and it seems a number of city zoos are phasing them out after decades of holding single sex groups (since they breed poorly in city zoos). I like your idea of housing them in the lion exhibit though. It provides a vantage point they’d surely enjoy surveying the rest of the precinct. It would be a good size for a pair such as the sisters Auckland has. I’m anticipating they’ll retire to Orana Wildlife Park.

 

[Jambo]

At any rate, I hope that after any phase-outs that Auckland don't decide on more play areas. There are more than sufficient places for play and recreation around the zoo and in Western Springs Park. Some enhancement definitely is due for the African exhibit, which has fallen behind the Southeast Asia Jungle Track both in popularity and visitor engagement from what I've seen.

I do agree here, I think the African section still gets a lot of visitors only due to the animals it holds. Once the top half of the trail goes, people will have less and less reason to visit so something will have to change attraction wise. As we've seen with the orangutans, it doesn't even necessarily mean adding new animals but upgrading their current exhibits but creating new innovative ways to display them. The African and South American sections are in drastic need of this imo.

There's been good development in the front half of the African Trail but giving the Lions and Flamingos better enclosures should be a priority (the latter does seem to be in the works).

 

[Zoofan15]

I do agree here, I think the African section still gets a lot of visitors only due to the animals it holds. Once the top half of the trail goes, people will have less and less reason to visit so something will have to change attraction wise. As we've seen with the orangutans, it doesn't even necessarily mean adding new animals but upgrading their current exhibits but creating new innovative ways to display them. The African and South American sections are in drastic need of this imo.

There's been good development in the front half of the African Trail but giving the Lions and Flamingos better enclosures should be a priority (the latter does seem to be in the works).

I too was hopeful of an expanded Greater flamingo exhibit. The aviary the masterplan promised was an exciting prospect. The renovations last year at least expanded the useable area and despite concerns the disruption could impede breeding, it’s been their best season yet. I really hope the flock can continue to grow to the point where the opportunity to send surplus to Orana Wildlife Park. They have the space to house a large flock, with flocks over 40 reporting enhanced reproductive success.

The African precinct’s popularity undoubtedly comes from the species it holds. Historically it was the obvious starting point on the visitor’s journey; with only a few like myself taking the central route to see the tigers etc. first. Nowadays, people are more inclined to take the central route, which is annoying as the tigers and tropical dome fill up with people pretty much from opening time. I have noticed a decline in interest in the tropical dome over the last year however.

 

[Jambo]

The African precinct’s popularity undoubtedly comes from the species it holds. Historically it was the obvious starting point on the visitor’s journey; with only a few like myself taking the central route to see the tigers etc. first. Nowadays, people are more inclined to take the central route, which is annoying as the tigers and tropical dome fill up with people pretty much from opening time. I have noticed a decline in interest in the tropical dome over the last year however.

I agree, and I think it's a good thing they've built an attraction in that space as it allows foot traffic to ease around the zoo more seamlessly. Some go to the South American/Australian sections afterwards or elect to go to the Te Wao Nui. It's far better than having everyone travelling through the African trail first, which was always hectic.

Now with more priorities elsewhere (such as the new Jungle trek), I've noticed less crowds in the African trail. With Burma going, and potentially the baboons, servals and cheetahs as well there's absolutely a need for something new there. Why not continue with the 'Zoo360' design they used with the Jungle Trek that worked so well; instead implementing this for Rhinos, Lions and Flamingos.

 

[Osedax]

Why not continue with the 'Zoo360' design they used with the Jungle Trek that worked so well; instead implementing this for Rhinos, Lions and Flamingos.

What exactly is 'Zoo360'?

 

[Zoofan15]

I agree, and I think it's a good thing they've built an attraction in that space as it allows foot traffic to ease around the zoo more seamlessly. Some go to the South American/Australian sections afterwards or elect to go to the Te Wao Nui. It's far better than having everyone travelling through the African trail first, which was always hectic.

Now with more priorities elsewhere (such as the new Jungle trek), I've noticed less crowds in the African trail. With Burma going, and potentially the baboons, servals and cheetahs as well there's absolutely a need for something new there. Why not continue with the 'Zoo360' design they used with the Jungle Trek that worked so well; instead implementing this for Rhinos, Lions and Flamingos.

I’m intrigued to see the finished result of the Southern white rhinoceros expansion as the keeper I spoke to said they could be housing as many as 10 rhinos. Most will be housed in the elephant exhibit following its redevelopment, which could easily accomodate two bulls (on rotation) and several cows.

The exisiting rhino paddock will apparently become integrated with the giraffe paddock in the sense ungulates can be rotated through. Whether rhinos will remain; or all be housed in the elephant exhibit I don’t know, but it’s a prime opportunity to acquire some new antelopes.

 

[Osedax]

it’s a prime opportunity to acquire some new antelopes.

Does NZ have a Bovidae IRA?

 

[Jambo]

What exactly is 'Zoo360'?

Philadelphia Zoo was one of the first zoos to implement it and that is what they've decided to call it. Put simply it's a system of visible animal pathways of which allows species to to move around around the zoo away from their usual enclosure. I assume it's titled Zoo 360 as it essentially gives you a 360 view of animals and them a 360 view of us and their surroundings.

An example at Auckland is the Orangutan aerial pathways and the overhead tiger pathways. Adelaide also recently implemented this system for their Red Pandas, Tamarins and Colobus.

 

[Zoofan15]

Does NZ have a Bovidae IRA?

Yes it does: NZ Government

This risk analysis is a qualitative assessment limited to the description of the risks due to disease- causing agents associated with the importation of captive wild animal species within the families Bovidae, Giraffidae, Tragulidae and their semen from approved, licensed or registered zoos or wildlife parks in Australia, Singapore, the United States of America (USA), Canada, Europe (not limited to European Union), the Republic of South Africa (RSA), Japan and United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Exclusions:

Caprinae (chamois, goats, sheep, serows and relatives) Genera Bos (oxen and true cattle); Genera Bubalus (water buffalo); Genera Syncerus (African buffalo).

 

[Jambo]

I’m intrigued to see the finished result of the Southern white rhinoceros expansion as the keeper I spoke to said they could be housing as many as 10 rhinos. Most will be housed in the elephant exhibit following its redevelopment, which could easily accomodate two bulls (on rotation) and several cows.

The exisiting rhino paddock will apparently become integrated with the giraffe paddock in the sense ungulates can be rotated through. Whether rhinos will remain; or all be housed in the elephant exhibit I don’t know, but it’s a prime opportunity to acquire some new antelopes.

The plan is for the new rhino holding facilities to be where the current serval exhibit are. It appears there will be at least a few smaller holding paddocks as well which would allow them to house bulls there. The plans also indicates the current elephant paddock will expand into the current baboon habitat where perhaps a connection pathway can be made to the rest of the savannah on the other side of the path (the design certainly indicates this being the case). It could also allow the other bull to be housed over there during rotation.

 

[Zoofan15]

The plan is for the new rhino holding facilities to be where the current serval exhibit are. It appears there will be at least a few smaller holding paddocks as well which would allow them to house bulls there. The plans also indicates the current elephant paddock will expand into the current baboon habitat where perhaps a connection pathway can be made to the rest of the savannah on the other side of the path (the design certainly indicates this being the case). It could also allow the other bull to be housed over there during rotation.

I would be happy to see this eventuate. The Australian Rhino Project will provide ample opportunity for a shift around of rhinos, regionally and between New Zealand’s zoos. Hamilton have been recommended to cease breeding due to representation of Kruger/Kito; and given Moesha hasn’t bred for 12 years, she’s likely a non-viable breeder now. Her line will continue through Kifaru at Werribee; and Jamila and her daughters at Auckland.

Many zoos within the region seem to be exchanging juvenile/adolescent females in a bid to disrupt the estrus suppression commonly associated with mothers and daughters. Auckland transferring out their juvenile females in an easy assumption; but given the range of exhibits/arrangements to come out of this, they could arguably manage the trio on site with seperate overnight housing theorised to disrupt estrus suppression.

The loss of cows, Mazithi (1986) and Mbili (1998), was a huge blow to Auckland Zoo’s rhino breeding programme in 2003. In a twist of fate, they once again have a mother and two daughters in their herd; with the daughters similarly born two years apart (Kito was born 2000), albeit a by-product of a common birth interval. It’s been a pleasure to see their herd flourishing once again.

 

[Jambo]

The loss of cows, Mazithi (1986) and Mbili (1998), was a huge blow to Auckland Zoo’s rhino breeding programme in 2003. In a twist of fate, they once again have a mother and two daughters in their herd; with the daughters similarly born two years apart (Kito was born 2000), albeit a by-product of a common birth interval. It’s been a pleasure to see their herd flourishing once again.

Is there the intention of breeding Jamila again? Zambezi is still grouped with the cows and considering his age there may be the intention to get another calf from him and Jamila considering their success and Zambezi's age.

It was great to see a large herd of rhinos in a smaller zoo setting; the four were very active.

 

[Zoofan15]

Is there the intention of breeding Jamila again? Zambezi is still grouped with the cows and considering his age there may be the intention to get another calf from him and Jamila considering their success and Zambezi's age.

It was great to see a large herd of rhinos in a smaller zoo setting; the four were very active.

I’m not sure, but I wouldn’t be surprised given Zambezi (a founder) has no representation through his deceased sons; and his daughter at Hamilton Zoo will likely never breed.

I too enjoy seeing Auckland’s herd. The close age gap between the calves makes for a playful dynamic between the two sisters. Jamila was initially reluctant to let Nyah near Amali; but impressively, Auckland achieved a cohesive herd within months.

 

[Michael Stace]

I love Auckland Zoo but I do hate the fact that there are multiple phase out species; elephant, seal, baboon, serval, and possibly cheetah, ring-tailed lemurs and blue penguins and not one confirmed new species coming to the zoo. The zoo has so much potential especially in the South American prescient.

 

[Zoofan15]

I love Auckland Zoo but I do hate the fact that there are multiple phase out species; elephant, seal, baboon, serval, and possibly cheetah, ring-tailed lemurs and blue penguins and not one confirmed new species coming to the zoo. The zoo has so much potential especially in the South American prescient.

I agree it’s disappointing. While I accept the regional trend amongst the city zoos over the past 10-15 years has been to reduce the number of species to provide the remaining species with more room (welfare); when the space vacated by the phase out is used for a playground, it falls flat with me.

Though Cheetah are poorly suited to the exhibit, Caracal would be an excellent replacement; and Hamadryas baboon are a popular species that could be provided with a larger exhibit. They’re incredibly engaging and second in popularity only to the elephants/orangutans/tigers from what I’ve seen on my visits.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I agree it’s disappointing. While I accept the regional trend amongst the city zoos over the past 10-15 years has been to reduce the number of species to provide the remaining species with more room (welfare); when the space vacated by the phase out is used for a playground, it falls flat with me.

Though Cheetah are poorly suited to the exhibit, Caracal would be an excellent replacement; and Hamadryas baboon are a popular species that could be provided with a larger exhibit. They’re incredibly engaging and second in popularity only to the elephants/orangutans/tigers from what I’ve seen on my visits.

I agree. While I can see the wisdom of phasing out some species, better use could be made of the space to be vacated than playgrounds. The Zoo and Western Springs Park provide ample "nature play" areas already.

It would be fairly easy to enhance spaces to benefit existing species, or use space for smaller species that would nevertheless be a drawcard for zoo visitors (for example, I'd love to see another monkey species added to the African Safari Track and/or the Southeast Asia Jungle Track). Or replacing, say, ring-tailed lemurs with another lemur species.

 

[Zoofan15]

I agree. While I can see the wisdom of phasing out some species, better use could be made of the space to be vacated than playgrounds. The Zoo and Western Springs Park provide ample "nature play" areas already.

It would be fairly easy to enhance spaces to benefit existing species, or use space for smaller species that would nevertheless be a drawcard for zoo visitors (for example, I'd love to see another monkey species added to the African Safari Track and/or the Southeast Asia Jungle Track). Or replacing, say, ring-tailed lemurs with another lemur species.

I recall a number of criticisms from people on here of the lack of species in the zoo’s South East Asian precinct. While the Tropical Dome has added a number of fish species to the precinct, as well as their head lining reptile species; the False gharial remains the sole reptile species held in the precinct and birds are absent altogether. The old bear pit could easily be renovated as a small monkey exhibit if the dividing wall was removed.

I know there was some interest around importing Red ruffed lemur, so I’m hopeful they’ll be replacing Ring-tailed lemur long term. The zoo has allowed their troop to dwindle to three elderly females, so a new exhibit is presumably still in the plans as per the 2014 master plan; as opposed to housing them long term in the 2006 tiger exhibit.

Though I believe the tiger exhibit would be better off housing Sri Lankan leopard (as it’s fully enclosed), extending it into the vacant otter exhibit is also an option for continuing with lemurs.