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

[Josh F]

Perhaps it was signage relating to the Great Apes and their relation to people or something along those lines not signage suggesting that the species was held (just a thought)

One purely speculative concept that I have always wondered was what if Werribee went fully into the African theming and MZ sent any/all African animals to WORZ leaving large amounts of space to be redeveloped into perhaps this South American forest idea that people have previously discussed.

Ball Python, Kenyan Sand Boa, Dumerils Boa, Madagascar Giant Day Gecko, Zebra, Giraffe, Baboons and Primates to WORZ

Gorillas, Lemurs, Pygmy Hippos stay at MZ, perhaps with the development within the Elephant Trail this whole section of the zoo becomes known as "Rainforests of the World" allowing for both the existing African infrastructure and a link to the Asian infrastructure. Add in some South American species and maybe a pair of Tree Kangaroo into one of the Primate Exhibits (I think I can vaguely remember this being the case a few years ago) which also fit into the Coffee for Wildlife campaign at ZV currently.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Perhaps it was signage relating to the Great Apes and their relation to people or something along those lines not signage suggesting that the species was held (just a thought)

One purely speculative concept that I have always wondered was what if Werribee went fully into the African theming and MZ sent any/all African animals to WORZ leaving large amounts of space to be redeveloped into perhaps this South American forest idea that people have previously discussed.

That would be a great idea, but the issue is that the African section houses many of their best draw cards. If MZ no longer housed WL Gorilla, Lemurs, Pygmy Hippos, Zebras, baboons, and giraffes and many of their primates, the visitor numbers would undoubtedly go down. Growing Wild just seems like the perfect candidate to get rid of, not to mention there are multiple unused enclosures there

 

[Zoofan15]

That would be a great idea, but the issue is that the African section houses many of their best draw cards. If MZ no longer housed WL Gorilla, Lemurs, Pygmy Hippos, Zebras, baboons, and giraffes and many of their primates, the visitor numbers would undoubtedly go down. Growing Wild just seems like the perfect candidate to get rid of, not to mention there are multiple unused enclosures there

Western lowland gorillas are one of Melbourne Zoo’s biggest drawcards. Most zoos aspire to holding them and if Melbourne Zoo didn’t, I’d be suggesting them as a replacement for the elephants they’re that popular. I have no doubt they’ll remain at Melbourne.

The Pygmy hippopotamus also seem a logical choice for Melbourne Zoo; with Common hippopotamus housed at Werribee.

To eliminate “Africa” from Melbourne Zoo would also mean to lose the lions, which would really would be the end of Melbourne as we know it. The general public rate a lion higher than a tiger - especially given you rarely see the latter.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

I don’t think Melbourne will get rid of the african animals as this would mean a bit loss of boidiversity, it just won’t make sense

 

[Zoofan15]

I don’t think Melbourne will get rid of the african animals as this would mean a bit loss of boidiversity, it just won’t make sense

I agree. Decisions about which species are held at which zoo should first and foremost be made based on their suitability to the site. Common hippopotamus aren’t held at Werribee because they’re African, they’re held at Werribee because they’re the second largest land animal.

Furthermore, restricting Werribee to African species limits its appeal. Diversifying into Asian elephants and building a North American Plains exhibit (Bison) is a good move when other open range zoos like Monarto are focussing on African species on a greater scale (huge herds etc). Werribee needs an edge and that edge is biodiversity.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I agree. Decisions about which species are held at which zoo should first and foremost be made based on their suitability to the site. Common hippopotamus aren’t held at Werribee because they’re African, they’re held at Werribee because they’re the second largest land animal.

Furthermore, restricting Werribee to African species limits its appeal. Diversifying into Asian elephants and building a North American Plains exhibit (Bison) is a good move when other open range zoos like Monarto are focussing on African species on a greater scale (huge herds etc). Werribee needs an edge and that edge is biodiversity.

Thank god you exist. You literally know everything

 

[Zoofan15]

Thank god you exist. You literally know everything

That’s very kind of you to say, but like everyone on the site, I still have plenty to learn. I greatly enjoy researching the species we have in the region and learning more about how they’re kept. I’m interested in observing the decisions made in zoos and considering what the next moves could be. Several zoos in the region are in the midst of some exciting developments right now.

 

[steveroberts]

@Zoofan15

Am only starting to read this page now but full sails behind you on the ten years of Indian Rhino for Melbourne Zoo followed by their move to Werribee and a home for Okapi in their stead at Melbourne. Ps: oh I believe you when you say how long it takes to get an import happening lol, have seen the proof 'in the pudding' now just how long and arduous a procedure it can be, talk about a 'waiting game' hey.

 

[Zoofan15]

@Zoofan15

Am only starting to read this page now but full sails behind you on the ten years of Indian Rhino for Melbourne Zoo followed by their move to Werribee and a home for Okapi in their stead at Melbourne. Ps: oh I believe you when you say how long it takes to get an import happening lol, have seen the proof 'in the pudding' now just how long and arduous a procedure it can be, talk about a 'waiting game' hey.

For context, Auckland Zoo’s tropical dome opened in 2022 (albeit delayed by Covid). Applications to import the False gharial that also arrived last year were first made in 2013!

New Zealand (which can import Giraffe and Okapi) could potentially act as a third party to hold them prior to their import into Australia; but a direct import would be simpler and in any case, sourcing individuals from within the North American breeding programme will be the greatest challenge.

 

[Zorro]

For context, Auckland Zoo’s tropical dome opened in 2022 (albeit delayed by Covid). Applications to import the False gharial that also arrived last year were first made in 2013!

New Zealand (which can import Giraffe and Okapi) could potentially act as a third party to hold them prior to their import into Australia; but a direct import would be simpler and in any case, sourcing individuals from within the North American breeding programme will be the greatest challenge.

I believe it would be unlikely to see Okapi quarantined in NZ before final delivery to Australia, I believe the risk of double handling for such a valuable/rare species would be unattractive.
But I am surprised that NZ holders of Giraffe are not all over importing a few new animals even if it excess males to bring in some new bloodlines, I am sure there are quite a few spare males that some overseas zoos would be happy to unload.

 

[Zoofan15]

I believe it would be unlikely to see Okapi quarantined in NZ before final delivery to Australia, I believe the risk of double handling to such a valuable/rare species would be unattractive.
But I am surprised that NZ holders of Giraffe are not all over importing a few new animals even if it excess males to bring in some new bloodlines, I am sure there are quite a few spare males that some overseas zoos would be happy to unload.

I’m sure a New Zealand zoo would jump at the chance at quarantining a pair of Okapi for the year, but yes I agree direct transit to Australia is more likely. If New Zealand’s Giraffe and Okapi IRA was finalised early last year, I’m hopeful Australia’s will follow within the next year or two. This may be why they haven’t rushed to import giraffe via New Zealand.

 

[steveroberts]

Wow Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Zoo are actually closer proximity to one another than Taronga Zoo and Sydney Zoo are to each other (just checked on google maps/earth).

 

[Zoofan15]

Wow Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Zoo are actually closer proximity to one another than Taronga Zoo and Sydney Zoo are to each other (just checked on google maps/earth).

Yep, which means plenty of scope for them to work together. Their collections will predominantly be about complimenting each other e.g. holding what the other doesn’t; but Indian rhinoceros and Eastern bongo are just two examples where transfers between the two for breeding would be beneficial.

 

[Jambo]

@PaddyRickMFZ there has never been signage for Bonobo at Melbourne. Wherabouts was it located? I've been a frequent visitor for more than a decade now and i'm also 100% sure Melbourne have never held Bonobo.

Another question: How big is the old elephant exhibit?

I don't mean the one the elephants are in now - I mean the really old one over the other side of the zoo next to the Japanese Garden. It is currently the location of the overnight tent experience. I had a quick look at it yesterday (well as much of it as I could see) but it's too hard to see how big it is exactly, and I've never actually been in there.

I remember it fairly well from when I was younger, and I'd be amazed if the barn there (with the elephant sign) isn't heritage listed.

Is it possible to do something different with this?

I still haven't totally given up on my hotel idea (maybe replace the tents with the hotel) or could it be used for a larger animal?

I'm actually a bit surprised that nobody has mentioned this former exhibit.

The barn for the former elephant exhibit is still there, you can see it from the path. The enclosure is actually decently large, and if we're thinking Okapi/Bongo, it would be suitable for either species. Not sure what shape it's in now, but I would definitely consider using it going down the line rather than using it as an overnight camp. Such an experience should be held at Werribee!

 

[Jambo]

Wow Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Zoo are actually closer proximity to one another than Taronga Zoo and Sydney Zoo are to each other (just checked on google maps/earth).

Half an hour distance only so very, very close. If the traffics good, the half an hour drive can seem like nothing!

It's quite different from Adelaide and Monarto (50 mins) or Taronga and Dubbo (5 hours!).

The distance is very similar to San Diego and the Safari Park; and the Safari Park occasionally gets crowds as large as San Diego itself as the parks accessible to city goers (especially tourists in this sense). Werribee's very similar, and should make use of their closeness to the city (20 mins). Making themselves compliment Melbourne is a start, and I think they've done well so far (with a focus on African Savannah animals).

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

@PaddyRickMFZ there has never been signage for Bonobo at Melbourne. Wherabouts was it located? I've been a frequent visitor for more than a decade now and i'm also 100% sure Melbourne have never held Bonobo.



The barn for the former elephant exhibit is still there, you can see it from the path. The enclosure is actually decently large, and if we're thinking Okapi/Bongo, it would be suitable for either species. Not sure what shape it's in now, but I would definitely consider using it going down the line rather than using it as an overnight camp. Such an experience should be held at Werribee!

The elephant barn is a great idea, maybe that even looms as a home for a possible tapir? Then the Bongo and Okapi can be showcased near each other? This leaves room for Brazilian tapir in the peccary/tapir section(again wishful thinking and hypotheticals).

As far as the bonobo goes, it must have been a siamang but I am 99% sure I saw something that said bonobo, whether like @Josh F said it was providing info on our relation to them idk. I was only young then so it’s possible I heard a member of the public mistake the (siamang?) for it and immediately attributed that to the bonobo, as unlikely as it is. Was there any information about bonobo provided near the orangutans you can remember?

 

[Zoofan15]

@PaddyRickMFZ there has never been signage for Bonobo at Melbourne. Wherabouts was it located? I've been a frequent visitor for more than a decade now and i'm also 100% sure Melbourne have never held Bonobo.



The barn for the former elephant exhibit is still there, you can see it from the path. The enclosure is actually decently large, and if we're thinking Okapi/Bongo, it would be suitable for either species. Not sure what shape it's in now, but I would definitely consider using it going down the line rather than using it as an overnight camp. Such an experience should be held at Werribee!

Hopefully the transition of the elephant herd will give them cause to consider changing the overnight camp venue to Werribee. Aside from being a more exciting experience, it’d highlight Werribee as an attraction, which has otherwise long played second fiddle to Melbourne Zoo.

This would give them a chance to reclaim a sizeable amount of land to exhibit one of the large ungulates we’ve proposed.

 

[Zoofan15]

The elephant barn is a great idea, maybe that even looms as a home for a possible tapir? Then the Bongo and Okapi can be showcased near each other? This leaves room for Brazilian tapir in the peccary/tapir section(again wishful thinking and hypotheticals).

As far as the bonobo goes, it must have been a siamang but I am 99% sure I saw something that said bonobo, whether like @Josh F said it was providing info on our relation to them idk. I was only young then so it’s possible I heard a member of the public mistake the (siamang?) for it and immediately attributed that to the bonobo, as unlikely as it is. Was there any information about bonobo provided near the orangutans you can remember?

It’s possible the space could be used for Malayan tapir, though the barn would require renovations - especially given its age and the fact the only way this species could be exhibited at Melbourne is with provisions made to protect them from the sun i.e. a predominantly indoor environment.

You overhearing a visitor mistake the Siamang for a Bonobo seems like the most likely possibility. The very idea of Melbourne Zoo exhibiting a Bonobo under our very noses is laughable (and certainly not something that occurred). There’s not a person on here who hasn’t heard a visitor incorrectly identify a species as something completely off the wall.

 

[Jambo]

The elephant barn is a great idea, maybe that even looms as a home for a possible tapir? Then the Bongo and Okapi can be showcased near each other? This leaves room for Brazilian tapir in the peccary/tapir section(again wishful thinking and hypotheticals).

I think it would be suitable for at least one Malayan Tapir, maybe a pair depending on how they want to work it. The barn roof would have to be modified though, it lets in a little bit too much sun the way its designed.

Okapi and Bongo could very well have use of the other three enclosures but Okapi would need at least two of them (if Melbourne want a pair).

Doubt Melbourne would reacquire Brazilian Tapirs. They sent Arturo away to focus on displaying Semangka (a Malayan).

 

[Jambo]

As far as the bonobo goes, it must have been a siamang but I am 99% sure I saw something that said bonobo, whether like @Josh F said it was providing info on our relation to them idk. I was only young then so it’s possible I heard a member of the public mistake the (siamang?) for it and immediately attributed that to the bonobo, as unlikely as it is. Was there any information about bonobo provided near the orangutans you can remember?

You definitely overheard a visitor convo. I've heard MZ visitors quite often mistake the Saimangs for Chimps, so it wouldn't surprise me if one of them threw in 'Bonobo'