PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
How furnished was it? Was it overgrown or potentially viable
Melbourne Zoo Future of Melbourne Zoo 2023 (Speculation / Fantasy)
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The Sleepy Hippo
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It didn't look groomed, but it was functional.
Perhaps it could be suitable as an ‘off display’ exhibit for the coati then. Auckland Zoo has a similar exhibit for red panda in the sense that visitors look into it, but only if they know where to look (up in the trees that are planted within the exhibit).
Barely overgrown. It was a bark floored exhibit with a smallish tree in the middle. I believe there were some ropes in there too, but that was about it really.
Any animals in there were quite easily viewable.
CruisingDeep
New Member
I find it incredibly fascinating to learn about Asiatic lions and their history in captivity. It's unfortunate that they're currently facing challenges in the wild due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflicts. On a positive note, efforts to reintroduce them in India's Gir Forest are commendable and crucial for their survival.
Moreover, India's rich biodiversity is awe-inspiring! From Bengal tigers to Indian rhinoceroses, the country hosts a remarkable array of wildlife. It's a testament to the importance of conservation efforts and protected areas like national parks and sanctuaries in preserving these iconic species. Let's continue to support initiatives aimed at safeguarding India's incredible wildlife heritage. #Conservation #IndianWildlife #AsiaticLions
Moreover, India's rich biodiversity is awe-inspiring! From Bengal tigers to Indian rhinoceroses, the country hosts a remarkable array of wildlife. It's a testament to the importance of conservation efforts and protected areas like national parks and sanctuaries in preserving these iconic species. Let's continue to support initiatives aimed at safeguarding India's incredible wildlife heritage. #Conservation #IndianWildlife #AsiaticLions
Asiatic lions have a rather short history in Australasia. A purebred cub was imported in 1959, but sired no offspring due to no Asiatic lionesses being available; and an unwillingness to hybridise him with African lionesses. A further 2.5 Asiatic lions (reportedly not purebred) were imported in the 1980’s (and likely 1990’s), with the last two dying in 2002. I believe Taronga and Dubbo were the only zoos to hold these.
Within this thread there’s been discussion of Melbourne Zoo holding them, which would be great to see. Though I note this is speculation and may or may not eventuate (depending on regional planning).
I have read there has been a plan for quite sometime to relocate some of the Air forest Lions to other areas within India since the numbers are out growing the current location, But the local authority's are unwilling to let any of these animals leave the region which is a shame when they are given a chance to repopulate other areas in India.
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PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
Had a quick question, are wolverines allowed to be imported into Australia? Moreover, do you think any Aussie facilities would be interested in taking them?
Wolverine aren’t CITES listed; but they’re not on the live import list and I imagine it’d be difficult getting them added due to their potential to establish as a pest species if they escaped. So sadly, I can’t see it happening.
Not to mention not really suited climate wise!
Another piece of the puzzle:
Thank to @BasecatXD, we have confirmation that the replacement for the Malayan tapir will be four female nyala. Combined with the realistic life expectancy of the peccaries (mid teens), this should see this row remain static for the next five years.
It’s a simple renovation that will allow Melbourne Zoo to focus on high priority projects such as the redevelopment of the elephant exhibits. In five years time, these will be completed and the zoo can give greater consideration to a redevelopment of the aforementioned row. The nyala are a flexible option in that they can easily be returned to Werribee; or integrated into Melbourne’s savannah.
Thank to @BasecatXD, we have confirmation that the replacement for the Malayan tapir will be four female nyala. Combined with the realistic life expectancy of the peccaries (mid teens), this should see this row remain static for the next five years.
It’s a simple renovation that will allow Melbourne Zoo to focus on high priority projects such as the redevelopment of the elephant exhibits. In five years time, these will be completed and the zoo can give greater consideration to a redevelopment of the aforementioned row. The nyala are a flexible option in that they can easily be returned to Werribee; or integrated into Melbourne’s savannah.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
Hopefully it’s a temporary option…
It definitely sounds like an exhibit filler, as they could easily cohabit with the giraffe. Wellington Zoo are expecting a calf soon and hold nyala in the same exhibit. It suggests bongo aren’t anywhere on the horizon for Melbourne Zoo; but five years from now, perhaps they would be an option (combining exhibit space from peccaries and tapir/nyala exhibits).
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
Was just looking at an England thread, and it showed bongo cohabiting with eland. Aside from maybe zebras, would there be any cohabitation issues in the lower Savannah? Moreover, they should cohabit fine in the woodland exhibit too, right?
Bongo would probably be better off for the woodland drivethrough. There, they would only share it with Ostrich, Nyala and Blackbuck, which I think would work. Morever, the actual drivethrough enclosure itself actually suits them as a species that likes to hide on occasions (of which the savannah exhibit wouldn't permit).
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
Could hybridisations with Nyala occur?
Yes, bongo and nyala can hybridise. Within Tragelaphus, the bushbuck, bongo, sitatunga and nyala are particularly close relatives.
I must have missed them; but on the subject of tigers, interconnected exhibits within a single precinct would be preferable to housing them in two exhibits in two different precincts. It makes them easier to manage and I saw firsthand over the weekend how much Auckland’s pair enjoyed interacting with each other from their respective exhibits.What, even the tigers?
I agree. It would be exciting to import South American giant otter if it were on the live import list. It’d almost make up for our lack of jaguar.
I agree also suited to our Climate!
Nyala could easily be transferred; either all to Melbourne, or down to the Lower Savannah. Either way, I believe their presence in the woodlands habitat is not for any other reason besides filling up that drivethrough.
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