It’s possible. Kudu are a comparatively peaceful species compared to other antelopes and are well suited to mixed species exhibits. They can hybridise with nyala, which is something to consider/avoid.
Melbourne Zoo Future of Melbourne Zoo 2023 (Speculation / Fantasy)
- Thread starter Jambo
- Start date
- Status
It’s possible. Kudu are a comparatively peaceful species compared to other antelopes and are well suited to mixed species exhibits. They can hybridise with nyala, which is something to consider/avoid.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
As I’ve mentioned many times, something has to fill the space on the walking trail. If they are considering Nyala there, Kudu would be a good replacement in the exhibit. They’re less shy and would be more engaging for visitors. The Sunset Safari was a great opportunity to view the Nyala though, and I would recommend anyone to go to that if they can.
Werribee have had Kudu in the past and phased them out, so not sure they’d go back to them.
They would be a nice species to have, although *I think* they might have been replaced by the more readily available Nyala.
Kudu and Nyala are indeed a very similar species and while we would all appreciate seeing different antelope species, I can see how this would be lost on the average visitor. Both species are ranked as Least Concern, which weakens the case for importing Kudu.
Personally, I'm surprised by the move to phase out the critically endangered Addax. They'd be a great representative of the Arid biome, while supporting a regional breeding programme for a rare species.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
I certainly don’t think WORZ would import kudu, but if Monarto are going to it would be good for diversity. I believe I referred to Werribees past holding of kudu as a facepalm.
I certainly don’t think WORZ would import kudu, but if Monarto are going to it would be good for diversity. I believe I referred to Werribees past holding of kudu as a facepalm.
Monarto will soon have more bulls than they know what to do with, so bachelor holders within the region would be valuable. Whether Werribee will have an interest in being one of these remains to he seen, but they may choose to accept a pair or a trio; even if they don't wish to go to the effort of importing/breeding.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
As an open range zoo, I doubt where would be any drawbacks. Can’t be that expensive to feed a couple of antelope
The main issues would be around integration - though Kudu are comparatively peaceful compared to other antelopes and seperating them from Nyala, which they can hybridise with.
There’s a range of ways they can do this including housing them with larger megafauna which can’t mix e.g. rhinoceros and giraffe; or a smaller exhibit for the purpose of housing a bachelor pair or trio.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
Would love to see some primates at WORZ, albeit I’d prefer they move the entire breeding group and replace them with mandrill, which is wishful thinking. As I have stated many times, there is a plethora of space at WORZ near the elephants and I wonder if baboons are potentially on the cards
Last edited by a moderator:
That would be good to see. Bachelor troops have been successful at Crocodylus and Banana Cabana and would be of great benefit to managing the surplus from Melbourne’s troop.
By acquiring an old male as their new breeding male, Melbourne will at least have reproductive age daughters from him when he passes; but there will of course be the issue of what to do with his inevitable sons.
I was thinking this might be an option too until Melbourne Zoo recently confirmed they have no plans to phase out Hamadryas baboon.
Personally, I’d prefer Mandrill to return to their original exhibit. It’s a nice geographical link to the adjacent Pygmy hippopotamus exhibit and was purpose built for them as a rainforest species.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
The Sleepy Hippo
Well-Known Member
I'm with Zoofan15 on this one. Mandrill should occupy their puropose built enclosure on the Gorilla Rainforest Trail.
That was just an idea of mine, not sure Melbourne would actually follow up with it.
Mandrills would be a nice choice to return, but as @Zoofan15 said Melbourne have no immediate plans for them to return. Maybe down the line we might see them at Melbourne again, but Melbourne have largely renovated their former enclosure for Cassowary unfortunately.
dylan downward
Well-Known Member
I was there the other day and it seem that they were doing more work in clearing up the vegetation looking into the exhibit and built a gate in that cleared up spot which is quite wierdThat was just an idea of mine, not sure Melbourne would actually follow up with it.
Mandrills would be a nice choice to return, but as @Zoofan15 said Melbourne have no immediate plans for them to return. Maybe down the line we might see them at Melbourne again, but Melbourne have largely renovated their former enclosure for Cassowary unfortunately.
Interesting. Which cleared up spot are you referring too?
dylan downward
Well-Known Member
As you are walking towards the undercover area I’m pretty sure it used to be open when the mandrills were there like it’s over looking the water
Yeah I think it did, but that was a long time ago. Whereabouts was the gate?
dylan downward
Well-Known Member
In that same area off to the left
Must be new, I haven't seen one there before.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
As am I, and I was basing my prior comments off the fact that I didn’t know colobus would likely move to WORZ. I still want to see baboons move to WORZ, but Mandrill would well suit the old enclosure. The only thing that could waver my opinion is if Jambos great plan came to fruition, and Bongo and Okapi replaced giraffe and zebra, and Mandrill would fit right in
- Status