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

[The Sleepy Hippo]

3 were on display in the orangutan sanctuary, and the new male is quarantining in the Japanese island. I was informed he had been there for several months, and will soon be coming out of it. The plan is to move him to the sanctuary, and then his Nate’s parents to the Japanese island

He's a performer. Last few times I have been I have spent a long time watching him. First time he had just been sitting idly on his hut's roof. He then turned his head after a minute or so, saw me and straight away jumped into action running and swinging the ropes and climbing each of the trees in turn. A loveable show-off!

I hope the mate's parents are as energetic on the island!

 

[Zoofan15]

He's a performer. Last few times I have been I have spent a long time watching him. First time he had just been sitting idly on his hut's roof. He then turned his head after a minute or so, saw me and straight away jumped into action running and swinging the ropes and climbing each of the trees in turn. A loveable show-off!

I hope the mate's parents are as energetic on the island!

He definitely sounds like the young male (born 2014). He’s just heading into young adulthood and will be at the typical playful age.

Though they’re an active species in general, older pairs I’ve seen at zoos are typically more sedate versus the juveniles, adolescents and young adults which are perpetually on the move. Hamilton’s elderly male is usually just sitting/observing on my visits.

Even those pairs with young offspring are content to let the older siblings engage the younger siblings in rough play they’d otherwise be expected to take part in.

 

[Jambo]

3 were on display in the orangutan sanctuary, and the new male is quarantining in the Japanese island. I was informed he had been there for several months, and will soon be coming out of it. The plan is to move him to the sanctuary, and then his Nate’s parents to the Japanese island

He's a performer. Last few times I have been I have spent a long time watching him. First time he had just been sitting idly on his hut's roof. He then turned his head after a minute or so, saw me and straight away jumped into action running and swinging the ropes and climbing each of the trees in turn. A loveable show-off!

I hope the mate's parents are as energetic on the island!

He definitely sounds like the young male (born 2014). He’s just heading into young adulthood and will be at the typical playful age.

Though they’re an active species in general, older pairs I’ve seen at zoos are typically more sedate versus the juveniles, adolescents and young adults which are perpetually on the move. Hamilton’s elderly male is usually just sitting/observing on my visits.

Even those pairs with young offspring are content to let the older siblings engage the younger siblings in rough play they’d otherwise be expected to take part in.

Good to hear. The swap between him and Sampit and Isidor should take place within the next few months.

It’s also equally exciting to hear he’s an active Saimangs. The orangutans sanctuary has lacked activity lately on both the orangutan and Saimang sides. They have two older female orangutans who have never been the least active; and the male has seemingly taken after them in that respect unfortunately. The Saimang pair aren’t the most active pair as well; I’ve seen far more active Saimang pairs elsewhere.

This new young pairing should be exciting both breeding wise and for display as well.

 

[Abbey]

The other thing that works in favour of a greater diversity of species returning to the region is the development is the greater number of facilities now participating in cooperative breeding programs for exotic species, like Altina, Darling Downs, Hunter Valley, Sydney Zoo, Tasmania Zoo, Wildlife HQ, Rockhampton, as well as the up-and-comers of the 2000s, like National Zoo and Mogo.

This means that there are more program spaces, which either allows multiple breeding programs of a similar species (ie Red-Handed Tamarin, plus Cotton-Tops, Golden Lions and Emperors) or more spaces for the species we already have allowing more frequent breeding.

 

[Zoofan15]

The other thing that works in favour of a greater diversity of species returning to the region is the development is the greater number of facilities now participating in cooperative breeding programs for exotic species, like Altina, Darling Downs, Hunter Valley, Sydney Zoo, Tasmania Zoo, Wildlife HQ, Rockhampton, as well as the up-and-comers of the 2000s, like National Zoo and Mogo.

This means that there are more program spaces, which either allows multiple breeding programs of a similar species (ie Red-Handed Tamarin, plus Cotton-Tops, Golden Lions and Emperors) or more spaces for the species we already have allowing more frequent breeding.

Very true. There’s so many benefits to having multiple holders on board. It’s good future proofing against phase outs due to a lack of available imports (as we’re currently seeing with sun bears) and has benefits of being able to cross-foster (as was recently done with Cheetah) or even provide surrogates (as has been done with great apes overseas).

 

[Zoofan15]

Future Malayan tapir imports for Melbourne?

A point of interest amongst Adelaide Zoo’s highly disappointing masterplan is the inclusion of Malayan tapir. They have an elderly female, so planning to accomodate this species long term implies an intention to import more.

https://www.zoossa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AZ_masterplan_addendum_2023.pdf

I thought I’d mention this as it adds support to the account @PaddyRickMFZ was given by staff re. Melbourne Zoo’s plans to import Malayan tapir.

 

[Jambo]

Future Malayan tapir imports for Melbourne?

A point of interest amongst Adelaide Zoo’s highly disappointing masterplan is the inclusion of Malayan tapir. They have an elderly female, so planning to accomodate this species long term implies an intention to import more.

https://www.zoossa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AZ_masterplan_addendum_2023.pdf

I thought I’d mention this as it adds support to the account @PaddyRickMFZ was given by staff re. Melbourne Zoo’s plans to import Malayan tapir.

I’ve always been questionable of members on here saying Malayan Tapirs are unsuitable to the Australian climate. If that was the case than there isn’t anything stopping zoos from adapting to this and providing the Tapirs with adequate facilities that protect them from the sunlight.

It’s wonderful to know Adelaide are still dedicated to them, and hopefully Melbourne is too. We can’t rule out them being apart of the elephant complex going forward.

 

[Zoofan15]

I’ve always been questionable of members on here saying Malayan Tapirs are unsuitable to the Australian climate. If that was the case than there isn’t anything stopping zoos from adapting to this and providing the Tapirs with adequate facilities that protect them from the sunlight.

It’s wonderful to know Adelaide are still dedicated to them, and hopefully Melbourne is too. We can’t rule out them being apart of the elephant complex going forward.

I agree. It’s well established Malayan tapir don’t do well in sunlight, but how hard is it to create an exhibit that’s 100% in the shade? It’s not like they’re a giraffe or rhinoceros requiring acres to roam.

The exhibit could be 50% indoors - with an adjoining outside yard under shade covers.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Future Malayan tapir imports for Melbourne?

A point of interest amongst Adelaide Zoo’s highly disappointing masterplan is the inclusion of Malayan tapir. They have an elderly female, so planning to accomodate this species long term implies an intention to import more.

https://www.zoossa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AZ_masterplan_addendum_2023.pdf

I thought I’d mention this as it adds support to the account @PaddyRickMFZ was given by staff re. Melbourne Zoo’s plans to import Malayan tapir.

Peak Happiness acquired. Heard some rumours about mandrill as well, and a sun bear baby boom could mean an amazingly bright future for MZ. It’s a shame coati are seemingly done in the region, but I wouldn’t be surprised if MZ didn’t give up on them after the import. You didn’t necessarily say it was MZ, but you mentioned another facility was interested in Sri Lankan Leopard. It’s unlikely but I will definitely hold out hope

 

[Zoofan15]

Peak Happiness acquired. Heard some rumours about mandrill as well, and a sun bear baby boom could mean an amazingly bright future for MZ. It’s a shame coati are seemingly done in the region, but I wouldn’t be surprised if MZ didn’t give up on them after the import. You didn’t necessarily say it was MZ, but you mentioned another facility was interested in Sri Lankan Leopard. It’s unlikely but I will definitely hold out hope

I think with the revelation Adelaide Zoo plan to phase out Mandrill, that will only further support Melbourne Zoo’s resolve not to acquire them (which was their standpoint when I contacted them last year - information they advised was verified by the species coordinator).

Plans change and potentially Melbourne Zoo could acquire Adelaide’s young male Mandrill and import females to form a troop, but I can’t see it happening when regional support is lacking.

The phase out of coati has been strongly influenced by the European breeding ban/phase out. Though I like them, they rate no higher than meerkats or otters with regards to public engagement, so I’m of the belief they’ll focus on species which are easier to acquire. It makes me wonder though if more foresight had been given to acquiring a larger founder base, whether we could have sustained a population of them long term.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I think with the revelation Adelaide Zoo plan to phase out Mandrill, that will only further support Melbourne Zoo’s resolve not to acquire them (which was their standpoint when I contacted them last year - information they advised was verified by the species coordinator).

Plans change and potentially Melbourne Zoo could acquire Adelaide’s young male Mandrill and import females to form a troop, but I can’t see it happening when regional support is lacking.

The phase out of coati has been strongly influenced by the European breeding ban/phase out. Though I like them, they rate no higher than meerkats or otters with regards to public engagement, so I’m of the belief they’ll focus on species which are easier to acquire. It makes me wonder though if more foresight had been given to acquiring a larger founder base, whether we could have sustained a population of them long term.

If Adelaide are phasing them out, it could actually be a good opportunity to bring some in. Having a point of difference within the region is never a bad thing. It really is a shame about coati. A very popular species when in large numbers.

 

[Zoofan15]

If Adelaide are phasing them out, it could actually be a good opportunity to bring some in. Having a point of difference within the region is never a bad thing. It really is a shame about coati. A very popular species when in large numbers.

With Werribee’s emphasis being on the Savannah/Plains biome, it’s my belief Melbourne will complement Werribee by expanding their focus on the rainforest biome - with the rainforests of Central Africa, South Asia, South East Asia, Australia and South America being the obvious choice.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

With Werribee’s emphasis being on the Savannah/Plains biome, it’s my belief Melbourne will complement Werribee by expanding their focus on the rainforest biome - with the rainforests of Central Africa, South Asia, South East Asia, Australia and South America being the obvious choice.

With luck we would get more representation in South America, swap savannah for jungle in Africa, and you know my infatuation with eliminating natives from MZ

 

[Zoofan15]

With luck we would get more representation in South America, swap savannah for jungle in Africa, and you know my infatuation with eliminating natives from MZ

I feel like everyone in this thread is behind the phase out of African Savannah species for African rainforest species. Giraffes and zebra for Okapi and bongo being a progressive move; and a huge troop of Hamadryas baboon could be exhibited at Werribee, with ether Mandrill or Black and white colobus occupying their exhibit at Melbourne.

Even if Melbourne wish to retain the token native species international tourists expect to see at one of Australia’s main zoos, they should at least scale back natives to the bare minimum. Hell, that’s been their approach to exotics - with phase outs left, right and centre.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

After visiting Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park, I was convinced that Adelaide's lions should be phased out, and if need be Monarto make a separate enclosure if they have a need to separate any of their pride and aren't able to send to a different facility.

It might be viewing these two facilities has given me perspective I haven't had whilst in Melbourne, but I am convinced Lions no longer belong at MZ. If they were to go, what would you replace them with (utilising their current enclosure unaltered)?

 

[Zoofan15]

After visiting Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park, I was convinced that Adelaide's lions should be phased out, and if need be Monarto make a separate enclosure if they have a need to separate any of their pride and aren't able to send to a different facility.

It might be viewing these two facilities has given me perspective I haven't had whilst in Melbourne, but I am convinced Lions no longer belong at MZ. If they were to go, what would you replace them with (utilising their current enclosure unaltered)?

Until recently, Monarto managed a small pride of males seperate from the main pride. This pride was recently disestablished (with the death of one male; and the transfer of the another to Perth); but one could easily be formed again to house surplus from the breeding pride. Adelaide certainly isn’t *needed* to support Monarto.

I think zoos are misjudging the popularity of lions. Decades ago, most city zoos held breeding prides of lions. A breeding pride makes for an active and entertaining exhibit that engages the public. For many, it was the highlight of the trip. This is indeed how I remember Auckland’s pride when I visited as a child in the 2000’s.

Compare this to now, when most city zoos have non breeding prides (Auckland, Wellington, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth etc.) and the exhibits are attracting a fraction of the attention because all visitors see is adult lions sleeping in the sun.

I agree Adelaide (and Melbourne) should phase them out if they have no intention to breed. Since the Carnivores precinct is well represented by Asian species, my vote would be for an African species to replace them. Spotted hyena typically make for an active exhibit, so would be a good choice imo.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

After visiting Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park, I was convinced that Adelaide's lions should be phased out, and if need be Monarto make a separate enclosure if they have a need to separate any of their pride and aren't able to send to a different facility.

It might be viewing these two facilities has given me perspective I haven't had whilst in Melbourne, but I am convinced Lions no longer belong at MZ. If they were to go, what would you replace them with (utilising their current enclosure unaltered)?

Are we looking for replacements at MZ? If so Spotted Hyena can’t really go wrong. I’m tempted to say Dhole, but if Maned Wolf move in, and sun bears replace the Sumatran Tiger it really only leaves you with one feline, potentially 2 if Clouded Leopard is featured. SL Leopard would require heavy renovations, so I can comfortably rule them out. The exhibit could likely accommodate non breeding populations of sloth and Andean bear, potentially even Syrian brown bear. If we could theoretically get our hands on one, I’d say the best replacement would be the mountain lion. Somewhat like for like, would need some but not too many renovations I wouldn’t think, and makes for a more active exhibit. It mightn’t be too difficult considering Pumas are Cites 2, but doubt Melbourne would go down that route

 

[Zoofan15]

Are we looking for replacements at MZ? If so Spotted Hyena can’t really go wrong. I’m tempted to say Dhole, but if Maned Wolf move in, and sun bears replace the Sumatran Tiger it really only leaves you with one feline, potentially 2 if Clouded Leopard is featured. SL Leopard would require heavy renovations, so I can comfortably rule them out. The exhibit could likely accommodate non breeding populations of sloth and Andean bear, potentially even Syrian brown bear. If we could theoretically get our hands on one, I’d say the best replacement would be the mountain lion. Somewhat like for like, would need some but not too many renovations I wouldn’t think, and makes for a more active exhibit. It mightn’t be too difficult considering Pumas are Cites 2, but doubt Melbourne would go down that route

Big Cat Precinct:

I do like the idea of doubling down on big cat species to comprise a big cat precinct (rather than a generalised carnivores precinct which doesn’t even have a bird of prey).

A redesign of the precinct could see African lion, Sumatran tiger, Snow leopard and Sri Lankan leopard held here; or Sumatran tiger, Snow leopard and a breeding pride of African lions.

In an ideal world, smaller felids would join them; but they generally become stressed (and reclusive) when housed in close proximity to big cats. It’s not coincidence most zoos house small cats considerable distance away from apex predators.

 

[Jambo]

Lions will most certainly be at Melbourne long term. They’re a staple of Melbourne and have been for decades (going back to the Lion Park days). They’re hugely popular with the public and they are one of the main draws of the current Carnivores precinct.

The enclosure is relatively small, but is suitable for a small pair of males. Going down the line, say 20 or so years, I can definitely see Melbourne reconsidering holding Lions. Spotted Hyenas seem like the only feasible replacement but if it is in 20 years time when they lose them, I’d imagine the whole precinct would get a makeover.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Big Cat Precinct:

I do like the idea of doubling down on big cat species to comprise a big cat precinct (rather than a generalised carnivores precinct which doesn’t even have a bird of prey).

A redesign of the precinct could see African lion, Sumatran tiger, Snow leopard and Sri Lankan leopard held here; or Sumatran tiger, Snow leopard and a breeding pride of African lions.

In an ideal world, smaller felids would join them; but they generally become stressed (and reclusive) when housed in close proximity to big cats. It’s not coincidence most zoos house small cats considerable distance away from apex predators.

The 2 devil exhibits, with obvious renovations, could hold pallas’ cats and fishing cats respectively. The coati enclosure could feasibly hold clouded leopard, and on my recent visit I noticed how large the exhibit is. One more thing, is there anything to know about Tasmania Zoo before I go?