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

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Komodo dragon is a good option, which can indeed be added. As a South East Asian species, it would support the expansion of the orangutan exhibit - with their being enough room to hold at least one breeding pair in a Komodo Island themed complex.

I added Common chimpanzee, but in all honesty think they’d be better suited to Werribee. This would see Melbourne and Werribee each hold two great ape species each. In addition, Melbourne have previously phased out chimpanzee and would need to dedicate most of the complex to housing them if the intention was to hold a large troop like the one at Taronga.

I’m of the opinion that chimps would certainly fare better in an open range environment. They don’t add a whole lot to MZs collection imo and aren’t worth the costs it would take to hold a large troop. Conversely they are a point of difference at WORZ and are a staple African species that would be popular. Not to mention the troop could grow very large considering there is ample space

 

[Zoofan15]

I’m of the opinion that chimps would certainly fare better in an open range environment. They don’t add a whole lot to MZs collection imo and aren’t worth the costs it would take to hold a large troop. Conversely they are a point of difference at WORZ and are a staple African species that would be popular. Not to mention the troop could grow very large considering there is ample space

All good points. While I’d prefer to observe a large troop pf chimpanzees to a small troop of gorillas, the general republic regard gorillas as the ultimate great ape species, so would probably find them underwhelming next to the gorillas.

It’d be exciting to see a large community of chimpanzees formed at Werribee. There’s been several births in recent years and a decade from now, there’ll be many opportunities for transfer. Since we know what’s in the Werribee masterplan and it doesn’t include chimps, we can assume that’s the minimum timeframe they’d be looking at (if they acquire them) as funding will have to cover the renovations at Melbourne and whatever they have planned for Kyabram.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

All good points. While I’d prefer to observe a large troop pf chimpanzees to a small troop of gorillas, the general republic regard gorillas as the ultimate great ape species, so would probably find them underwhelming next to the gorillas.

It’d be exciting to see a large community of chimpanzees formed at Werribee. There’s been several births in recent years and a decade from now, there’ll be many opportunities for transfer. Since we know what’s in the Werribee masterplan and it doesn’t include chimps, we can assume that’s the minimum timeframe they’d be looking at (if they acquire them) as funding will have to cover the renovations at Melbourne and whatever they have planned for Kyabram.

Then again, if an opportunity presents itself I doubt they will turn it down just because it’s not on the masterplan. Also, said plan doesn’t include every species they are thinking about, for example there is no porcupine on the masterplan. Considering there is still lots of space, no doubt they will leave some surprises that weren’t already telegraphed

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Just imagine. A row of bear grottos, featuring grizzly(or Syrian brown), American black, Andean, sloth and Malayan sun bear. That obviously will never happen but the crowds that would draw would be insane. Australians haven’t seen a textbook hear species since honey at MZ, and that would surely be the talk of the country.

Sounds a little like MZ in the past - Brown bears, Black bears, Syrian brown, Polar bear. All were contemporaneous to each other 40 oodd years ago.

Just looking at pictures of Honey makes me think MZ should bring back the Syrian Brown. It would easily tick two or more of their boxes.

 

[Zoofan15]

Then again, if an opportunity presents itself I doubt they will turn it down just because it’s not on the masterplan. Also, said plan doesn’t include every species they are thinking about, for example there is no porcupine on the masterplan. Considering there is still lots of space, no doubt they will leave some surprises that weren’t already telegraphed

Unfortunately I’m under the impression everything major (that will require a lot of funding) has already been announced. The addition of Cape porcupine is a minor project that doesn’t necessarily need to be allocated funding for in long term planning. They could even add them to the meerkat exhibit at minimal cost.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I’d say:

Strong possibilities:

Sloth bear and Sri Lankan leopard
Indian rhinoceros
Mandrill and Eastern bongo
Expansion to orangutan exhibit

Weaker possibilities:

Okapi (long wait time re. IRA)
Common chimpanzee

Off the wall possibilities:

Giant panda (can’t 100% discount it, but is pretty out there)

After visiting Werribee and thinking about the new Waterhole precinct beside the Elephants (being aware that predominantly African species are likely to fill that space) I think I would prefer to see Indian Rhino and Sloth bear to go to the Waterhole precinct long term, and include several other Indian mammals and birds at the Waterhole, and make the Waterhole more of an Indian forest precinct. Could include dholes and Indian wolves.
Of course, throw in a black melanistic leopard, a boa constrictor and a boy in a red sarong and you have the Jungle Book

Whatever happens to the TOTE I do hope that the Orangutan get an expansion!

 

[Jambo]

I’d say:

Strong possibilities:

Sloth bear and Sri Lankan leopard
Indian rhinoceros
Mandrill and Eastern bongo
Expansion to orangutan exhibit

Weaker possibilities:

Okapi (long wait time re. IRA)
Common chimpanzee

Off the wall possibilities:

Giant panda (can’t 100% discount it, but is pretty out there)

Considering we know there'll be multiple species, I'm of the belief the following are candidates:

• Sloth Bear
• Komodo Dragons
• Sri Lankan Leopards *
• Indian Rhinos *
• Langurs
• Orangutan Expansion

Any two of the above together could potentially be amiable replacements.

*1: Sri Lankan Leopards are a medium chance. I'm hopeful, but not sure Melbourne would consider them

*2: Indian Rhinos are also a chance, but knowing Zoos Vic, I believe they'll probably want to house them at Werribee rather than Melbourne if anything.

Looking at that, my assumption would be the most likely replacement to be an Islands themed precinct:

An orangutan expansion, Gibbons, Komodo Dragons, Binturong and *wishfully* a dome (similar to Auckland's) that could feature tropical Indonesian birds and Gharial/Philippine Crocodile too.

 

[Zoofan15]

After visiting Werribee and thinking about the new Waterhole precinct beside the Elephants (being aware that predominantly African species are likely to fill that space) I think I would prefer to see Indian Rhino and Sloth bear to go to the Waterhole precinct long term, and include several other Indian mammals and birds at the Waterhole, and make the Waterhole more of an Indian forest precinct.
Of course, throw in a black melanistic leopard, a boa constrictor and a boy in a red sarong and you have the Jungle Book

Whatever happens to the TOTE I do hope that the Orangutan get an expansion!

Indian rhinoceros at Werribee are a no brainer in my opinion. Melbourne doesn’t have the space to meet their needs long term, so it seems pointless to acquire them with the view of transferring them over a decade from now.

I’m still in favour of Sloth bears at Melbourne because I believe they need a drawcard post-elephants and of the realistic options we’ve discussed, none really cut it in terms of public interest.

It would be nice to see the orangutan facilties expanded, but the best way they can do this is aerial pathways. It adds a track of close to 3km at Auckland Zoo, with two medium sized exhibits to hold the Bornean orangutan and Siamang.

 

[Zoofan15]

Considering we know there'll be multiple species, I'm of the belief the following are candidates:

• Sloth Bear
• Komodo Dragons
• Sri Lankan Leopards *
• Indian Rhinos *
• Langurs
• Orangutan Expansion

Any two of the above together could potentially be amiable replacements.

*1: Sri Lankan Leopards are a medium chance. I'm hopeful, but not sure Melbourne would consider them

*2: Indian Rhinos are also a chance, but knowing Zoos Vic, I believe they'll probably want to house them at Werribee rather than Melbourne if anything.

Looking at that, my assumption would be the most likely replacement to be an Islands themed precinct:

An orangutan expansion, Gibbons, Komodo Dragons, Binturong and *wishfully* a dome (similar to Auckland's) that could feature tropical Indonesian birds and Gharial/Philippine Crocodile too.

I’m hopeful of some degree of geographical theming will be undertake, so my hope is for either:

Sloth bear/Sri Lankan leopard (Sloth Bear Mountain)

Sumatran orangutan/Komodo dragon (Islands of Indonesia)

Each with a couple of supporting species such as langurs. This also ties in with reports from visitors they’ve been told Zoos Victoria are considering multiple species.

It would be amazing to see a tropical dome. It’s such an asset to Auckland Zoo. Philippine crocodile are probably the best bet as Taronga are planning to acquire them according to their plans for the Reptile and Amphibian Centre; and Auckland Zoo have no plans to breed their False gharial.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

After visiting Werribee and thinking about the new Waterhole precinct beside the Elephants (being aware that predominantly African species are likely to fill that space) I think I would prefer to see Indian Rhino and Sloth bear to go to the Waterhole precinct long term, and include several other Indian mammals and birds at the Waterhole, and make the Waterhole more of an Indian forest precinct. Could include dholes and Indian wolves.
Of course, throw in a black melanistic leopard, a boa constrictor and a boy in a red sarong and you have the Jungle Book

Whatever happens to the TOTE I do hope that the Orangutan get an expansion!

An Indian precinct at WORZ has been discussed in the past and is unanimously a good idea. Since they’ve indicated they likely won’t diversify, we might have to make do with it at MZ. With the exception of Nilgai and Indian Wolves(which could be manoeuvred elsewhere in the park as a different species), @Zoofan15 proposal covers all the requirements for a good precinct imo. When @Jambo suggested gharial, I realised there may be enough space for that inside the mountain if the visitors were to walk on top of them when looking at the dholes burrows and aquariums etc. Basically if the mountain was somewhat hollow, say underneath the sloth bears there could be a big pool at the previous ground level that could house them, and potentially a smaller enclosure for Phillipines croc.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I

Indian rhinoceros at Werribee are a no brainer in my opinion. Melbourne doesn’t have the space to meet their needs long term, so it seems pointless to acquire them with the view of transferring them over a decade from now.

I’m still in favour of Sloth bears at Melbourne because I believe they need a drawcard post-elephants and of the realistic options we’ve discussed, none really cut it in terms of public interest.

It would be nice to see the orangutan facilties expanded, but the best way they can do this is aerial pathways. It adds a track of close to 3km at Auckland Zoo, with two medium sized exhibits to hold the Bornean orangutan and Siamang.

I also feel like the orangutans deserve an expansion, but on which it doesn’t inhibit the arrival of new species. @Jambo had a great idea when he suggested aerial pathways to the Japanese island and the adjacent island. Which gives them more than enough space and doesn’t inhibit the arrival of new exotics. I feel like if Komodo were implemented outside of the carnivore precinct(which I personally believe suits them best) they would ideally take up the soon to be demolished elephant village nearby the elephants

 

[Zoofan15]

An Indian precinct at WORZ has been discussed in the past and is unanimously a good idea. Since they’ve indicated they likely won’t diversify, we might have to make do with it at MZ. With the exception of Nilgai and Indian Wolves(which could be manoeuvred elsewhere in the park as a different species), @Zoofan15 proposal covers all the requirements for a good precinct imo. When @Jambo suggested gharial, I realised there may be enough space for that inside the mountain if the visitors were to walk on top of them when looking at the dholes burrows and aquariums etc. Basically if the mountain was somewhat hollow, say underneath the sloth bears there could be a big pool at the previous ground level that could house them, and potentially a smaller enclosure for Phillipines croc.

Gharial would be a great addition to Sloth Bear Mountain, which indeed would have enough room within the interior of the hollow mountain to house an aquarium for them.

False gharial and Phillipine crocodile come from South East Asia, so wouldn’t fit the theme of Sloth Bear Mountain, but Gharial come from India and would be perfect. They’re a critically endangered species, so Melbourne would likely be actively participating in a breeding programme if they did hold them.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Gharial would be a great addition to Sloth Bear Mountain, which indeed would have enough room within the interior of the hollow mountain to house an aquarium for them.

False gharial and Phillipine crocodile come from South East Asia, so wouldn’t fit the theme of Sloth Bear Mountain, but Gharial come from India and would be perfect. They’re a critically endangered species, so Melbourne would likely be actively participating in a breeding programme if they did hold them.

Would it be possible to acquire gharial thought? False gharial wouldn’t be to difficult, but I believe when I last mentioned gharial I copped some backlash for being a bit foolish Potentially false gharial could be an ambassador for gharial if they can’t be acquired? Considering Asian elephants are somehow an ambassador for African elephants, I wouldn’t rule Zoos Victoria out for doing something like that. After all the likelihood of acquiring hanuman langur is quite slim, so we might have to settle for another species

 

[Jambo]

I’m hopeful of some degree of geographical theming will be undertake, so my hope is for either:

Sloth bear/Sri Lankan leopard (Sloth Bear Mountain)

Sumatran orangutan/Komodo dragon (Islands of Indonesia)

Each with a couple of supporting species such as langurs. This also ties in with reports from visitors they’ve been told Zoos Victoria are considering multiple species.

It would be amazing to see a tropical dome. It’s such an asset to Auckland Zoo. Philippine crocodile are probably the best bet as Taronga are planning to acquire them according to their plans for the Reptile and Amphibian Centre; and Auckland Zoo have no plans to breed their False gharial.

Sloth Bears are one of my favorites, but are they a CITES species? If so they may need the regions support in obtaining them.

Also the fact that Melbourne seem to be considering multiple species is a reflection of not only the amount of space the complex has, but how much of a whole the elephants would leave. It wouldn't be 'trail of the elephants' without elephants! So they'd need some sort of star in return. An orangutan expansion is an obvious form of making them the 'main attractions' of that precinct; and is probably the most likely as it's been suggested by people within Melbourne.

A tropical dome would be wonderful and if the Islands Idea is taken into consideration, it could potentially occupy one of the paddocks (probably the final, bull one). As @PaddyRickMFZ said before, the Philippine Crocodile need an actual habitat where they're one of the star attractions. They would get such an exhibit if a Tropical Dome was built; and would most importantly, give them the space to breed.

I

I also feel like the orangutans deserve an expansion, but on which it doesn’t inhibit the arrival of new species. @Jambo had a great idea when he suggested aerial pathways to the Japanese island and the adjacent island. Which gives them more than enough space and doesn’t inhibit the arrival of new exotics. I feel like if Komodo were implemented outside of the carnivore precinct(which I personally believe suits them best) they would ideally take up the soon to be demolished elephant village nearby the elephants

Although the Japanese Island expansion is a wonderful idea, I have to admit it isn't very realistic. What stands is a potential expansion to the island opposite. Would that be enough? Potentially. But I'd argue Melbourne would be wanting to build something world class that can not only equal the elephants past glory but possibly even go beyond that. If they expanded that lake even more, and added another island (possibly where the first elephant enclosure is), that would create a nice lake area (with the trail following the outside of the lake in a sort of loop).

Komodo Dragons could then potentially receive an enclosure in the current Elephant Barn. With the other two paddocks then taken up by; a tropical dome and maybe even, Sun Bear (if not Sloth Bears)? The Binturong could then inhabit their former enclosure and that would be an area well done imo. They already have that Thai themed village which could also serve as a plaza if a cafe or something's introduced overlooking the lake and the islands. It's probably the best direction Melbourne could head in, and they wouldn't need to do much re. imports ect.

 

[Zoofan15]

Would it be possible to acquire gharial thought? False gharial wouldn’t be to difficult, but I believe when I last mentioned gharial I copped some backlash for being a bit foolish Potentially false gharial could be an ambassador for gharial if they can’t be acquired? Considering Asian elephants are somehow an ambassador for African elephants, I wouldn’t rule Zoos Victoria out for doing something like that. After all the likelihood of acquiring hanuman langur is quite slim, so we might have to settle for another species

I’d assess it as possible based on the fact they’ve acquired Phillipines crocodile which numbers less 100 in the wild; whereas Gharial number around 1500. However ZAA preference may be to concentrate on Phillipines crocodile and they do already have one (albeit elderly) male on site; in addition to Taronga wanting to acquire them.

A macaque species is another possibility for the upper terrace. Bonnet and Rhesus macaques are from India and could potentially be imported.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Wo

Sloth Bears are one of my favorites, but are they a CITES species? If so they may need the regions support in obtaining them.

Also the fact that Melbourne seem to be considering multiple species is a reflection of not only the amount of space the complex has, but how much of a whole the elephants would leave. It wouldn't be 'trail of the elephants' without elephants! So they'd need some sort of star in return. An orangutan expansion is an obvious form of making them the 'main attractions' of that precinct; and is probably the most likely as it's been suggested by people within Melbourne.

A tropical dome would be wonderful and if the Islands Idea is taken into consideration, it could potentially occupy one of the paddocks (probably the final, bull one). As @PaddyRickMFZ said before, the Philippine Crocodile need an actual habitat where they're one of the star attractions. They would get such an exhibit if a Tropical Dome was built; and would most importantly, give them the space to breed.

Although the Japanese Island expansion is a wonderful idea, I have to admit it isn't very realistic. What stands is a potential expansion to the island opposite. Would that be enough? Potentially. But I'd argue Melbourne would be wanting to build something world class that can not only equal the elephants past glory but possibly even go beyond that. If they expanded that lake even more, and added another island (possibly where the first elephant enclosure is), that would create a nice lake area (with the trail following the outside of the lake in a sort of loop).

Komodo Dragons could then potentially receive an enclosure in the current Elephant Barn. With the other two paddocks then taken up by; a tropical dome and maybe even, Sun Bear (if not Sloth Bears)? The Binturong could then inhabit their former enclosure and that would be an area well done imo. They already have that Thai themed village which could also serve as a plaza if a cafe or something's introduced overlooking the lake and the islands. It's probably the best direction Melbourne could head in, and they wouldn't need to do much re. imports ect.

Would certainly be the easiest option for Melbourne, but I’m not sure if that would leave guests satisfied. As zoo people we notice this stuff, but will the average zoo goer be interested in extra space for orangutans instead of a new species. In terms of realism your approach is more likely, but with the biggest draw card in the zoo leaving, there is a massive gap to fill, and they can’t just be lackadaisical about that. If we’re being ambitious and aiming long term, I’d love to see this; Orangutans expanded onto the adjacent island and aerial pathways to the Japanese island. Himalayan tahr, hanuman langur, sloth bear, Sri Lankan leopard and Ussuri dhole occupy the exterior of the mountain. Gharial occupy the inside of the mountain with viewing windows for dhole dens and various terrariums, aquariums etc. Malayan Tapir occupy the barn, and Komodo dragon take up space adjacent to the barn where the current village is. 3 binturong, likely siblings would occupy their old exhibit in hopes of some movement for visitors. Hutan and Indrah placed on rotation within the carnivore precinct and breeding Malayan sun bear(imported or transferred) as a replacement. Certainly very unlikely but would be the most popular with visitors and contribute the most conservationally

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Although the Japanese Island expansion is a wonderful idea, I have to admit it isn't very realistic. What stands is a potential expansion to the island opposite. Would that be enough? Potentially. But I'd argue Melbourne would be wanting to build something world class that can not only equal the elephants past glory but possibly even go beyond that. If they expanded that lake even more, and added another island (possibly where the first elephant enclosure is), that would create a nice lake area (with the trail following the outside of the lake in a sort of loop).

They could add a second island, but if thinking big, they could add one or two small spaces (similar to the island's size) scattered around the trail with aerial pathways linking them all up.
If done right it could add a wow factor, and link the precinct together, and have minimal impact on the inclusion of multiple other species within the precinct.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

They could add a second island, but if thinking big, they could add one or two small spaces (similar to the island's size) scattered around the trail with aerial pathways linking them all up.
If done right it could add a wow factor, and link the precinct together, and have minimal impact on the inclusion of multiple other species within the precinct.

I very much like that concept. Do you propose these island would be in unused patches of land outside the elephant exhibits? If so then count me in

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I very much like that concept. Do you propose these island would be in unused patches of land outside the elephant exhibits? If so then count me in

That's exactly what I was thinking. They could occupy some of the spaces that are currently not in use. Or if that space isn't abundant, they could sit between the paddocks, cutting wedges off of each.
Ultimately it would ideally be able to work without impacting on the ability to house other species.

 

[Jambo]

They could add a second island, but if thinking big, they could add one or two small spaces (similar to the island's size) scattered around the trail with aerial pathways linking them all up.
If done right it could add a wow factor, and link the precinct together, and have minimal impact on the inclusion of multiple other species within the precinct.

That's potentially an idea. But is there the space? Not necessarily, but there is the area to the left just after the tigers, and the central area in between both trails prior to the elephants. Is it big enough space? Meh, if they had two islands, they'd be quite small but they could have another reasonably sized island there. Just would seem rather crowded imo.