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

[PaddyRickMFZ]

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.

I believe there is some unused forest that is used to break up exhibits. Even If it means the zoo look a bit overcrowded, it’s worth it if it doesn’t inhibit the introduction of other species and allows for more orangutan breeding

 

[Jambo]

I believe there is some unused forest that is used to break up exhibits. Even If it means the zoo look a bit overcrowded, it’s worth it if it doesn’t inhibit the introduction of other species and allows for more orangutan breeding

There's no space surrounding the actual elephant complex; top backs onto the GFA, side goes right against the zoo wall and bottom is where the Thai Village is (and zoo BTS area is).The only unused forest area is the space I mentioned unfortunately.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

There's no space surrounding the actual elephant complex; top backs onto the GFA, side goes right against the zoo wall and bottom is where the Thai Village is (and zoo BTS area is).The only unused forest area is the space I mentioned unfortunately.

That’s a bit of a shame, I just thought there was a little to the right of the tigers aswell. Now we are extra dependent on the destruction of the Thai village, would free up space for both a Komodo dragon pit(still think they would be better served in the carnivore precinct for variety but the numbers have spoken) and an island for orangutans.

 

[Zoofan15]

There's no space surrounding the actual elephant complex; top backs onto the GFA, side goes right against the zoo wall and bottom is where the Thai Village is (and zoo BTS area is).The only unused forest area is the space I mentioned unfortunately.

Ultimately they will be considering space not only for the here and now, but future proofing. It’d be uneconomical to build an exhibit that will predictably be perceived as cramped in years to come.

The elephant complex is 2.5 hectares. If they go the Islands route, I’d anticipate this allocated to a maximum of two islands (Sumatran orangutans and Komodo dragons); with a smaller supporting exhibit such as a tropical dome.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

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.

Seeing as most species don't need the same amount of space as an elephant, thats where the idea of taking a part of each paddock was discussed.

 

[Jambo]

That’s a bit of a shame, I just thought there was a little to the right of the tigers aswell. Now we are extra dependent on the destruction of the Thai village, would free up space for both a Komodo dragon pit(still think they would be better served in the carnivore precinct for variety but the numbers have spoken) and an island for orangutans.

Yeah, thats the space I talked about too, but it's reasonably small. The thick forest the trail has just seems to give the illusion there's a lot more space. Which is good I guess.

Don't think they'd demolish the Thai village. It has nice theming, and is still relatively new so there's absolutely no reason for it to go just because the elephants are.

If we do get the Islands theme like I hope, it would serve as a nice little pit stop area where you can have a sit down, get something to eat, and watch the Orangutans and Gibbons on the islands and overhead pathways.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

A tropical dome would definitely make the TOTE the goto trail in the winter months with both the dome and the Butterfly House there to warm you up!

 

[Zoofan15]

That’s a bit of a shame, I just thought there was a little to the right of the tigers aswell. Now we are extra dependent on the destruction of the Thai village, would free up space for both a Komodo dragon pit(still think they would be better served in the carnivore precinct for variety but the numbers have spoken) and an island for orangutans.

My vote is still for Sloth Bear Mountain 100%, but more than happy to discuss realistic alternatives such as the Indonesian Islands as it too would add a lot of value to Melbourne Zoo and support two species which are managed in the region (Sumatran orangutan and Komodo dragon).

One of my original ideas was to build an orangutan forest precinct, which caters to the development of orangutan infants through to adulthood including shared spaces to allow juveniles to interact; while adult females live predominately in their own habitats.

 

[Jambo]

Seeing as most species don't need the same amount of space as an elephant, thats where the idea of taking a part of each paddock was discussed.

The elephant exhibits aren't as big as you think. They're actually rather cramped. And if we're hoping for larger species as replacements, like Orangutans they would need enclosures similar to the size the current paddocks have. Especially when you consider the water moat too.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Ultimately they will be considering space not only for the here and now, but future proofing. It’d be uneconomical to build an exhibit that will predictably be perceived as cramped in years to come.

The elephant complex is 2.5 hectares. If they go the Islands route, I’d anticipate this allocated to a maximum of two islands (Sumatran orangutans and Komodo dragons); with a smaller supporting exhibit such as a tropical dome.

I’m certainly not against an Island theme, I’m just not sure if it would really have much substance. I feel like your mountain is a good idea with all the aforementioned perimeter species. There would certainly be some space for a Komodo pit and potential for another orangutan island including the mountain in that 2.5 ha space

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

The elephant exhibits aren't as big as you think. They're actually rather cramped. And if we're hoping for larger species as replacements, like Orangutans they would need enclosures similar to the size the current paddocks have. Especially when you consider the water moat too.

One thing I think we are forgetting is that the orangutans still have a perfectly good sized exhibit for the troop they have, it’s just kinda ugly ngl. Expanding to the adjacent island and one more island is all they would really need tbh. It wouldn’t even really be the islands that provide the enrichment, moving to and from would be the most beneficial to the individuals, and if that Japanese island was included there is more than enough space, even if multiple individuals were introduced

 

[Jambo]

Ultimately they will be considering space not only for the here and now, but future proofing. It’d be uneconomical to build an exhibit that will predictably be perceived as cramped in years to come.

The elephant complex is 2.5 hectares. If they go the Islands route, I’d anticipate this allocated to a maximum of two islands (Sumatran orangutans and Komodo dragons); with a smaller supporting exhibit such as a tropical dome.

Fully agree here. I wouldn't want to see a lot of species crammed into a small amount of space.

I'd rather see a well designed, well immersed and ultimately, well spaced precinct. That's what makes the Islands idea the most appealing to me, especially as they already have the right tools for it (space, proximity and species).

My vote is still for Sloth Bear Mountain 100%, but more than happy to discuss realistic alternatives such as the Indonesian Islands as it too would add a lot of value to Melbourne Zoo and support two species which are managed in the region (Sumatran orangutan and Komodo dragon).

One of my original ideas was to build an orangutan forest precinct, which caters to the development of orangutan infants through to adulthood including shared spaces to allow juveniles to interact; while adult females live predominately in their own habitats.

If we consider an additional three islands to be present, that could create plenty of space for multiple Orangutan families, some of which could coexist with the Saimangs and potentially even White Cheeked Gibbon.

I do like your idea of the Sloth Bear mountain, but I'm just not sure Melbourne would go and import Sloth Bears from overseas. They've shown no indication to do so, and nor have any other zoos within the region. Steve Robinson stated the regions still keen on Sun Bears so take that as you will. Just thinking realistically, but would very very much like to see Sloth Bears at Melbourne!

 

[Zoofan15]

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.

Sloth bear are a CITES I species, so they’d require ZAA support to import them. It’s difficult to say how much support they’d get at this point in time. A decade from now when the Malayan sun bears are all but gone, I’d be certain of it; but Wellington Zoo etc. are happy to maintain their sun bears for now.

Potentially support may be given even if other zoos don’t wish to imminently acquire them. Those with sun bears would surely have the foresight to realise they’re not a long term species for the region and would have observed the situation in North America etc.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Something I would love to see, and I feel it would be a good WORZ exhibit, would be a New Zealand aviary and reptile house. NZ have many amazing and unique birds and reptiles and I think such an exhibit would be a point of difference. Of course, I have no idea which of the NZ bird species are already present in Australia, so unsure how feasible it is with import restrictions on birds.
But what would also be amazing (and probably impossible) would be a PNG themed aviary! A bird of paradise species would be icing on a cake!!!

 

[Zoofan15]

Fully agree here. I wouldn't want to see a lot of species crammed into a small amount of space.

I'd rather see a well designed, well immersed and ultimately, well spaced precinct. That's what makes the Islands idea the most appealing to me, especially as they already have the right tools for it (space, proximity and species).

If we consider an additional three islands to be present, that could create plenty of space for multiple Orangutan families, some of which could coexist with the Saimangs and potentially even White Cheeked Gibbon.

I do like your idea of the Sloth Bear mountain, but I'm just not sure Melbourne would go and import Sloth Bears from overseas. They've shown no indication to do so, and nor have any other zoos within the region. Steve Robinson stated the regions still keen on Sun Bears so take that as you will. Just thinking realistically, but would very very much like to see Sloth Bears at Melbourne!

I’m of the opinion The Islands would lend itself to rotational species, which is becoming a point of focus within the region (at Auckland and Perth initially). The apes (Sumatran orangutan, Siamang and White-cheeked gibbon) could rotate use of the exhibit space based on social groupings.

It may be that three social groupings of orangutan are held - one group by itself; the other two integrated with a gibbon pair each. Aerial pathways would also help facilitate this, allowing one group to enter a space as another heads out on the aerial pathways (which would be a one way system, leading to the next exhibit space).

 

[Jambo]

Melbourne's had a strong past with developing exhibits that precede their times. The Lion exhibit, the Gorilla Rainforest and even the Trail of the Elephants are all examples.

What do they have in common? They all solely focus on one species.

Using a notable, well recognised species and building a spectacular, world class habitat for them is a formula for success. That's ultimately why I think Melbourne would benefit from doing something like this with their Orangutans, who a) don't have the space atm for breeding and b) are a species that I feel has always been criminally underrated at Melbourne amongst the public.

Taking those two points into thought and it's really 2+2 going forward.

The elephants are going. They will be missed, and will leave a gaping hole; but I think Melbourne have the chance here to take on something they otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity for.

Orangutans have the popularity to replace the elephants and if they're exhibited in the right way, Melbourne could make it work.

I'm not saying Orangutans should be the sole replacement for the elephants, with Saimangs and Gibbons perhaps in the mix as well; and potentially with supporting exhibits for Komodo Dragons, Binturong and Philippine Crocodile too.

It's simple, but effective.

 

[Zoofan15]

Something I would love to see, and I feel it would be a good WORZ exhibit, would be a New Zealand aviary and reptile house. NZ have many amazing and unique birds and reptiles and I think such an exhibit would be a point of difference. Of course, I have no idea which of the NZ bird species are already present in Australia, so unsure how feasible it is with import restrictions on birds.
But what would also be amazing (and probably impossible) would be a PNG themed aviary! A bird of paradise species would be icing on a cake!!!

That’s a great idea. Though there isn’t the bird species present in Australia to make them a feasible option, reptiles would be doable. Tuatara are a challenge to source, but have been imported recently; and there’s a multitude of smaller lizards.

They could either do a designated New Zealand reptile house; or add it as an annex to a large reptile house.

 

[Jambo]

I’m of the opinion The Islands would lend itself to rotational species, which is becoming a point of focus within the region (at Auckland and Perth initially). The apes (Sumatran orangutan, Siamang and White-cheeked gibbon) could rotate use of the exhibit space based on social groupings.

It may be that three social groupings of orangutan are held - one group by itself; the other two integrated with a gibbon pair each. Aerial pathways would also help facilitate this, allowing one group to enter a space as another heads out on the aerial pathways (which would be a one way system, leading to the next exhibit space).

Really like that idea, and that would perhaps be the purpose and highlight of such a precinct.

It would be cool to visit and not know where to expect to see an Orangutan. Perhaps one day you might visit and see the Saimangs by themselves on the aerial pathway and the next day see them out interacting with the Orangutans. It's a nice concept, not only for the public but also for the the orangutans who would be greatly enriched rotating habitats, and sharing them with different species.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Melbourne's had a strong past with developing exhibits that precede their times. The Lion exhibit, the Gorilla Rainforest and even the Trail of the Elephants are all main examples.

What do they have in common? They all solely focus on one species.

Using a notable, well recognised species and building a spectacular, world class habitat for them is a formula for success. That's ultimately why I think Melbourne would benefit from doing something like this with their Orangutans, who a) don't have the space atm for breeding and b) are a species that I feel has always been criminally underrated at Melbourne amongst the public.

Taking those two points into thought and it's really 2+2 going forward.

The elephants are going. They will be missed, and will leave a gaping hole; but I think Melbourne have the chance here to take on something they otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity for.

Orangutans have the popularity to replace the elephants and if they're exhibited in the right way, Melbourne could make it work.

I'm not saying Orangutans should be the sole replacement for the elephants, with Saimangs and Gibbons perhaps in the mix as well; with potentially supporting exhibits for Komodo Dragons, Binturong and Philippine Crocodile.

Simple, but effective.

Your concept is certainly the most likely, but in an ideal world, I think we can agree we’d love to see sloth bear mountain with an island or two right next door. Although sloth bear mountain would be the most impressive, it’s not as likely, and I certainly can’t complain about sitting down and watching the apes swing from tree to tree. My only fear about this eventuating is that there is no replacement for the elephants. Expanded orangutan facilities won’t solely get visitors in the door, even with the assistance of Komodo’s. there would need to be a delicate balance of executing this and implementing another species that causes excitement, even if only for a short amount of time

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

They could either do a designated New Zealand reptile house; or add it as an annex to a large reptile house.

If the birds of NZ were able to happen then I would place them with the birds in a linked small reptile house, however in the most-likely birdless scenario they would be welcome additions within the Reptile house - especially if the Phillipines crocodile were to move to a tropical dome in TOTE. (Their enclosure, though small, is one of my favourite in the whole of MZ - I used to rarely consider the Reptile House, but in recent times it has become a must visit each time I go)

NZ just seems like an obvious gap in Zoos Vic (and probably Australian Zoos generally)