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

[dylan downward]

You’ve given my an idea with extending upwards. Like many felids, Clouded leopard thrive when housed in exhibits that allow them to look down on visitors. Even an extensive platform system would accomodate a non breeding pair within a relatively small space.

It’d be exciting to see Eurasian lynx (or any new species), but I think it’s more likely they’ll acquire a species already in the region - considering we already have Serval, Caracal, Fishing cat and Clouded leopard.

I’m hoping they don’t just put a species they already hold there into that exhibit

 

[Zoofan15]

I’m hoping they don’t just put a species they already hold there into that exhibit

I’m fairly confident they won’t based on the size of the exhibit. It’s not large enough to accomodate breeding of an existing species. Potentially it could be used to accomodate offspring that are independent of their parents prior to their move to another zoo, but given the emphasis the zoo puts on this precinct, I believe it’ll be a permanent species and like @Grant Rhino said, an attraction in it’s own right.

 

[Jambo]

I’m fairly confident they won’t based on the size of the exhibit. It’s not large enough to accomodate breeding of an existing species. Potentially it could be used to accomodate offspring that are independent of their parents prior to their move to another zoo, but given the emphasis the zoo puts on this precinct, I believe it’ll be a permanent species and like @Grant Rhino said, an attraction in it’s own right.

Considering the precinct is already made up *mostly* of species held elsewhere in the zoo, I wouldn’t be surprised if Melbourne do end up using a species already within the zoo (whether that’s Red Pandas ect.)

I don’t really see any presentable options otherwise; the enclosures too small for Clouded Leopard, Servals and Caracals are more of a Werribee feel and although Lynx would be awesome, I’m not sure if they’ll be imported into the region.

The enclosure could be modified for Fishing Cats; with the introduction of a body of water, and more foliage to accomodate their elusiveness. The enclosure already has climbing opportunities, something this species likes and would suit.

 

[Grant Rhino]

Wow, interesting thought. I hadn’t even considered this! I feel like Werribee would be the more likely location given it’s an African themed open range zoo. It’s only 45 minutes away and Melbourne Zoo is close to a range of accomodation, so not sure the uptake (even internationally) would make it viable without the appeal of an open range Safari theme.

Time will tell, but Zoos Victoria would be wise to acknowledge they’re phasing out a high profile species from Melbourne Zoo (which has already suffered rampant phase outs) and Victorians will be expecting something exciting in their place.

A hotel at MZ would be marketed as a different experience to what WORZ has to offer: WORZ is a real "Safari" zoo experience - it is a 45 minute drive but that feels like a long way away in a sense. Even as a Melbourne person (I live 5 min from MZ), I always say "I'm going down to Werribee" as if it's not part of Melbourne (even though it is). It is a place people go when they want to be out of the city - or if they want to at least feel like they are out of the city.

A hotel at MZ would be great for a different reason: the guest is at a zoo - but right in the middle of the city! Locals could even come straight from work, spend a night at the zoo hotel and then go straight back to work in the morning (in the Melbourne CBD). It's different - but Melbourne is different. Melbourne is quirky, and this sort of thing would work here. Around MZ, you have some very funky inner city suburbs (Brunswick, Moonee Ponds, Parkville, Carlton). I can see this idea working.

Phasing out elephants needs to happen - and I think Melbournians would accept it in exchange for a zoo hotel! I actually can't think of any other animal species (that MZ don't already have) that could be anywhere near as high profile as elephants anyway - so why not try the hotel idea - especially if they use the Canberra Zoo idea where the hotel rooms open onto an animal enclosure. My point of difference is that they make it smaller species which don't require much room - such as tamarins, squirrel monkeys, meerkats, serval, Tasmanian devil, fennec fox (nocturnal species may be best).

This is going to be interesting over the next 2 years - there could be some major changes in quite a few precincts at MZ!

 

[Zoofan15]

Phasing out elephants needs to happen - and I think Melbournians would accept it in exchange for a zoo hotel! I actually can't think of any other animal species (that MZ don't already have) that could be anywhere near as high profile as elephants anyway - so why not try the hotel idea - especially if they use the Canberra Zoo idea where the hotel rooms open onto an animal enclosure. My point of difference is that they make it smaller species which don't require much room - such as tamarins, squirrel monkeys, meerkats, serval, Tasmanian devil, fennec fox (nocturnal species may be best).

This is going to be interesting over the next 2 years - there could be some major changes in quite a few precincts at MZ!

The only species that would exceed elephants in terms of bringing in the crowds are Giant panda.

I can’t see Zoos Victoria importing a pair considering the high loan costs that would detract from other important conservation causes (Zoos Victoria have a particularly high emphasis on native species) and the pair at Adelaide have arguably satisfied Australians of their need to see pandas. I even know people who’ve travelled from New Zealand to see them!

In terms of public appeal, I’d rank the following as:

1) Giant panda
2) Elephants
3) Gorillas
4) Polar bear
5) Orangutans
6) Tigers, lions, other bear species
7) Rhinos

With this list in mind, I can see why your idea of a hotel may appeal to Zoos Victoria’s management.

 

[Jambo]

A hotel at MZ would be marketed as a different experience to what WORZ has to offer: WORZ is a real "Safari" zoo experience - it is a 45 minute drive but that feels like a long way away in a sense. Even as a Melbourne person (I live 5 min from MZ), I always say "I'm going down to Werribee" as if it's not part of Melbourne (even though it is). It is a place people go when they want to be out of the city - or if they want to at least feel like they are out of the city.

A hotel at MZ would be great for a different reason: the guest is at a zoo - but right in the middle of the city! Locals could even come straight from work, spend a night at the zoo hotel and then go straight back to work in the morning (in the Melbourne CBD). It's different - but Melbourne is different. Melbourne is quirky, and this sort of thing would work here. Around MZ, you have some very funky inner city suburbs (Brunswick, Moonee Ponds, Parkville, Carlton). I can see this idea working.

Phasing out elephants needs to happen - and I think Melbournians would accept it in exchange for a zoo hotel! I actually can't think of any other animal species (that MZ don't already have) that could be anywhere near as high profile as elephants anyway - so why not try the hotel idea - especially if they use the Canberra Zoo idea where the hotel rooms open onto an animal enclosure. My point of difference is that they make it smaller species which don't require much room - such as tamarins, squirrel monkeys, meerkats, serval, Tasmanian devil, fennec fox (nocturnal species may be best).

This is going to be interesting over the next 2 years - there could be some major changes in quite a few precincts at MZ!

I do like the idea; but im not sure the Trail of Elephants presents an abundance of space for this.

Similar to Taronga, Melbourne could create a ‘Wildlife Retreat’ experience with a hotel and smaller Australian enclosures around it. This could link in nicely with the Australian precinct above, but on the contrary would leave the Asian precinct relatively small (only otters, tigers and orangutans).

 

[dylan downward]

I do like the idea; but im not sure the Trail of Elephants presents an abundance of space for this.

Similar to Taronga, Melbourne could create a ‘Wildlife Retreat’ experience with a hotel and smaller Australian enclosures around it. This could link in nicely with the Australian precinct above, but on the contrary would leave the Asian precinct relatively small (only otters, tigers and orangutans).

I heard there was a possibility that the tigers are being phased out as well

 

[Grant Rhino]

That sounds like a good idea. Unfortunately the treetop enclosures are a little small for Colobus breeding, so if Melbourne wish to continue with this species, they’ll need a new enclosure (outside of the treetops). The area in between the giraffes and baboons is a good choice; there’s already a little moat there, but I think they’d need to use netting to maximise the space available for them.

Yes they had seven of them, but I’ve also noticed only the breeding pair on my last few visits. The children have potentially been transferred elsewhere, but may have even moved off display in the meantime before being sent to Kyrabum (who have interest in obtaining them too).

Re. The treetops, I don’t know too. The enclosures are small for some of the larger monkey species, but do suit the smaller species (like Tamarins well). They were expanding the WC Gibbon enclosure during my last visit, but it’s still not giant anyhow. I feel they’d be more suited to the island in the Japanese Gardens.

I’d like to see a species of Eagle (which would diversify the Carnivores area which lacks any bird species). Wedge Tailed Eagles a possibility; I know they have them at Healesville. They could easily send one over, which could also be used as an ambassador animal at the same time.

Sorry I've chopped up your quote a bit - but I will respond to 4 parts:

1. Colobus: Netting would only be needed depending on how far they can jump wouldn't it? In any case, I think the most likely scenario is that the colobus will replace the vervets at Werribee. That said, I'd really love to see them remain at MZ.

2. Cotton-top Tamarins: That makes total sense - I will assume the kids are headed to Kyambram.

3. The treetops: I agree - it's too small for larger monkeys. Could they just make it a marmoset / tamarin area? Bring in some common marmoset, pygmy marmoset, golden lion tamarin and some agoutis for the "forest floor" (even guinea pigs will do) and go with that idea? That island near the Japanese Garden could be used for any number of gibbon species or even the spider monkeys if need be.

4. The eagle: Good idea - I like it!

 

[Jambo]

The only species that would exceed elephants in terms of bringing in the crowds are Giant panda.

I can’t see Zoos Victoria importing a pair considering the high loan costs that would detract from other important conservation causes (Zoos Victoria have a particularly high emphasis on native species) and the pair at Adelaide have arguably satisfied Australians of their need to see pandas. I even know people who’ve travelled from New Zealand to see them!

In terms of public appeal, I’d rank the following as:

1) Giant panda
2) Elephants
3) Gorillas
4) Polar bear
5) Orangutans
6) Tigers, lions, other bear species
7) Rhinos

With this list in mind, I can see why your idea of a hotel may appeal to Zoos Victoria’s management.

Bears

Melbourne have been without bears since Honey’s death in 2016. They initially had interest in obtaining Sun Bears for their Carnivores precinct, but the region has seemingly begun moving on from this species in recent years.

So why not Sloth Bears? They fit the Asian theme, and other zoos in the region would consider them too (as a bear species). They could easily be moved into two of the three elephant enclosures (with modifications of course); but they would be a decent replacement imo. Alongside another species (like Langurs)they would make a great replacement for the elephants.

 

[Grant Rhino]

I heard there was a possibility that the tigers are being phased out as well

Surely not??????

 

[dylan downward]

Surely not??????

I saw post on here around November on the tiger post about it

 

[Jambo]

I heard there was a possibility that the tigers are being phased out as well

It was mentioned on here, but hasn’t been confirmed.

If the tigers are being phased out, this would leave A LOT of space for Melbourne to work with. Besides the Orangutans, the whole Asian area will mainly be empty. Food for thought, but if the Tiger phase out is true, management may have something big in line coming the next few years.

 

[dylan downward]

It was mentioned on here, but hasn’t been confirmed.

If the tigers are being phased out, this would leave A LOT of space for Melbourne to work with. Besides the Orangutans, the whole Asian area will mainly be empty. Food for thought, but if the Tiger phase out is true, management may have something big in line coming the next few years.

You only hope but in respect to the current management they don’t seem to be very zoo oriented or know how to run it

 

[Grant Rhino]

Bears
So why not Sloth Bears? They fit the Asian theme, and other zoos in the region would consider them too (as a bear species). They could easily be moved into two of the three elephant enclosures (with modifications of course); but they would be a decent replacement imo. Alongside another species (like Langurs)they would make a great replacement for the elephants.

Bears and langurs would work well as a mix in the current elephant area. In my view for this to work well, they really need the langurs - the two species together just make the whole thing far more interesting.

There is a zoo in the Czech Republic (Ostrava Zoo) with an awesome enclosure with Himalayan Black Bears and Common Langurs sharing it - it looks brilliant!

In a lot of ways the two species actually contribute to each other as a form of enrichment.

This could even be done as part of a rotation exhibit (throw in other things like spotted deer, blackbuck, Indian rhino (if possible) and other Indian species. But the bears and langurs would be the star attraction there in my view.

 

[Jambo]

Netting would only be needed depending on how far they can jump wouldn't it? In any case, I think the most likely scenario is that the colobus will replace the vervets at Werribee. That said, I'd really love to see them remain at MZ.

They’re surprisingly quite far jumpers!

Sending Colobus to Werribee does make a lot of sense. Vervets are supposedly on the way out, and Werribee are lacking primate wise even with Vervets.

The treetops: I agree - it's too small for larger monkeys. Could they just make it a marmoset / tamarin area? Bring in some common marmoset, pygmy marmoset, golden lion tamarin and some agoutis for the "forest floor" (even guinea pigs will do) and go with that idea? That island near the Japanese Garden could be used for any number of gibbon species or even the spider monkeys if need be.

Tamarins and Marmosets would be a good fit (alongside Agouti). Fitting in with the South American theme, Macaws could also be moved in to one of the enclosures too, diversifying the area. Thinking reptiles too- a Tree Python or something of the sort would also be a good fit (even for the last, smallest enclosure).

 

[Jambo]

Bears and langurs would work well as a mix in the current elephant area. In my view for this to work well, they really need the langurs - the two species together just make the whole thing far more interesting.

There is a zoo in the Czech Republic (Ostrava Zoo) with an awesome enclosure with Himalayan Black Bears and Common Langurs sharing it - it looks brilliant!

In a lot of ways the two species actually contribute to each other as a form of enrichment.

This could even be done as part of a rotation exhibit (throw in other things like spotted deer, blackbuck, Indian rhino (if possible) and other Indian species. But the bears and langurs would be the star attraction there in my view.

Give the Indian Rhino one of the paddocks, probably the main cow one, and Melbourne could then use the two others to hold Sloth Bear and Langurs. One, which both have access to, and the other which only the langurs do (through overhead pathways). Indian Rhino could also be given access to the other enclosure too if they wish. But that would be one very good area in replacement for the animals. Francois Langurs are already within the region, as are Indian Rhino (Melbourne could hold Dubbo’s young male), and all they’d need to do is import Sloth Bears which is do-able. Zoos Vic may finally be inclined to make a major import with the elephants leaving!

 

[Zoofan15]

I heard there was a possibility that the tigers are being phased out as well

Surely not??????

I saw post on here around November on the tiger post about it

I’d be surprised if this eventuated. Their sibling pair could live another decade, so unless they have short term plans to transfer them out (I believe the plan was to allow them to pass on and then phase out), they’re gonna be around for a while.

10 years time could bring a change of management, who would surely recognise the appeal of this species to the general public.

 

[dylan downward]

I’d be surprised if this eventuated. Their sibling pair could live another decade, so unless they have short term plans to transfer them out (I believe the plan was to allow them to pass on and then phase out), they’re gonna be around for a while.

10 years time could bring a change of management, who would surely recognise the appeal of this species to the general public.

Yeah that’s what I saw

 

[Zoofan15]

Yeah that’s what I saw

They’re basically a heritage species for Melbourne Zoo, who have held them since the 1970’s. They’re immensely popular with the general public and are regionally well supported.

Melbourne have an excellent breeding set up, arguably one of the best in the region after Taronga and Auckland Zoo, so would easily receive a breeding recommendation (a boost to visitation in its own right).

 

[dylan downward]

They’re basically a heritage species for Melbourne Zoo, who have held them since the 1970’s. They’re immensely popular with the general public and are regionally well supported.

Melbourne have an excellent breeding set up, arguably one of the best in the region after Taronga and Auckland Zoo, so would easily receive a breeding recommendation (a boost to visitation in its own right).

With that other zoos could also hold the extras from there breeding to so it would be quite stupid for Melbourne to ditch tigers