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

[PaddyRickMFZ]

When I visited the other day I was noticing how large the tortoise exhibit is, and how much space could be available if it was demolished. Would there jit be enough space for the GW tortoises in the regular paddock? Or Vice Versa? Could open up a lot of space

 

[Jambo]

The inability of the Australian Bush precinct to hold more than a single devil as @Jambo mentioned is a good point though, but probably indicative that that exhibit should go, rather than the exhibit capable of housing more than one. A transfer to Growing Wild (with all other TD exhibits phased out) does indeed represent the ideal.

Said exhibit is the former Koala exhibit, so is actually designed to have more arboreal space than actual ground space. Usually I see the devil in that enclosure just running laps around the exhibit, so I imagine this would probably be a priority to either redevelop or demolish and build an entirely new enclosure somewhere there soon.

The Carnivores enclosures were purpose built for Tasmanian Devil and the individual in the Australian Bush precinct is purely a filler for that enclosure (at least to my understanding).

Melbourne actually never had Tasmanian Devils until around a decade ago when they first received them to replace the Koalas who moved into a new exhibit opposite the giraffes at the time.

In saying that, Growing Wild does need some spicing up and I've always thought Melbourne should've gone the local backyard theme that Taronga went; exhibiting species such as Tasmanian Devil, Little Penguins and Koalas within an education, exploration themed precinct there.

 

[Jambo]

When I visited the other day I was noticing how large the tortoise exhibit is, and how much space could be available if it was demolished. Would there jit be enough space for the GW tortoises in the regular paddock? Or Vice Versa? Could open up a lot of space

Melbourne have eleven tortoises in total so I'd imagine there would be enough space in the main enclosure beside the Reptile House; especially after the expansion. It does seem like the long term goal is to move the males over there once they grow older and house them in single sex groups though.

 

[Zoofan15]

Said exhibit is the former Koala exhibit, so is actually designed to have more arboreal space than actual ground space. Usually I see the devil in that enclosure just running laps around the exhibit, so I imagine this would probably be a priority to either redevelop or demolish and build an entirely new enclosure somewhere there soon.

The Carnivores enclosures were purpose built for Tasmanian Devil and the individual in the Australian Bush precinct is purely a filler for that enclosure (at least to my understanding).

Melbourne actually never had Tasmanian Devils until around a decade ago when they first received them to replace the Koalas who moved into a new exhibit opposite the giraffes at the time.

In saying that, Growing Wild does need some spicing up and I've always thought Melbourne should've gone the local backyard theme that Taronga went; exhibiting species such as Tasmanian Devil, Little Penguins and Koalas within an education, exploration themed precinct there.

Though the international tourist market is comparatively small (I believe I heard 10% quoted once), it would make sense to have an Australian native precinct at the start. It’s a niche market, that won’t appeal to the majority of regular visitors and divert off pedestrian traffic as people come based on who wants to see it and who doesn’t.

Growing Wild should definitely include Tasmanian devils, Little blue penguin etc. The name of the precinct would refer to the starting point of life (Australian’s growing up with these species) rather than literally growing anything. Not sure if the tortoises are there for irony, considering they neither grow fast nor wild (in Australia).

 

[Zoofan15]

Melbourne have eleven tortoises in total so I'd imagine there would be enough space in the main enclosure beside the Reptile House; especially after the expansion. It does seem like the long term goal is to move the males over there once they grow older and house them in single sex groups though.

I’m assuming once maturity is attained, some will be dispersed to other collections based on who breeds with who. Auckland has 2.2 Galapagos giant tortoise and only one male and one female have successfully bred (several times). The non breeding male (missing an essential body part ) serves as a stimulant male, but the non-breeding female is a prime example of one who could be transferred out.

 

[Jambo]

Though the international tourist market is comparatively small (I believe I heard 10% quoted once), it would make sense to have an Australian native precinct at the start. It’s a niche market, that won’t appeal to the majority of regular visitors and divert off pedestrian traffic as people come based on who wants to see it and who doesn’t.

Growing Wild should definitely include Tasmanian devils, Little blue penguin etc. The name of the precinct would refer to the starting point of life (Australian’s growing up with these species) rather than literally growing anything. Not sure if the tortoises are there for irony, considering they neither grow fast nor wild (in Australia).

I agree; when coming in the Main Gate everyone either goes directly straight or left through the Lemurs towards the Gorillas ect. Growing Wild as an entire precinct has never gained as much attraction as it probably should; but this can be attributed to its downgrade over time to the point where it now only displays Meerkat and Giant Tortoise (of which can be seen elsewhere in the zoo).

It's not uncommon for me to visit and skip the precinct these days, just feels like a waste of time walking through and all of that space behind could be put to much better use. At the bare minimum, I would introduce Koalas into that former Brush Turkey Aviary to create a little walkthrough there, of which they could share with a species like Quokka; and the former Mara enclosure could also be renovated for a Tasmanian Devil enclosure.

Going further, the current Giant Tortoise enclosure is then more than enough space for a decent sized Little Penguin exhibit; complete with underwater viewing and all.

Overall, it would be a win win. Growing Wild would be able to gain more attention from international visitors and locals too (who would go visit and miss seeing Koalas and Penguins); and would free up space elsewhere in the zoo, like the whole Wild Sea precinct for redevelopment.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

I agree; when coming in the Main Gate everyone either goes directly straight or left through the Lemurs towards the Gorillas ect. Growing Wild as an entire precinct has never gained as much attraction as it probably should; but this can be attributed to its downgrade over time to the point where it now only displays Meerkat and Giant Tortoise (of which can be seen elsewhere in the zoo).

It's not uncommon for me to visit and skip the precinct these days, just feels like a waste of time walking through and all of that space behind could be put to much better use. At the bare minimum, I would introduce Koalas into that former Brush Turkey Aviary to create a little walkthrough there, of which they could share with a species like Quokka; and the former Mara enclosure could also be renovated for a Tasmanian Devil enclosure.

Going further, the current Giant Tortoise enclosure is then more than enough space for a decent sized Little Penguin exhibit; complete with underwater viewing and all.

Overall, it would be a win win. Growing Wild would be able to gain more attention from international visitors and locals too (who would go visit and miss seeing Koalas and Penguins); and would free up space elsewhere in the zoo, like the whole Wild Sea precinct for redevelopment.

Every time I visit MZ I always skip Wild Sea and Aussie Bush, and only recently have started going to growing wild. When I visited on Friday there were only 3 people in the whole precinct, so it’s certainly not functioning as well as MZ expected

 

[Zoofan15]

I agree; when coming in the Main Gate everyone either goes directly straight or left through the Lemurs towards the Gorillas ect. Growing Wild as an entire precinct has never gained as much attraction as it probably should; but this can be attributed to its downgrade over time to the point where it now only displays Meerkat and Giant Tortoise (of which can be seen elsewhere in the zoo).

It's not uncommon for me to visit and skip the precinct these days, just feels like a waste of time walking through and all of that space behind could be put to much better use. At the bare minimum, I would introduce Koalas into that former Brush Turkey Aviary to create a little walkthrough there, of which they could share with a species like Quokka; and the former Mara enclosure could also be renovated for a Tasmanian Devil enclosure.

Going further, the current Giant Tortoise enclosure is then more than enough space for a decent sized Little Penguin exhibit; complete with underwater viewing and all.

Overall, it would be a win win. Growing Wild would be able to gain more attention from international visitors and locals too (who would go visit and miss seeing Koalas and Penguins); and would free up space elsewhere in the zoo, like the whole Wild Sea precinct for redevelopment.

It’s definitely a precinct that’s worth skipping in it’s current state. It also works against the logic of parents wanting a precinct to chill while their kids explore. Anybody with children or younger siblings will know that when young kids arrive at the zoo energised, that’s the time to explore the zoo/go through the exhibits before they start getting tired, hungry and unreasonable. The centre of the zoo is a better place for this sort of zone (if one must be required), combined with an eatery.

Your outline for a native precinct in place is excellent and one I’d love to see implemented. Melbourne are quick enough to phase out exotics. Reducing their native mammals to what you detailed is no great loss and anything else can be seen at Healesville/Werribee etc.

 

[Jambo]

Every time I visit MZ I always skip Wild Sea and Aussie Bush, and only recently have started going to growing wild. When I visited on Friday there were only 3 people in the whole precinct, so it’s certainly not functioning as well as MZ expected

It's meant to be a kids precinct but there's nothing much for the kids to be interested in there anymore besides the Meerkats. Venturing past the Meerkat exhibit, it's not uncommon to be the only one viewing the Tortoises!

I always priorities the stronger side of the zoo (Gorilla Rainforest, TOTE, Australian Bush, African trail) first and see what I can get done after. Carnivores is usually the first trail I take; especially as I usually use the railgate entrance. Tbh I also favour double taking some of the trails on my visits (like TOTE) to see the elephants again, instead of visiting Wild Sea and Growing Wild.

 

[Zoofan15]

Every time I visit MZ I always skip Wild Sea and Aussie Bush, and only recently have started going to growing wild. When I visited on Friday there were only 3 people in the whole precinct, so it’s certainly not functioning as well as MZ expected

I can see the pinnipeds being phased out long term, so accomodating the penguins in Growing Wild would allow the Wild Sea precinct to be scrapped. It’s not a massive area, but would free up additional space (which is always at a premium). It’s 15 years old now and was described as outdated by critics from the day it opened!

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

It's meant to be a kids precinct but there's nothing much for the kids to be interested in there anymore besides the Meerkats. Venturing past the Meerkat exhibit, it's not uncommon to be the only one viewing the Tortoises!

I always priorities the stronger side of the zoo (Gorilla Rainforest, TOTE, Australian Bush, African trail) first and see what I can get done after. Carnivores is usually the first trail I take; especially as I usually use the railgate entrance. Tbh I also favour double taking some of the trails on my visits (like TOTE) to see the elephants again, instead of visiting Wild Sea and Growing Wild.

I did a triple take of the carnivore trial purely to see the binturong, but regretfully I had no luck. I found no need to look at the Australian animals, but that’s purely a personal thing

 

[Zoofan15]

I did a triple take of the carnivore trial purely to see the binturong, but regretfully I had no luck. I found no need to look at the Australian animals, but that’s purely a personal thing

I’ll admit I like the trail aspect of Melbourne Zoo. You can pick and choose trails, cutting out precincts if limited on time (or based on personal interest). The same layout exists at Auckland Zoo and if I’m making a short visit, I’ll typically only do three of the trails. Other zoos like Hamilton operate on a loop, where you’re committed to doing the whole zoo.

 

[Jambo]

I can see the pinnipeds being phased out long term, so accomodating the penguins in Growing Wild would allow the Wild Sea precinct to be scrapped. It’s not a massive area, but would free up additional space (which is always at a premium). It’s 15 years old now and was described as outdated by critics from the day it opened!

I can certainly see it going within the next decade. Not sure if seals have a future at Melbourne; but I wouldn't be surprised if they don't, especially as Melbourne purely relies on rescues which don't come in often. They could easily send their remaining girls off to Seaworld or Taronga when they make the decision to phase them out (if they do).

I did a triple take of the carnivore trial purely to see the binturong, but regretfully I had no luck. I found no need to look at the Australian animals, but that’s purely a personal thing

I usually skip that trail as well, but recently have liked to take the time to appreciate the GFA a lot more; and have also checked out the new exhibits there as well.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Does anyone have thoughts on potential Victorian acquisition of banteng? I feel like they would have been a good alternative for the Texas longhorns and would be a good segue from the elephants. Not sure how easy they’d be to acquire

 

[Zoofan15]

I can certainly see it going within the next decade. Not sure if seals have a future at Melbourne; but I wouldn't be surprised if they don't, especially as Melbourne purely relies on rescues which don't come in often. They could easily send their remaining girls off to Seaworld or Taronga when they make the decision to phase them out (if they do).

I usually skip that trail as well, but recently have liked to take the time to appreciate the GFA a lot more; and have also checked out the new exhibits there as well.

With water costs, combined with filtration and supporting infrastructure, pinnipeds are becoming increasingly expensive to maintain. Auckland Zoo said this is behind their phase out; with the penguins contributing significantly less waste by-products to the water (especially since they won’t set foot in the water). It’ll be sad to see zoos phase out pinnipeds, but the reasoning is justified for the most part.

 

[Zoofan15]

Does anyone have thoughts on potential Victorian acquisition of banteng? I feel like they would have been a good alternative for the Texas longhorns and would be a good segue from the elephants. Not sure how easy they’d be to acquire

I wouldn’t be opposed to their acquisition. They’re impressive animals and they’re also endangered. The only downside is they’re South East Asian (more aligned to Melbourne); yet they’re really only an open range zoo species due to their size.

 

[Jambo]

Does anyone have thoughts on potential Victorian acquisition of banteng? I feel like they would have been a good alternative for the Texas longhorns and would be a good segue from the elephants. Not sure how easy they’d be to acquire

Would defenitely be good to see at Werribee. Altina are breeding them regionally; so they could acquire some from there. Considering their status is endangered, I'm surprised Werribee haven't looked into them yet! They would suit their collection well, especially with Werribee expanding away from a predominantly African collection.

 

[Zorro]

Would defenitely be good to see at Werribee. Altina are breeding them regionally; so they could acquire some from there. Considering their status is endangered, I'm surprised Werribee haven't looked into them yet! They would suit their collection well, especially with Werribee expanding away from a predominantly African collection.

I have seen them at WPZ in the past!

 

[Zoofan15]

I have seen them at WPZ in the past!

Werribee could potentially use the Asian elephant complex as a starting point for expanding into Asian species (suitable to an open range setting). Asian elephants, Indian rhinoceros and Indian antelope from South Asia; Sumatran tigers and Banteng from South East Asia.

Monarto have moved away from the concept of exhibiting Asian elephants as ambassadors for African elephants (a ridiculous idea in the first place) and will be aligning them with Indian antelope etc.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Werribee could potentially use the Asian elephant complex as a starting point for expanding into Asian species (suitable to an open range setting). Asian elephants, Indian rhinoceros and Indian antelope from South Asia; Sumatran tigers and Banteng from South East Asia.

Monarto have moved away from the concept of exhibiting Asian elephants as ambassadors for African elephants (a ridiculous idea in the first place) and will be aligning them with Indian antelope etc.

Yet WORZ have 0 intention to diversify, which I dearly hope Chsnges in the near future. Are the banteng still at TWPZ? I believe someone mentioned they they’re not actually breeding