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

[Zoofan15]

Mandrill could work... or a small troop of Bonobo...

I think the Gorilla Rainforest would be wasted on Bonobo. It’s unlikely we’d be sent anything more than a pair (and the odds of that are quite remote) and a vast section of the complex would go unused at any given time.

If the complex can hold up to 10 gorillas, I’d estimate a minimum of 15 Mandrill could inhabit it. This would make full use of the complex and be a fascinating exhibit to observe - tying in nicely to the other rainforest exhibits.

 

[Jambo]

It's interesting that Melbourne intend to house Gorillas elsewhere. The exhibit is sizeable enough to hold a troop of ten plus, but perhaps they want more flexible facilities similar to the one planned for Taronga.

In saying that, I don't like the idea of theming behind putting Gorillas and Orangutans together again. It seems like Melbourne are going backwards in time with the Carnivores precinct and now this? Is it really needed? I'm of the opinion probably not, but if it's a worldclass complex and is better than their current enclosure, I'd accept it.

If the gorillas do go, the lottery question would be what would replace them?

In all honesty, I would hope Melbourne go in a different direction. That precinct is aging and quite possibly deserves some sort of overall renovation. Since it's 'mainly' occupied with non African species already, it really makes no sense to attempt to continue the African theme if the Gorillas leave. Maybe the Pygmy Hippos can be accommodated elsewhere in the zoo. Not sure where, but there's definitely the space for a bigger exhibit for them somewhere. Maybe at the top of the zoo (replacing Tapir and Peccary) where they'd still be connected apart of the other African trail (Giraffes, Zebra, Baboons).

That would leave the whole Gorilla Rainforest open for something new. The best option is to develop a South American precinct which hasn't yet been explored yet in the region. They already have the primates in the Treetop trail and could look to add Capybara and Brazilian Tapirs in the renovated Pygmy Hippo/Mandrill enclosures and Andean Bears could then be added in the current Gorilla enclosure without the need for it to be renovated. The bears would be the 'stars' of the precinct and would actually suit the gorilla enclosure very well imo.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I think that the gained space would be a big win, however with the elephants' departure, if Orangutan expanded that itself would probably be the drawcard for that trail. If Gorilla move there too, what will take the Gorillas' place as anchor-species for Not-Gorilla Rainforest?

 

[Zoofan15]

I think that the gained space would be a big win, however with the elephants' departure, if Orangutan expanded that itself would probably be the drawcard for that trail. If Gorilla move there too, what will take the Gorillas' place as anchor-species for Not-Gorilla Rainforest?

I would hope Melbourne would plan for a like for like replacement if the gorillas transfer out of the Gorilla Rainforest. It would be a shame to see it renovated by lemurs, colobus, spider monkeys - irregardless of how large a troop could be housed in there.

I maintain Mandrill (or even Common chimpanzee) are the natural fit - linking to the African forest theme along with Pygmy hippopotamus and the lemurs; however in terms of visitor appeal, the suggestion of bears by @Jambo is a good one and surely something that would bring in the crowds.

Zoos Victoria however will be approaching this from a economical perspective and making cost effective decisions. If it’s deemed necessary to build a new gorilla complex; then I’m of the opinion housing a primate species in the old gorilla complex would be deemed preferable by the board as it’d require minimal renovations.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Sorry if I caused some confusion. The gorilla expansion was something mentioned by a keeper that also said an import of 10 Malayan tapir was on the cards, so everything must be taken with a grain of salt. @Jambo i definitely can’t be sure of their intentions, but don’t take it as anything definitive. @The Sleepy Hippo love the list, very different from my direction and I love it. One thing to add is that Wildebeest can’t be imported due to diseases( which makes me seethe tbh) but something like springbok or impala may be an option? I was talking to @Zoofan15 and there doesn’t seem to be a cure for it at the present. I love the ideas stemming from a potential gorilla move, but I still see it likely. I was talking to a couple of mates today and we were talking about the ultimate draw card. They are far from zoo people, but I was talking about how the elephants were moving cross town, which they were pretty disappointed about. I asked what they thought would be a good replacement and they all said bears. I showed them the Asian bear species, sloth etc. and they literally laughed. Brown bear was the far and away favourite. I just think that brown bear are an extremely enabling species, up there with elephants, if not higher in juveniles. Several subspecies of brown bear are at risk of extinction and I think it would be somewhat of a missed opportunity not to include one species of bear. Several subspecies of brown bear are Asian, and if it isn’t possible to get an Asian one then another subspecies would suffice. I’d love to see multiple species of bear, but that’s very unrealistic. Thinking about honey and knowing how popular bears are, I really thinking Melbourne should give them a second chance

 

[Zoofan15]

Sorry if I caused some confusion. The gorilla expansion was something mentioned by a keeper that also said an import of 10 Malayan tapir was on the cards, so everything must be taken with a grain of salt. @Jambo i definitely can’t be sure of their intentions, but don’t take it as anything definitive. @The Sleepy Hippo love the list, very different from my direction and I love it. One thing to add is that Wildebeest can’t be imported due to diseases( which makes me seethe tbh) but something like springbok or impala may be an option? I was talking to @Zoofan15 and there doesn’t seem to be a cure for it at the present. I love the ideas stemming from a potential gorilla move, but I still see it likely. I was talking to a couple of mates today and we were talking about the ultimate draw card. They are far from zoo people, but I was talking about how the elephants were movi my cross town, which

I’ll admit it did seem a surprising move when they have a perfectly serviceable gorilla complex in place already. We should probably take that keeper with a grain of salt considering it doesn’t add up that 10 Malayan tapir would be held at Melbourne - or be supported by multiple facilities (that would each have to mitigate the affect of sunlight on them).

Impala and Springbok would both be good additions. Springbok have previously shared exhibits with other ungulates without issue and still exist in the region (Orana Wildlife Park). I’m not sure why interest in them dipped as they’re a more authentic addition to the Savannah than Indian antelope, which remain rampant.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I’ll admit it did seem a surprising move when they have a perfectly serviceable gorilla complex in place already. We should probably take that keeper with a grain of salt considering it doesn’t add up that 10 Malayan tapir would be held at Melbourne - or be supported by multiple facilities (that would each have to mitigate the affect of sunlight on them).

Impala and Springbok would both be good additions. Springbok have previously shared exhibits with other ungulates without issue and still exist in the region (Orana Wildlife Park). I’m not sure why interest in them dipped as they’re a more authentic addition to the Savannah than Indian antelope, which remain rampant.

I honestly didn’t know springbok were present in the region. Would love to see them and some other antelope integrated at both zoos Vic facilities. Albeit not drawcards, I’m willing to bet money that little kids would love to see a little antelope just bouncing around.

 

[Zoofan15]

I was talking to a couple of mates today and we were talking about the ultimate draw card. They are far from zoo people, but I was talking about how the elephants were moving cross town, which they were pretty disappointed about. I asked what they thought would be a good replacement and they all said bears. I showed them the Asian bear species, sloth etc. and they literally laughed. Brown bear was the far and away favourite. I just think that brown bear are an extremely enabling species, up there with elephants, if not higher in juveniles. Several subspecies of brown bear are at risk of extinction and I think it would be somewhat of a missed opportunity not to include one species of bear. Several subspecies of brown bear are Asian, and if it isn’t possible to get an Asian one then another subspecies would suffice. I’d love to see multiple species of bear, but that’s very unrealistic. Thinking about honey and knowing how popular bears are, I really thinking Melbourne should give them a second chance

In the founding days of our region’s main zoos, big cats, bears, elephants and great apes were regarded by the general public as the greatest attractions and very little has changed.

While big cats and primates remain more popular than ever, bears have taken a hit in recent decades and the AZA seems to have little interest in them, deciding Malayan sun bears were the limit. A stark contrast from the zoos of yesteryear, that had pits housing multiple species.

I doubt we can expect a revival on that level, but it’s not unrealistic to expect a targeted approach to establishing a Sloth bear breeding programme within the region. If the interest is there, there’s a strong case for Melbourne to be one of the founding holders in that they have the perfect opportunity to build a world class exhibit for them; while capitalising on their popularity.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

@The Sleepy Hippo love the list, very different from my direction and I love it. One thing to add is that Wildebeest can’t be imported due to diseases( which makes me seethe tbh) but something like springbok or impala may be an option?

Both would be amazing! Blue Wildebeest were a long shot. I had a feeling the must be restricted, as I couldn't find record of them in Australia and felt they were otherwise an obvious choivce for an open-range zoo. I did find a few things suggesting they were not always suitable for sharing enclosures as they can eb aggressive, but there were one or two examples of them being successfully integrated.

Springbok or impala would be amazing!

My first choice would have been Waterbuck as they were probably my favourite when on safari in East Africa in 2017, but then I saw Werribee have a heard already.
That said I potentially would choose Waterbuck, as the safari driver/guide at Werribee did say the day I went that we were lucky to see the Waterbuck herd, as they often lie in the undergrowth, and he had not seen them for over 2 weeks before that drive.

Choosing a bear species, as my list suggests, I would go back to Syrian Brown bears. They are endangered and have extremely low numbers in a fractured environment. (Very aware that this will not eventuate )

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Both would be amazing! Blue Wildebeest were a long shot. I had a feeling the must be restricted, as I couldn't find record of them in Australia and felt they were otherwise an obvious choivce for an open-range zoo. I did find a few things suggesting they were not always suitable for sharing enclosures as they can eb aggressive, but there were one or two examples of them being successfully integrated.

Springbok or impala would be amazing!

My first choice would have been Waterbuck as they were probably my favourite when on safari in East Africa in 2017, but then I saw Werribee have a heard already.
That said I potentially would choose Waterbuck, as the safari driver/guide at Werribee did say the day I went that we were lucky to see the Waterbuck herd, as they often lie in the undergrowth, and he had not seen them for over 2 weeks before that drive.

Choosing a bear species, as my list suggests, I would go back to Syrian Brown bears. They are endangered and have extremely low numbers in a fractured environment. (Very aware that this will not eventuate )

If MZ have an opportunity and history, I see no reason to immediately discount it. Ofc unlikely, but Syrian browns may be one of the only species that can somewhat fill a gaping hole. With regards to waterbuck, I heard there are plans to breed them, though that has taken a back seat in favour of the elephants. I could see excess potentially being held at MZ, although males can sometimes be aggressive

 

[Zoofan15]

Both would be amazing! Blue Wildebeest were a long shot. I had a feeling the must be restricted, as I couldn't find record of them in Australia and felt they were otherwise an obvious choivce for an open-range zoo. I did find a few things suggesting they were not always suitable for sharing enclosures as they can eb aggressive, but there were one or two examples of them being successfully integrated.

Springbok or impala would be amazing!

My first choice would have been Waterbuck as they were probably my favourite when on safari in East Africa in 2017, but then I saw Werribee have a heard already.
That said I potentially would choose Waterbuck, as the safari driver/guide at Werribee did say the day I went that we were lucky to see the Waterbuck herd, as they often lie in the undergrowth, and he had not seen them for over 2 weeks before that drive.

Choosing a bear species, as my list suggests, I would go back to Syrian Brown bears. They are endangered and have extremely low numbers in a fractured environment. (Very aware that this will not eventuate )

Waterbuck are a strong possibility as they’re supported by the region. Breeding is best carried out by the open range zoos, who can hold bulls (territorial and aggressive) either in off display paddocks; or in an exhibit with only females of their species.

Many city zoos including Hamilton Zoo and Auckland Zoo have held female Waterbuck with other Savannah species without issue, so I’m confident the same could be achieved at Melbourne Zoo.

Rumour has it, Werribee’s bull is castrated (in addition to being related to the cows); so they’re presumably considering an import as well. Orana Wildlife Park holds bulls, but they’d be related to the Werribee herd.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Waterbuck are a strong possibility as they’re supported by the region. Breeding is best carried out by the open range zoos, who can hold bulls (territorial and aggressive) either in off display paddocks; or in an exhibit with only females of their species.

Many city zoos including Hamilton Zoo and Auckland Zoo have held female Waterbuck with other Savannah species without issue, so I’m confident the same could be achieved at Melbourne Zoo.

Rumour has it, Werribee’s bull is castrated (in addition to being related to the cows); so they’re presumably considering an import as well. Orana Wildlife Park holds bulls, but they’d be related to the Werribee herd.

If WORZ are willing to import waterbuck from overseas it could potentially indicate other species as well

 

[Zoofan15]

If WORZ are willing to import waterbuck from overseas it could potentially indicate other species as well

I really hope Werribee (and other zoos in the region) take advantage of the Bovid IRA and the possibilities it brings.

It’s been so disappointing to see the lack on action around importing giraffe by New Zealand’s zoos given the IRA has now been complete for close on two years.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

There is a possibility that they may extend the current Gorilla exhibit or build a second one beside it, if they were considering consolidating TOTE and GR into one longer Rainforests walk. The exit path from GR, besides getting the additional viewing window for the gorilla, is quite barren, only really containing a mobile phone disposal display. The path after the arboreal section, could divert to TOTE and a second gorilla exhibit.

 

[Jambo]

There is a possibility that they may extend the current Gorilla exhibit or build a second one beside it, if they were considering consolidating TOTE and GR into one longer Rainforests walk. The exit path from GR, besides getting the additional viewing window for the gorilla, is quite barren, only really containing a mobile phone disposal display. The path after the arboreal section, could divert to TOTE and a second gorilla exhibit.

That would actually make a fair bit of sense; but then again, what would that mean for the Otters and Tigers? The back of house cat area is right behind the Treetop Monkey trail, so I don't think there'd be anyway to get the trail exiting the Treetop trail to somehow connect to where the TOTE is now. It would really involve a lot of redesigning if they wish to have a single, cohesive Rainforest trail.

 

[Zoofan15]

There is a possibility that they may extend the current Gorilla exhibit or build a second one beside it, if they were considering consolidating TOTE and GR into one longer Rainforests walk. The exit path from GR, besides getting the additional viewing window for the gorilla, is quite barren, only really containing a mobile phone disposal display. The path after the arboreal section, could divert to TOTE and a second gorilla exhibit.

That could be a good way to do it as Melbourne's collection has long been streamlined into predominantly rainforest species - from Queensland (Southern cassowary) to Africa, South America and Asia; while Werribee is Savannah and Plains.

Integrating these two trails would consolidate several rainforest species from the four continents represented.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

That would actually make a fair bit of sense; but then again, what would that mean for the Otters and Tigers? The back of house cat area is right behind the Treetop Monkey trail, so I don't think there'd be anyway to get the trail exiting the Treetop trail to somehow connect to where the TOTE is now. It would really involve a lot of redesigning if they wish to have a single, cohesive Rainforest trail.

There is a standard path that runs directly from the end of the Treetop Monkey trail through to the TOTE, which skirts between the tiger enclosure and back-of-house native bird breeding facility.

I could see the Tiger enclosure being reconfigured for gorilla, and tiger moved around near the barn potentially - probably wouldn't be the solution but I could see the path potentially being used, or the Treetop Money trail being extended above it.

Treetop Monkey trail is probably my favourite part of the whole zoo, and I for many years have liked to imagine it being extended further, even if it were to be a continuation that included more aviaries, and other non-primate species. Sloth maybe, or smaller rainforest cats...

In fact if this treetop trail did continue along that trajectory, it could then swing left towards th first paddock, giving a higher view of a potential orangutan/gibbon into an expanded lake with two islands, with more treetop exhibits continuing towards a descent at the exit of the Butterfly House. and a second Gorilla bachelor enclosure based in Man Jai's paddock, or the matriachal paddock.

the matriarchal paddock could be then made for Spirit or Kermode bears, as they are also found in rainforests

The trail at the other end once it loops to the current Orangutan enclosure, could cut back across past the island exhibit, and tap back in finishing with the tiger and otters.

 

[Zoofan15]

There is a standard path that runs directly from the end of the Treetop Monkey trail through to the TOTE, which skirts between the tiger enclosure and back-of-house native bird breeding facility.

I could see the Tiger enclosure being reconfigured for gorilla, and tiger moved around near the barn potentially - probably wouldn't be the solution but I could see the path potentially being used, or the Treetop Money trail being extended above it.

Treetop Monkey trail is probably my favourite part of the whole zoo, and I for many years have liked to imagine it being extended further, even if it were to be a continuation that included more aviaries, and other non-primate species. Sloth maybe, or smaller rainforest cats...

In fact if this treetop trail did continue along that trajectory, it could then swing left towards th first paddock, giving a higher view of a potential orangutan/gibbon into an expanded lake with two islands, with more treetop exhibits continuing towards a descent at the exit of the Butterfly House. and a second Gorilla bachelor enclosure based in Man Jai's paddock, or the matriachal paddock.

the matriarchal paddock could be then made for Spirit or Kermode bears, as they are also found in rainforests

The trail at the other end once it loops to the current Orangutan enclosure, could cut back across past the island exhibit, and tap back in finishing with the tiger and otters.

The best thing about adding Kermode bears is it adds in another continent under the umbrella of the rainforest/forest theme:

North America: Kermode bears

Central Africa: Western lowland gorilla, Pygmy hippopotamus
Madagascar: Lemurs

Central Americas: Black-handed spider monkey
South America: Tamarins

Queensland: Southern cassowary

South East Asia: Sumatran tiger, Sumatran orangutan

It would be great to see more small felids - with Clouded leopard or Fishing cat being the obvious choice.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

The best thing about adding Kermode bears is it adds in another continent under the umbrella of the rainforest/forest theme:

Queensland: Southern cassowary

Ah yes, the great continent of Queensland

 

[Zoofan15]

Ah yes, the great continent of Queensland

I divided them into continents, then subdivided into regions.

Africa is Central Africa (Congo) and Madagascar; Asia is South East Asia etc. as regulation Africa conjures up images of the Savannah; regulation Australia conjures up images of the Outback to the main cities to the GBR and anything else inbetween.