At the end of GFA?
Melbourne Zoo Future of Melbourne Zoo 2023 (Speculation / Fantasy)
- Thread starter Jambo
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PaddyRickMFZ
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I think he means opposite the bongo enclosure, that sorta area
If so, that area would be suitable but would be on the small side. It is currently is the location of a children’s play area if I’m correct.
A children’s play area would be of no great loss to Melbourne Zoo. I shouldn’t tempt fate, they’d probably build a larger one in its place.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
Doesn’t even matter if the kids use them or not…A children’s play area would be of no great loss to Melbourne Zoo. I shouldn’t tempt fate, they’d probably build a larger one in its place.
A children’s play area would be of no great loss to Melbourne Zoo. I shouldn’t tempt fate, they’d probably build a larger one in its place.
It’s a massive waste of space imo. Yes, kids do use it, but does it really need to be as big as it is? Probably not. I’ve found more kids use this bush themed play area more than Growing Wild itself.
It’s a massive waste of space imo. Yes, kids do use it, but does it really need to be as big as it is? Probably not. I’ve found more kids use this bush themed play area more than Growing Wild itself.
Playgrounds in zoos are massively overrated. The best placement of a playground is something small that compliments the precinct e.g. the swing ropes in Auckland’s South American precinct (it’s out the way and doesn’t detract); or a centralised playground near the picnic tables/eateries.
I agree, Melbourne (or Zoos Vic in general), have taken to throwing a children’s area in every single precinct they’ve built within the last decade.
Unfortunately I wouldn’t be surprised if a playground was in plans to replace the elephants.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
The keepers joked that the elephants will either be replaced by a massive tortoise pasture or a playgroundI agree, Melbourne (or Zoos Vic in general), have taken to throwing a children’s area in every single precinct they’ve built within the last decade.
Unfortunately I wouldn’t be surprised if a playground was in plans to replace the elephants.
one playground that is good is the coati playground, which compliments the exhibit well, or the crocodile springs near the lions
The keepers joked that the elephants will either be replaced by a massive tortoise pasture or a playground
That’s the worst joke I’ve ever heard.
I agree though re. complimenting the exhibits. Wellington Zoo similarly have export crates that kids can climb inside; and Auckland Zoo has hand moulds of primates, that kids can compare and contrast with their own hands. These are the two items (both interactive) that kids engage with as opposed to signage they never read.
Yes, small areas that compliment the animals or the general theme work well. The Tiger bamboo area next to Indrah’s enclosure is also nice. But I do feel like Melbourne really overdo themselves in that precinct; there seems to be some sort of children’s area next to every enclosure - even the crawling tunnels next to the Tasmanian Devils.The keepers joked that the elephants will either be replaced by a massive tortoise pasture or a playground
Compare past precincts like GR and TOTE, and not one children’s play area is present in either!
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
And those are some of the best precincts in the zooYes, small areas that compliment the animals or the general theme work well. The Tiger bamboo area next to Indrah’s enclosure is also nice. But I do feel like Melbourne really overdo themselves in that precinct; there seems to be some sort of children’s area next to every enclosure - even the crawling tunnels next to the Tasmanian Devils.
Compare past precincts like GR and TOTE, and not one children’s play area is present in either!
Exactly!
It’s not really hard to do the math and understand as to why. Potentially a better focus on the actual animals and their enclosures which doesn’t seem to be present anymore....
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
Of course I understand the appeal of education, but needless play areas occupy space that could otherwise be used to conserve endangered animals etc.
Yes, small areas that compliment the animals or the general theme work well. The Tiger bamboo area next to Indrah’s enclosure is also nice. But I do feel like Melbourne really overdo themselves in that precinct; there seems to be some sort of children’s area next to every enclosure - even the crawling tunnels next to the Tasmanian Devils.
Compare past precincts like GR and TOTE, and not one children’s play area is present in either!
Ultimately, people bring their kids to a zoo to see zoo animals; a farm to see farm animals; and a playground to see play equipment. Zoos would be best to recognise that rather than catering to everyone and pleasing no one in the process.
Taronga’s Tiger Trek is an example of how not to build a precinct. A large amount of space dedicated to the housing of one species and an equally large amount of space taken up by non-animal junk. In comparison, Auckland have created a precinct with efficient use of space to accomodate multiple species via overhead bridges (interspecies engagement) and aerial pathways (so as not to detract from floorspace).
One or two areas per precinct are certainly enough. And as seen with TOTE and GR; none are even required to keep children entertained! Maybe world class immersive exhibits would do the trick rather than the average play area every now and then.
Couldn’t have said it better myself. For kids (and adults) nothing can compare to coming face to face with exotic animals. These are ultimately the memories they’ll take away. If zoos need playgrounds to draw the younger demographic (who don’t even pay admission), then there’s something lacking from their exhibits.
The most common visitor complain is not seeing any animals, so I’d start by addressing that - filling empty exhibits and pruning back foliage.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
As of right now MZ have a plethora of empty exhibits which needs to be fixed. Werribee just have so much empty space along the walking trail that visitors often complain about the lack of animals
There comes a time when signs promising something exciting coming soon just don’t cut it with the visitors. It’s not hard to anticipate events such as elderly animals dying and this should be factored in. Melbourne Zoo actually did this well with the Binturong. They were imported THEN the Coati went off display; instead of a lag of several months before they imported.
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