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

[Zoofan15]

What do you think will replace the Malayan Tapir? I personally hope that an okapi comes into the zoo, but capybaras would be cool, too.

Also, what will happen to the baby otters?

Most of us are of the opinion Capybara will replace the Malayan tapir. It’s a species that will require minimal renovations to the exhibit and can occupy it for 5-10 years until the remaining peccaries pass on.

It’d be nice to see Okapi come into the region. Optimistically, Taronga will import them; and there’s the potential Melbourne and Auckland could too. The Giraffidae IRA is years away, so importing via New Zealand (who would quarantine them for 12 months) is currently the only avenue for doing so.

Melbourne Zoo currently has no baby otters. They have 3.0 young males, who are now three years old. Their mother is elderly; so if they can remain in their natal group until her passing, they may retain them in a bachelor group (along with their father). As a genetically valuable male, he could also be re-paired

 

[BasecatXD]

Most of us are of the opinion Capybara will replace the Malayan tapir. It’s a species that will require minimal renovations to the exhibit and can occupy it for 5-10 years until the remaining peccaries pass on.

It’d be nice to see Okapi come into the region. Optimistically, Taronga will import them; and there’s the potential Melbourne and Auckland could too. The Giraffidae IRA is years away, so importing via New Zealand (who would quarantine them for 12 months) is currently the only avenue for doing so.

Melbourne Zoo currently has no baby otters. They have 3.0 young males, who are now three years old. Their mother is elderly; so if they can remain in their natal group until her passing, they may retain them in a bachelor group (along with their father). As a genetically valuable male, he could also be re-paired

I would personally love to see the otters stay at Melbourne Zoo for many years.

 

[Zoofan15]

I would personally love to see the otters stay at Melbourne Zoo for many years.

Otters definitely have a future at Melbourne Zoo. In terms of visitor engagement, they’re ranked as one of the most enabling species in the region; which combined with their low-cost upkeep, makes them unbeatable value for money. I anticipate Melbourne will breed them again in the future, even if it’s not with their current pair (the female is getting on in years).

 

[Jambo]

What do you think will replace the Malayan Tapir? I personally hope that an okapi comes into the zoo, but capybaras would be cool, too.

Also, what will happen to the baby otters?

Most of us are of the opinion Capybara will replace the Malayan tapir. It’s a species that will require minimal renovations to the exhibit and can occupy it for 5-10 years until the remaining peccaries pass on.

It’d be nice to see Okapi come into the region. Optimistically, Taronga will import them; and there’s the potential Melbourne and Auckland could too. The Giraffidae IRA is years away, so importing via New Zealand (who would quarantine them for 12 months) is currently the only avenue for doing so.

Melbourne Zoo currently has no baby otters. They have 3.0 young males, who are now three years old. Their mother is elderly; so if they can remain in their natal group until her passing, they may retain them in a bachelor group (along with their father). As a genetically valuable male, he could also be re-paired

I agree, Capybaras would be most likely. But sticking to true Melbourne fashion, I would imagine that this exhibit will probably sit empty or temporarily hold a species already at the zoo.

I'd imagine Melbourne will either re-pair Odie with another female (following Paula's passing) or just retain a bachelor group. Melbourne's recently enjoyed success as a result of the otter pups and so would probably be looking to retain a larger group.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I agree, Capybaras would be most likely. But sticking to true Melbourne fashion, I would imagine that this exhibit will probably sit empty or temporarily hold a species already at the zoo.

I'd imagine Melbourne will either re-pair Odie with another female (following Paula's passing) or just retain a bachelor group. Melbourne's recently enjoyed success as a result of the otter pups and so would probably be looking to retain a larger group.

I do hope with the Elephants exiting stage right, that the Otters could end up with a larger, potentially integrated enclosure. It is most unlikely that even with a reimagining of TOTE that the otters would get a new enclosure, but I hope they do.

 

[Zoofan15]

I do hope with the Elephants exiting stage right, that the Otters could end up with a larger, potentially integrated enclosure. It is most unlikely that even with a reimagining of TOTE that the otters would get a new enclosure, but I hope they do.

I would say it’s near certain the otters will get a new exhibit; possibly integrated with orangutans or gibbons. I believe the two things we can guarantee about future development at Melbourne Zoo are rotational exhibits and mixed species exhibits:

Mixed species exhibits are a continuing trend, popularised in the 1990’s in Australasian zoos via African Savannah exhibits. This idea has been expanded to include mixes like otters housed with apes (orangutans and gibbons) and is on the cards for zoos like Adelaide.

Rotational exhibits are a new trend to Australasian zoos, with Auckland being the first to rotate orangutans and siamang across two exhibits and a shared aerial pathway. Perth have additionally proposed concepts for tigers, sun bears etc. sharing exhibit space. I would assume at the minimum, we’ll see a shared aerial pathway for apes at Melbourne; but big cats and bears rotating exhibits is at least a possibility.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I hope they continue with tigers, but only have one exhib it allocated for their display. Most would prefer to see a tiger and a bear or leopard ad opposed to just a tiger twice

I would like to see two tiger public exhibits but in the same location near start of TOTE. I'd like the current exhibit with Hutan remain, and the BoH enclosures, with either an additional built on the otherside of the BoH enclosure, where the Thai village is - spanning from the Boh to the Butterfly enclosure, behind Man Jai's old enclosure, and across to the return path. The entrance path could go over or under the tiger exhibit.
OR
We have talked about utilising the island for Orang'utan, but I could envisage an enclosure that is beside the BoH tiger space, that has an aerial bridge to an island in the middle of the lake, and then also one from that island (or even two islands) back to Hutan's enclosure.

Putting Sri Lankan Leopard and Malayan Tapir and a third species in Elephant enclosure spaces.

A bear species could take Indrah's exhibit on the Carnivore trail.

 

[Zoofan15]

I would like to see two tiger public exhibits but in the same location near start of TOTE. I'd like the current exhibit with Hutan remain, and the BoH enclosures, with either an additional built on the otherside of the BoH enclosure, where the Thai village is - spanning from the Boh to the Butterfly enclosure, behind Man Jai's old enclosure, and across to the return path. The entrance path could go over or under the tiger exhibit.
OR
We have talked about utilising the island for Orang'utan, but I could envisage an enclosure that is beside the BoH tiger space, that has an aerial bridge to an island in the middle of the lake, and then also one from that island (or even two islands) back to Hutan's enclosure.

Putting Sri Lankan Leopard and Malayan Tapir and a third species in Elephant enclosure spaces.

A bear species could take Indrah's exhibit on the Carnivore trail.

So with two on display exhibits and the BOH facilities, Melbourne would have the option to remain a breeding facility. If we’re to assume Hutan and Indra will live another five years, their best chances of breeding will be to import two founders (which in any case would be advantageous to the region, which has only had two imports in the past decade).

A bear species would add variety to the Carnivores precinct. We’ve lost South America, but can at least have two felids, an ursid and a canid species - the variety coming from taxonomy, rather than geographic range.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I would still advocate for the African Lions being shifted to a second enclosure in Werribee, and introducing a breeding pair of Asian Lions to Melbourne Zoo. I think Adelaide Zoo and Taronga could follow suit.

 

[Zoofan15]

I would still advocate for the African Lions being shifted to a second enclosure in Werribee, and introducing a breeding pair of Asian Lions to Melbourne Zoo. I think Adelaide Zoo and Taronga could follow suit.

I agree. The trend in recent years has been for city zoos to house non-breeding prides, which for the most part aren’t essential to the region. Auckland houses three lionesses that could have remained in Werribee’s pride if they were willing to dedicate the space to house a large pride (like Monarto); while the two adolescent males that have recently been separated out from Monarto’s pride could have remained in it if they were castrated.

Asiatic lions at Melbourne, Taronga, Adelaide makes sense. Potentially Hamilton and Wellington Zoo could be interested also.

 

[Jambo]

I would like to see two tiger public exhibits but in the same location near start of TOTE. I'd like the current exhibit with Hutan remain, and the BoH enclosures, with either an additional built on the otherside of the BoH enclosure, where the Thai village is - spanning from the Boh to the Butterfly enclosure, behind Man Jai's old enclosure, and across to the return path. The entrance path could go over or under the tiger exhibit.
OR
We have talked about utilising the island for Orang'utan, but I could envisage an enclosure that is beside the BoH tiger space, that has an aerial bridge to an island in the middle of the lake, and then also one from that island (or even two islands) back to Hutan's enclosure.

Putting Sri Lankan Leopard and Malayan Tapir and a third species in Elephant enclosure spaces.

A bear species could take Indrah's exhibit on the Carnivore trail.

I'm a big fan of this idea. The second tiger exhibit would probably go in that current section in between the lake and Man Jai's exhibit and would allow it to be connected to the current tiger complex and back of house facilities there. It would also create a nice overlook, with the Orangutans having the island just next door, and they could potentially have a overpass over the exhibit, sort of forming a loop around the rest of the current elephant trail.

This would still allow the rest of the current elephant complex to be used for other species. I'm a big fan of having something along the lines of a tropical dome here alongside some smaller mixed species exhibits for the Orangutans, Gibbons, Otters and Malayan Tapir.

Sun Bears would be perfect for Indrah's current exhibit; and were actually the original intended habitants of that enclosure!

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I'm a big fan of this idea. The second tiger exhibit would probably go in that current section in between the lake and Man Jai's exhibit and would allow it to be connected to the current tiger complex and back of house facilities there. It would also create a nice overlook, with the Orangutans having the island just next door, and they could potentially have a overpass over the exhibit, sort of forming a loop around the rest of the current elephant trail.

This would still allow the rest of the current elephant complex to be used for other species. I'm a big fan of having something along the lines of a tropical dome here alongside some smaller mixed species exhibits for the Orangutans, Gibbons, Otters and Malayan Tapir.

Sun Bears would be perfect for Indrah's current exhibit; and were actually the original intended habitants of that enclosure!

I was thinking a tropical/bio dome would be awesome if it used the current Butterfly House as it's entrance.

 

[Zoofan15]

I was thinking a tropical/bio dome would be awesome if it used the current Butterfly House as it's entrance.

It’d be great to see biodomes at Melbourne. Melbourne’s climate means several reptiles can’t be housed outdoors all year round, so it would allow them (and fish species etc) to be exhibited here - while creating an immersive environment for the visitors.

 

[Zorro]

I agree. The trend in recent years has been for city zoos to house non-breeding prides, which for the most part aren’t essential to the region. Auckland houses three lionesses that could have remained in Werribee’s pride if they were willing to dedicate the space to house a large pride (like Monarto); while the two adolescent males that have recently been separated out from Monarto’s pride could have remained in it if they were castrated.

Asiatic lions at Melbourne, Taronga, Adelaide makes sense. Potentially Hamilton and Wellington Zoo could be interested also.

I would love to see Asiatic Lions within the regions zoos, If I recall correctly TWPZ wanted them and tried to obtain some direct from India but were unsuccessful unfortunately. The AL they obtained from the USA unfortunately turned out to be not pure Asiatic and were phased out.

 

[Zoofan15]

I would love to see Asiatic Lions within the regions zoos, If I recall correctly TWPZ wanted them and tried to obtain some direct from India but were unsuccessful unfortunately. The AL they obtained from the USA unfortunately turned out to be not pure Asiatic and were phased out.

Eight Asiatic lions have been held in the region, but only the cub imported in 1959 was purebred (he was named Simba). Consideration was given to returning Simba to India in the 70’s to breed with lionesses; as India had by then prohibited the export of Asiatic lions, citing low population numbers.

The hybrids were imported in the 1980’s, with the last dying in 2002.

It’s now recognised that Asiatic lions live in same sex groupings (not pairs), which is how they’re housed at the Singapore Zoo Night Safari. Ideally, Melbourne Zoo would dedicate the space to housing two prides; but sadly I can’t see this happening. It’s probably better to house the females and their offspring at Werribee; and transfers the males (at Melbourne) over for breeding every couple of years.

 

[Zorro]

Eight Asiatic lions have been held in the region, but only the cub imported in 1969 was purebred (he was named Simba). Consideration was given to returning Simba to India in the 70’s to breed with lionesses; as India had by then prohibited the export of Asiatic lions, citing low population numbers.

The hybrids were imported in the 1980’s, with the last dying in 2002.

It’s now recognised that Asiatic lions live in same sex groupings (not pairs), which is how they’re housed at the Singapore Zoo Night Safari. Ideally, Melbourne Zoo would dedicate the space to housing two prides; but sadly I can’t see this happening. It’s probably better to house the females and their offspring at Werribee; and transfers the males (at Melbourne) over for breeding every couple of years.

I believe the cub that was held at Taronga was confiscated and later exported to Israel.
The EEP have been trying to obtain fresh bloodlines out of India for a long time but with ''Limited" success. Considering there are quite a few captive Lions there and from what I understand a surplus amount. Even London zoos new (then) exhibit apparently were wanting 2 pairs from India but only received the one pair. Though one European zoo did manage to obtain a small number in resent years.

 

[Zoofan15]

I believe the cub that was held at Taronga was confiscated and later exported to Israel.
The EEP have been trying to obtain fresh bloodlines out of India for a long time but with ''Limited" success. Considering there are quite a few captive Lions there and from what I understand a surplus amount. Even London zoos new (then) exhibit apparently were wanting 2 pairs from India but only received the one pair. Though one European zoo did manage to obtain a small number in resent years.

I looked it up and Simba arrived 1959 (not 1969), which makes sense considering they were reviewing options in 1971. He was reportedly the only member of his species held outside India; with two Indian zoos mentioned, housing 1.2 and 1.3 respectively (with only a single cub born between the two zoos).

An exemption was made to the export ban, with the international studbook formed in 1977. As you mention, London Zoo sourced a pair; and today, they’re held at a several European zoos.

Melbourne Zoo could potentially source Asiatic lions from Singapore Zoo. Melbourne Zoo has imported numerous animals from Singapore (the most recent being binturong); and may be able to source an unrelated (I use this term generously as imagine the population is somewhat inbred) mate from Europe.

 

[Jambo]

I was thinking a tropical/bio dome would be awesome if it used the current Butterfly House as it's entrance.

That would really be a good idea. I think a tropical house on the foundations of the current plaza area and pool enclosure would be the right fit. They could even incorporate the current plaza as 'ruins' inside the dome, if they wished to retain it.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

That would really be a good idea. I think a tropical house on the foundations of the current plaza area and pool enclosure would be the right fit. They could even incorporate the current plaza as 'ruins' inside the dome, if they wished to retain it.

This dome could even have walkthrough elements with monkey species(albeit I’m not sure what species would be suitable). Are langurs aggressive species? I’ve always wondered whether one could do a Malayan tapir boardwalk with dusky langur in the trees. Would be awesome imo. Also, how much space would this dome encompass? If it encompassed 1 or 2 of the exhibits then wouldn’t there still be space for leopards and/or bears

 

[Zoofan15]

This dome could even have walkthrough elements with monkey species(albeit I’m not sure what species would be suitable). Are langurs aggressive species? I’ve always wondered whether one could do a Malayan tapir boardwalk with dusky langur in the trees. Would be awesome imo. Also, how much space would this dome encompass? If it encompassed 1 or 2 of the exhibits then wouldn’t there still be space for leopards and/or bears

If we’re not limiting ourselves to a particular continent here, there’s countless suitable monkey species. Black and white colobus are successfully housed in a walk through aviary at London Zoo; while tamarins are another common species seen in walk throughs. Night monkeys are another and one I thought I’d mention given Wildlife HQ are sourcing them soon.

Macaques have worked at some facilities, but not others (I’d love to see Bonnet macaque return to the region’s zoos). Spider monkeys are too territorial (males can be particularly aggressive). Langurs are successfully housed in a walk through at Apenheul, but have failed at other zoos. They would otherwise cohabit well with tapir though.