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

[steveroberts]

@Zoofan15

Yeah I prefer geographical too and good point ie Clouded Leopards. Just wanted to point out after reading this thread and having a look online at Melbourne Zoos layout atm it seems they've started to follow a looser pattern.

Taronga the same with the Rainforest trail currently but understand the need to want to keep Pygmy Hippo and Eastern Bongo on display; wonder what will happen when 'Congo' precinct opens, whether they will move there and if so what will take their place..personally wish a Malayan Tapir pair that were bonded would have access to an interconnected upgrade on both their conspecifics former water sourced exhibits and the current Bongo yard (requiring a door carved into the foundation of the wooden walkway, unsure if is possible, also like you said with Malayan Tapirs, but am a fan of the idea of trying again with massive shade as absolute pre-requisite).

 

[Zoofan15]

@Zoofan15

Yeah I prefer geographical too and good point is Clouded Leopards. Just wanted to point out after reading this thread and having a look online at Melbourne Zoos layout atm it seems they've started to follow a looser pattern. Taronga the same with the Rainforest trail currently but understand the need to want to keep Pygmy Hippo and Eastern Bongo on display (wonder what will happen when 'Congo' precinct opens, whether they will move there and if so what will take their place..personally wish a Malayan Tapir pair that were bonded would have access to an interconnected upgrade on both their conspecifics former water sources exhibits and the current Bongo yard (requiring a door carved into the foundation of the wooden walkway, unsure if is possible, also like you said with Malayan Tapirs, but am a fan of the idea of trying again with massive shade as absolute pre-requisite).

It’s a shame they haven’t explored the possibility of keeping Malayan tapir in a nocturnal house. I guess the space they’d require precludes this from being a viable option when you consider the number of smaller species that could be exhibited in the equivalent space - but there’s so many species like Cape porcupine, that’d greatly benefit from being exhibited within a nocturnal setting.

I’m of the opinion the space occupied by the tapir and peccaries could be demolished and a dedicated exhibit built for Brazilian tapir in its place; but am a fan of small desert species occupying this space as has been previously suggested by others.

 

[steveroberts]

@Zoofan15 Yeah that African desert idea is really ace (and something that believe is more-so within what would be Zoo(s) Victoria's budgetary limits).

 

[Zoofan15]

@Zoofan15 Yeah that African desert idea is really ace (and something that believe is more-so within what would be Zoo(s) Victoria's budgetary limits).

It lends itself to a wide range of species - with the Australian outback featuring many species that Zoos Victoria work with under the conservation umbrella. My preference would be exotics such as Fennec fox, but conservation is at the forefront of everything they do, so I’d expect a combination.

 

[Jambo]

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).

Due to Melbourne's five strict categories, I assume they've come to a point where they no longer have the animals within the collection to sustain an, 'African forest precinct' or an 'Asian forest precinct'. Of course imports could be made; but these take years of planning so you really can't expect zoos vic to leave an enclosure empty for that long. I'm of the hope both of these species are only short term replacements.

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.

I believe the Baboon and Giraffe connection was more coincidental than anything!

You can see Melbourne's thinking though with the Carnivores precinct; they had to create an area dedicated to Lions, Painted Dogs and Snow Leopards, and that was never going to work geographical wise.

I would've much preferred to see this as two separate precincts; African Pridelands with Lions, African Wild Dog and Meerkat and then Himalayan Highlands with Snow Leopards, Red Pandas. Theoretically this could've still been done; with Red Pandas replacing Coati and Meerkats replacing Komodo Dragons, but the Dingo move have stuffed that idea up.

I’m of the opinion the space occupied by the tapir and peccaries could be demolished and a dedicated exhibit built for Brazilian tapir in its place; but am a fan of small desert species occupying this space as has been previously suggested by others.

That would be good, but i'm more of a fan of a desert area dedicated to multiple species; Meerkat, Fennec Fox ect. A giant breeding complex for Brazilian Tapir could easily be built at Werribee; on a more grander scale than one at Melbourne!

 

[Josh F]

This may not be as relevant but aside from the Elephants I honestly can't see WORZ expanding into other non-African species. I think this can be shown by the stagnation in the Australian Native Trail in particular. I understand Werribee has the space but I just can't see it adding things like Tapir, Bears etc. At the moment, the ones that stand out are Bison and Mongolian Wild Horses which I do wonder if they will move on at some point in the future as WORZ becomes more and more focused on just African species. I think Melbourne definitely still needs to hold its place as the mixed menagerie type of display for that reason.

 

[Zoofan15]

This may not be as relevant but aside from the Elephants I honestly can't see WORZ expanding into other non-African species. I think this can be shown by the stagnation in the Australian Native Trail in particular. I understand Werribee has the space but I just can't see it adding things like Tapir, Bears etc. At the moment, the ones that stand out are Bison and Mongolian Wild Horses which I do wonder if they will move on at some point in the future as WORZ becomes more and more focused on just African species. I think Melbourne definitely still needs to hold its place as the mixed menagerie type of display for that reason.

I'm confident species like P wild horse and Bison will have a future at Werribee. Aside from the fact they're developing a large exhibit for Bison as part of the next phase of the masterplan, these aren't species that can be held at Melbourne due to space.

It's important that Werribee retains points of difference to Melbourne considering it's only 45 minutes away and Zoos Victoia want people to visit both. Large ungulates are the obvious point of differencence.

Zoo's Victoia only receive so much funding and following completion of what's in Wertibee's masterplan, I'd expect varied stagnation while they focus on Melbourne (replacements for elephants etc).

 

[Jambo]

This may not be as relevant but aside from the Elephants I honestly can't see WORZ expanding into other non-African species. I think this can be shown by the stagnation in the Australian Native Trail in particular. I understand Werribee has the space but I just can't see it adding things like Tapir, Bears etc. At the moment, the ones that stand out are Bison and Mongolian Wild Horses which I do wonder if they will move on at some point in the future as WORZ becomes more and more focused on just African species. I think Melbourne definitely still needs to hold its place as the mixed menagerie type of display for that reason.

I would be very surprised if Prezwalskis Wild Horse and Bison were to be phased out. As @Zoofan15 both have new pastures being built on the Northern Savannah to allow them more space to breed; and both species provide a great conservation message (alongside the fact that the Prezwalski's Horse being critically endangered.

I'd imagine we'd see a shift with Werribee becoming more diverse in the coming years (moving away from holding primarily African species). Melbourne dosen't necessarily have the space for Tapirs ect. so those species would be better suited to Werribee where the space is there.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

I think the African small animals mini area as I suggested would be the most viable, it would cost too much but could a lots of new species to the zoo that would be public favourites such as fennec fox

I am in the middle of making a map of what I think Melbourne zoo could look like in the next 5 years will be posting soon

 

[Jambo]

I think the African small animals mini area as I suggested would be the most viable, it would cost too much but could a lots of new species to the zoo that would be public favourites such as fennec fox

I am in the middle of making a map of what I think Melbourne zoo could look like in the next 5 years will be posting soon

I agree, it would be worth it to invest into such a project, displaying small desert species, something that would be unique to the region!

Sounds good, would be interesting to see what you come up with.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

With the maps I will do a real world and one with this community has suggested
Any animals replacement or suggest would be great
Let me know

 

[Jambo]

With the maps I will do a real world and one with this community has suggested
Any animals replacement or suggest would be great
Let me know

What would the 'real world' one encompass? The current map I'm assuming? You could easily just use the current map in comparison.

Not sure re. replacements, it's all up to individual speculation really. Realistically, the only phase outs in the next five years will be Asian Elephants (certain), Collared Peccary (most likely) and Malayan Tapir (possibly, depending on her lifespan).

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

The real world one will include what Melbourne zoo is highly likely to do
The other one will include what the community would like to be done and would be the best in our
opinion

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

Melbourne zoo 2023 to 2033 masterplan

( Sorry this is very long
Gorilla Rainforest

Plan
Lemurs and gorillas remain unchanged apart from importing 3 females
Pygmy Hippo female imported
Cassowary moved to Australia area and 3 mandrils move into the exhibit, Climbing frames and small trees added
Tree tops apes, Tamarin's remain, spider monkey exhibit with added foliage, Emperor tamarin relocated exhibit 4 some foliage added, Colobus monkeys can walkover the guests on a glass bridge to exhibit 6 so they would have exhibit 5 and 6. Small exhibit 8 at the end could be home to Pygmy Marmosets or tree shrews. Exhibit 7 could house tree kangaroos or a new species white faced saki monkey, this species are popular in asian zoos so could be imported from Singapore.
Species
Ring Tailed Lemur
Black and White ruffed lemur
Western lowland gorilla
Pygmy Hippo
Mandrill
Cotton Top Tamarin ( exhibit 1
Black Handed spider monkey ( exhibit 2 and 3
Black and White Colobus Monkey ( exhibit 5 and 6
Emperor Tamarin ( exhibit 4
Pygmy Marmoset or tree shrews ( exhibit 8
White faced saki Monkey or Tree Kangaroo ( exhibit 7


Trail Of the Elephants could be named
Journey Through Asia

Plan
Otters remain, tiger also. As we know elephant are a phase out so there could be a mini Indian section with Indian Rhinos, Axis deer and Blackbuck, Malayan Tapir moved to first elephant pool exhibit this exhibit will be decked out with tree shrubs and shade and undercover shelters.
Squirrel Monkey relocated and binturong moved back in to the squirrel monkey exhibit, Siamang remain where the are but the orangutang sanctuary expanded to make room for new females the expansion will be similar the Aukland zoo in which the islands in the middle of the pond will be expanded and orangutang will be able to climb across to the island
Asian Small Clawed Otter
Sumatran Tiger
Indian Rhinoceros
Blackbuck
Axis Deer
Malayan Tapir
Binturong
Siamang
Orangutan

New Precinct
Heart of Africa

Africa has been laking at Melbourne zoo so this new precinct will include animals big and small from Africa giraffe and zebra remain with Nyala included, Babbon remain with exhibit adding more foliage. Tapir and Peccarie area to be demolished in replace a small animals of Africa area to be built this will include Fennec foxes, Cape porcupine, leopard tortoise, maybe bat eared fox and meerkats relocated from growing wild to this area
Giraffe
Plains Zebra
Hamadryas Baboon
Nyala

Mini Precinct
Small but mighty

Fennec Fox
Cape Porcupine
Leopard Tortoise
Bat Eared Fox
Meerkat

Lion Gorge
Lion gorge will have little changes apart from the species Lions remain, coatis are a possible phase out if so th exhibit will be modified and small expansion for a clouded leopard, snow leopard remain but sun bears to replace indrah the tiger the exhibit will have some small modification like the moat should be made a bit smaller, Tasmania devils moved as you don't normal see them and there exit is quite large they will be moved to the Australian precinct in replace a partnership the the Komodo national park and Komodo's dragons imported from the Bali safari and marine park as they are regularly born. As African wild dogs have been replaced with dingos which I think don't really cut the mustard I think these could easily be replaced with manned wolf with little exhibit changes.
African Lion
Clouded Leopard replace coatis if phased out
Snow leopard
Sun bear
Komodo Dragon
Mane Wolf

Growing Wild
As Meerkats and Giant Tortoise are already housed in other section of the zoo this area could become a mini South America trail with
Plan demolish meerkat, the giant tortoise exhibit can be modified so capybara can swim the kookaburras moved and in the aviary the can be modified and squirrel monkeys and or golden lion tamarins can live in it, a sloth exhibit could incorporate the growing wild learning space a small ousted area and an cool inside area that acts a a mini rainforest this will still keep the learning aspect as it teaches biodiversity a flamingo exhibit could be built to replace the meerkats, this percent wouldn't require that much work but would make a big impact as South America isn't represented in the zoo
Capybara
Sloth
Squirrel Monkey
Golden Lion Tamarin
Flamingo

Australian Bush
Plan
This precinct would need little changes The great flight aviary would house zillie the cassowary lace monitor remain Tassie devil moved from lion gorge to tis exit a small exhibit built for the dingos, wombats remain the kangaroo and emu area has already been done maybe they should incorporate wallaby
Koala
Great Flight Aviary
Cassowary( Inside the Aviary )
Lace monitor
Tasmanian Devil
Dingo
Wombat
Emu
Kangaroo

Other
White cheek gibbon moved to an extended Japanese garden giving them room to breed
All these exhibits remain the same
Red panda
Giant tortoise
Platypus
Reptile house

Overall this plan is best case senario as Melbourne probably won't do all this but this wouldn't coast an arm and a leg to do and it would make the zoo one of the best in Australia

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

What does everybody think

 

[Zoofan15]

What does everybody think

Overall, some good ideas.

I like the addition of the Clouded leopard to the Predator Precinct and replacing the Dingo with Maned wolf. Maned wolf are a unique species that never should have been phased out of the zoo’s collection (imo); and I agree the Dingo are an uninspiring replacement for the African wild dog.

I don’t feel like Malayan tapir are a realistic option given the region has agreed to phase this species out. Even with the provisions you outline, I can’t see this being a viable option. Regrettable as they’re a striking species next to the comparatively dull Brazilian counterparts (which will likely have a future in the region).

I wouldn’t import three female gorillas unless the exhibit was to be expanded. Two imported females would suffice. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Kanzi remain in the troop long term as a non breeding female (she’s not genetically valuable); so importing two females would mean they’d have each other for support against the mother-daughter dyad of Kimya and Kanzi.

 

[Jambo]

I wouldn’t import three female gorillas unless the exhibit was to be expanded. Two imported females would suffice. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Kanzi remain in the troop long term as a non breeding female (she’s not genetically valuable); so importing two females would mean they’d have each other for support against the mother-daughter dyad of Kimya and Kanzi.

I think the exhibit is big enough for an additional three females but do agree, two females would be more suitable and more likely.

Kimya is Otana's strong favorite, so even if Kanzi was a valuable female and had to be sent away, I think Kimya would still have enough support imo. Kanzi's a very independent female, and likes to venture off herself. Melbourne's current trio are always seem to be doing their own thing; which is an interesting comparison to Taronga, as i've found Taronga's group are very tight knit and often stick together. I guess it just depends on the individuals and the group dynamics.

 

[Zoofan15]

I think the exhibit is big enough for an additional three females but do agree, two females would be more suitable and more likely.

Kimya is Otana's strong favorite, so even if Kanzi was a valuable female and had to be sent away, I think Kimya would still have enough support imo. Kanzi's a very independent female, and likes to venture off herself. Melbourne's current trio are always seem to be doing their own thing; which is an interesting comparison to Taronga, as i've found Taronga's group are very tight knit and often stick together. I guess it just depends on the individuals and the group dynamics.

That’s an interesting observation re. Kanzi’s independence. It’s fairly typical juvenile behaviour and despite Kanzi now being an adolescent of eight years (around the age of dispersal), indicates she doesn’t yet see herself as one of Otana’s females - which has occurred in other troops (e.g. Shiba at Taronga) when a female remains in her natal troop past the age of dispersal.

This supports the theory that Kimya isn’t conceiving because she feels socially isolated/unsupported in a 1.1 pairing - rather than the 1.2 pairing of three reproductive age animals we see.

I’d expect this to resolve itself within the next two years, but the import of more females will certainly speed things along and enhance troop dynamics.

 

[OskarGC]

Melbourne zoo 2023 to 2033 masterplan

( Sorry this is very long
Gorilla Rainforest

Plan
Lemurs and gorillas remain unchanged apart from importing 3 females
Pygmy Hippo female imported
Cassowary moved to Australia area and 3 mandrils move into the exhibit, Climbing frames and small trees added
Tree tops apes, Tamarin's remain, spider monkey exhibit with added foliage, Emperor tamarin relocated exhibit 4 some foliage added, Colobus monkeys can walkover the guests on a glass bridge to exhibit 6 so they would have exhibit 5 and 6. Small exhibit 8 at the end could be home to Pygmy Marmosets or tree shrews. Exhibit 7 could house tree kangaroos or a new species white faced saki monkey, this species are popular in asian zoos so could be imported from Singapore.
Species
Ring Tailed Lemur
Black and White ruffed lemur
Western lowland gorilla
Pygmy Hippo
Mandrill
Cotton Top Tamarin ( exhibit 1
Black Handed spider monkey ( exhibit 2 and 3
Black and White Colobus Monkey ( exhibit 5 and 6
Emperor Tamarin ( exhibit 4
Pygmy Marmoset or tree shrews ( exhibit 8
White faced saki Monkey or Tree Kangaroo ( exhibit 7


Trail Of the Elephants could be named
Journey Through Asia

Plan
Otters remain, tiger also. As we know elephant are a phase out so there could be a mini Indian section with Indian Rhinos, Axis deer and Blackbuck, Malayan Tapir moved to first elephant pool exhibit this exhibit will be decked out with tree shrubs and shade and undercover shelters.
Squirrel Monkey relocated and binturong moved back in to the squirrel monkey exhibit, Siamang remain where the are but the orangutang sanctuary expanded to make room for new females the expansion will be similar the Aukland zoo in which the islands in the middle of the pond will be expanded and orangutang will be able to climb across to the island
Asian Small Clawed Otter
Sumatran Tiger
Indian Rhinoceros
Blackbuck
Axis Deer
Malayan Tapir
Binturong
Siamang
Orangutan

New Precinct
Heart of Africa

Africa has been laking at Melbourne zoo so this new precinct will include animals big and small from Africa giraffe and zebra remain with Nyala included, Babbon remain with exhibit adding more foliage. Tapir and Peccarie area to be demolished in replace a small animals of Africa area to be built this will include Fennec foxes, Cape porcupine, leopard tortoise, maybe bat eared fox and meerkats relocated from growing wild to this area
Giraffe
Plains Zebra
Hamadryas Baboon
Nyala

Mini Precinct
Small but mighty

Fennec Fox
Cape Porcupine
Leopard Tortoise
Bat Eared Fox
Meerkat

Lion Gorge
Lion gorge will have little changes apart from the species Lions remain, coatis are a possible phase out if so th exhibit will be modified and small expansion for a clouded leopard, snow leopard remain but sun bears to replace indrah the tiger the exhibit will have some small modification like the moat should be made a bit smaller, Tasmania devils moved as you don't normal see them and there exit is quite large they will be moved to the Australian precinct in replace a partnership the the Komodo national park and Komodo's dragons imported from the Bali safari and marine park as they are regularly born. As African wild dogs have been replaced with dingos which I think don't really cut the mustard I think these could easily be replaced with manned wolf with little exhibit changes.
African Lion
Clouded Leopard replace coatis if phased out
Snow leopard
Sun bear
Komodo Dragon
Mane Wolf

Growing Wild
As Meerkats and Giant Tortoise are already housed in other section of the zoo this area could become a mini South America trail with
Plan demolish meerkat, the giant tortoise exhibit can be modified so capybara can swim the kookaburras moved and in the aviary the can be modified and squirrel monkeys and or golden lion tamarins can live in it, a sloth exhibit could incorporate the growing wild learning space a small ousted area and an cool inside area that acts a a mini rainforest this will still keep the learning aspect as it teaches biodiversity a flamingo exhibit could be built to replace the meerkats, this percent wouldn't require that much work but would make a big impact as South America isn't represented in the zoo
Capybara
Sloth
Squirrel Monkey
Golden Lion Tamarin
Flamingo

Australian Bush
Plan
This precinct would need little changes The great flight aviary would house zillie the cassowary lace monitor remain Tassie devil moved from lion gorge to tis exit a small exhibit built for the dingos, wombats remain the kangaroo and emu area has already been done maybe they should incorporate wallaby
Koala
Great Flight Aviary
Cassowary( Inside the Aviary )
Lace monitor
Tasmanian Devil
Dingo
Wombat
Emu
Kangaroo

Other
White cheek gibbon moved to an extended Japanese garden giving them room to breed
All these exhibits remain the same
Red panda
Giant tortoise
Platypus
Reptile house

Overall this plan is best case senario as Melbourne probably won't do all this but this wouldn't coast an arm and a leg to do and it would make the zoo one of the best in Australia

This is awesome. Definitely something I wish/hope Melbourne Zoo would do, though with Melbourne Zoo being how they're I doubt they'd do something this good. Can I write this into a species list for you? Something like:
Gorilla Rainforest
1. Ring-Tailed Lemur
2. Black-and-White Ruffed-Lemur
3. Western Lowland-Gorilla
& so on.

 

[Jambo]

This is awesome. Definitely something I wish/hope Melbourne Zoo would do, though with Melbourne Zoo being how they're I doubt they'd do something this good. Can I write this into a species list for you? Something like:
Gorilla Rainforest
1. Ring-Tailed Lemur
2. Black-and-White Ruffed-Lemur
3. Western Lowland-Gorilla
& so on.

The only real changes I think should be made to the current Gorilla Rainforest precinct; would be to simply add both Mandrills and Pygmy Marmosets. Mandrills replacing the Cassowary, and Pygmy Marmosets going into the last enclosure apart of the treetop trail which has been empty for quite some time now.

Although it would've been better to see the WC Gibbons moved out to give these smaller primates more space; unfortunately it seems they'll just be remaining there at least for the time being (with the older saimang pair moving to the Japanese island).