From memory, Okapi were discounted for this area (Peccary Row) due to being too large; with Eastern bongo and Brazilian tapir being the leading ideas. It could potentially suit a small mammal.
Melbourne Zoo Future of Melbourne Zoo 2023 (Speculation / Fantasy)
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From memory, Okapi were discounted for this area (Peccary Row) due to being too large; with Eastern bongo and Brazilian tapir being the leading ideas. It could potentially suit a small mammal.
PaddyRickMFZ
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I believe we discussed an African ‘mini fauna’ section where that row is. Some species floated I believe were fennec Fox, cape porcupine, bat eared fox, aardvark caracal and meerkats. We’ve kinda agreed caracals should be used to strengthen WORZ’s crazy for cats argument. Bat eared fox has of course encountered some issues on the import front and the Aardvark would require an IRA, but the rest seem somewhat viable
Yes, I remember that now. Fennec fox, Cape porcupine and Slender-tailed meerkats are the best options. None of these species require much space and could be housed across 2-3 exhibits with porcupine and meerkats sharing an exhibit and a spare exhibit to manage breeding of any of the above.
Caracal are an active larger species. The above space would be perfect for them alone, but multiple species would be the preference of Zoos Victoria.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
Do you believe caracal would be a genuine possibility at WORZ
100%. They’re a focus species within the region and well suited to open range zoos as an African grasslands cat. I can certainly imagine Werribee wanting to acquire them in the future.
They have no immediate plans to acquire Caracal, but will surely be continuing to develop their zoo beyond the arrival of the elephants and the acquisition of hyena. They can’t afford to stagnate and Caracal are a logical acquisition that can be easily housed, while engaging the visitors. They’re active and confident cats.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
Considering they are not overly expensive, it’s a good choice. The public will be expecting new species with these upgrades, and a caracal is a fan favourite that will surely appease visitors until more species are introduced
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
Just in case you guys didn’t see this on the WORZ news thread I will be going to Werribee within the next couple months so lmk what questions I should ask
I’d love to know what progress there’s been with breeding their Southern white rhinoceros. They’ve been attempting to breed their young pair for sometime now without any apparent success.
Also, an estimation of when Brindabella and Pansy (Common hippopotami) are transferring to Monarto. Last I heard, it was the first half of 2023, but it’d be nice to know if this is still the plan.
PaddyRickMFZ
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Will do. How many hippos will Werribee have after the transfer
Three (Primrose, Tulip and Lotus). They all live together in the main enclosure; viewable on the walking trail.
0.3 - a mother and two daughters
0.1 Primrose (1990)
0.1 Tulip (2003)
0.1 Lotus (2008)
Hopefully the advent of the Hippopotamus IRA means they can import an unrelated bull rather than relying on Monarto to breed a male calf, which will be closely related to their herd.
The Sleepy Hippo
Well-Known Member
It's never happening but I'd love for Giant Pandas to fill one of the exhibits once the Elephants leave for greener pastures 
PaddyRickMFZ
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Gimme a Rizzly Bear insteadIt's never happening but I'd love for Giant Pandas to fill one of the exhibits once the Elephants leave for greener pastures
The Sleepy Hippo
Well-Known Member
I respect that... but would choose a Giant Furry Penguin everyday of the week
A species of bear would be great. Probably won't be a Grizzly Bear, but Sun Bears or Sloth Bears are possibilities.
It's never happening but I'd love for Giant Pandas to fill one of the exhibits once the Elephants leave for greener pastures
I’ve previously been quick to discount Giant panda at Melbourne but for interest’s sake, it’s worth noting that with the elephants departing, Melbourne would be in the unusual position to build a complex capable of holding multiple Giant panda. The failure of captive pairs to breed has often been attributed to zoos holding 1.1 pairs (multiple males are thought to enhance breeding success).
Hypothetically speaking, Melbourne could hold 2.1 across three exhibits - fulfilling this requirement.
The Sleepy Hippo
Well-Known Member
I dare to dream!
I dare to dream!
It’s one hell of a hypothetical as I don’t believe China would loan more than one pair to Zoos Victoria, but thought it was something interesting to mention nonetheless. It would certainly be interesting to have two holders within the region and they’re realistically the only species that would surpass the elephants in terms of visitor appeal.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
Since sun bears and asiatic black bears are getting phased out of the us it presents as a unique opportunity. W Rizz still better though
Its regrettable more initiative wasn’t taken to export sun bears from the North American breeding programme while they were still young (they have a mostly elderly population).
Sasa at Wellington carries the twin gene, so it’s important not to let that disappear from the captive population.
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