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

[Zoofan15]

I never quite understood this - and I will try to find out when I'm at WORZ next:

Obviously I know that this was the reason they went off display, but was it a question of:

1. Visitors never see servals

OR

2. Visitors never see these particular individual servals

I don't know the answer to this - but it is something to consider. Not all animals from the same species have the same personality. Any pet owner knows this.

We all know that a zoo has to work with what it has when it comes to species, but a zoo also has to work with what they have when it comes to individual animals.

I will try to find out more details in any case.

It would have to be B) Servals in general. Werribee have had theirs off display for a while now (or ever since I've visited), and their sisters arrived a while after I began visiting.

As a general rule, male Serval are more confident than females and make for better display animals.

The Servals I’ve seen have followed this rule with the exception of Wellington’s female. She was handraised and makes for an excellent display animal (as does her brother).

This may be something zoos need to consider. With incidences of females of this species rejecting kittens not uncommon, zoos wanting to hold non breeding Serval should make every effort to source handraised ones.

 

[Zoofan15]

I agree. Just quickly though, are forest buffalo or Cape buffalo able to be imported. Forest buffalo could be a good addition to the woodland section of the safari, and Cape buffalo could be interesting for the lower savannah provided they can cohabitate. I am also inclined to ask about the availability of both species around the world. In an ideal world Water Buffalo could have an exhibit in the new waterhole precinct

Unfortunately they can’t be imported.

Around 80 Water buffalo are held at these facilities: Altina, Caversham, Crocodylus, Halls Gap, Mogo, Oakvale, Shoalhaven, Territory Wildlife Park, Taronga Western Plains Zoo and Wings Wildlife Park; as well as living in feral populations throughout the Northern Territory.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I

Unfortunately they can’t be imported.

Around 80 Water buffalo are held at these facilities: Altina, Caversham, Crocodylus, Halls Gap, Mogo, Oakvale, Shoalhaven, Territory Wildlife Park, Taronga Western Plains Zoo and Wings Wildlife Park; as well as living in feral populations throughout the Northern Territory.

was under the impression that Congo buffalo could be imported, as they have been in the past. Was the list amended to exclude them?

 

[Zoofan15]

I

was under the impression that Congo buffalo could be imported, as they have been in the past. Was the list amended to exclude them?

I’ve just done some further research and as of 2020, Congo buffalo are actually on the live import list; so unless that’s changed, yes they can be imported. They’re rated Least Concern and not held at other facilities within the region, so unsure if Zoos Victoria would have much interest in them. They’re held at over 20 European zoos, so there would be plenty of places to source them from.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I

I’ve just done some further research and as of 2020, Congo buffalo are actually on the live import list; so unless that’s changed, yes they can be imported. They’re rated Least Concern and not held at other facilities within the region, so unsure if Zoos Victoria would have much interest in them. They’re held at over 20 European zoos, so there would be plenty of places to source them from.

suppose if WORZ are undergoing a big expansion something like the forest buffalo could be an option for just a secondary attraction. I’d love to see the return of Kudu to WORZ. With both of those species and sitatunga it could be a very interesting woodland section of the safari. Conversely sitatunga could be placed in the new waterhole precinct if it’s part of the safari. If it is part of the safari, WORZ will no doubt have to import many species to fill a gaping hole.

 

[Jambo]

I

suppose if WORZ are undergoing a big expansion something like the forest buffalo could be an option for just a secondary attraction. I’d love to see the return of Kudu to WORZ. With both of those species and sitatunga it could be a very interesting woodland section of the safari. Conversely sitatunga could be placed in the new waterhole precinct if it’s part of the safari. If it is part of the safari, WORZ will no doubt have to import many species to fill a gaping hole.

It's not going to be apart of the safari.

Unfortunately I'd very very surprised if Werribee went and imported more hoofstock species. Although we'd like to see it, I just don't see that happening. Kudu and Buffalo would be amazing, but both have been previously phased out by Werribee (and the region). Situanaga would be a nice fit though - maybe in a mixed enclosure with Waterbuck?

 

[Zoofan15]

I

suppose if WORZ are undergoing a big expansion something like the forest buffalo could be an option for just a secondary attraction. I’d love to see the return of Kudu to WORZ. With both of those species and sitatunga it could be a very interesting woodland section of the safari. Conversely sitatunga could be placed in the new waterhole precinct if it’s part of the safari. If it is part of the safari, WORZ will no doubt have to import many species to fill a gaping hole.

It's not going to be apart of the safari.

Unfortunately I'd very very surprised if Werribee went and imported more hoofstock species. Although we'd like to see it, I just don't see that happening. Kudu and Buffalo would be amazing, but both have been previously phased out by Werribee (and the region). Situanaga would be a nice fit though - maybe in a mixed enclosure with Waterbuck?

Waterbuck and Sitatunga are both aquatic antelope, so it’d be amazing to see them in large swamp habitats. It’d be advisable to house them separately, though by all means adjacent, as bulls of both species are territorial and there’s the potential for conflict. Alternatively, females of one species could be held with a breeding herd of the other.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

@Jambo @Zoofan15

it would be a good idea to have both species adjacent if they are not compatible in a shared exhibit. Waterhole presents an opportunity for some great new species, and you may doubt the import of more hoofstock, but I find it quite likely. I like the idea of Gemsbok being imported, although that is very unlikely. I’d just love to have a section of the zoo designated to woodland hoofstock(elephant walking trail?) with species previously mentioned, with Waterbuck and Sitatunga able to share the waterhole, albeit not necessarily in the same exhibit

 

[Zoofan15]

@Jambo @Zoofan15

it would be a good idea to have both species adjacent if they are not compatible in a shared exhibit. Waterhole presents an opportunity for some great new species, and you may doubt the import of more hoofstock, but I find it quite likely. I like the idea of Gemsbok being imported, although that is very unlikely. I’d just love to have a section of the zoo designated to woodland hoofstock(elephant walking trail?) with species previously mentioned, with Waterbuck and Sitatunga able to share the waterhole, albeit not necessarily in the same exhibit

Gemsbok have been phased out in favour of Scimitar-horned oryx and Addax, both of which are critically endangered; but it’d be nice to see Werribee continue with both of these representing ungulates from arid regions in addition to Waterbuck and Sitatunga representing aquatic ungulates. A multitude of Savannah ungulates are already on site - though Thompson’s gazelle would be a nice addition.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Gemsbok have been phased out in favour of Scimitar-horned oryx and Addax, both of which are critically endangered; but it’d be nice to see Werribee continue with both of these representing ungulates from arid regions in addition to Waterbuck and Sitatunga representing aquatic ungulates. A multitude of Savannah ungulates are already on site - though Thompson’s gazelle would be a nice addition.

Given that Addax have been phased out, that could open an opportunity for another antelope. I also didn’t realise Gemsbok have been held in the past. I agree that smaller antelope such as Thomson’s Gazelle and Springbok would be quite nice additions

 

[Zoofan15]

Given that Addax have been phased out, that could open an opportunity for another antelope. I also didn’t realise Gemsbok have been held in the past. I agree that smaller antelope such as Thomson’s Gazelle and Springbok would be quite nice additions

Werribee phased out Addax and retained Scimitar-horned oryx; while Orana Wildlife Park phased out Scimitar-horned oryx and acquired Addax. It’d be nice to see these two open range zoos hold both.

1.2 Gemsbok were imported by the Pearl Coast Zoo from Marwell Zoo in 1987; and a further 0.2 in 1988. They were later transferred to Tipperary Station and then on to Mary River Station, where they’ve since died out. They were also held at Auckland Zoo with the population reduced to a single female by the 1980’s (who produced two hybrid offspring with a male oryx). None remain in the region.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Werribee phased out Addax and retained Scimitar-horned oryx; while Orana Wildlife Park phased out Scimitar-horned oryx and acquired Addax. It’d be nice to see these two open range zoos hold both.

1.2 Gemsbok were imported by the Pearl Coast Zoo from Marwell Zoo in 1987; and a further 0.2 in 1988. They were later transferred to Tipperary Station and then on to Mary River Station, where they’ve since died out. They were also held at Auckland Zoo with the population reduced to a single female by the 1980’s (who produced two hybrid offspring with a male oryx). None remain in the region.

It’s a bit of a shame none are held in the region, as I believe many members of the public are aware of their existence(more than I can say for most species) and would find them quite striking. Considering the arid section of the tour just got abandoned, it’s unlikely they’ll return. If the waterhole isn’t part of the safari, and with the loss of the arid section, doesn’t there have to be some sort of replacement, or does that come near the bison plains

 

[Zoofan15]

It’s a bit of a shame none are held in the region, as I believe many members of the public are aware of their existence(more than I can say for most species) and would find them quite striking. Considering the arid section of the tour just got abandoned, it’s unlikely they’ll return. If the waterhole isn’t part of the safari, and with the loss of the arid section, doesn’t there have to be some sort of replacement, or does that come near the bison plains

In all honesty, I’ve never heard any member of the general public speak about Gemsbok - even on ZooChat, they’re seldom mentioned. Being a Least Concern species, I’d prefer preference was given to Scimitar-horned oryx and Addax. Open range zoos should at least aim to maintain populations of these two species.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

In all honesty, I’ve never heard any member of the general public speak about Gemsbok - even on ZooChat, they’re seldom mentioned. Being a Least Concern species, I’d prefer preference was given to Scimitar-horned oryx and Addax. Open range zoos should at least aim to maintain populations of these two species.

I don’t mean that they are actively mentioned, but general public would remember their appearance, mainly from the lion king. I agree preference should be given to those species, but given addax is getting phased out, I’d personally hope something could replace such a unique animal(something like for like being an oryx)

 

[Zoofan15]

I don’t mean that they are actively mentioned, but general public would remember their appearance, mainly from the lion king. I agree preference should be given to those species, but given addax is getting phased out, I’d personally hope something could replace such a unique animal(something like for like being an oryx)

What makes Werribee’s phased out of Addax unusual is they’re clearly a species of interest for the region. There’s six holders - most of which have recently acquired the species; versus Scimitar-horned oryx, which have dwindled to four regional holders.

Gemsbok and Addax are both on the live import list, so can be imported by any zoo. The Critically Endangered Addax have the support of a regional breeding programme; and Gemsbok are Least Concern, so don’t require ZAA support re. CITES.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I’m not sure if you guys have heard of Zooparc de Beauval in France, but they are currently building an Amazon aviary, with many species both ground dwelling and arboreal. You can see photos on their Zoochat thread. This is something I’d want Zoos Victoria to consider in the future, but with some extra Amazonian predators outside of the walkway. Of course it’s unlikely and far fetched, but if a zoo with only 40 acres can do it, I assume Zoos Vic can too

 

[Zoofan15]

I’m not sure if you guys have heard of Zooparc de Beauval in France, but they are currently building an Amazon aviary, with many species both ground dwelling and arboreal. You can see photos on their Zoochat thread. This is something I’d want Zoos Victoria to consider in the future, but with some extra Amazonian predators outside of the walkway. Of course it’s unlikely and far fetched, but if a zoo with only 40 acres can do it, I assume Zoos Vic can too

It sounds like an exciting development with plans for it to be the largest aviary complex in Europe.

Werribee would be the obvious site to build something on this scale, but I feel they’d be let down by the availability of species with no option import peccaries or birds; and the import of Jaguar and Giant anteater being theoretically possible, but a time consuming process given the restrictions.

Melbourne could attempt this on a smaller scale (ideally by scrapping Growing Wild as has previously been suggested). Australia has enough South American bird species to compose a decent aviary; and monkey exhibits (tamarins, spider monkeys and capuchins) would represent mammals.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

It sounds like an exciting development with plans for it to be the largest aviary complex in Europe.

Werribee would be the obvious site to build something on this scale, but I feel they’d be let down by the availability of species with no option import peccaries or birds; and the import of Jaguar and Giant anteater being theoretically possible, but a time consuming process given the restrictions.

Melbourne could attempt this on a smaller scale (ideally by scrapping Growing Wild as has previously been suggested). Australia has enough South American bird species to compose a decent aviary; and monkey exhibits (tamarins, spider monkeys and capuchins) would represent mammals.

Why are the birds species so limited? I was thinking in 5-10 years if interest was expressed in anteaters and doing something like this, an IRA could hopefully be passed, considering there can’t be many in the works after giraffes. Hopefully MZ breed their peccaries if that’s a possibility and house them with many species of rodents, anteaters etc. Arboreal mammals aren’t overly hard to attain, as MZ already has many monkey species, and could easily expand to tamarins, marmosets and such. As I covered, arboreal anteaters such as tamandua and silky anteater would be covered by this IRA, while coati are already at MZ, and more could easily be imported. Sloths would be a no brainer, and something like a kinkajou could also be interesting to add even more diversity. Brazilian Tapirs seem to have some interest in the region and that is likely to increase. I also like the idea of deer such as pudu being featured, but I’m ofc not aware of whether that’s a possibility or not.

 

[Zoofan15]

Why are the birds species so limited?

Australian biosecurity restrictions prohibit birds due to the risk of diseases like avian botulism to the poultry industry. It’s a stance that won’t change, so we have to make do with the species we have.

Unfortunately, little thought was given to what bird species we wanted to hold long term in the region. Even as a mammals fan, there’s so many bird species I’d like to see in the region. Our Andean condor population has been reduced to five closely related birds; and species like the Rhea and the Humboldt penguins have disappeared from the region. All would make great additions to this complex.

 

[Zoofan15]

I was thinking in 5-10 years if interest was expressed in anteaters and doing something like this, an IRA could hopefully be passed, considering there can’t be many in the works after giraffes. Hopefully MZ breed their peccaries if that’s a possibility and house them with many species of rodents, anteaters etc. Arboreal mammals aren’t overly hard to attain, as MZ already has many monkey species, and could easily expand to tamarins, marmosets and such. As I covered, arboreal anteaters such as tamandua and silky anteater would be covered by this IRA, while coati are already at MZ, and more could easily be imported. Sloths would be a no brainer, and something like a kinkajou could also be interesting to add even more diversity. Brazilian Tapirs seem to have some interest in the region and that is likely to increase. I also like the idea of deer such as pudu being featured, but I’m ofc not aware of whether that’s a possibility or not.

Giant anteater are a strong possibility long term (10-15 years is a reasonable assumption) as an IRA could be processed after priority species. I’m also hopeful Brazilian tapir will be imported into the region in the short term (next five years).

Melbourne Zoo have confirmed via email they have no plans to breed their Collared peccary, so we will sadly see this species disappear from the region within the decade. It would have been nice to see them in the aviary, but the Brazilian tapir are an obvious substitute. They cohabit well with spider monkeys - as they did at Hamilton Zoo for many years.