The Sleepy Hippo
Well-Known Member
Except they don't.
Melbourne Zoo Future of Melbourne Zoo 2023 (Speculation / Fantasy)
- Thread starter Jambo
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Please feel free to share anything you can. We’re otherwise just working with the information we have (which isn’t a lot).
I know this is a species many of us are keen to see experience a resurgence in the region after numbers have dwindled to the current state.
Any information will be publicly shared when it is appropriate to do so.
Your statement about DDZ's intention came across as if you were "working with the information we have" which is clearly not true.
Some readers may actually believe this speculation.
I’m glad to hear any assumptions that a change of ownership of Darling Downs Zoo means an end to tapir import plans are unfounded.
I apologise for any offence caused and look forward to any news (as and when there is any) when it’s appropriate to share publicly.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
Are you the bloke that own/Ed DDZ? If so, as many others have done, I wish to emphasise how amazing the zoo has become
loganjmuir
Well-Known Member
In regards to the zebra departing, what could take it's place? The most plausible thing to do would be giving the giraffes access to that exhibit, although that would render the current backstage (which is most suitable for hoofstock) almost completely useless. If Melbourne transferred the herd out, it means they clearly aren't looking for a breeding pair so the only thing I can see happening with it is the introduction of a new species. I would think speke's gazelle would have the upperhand but as far as I'm aware there aren't any herds in Australia indicating they would have to import them. It'll be interesting to see what plays out in the end. I'm thinking(and hoping) that this means a new hoofstock species could pop up in the near future.
As far as I am aware speke’s gazelle are not on the Australian government’s white list of importable animals…
The zebras had shared exhibit space with the giraffe. Since zebras (particularly males) can be aggressive in mixed species exhibits and Melbourne Zoo were planning to acquire Lowland nyala, I’d assume these will be the replacement.
The adjacent (vacant) bongo exhibit could house a bull nyala, with cows and their offspring joining giraffe and ostrich in a mixed species savannah exhibit.
Melbourne Zoo are also planning to breed giraffes in the near future, so transferring out the zebras will eliminate the risk of any potential problems with regards to calves.
That’s correct, Speke’s gazelle are not on the live import list. Theoretically, they could be added, but I find it unlikely anyone will go to the effort when Australia already has 14 bovid species it can import:
Nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus
Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus
Red lechwe Kobus leche
Dama gazelle Nanger dama ruficollis
Grant's gazelle Nanger granti
Scmitar-horned oryx Oryx dammah
Gemsbok Oryx gazella
Addax Addax nasomaculatus
Sable antelope Hippotragus niger
Eland Taurotragus oryx
Nyala Tragelaphus angasii
Bongo Tragelaphus eurycerus
Sitatunga Tragelaphus spekii
Greater kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros
Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus
Red lechwe Kobus leche
Dama gazelle Nanger dama ruficollis
Grant's gazelle Nanger granti
Scmitar-horned oryx Oryx dammah
Gemsbok Oryx gazella
Addax Addax nasomaculatus
Sable antelope Hippotragus niger
Eland Taurotragus oryx
Nyala Tragelaphus angasii
Bongo Tragelaphus eurycerus
Sitatunga Tragelaphus spekii
Greater kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros
My thinking is that the zebras departure is to just to make way for future giraffe breeding.
Iris (the breeding female) is very shy and the giraffes and zebras have had issues in the past so it's possible the move was to allow Iris to become more comfortable in hope she does eventually conceive.
Male zebras would also be a hindrance to any future calves born as they can be very aggressive- probably not the situation you would want a giraffe calf to be in.
Re. a replacement; Nyala are a strong possibility if Melbourne were to add any other species to the exhibit. Although I also wouldn't be surprised if they acquired a pair of Ostrich as well.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
I might be looking into it too much, but Melbourne genuinely seem to be trending in the right direction atm. Zebra Phase out, and the return of a once discarded species. Do they genuinely have something big planned for the elephants? The binturong could be a great addition to a new look Asian precinct, featuring many species we have previously discussed. The fact that they are bringing back binturong means they could hypothetically bring back other discarded species, one of which, the maned wolf, had been discussed extensively discussed in this chat.
Let’s hope it’s a sign of things to come, as opposed to an anomaly.
Let’s hope it’s a sign of things to come, as opposed to an anomaly.
I think the difference here is that Binturong were not a species that was phased out; whereas the Maned Wolf certainly were.
Although things are certainly treading in a very hopeful direction I wouldn't get my hopes up for any other former species being re-added to the collection. I'd assume the only realistic species that *may* be re-added would be the Malayan Tapir, but that's about it.
The elephant move will certainly generate a lot of space. I'd love to see an Orangutan expansion, and alongside this there would still be plenty of space for complimentary exhibits. It would be awesome if Melbourne could expand their Asian collection to include some lesser known species (Like Langur, Fishing Cat, Binturong), birds (which, on the Asian side, Melbourne has lacked in recent years imo), and reptiles (Gharial ect).
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
What is the difference between the binturong and maned wolf. Both species died out, and were intentionally not replaced if I’m correct. Is there something I’m missing
Binturong weren't 'intentionally' not replaced. Melbourne have likely just been waiting for the opportunity to import again (of which they did, importing a sibling pair from Singapore yet again).
Maned Wolf however were an intentional phase out; with Melbourne pre determining they wouldn't replace their final male prior to his death as the species didn't suit the zoos direction at the time.
dylan downward
Well-Known Member
Wait are there binturongs at Melbourne zoo again
A pair of brothers have arrived from Singapore and are currently off display. Presumably in the Bong Su function room next to the elephants (which used to hold Tree Kangaroos).
Furthermore, Maned wolf were a species the entire region bar Altina decided to phase out. It was only thanks to their phenomenal efforts, which saw this species survive in the region, long enough for some of the main zoos to regain interest in them again.
Binturong are smaller and though not endangered, fit nicely into any South East Asian precinct. Like the Maned wolf, they have an odour, but I can’t see many issues with an animal that smells like popcorn.
Capybara would be an excellent fit for the Malayan tapir exhibit and I’d like to see them compliment the adjacent peccaries re. a South American theming.
That said, it’s difficult to assess where the region is headed with Capybara. A decade or so, they became the next big thing and everyone seemed to hold them - but Adelaide and Auckland have phased them out and Wellington’s formerly large population has dwindled. They’re well suited to mixed species exhibits, inexpensive to house and people like to scratch them with sticks, so not sure why the lack of interest.
I can also see the Malayan tapir exhibit sitting empty or housing something on a temporary basis (surplus from another exhibit) until the area undergoes a complete remodelling. The peccaries should have another 5-10 years in them and the absence of the elephants will be more conspicuous (i.e. renovation of this area will take priority).
The Sleepy Hippo
Well-Known Member
Could peccaries, capybara and tapir all mix in one exhibit?
No, peccaries are too aggressive to be housed safety with other species. The White-lipped peccary has been known to tear dogs apart and the Collared peccary, though less volatile, is still potentially dangerous.
Fun fact: Collared peccary perform an aggressive sounding “laugh” during confrontations!
Tapir can deliver a nasty bite, so I would only recommend cohabitation with fast moving and arboreal species like Spider monkeys and Bolivian squirrel monkeys.
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