Melbourne Zoo Future of Melbourne Zoo 2023 (Speculation / Fantasy)

[austrlain zoo gower]

It would be great if Taronga and Melbourne were to house Malayan tapir, and breed them as they are under threat in the wild, and could mix with Melbourne Zoo don't palm us off campaign. Adelaide could act as the main holder of Brazilian tapir. For the Monet a new tapirs could go in the current exibit as Malayan tapir and Brazilian tapir did route previously, I actually think Melbourne will continue on with tapir or they might have a period without them and import a bunch of them

 

[Jambo]

Did Melbourne officially confirm they would phase the tapir out upon Semangka’s death, or is it just presumed

No, they haven't.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Adelaide's female is of similar age, but does suffer from bad athirits in one of her legs so may not be around much longer. Semangka, on the other hand, seems to be doing well atm so Melbourne may very well have the last Malayan in the region.

Adelaide plans to phase Malayans out (in favour of Brazilians); so that might explain why Melbourne 'plan' to import a large amount of Malayans as they're the only major zoo in the region supposedly dedicated to them.

In order to not get hopes up, I must accentuate that Melbourne do not plan to import 10 from what I know of, but it is merely something entertained. Good to hear they haven’t confirmed it, which easily opens the door for more

 

[Jambo]

In order to not get hopes up, I must accentuate that Melbourne do not plan to import 10 from what I know of, but it is merely something entertained. Good to hear they haven’t confirmed it, which easily opens the door for more

I'd hope Malayan Tapirs are present long term at Melbourne. They're a very intriguing species, and are endangered too so really fit a whole lot of categories for Melbourne. Using them (and Indian Rhinos) as a replacement for elephants would be the best Melbourne could do imo without doing much to the current elephant complex.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

Indian Rhino and Malaysian Tapir are both underrepresented in Australia, and if Melbourne has those two species they can educate the public about them as they both have big threats in the wild, deforestation and poaching

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I'd hope Malayan Tapirs are present long term at Melbourne. They're a very intriguing species, and are endangered too so really fit a whole lot of categories for Melbourne. Using them (and Indian Rhinos) as a replacement for elephants would be the best Melbourne could do imo without doing much to the current elephant complex.

Exactly. Maybe add some primates such as Langurs in the treetops, and this could easily be Melbournes best precinct

 

[Jambo]

Exactly. Maybe add some primates such as Langurs in the treetops, and this could easily be Melbournes best precinct

Melbourne's rainforest is definitely one of their most established and focused on precincts. It's iconic (some exhibits going back to the early 90's and being standard setters worldwide at the time).

Francois Langur are endangered, so should definitely fit into the ark category, and it's debatable, but they could also fit into both ambassador too.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Melbourne's rainforest is definitely one of their most established and focused on precincts. It's iconic (some exhibits going back to the early 90's and being standard setters worldwide at the time).

Francois Langur are endangered, so should definitely fit into the ark category, and it's debatable, but they could also fit into both ambassador too.

Yeah. If the tapirs are put into the barn, and Indian Rhinos are implemented, that leaves 2 empty exhibits. The following ideas are very far fetched: One of said exhibits could be repurposed for a Sun Bear, and another for asiatic black bear. Then if the tigers are put together, there becomes an opening for Sri Lankan Leopard exhibit in the carnivore precinct. The old tapir exhibit could become home to various African animals, such as caracals, porcupines and fennec foxes (separated of course). Coatis could be moved back to the atrocity that is growing wild, and a clouded leopard could take their place. Very idealistic, but it would not be very long until these changes could be implemented

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

This is the best plan, i think growing wild should be turned into a South America precinct, sloths Return into the growing wild learning centre with a small outdoor exibit similar to Chester zoo. With coati, flamingo and giant anteater, and Pygmy marmoset, hasn’t growing wild got more space that isnt being used that the penguin and tree Roos and echidna, or behind the current exibits

 

[Jambo]

Yeah. If the tapirs are put into the barn, and Indian Rhinos are implemented, that leaves 2 empty exhibits. The following ideas are very far fetched: One of said exhibits could be repurposed for a Sun Bear, and another for asiatic black bear. Then if the tigers are put together, there becomes an opening for Sri Lankan Leopard exhibit in the carnivore precinct. The old tapir exhibit could become home to various African animals, such as caracals, porcupines and fennec foxes (separated of course). Coatis could be moved back to the atrocity that is growing wild, and a clouded leopard could take their place. Very idealistic, but it would not be very long until these changes could be implemented

I can imagine the two cow and bull exhibits could be used for Indian Rhinos (and even Malayan Tapirs could have access to one on suitable days).

I'd like to see the first elephant exhibit repurposed for a third Orangutan exhibit, which is needed. This, alongside the island opposite could serve as an extension to the existing Orangutan/Saimang Complex with aerial ropes connecting the two new exhibits to the previous complex. Such an extension would give the Orangutans space to breed.

Re. Bears, I think Sun Bears would be suitable for the Tiger enclosure in the Carnivores precinct but thinking realistically, they won't be happening anytime soon.

Although we do have hopes for this smaller African precinct, I doubt it'll eventuate. The Meerkats have a large home in Growing Wild already, and the other species like Caracal, Serval and Fennec Foxes don't fit into Zoo's Vics categories.

I'd like to see that area continue to be used for South American species. Capybaras would be a nice fit for the current Malayan Tapir enclosure. Maybe a small walkthrough aviary could do for next door, featuring Tamarins and Macaws/Conures.

 

[Jambo]

This is the best plan, i think growing wild should be turned into a South America precinct, sloths Return into the growing wild learning centre with a small outdoor exibit similar to Chester zoo. With coati, flamingo and giant anteater, and Pygmy marmoset, hasn’t growing wild got more space that isnt being used that the penguin and tree Roos and echidna, or behind the current exibits

Coati will likely be phased out and Flamingo and Giant Anteater can't be imported.

There is more space behind Growing Wild but it is a bts keeper area.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I can imagine the two cow and bull exhibits could be used for Indian Rhinos (and even Malayan Tapirs could have access to one on suitable days).

I'd like to see the first elephant exhibit repurposed for a third Orangutan exhibit, which is needed. This, alongside the island opposite could serve as an extension to the existing Orangutan/Saimang Complex with aerial ropes connecting the two new exhibits to the previous complex. Such an extension would give the Orangutans space to breed.

Re. Bears, I think Sun Bears would be suitable for the Tiger enclosure in the Carnivores precinct but thinking realistically, they won't be happening anytime soon.

Although we do have hopes for this smaller African precinct, I doubt it'll eventuate. The Meerkats have a large home in Growing Wild already, and the other species like Caracal, Serval and Fennec Foxes don't fit into Zoo's Vics categories.

I'd like to see that area continue to be used for South American species. Capybaras would be a nice fit for the current Malayan Tapir enclosure. Maybe a small walkthrough aviary could do for next door, featuring Tamarins and Macaws/Conures.

I agree on the capybara front, but growing wild seems a great place for a mini South American precinct. Something substantial would be great in the old Malayan Exhibit would be great, potentially a bull Bongo?? Also, the off display elephant paddock will remain if the tapir is to go outside, and I would prefer a bull being housed off display than one less species. I also hope the give the wetlands area more land and make it an extension of the orangutans, as opposed to taking up that exhibit, but I think a little differently to people on this chat in terms of space management.

 

[Jambo]

I agree on the capybara front, but growing wild seems a great place for a mini South American precinct. Something substantial would be great in the old Malayan Exhibit would be great, potentially a bull Bongo?? Also, the off display elephant paddock will remain if the tapir is to go outside, and I would prefer a bull being housed off display than one less species. I also hope the give the wetlands area more land and make it an extension of the orangutans, as opposed to taking up that exhibit, but I think a little differently to people on this chat in terms of space management.

Growing Wild is the perfect place for a South American precinct, but thinking realistically, this is unlikely to happen. Growing Wild is relatively new and serves a decent purpose of education, so I can see it staying around for at least another decade or so. Zoos Vic priorities conservation and education, so I think we can always expect some sort of kids dedicated precinct at all three zoos.

The current Malayan Tapir exhibit is a little small for a Bongo, but if they were wishing to combine that enclosure with the Peccary one next door, it could easily suit a bongo.

The current island could be extended outwards a little to give the orangutans more space, but I don't think such expansion would give them much more space than without one. The moat can only extend a certain bit further before it'll be too close to the paths.

If Melbourne want to have a program similar to Perth's with multiple breeding females, a fourth enclosure will be needed. This is really where the decision lies. Do they want to breed going forward? If so, a new enclosure will be required, and if they want to have more than a single pair, two additional exhibits will be required.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Growing Wild is the perfect place for a South American precinct, but thinking realistically, this is unlikely to happen. Growing Wild is relatively new and serves a decent purpose of education, so I can see it staying around for at least another decade or so. Zoos Vic priorities conservation and education, so I think we can always expect some sort of kids dedicated precinct at all three zoos.

The current Malayan Tapir exhibit is a little small for a Bongo, but if they were wishing to combine that enclosure with the Peccary one next door, it could easily suit a bongo.

The current island could be extended outwards a little to give the orangutans more space, but I don't think such expansion would give them much more space than without one. The moat can only extend a certain bit further before it'll be too close to the paths.

If Melbourne want to have a program similar to Perth's with multiple breeding females, a fourth enclosure will be needed. This is really where the decision lies. Do they want to breed going forward? If so, a new enclosure will be required, and if they want to have more than a single pair, two additional exhibits will be required.

I’ll trust you on the orangutans, as I am not as experienced in terms of space requirements for breeding pairs. One last thought. Combine the Tapir and Peccary enclosures, and send the peccaries to growing wild, taking one of the spare meerkat exhibits. I agree that it will stay around for a while, but I would prefer an education centre near the carousel, which is bound to attract kids. As of right now, I rarely see any children further than the meerkats at GW

 

[Zoofan15]

I’ll trust you on the orangutans, as I am not as experienced in terms of space requirements for breeding pairs. One last thought. Combine the Tapir and Peccary enclosures, and send the peccaries to growing wild, taking one of the spare meerkat exhibits. I agree that it will stay around for a while, but I would prefer an education centre near the carousel, which is bound to attract kids. As of right now, I rarely see any children further than the meerkats at GW

It’s now recognised that orangutans do best in pairs or trios (as opposed to colonies), so many zoos have decreased their holdings to two or three orangutans. Perth hold the largest number, but even they’ve scaled back and housed all their adults separately. I can’t imagine Melbourne aspiring to hold any more than a breeding pair (plus the hybrid females - one of which is elderly). These could be accommodated in an expanded exhibit that allows for rotational display to address any social issues.

The peccaries are getting on in years and are non breeding. Zoos Victoria won’t be building a new exhibit for them, but a transfer to a wildlife park isn’t out of the question. Frankly, I wish they’d done that as soon as they decided to cease breeding. The merging of their exhibit and the adjacent tapir exhibit is a logical choice that will give them a decent sized space to work with.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

It’s now recognised that orangutans do best in pairs or trios (as opposed to colonies), so many zoos have decreased their holdings to two or three orangutans. Perth hold the largest number, but even they’ve scaled back and housed all their adults separately. I can’t imagine Melbourne aspiring to hold any more than a breeding pair (plus the hybrid females - one of which is elderly). These could be accommodated in an expanded exhibit that allows for rotational display to address any social issues.

The peccaries are getting on in years and are non breeding. Zoos Victoria won’t be building a new exhibit for them, but a transfer to a wildlife park isn’t out of the question. Frankly, I wish they’d done that as soon as they decided to cease breeding. The merging of their exhibit and the adjacent tapir exhibit is a logical choice that will give them a decent sized space to work with.

Do you reckon a bull bongo would have enough space if both were combined, as well as the substantial gap between the two? To be honest, the wall between them is about as big as an exhibit itself

 

[Jambo]

I’ll trust you on the orangutans, as I am not as experienced in terms of space requirements for breeding pairs. One last thought. Combine the Tapir and Peccary enclosures, and send the peccaries to growing wild, taking one of the spare meerkat exhibits. I agree that it will stay around for a while, but I would prefer an education centre near the carousel, which is bound to attract kids. As of right now, I rarely see any children further than the meerkats at GW

Unfortunately the Meerkat enclosures are too small for Peccaries. The current trio are elderly, so I don't see any moves being made. They'll likely only have a few years left.

Do you reckon a bull bongo would have enough space if both were combined, as well as the substantial gap between the two? To be honest, the wall between them is about as big as an exhibit itself

I reckon both enclosures combined will certainly be enough space for a bull bongo. *Potentially*, Melbourne could hold a pair in there together.

Also, the large space in between is actually an off display enclosure for the Peccary. Melbourne's breeding male Prickles, used to reside there.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Unfortunately the Meerkat enclosures are too small for Peccaries. The current trio are elderly, so I don't see any moves being made. They'll likely only have a few years left.



I reckon both enclosures combined will certainly be enough space for a bull bongo. *Potentially*, Melbourne could hold a pair in there together.

Also, the large space in between is actually an off display enclosure for the Peccary. Melbourne's breeding male Prickles, used to reside there.

So with the peccaries getting moved on *sadness* that off display enclosure should provide ample space imo

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

If we are talking the most realistic, growing wild is here to stay, however capybara could easily be in the giant tortoise exibit with little changes, I think it would be easy to demolish the tapir and peccaries exibibt and build a bongo one but i think zoos Victoria will go down the route of simply knowing throught and adding a bigger fence and foliage to the peccaries exibit
Orangutan do need an expansion so the island idea as the most suitable, Indian rhino in the elphant exibit 1 and 2 and maybe blackbuk and malyan tapir in the final elphant exibt, Tiger are hear to stay so i think if one indrah and human die the following could happen
New Tiger imported for trail of the elphant, and sun bear in the carnivores trail but this wont happen in the next 5 or 7 years unless something happens.
Dingos should be replaced but this wont happen in the next 7 years or so and maned wolf in this exibit, because i dont think Melbourne will want to change the current Dingo exibit for Sri Lankan leopard because the precinct is reliteverly new. I think the lion exibit is on the small side so this could be utilised for Sri Lankan leopard, with new foliage added, but the lions would be going any time soon

Timeline

Elephants leave Melbourne 2024
Hari the Indian Rhino imported for the first Elephant exibit- 2024
Blackbuk added to one of the elephant exibits in 2024
2 tapir imported for the last elephant exibt- late 2024
Late 2024 and early 2025 Orangutan sanctuary expansion, and island expansion, as this is probably not heigh on the managements list of things to do
At around the Same time the malyan tapir and peccaries exibit combined to house bongo, if the peccaries die before this i can see the exibit laying bear for a little bit, this all depends on semanka if she is still around she could be moved into one of their elphant exibits if she is still around by then

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

Found this map of the peccaries exibit ignor c that is the penguin exibit
A
male peccaries exibit
B
Group exibit what we see