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

[Zoofan15]

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.

I think the elephants leaving will be a game-changer. 20 years ago, I doubt anybody could imagine Melbourne Zoo without elephants. They’ve been there since 1883! After they leave, international tourists will still come to Melbourne Zoo in the droves and see signage encouraging them to visit the elephant herd at Werribee.

The elephants were phased out for space/ethical reasons; but the process will no less demonstrate Melbourne Zoo can continue without them, just like the show has gone on without bears. I see no reason visitors can’t enjoy seeing Sumatran tigers, Snow leopards and perhaps Sri Lankan leopards at Melbourne; with the opportunity to continue to see lions at Werribee - which will considerably grow in profile from 2024 onwards.

Melbourne are still of the belief international tourists will have a cry if they can’t see an abundance of natives (they clearly don’t have the confidence to shift them all to Healesville as per the reasoning above); but like you say, perhaps in a decade or two there will be a rethink as to how the collections can better compliment each other.

 

[Zoofan15]

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?

If we see these species (or any other small cat), I think it’s more likely they’d be accommodated in exhibits built on the site of the existing elephant complex.

Fishing cat are reclusive at the best of times (nobody ever sees Hamilton’s) and situating them adjacent to big cat exhibits would do nothing to improve the situation.

If a small cat is to be held in the carnivore precinct, I’d recommend Caracal or Serval, which are naturally confident species - though even then, few zoos house them in proximity to big cats for the reasons I mention.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

If we see these species (or any other small cat), I think it’s more likely they’d be accommodated in exhibits built on the site of the existing elephant complex.

Fishing cat are reclusive at the best of times (nobody ever sees Hamilton’s) and situating them adjacent to big cat exhibits would do nothing to improve the situation.

If a small cat is to be held in the carnivore precinct, I’d recommend Caracal or Serval, which are naturally confident species - though even then, few zoos house them in proximity to big cats for the reasons I mention.

Caracal would likely occupy both exhibits in that case, though I’m of the preference both species mentioned by yourself have a future at WORZ. That was an indication I was given as well. I believe fishing cat could be housed in one of the aviaries that are quite run down and rarely occupied. Fitting smaller cats In somewhere shouldn’t be too hard tbf, whether it’s on the main road, near the Giraffes, in the carnivore precinct or in the Asian rainforest trail. With fresh eyes, the exhibit next to the zebras that is currently unused would be great for duikers. I. The future is hope to see okapi, bongo and a filter fence for duiker in that area

 

[Zoofan15]

Caracal would likely occupy both exhibits in that case, though I’m of the preference both species mentioned by yourself have a future at WORZ. That was an indication I was given as well. I believe fishing cat could be housed in one of the aviaries that are quite run down and rarely occupied. Fitting smaller cats In somewhere shouldn’t be too hard tbf, whether it’s on the main road, near the Giraffes, in the carnivore precinct or in the Asian rainforest trail. With fresh eyes, the exhibit next to the zebras that is currently unused would be great for duikers. I. The future is hope to see okapi, bongo and a filter fence for duiker in that area

I agree the grassland cats (Caracal and Serval) would both be more suitable for Werribee; with Fishing cat and Clouded leopard being the best fit for Melbourne - in keeping with the savannah/grasslands theme versus the rainforest theme.

Potentially Melbourne could create an African rainforest trail and an Asian rainforest trail long term - which have endless possibilities of what they could accomodate.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I agree the grassland cats (Caracal and Serval) would both be more suitable for Werribee; with Fishing cat and Clouded leopard being the best fit for Melbourne - in keeping with the savannah/grasslands theme versus the rainforest theme.

Potentially Melbourne could create an African rainforest trail and an Asian rainforest trail long term - which have endless possibilities of what they could accomodate.

I’m hoping they can fit more enclosures into the existing trails. Elephants will make way for a variety of species, meanwhile the Sumatran tiger complex is not in use and would be great exhibit space for either precinct. There’s always a bit of one in and around that could be converted

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I was also wondering, what are the names of MZ’s 2 white cheeked gibbons?

 

[Zoofan15]

I was also wondering, what are the names of MZ’s 2 white cheeked gibbons?

0.1 Li-Lian (Kayak x Nelly) born 02/06/2007 at Perth Zoo
1.0 Canh (Tao x Jermei) born 21/04/2015 at Perth Zoo

 

[Zoofan15]

I’m hoping they can fit more enclosures into the existing trails. Elephants will make way for a variety of species, meanwhile the Sumatran tiger complex is not in use and would be great exhibit space for either precinct. There’s always a bit of one in and around that could be converted

I’d like to see Melbourne Zoo return to breeding small cats. During the 1980’s and 1990’s, they bred multiple litters of Temminck’s golden cat, Fishing cat and Leopard cat (all of which had multiple off display exhibits to support breeding). Compare this to now where they don’t even have small cats for display purposes.

The era of cramming an abundance of species into small cages had its problems (namely the welfare of cramming said species into small cages); but at least non-enabling species like small felids were tolerated (compared to now where everything must be enabling/earn its keep). Space is at such a premium, so many species have been phased out because they don’t bring in the crowds.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

... I believe fishing cat could be housed in one of the aviaries that are quite run down and rarely occupied....

Which aviaries are you thinking of?

... meanwhile the Sumatran tiger complex is not in use ...

Which Sumatran Tiger complex is out of use?

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Which aviaries are you thinking of?

Which Sumatran Tiger complex is out of use?

The aviary is near the tigers, and no one ever goes in, and I’m noticing less diversity inside, albeit I could be proven wrong about the species. The Sumatran tiger complex is the off display breeding and housing for them, for example the rotational exhibit that used to house Binjai/Hutan when the other was in display

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

The aviary is near the tigers, and no one ever goes in, and I’m noticing less diversity inside, albeit I could be proven wrong about the species. The Sumatran tiger complex is the off display breeding and housing for them, for example the rotational exhibit that used to house Binjai/Hutan when the other was in display

I know the aviaries you mean! I was just wondering as there are quite a few around the zoo that are empty.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

If we see these species (or any other small cat), I think it’s more likely they’d be accommodated in exhibits built on the site of the existing elephant complex.

Fishing cat are reclusive at the best of times (nobody ever sees Hamilton’s) and situating them adjacent to big cat exhibits would do nothing to improve the situation.

If a small cat is to be held in the carnivore precinct, I’d recommend Caracal or Serval, which are naturally confident species - though even then, few zoos house them in proximity to big cats for the reasons I mention.

I'd love to see a Zoo opened in Geelong that focuses on being an aquarium and wetlands focused zoo. I'd send Fishing Cat there!
Otherwise I'd love to see them implemented in a reimagined Elephants trail, which has a stream that flows from the Otters down to the Fishing Cat enclosure.

 

[Zoofan15]

I'd love to see a Zoo opened in Geelong that focuses on being an aquarium and wetlands focused zoo. I'd send Fishing Cat there!
Otherwise I'd love to see them implemented in a reimagined Elephants trail, which has a stream that flows from the Otters down to the Fishing Cat enclosure.

That’s a great idea. I believe it was you who suggested doing a colab with the Melbourne Aquarium at a new site. In my opinion, that would have been a much better move than Kyabram and greatly diversified the Zoos Victoria portfolio.

In the wetlands section, they could also hold Waterbuck and Sitatunga.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

That’s a great idea. I believe it was you who suggested doing a colab with the Melbourne Aquarium at a new site. In my opinion, that would have been a much better move than Kyabram and greatly diversified the Zoos Victoria portfolio.

In the wetlands section, they could also hold Waterbuck and Sitatunga.

Yes please. Maybe both species could be held at WORZ and this site for better breeding. Essentially something like Singapore’s river cruise could be incorporated, with tapirs, capybaras and other semi aquatic mammals(the reptiles and fish are a given). I feel as though fishing cat would have enough space for an exhibit without obstructing the elephant complex, namely this river from the otters you speak of. Would be highly enriching for the cats. Reimagining the entire trail along with either one of our concepts could be great. For this, I’m going to consider Sloth Bear Mountain the most ideal result, despite being unlikely. Just imagine seeing otters, then walking over a small bridge to see fishing cats in the old aviary, with expansions of course. You might catch a glimpse of an orangutan on the island now.The next stop is the Malayan Sun Bear, replacing Hutan, whom is now rotating with Indrah on the carnivore trail. You now see a looming mountain, and on the lower terrace is a small pack of Ussuri Dhole. Look up, and you may see a Sri Lankan Leopard, neighbouring 2 exhibits for Sloth Bear. Look up further and you see a rocky exhibit with Himalayan Tahr and Hanuman Langur. Go inside the mountain and you will see a breeding pair of Indian Gharial underneath your feet. You ware also provided and aerial view of a breeding pair of Malayan tapir, that have access to an outdoor terrace. On the walls are countless terrariums filled with fish, amphibians and smaller reptiles. 3 binturong siblings are located at the end of this tunnel. Finally, you are able to view both Orangutan exhibits, which includes the adjacent island, and renovations to the original. Right next to this is a breeding pair of siamang, who will hopefully have given birth.
Idk seems pretty good to me

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I feel as though fishing cat would have enough space for an exhibit without obstructing the elephant complex, namely this river from the otters you speak of. Would be highly enriching for the cats. Reimagining the entire trail along with either one of our concepts could be great.

Agreed - I just meant along the TOTE loop, not so much the actual elephant enclosures.
They can be left wide open for an even bigger reimagining, whether one of the many concepts here already, or some other worthy concept.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Sandown Racecourse is all but set to close in the future. This could be a great location for a second city zoo in Melbourne, much in the way Sydney Zoo is a second Zoo in Sydney.

(It's more likely to be redeveloped as a housing estate)

 

[Jambo]

Which aviaries are you thinking of?

Which Sumatran Tiger complex is out of use?

The aviary is near the tigers, and no one ever goes in, and I’m noticing less diversity inside, albeit I could be proven wrong about the species. The Sumatran tiger complex is the off display breeding and housing for them, for example the rotational exhibit that used to house Binjai/Hutan when the other was in display

Both aviaries aren’t big enough for Fishing Cat; that’s the thing. The Aviary I believe you speak of extends right back to the edge of the BTS Tiger facilities so can’t be extended any further back. In saying that, it could still be extended sideways but there’s still a lack of space that way as well. I’m also not sure how Fishing Cats would do right smack next door to Sumatran Tigers. Probably not the best housing wise.

I think the right option for them is the current Squirrel Monkey enclosure. It extends back far enough to give them privacy and a pool could be added right at the front of the exhibit; with the mesh replaced with a viewing glass there.

 

[Jambo]

Sandown Racecourse is all but set to close in the future. This could be a great location for a second city zoo in Melbourne, much in the way Sydney Zoo is a second Zoo in Sydney.

(It's more likely to be redeveloped as a housing estate)

It’s decent distance away from the CBD so that would be a nice idea. I’ve always been a fan of adding a zoo in the eastern suburbs. Zoos Vic already have Melbourne in the City, Werribee in the west, Healesville in the North, Kyabram in the far north but lack a facility in the east (which has the biggest population of them all). So if not Sundown, they could easily select another location elsewhere around there.

Regarding what type of zoo; I’d imagine a Night Safari might be the way to go. It’s been previously suggested on here for Werribee, but a seperate attraction in the East would work better imo.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Both aviaries aren’t big enough for Fishing Cat; that’s the thing. The Aviary I believe you speak of extends right back to the edge of the BTS Tiger facilities so can’t be extended any further back. In saying that, it could still be extended sideways but there’s still a lack of space that way as well. I’m also not sure how Fishing Cats would do right smack next door to Sumatran Tigers. Probably not the best housing wise.

I think the right option for them is the current Squirrel Monkey enclosure. It extends back far enough to give them privacy and a pool could be added right at the front of the exhibit; with the mesh replaced with a viewing glass there.

The one I’m referring to backs away from the tigers, and would not be overly close to them as to cause a disturbance for the cats. It’s kindve a walkthrough with mesh facing away from the path. If someone can get an aerial map I’d show you

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Yeah I was imagining an enclosure for Fishing Cats being built opposite the Otters underwater viewing area.