That is the former Bongo exhibit that was deemed 'too small' for them. I would therefore be surprised if Bongo were to return there.
Maybe Nyala? That particular enclosure does look like its been replanted heavily over the last few years.
Future of Eastern Bongo in Australasia
- Thread starter Zoofan15
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Maybe Nyala? That particular enclosure does look like its been replanted heavily over the last few years.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
Had a feeding trough in it aswell
That's right. I believe the enclosure has been like this for a few years now. Obviously somethings been in the planning for a while now and just hasn't panned out yet.
Nyala were going to be in that vicinity so it's probably likely that was their intended enclosure.
Swanson02
Well-Known Member
I'd wager Isaac isn't still around, should have asked last visit if he was still alive tbh
If we’re talking about me here, then yes:
Combining the peccary and tapir exhibits would create a suitable exhibit for bongo. In the interim (waiting for the peccaries to pass), it seems logical to use the tapir exhibit for either nyala or capybara.
Again, I assume you’re referring to me:
What I suggested was using this area for a bull nyala, housed adjacent to the females in the savannah as a way to manage breeding introductions. Wellington Zoo do something similar and it works well. This depends on whether Melbourne want to breed nyala (they have Werribee already).
That’s unfortunate. Another holder potentially gone. Even if Monarto can only import a trio of founders; with an average birth interval of 18 months (and breeding from 2-3 years), a bull and two fertile cows could easily produce 10-20 offspring over 15 years. Assuming a 50:50 ratio of gender (could be better or worse), that’d generate 5-10 first generation females. Paired with an additional founder bull, that’d create a sizeable second generation cohort of bongo! Natural herd size is around 50 females and calves.
When I was at Monarto in April Isaac was nowhere to be seen not even on the map however a post in may showed he was still alive it could just be that he's off display, possibly even been moved into the wild Africa exhibit of course this was months ago so it could have changed but i wouldn't think so at least not so soon. during a previous visit in 2018 I was told that he's very shy and doesn't like being seen and whadya know I didn't see him then either.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
I guess I’d just figured Nyala would be implemented in the giraffe exhibit.
My preference would be to see capybara in the tapir exhibit for five years or so (also a nice link of South American species); then a total redevelopment of that area for bongo. Nyala could be housed in the tapir exhibit for the equivalent time; or be housed in the giraffe exhibit, where there’s enough room for both species.
I was just referring to the keeper that @PaddyRickMFZ had previously mentioned on here alluding to an enclosure near the tapirs for an antelope species.
I think it seems like the intention was to just house surplus Nyala separately in the former Bongo enclosure. Whether plans have since changed; there's still a chance they could now be looking to hold them in the former tapir enclosure in the meantime.
Unless Zoos Victoria can import the founder base needed for a sizeable herd of bongo (a minimum of one male and two females, but ideally three or four females), I’d prefer to see bongo housed at Melbourne Zoo. They’re a shade dwelling species and it’s easier to replicate this in the city zoos.
In the past, Melbourne have indicated they won’t hold bongo again (following the unfortunate death of a breeding female); but they’re held at countless city zoos worldwide and I’m confident they could take steps to minimise the chances of a repeat occurrence.
Emailed Monarto and was told they do still indeed have Bongo.
But it was a little interesting as I was told they're apparently held in a drivethrough habitat.
Maybe he is in the new Wild Africa experience?
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
So definitely on display then?
He could potentially be housed in what will be the hippopotamus exhibit, it’s not like they’re gonna have hippopotamus to fill it anytime soon. The other exhibits are mostly multi species exhibit, which wouldn’t be so suitable for a bongo.
Drive through is on display, but some are pay per view. The hippopotami will fall into the latter, suggesting he may be in this area.
From what I've been told, yes. But Wild Africa is an additional paid experience so some of the regulars might have missed him that way.
Would be a huge shame if the hippos were to be scrapped. We haven't heard anything on that front lately; it seems as if they've been placed on the backburner, behind the elephants.
They’re definitely on the back burner, with the elephants taking preference over them and rhinos; but work is being finalised on their pool (concrete bases), which means they will happen at some stage. In the meantime, perhaps Dubbo should consider breeding Kani to his mother or Nile.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
I heard at Werribee the females were having some complications with crate training