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

[Jambo]

Dholes would be a great addition to Melbourne Zoo. I’m thinking Maned wolf would gain favour for exhibition in the Predator Precinct by virtue of being a South American species however. With the probable phase out of the coati, this continent will soon be unrepresented - while they have Sumatran tiger, Snow leopard etc. representing Asia.

Maned wolf were previously phased out of Melbourne Zoo’s collection, but you have to wonder how seriously they take this species criteria when they still have Slender-tailed meerkats, who are enabling, that’s it; Plains zebra, who I wouldn’t even consider enabling when there’s no foals in the herd; and were recently considering exhibiting Lowland nyala, which again aren’t enabling.

Some species that are super enabling would get priority though over other species. Those would include, Giraffe, Zebra, Lions, Meerkats, Tortoises, Kangaroos ect. All only really fit the enabling category, but there'd be an exception as a zoo wouldn't be a zoo without them.

Other species like Binturong which were also recently phased out aren't as popular, so wouldn't really be a notable absence amongst most visitors. That's why I think their should be a sixth category too: Popularity.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Some species that are super enabling would get priority though over other species. Those would include, Giraffe, Zebra, Lions, Meerkats, Tortoises, Kangaroos ect. All only really fit the enabling category, but there'd be an exception as a zoo wouldn't be a zoo without them.

Other species like Binturong which were also recently phased out aren't as popular, so wouldn't really be a notable absence amongst most visitors. That's why I think their should be a sixth category too: Popularity.

I’m not sure if tortoises are really enabling. They built that massive exhibit, which I’ll admit Kina annoyed me, and I was the only one looking at them. My profile pic is actually one of the tortoises of MZ now that I think about it. Same goes for zebras. Visitors know of them, but they don’t make an attraction and everyone at their exhibit is only remarking about the giraffes. Binturong are a good filler exhibit instead of squirrel monkeys, and I certainly heard people talking about the popcorn smell last time I saw one in a zoo

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Yes, the burrow would be under the Dhole exhibit and a window would allow visitors to see into it from inside the mountain.

Tbh I’m not hugely knowledgeable about fish (mammals are more my thing), but basically any fish species from South Asia. They’d be easy to acquire through the aquarium trade. Potentially, reptile species could be added as well - but an aquarium would be preferable since Melbourne already has an impressive reptile collection and fish would be a point of difference.

Here’s a few with Indian origin: 5 Alluring Aquarium Fishes With Indian Origin - Creature Companions | Magazine

This seems really cool. Do you have a diagram that you could potentially show me? So in essence, you’re saying there will be a giant mountain encompassing the elephant exhibits and in between. The langurs and tahr will reside at the top of this mountain, with sloth bears and leopards on the second level terrace, and dholes on regular ground?

 

[Zoofan15]

I’m not sure if tortoises are really enabling. They built that massive exhibit, which I’ll admit Kina annoyed me, and I was the only one looking at them. My profile pic is actually one of the tortoises of MZ now that I think about it. Same goes for zebras. Visitors know of them, but they don’t make an attraction and everyone at their exhibit is only remarking about the giraffes. Binturong are a good filler exhibit instead of squirrel monkeys, and I certainly heard people talking about the popcorn smell last time I saw one in a zoo

I agree with regards to zebras etc. Zebras are just something in the background of the giraffe exhibit at both Auckland and Hamilton Zoo too, with visitors paying about as much attention to them as they do the Ostrich.

The general public have evolved from the days when Giraffes and Camels were mysterious creatures from a foreign land and now they’re not only aware of a wide variety of species, they want to see them.

We consider meerkats the ultimate enabling species with regards to the general public, but in reality they’d be just as enthralled by a Mongoose or a coati.

 

[Zoofan15]

This seems really cool. Do you have a diagram that you could potentially show me? So in essence, you’re saying there will be a giant mountain encompassing the elephant exhibits and in between. The langurs and tahr will reside at the top of this mountain, with sloth bears and leopards on the second level terrace, and dholes on regular ground?

Yes, that’s correct.

I’d be happy to post a concept drawing of Sloth Bear Mountain.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Yes, that’s correct.

I’d be happy to post a concept drawing of Sloth Bear Mountain.

That would be great if possible. That way I can show the next keepers when I visit
Potentially tomorrow

 

[Jambo]

I’m not sure if tortoises are really enabling. They built that massive exhibit, which I’ll admit Kina annoyed me, and I was the only one looking at them. My profile pic is actually one of the tortoises of MZ now that I think about it. Same goes for zebras. Visitors know of them, but they don’t make an attraction and everyone at their exhibit is only remarking about the giraffes. Binturong are a good filler exhibit instead of squirrel monkeys, and I certainly heard people talking about the popcorn smell last time I saw one in a zoo

Tortoises are definitely a popular species amongst the public, and are one of those species that have a long history with Melbourne going way back to the beginnings.

The Growing Wild exhibit is always quite empty, but to be fair, the whole precinct as a whole is nowadays (with visitors only going as far as the entrance to see the Meerkats). The Lawn enclosure though always draws a decent crowd. And going back even more than a decade ago, I remember it being very similar and have fond memories from back then; especially when the Tortoises come up to the side and you can touch their shells.

The Zebras not being an attraction at Melbourne is probably due to their exhibit. They're in a rough spot where they're only really seen if the visitors elect to bypass the Australian trail, of which most tend not to do. But I do agree, Melbourne *could* do without them. They're always going to be a secondary attraction to the Giraffe.

The problem with the Binturongs was they were almost never seen. I've actually never seen a Binturong active in my life, despite visiting many zoos with them. Yes you can smell them, but can you see them? Their enclosure was again, often bypassed by visitors due to them thinking it was empty. It was much the same when it used to have Coati too. But now that the Squirrel Monkeys are there, the enclosures much more active and they draw much more crowd than the Binturong/Coati ever did. That exhibit used to be a staple of the trail back when it was an aviary for the Peafowl.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Tortoises are definitely a popular species amongst the public, and are one of those species that have a long history with Melbourne going way back to the beginnings.

The Growing Wild exhibit is always quite empty, but to be fair, the whole precinct as a whole is nowadays (with visitors only going as far as the entrance to see the Meerkats). The Lawn enclosure though always draws a decent crowd. And going back even more than a decade ago, I remember it being very similar and have fond memories from back then; especially when the Tortoises come up to the side and you can touch their shells.

The Zebras not being an attraction at Melbourne is probably due to their exhibit. They're in a rough spot where they're only really seen if the visitors elect to bypass the Australian trail, of which most tend not to do. But I do agree, Melbourne *could* do without them. They're always going to be a secondary attraction to the Giraffe.

The problem with the Binturongs was they were almost never seen. I've actually never seen a Binturong active in my life, despite visiting many zoos with them. Yes you can smell them, but can you see them? Their enclosure was again, often bypassed by visitors due to them thinking it was empty. It was much the same when it used to have Coati too. But now that the Squirrel Monkeys are there, the enclosures much more active and they draw much more crowd than the Binturong/Coati ever did. That exhibit used to be a staple of the trail back when it was an aviary for the Peafowl.

How many binturong would fit in that enclosure? Or more accurately how many would be able to be housed together. I have to say I don’t agree on the tortoise thing. I was actually the only visitor in the own exhibit, like not a single other person was viewing them and the tortoises were relatively active. I swear every time we mention growing Wild… all that space and potential and just nothing there

 

[Jambo]

How many binturong would fit in that enclosure? Or more accurately how many would be able to be housed together. I have to say I don’t agree on the tortoise thing. I was actually the only visitor in the own exhibit, like not a single other person was viewing them and the tortoises were relatively active. I swear every time we mention growing Wild… all that space and potential and just nothing there

They're generally solitary, but littermates can tend to be grouped together. Melbourne used to have a brother and sister, but the exhibit could potentially hold about four, five max. I'd like to see them return. They could potentially be another replacement for the Coatis in the carnivores precinct.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

They're generally solitary, but littermates can tend to be grouped together. Melbourne used to have a brother and sister, but the exhibit could potentially hold about four, five max. I'd like to see them return. They could potentially be another replacement for the Coatis in the carnivores precinct.

I hope coati are moved as opposed to being phased out tbh. If binturong return, I feel like the best spot is the TOTE and moving the rest of the squirrel monkeys back to the main trail. Clouded leopard have been mentioned frequently, but I wonder if there’s any chance for another felid such as lynx or other wildcats.

 

[Zoofan15]

I hope coati are moved as opposed to being phased out tbh. If binturong return, I feel like the best spot is the TOTE and moving the rest of the squirrel monkeys back to the main trail. Clouded leopard have been mentioned frequently, but I wonder if there’s any chance for another felid such as lynx or other wildcats.

I doubt Melbourne Zoo will import any felid species that’s not already a ZAA focus species. With regards to small cats - Serval, Caracal, Fishing cat and Clouded leopard seem to be the limit for the region - with the latter two being the most likely options for Melbourne.

Of these two, Clouded leopard are the greatest source of intrigue from the visitor perspective; and make mildly better display animals than Fishing cat. With one facility holding them and another confirmed to be interested in importing them, it wouldn’t surprise me to see them return to Melbourne Zoo.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I doubt Melbourne Zoo will import any felid species that’s not already a ZAA focus species. With regards to small cats - Serval, Caracal, Fishing cat and Clouded leopard seem to be the limit for the region - with the latter two being the most likely options for Melbourne.

Of these two, Clouded leopard are the greatest source of intrigue from the visitor perspective; and make mildly better display animals than Fishing cat. With one facility holding them and another confirmed to be interested in importing them, it wouldn’t surprise me to see them return to Melbourne Zoo.

I’d love to see fishing cat in Victoria, but that’s not ver likely as you covered, and clouded leopards would be my preference anyway. Caracal would be a great addition at WORZ imo, and when I spoke to in wot the keepers there she also said they were of interest to her,(which of course doesn’t mean anything).

 

[Jambo]

I doubt Melbourne Zoo will import any felid species that’s not already a ZAA focus species. With regards to small cats - Serval, Caracal, Fishing cat and Clouded leopard seem to be the limit for the region - with the latter two being the most likely options for Melbourne.

Of these two, Clouded leopard are the greatest source of intrigue from the visitor perspective; and make mildly better display animals than Fishing cat. With one facility holding them and another confirmed to be interested in importing them, it wouldn’t surprise me to see them return to Melbourne Zoo.

They would be a nice fit but would require renovations to the BTS area, as it's currently designed for smaller species and the indoor area wouldn't be big enough for even one Clouded Leopard!

The BTS area is also located above the viewing window, so would only be suitable for a mainly arboreal species (potentially not a small cat like Serval or Caracal)

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

They would be a nice fit but would require renovations to the BTS area, as it's currently designed for smaller species and the indoor area wouldn't be big enough for even one Clouded Leopard!

The BTS area is also located above the viewing window, so would only be suitable for a mainly arboreal species (potentially not a small cat like Serval or Caracal)

There seems to be a little bit of space around the enclosure that could be expanded though?

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

I visit the Bali safari and marine park every year in Indonesia it is one of the best zoo/safari parks I have ever Been to, when the binturong are put in a good enclosure they can be quite active, but they do like to sleep the issue with there old enclosure it was dark and was hard to see

 

[Zoofan15]

They would be a nice fit but would require renovations to the BTS area, as it's currently designed for smaller species and the indoor area wouldn't be big enough for even one Clouded Leopard!

The BTS area is also located above the viewing window, so would only be suitable for a mainly arboreal species (potentially not a small cat like Serval or Caracal)

Felids like nothing better than to perch high above everything, so the positing of the BTS area wouldn’t be an issue as long as it was accessible. Cats are naturally adept climbers.

It sounds like the main issue is the size of the BTS area, but if that could be expanded, that would be ideal. Given the space constraints, their set up would be best suited to a non breeding or sibling pair.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Tbh I’m not hugely knowledgeable about fish (mammals are more my thing), but basically any fish species from South Asia. They’d be easy to acquire through the aquarium trade. Potentially, reptile species could be added as well - but an aquarium would be preferable since Melbourne already has an impressive reptile collection and fish would be a point of difference.

Could look at species endemic to the Mekong, Ganges, Indus, or Himalyan mountain streams I guess.

- The Mekong Snail-eating Turtle
- box turtles
- Critically Endangered Ganges shark

The 5 fish species all look quite alluring too!

As for the inactive binturong, and several of those felids recently discussed - fishing cat, clouded leopard, caracal - all predominantly nocturnal...

I'm loving the prospect of the bear mountain. Is Sloth bear the most likely ursid to be taken up by MZ? They do look really cool!
An idea based around Bear mountain being discussed (and this would involve a shift around in the predator precinct) could be to have it be Himalayan themed, with Himalayan Black Bear, Snow Leopard, aquarium with Himalayan stream fish and aquatic species.

Another thought was with which ever species are on/in the mountain, there could be a water feature of a stream that flows through a few exhibits. Could lead down to a Fishing Cat enclosure further around.

If the Indian subcontinent theme were kept it could be great to have a return of Peafowl, and a small-medium aviary for endemic birds to that area. Birds would otherwise be the major missing link within the already diverse species list.
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Complete sidenote - was at Werribee Zoo this morning. One of the two highlights was watching Sheru in a training session. He was quite agitated, but calmed down. Very impressive King of Werribee!
The other was funnily enough were the Vervey monkeys. They were so active and were great to watch. There have been discussions about species to replace the Vervet monkeys in these threads - why is it that Werribee are not keeping them?

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Also which paddock/s are you imagining Sloth Bear Mountain to be covering @Zoofan15 ?

 

[Zoofan15]

Could look at species endemic to the Mekong, Ganges, Indus, or Himalyan mountain streams I guess.

- The Mekong Snail-eating Turtle
- box turtles
- Critically Endangered Ganges shark

The 5 fish species all look quite alluring too!

As for the inactive binturong, and several of those felids recently discussed - fishing cat, clouded leopard, caracal - all predominantly nocturnal...

I'm loving the prospect of the bear mountain. Is Sloth bear the most likely ursid to be taken up by MZ? They do look really cool!
An idea based around Bear mountain being discussed (and this would involve a shift around in the predator precinct) could be to have it be Himalayan themed, with Himalayan Black Bear, Snow Leopard, aquarium with Himalayan stream fish and aquatic species.

Another thought was with which ever species are on/in the mountain, there could be a water feature of a stream that flows through a few exhibits. Could lead down to a Fishing Cat enclosure further around.

If the Indian subcontinent theme were kept it could be great to have a return of Peafowl, and a small-medium aviary for endemic birds to that area. Birds would otherwise be the major missing link within the already diverse species list.
--------------------------
Complete sidenote - was at Werribee Zoo this morning. One of the two highlights was watching Sheru in a training session. He was quite agitated, but calmed down. Very impressive King of Werribee!
The other was funnily enough were the Vervey monkeys. They were so active and were great to watch. There have been discussions about species to replace the Vervet monkeys in these threads - why is it that Werribee are not keeping them?

Yes, Sloth bear are the most likely replacement for Malayan sun bears imo. They’re held at many zoos throughout the US and Europe and would be easy to source. They also breed readily in captivity.

The sun bear phase out could be a lengthy one. They commonly live into their mid-20’s and the youngest three are all born between 2006-2010; so I imagine they’ll be an overlap if they do decide to swap to Sloth bears.

A reason for the Vervet monkey phase out hasn’t been publicly stated, but likely reasons are they only fit into the enabling category as they’re ranked as Least Concern; combined with a lack of interest from other zoos. Werribee are the only regional holder.

 

[Zoofan15]

Also which paddock/s are you imagining Sloth Bear Mountain to be covering @Zoofan15 ?

The entire elephant complex will be taken up by Sloth Bear Mountain. It has a footprint of 2.5 ha.

With regards to the mountain itself, the lower terrace would encompass around 1/4 of the length of the complex; the middle terrace would encompass 1/2 (largest exhibits for the bears and leopards); and the upper terrace/mountain peaks would encompass around 1/4 of the total length.

The aquarium and Dhole burrows would be located within the mountain, so wouldn’t detract from the total length per say.