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

[Zoofan15]

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

We’ve recently reached a deficit in Sumatran tigers within the region, so there’d surely be a demand for cubs bred at Melbourne. Ideally, they’d import an unrelated pair from overseas, to ensure further demand for the cubs. The Nico-Meta line is so over-represented in the region, we’re now seeing inbreeding (Taronga’s current pair).

 

[Josh F]

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.

Being the Herp minded person I am, I’d suggest Komodo Dragons could also fill a similar niche with them being a large draw card at places such as the Australian Reptile Park. Especially considering three have been produced at ARP with the other facilities holding pairs also likely to be attempting to produce them there will be an opening there. It would require some heavy modification perhaps to the elephant barn or by turning one of the ‘classroom’ spaces into an enclosure but this would also fit the Asian theme of the section.

 

[Zoofan15]

Being the Herp minded person I am, I’d suggest Komodo Dragons could also fill a similar niche with them being a large draw card at places such as the Australian Reptile Park. Especially considering three have been produced at ARP with the other facilities holding pairs also likely to be attempting to produce them there will be an opening there. It would require some heavy modification perhaps to the elephant barn or by turning one of the ‘classroom’ spaces into an enclosure but this would also fit the Asian theme of the section.

Komodo Islands complex:

There’s the opportunity to do something really exciting here. Many zoos in Australia exhibit Komodo dragons, but few allocate them a particularly large area or hold more than a 1.1 pair of dragons.

Using the expanse of the elephant complex, Melbourne could develop a Komodo Islands themed complex with indoor and outdoor areas dedicated to holding multiple adults.

They could have hatchery and crèche area with multiple pairs increasing the chances of them breeding this species.

 

[dylan downward]

Komodo Islands complex:

There’s the opportunity to do something really exciting here. Many zoos in Australia exhibit Komodo dragons, but few allocate them a particularly large area or hold more than a 1.1 pair of dragons.

Using the expanse of the elephant complex, Melbourne could develop a Komodo Islands themed complex with indoor and outdoor areas dedicated to holding multiple adults.

They could have hatchery and crèche area with multiple pairs increasing the chances of them breeding this species.

Komodo could be a great fit

 

[dylan downward]

Komodo could be a great fit

With ballarat being the only other holder of this species in Victoria

 

[Zoofan15]

Komodo could be a great fit

There’s so many ways they could do this complex:

1) Komodo Islands = Komodo dragon
2) Island Giants = Komodo dragon and Galapagos giant tortoise
3) The Islands = Komodo, Galapagos, Sumatra etc.

 

[Josh F]

Especially considering there is great regional support with ARP, Ballarat, Adelaide and Aus Zoo all holding potential breeding pairs as well as a few other facilities holding non-breeding animals. It still fits into the threatened species list as well as being a crowd pleaser there’s some decent potential there.

 

[Zoofan15]

Especially considering there is great regional support with ARP, Ballarat, Adelaide and Aus Zoo all holding potential breeding pairs as well as a few other facilities holding non-breeding animals. It still fits into the threatened species list as well as being a crowd pleaser there’s some decent potential there.

They’re one of the most popular reptiles. The general public might find them underwhelming in a small, glassed exhibit; but a complex on the scale outlined above would surely prove a drawcard.

Zoos Victoria have a strong focus on education and a complex like this would be the perfect way to educate visitors on their husbandry etc.

 

[Babirusa]

Melbourne will be phasing out tigers after the current siblings pass away.

The orangutan complex will be expanded throughout the trail of the elephants once the elephants leave the zoo, but Melbourne has a new masterplan for the most of the zoo.

Komodo dragons seem like a very obvious fit to me, with otters, orangutans already in the area an island themed complex would be a good fit for the zoo.

 

[Zoofan15]

Melbourne will be phasing out tigers after the current siblings pass away.

The orangutan complex will be expanded throughout the trail of the elephants once the elephants leave the zoo, but Melbourne has a new masterplan for the most of the zoo.

Komodo dragons seem like a very obvious fit to me, with otters, orangutans already in the area an island themed complex would be a good fit for the zoo.

It’s good to hear the orangutans are getting more space. I was hoping they’d do something like this in addition to importing a female Sumatran orangutan for breeding.

Zoos tend to be moving away from housing colonies of orangutans in favour of pairs, so I imagine a 1.1 Sumatran pair and their offspring is what we can expect, even with the expanded complex.

 

[Jambo]

Melbourne will be phasing out tigers after the current siblings pass away.

The orangutan complex will be expanded throughout the trail of the elephants once the elephants leave the zoo, but Melbourne has a new masterplan for the most of the zoo.

Komodo dragons seem like a very obvious fit to me, with otters, orangutans already in the area an island themed complex would be a good fit for the zoo.

Where did this info come from? I’m not saying your wrong, it’s just very, very surprising news.

Expanding the Orangutans make sense; they need the space if they want to continue breeding, especially following the moving of Saimangs into the complex. I’d like to see the island opposite them redeveloped as a third exhibit, with a rope pathway added to.

I’ve heard of Melbourne’s masterplan; I think we’ll see some major redevelopments of Melbourne’s Rainforest precinct (both the gorilla trail and trail of the elephants) in coming years.

Komodos are a great fit too! Melbourne have been interested in them in the past, so now with offspring bred at the Reptile Park, there’ll hopefully be the surplus for Melbourne to import a few individuals. Even better if they could acquire some from overseas.

I think an Islands precinct of Orangutan, Saimang, Otters and Komodos would be amazing. Binturongs should be considered too. The Gorilla Rainforest should then be renovated with the latter half exploring the Australian and South American Rainforests; Cassowary and Tree Kangaroo for Australia, and the Tamarins, Marmosets and Macaws for South America.

 

[StoppableSan]

Melbourne will be phasing out tigers after the current siblings pass away.

The orangutan complex will be expanded throughout the trail of the elephants once the elephants leave the zoo, but Melbourne has a new masterplan for the most of the zoo.

Komodo dragons seem like a very obvious fit to me, with otters, orangutans already in the area an island themed complex would be a good fit for the zoo.

[Press X to Doubt.]

 

[steveroberts]

@Babirusa Sorry I too highly doubt Melbourne Zoo would phase out their Sumatran Tigers in the longterm

@everyone Really like the ideas about Komodo Dragons, Sloth Bears, Indian Rhino' for the site of the Elephants' exhibits once they go to Werribee. Interestingly though in the wild Indian Rhinos' apparently charge at Sloth Bears when they see them and zoologists/ecologists are still trying to work out why.

@Zoofan15 Really like your suggestion about the Clouded Leopards (and @whoeverelsesaiditsorrythatcantremembernow) and about building upwards so they climb high and look down at visitors, that would be a must if MZ went with them.

Do like the suggestion of Eurasian Lynxes being such an impressive and visually striking animal that would compliment Snow Leopards if kept in close proximity (actually put them next to Snow Leopards and Pallas Cats in a fantasy zoo that drew up six months ago, undoubtedly inspired by what had read on Zoochat). But agree that most likely course is Melbourne Zoo to go with a felid species already present in some of the region's zoos. Personally I find Caracals just as captivating as Servals, but I can imagine that generally speaking the average zoo-goer may find Servals a little more ''exotic'' and ''striking'' given their coat coloring and markings similar to a Cheetah but yet Bobcat/Lynx like too (Caracals the same but more Puma like with their coats, the reddish-coated Pumas that is), their (Servals) slightly larger and slightly more robust build and @ZooFan like you said their propensity to be a little more confident and 'showy' in front of visiting people.

@Grant Rhino <3 your idea about a moated Eastern B+W Colobus exhibit either where the Tapirs are or between the two exhibits you mentioned.

@Jambo So the Japanese Garden at MZ has a large island (have never been fortunate to visit so learn everything about MZ from on here) if MZ has expanded their Nth White-Cheeked Gibbon aviary in the Treetops perhaps MZ could hold more than one pair in the future like how Perth Zoo has multiple groups of Nth White-Cheeked Gibbons (including a recent return of the species to one of their two Main Lake islands, 'across the pond' from the Silvery Gibbon extended family).

@everyone Its sad to see Coatis seem destined once again for phase out departure from the region entirely, wish that was not the case.

 

[dylan downward]

I’m headed to Melbourne zoo today anything people want me to find out

 

[Zoofan15]

I’m headed to Melbourne zoo today anything people want me to find out

Thanks for checking:

- Gorilla import plans for Melbourne; and why Kimya isn’t conceiving.

- Orangutan import plans.

- Why Melbourne are phasing out tigers - an endangered and enabling species.

- Future of the Hamadryas baboon troop at Melbourne - new males? new females?

- Snow leopards at Melbourne - when will they breed again?

- Will Melbourne be working with Darling Downs Zoo re. a loan of their Pygmy hippopotamus.

 

[dylan downward]

Thanks for checking:

- Gorilla import plans for Melbourne; and why Kimya isn’t conceiving.

- Orangutan import plans.

- Why Melbourne are phasing out tigers - an endangered and enabling species.

- Future of the Hamadryas baboon troop at Melbourne - new males? new females?

- Snow leopards at Melbourne - when will they breed again?

- Will Melbourne be working with Darling Downs Zoo re. a loan of their Pygmy hippopotamus.

I’ll try find out what I can

 

[Zoofan15]

I’ll try find out what I can

Thank you, anything you’re able to find out will be much appreciated and anything else, the next person can ask on their visit.

All of us can make educated guesses at the above, but confirmation from the keepers may well throw up some surprises. It’s how we’ve found out several interesting pieces of information from our region’s zoos.

Enjoy your visit.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

I think it is unlikely that tiger will be fully phased out
However Melbourne should not be using 3 enclouses to house tiger
I thinks sun bears could be moved into indrahs exhibit with little changes.
Orangutans should definitely be extended for more breeding opportunity

 

[dylan downward]

Okay so from what I found out 2 of the siamangs will be moving to island exhibit to make way for a new male siamang that will be paired up with the younger one in the current exhibit apparently this will be happening fairly soon apparently

and by the sounds of it there is no plans to import new tigers or a female orangutan yet but if any future breeding for tigers were to happen if they get new ones as they don’t think the current to will last after 7 years from now as they apparently will only last up to 20 years max in captivity this was confirmed by a keeper on my encounter today

I didn’t find out anything bout the phase out of the tigers thiugh

 

[Zoofan15]

I think it is unlikely that tiger will be fully phased out
However Melbourne should not be using 3 enclouses to house tiger
I thinks sun bears could be moved into indrahs exhibit with little changes.
Orangutans should definitely be extended for more breeding opportunity

Though I'd love to see Malayan sun bear housed at Wellington Zoo, it's not gonna happen as the species is designated as phase out.

One dat, Sloth bear may be housed at Melbourne; but in the meantime, expanding the orangutans appear to be the priority.