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

[Jambo]

It’s just occurred to me, in that article it was stated that Wild Dog and cheetah facilities would be moved to the waterhole for breeding, doesn’t that mean that the current facilities for both species would be open? Is that potentially why the masterplan says ‘hyenas/Wild dogs’, basically saying that the hyenas would take that exhibit. Considering the association with lions and hyenas I’m not against that idea. Does that potentially open up the cheetah exhibit for a new species? Maybe a porcupine or other African wild cat, such as a caracal or black footed cat. Maybe the servals could finally be put in display?

That would make sense as there's not the space near the Wild Dogs so putting the Hyenas there would ultimately make the sense. I'm not a big fan of the viewing in the enclosure, but it's a sizeable enclosure if Werribee were to look to hold a single breeding clan.

By the looks of it, the Cheetah exhibit will actually be demolished. The new waterhole area and Safari station will be in that general area, where the current arid savannah is.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Live to see the possible breeding of both species, bit bittersweet with that meaning new animals will not be housed in the waterhole

 

[Zoofan15]

Live to see the possible breeding of both species, bit bittersweet with that meaning new animals will not be housed in the waterhole

It will indeed be good to see them breeding. It'd become a trend in recent years to house breeding packs of African wild dogs in open range zoos as they can accomodate the large litter sizes (up to 20 pups).

Cheetah have been bred predominantly at the open range zoos for years due to enhanced breeding success.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

It will indeed be good to see them breeding. It'd become a trend in recent years to house breeding packs of African wild dogs in open range zoos as they can accomodate the large litter sizes (up to 20 pups).

Cheetah have been bred predominantly at the open range zoos for years due to enhanced breeding success.

I would love to see a pack of 20 African wolf dogs. Combined with the implementation of another lion pride and the introduction of hyenas, WORZ could start looking like monarto

 

[Jambo]

I would love to see a pack of 20 African wolf dogs. Combined with the implementation of another lion pride and the introduction of hyenas, WORZ could start looking like monarto

Only thing is, where would the third Lion exhibit go? I imagine it might just be an extension of the current main enclosure to allow them to be viewed from the Safari (going through the Woodlands area).

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I hat do you mean by third? I thought the second one was going to be constructed, but I was t aware there were plans for the 3rd. I will say, it will be great seeing the lions look over the antelope while in the safari, and I have no doubt visitors would love that

 

[Zoofan15]

I would love to see a pack of 20 African wolf dogs. Combined with the implementation of another lion pride and the introduction of hyenas, WORZ could start looking like monarto

The best thing about African wild dogs is that males typically remain in their natal pack without the issues that arise in wolves etc. They breed at 12 month intervals and usually have more male pups than female, so a large pack could easily be formed in the space of 2-3 years.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

The best thing about African wild dogs is that males typically remain in their natal pack without the issues that arise in wolves etc. They breed at 12 month intervals and usually have more male pups than female, so a large pack could easily be formed in the space of 2-3 years.

Of course this relies on the fact the masterplan will ring true

 

[Zoofan15]

I hat do you mean by third? I thought the second one was going to be constructed, but I was t aware there were plans for the 3rd. I will say, it will be great seeing the lions look over the antelope while in the safari, and I have no doubt visitors would love that

I could be wrong but I assumed the second lion exhibit is intended to manage expansion of the current pride of 1.2 - namely addressing the issue of only one lioness being able to breed at a time, which is shame as dual litters to Nilo and Asali would mirror the natural social order.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I could be wrong but I assumed the second lion exhibit is intended to manage expansion of the current pride of 1.2 - namely addressing the issue of only one lioness being able to breed at a time, which is shame as dual litters to Nilo and Asali would mirror the natural social order.

That was my supposition aswell. It says on the website that it would be used for another pride, but that must’ve been lost in translation or something

 

[Zoofan15]

That was my supposition aswell. It says on the website that it would be used for another pride, but that must’ve been lost in translation or something

A second pride could be formed to accomodate surplus from the breeding pride. Alternatively, it'll assist in managing succession as Nilo is approaching the end of her reproductive years. Give years from now, it'd be difficult to bring in a new male to breed with her daughters and granddaughters, so Sheri will likely head up this pride until her death.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

It could be they plan to import a new breeding pair in order to expand the regional breeding program, or it could be as @Zoofan15 suggested, a pride developed out of surplus.

Would one of the lions at MZ potentially move to Werribee to help form a second pride at Werribee?

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

It could be they plan to import a new breeding pair in order to expand the regional breeding program, or it could be as @Zoofan15 suggested, a pride developed out of surplus.

Would one of the lions at MZ potentially move to Werribee to help form a second pride at Werribee?

Take this with a grain of salt, but I heard they were not of genetic value, as MZs tigers are. Potentially surplus from WORZ new pride could be held at MZ?

 

[Jambo]

I hat do you mean by third? I thought the second one was going to be constructed, but I was t aware there were plans for the 3rd. I will say, it will be great seeing the lions look over the antelope while in the safari, and I have no doubt visitors would love that

I could be wrong but I assumed the second lion exhibit is intended to manage expansion of the current pride of 1.2 - namely addressing the issue of only one lioness being able to breed at a time, which is shame as dual litters to Nilo and Asali would mirror the natural social order.

Werribee already have two Lion exhibits.

There's one at the back (with a hidden moat in between), and used to house Tonyi, Tombo and Jarrah before they all passed. It's been empty since Jarrah's passing in 2020 but I'd assume it might be put into use to hold any male cubs going forward.

 

[Jambo]

It could be they plan to import a new breeding pair in order to expand the regional breeding program, or it could be as @Zoofan15 suggested, a pride developed out of surplus.

Would one of the lions at MZ potentially move to Werribee to help form a second pride at Werribee?

Take this with a grain of salt, but I heard they were not of genetic value, as MZs tigers are. Potentially surplus from WORZ new pride could be held at MZ?

The two males at Melbourne were the cubs of Johari and Nairobi, so are related to Werribee's girls; Nilo being Nairobi's half sister and Asali being their half sibling.

It would be good if Werribee could obtain new genetics; perhaps a new male to pair with any daughters born to Nilo and Asali.

 

[Zoofan15]

Would one of the lions at MZ potentially move to Werribee to help form a second pride at Werribee?

No, as @PaddyRickMFZ mentioned, the lions at Melbourne are from a well represented line.

Their father Johari descends from the Tonyi-Kura line, which has many descendants within the region. Through their mother, Nairibi, they’re related to Werribee’s lionesses (half sister and niece of Nairibi).

 

[Jambo]

It could be they plan to import a new breeding pair in order to expand the regional breeding program, or it could be as @Zoofan15 suggested, a pride developed out of surplus.

Would one of the lions at MZ potentially move to Werribee to help form a second pride at Werribee?

No, as @PaddyRickMFZ mentioned, the lions at Melbourne are from a well represented line.

Their father Johari descends from the Tonyi-Kura line, which has many descendants within the region. Through their mother, Nairibi, they’re related to Werribee’s lionesses (half sister and niece of Nairibi).

The lions bred to Johari have been carefully moved into different situations as to avoid breeding the line too much considering the Auckland line is very represented in the region atm through the 2001 born daughters.

Out of the 11 cubs, only half (six) have been moved into breeding situations. That's why I'm of the assumption the trio of girls at Auckland will probably remain there as non breeding group long term and Ato at Taronga will probably not be bred again with Maya.

The recent cubs born at Monarto, Dubbo and Taronga are all grandchildren of Johari and Nilo.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I know I mentioned this before, but would it be possible for pronghorn, prairie dogs and bison to share an exhibit, if they were indicating ‘other northern hemisphere animals’

 

[Jambo]

I know I mentioned this before, but would it be possible for pronghorn, prairie dogs and bison to share an exhibit, if they were indicating ‘other northern hemisphere animals’

Wouldn't be possible unfortunately. Don't think any of those species compatible. Bison are only listed on the masterplan anyways.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Werribee already have two Lion exhibits.

There's one at the back (with a hidden moat in between), and used to house Tonyi, Tombo and Jarrah before they all passed. It's been empty since Jarrah's passing in 2020 but I'd assume it might be put into use to hold any male cubs going forward.

Is this exhibit on display?