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

[Zoofan15]

Golden lion tamarin would be a great option, a don think a tamarin house willl be built though

Thank you. I suppose it depends how much Zoos Victoria want to invest in them. The minimum would be displaying a pair in a basic exhibit and hoping they breed. This is the route most zoos take and it’s not hard to imagine Melbourne doing the same.

The tamarin house would be a work of art in its own right - an architectural masterpiece that wouldn’t take up a huge amount of space, but would be spacious enough to house multiple pairs; as well as giving visitors an insight into their husbandry.

 

[Jambo]

Post 2: The Rainforests: A Speculatory Look

*new species in bold

Part III: Asia

This precinct will be where the current Trail of the Elephants is located.

Again, not much at the beginning should be changed in my eyes: Otters remain, as do the Sumatran Tigers but going past here we have some serious changes, notably due to the move of the elephants.

Here's what i'd do here.

Continuing the Asian theme; the first elephant exhibit will be modified to house Francois Langur. The Butterfly House should remain, and following that the next two elephant paddocks should house Indian Rhino.

The current Squirrel Monkey enclosure would then house Binturong. This was the Binturong's former enclosure when they used to reside at Melbourne, and I see no reason why they shouldn't go back to holding them.

The final part of Asia would be the Ape Complex, featuring Orangutans and Saimangs. The currently vacant island opposite the current complex will be renovated to serve as a third Orangutan exhibit with an overhead pathway connecting it to the main complex.

Part IV: Gems of the Congo

This small precinct will in fact explore three of the most interesting, mysterious gems from the Congo.

This will be on the space currently occupied by the Giraffe/Zebra and Hamadryads Baboon.

The Giraffe enclosure would be modified with the introduction of multiple shade structures and natural trees to assist the elusive Okapi.

Following this enclosure, the current zebra enclosure would then be renovated in a similar way to the giraffe's to house Bongo. Melbourne could easily hold a small group of these guys.

The final part of this precinct will revolve around the current Hamadryads Baboon exhibit. It would only need small modifications (more shade and vegetation) to suit Mandrills. A large group could easily occupy this exhibit and Melbourne could serve as the regions leader in breeding this species.

Part V: Australia

The forests of Australia will then be explored. Starting off with placing Short Beaked Echidna into the former Koala enclosure which is currently vacant.

The trail will then progress into the Great Flight Aviary (which I acknowledge will house non Rainforest birds additionally, as well as Koalas too) but will still play a part in representing Australia's Rainforests. The final third of the aviary will house Cassowary in a mixed species enclosure with Goodfellows Tree Kangaroo. Don't think this mix has been tried in a zoo before, but it could very well work imo.

Coming out, the final part of this trail will be a large building titled, The Platypus Center, and will of course house, Platypus alongside native reptile species such as Freshwater Crocodiles, Green Tree Snakes ect. and even a large tank for species of Australian Rainforest fish. This would be located just prior to the Wombats and on the place of the current Tasmanian Devil/Lace Monitor enclosures.

From here, the trail will then go into the Wombat tunnel and out into 'Outback Australia' where Kangaroos ect. will be featured.

~~~~~~~~~

Overall, that's not a whole lot of major changes, and most are very easy changes Zoos Vic could implement.

I've proposed only a total of 11 species to be added. Most of which are all very acquirable. All besides Okapi and Mandrill; which I note are just a hope. If Mandrill cannot be imported, I see no reason why Hamadryads Baboons shouldn't remain, and the same goes for Okapi. The whole Rainforest idea could still work with the 'Gems of the Congo' precinct. But I still think it's something Zoos Vic should look into long term.

Other small notes about changes to the rest of the collection i'd recommend.

They'd simply be:

- Dingoes in the current Malayan Tapir enclosure and Tasmanian Devils in the current Peccary enclosure.
- Lion expansion into the current Dingo enclosure.
- Red Pandas introduced into the current Coati enclosure.
- The Tasmanian Devil enclosures in the Carnivore trail renovated for Komodo Dragon
- Melbourne's pair of White Cheeked Gibbon moved onto the Japanese Island.
- A new Insect House in Growing Wild (where the former Mara/Kookaburra exhibits are).

 

[Jambo]

I think the exibits are to small for capybara, but moving colobus is a great idea, agouti however could be houses in these exibits, what about putting the colobus in the cassowary exibit while mandrills are not being imported with mouse deer, colobus and mouse deer and s mall species of ground bird would be great

The space would be fine for the Capybara, especially if the sixth exhibit is expanded (which I believe it is).

Mouse Deer's a nice idea, but i'm not sure how they'd do with Black and White Colobus to be completely honest. A Hornbill might work though.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Do black and white ruffed lemurs have conflict with ring tails? Bcs it would seem like a good idea to house them together and move the colobus to the existing ruffed lemur exhibit, opening space for Mandrill to move back in.

spoke too soon, continue

 

[Zoofan15]

Do black and white ruffed lemurs have conflict with ring tails? Bcs it would seem like a good idea to house them together and move the colobus to the existing ruffed lemur exhibit, opening space for Mandrill to move back in.

No, they can coexist well and previously have done at zoos like Hamilton. Ruffed lemurs (both red and black and white) differ from Ring-tailed lemurs though in that females are highly territorial and can usually only coexist if males aren’t present in the troop. Hamilton found success with splitting their ruffed lemurs into male and female groups, housing the males with the Ring-tailed lemur.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Re

Post 2: The Rainforests: A Speculatory Look

*new species in bold

Part III: Asia

This precinct will be where the current Trail of the Elephants is located.

Again, not much at the beginning should be changed in my eyes: Otters remain, as do the Sumatran Tigers but going past here we have some serious changes, notably due to the move of the elephants.

Here's what i'd do here.

Continuing the Asian theme; the first elephant exhibit will be modified to house Francois Langur. The Butterfly House should remain, and following that the next two elephant paddocks should house Indian Rhino.

The current Squirrel Monkey enclosure would then house Binturong. This was the Binturong's former enclosure when they used to reside at Melbourne, and I see no reason why they shouldn't go back to holding them.

The final part of Asia would be the Ape Complex, featuring Orangutans and Saimangs. The currently vacant island opposite the current complex will be renovated to serve as a third Orangutan exhibit with an overhead pathway connecting it to the main complex.

Part IV: Gems of the Congo

This small precinct will in fact explore three of the most interesting, mysterious gems from the Congo.

This will be on the space currently occupied by the Giraffe/Zebra and Hamadryads Baboon.

The Giraffe enclosure would be modified with the introduction of multiple shade structures and natural trees to assist the elusive Okapi.

Following this enclosure, the current zebra enclosure would then be renovated in a similar way to the giraffe's to house Bongo. Melbourne could easily hold a small group of these guys.

The final part of this precinct will revolve around the current Hamadryads Baboon exhibit. It would only need small modifications (more shade and vegetation) to suit Mandrills. A large group could easily occupy this exhibit and Melbourne could serve as the regions leader in breeding this species.

Part V: Australia

The forests of Australia will then be explored. Starting off with placing Short Beaked Echidna into the former Koala enclosure which is currently vacant.

The trail will then progress into the Great Flight Aviary (which I acknowledge will house non Rainforest birds additionally, as well as Koalas too) but will still play a part in representing Australia's Rainforests. The final third of the aviary will house Cassowary in a mixed species enclosure with Goodfellows Tree Kangaroo. Don't think this mix has been tried in a zoo before, but it could very well work imo.

Coming out, the final part of this trail will be a large building titled, The Platypus Center, and will of course house, Platypus alongside native reptile species such as Freshwater Crocodiles, Green Tree Snakes ect. and even a large tank for species of Australian Rainforest fish. This would be located just prior to the Wombats and on the place of the current Tasmanian Devil/Lace Monitor enclosures.

From here, the trail will then go into the Wombat tunnel and out into 'Outback Australia' where Kangaroos ect. will be featured.

~~~~~~~~~

Overall, that's not a whole lot of major changes, and most are very easy changes Zoos Vic could implement.

I've proposed only a total of 11 species to be added. Most of which are all very acquirable. All besides Okapi and Mandrill; which I note are just a hope. If Mandrill cannot be imported, I see no reason why Hamadryads Baboons shouldn't remain, and the same goes for Okapi. The whole Rainforest idea could still work with the 'Gems of the Congo' precinct. But I still think it's something Zoos Vic should look into long term.

Other small notes about changes to the rest of the collection i'd recommend.

They'd simply be:

- Dingoes in the current Malayan Tapir enclosure and Tasmanian Devils in the current Peccary enclosure.
- Lion expansion into the current Dingo enclosure.
- Red Pandas introduced into the current Coati enclosure.
- The Tasmanian Devil enclosures in the Carnivore trail renovated for Komodo Dragon
- Melbourne's pair of White Cheeked Gibbon moved onto the Japanese Island.
- A new Insect House in Growing Wild (where the former Mara/Kookaburra exhibits are).

Really great ideas, the only things I’m not sold on are the lions and the tapirs. I personally think that breeding lions should be held at Werribee, no need for them to take up already limited space at MZ, especially since MZ are lacking in canids, which could be solved my Maned Wolf imo. Congo precinct is one of the best ideas I’ve heard on this chat tbh. It’d be very unlikely but the mini South American precinct we discussed could feature in some form, as to opposed to the insect house which should join the butterflies. It would even allow the peccaries somewhere to be before they unfortunately pass. I also believe that some antelope or deer should feature with the Indian Rhino, and that Malayan Tapir, that are already heavily rumoured to be returning in larger numbers, could occupy the cow barn. I believe that the langurs should not occupy an exhibit themselves, but rather be in with the rhinos and that enclosure be repurposed of SL Leopard(ofc unlikely) Everything else is great, and I hope I don’t sound overly critical, because that is not how I intend to come off

 

[Zoofan15]

Re

Really great ideas, the only things I’m not sold on are the lions and the tapirs. I personally think that breeding lions should be held at Werribee, no need for them to take up already limited space at MZ, especially since MZ are lacking in canids, which could be solved my Maned Wolf imo. Congo precinct is one of the best ideas I’ve heard on this chat tbh. It’d be very unlikely but the mini South American precinct we discussed could feature in some form, as to opposed to the insect house which should join the butterflies. It would even allow the peccaries somewhere to be before they unfortunately pass. I also believe that some antelope or deer should feature with the Indian Rhino, and that Malayan Tapir, that are already heavily rumoured to be returning in larger numbers, could occupy the cow barn. I believe that the langurs should not occupy an exhibit themselves, but rather be in with the rhinos and that enclosure be repurposed of SL Leopard(ofc unlikely) Everything else is great, and I hope I don’t sound overly critical, because that is not how I intend to come off

I think it’d be hugely beneficial for Melbourne Zoo to exhibit a breeding pride of lions. They’re one of the most popular species and that popularity would increase ten fold if there’s cubs. Demolishing the Lion Park was arguably Melbourne Zoo’s most regrettable decision and while the expansion into the Dingo exhibit would equate to the masterpiece that was the Lion Park, it’s a step in the right direction to managing a pride.

I do agree with you they need to bring back Maned wolf though and that finding an additional place for this species should be a priority.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I think it’d be hugely beneficial for Melbourne Zoo to exhibit a breeding pride of lions. They’re one of the most popular species and that popularity would increase ten fold if there’s cubs. Demolishing the Lion Park was arguably Melbourne Zoo’s most regrettable decision and while the expansion into the Dingo exhibit would equate to the masterpiece that was the Lion Park, it’s a step in the right direction to managing a pride.

I do agree with you they need to bring back Maned wolf though and that finding an additional place for this species should be a priority.

Fair enough, but right now, who’s going to visit Werribee over Melbourne. I just feel that lion cubs being only available at WORZ could be very beneficial. If a pride of lions is in order, and I must accentuate I don’t dislike the concept, but rather want to see more canids in a precinct geared at all facets of carnivores. Can the lion exhibit be expanded as not to encompass the Dingo enclosure, but decrease the size of it? Left field option for that enclosure: Dhole. Given they are one of the few species that often take down tigers it could be pretty interesting for kids

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Post 2: The Rainforests: A Speculatory Look

*new species in bold

Part III: Asia

This precinct will be where the current Trail of the Elephants is located.

Again, not much at the beginning should be changed in my eyes: Otters remain, as do the Sumatran Tigers but going past here we have some serious changes, notably due to the move of the elephants.

Here's what i'd do here.

Continuing the Asian theme; the first elephant exhibit will be modified to house Francois Langur. The Butterfly House should remain, and following that the next two elephant paddocks should house Indian Rhino.

The current Squirrel Monkey enclosure would then house Binturong. This was the Binturong's former enclosure when they used to reside at Melbourne, and I see no reason why they shouldn't go back to holding them.

The final part of Asia would be the Ape Complex, featuring Orangutans and Saimangs. The currently vacant island opposite the current complex will be renovated to serve as a third Orangutan exhibit with an overhead pathway connecting it to the main complex.

Part IV: Gems of the Congo

This small precinct will in fact explore three of the most interesting, mysterious gems from the Congo.

This will be on the space currently occupied by the Giraffe/Zebra and Hamadryads Baboon.

The Giraffe enclosure would be modified with the introduction of multiple shade structures and natural trees to assist the elusive Okapi.

Following this enclosure, the current zebra enclosure would then be renovated in a similar way to the giraffe's to house Bongo. Melbourne could easily hold a small group of these guys.

The final part of this precinct will revolve around the current Hamadryads Baboon exhibit. It would only need small modifications (more shade and vegetation) to suit Mandrills. A large group could easily occupy this exhibit and Melbourne could serve as the regions leader in breeding this species.

Part V: Australia

The forests of Australia will then be explored. Starting off with placing Short Beaked Echidna into the former Koala enclosure which is currently vacant.

The trail will then progress into the Great Flight Aviary (which I acknowledge will house non Rainforest birds additionally, as well as Koalas too) but will still play a part in representing Australia's Rainforests. The final third of the aviary will house Cassowary in a mixed species enclosure with Goodfellows Tree Kangaroo. Don't think this mix has been tried in a zoo before, but it could very well work imo.

Coming out, the final part of this trail will be a large building titled, The Platypus Center, and will of course house, Platypus alongside native reptile species such as Freshwater Crocodiles, Green Tree Snakes ect. and even a large tank for species of Australian Rainforest fish. This would be located just prior to the Wombats and on the place of the current Tasmanian Devil/Lace Monitor enclosures.

From here, the trail will then go into the Wombat tunnel and out into 'Outback Australia' where Kangaroos ect. will be featured.

~~~~~~~~~

Overall, that's not a whole lot of major changes, and most are very easy changes Zoos Vic could implement.

I've proposed only a total of 11 species to be added. Most of which are all very acquirable. All besides Okapi and Mandrill; which I note are just a hope. If Mandrill cannot be imported, I see no reason why Hamadryads Baboons shouldn't remain, and the same goes for Okapi. The whole Rainforest idea could still work with the 'Gems of the Congo' precinct. But I still think it's something Zoos Vic should look into long term.

Other small notes about changes to the rest of the collection i'd recommend.

They'd simply be:

- Dingoes in the current Malayan Tapir enclosure and Tasmanian Devils in the current Peccary enclosure.
- Lion expansion into the current Dingo enclosure.
- Red Pandas introduced into the current Coati enclosure.
- The Tasmanian Devil enclosures in the Carnivore trail renovated for Komodo Dragon
- Melbourne's pair of White Cheeked Gibbon moved onto the Japanese Island.
- A new Insect House in Growing Wild (where the former Mara/Kookaburra exhibits are).

Forgot to mention in my other post, don’t believe red pandas are the right fit for that coati exhibit. So many interesting small felines that I would prefer take it, as opposed to red pandas who already fit well near the Japanese Garden

 

[Zoofan15]

Fair enough, but right now, who’s going to visit Werribee over Melbourne. I just feel that lion cubs being only available at WORZ could be very beneficial. If a pride of lions is in order, and I must accentuate I don’t dislike the concept, but rather want to see more canids in a precinct geared at all facets of carnivores. Can the lion exhibit be expanded as not to encompass the Dingo enclosure, but decrease the size of it? Left field option for that enclosure: Dhole. Given they are one of the few species that often take down tigers it could be pretty interesting for kids

The space occupied by the Dingo exhibit is the best option, but if they don’t go that route, I’d love to see Dholes return to the region. They’re CITES II species, so unlike CITES I species, I don’t believe they require the support of a regional breeding programme. Taronga previously held them from 2006 to 2015 and was the only holder in the region. I remember many people were disappointed by their phase out.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

The space occupied by the Dingo exhibit is the best option, but if they don’t go that route, I’d love to see Dholes return to the region. They’re CITES II species, so unlike CITES I species, I don’t believe they require the support of a regional breeding programme. Taronga previously held them from 2006 to 2015 and was the only holder in the region. I remember many people were disappointed by their phase out.

I found that very odd. I just didn’t understand why they imported a species,which to my understanding was quite popular, and phased them out within a decade. Did they amend the list to bring them in as well or was that already in place. If Dholes move in, then Maned Wolf could be implemented in our fabled South American walkthrough ecosystem. They would probably have to be separated from the capybara etc. if breeding was prioritised. Also, does every animal in the live import list require an IRA

 

[steveroberts]

Asian Small clawed otter into the exibit would be great, but malyan tapir even better, as the exibibt is a decent size and otters would look tiny in the exibit

My plan after seeing the Old Master Plan

Gorilla Rainforest
Lemurs and Gorilla Largely unchanged, as somebody suggested can’t remember Leopard tortoise in the walkthroughs lemur exibit maybe an import of Gorrila when Adelaide imports as they are keen to house them as says in their materplan.
Pygmy Hippo remain, a female would be great, but for the meanwhile Asian Small clawed otter as @Jambo suggested or in my preference Semanka as it would be really unique to see tapir underwater, or you could put the 4 baby small clawed otter (not baby’s anymore) into the exibit and keep Paula and the others one in the exibit.
Zillie moved to the great flight aviary and mandrill imported with Adelaide into the exibit
Tree top apes largely unchanged cotton-top tamarins in the first, black handed spider monkey in 2 and 3, emperor tamarins in 4 and colobus monkey in a joint overhead bridge 5 and 6 and white cheeked gibbon moved to the Japanese island, they probably wont be but it would be great to see them in that exibit White faced saki or another species of monkey in exibit 7 and tree shrew or Pygmy Marmoset, or slow loris, marmoset most likely in the last exibit 8

Trail of the elephants coming soon

Really really cool ideas so far, like a lot of the species you suggest and also how you're looking for optimal spatial housing exhibit changes/merges where you can out of best interest for the animals.

ZooFan's GL Tamarin House idea is heaps exciting and creative too.

Looking forward to seeing what Jambo comes up with too (and everyone else).

Akasha mentioned that the two BH Spider Monkrys on the Primate Arboreal Walkway seemed to be on the smaller size of exhibits for the Spider Monkeys..could these exhibits perhaps be merged to one larger exhibit and the Spider Monkeys combined as a group of two of them given a new home at another zoo in the region keen on having them?

Am team Dhole, Maned Wolves, Clouded Leopards etc to the max degree. Was one of the people dissapointed by the Dholes departure from Taronga in '15 (was an again departure as other individuals were at Taronga from 1982 until their descendants died out in the late late '90s or extremely early '00s)

Edit: Have now read the start of your concept @Jambo, awesome stuff, two thumbs up

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Really really cool ideas so far, like a lot of the species you suggest and also how you're looking for optimal spatial housing exhibit changes/merges where you can out of best interest for the animals.

ZooFan's GL Tamarin House idea is heaps exciting and creative too.

Looking forward to seeing what Jambo comes up with too (and everyone else).

Akasha mentioned that the two BH Spider Monkrys on the Primate Arboreal Walkway seemed to be on the smaller size of exhibits for the Spider Monkeys..could these exhibits perhaps be merged to one larger exhibit and the Spider Monkeys combined as a group of two of them given a new home at another zoo in the region keen on having them?

I don’t believe that to be a bad idea by any means

 

[Zoofan15]

I found that very odd. I just didn’t understand why they imported a species,which to my understanding was quite popular, and phased them out within a decade. Did they amend the list to bring them in as well or was that already in place. If Dholes move in, then Maned Wolf could be implemented in our fabled South American walkthrough ecosystem. They would probably have to be separated from the capybara etc. if breeding was prioritised. Also, does every animal in the live import list require an IRA

It was a very brief stint at Taronga bearing in mind they imported 1.1 in 2006, bred 0.1 that same year and a further 1.0 in 2007; and then exported the father and daughter in 2009, allowing the mother and son to die out in 2015. With this in mind, they effectively made the decision to phase out only three years after their import.

Dholes were already on the live import list from when Taronga imported them in 1983 (China) and 1984 (Canada).

I’m open to correction, but I believe the IRA’s are about addressing the import of species that were cancelled due to BSE in the late 1990’s. Ungulates were the most affected for obvious reasons.

 

[Zoofan15]

Really really cool ideas so far, like a lot of the species you suggest and also how you're looking for optimal spatial housing exhibit changes/merges where you can out of best interest for the animals.

ZooFan's GL Tamarin House idea is heaps exciting and creative too.

Looking forward to seeing what Jambo comes up with too (and everyone else).

Akasha mentioned that the two BH Spider Monkrys on the Primate Arboreal Walkway seemed to be on the smaller size of exhibits for the Spider Monkeys..could these exhibits perhaps be merged to one larger exhibit and the Spider Monkeys combined as a group of two of them given a new home at another zoo in the region keen on having them?

Am team Dhole, Maned Wolves, Clouded Leopards etc to the max degree. Was one of the people dissapointed by the Dholes departure from Taronga in '15 (was an again departure as other individuals were at Taronga from 1982 until their descendants died out in the late late '90s or extremely early '00s)

Thank you. I’m really impressed by the many ideas we’ve brainstormed - especially over the last week. The actual masterplan was very underwhelming in comparison. We all seem to be in agreement that the giraffe and zebra should transfer to Werribee and I really liked @Jambo ‘s idea of renovating this exhibit space for Okapi. This is really the only way Indian rhinoceros and Okapi can both be exhibited at Melbourne.

The Dholes from the first group died out in the early 2000’s.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Thank you. I’m really impressed by the many ideas we’ve brainstormed - especially over the last week. The actual masterplan was very underwhelming in comparison. We all seem to be in agreement that the giraffe and zebra should transfer to Werribee and I really liked @Jambo ‘s idea of renovating this exhibit space for Okapi. This is really the only way Indian rhinoceros and Okapi can both be exhibited at Melbourne.

The Dholes from the first group died out in the early 2000’s.

I know we don’t actually work at the zoo ofc. But even from Zoos Victoria’s perspective there is no way their master plan is as good and would bring as many consumers in. With the combination of plans from @austrlain zoo gower @Jambo @OskarGC and yourself (and a little bit from me I guess, there is a plan here that is irrefutably brilliant. This is one of the occasions where I wish Zoos Vic were watching so that they don’t disappoint thousands with their master plan. If they ask for public feedback like Taronga did if this is released to the public, chaos could break out lol

 

[steveroberts]

Thank you. I’m really impressed by the many ideas we’ve brainstormed - especially over the last week. The actual masterplan was very underwhelming in comparison. We all seem to be in agreement that the giraffe and zebra should transfer to Werribee and I really liked @Jambo ‘s idea of renovating this exhibit space for Okapi. This is really the only way Indian rhinoceros and Okapi can both be exhibited at Melbourne.

The Dholes from the first group died out in the early 2000’s.

Yeah I thought I saw the last as late as '02 or '03, then was the Chilean Flamingos in the Dholes old exhibits once the work for that big Taronga cafeteria was underway (circa '03) but sorry back to topic ie Melbourne thread.

Yeah so many exciting ideas, you guys have worked so hard at it and it's a privilege to read through and absorb the ideas. Really think you've all floated some of the best possibilities have ever read on ZC threads about possibilities.

*Maybe the Bull Elephant yard could be used like has been suggested for the Orangutans and Siamangs extension rather than the island adjacent which could maybe be an island for Francois' Langurs or Dusky Langurs (thought maybe the latter as are endangered now too and would be a point of difference between Melbourne and Taronga who already have Francois' Langurs). Maybe even sharing with the White-Cheeked Gibbon pair? Crazy question but could the Japanese Garden Island be big enough for 3-4 Dholes? (if there could be a mild electrical barrier nearby so the Dholes can't escape albeit would need to be away from the water so maybe a nonsensical suggestion).

*would be great if WORZ could have a South American section similar to what Dubbo use to have: Maned Wolves, Brazilian Tapirs, Capybaras...if Melbourne doesn't have the space with the other cool ideas.

*maybe the current B+W Ruffed Lemur exhibit could be turned into a darkened mini nocturnal building for Potto/Angwantibo as an alternative to Lorises (love Lorises as much, but the African Forest/Jungle theme as Jambo suggests, maybe a small nocturnal African forest deer could cohabitate, was gonna suggest Pangolins too but figured the covid scare will stop them getting an IRA). That's obviously if a bachelor group of Ruffed Lemurs join the Ringtailed Lemurs in the big Lemur walkthrough..just a thought).

*had one more idea that might be a bit mad as it changes the Carnivore Trail to trail of the Cats and would mean building a big Komodo Dragon exhibit near the current Reptile House to give them an alternative spot in the zoo along with say a neighbouring outdoor exhibit for the Philippine Crocodiles on carnivore trail and moving the reptiles in DiGested back to the reptile house or perhaps into the Growing Wild area, along with the Coatis into growing wild maybe by only having one Giant Tortoise exhibit at the zoo:
1. Extend the Lion exhibit to include where the Dingoes currently are in the old African Wild Dog exhibit.
2. Tassie Devil exhibit could become a Leopard Cat, Clouded Leopard or Ocelot exhibit (but probably need to be expanded a bit)
3. Combine the two Sumatran Tiger exhibits into one if possible and replace moat with glass to offer more space for Tigers, consider holding Siberian Tigers as an alternative as the Asia trail has the Sumatran Tiger exhibit
4. Snow Leopards stay
5. Coati exhibit could become a Caracal, Serval or Pallas Cat exhibit (expanded a bit?)
6. DigEsted building could have some extensive renovations to have a relatively decent sized exhibit for a couple of Sand Cats
Cat Trail/World of Cats (just a thought)
Kind of feel like it's a little echo nod to MZ's previous Cat alleys.

Could B+W Colobuses and Mandrills ever cohabitate? Just a thought if the Mandrills could stay in the Africa forest trail too and the Hamadryas troop go to WORZ and that area instead becomes the space for Dingo and Tassie Devils (with viewing from the Australian section side) and perhaps where Semangka and the Peccaries exhibit at the top of the zoo is could be used as a future exhibit area for a Bear species like Sun Bears, Sloth Bears or Andean Bears? (sort of like an anomaly exhibit that doesn't fit a regional theme..but there's always bound to be sprinkles of that at MZ somewhere like a Madagascar dry forest walkthrough near a Gorilla centred tropical walk and Red Pandas near the Japanese Garden despite not being found in Japan etc etc).

*hopefully space can be found too near the GOH Rhino yards like the barn for a Malayan Tapir or two. Am big fan of putting Binturongs back in the exhibit intended for them @Jambo definitely 100% behind that idea, love the idea too of seeing if Goodfellows Tree Roos and Cassowarry can share, imagine if a Long Beaked Echidna could be put in there with them too, would be amazing but obviously a reaching concept.

Can the two Pygmy Hippo yards have a revolve thing for when a female is found? Can imagine after a time the public might think it's time for the Pygmy Hippo to get a bit more space?

If some of the Otters occupy the empty Pygmy Hippo exhibit for a while maybe could install underwater viewing glass on their exhibit on the Asian trail.

Would suggest popping a few aviaries here and there too where space can be found for some of the beautiful exotic birds that can be sourced in the country through the bird dealership trade.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Yeah I thought I saw the last as late as '02 or '03, then was the Chilean Flamingos in the Dholes old exhibits once the work for that big Taronga cafeteria was underway (circa '03) but sorry back to topic ie Melbourne thread.

Yeah so many exciting ideas, you guys have worked so hard at it and it's a privilege to read through and absorb the ideas. Really think you've all floated some of the best possibilities have ever read on ZC threads about possibilities.

Maybe the Bull Elephant yard could be used like has been suggested for the Orangutans and Siamangs extension rather than the island adjacent which could maybe be an island for Francois' Langurs or Dusky Langurs (thought maybe the latter as are endangered now too and would be a point of difference between Melbourne and Taronga who already have Francois' Langurs). Maybe even sharing with the White-Cheeked Gibbon pair? Crazy question but could the Japanese Garden Island be big enough for 3-4 Dholes?

I feel like if Dholes were implemented they would likely be in the carnivore section, but it’d be interesting to see what themed animals might fit in an area like this. (Macaque hotsprings??)

Just saw the South American idea, would be amazing, and they certainly have the space to do it. Would be a major point of difference from like every other zoo in the region. Chuck in some monkeys, more rodents ofc, a Jaguar next door and some birds, would be one of the greatest unveils in Zoos Vic history imo.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Yeah I thought I saw the last as late as '02 or '03, then was the Chilean Flamingos in the Dholes old exhibits once the work for that big Taronga cafeteria was underway (circa '03) but sorry back to topic ie Melbourne thread.

Yeah so many exciting ideas, you guys have worked so hard at it and it's a privilege to read through and absorb the ideas. Really think you've all floated some of the best possibilities have ever read on ZC threads about possibilities.

*Maybe the Bull Elephant yard could be used like has been suggested for the Orangutans and Siamangs extension rather than the island adjacent which could maybe be an island for Francois' Langurs or Dusky Langurs (thought maybe the latter as are endangered now too and would be a point of difference between Melbourne and Taronga who already have Francois' Langurs). Maybe even sharing with the White-Cheeked Gibbon pair? Crazy question but could the Japanese Garden Island be big enough for 3-4 Dholes? (if there could be a mild electrical barrier nearby so the Dholes can't escape albeit would need to be away from the water so maybe a nonsensical suggestion).

*would be great if WORZ could have a South American section similar to what Dubbo use to have: Maned Wolves, Brazilian Tapirs, Capybaras...if Melbourne doesn't have the space with the other cool ideas.

*maybe the current B+W Ruffed Lemur exhibit could be turned into a darkened mini nocturnal building for Potto/Angwantibo as an alternative to Lorises (love Lorises as much, but the African Forest/Jungle theme as Jambo suggests, maybe a small nocturnal African forest deer could cohabitate, was gonna suggest Pangolins too but figured the covid scare will stop them getting an IRA). That's obviously if a bachelor group of Ruffed Lemurs join the Ringtailed Lemurs in the big Lemur walkthrough..just a thought).

*had one more idea that might be a bit mad as it changes the Carnivore Trail to trail of the Cats and would mean building a big Komodo Dragon exhibit near the current Reptile House to give them an alternative spot in the zoo along with say a neighbouring outdoor exhibit for the Philippine Crocodiles on carnivore trail and moving the reptiles in DiGested back to the reptile house or perhaps into the Growing Wild area, along with the Coatis into growing wild maybe by only having one Giant Tortoise exhibit at the zoo:
1. Extend the Lion exhibit to include where the Dingoes currently are in the old African Wild Dog exhibit.
2. Tassie Devil exhibit could become a Leopard Cat, Clouded Leopard or Ocelot exhibit (but probably need to be expanded a bit)
3. Combine the two Sumatran Tiger exhibits into one if possible and replace moat with glass to offer more space for Tigers, consider holding Siberian Tigers as an alternative as the Asia trail has the Sumatran Tiger exhibit
4. Snow Leopards stay
5. Coati exhibit could become a Caracal, Serval or Pallas Cat exhibit (expanded a bit?)
6. DigEsted building could have some extensive renovations to have a relatively decent sized exhibit for a couple of Sand Cats
Cat Trail/World of Cats (just a thought)
Kind of feel like it's a little echo nod to MZ's previous Cat alleys.

I like the species you mentioned as replacements, but they could easily be implemented in other areas in the zoo. E.g. there is some spare space where the baboons are where a caracal could go. I personally believe the plan of Lion, a canine(Dhole, Maned Wolf), Clouded Leopard, Sun Bear, Snow Leopard, and Komodo Dragon would be the best route for MZ to go down in order to sustain diversity in all sections of the zoo

 

[Jambo]

Thank you @steveroberts @PaddyRickMFZ and @Zoofan15 for your respective comments and feedback. Much appreciated.

I think we've discussed and come up with some very interesting ideas over the last few weeks. Going forward, the 'better half' of Melbourne is going to be the area to look out for. With the elephants going and potentially other changes with aging exhibits - it'll be really interesting to see what Melbourne has in store there. If it's something along the lines of what we've came up with, i'd be very, very pleased.

Fair enough, but right now, who’s going to visit Werribee over Melbourne. I just feel that lion cubs being only available at WORZ could be very beneficial. If a pride of lions is in order, and I must accentuate I don’t dislike the concept, but rather want to see more canids in a precinct geared at all facets of carnivores. Can the lion exhibit be expanded as not to encompass the Dingo enclosure, but decrease the size of it? Left field option for that enclosure: Dhole. Given they are one of the few species that often take down tigers it could be pretty interesting for kids

I'd vouch for Lions to be retained. Especially if the Giraffes and Zebras were to go to Werribee, I don't think it would be a great idea to send another ABC species over to Werribee. Whilst it's good to build Werribee up, I don't think the goal is to ever have Werribee exceed Melbourne in being the 'main' zoo. Having the zoos compliment each other is the way to go, and lions have a rich, long history at Melbourne (especially with Lion Park), so I'd hate to see them go.

Akasha mentioned that the two BH Spider Monkrys on the Primate Arboreal Walkway seemed to be on the smaller size of exhibits for the Spider Monkeys..could these exhibits perhaps be merged to one larger exhibit and the Spider Monkeys combined as a group of two of them given a new home at another zoo in the region keen on having them?

The Spider Monkeys have access to both exhibits; they're one single group, and although the enclosures aren't the biggest in the trail, they're still of decent size for them imo.