That's a great idea. Adding Koala into the Woodlands section too would be awesome. Add more native fish species into the Wetlands section too, and I think the aviary would be much much better.
Melbourne Zoo Future of Melbourne Zoo 2023 (Speculation / Fantasy)
- Thread starter Jambo
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That's a great idea. Adding Koala into the Woodlands section too would be awesome. Add more native fish species into the Wetlands section too, and I think the aviary would be much much better.
So that suggests that there are plans for the "island" with the waterbirds: It's been cleared and a landbridge has been made (they didn't do this for no reason). I'm assuming they will use this in some way for the orangutan extenstion - maybe with overhead ropes (like at Auckland) going onto this "island" area. The bridge would've been made so that construction equipment can come across (though I can't recall how wide it is). Or could this be the new colobus island?
I think both of these points involve one important aspect: Are colobus a "rainforest species" housed in enclosures with little sunlight or a more open woodland / forest species housed in areas with more sunlight?
Obviously okapi are a rainforest species - and that elephant area has a bit of tree cover (it would need more though).
In any case, the current colobus enclosure is too small but it's also simply too hard for visitors to see them easily. I find it amazing that the most impressive looking species in that whole treetop area has the worst of the enclosures.
Unless they have deliberately tried to give them some shelter and privacy - which may be the case, especially with the new introduction of the male. Perhaps Kipenzi likes her enclosure and they want to make her as comfortable as possible etc...
I've always wanted that island to be used as an orangutan extension. It's a perfect fit with overhead ropes connecting it to the main complex. This might occur down the line; especially if they do intend to give the orangutans more space.
I was told though by a volunteer that the island was simply 'cleared' to discourage the birds from being there - they *went toilet* all over the island, which made for a bad display!
I think Colobus can really be displayed in either way; there's no reason why they shouldn't be displayed in the Ruffed Lemur enclosure at the front of the zoo just because they're a 'rainforest' species and wouldn't suit the enclosure which is open.
I do very much agree re. not being able to see the colobus properly in their current enclosure. I am under the impression Kipenzi likes her privacy though- hence the tinting of the windows (which was only a recent move).
austrlain zoo gower
Well-Known Member
The Okapi and Colobus combined exhibit could work however okapis are very shy and allusive so have colobus monkey swinging around might not be ideal
My proposal
Cotton Top Tamarins remain were they are.
White cheeked gibbons move to the Japanese garden, if not the enclosure is being expanded
The colobus monkey would look great in the ruffed lemur but Melbourne probably won't to that. The monkeys could go into a interconnected exhibit current and the white cheeked gibbon or current and an overhead path to the emperor tamarin this would be a proud pleaser as it would be cool to have the monkeys above. The empire tamarins could be moved to a sampler exhibit as the are quit small. If the small end exhibit was extended a bit they could go in there
Gorilla Rainforest
Gorillas remain with a couple of female imports
Pygmy Hippos remain and import a female
Cassowary could go replaced with Mandrills or Okapi
Tree top Apes, Cotton top tamarins Remain, Spider monkeys remain, Emperor tamarins transferred to smaller exhibit
Colobus walkover exhibit Current and tamarin and the white cheeked gibbons expanded
Lemurs remain
You can Barley see the colobus monkeys as Jambo said. She is shy but the exhibit is very bare so some foliage were she could hide would be could
Trail of the Elephants
Otter remain in current exhibit same as tiger.
As Elephants are moving to a great new complex at Werribee. A sensible replacement would be the Indian Rhinoceros in biggest exhibit Blackbuck could also be included. It would be great to have the first exhibit replanned into a more jungle and have Malayan tapirs. This would be great but it is kinda unlikely.
The siamangs could stay the orangutans expanded into the islands in the middle of the water similar to the zoos in new Zealand. The squirrel monkey could have a better exhibit but they can remain.
Main trail
Red Pandas remain
African area
A new themed area
Giraffes and zebras stay. Nyala were supposed to be coming but didn't. They could add ostrich.
Tapir and Peccarie are turned into a nocturnal animals of Africa. Fennec Fox and Cape Porcupine Bat eared fox would be cool.
Lion Gorge
Dingos seem to be staying as wild dog were conferred as a phase out.
Lions Stay
Snow leopards stay
Coati will probably be phased out but could easy more be imported
Indrah could be replaced with sun bear with little work to the exhibit
Tasmain devilas moved to Australia with an alliance made with Komodo's national park 2 dragons imported
My proposal
Cotton Top Tamarins remain were they are.
White cheeked gibbons move to the Japanese garden, if not the enclosure is being expanded
The colobus monkey would look great in the ruffed lemur but Melbourne probably won't to that. The monkeys could go into a interconnected exhibit current and the white cheeked gibbon or current and an overhead path to the emperor tamarin this would be a proud pleaser as it would be cool to have the monkeys above. The empire tamarins could be moved to a sampler exhibit as the are quit small. If the small end exhibit was extended a bit they could go in there
Gorilla Rainforest
Gorillas remain with a couple of female imports
Pygmy Hippos remain and import a female
Cassowary could go replaced with Mandrills or Okapi
Tree top Apes, Cotton top tamarins Remain, Spider monkeys remain, Emperor tamarins transferred to smaller exhibit
Colobus walkover exhibit Current and tamarin and the white cheeked gibbons expanded
Lemurs remain
You can Barley see the colobus monkeys as Jambo said. She is shy but the exhibit is very bare so some foliage were she could hide would be could
Trail of the Elephants
Otter remain in current exhibit same as tiger.
As Elephants are moving to a great new complex at Werribee. A sensible replacement would be the Indian Rhinoceros in biggest exhibit Blackbuck could also be included. It would be great to have the first exhibit replanned into a more jungle and have Malayan tapirs. This would be great but it is kinda unlikely.
The siamangs could stay the orangutans expanded into the islands in the middle of the water similar to the zoos in new Zealand. The squirrel monkey could have a better exhibit but they can remain.
Main trail
Red Pandas remain
African area
A new themed area
Giraffes and zebras stay. Nyala were supposed to be coming but didn't. They could add ostrich.
Tapir and Peccarie are turned into a nocturnal animals of Africa. Fennec Fox and Cape Porcupine Bat eared fox would be cool.
Lion Gorge
Dingos seem to be staying as wild dog were conferred as a phase out.
Lions Stay
Snow leopards stay
Coati will probably be phased out but could easy more be imported
Indrah could be replaced with sun bear with little work to the exhibit
Tasmain devilas moved to Australia with an alliance made with Komodo's national park 2 dragons imported
I like this idea! It could even be something like "Small animals of Africa". There is a lot to work with here though - because we have all of the following available in some form or another within Australia at the moment:
1. Fennec Fox
2. African Porcupine
3. Meerkat
4. Leopard Tortoise
5. Serval
6. Caracal
7. Guineafowl
I do like the idea of these sorts of species in enclosures in front of giraffe, zebra etc too though. The now demolished koala exhibit is big enough to create a Porcupine / Fox / Tortoise / Meerkat exhibit though - fitting the African area.
Those four species could even go into a series of rotating enclosures like we've been talking about earlier in this thread.
The only real changes I see happening within the next five years, revolve around the Treetop monkeys precinct, trail of the elephants, the Australian area and the Tapir and Peccary enclosures.
Treetop Monkeys
There's really no need for much change here, although I would be a fan of moving the Colobus, I do concede that Melbourne would be unlikely to do so. So we're being realistic here in saying this isn't a likely option. I imagine they'd get the other former Capuchin enclosure too in addition to their current one, to give them more space. I'm not a big fan of the tinted windows, but an easy way they could achieve giving visitors at least decent viewing would be to give a small viewing area towards these enclosures behind the Pygmy Hippos. There's currently a bamboo walk that can give you somewhat of a view of the Colobus monkeys, but is quite packed with bamboo so is hard to get the 'best' view. Clear some of this and give a viewing deck or something and it would be a compromise for the tinted windows above.
Elephant Replacement
The best option here would be to extend the Orangutan's space this way, and give them at least another enclosure. Alongside them, Melbourne could either import Sloth Bears and give them two enclosures. Komodo Dragons are another feasible option, alongside the Orangutans. Another option that shouldn't be overlooked too - Okapi. Although I'm aware Okapi don't fit the precinct; they could have their own mini trail off the main Asian trail - 'Secrets of the Okapi' or something of the sort, which could potentially feature Colobus monkeys too.
Australian Area
The first area to improve would be the Great Flight Aviary, and the best idea is to first, restock the bird collection, and second, move Koalas, Tree Kangaroos and Echidnas into the aviary. Koalas and Echidnas could share the first two halves of the aviary (Woodlands and wetlands) with Tree Kangaroos in the final rainforest section.
Echidnas could also move into the former Koala enclosure.
Top of the Zoo
With the Peccaries and Semangka both in their final years, those two enclosures will soon be empty. My idea would be to totally demolish both enclosures, and create an extension of the African area with smaller African species - Fennec Fox, Meerkat, Crested Porcupine and Leopard Tortoise. Three large rotational exhibits could be created for these species (with the Meerkats and Crested Porcupines sharing an enclosure). There's certainly the space for this; the Tapir exhibit goes a decent bit back.
How about something completely different for the elephant area, something that could be a big draw card unlike anything else in the region and more appropriate to Melbourne’s climate. Mountains of North America with grizzly bears, wolves, puma and bighorn sheep.
I'm a bit sad that my hotel idea won't be happening: I'd already had the rooms planned out:
1. The Monkey Room (squirrel monkeys)
2. The Tamarin Room (cotton top tamarins)
3. The Marmoset Room (common marmosets)
4. The Devil Room (tassie devils) Note - you wouldn't get much sleep in that one
5. The Fox Room (fennec fox)
6. The Meerkat Room (meerkats)
7. The Far North Queensland Room (tree kangaroo and echidna)
8. The Cat Room (serval or caracal)
9. The Firefox Room (red pandas)
10. The Underwater Room (otters)
Anyway, not to be
Am laughing and simultaneously thinking ''brilliant!!''
Even if these species were imported for Melbourne zoo without other zoos within the region holding them there would be little point to it. Also importing the sheep could be very difficult even with the current import laws. As for Puma I believe if any were imported they would have to be de-sexed so pointless really.
That's a nice idea; but I doubt Melbourne would go this approach. They've phased out Puma in the past (in line with the the region), and none of these species fit into Melbourne's 'five categories'.
A North American themed area is a good idea nonetheless, but I would prefer to see it carried out at Werribee with Bison, Bighorn Sheep ect.
Hey all these ideas are very cool.
What if Zoo Gower's idea, the Indian Rhino & Blackbuck (and maybe Axis Deer) in the largest Elephant yard (with a commitment to Indian Rhinos by Werribee too). The Japanese Garden Island as extension for Orange (and maybe Siamangs), Malayan Tapir in the second largest yard (perhaps with Binturongs) hate to see our region wave goodbye to Malayan Tapirs for good considering our proximity to SE Asia. Indrahs exhibit for a Sun Bear or a pair (think Werribee should look into being holders for Sloth Bear/Syrian Browns or rescued Asiatic Black Bears. If Coatis are truly phased out (a shame but just if they are) perhaps an exhibit for Fishing Cats? (or even Bush Dogs would be exciting). If the Dingo find a space in the Australian section perhaps a pair of Spotted Hyena or Maned Wolves (think Werribee should commit to African Wild Dogs). Think maybe if Melbourne sent it's Hamadryad troop to Werribee that exhibit would be suitable size for a pair of Okapis possibly shared with a pair of Bongo or a rainforest Duiker species. A small Mandrill troop (1.3) should go where the Zilly the Cassowary currently is (return for the species to that precinct of the zoo). Perhaps with Zilly the Cassowary moving to the Australasian section Melbourne should look at being a holder of a pair of Barton's Echidnas as well as Short-Beaked. Love the small African animal section idea (Bat-eared Foxes an awesome alternative to Fennecs), think Ostriches should indeed be added with Giraffes & Zebras if Nyalas indeed are not happening (but perhaps Bongo with Okapis could). Really love the Komodo Dragon idea for the Tassie Devil exhibit in Lion Gorge (and moving the Tassie Devils to Australian section obviously). Maybe with the other potential extended exhibit in treetops besides the Nth White-Cheeked Gibbon one, instead the B+W Colobuses could swap with the B+W Ruffed Lemurs (provided minor renovations were done to help view the Ruffed Lemurs better). Am aware a lot of is potentially unrealistic but just wanted to share and add to the great what-if ideas already suggested.
Edit: Obviously not sure though if the current Ruffed Lemur exhibit is a size downgrade for the B+W Colobus Monkeys, if it could be expanded..or leave the Colobuses in Treetops but expand with that vacated Tamarin exhibit and renovate the current Ruffed Lemur exhibit to get better viewing of them..or increase the group number.
Perhaps if the Colobuses stay in Treetops/Arboreal walk with an expanded walk over exhibit with renovations to the tinted glass for better viewing then the proposed site of a moated exhibit could instead be two exhibits, one for Brown-nose Coatis and possibly Capybaras and Collared Peccaries sharing and the other for Clouded Leopards perhaps.
What if Zoo Gower's idea, the Indian Rhino & Blackbuck (and maybe Axis Deer) in the largest Elephant yard (with a commitment to Indian Rhinos by Werribee too). The Japanese Garden Island as extension for Orange (and maybe Siamangs), Malayan Tapir in the second largest yard (perhaps with Binturongs) hate to see our region wave goodbye to Malayan Tapirs for good considering our proximity to SE Asia. Indrahs exhibit for a Sun Bear or a pair (think Werribee should look into being holders for Sloth Bear/Syrian Browns or rescued Asiatic Black Bears. If Coatis are truly phased out (a shame but just if they are) perhaps an exhibit for Fishing Cats? (or even Bush Dogs would be exciting). If the Dingo find a space in the Australian section perhaps a pair of Spotted Hyena or Maned Wolves (think Werribee should commit to African Wild Dogs). Think maybe if Melbourne sent it's Hamadryad troop to Werribee that exhibit would be suitable size for a pair of Okapis possibly shared with a pair of Bongo or a rainforest Duiker species. A small Mandrill troop (1.3) should go where the Zilly the Cassowary currently is (return for the species to that precinct of the zoo). Perhaps with Zilly the Cassowary moving to the Australasian section Melbourne should look at being a holder of a pair of Barton's Echidnas as well as Short-Beaked. Love the small African animal section idea (Bat-eared Foxes an awesome alternative to Fennecs), think Ostriches should indeed be added with Giraffes & Zebras if Nyalas indeed are not happening (but perhaps Bongo with Okapis could). Really love the Komodo Dragon idea for the Tassie Devil exhibit in Lion Gorge (and moving the Tassie Devils to Australian section obviously). Maybe with the other potential extended exhibit in treetops besides the Nth White-Cheeked Gibbon one, instead the B+W Colobuses could swap with the B+W Ruffed Lemurs (provided minor renovations were done to help view the Ruffed Lemurs better). Am aware a lot of is potentially unrealistic but just wanted to share and add to the great what-if ideas already suggested.
Edit: Obviously not sure though if the current Ruffed Lemur exhibit is a size downgrade for the B+W Colobus Monkeys, if it could be expanded..or leave the Colobuses in Treetops but expand with that vacated Tamarin exhibit and renovate the current Ruffed Lemur exhibit to get better viewing of them..or increase the group number.
Perhaps if the Colobuses stay in Treetops/Arboreal walk with an expanded walk over exhibit with renovations to the tinted glass for better viewing then the proposed site of a moated exhibit could instead be two exhibits, one for Brown-nose Coatis and possibly Capybaras and Collared Peccaries sharing and the other for Clouded Leopards perhaps.
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I can definitely see Indian Rhino as potentially being a replacement for the elephants - although I wouldn't be surprised if Zoos Vic may not deem them more suitable to Werribee.
Melbourne actually seem to advertise Malayan Tapir well (amongst their 'save the forests' campaign). They were afront of their latest zoo map! I have hope Melbourne will continue with Malayans down the line. Yes, they have experienced issues related to blindness, but this was only due to inadequate housing back two, three decades ago. There's no reason why the adequate shade can't be given. Malayans would fit the first, pool enclosure. Anyhow, Semangka's only 23 and could still have a decade of life ahead of her, so could very well be apart of the Elephant replacement.
If Melbourne do intend to phase out their Sumatran Tigers, Sun Bears would be a good replacement. They'd suit the TOTE Tiger exhibit very very well.
On the note of Binturongs too, I would love to see them return. I have hope Squirrel Monkeys are only a temporary replacement in an Asian themed trail..
Possibly...although that would require a bit of renovations.
Unfortunately there's no space in the Australian precinct for Dingo atm; i'd assuming they'll be remaining long term. Maybe once they pass (and if Werribee's Hyenas breed well), Melbourne may end up holding some surplus Hyenas from Werribee.
I've always wanted the baboons to be sent to Werribee, but I personally don't see them moving there anytime soon. Their enclosure is fairly new and spacious enough; and they have the space to breed the troop into the 30s so there isn't really an reason to move them atm.
Would absolutely love to see this; although we have been made aware of the fact that Melbourne has no plans to reimport Mandrill atm. The former Mandrill enclosure has also undergone quite a bit of renovations for the Cassowary which I assume would indicate Melbourne plan for them to be there long term.
I'd like to see Echidnas in the former Koala enclosure.
Yeah Malayan Tapirs just need lots of shade. Think Binturongs should take precedent in that exhibit over Squirrel Monkeys. Maybe Squirrel Monkeys could share with the Spider Monkeys in treetops (heard once Spider Monkeys have mixed at some North American or European Zoos with Squirrel Monkeys and or species of Capuchins). Think Melbourne should commit to Malayan Tapirs and should never ever ever plan to phase out Sumatran Tigers, that's just insanity and they'll regret it very quickly, zoo goers can expect an Elephant-less city zoo in this day and age but they expect Tigers as a must (and Sumatran Tigers have had a 45+ year legacy at Melbourne), think the Sumatran Tiger exhibit should remain for at least one Sumatran Tiger in that SE Asian region but think the one in Lion Gorge would be good for a Sun Bear or bonded pair of Sun Bears. That would likely entail Melbourne being reduced to a non breeding holder of a solo Sumatran Tiger whether a post 'productive' individual or one who's genes are well represented already.
austrlain zoo gower
Well-Known Member
Asia could be a key area to import from.
The Bali Safari and Marine park breed Komodo’s dragons regularly so they could easily import
I don’t think Melbourne will phase out tiger because that would mean losing another key species. They should have Sun bear in the lion gorge this would also add to the palm oil campaign.
Another option would to keep Indrah in here exibit and use one of the tiger exibits on the trail,of the elephants with sun bear
The Bali Safari and Marine park breed Komodo’s dragons regularly so they could easily import
I don’t think Melbourne will phase out tiger because that would mean losing another key species. They should have Sun bear in the lion gorge this would also add to the palm oil campaign.
Another option would to keep Indrah in here exibit and use one of the tiger exibits on the trail,of the elephants with sun bear
Unfortunately Malayan tapir have been phased out due to the brightness of the Australian sun (even with shade) leading to eye problems. I’m hopeful Brazilian tapir will receive support going forward as we move to phasing out the former.
I fully agree with you that Sumatran tigers should remain in Melbourne’s long term plans. They fit three categories under their criteria (enabling, endangered and the face of a conservation campaign - palm oil). The current criteria is a species must fit two or more categories, so I’d love to hear valid reasoning for phasing them out.
Going forward, Taronga and Auckland I believe will establish themselves as the breeding hubs, but it’s clear other zoos will still desire to breed. Either way, Melbourne will surely have the option to reduce their participation as a non breeding holder - with a surplus readily able to be bred via any one of the breeding pairs in the region.
Suppose that Melbourne has sort of made clear for a little while now by some decisions that it's way forward is not to necessarily try to put all of its species into rigid geographically zoned areas anymore.
Zilly the Cassowary's placement and the Squirrel Monkeys placement sort of set off some obsessive compulsive or spectrum thinking related irritation personally (though love both species and think they deserve a place at Melbourne Zoo somewhere in the grounds). Lion Gorge and 'Growing Wild' being recent examples of this (much much less a fan of the latter lol, the exhibit concept not the species obviously).
Sort of seems the Australian precinct and the Reptile House (which is taxonomic of course not geographical) will be the only ones that adhere to a stricter criteria of species requirement. Kind of think that more loose pattern for Melbourne will work in the zoos favour perhaps with extension of potential species.
Really have enjoyed the ideas floated on the last few pages because they've all been in complete consideration of the initial zoning theme of the different areas of the zoo (regional and then carnivore for Lion Gorge), but really did that idea of the smaller animals of dry-zone Africa for the top of the zoo possibly because it's also cleverly picked up on the fact that the Giraffe/Zebra and the Hamadryas Baboon exhibit have essentially made way for an unofficial dry-climate African area of the zoo.
Zilly the Cassowary's placement and the Squirrel Monkeys placement sort of set off some obsessive compulsive or spectrum thinking related irritation personally (though love both species and think they deserve a place at Melbourne Zoo somewhere in the grounds). Lion Gorge and 'Growing Wild' being recent examples of this (much much less a fan of the latter lol, the exhibit concept not the species obviously).
Sort of seems the Australian precinct and the Reptile House (which is taxonomic of course not geographical) will be the only ones that adhere to a stricter criteria of species requirement. Kind of think that more loose pattern for Melbourne will work in the zoos favour perhaps with extension of potential species.
Really have enjoyed the ideas floated on the last few pages because they've all been in complete consideration of the initial zoning theme of the different areas of the zoo (regional and then carnivore for Lion Gorge), but really did that idea of the smaller animals of dry-zone Africa for the top of the zoo possibly because it's also cleverly picked up on the fact that the Giraffe/Zebra and the Hamadryas Baboon exhibit have essentially made way for an unofficial dry-climate African area of the zoo.
Personally, my preference is for a zoo to have a geographical layout. That’s not to say it bothers me when I see a zoo that doesn’t follow this format, but I believe it’s both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Not many, if any felids are comforted by the presence of other felids - especially apex predators such as lions or tigers. Arranging exhibits by taxonomy means species like Cheetah can overlook a Savannah rather than being housed adjacent to tigers.
In the context of Melbourne Zoo, this is something to consider for the carnivores precinct in that Clouded leopard or any small felid would be hindered in breeding by the close proximity of the Snow leopard and Sumatran tiger exhibits.
Though I always enjoy seeing new species at a zoo and hope Melbourne have a few new additions to the zoo planned in the wake of the elephant phase out, the way of the future is increased exhibit size and I have no doubt this will be Melbourne’s focus - likely beginning with an orangutan exhibit to rival Auckland’s.
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