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

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I was meaning that with three elephants exhibits and one Sumatran tiger exhibit, there would only be room to create acceptable exhibits for a bull and cow Indian rhinoceros, Sloth bear and Sri Lankan leopard within that space.

The exhibits would no doubt be built to a high standard, but would be vulnerable to ageing two decades from now; as opposed to a complex like the Gorilla Rainforest, which is as impressive now as it was 33 years ago when it was built.

If we take the Indian rhinoceros out, that frees up two elephant paddocks to build Sloth bear mountain (a huge bear exhibit that will more than suffice for decades to come). Sri Lankan leopard would occupy the third exhibit and then the Sumatran tiger exhibit could either continue to hold this species; or be repurposed for something else.

Sorry; I was meaning Sri Lankan Leopard or Sloth bear. In any case, if the rhinos move to WORZ(if they arrive in the first place) then that frees up space for a big sloth bear exhibit. I would think that sun bear and sloth bear would be readily available

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Indrah and Hutah won't be put together. They'll remain in their respective enclosures.

I never said they would be a crowd puller, but they are at risk of extinction and could cause a lot of intrigue. As I stated, there are rarely people at Semangka’s enclosure due to its suboptimal position. When people do see it they are thoroughly impressed. You say you appreciate my optimism, but forget that Malayan tapir are already housed at the zoo and are supposedly in discussion. This nocturnal house has no substance, so I’d say the same to you. There is no need to build a large enclosure with sun shades, when the barn is a perfect place and doesn’t take up a large amount of space

The only thing confirmed is they currently have no plan to import more, and the region is phasing them out.

There is zero substance in tapir moving into an elephant barn.

I apologise for not drinking the Kool aid and joining in the apparent acceptable group think, that offering an alternative idea requires constant naysaying. Especially when the criticisms don't always stack up to reality.

I'm suggesting possible uses of a large expanse of soon to be vacated land. It does offer opportunities, and I am happy to put forward ideas. This is a future speculation and fantasy thread.

As Zoofan said, they are likely to go down a multiple species to replace the elephants route. My suggestion is just more ambitious as it involves a dozen or two species, rather than half a dozen at best coming from other ideas.

 

[Zoofan15]

Sorry; I was meaning Sri Lankan Leopard or Sloth bear. In any case, if the rhinos move to WORZ(if they arrive in the first place) then that frees up space for a big sloth bear exhibit. I would think that sun bear and sloth bear would be readily available

I know previously the concept of Indian rhinoceros being replaced with Okapi has been discussed; but in the context of Indian rhinoceros and Sloth bear, it’s simply not cost effective to undertake a total remodelling of the exhibit a decade on.

With the ungulate species, the remodelling would be comparatively minor and also serves the purpose of accomodating the delay in being able to source Okapi. Sloth bear would be easier to source and there’s no reason to delay building a Sloth bear exhibit if that’s their intention (I don’t believe it is).

Though less dramatic, several smaller species are more likely; in addition to expanding the orangutan facilities.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I know previously the concept of Indian rhinoceros being replaced with Okapi has been discussed; but in the context of Indian rhinoceros and Sloth bear, it’s simply not cost effective to undertake a total remodelling of the exhibit a decade on.

With the ungulate species, the remodelling would be comparatively minor and also serves the purpose of accomodating the delay in being able to source Okapi. Sloth bear would be easier to source and there’s no reason to delay building a Sloth bear exhibit if that’s their intention (I don’t believe it is).

Though less dramatic, several smaller species are more likely; in addition to expanding the orangutan facilities.

I’d like to see several species, that’s all I care about. I believe a sloth bear exhibit would be most impressive, but with the landscaping it’s unlikely that will be for years to come if at all

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Indrah and Hutah won't be put together. They'll remain in their respective enclosures.


The only thing confirmed is they currently have no plan to import more, and the region is phasing them out.

There is zero substance in tapir moving into an elephant barn.

I apologise for not drinking the Kool aid and joining in the apparent acceptable group think, that offering an alternative idea requires constant naysaying. Especially when the criticisms don't always stack up to reality.

I'm suggesting possible uses of a large expanse of soon to be vacated land. It does offer opportunities, and I am happy to put forward ideas. This is a future speculation and fantasy thread.

As Zoofan said, they are likely to go down a multiple species to replace the elephants route. My suggestion is just more ambitious as it involves a dozen or two species, rather than half a dozen at best coming from other ideas.

There is actually substance to tapir moving to the barn. A tapir is held at the facility, and there is now an indoor area of which are used for tapirs in many zoos worldwide. It’s just strange that you are hell bent on critiquing my idea, when it is far more likely than yours. I’m not saying yours is a bad idea, but something on the scale of Cincinnati could only really be built at WORZ. I never said you have to agree, but if we are talking about the facts then corroboration from a staff member and the fact there is now a free enclosure, on top of the fact they fit zoos Vic criteria and are already held at the facility makes it a genuine possibility as opposed to a fantasy. It is a speculation thread, so I’d appreciate you not criticising my proposition and not being able to take retaliation

 

[Jambo]

See, I like Semangka, but rarely see many near the exhibit on any of my regular visits (and unless going to an early morning encounter I exclusively use the Railway Entrance).

I must completely disagree. If in a more prominent location, I am sure more people would stop by, but tapir will never be a destination, reason I came to the zoo species for the general public. Yes for enthusiasts, no for the other 99.9%.
I applaud your enthusiasm and optimism, but I do believe it's just the reality of the situation.

Maybe they can go to Werribee where they have the space to build an enclosure with proper sun protection.

I don't know, but Semangka tends to be kept inside on the really sunny days, which might be why you don't see her. I too use the Railway entrance, but always go past the Tapirs and Peccaries at the end, and usually see both. I tend to visit in the afternoon too; and I often find Semangka active.

In their current enclosure, they receive limited foot traffic, but I feel like if they had an enclosure apart of the TOTE, they would get much, much more attention. I remember one day not long after we came out of lockdown again back in 2021, whilst visiting, I saw 20-30 people at Semangka's enclosure as I entered. Of course, I was wondering what the crowd was and turned out Semangka was out swimming in her pool and a keeper was there giving a mini talk! I heard a lot of 'Is that a Rhino?', 'What is that?', 'Look at it's nose!'. They can be a very intriguing species, not just to us enthusiasts.

Indrah and Hutah won't be put together. They'll remain in their respective enclosures.


The only thing confirmed is they currently have no plan to import more, and the region is phasing them out.

There is zero substance in tapir moving into an elephant barn.

I apologise for not drinking the Kool aid and joining in the apparent acceptable group think, that offering an alternative idea requires constant naysaying. Especially when the criticisms don't always stack up to reality.

I'm suggesting possible uses of a large expanse of soon to be vacated land. It does offer opportunities, and I am happy to put forward ideas. This is a future speculation and fantasy thread.

As Zoofan said, they are likely to go down a multiple species to replace the elephants route. My suggestion is just more ambitious as it involves a dozen or two species, rather than half a dozen at best coming from other ideas.

Your ideas are welcomed, and some are very ingenious. We just try to keep things as realistic as possible. Whilst this is a speculation thread, we don't dream up a Melbourne Zoo with Giant Pandas and Jaguar, when in reality, neither are realistic. Some people reading this thread that aren't familiar with the zoo would think those might be realistic and on the cards. It can be quite misleading, and if we were completely speculative, this thread would be stacked with an array of ideas, that quite frankly would never come true.

Your Nocturnal House idea is wonderful, I just think *realistically* it would fit better at Werribee.

On the topic of replacing the elephants, I also received confirmation from a keeper that multiple species would replace the elephants, and they'd hopefully stick to those that could sort of accommodate the current elephant enclosures in a way they wouldn't need to be fully demolished. Indian Rhinos immediately come to mind, but are quite unlikely imo, but one or two of the enclosures could easily be renovated for a species like Sloth Bear (with the other for Languars, ect.). Someone suggested an Orangutan expansion too. That's also a possibility to take up part of the precinct.

 

[Astrobird]

Im hoping for a chital deer and blackbuck walkthru exhibit and bantang in the 3rd paddock. With lots of peafowl returning.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Im hoping for a chital deer and blackbuck walkthru exhibit and bantang in the 3rd paddock. With lots of peafowl returning.

I’d love to see banteng. It’s very u likely unfortunately. Now maybe just maybe they could be an interim replacement considering they are endangered. I’d prefer to see chiral and blackbuck in with the Indian rhinos with filter gates that allow the smaller ungulates to pass through, but not the rhinos. @Jambo i heard someone mention that sloth bear and langur may be compatible, which would make for a great enclosure. Amazing you got to see semangka in her pool and a mini talk. Would love to see something like that myself

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I don't know, but Semangka tends to be kept inside on the really sunny days, which might be why you don't see her. I too use the Railway entrance, but always go past the Tapirs and Peccaries at the end, and usually see both. I tend to visit in the afternoon too; and I often find Semangka active.

To clarify, I was not meaning I don't often see Semangka being active, I was meaning I almost never see anyone, or any numbers at all down where they are housed. I am sure more would see them (if MZ suddenly about turned and saw some intrest in importing any) if they were placed more prominently, but they will never be a drawcard. People when they see them and particularly when they see them being active are fascinated, but majority even after seeing them would not remember what they are called.

Your ideas are welcomed, and some are very ingenious. We just try to keep things as realistic as possible.

Thank you, I always find your contributions well thought out and useful. My issue on this thread is that when I or others offer a slightly more out of the box idea they are almost immediately jumped upon by certain members shouting them down, saying they don't like that, they much prefer Malayan tapir. I've shrugged it off so far, but it is utterly tiresome and the antithesis of an interesting thread.
Alright. We get it. The poster likes tapir. We understood that 20-50 pages ago in this thread. We haven't forgotten. A thread where only 1 or 2 ideas are allowed to be entertained, and must always immediately be reverted to is not really a thread worth having.

Whilst this is a speculation thread, we don't dream up a Melbourne Zoo with Giant Pandas and Jaguar, when in reality, neither are realistic. Some people reading this thread that aren't familiar with the zoo would think those might be realistic and on the cards. It can be quite misleading, and if we were completely speculative, this thread would be stacked with an array of ideas, that quite frankly would never come true.

Like Tapir in the elephant barn?
Panda may be expensive, but though I don't think they are the likely outcome, I do not subscribe to the it could never happen so lets talk about tapir again train of thought. Especially considering the close ties and working relationship the Victorian government has previously had with the Chinese government.

Your Nocturnal House idea is wonderful, I just think *realistically* it would fit better at Werribee.

It might be better fit in some eyes to Werribee, but it is not as big a facility as some have suggested. As stated before it would probably only be as big as the back paddock with out the barn included. This would still leave plenty of space in the remaining two paddocks for a megafauna species. The idea was born from the behind the scenes conversation I had with the mentioned LHISI keeper who explained that to display the LHISI would require a nocturnal house. My original thought was something the size of the Butterfly House or a bit smaller would suffice and could fit in that corner beside the BH's exit, and potentially tucked behind the toilet. But then researching other facilities around the world opened my eyes to the huge possibilities a larger facility could hold.

I also remember listening to Jenny Grey discussing the reason they focus on mammals and birds in their priority species program was due to they know and understand those areas of the animal kingdom, and they do not currently have the expertise to try to help save the many many insect species that are going extinct in Victoria and Australia. Starting a small to medium sized insectarium would allow ZV to start building that expertise in order to help more in the fight against the high extinction rate in that broad part of the animal kingdom.

A Nocturnal house could hold many of other species that have been discussed for other parts of the zoo. Night Hunters itself features a variety of cats, which have been discussed here for other parts of the zoo, and other amazing animals like

• the clouded leopard,
• Fishing Cats
• Pallas’ cats,
• sand cat,
• black-footed cat,
• Ocelot
• large spottet genet
• binturong
• aardvark
• aardwolf
• potto,
• vampire bats,
• fennec fox

Some of these species have been discussed for other parts of the zoo where they've been peviously held, or could be speculatively held. The beauty of a Nocturnal house, is that unlike the other locations, in this one they would be far more likely to be active giving a higher chance of customer satisfaction than when many times animals cannot be seen in their enclosure due to camouflaging, or many times they are resting as it is not the time of day/night they would usually be active. An example there Fishing Cats was mentioned as being interesting but not usually a particularly active species. At night (or in a simulated night) they are far more active.

At the end of the day, what I am excited for about elephants leaving for Werribee, other than they get a far better quality of life, is that in all likelihood the three paddocks will finally be able to be planted out. I know that it has been necessary to leave the paddocks bare, but will be so glad to not see such large swathes of bare dirt.

I was unsold on the prospect of a bear species returning to MZ due to skepticism, BUT the picture you posted of the old exhibit of the old enclosure hit me like a tonne of bricks with nostalgia and the longing to see the zoo as I remember it in the 90s. I appreciate Lion Gorge for what it is, but Lion Park, and the loss of the bears (which I realise was a little bit earlier that the reconfiguration).

I had a period where I hadn't been in years in the mid 2000s and when I did go back had a real wish to see the Seal enclosure, and had fond memories of playing on the statues at the bottom of the stairs that lead up to the viewing area. By the time I returned (and started my regular visiting) that was when Wild Seas was under construction and that will forever be a hazier growing memory. Ah memory lane.

A bear mountain as suggested before would be amazing.
Indian rhino would be great but part of me feels that if they were to move to Werribee in 10 years, why not just start them at Werribee and be done with.
The main reason I point out that Indrah and Hutan will not be housed together is because Indrah is well known as the least social of the three tigers they had (back when Binjai was alive) and that Hutan and Binjai were housed near each other with the on-display enclosure Hutan is seen in today, and a sizeable off-display enclosure that is adjacent.
The two tigers would not be put in an enclosure together, and there isn't the same space to have the two over at Lion Gorge. If they were consolidated it would be more likely that Indrah would be moved over to the off-display enclosure in TOTE (probably with the two rotating enclosures) but again I'd highly doubt that, as from the way a keeper put it recently they have found it beneficial to have the two further away from each other in order to keep them both happier. Binjai and Hutan were happy in proximity together (though not in the same enclosure) where as Indrah was found to be less than happy in the proximity to the other two.
I think we are stuck with having them in two enclosures.

Although there is no current plans or talks to import any new tiger to breed, when Indrah and Hutan (or both) pass on, I feel MZ will at that stage import a new breeding pair, and would keep the two current on-display enclosures in order to still have the space for the species.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

There is actually substance to tapir moving to the barn. A tapir is held at the facility, and there is now an indoor area of which are used for tapirs in many zoos worldwide. It’s just strange that you are hell bent on critiquing my idea, when it is far more likely than yours. I’m not saying yours is a bad idea, but something on the scale of Cincinnati could only really be built at WORZ. I never said you have to agree, but if we are talking about the facts then corroboration from a staff member and the fact there is now a free enclosure, on top of the fact they fit zoos Vic criteria and are already held at the facility makes it a genuine possibility as opposed to a fantasy. It is a speculation thread, so I’d appreciate you not criticising my proposition and not being able to take retaliation

With no suggestion of importing and them being down to the last of the species I do see that as little substance.

You are wrong about something like Cincinatti could only be built at WORZ seeing as their facility is almost identical in size to one of the elephant paddocks. We should research before making erroneous claims.

You never said anyone had to agree, but even you have to acknowledge that whenever anyone posts anything that is slightly different to what you have stated previously you relentlessly reply to them saying for the millionth time that you would prefer Malayan tapir there (just in case we had forgotten what was said in your last post.

It is utterly hilarious that you play a victim and cry that your adnauseum made suggestion is criticised when that is what you have done repeatedly, time and again to mine and others suggestions. The hypocrisy that YOU complain that someone else would complain about retaliation. Its ridiculous. You shut down discussion, are being called out for it, and then acting a victim. Others are constructive with their feedback. Yours is repeat what they say and mention Malayan tapir.

Like I said earlier I admire your optimism about your ideas but have finally hit a wall at having to put up with your continuous shutting down of broader suggestions.

Let me copy and paste th thread name for you and others that need it:

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

 

[Zoofan15]

I’d love to see banteng. It’s very u likely unfortunately. Now maybe just maybe they could be an interim replacement considering they are endangered. I’d prefer to see chiral and blackbuck in with the Indian rhinos with filter gates that allow the smaller ungulates to pass through, but not the rhinos. @Jambo i heard someone mention that sloth bear and langur may be compatible, which would make for a great enclosure. Amazing you got to see semangka in her pool and a mini talk. Would love to see something like that myself

Sloth bear have been reported on here to have been mixed with Corsac fox (Beekse Bergen), Rhesus macaque (Leipzig), Hanuman langur (London) and Lar gibbon (London); so yes an exhibit housing Sloth bears and langurs is certainly a possibility.

Hanuman langurs inhabit both forests and mountains, so would surely suit a mountain style exhibit for Sloth bear. The phase out of Malayan sun bears seems inevitable due to the challenges in sourcing new founders, so long term I believe zoos will be open to importing a new bear species and Sloth bear appear the obvious choice.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I

With no suggestion of importing and them being down to the last of the species I do see that as little substance.

You are wrong about something like Cincinatti could only be built at WORZ seeing as their facility is almost identical in size to one of the elephant paddocks. We should research before making erroneous claims.

You never said anyone had to agree, but even you have to acknowledge that whenever anyone posts anything that is slightly different to what you have stated previously you relentlessly reply to them saying for the millionth time that you would prefer Malayan tapir there (just in case we had forgotten what was said in your last post.

It is utterly hilarious that you play a victim and cry that your adnauseum made suggestion is criticised when that is what you have done repeatedly, time and again to mine and others suggestions. The hypocrisy that YOU complain that someone else would complain about retaliation. Its ridiculous. You shut down discussion, are being called out for it, and then acting a victim. Others are constructive with their feedback. Yours is repeat what they say and mention Malayan tapir.

Like I said earlier I admire your optimism about your ideas but have finally hit a wall at having to put up with your continuous shutting down of broader suggestions.

Let me copy and paste th thread name for you and others that need it:

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

I think you are forgetting something. You shut down my idea far before I shut down yours. Everyone here is supporting their previous statements, and I only mention the tapir in relation to brainstorming of all species added to the trail. You called me out for having no substance earlier in the thread, when urs had far less than mine. Having a nocturnal house in an isolated paddock like that would just be in achievable. You say you ‘appreciate’ my optimism when ur the one being far more optimistic. A nocturnal house at MZ would not be a draw card and wouldn’t really influence much, and would certainly not be considered an adequate replacement for elephants. At Werribee however it would be a great complimentary addition, and I would love to see it. I might also add, multiple species u mentioned aren’t able to be imported, so please don’t be hypocritical and criticise me when urs is actually unachievable.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Do

Sloth bear have been reported on here to have been mixed with Corsac fox (Beekse Bergen), Rhesus macaque (Leipzig), Hanuman langur (London) and Lar gibbon (London); so yes an exhibit housing Sloth bears and langurs is certainly a possibility.

Hanuman langurs inhabit both forests and mountains, so would surely suit a mountain style exhibit for Sloth bear. The phase out of Malayan sun bears seems inevitable due to the challenges in sourcing new founders, so long term I believe zoos will be open to importing a new bear species and Sloth bear appear the obvious choice.

you believe since US zoos are phasing them out we might be able to get some excess? Then again I believe you mentioned most of the individuals are older and not breeding. Same goes for Asiatic Black bear. Considering sloth bear are said to be a focus species for the US, it wouldn’t be every hard to source them I don’t believe

 

[Zoofan15]

Re. differences in opinions. These are inevitable. It would be a remarkable coincidence if we all had the same ideas and there would be no scope for discussion - but let’s remain respectful of each other, even if we disagree with what’s been said.

There are some people who believe speculation has no place on ZooChat and while I personally believe constructive discussion of ideas and concepts can add value to the site; I’m sure we can all agree arguments do not - and serve only to convince other members these threads are damaging to the reputation of this site.

With this in mind, we’re lucky the admin/mods allow us to have a speculation thread to discuss one of our favourite zoos. It’s a privilege and if people are seen to abuse this by arguing, this privilege could be taken away (i.e. the thread will be locked). None of us want this, so let’s be respectful - of each other; of each other’s ideas; and of the forum and it’s rules as a whole.

Time to move on.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Re. differences in opinions. These are inevitable. It would be a remarkable coincidence if we all had the same ideas and there would be no scope for discussion - but let’s remain respectful of each other, even if we disagree with what’s been said.

There are some people who believe speculation has no place on ZooChat and while I personally believe constructive discussion of ideas and concepts can add value to the site; I’m sure we can all agree arguments do not - and serve only to convince other members these threads are damaging to the reputation of this site.

With this in mind, we’re lucky the admin/mods allow us to have a speculation thread to discuss one of our favourite zoos. It’s a privilege and if people are seen to abuse this by arguing, this privilege could be taken away (i.e. the thread will be locked). None of us want this, so let’s be respectful - of each other; of each other’s ideas; and of the forum and it’s rules as a whole.

Let’s move on!

Ayyo, let me cook

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I

I think you are forgetting something. You shut down my idea far before I shut down yours. Everyone here is supporting their previous statements, and I only mention the tapir in relation to brainstorming of all species added to the trail. You called me out for having no substance earlier in the thread, when urs had far less than mine. Having a nocturnal house in an isolated paddock like that would just be in achievable. You say you ‘appreciate’ my optimism when ur the one being far more optimistic. A nocturnal house at MZ would not be a draw card and wouldn’t really influence much, and would certainly not be considered an adequate replacement for elephants. At Werribee however it would be a great complimentary addition, and I would love to see it. I might also add, multiple species u mentioned aren’t able to be imported, so please don’t be hypocritical and criticise me when urs is actually unachievable.

If you think that that was when a suggestion was first shutdown by one of us then you confirm my hypothesis of your lack of self awareness.
You've repeatedly for weeks shutdown others suggestions with your Animal Farm sheep like repeating of "I'd prefer Malayan Tapir in the barn ! I'd prefer Malayan Tapir in the barn !" comments immediately in reply to all alternate suggestions.

Your "substance" is they gave one of a species that they currently have no intention of adding to, and even less likely to replace.

I'm sorry you don't appreciate someone criticising your thought bubble the way you have done so for a good long while now.

I don’t believe anyone has had an alternate suggestion in the barn… maybe someone has said they shouldn’t Be implemented at all, like you, Ive started the barn presents an opportunity. This is a speculation thread, and I would appreciate if you didn’t hit out a my idea, only to be unable to take a response back. I have never once stated anyone’s idea was bad, not even yours. In fact I said I’d love to see it at WORZ. As @Zoofan15 said, just move on. I don’t know why this is so insulting for you

There's that lack of self-awareness again.

 

[Zoofan15]

Do

you believe since US zoos are phasing them out we might be able to get some excess? Then again I believe you mentioned most of the individuals are older and not breeding. Same goes for Asiatic Black bear. Considering sloth bear are said to be a focus species for the US, it wouldn’t be every hard to source them I don’t believe

Unfortunately the elderly population of Malayan sun bears held in the US would be of little use to us and not in the welfare interests of the bears involved to undertake export overseas on the off chance they may breed. It’s unfortunate no initiative was made to send some males to Australasia a decade ago, though they were obviously intending to still make use of themselves back then.

Sloth bears are held in several zoos worldwide and would be easy to source. They breed readily and would be a great addition to the region. Hopefully the ZAA agrees!

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

If you think that that was when a suggestion was first shutdown by one of us then you confirm my hypothesis of your lack of self awareness.
You've repeatedly for weeks shutdown others suggestions with your Animal Farm sheep like repeating of "I'd prefer Malayan Tapir in the barn ! I'd prefer Malayan Tapir in the barn !" comments immediately in reply to all alternate suggestions.

Your "substance" is they gave one of a species that they currently have no intention of adding to, and even less likely to replace.

I'm sorry you don't appreciate someone criticising your thought bubble the way you have done so for a good long while now.

I don’t believe anyone has had an alternate suggestion in the barn… maybe someone has said they shouldn’t Be implemented at all, like you, Ive started the barn presents an opportunity. This is a speculation thread, and I would appreciate if you didn’t hit out a my idea, only to be unable to take a response back. I have never once stated anyone’s idea was bad, not even yours. In fact I said I’d love to see it at WORZ. As @Zoofan15 said, just move on. I don’t know why this is so insulting for you

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Unfortunately the elderly population of Malayan sun bears held in the US would be of little use to us and not in the welfare interests of the bears involved to undertake export overseas on the off chance they may breed. It’s unfortunate no initiative was made to send some males to Australasia a decade ago, though they were obviously intending to still make use of themselves back then.

Sloth bears are held in several zoos worldwide and would be easy to source. They breed readily and would be a great addition to the region. Hopefully the ZAA agrees!

Bear species are the extremely popular with the public, and it would be great to see sloth bears implemented. Might I ask, what is the situation on the Syrian Brown Bear? I loved honey, and I was so sad when she passed. It’s ofc unlikely they would be implemented at MZ, but the region is lacking a ‘textbook’ bear species that both zoo nerds and members of the general public can fawn over. I’m not sure if there would be any interest Asiatic black bear, but I would personally prefer sloth bear. I only just noticed you mentioned the corsac fox. Really cool species, Are there any imports on it and any chance of the ZAA considering it?

 

[Zoofan15]

Bear species are the extremely popular with the public, and it would be great to see sloth bears implemented. Might I ask, what is the situation on the Syrian Brown Bear? I loved honey, and I was so sad when she passed. It’s ofc unlikely they would be implemented at MZ, but the region is lacking a ‘textbook’ bear species that both zoo nerds and members of the general public can fawn over. I’m not sure if there would be any interest Asiatic black bear, but I would personally prefer sloth bear. I only just noticed you mentioned the corsac fox. Really cool species, though would quickly become somewhat of a meme. Are there any imports on it and any chance of the ZAA considering it?

Holdings of Syrian brown bears have dwindled worldwide and even within Europe, there’s only a handful of holders. They were phased out of Australasian zoos to concentrate on the Malayan sun bear, which was seen as a better fit for the region being a tropical, South East Asian species.

Bears are extremely charismatic and I’m certain the public would love Sloth bears as much as we would.

I’m not aware of the ZAA having any interest in importing Corsac fox. It’s not on the live import list and there may be difficulties getting it added due to the risk of it establishing as a pest if accidentally released.