PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
I thought that the coati area was currently empty as well?
Melbourne Zoo Future of Melbourne Zoo 2023 (Speculation / Fantasy)
- Thread starter Jambo
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Unfortunately I’m under the impression Zoos Victoria’s management are quite content with Growing Wild and are of the belief it’s inspiring generations of children to care about wildlife and conservation.
There’s no doubt it engages with some, and achieves what it sets out too; but for the majority, a playground elsewhere in the zoo would suffice and those who are inspired would surely find enjoyment looking at the actual exhibits. I used to visit London Zoo as a child and have fond memories of seeing real animals in real exhibits; without the need to faff around in a kid’s precinct.
The Sleepy Hippo
Well-Known Member
There used to be an exhibitless narror dirt path with small bridges that wound through the vegetation between the area Growing Wild occupies and the path the red panda and japanese garden are on
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
On another note, can flamingos be imported from New Zealand or can birds not be imported from anywhere. Also, I saw many people talking about Takin but aren’t they Caprines? Can someone please clear this up?
If the Seals were to go, I'd definitely send the Little Penguins there. Potentially an insect house too, as such exhibits have proven popular with kids in the past.
Another option, could be a small island enclosure for Squirrel Monkey. Growing Wild was actually supposed to involve islands (for Tree Kangaroos, Red Pandas, Monkeys, Komodos(?)) but that part never eventuated.
Still there. It's a tiny path and has a small pond which had ducks which were gone after my last visit. It's a nice little enclosure though and I would love to see it hold something going forward. Another Otter enclosure? Maybe an Alligator?
No birds can be imported from New Zealand (including flamingos) with the exception of migratory sea birds such as the Fiordland crested penguin, which has indeed been sent from Wellington Zoo to Australian zoos in the past.
Takin are from the Caprinae family and cannot be imported.
The Sleepy Hippo
Well-Known Member
:O
I'm so excited to go see the track! I don't know how I've missed it...but then maybe I do, as I find that section of the zoo quite boring and young family oriented that I don't spend much time that way at all.
I'm so excited to go see the track! I don't know how I've missed it...but then maybe I do, as I find that section of the zoo quite boring and young family oriented that I don't spend much time that way at all.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
This has been discussed in the past, and considering lack of available space, the only way I see a worthwhile South American precinct eventuating is at WORZ. A North American precinct was also brainstormed which could tie in well, and Werribee still have a quarter of unused space. I could easily see growing Wild hold penguins and arboreal mammal species. If Wild Sea was to be demolished, a tropical dome featuring caiman, Philippine croc and gharial if not at the TOTE would be optimal, among other species. Potentially if one species of caiman was held at WORZ with the rest of the precinct, say spectacled caiman, and the largest member of the alligator family, the black caiman could be held in this dome. If said done was crocodilian-centric, I’d see it entirely plausible for a small pool to hold Cuviers Dwarf Caiman. Having 2 large species of crocodilian, 1 medium and 1 small would be a great addition and none of those species take up an overly large amount of space, and should be able to fit within the current are. This is made easier if both levels were retained
The Sleepy Hippo
Well-Known Member
If a tropical Amazonia dome were to be built I would LOVE for it to be built like a giant replica of the Macaw Aviary, just with glass(appropriate dome material) replacing the bars. I feel it would be a better feel than a completely modern appearing dome. Plus such a design could allow more height with straight walls for the first half or more, and could offer a glimpse of the interior to those outside.
It was shut off and has been done up a bit. The little bridge that goes over the pond is wonderful! I feel like that whole area has a really lovely feel to it, and adding in an interesting species will certainly liven it up a bit. It's a really well shaded area too, which gives it a sort of ominous theme. Would suit an alligator perfectly!
A lot of visitors took the path expecting to see some species or another. Some said Otters and funnily enough someone mentioned a hippo! Would be far to small for a Hippo, albeit a Pygmy Hippo one but it does have the feel of a Pygmy Hippo enclosure.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
I just mentioned black caiman in the dome, but if it was held in that pond it would free up space for other species. If it as scenic as it sounds then it should certainly be used to hold an interesting species in the future
I don't know why they don't move the Squirrel Monkeys in there and replace it with glass (and potentially allow a short walkthrough too). It's a historically listed exhibit so they won't demolish it, but I'd rather it used for something more interesting than it is at the moment. It initially held Monkeys so they should go back that way imo it's big enough!
The Sleepy Hippo
Well-Known Member
Hippo used to be near there in the past, I believe where the Japanese Gardens are now.
To me it will be another piece of nostalgia as majority of what was at the zoo when I was a child has been knocked over or heavily altered.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
That’s a great point. If a dome at Wild Sea does eventuate then the birds species would likely move into it, leaving that exhibit perfect for squirrel monkeys. That would mean binturong could finally claim its place in the TOTE, gelling well with any of the brainstormed ideas
The Sleepy Hippo
Well-Known Member
I'd love to see it built encompassing the entirety of the area that the Wild Seas building takes up, as well as the directly adjacent outdoor segments for outdoor viewing of the Seals, Penguins and Not*-touch-tank. The path in towards the dome could be straightened a bit, with Brazillian tapir to the left as you enter and Golden Lion Tamarin to the right.
Yes, that’s correct. Adjacent to the old elephant exhibit.
Melbourne Zoo has undergone a seismic shift in redevelopment over the past two decades - which much of the zoo unrecognisable. The big and small cat rows were quite a sight and very much reminiscent of an early 20th century zoo.
Depending on where it was built i.e. available space, I like the idea of an indoor/outdoor flow. Some species would require full time housing within the dome, while others such as Brazilian tapir and Golden lion tamarin, could have adjoining runs that allow them outdoor access. Constructing this on the sire of the elephant complex would ensure there was plenty of space to implement all our ideas.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
I believe @Jambo covered this earlier but is there enough space in the elephant exhibits to hold anything meaningful? Not entirely sure of the dimensions
That's a very broad question.
Depends on what you want.- Status