Future of New Zealand Zoos (speculation / fantasy)

[steveroberts]

Would be so cool to see Auckland and Hamilton import either blue or black wildebeest and follow the careful protocol but then they could both have a small herd of wildebeest each (unique in Australasia) and could exchange individuals to avoid inbreeding, and eventually Orana and Keystone could take surplus offspring of several years later perhaps.

 

[Zoofan15]

@Zoofan15 @ElephasMaximus

Would be so cool to see Auckland and Hamilton import either blue or black wildebeest and follow the careful protocol but then they could both have a small herd of wildebeest each (unique in Australasia) and could exchange individuals to avoid inbreeding, and eventually Orana and Keystone could take surplus offspring of several years later perhaps.

It would be great to see this species in New Zealand. Wildebeest can breed from the age 2-3 years and can produce a calf annually every year into their early 20’s.

With this in mind, it wouldn’t be hard to establish thriving herds from 4.4 founders:

Auckland could hold 1.2
Hamilton could hold 1.2
Wellington could hold 2.0

First generation females would supplement the other breeding herd; and after a decade, males could swap with the males at Wellington (ideally unrelated to the other founders). The inevitable male offspring could be housed in a bachelor herd at Orana Wildlife Park.

Following Burma’s departure, Auckland Zoo will be working towards extending their African precinct into this area (predominantly for rhinos), which would provide additional space for breeding. Wellington has an empty exhibit opposite the giraffes (old wild dog exhibit) that’s sat empty for close to a decade.

 

[steveroberts]

Hey was wondering what your thoughts and opinions were on - starting with mammal discussion (per usual lol) but intended this thread to be for all animals.I left out camelidae (though would like to see some dromedaries return to NZ), cervidaes, a fair few bovids especially those banned, just mentione small-clawed otters for musetelidae, lagomorpha, and left myomorpha rodents off the list too, and hedgehogs, and notamacropus/wallaby macropod marsupials and brush-tailed possums, from the list becausemany are either bannd because of being feral in New Zealand. But wanted to ask which of these species do you think have fairly secure future in New Zealand
facilities for say the next 15 years-20 years? (sorry I state the obvious in some places mentioning some import bans I think are in place, and add some assumptions of my own here and there, but am no expert on the 'lay of the land' with NZ zoos and other animal institutions. But heres the mammal list in the order Chlidonias wrote it in, with some ommissions mentioned above:

Plains zebras

Southern white rhinos'

Giraffes

Domestic water buffalos (banned from furthe import)

American bisons (banned from furthe import but farmed)

Domestic yaks (banned from furthe import but farmed? still??)

Himalayan tahrs (banned from furthe import but feral)

Chamois (banned from furthe import but feral)

Indian antelopes

Springboks

Lowland nyalas

Addax

Waterbucks

Ring-tailed lemurs

Black-and-white-ruffed lemurs

Cottontop tamarins

Emperor tamarins

Golden lion tamarins

Pygmy marmosets

Bolivian squirrel monkeys

Black-capped/Brown capuchins

Black-handed spider monkeys (I left Variegated spider monkey off list as one female left at Wellington so seems after she passes will be gone possibly forever from NZ)

Hamadryas baboons

Siamangs

Nth white-cheeked gibbons

White-handed gibbons (seems they are destined for phase out with one left, think its a real shame)

Bornean orangutan

Chimpanzees

Western lowland gorillas (albeit just the two bachelor males Fataki & Fuzu at Orana)

Lions

Sumatran tigers & other tigers

Snow leopards (know its the 1.1 at Wellington as sole representatives of their species in NZ)

Cheetahs

Servals

Caracals

Fishing cats

Sub bear (Sasa at Wellington)

Dingos (a couple at Wellington)

African wild dogs/hunting dogs

Small-clawed otters

Meerkats

Red pandas

Subantarctic fur seal (really hope NZ animal parks reconsider having seals again when Orua passes someday (would Kelly Tarlton consider perhaps? New Zealand fur seals as option too of course)

Brazilian agoutis (seem fairly secure to me, and Australia has them too)

Capybaras

Crested porcupines (albeit only one or two at Orana right)

Cape porcupines (feel they have a fairly decent chance of being around a while)

Tasmanian devils (being in a serious plight in Australia - Tasmania obvs to be specific, believe New Zealand will continue to hold and breed and contribute towards their breeding program for many years to come)

Eastern grey kangaroo (could see them or their cousins Western greys particuarly Kangaroo Island kangaroos be around in some NZ zoos for the future)

 

[steveroberts]

It would be great to see this species in New Zealand. Wildebeest can breed from the age 2-3 years and can produce a calf annually every year into their early 20’s.

With this in mind, it wouldn’t be hard to establish thriving herds from 4.4 founders:

Auckland could hold 1.2
Hamilton could hold 1.2
Wellington could hold 2.0

First generation females would supplement the other breeding herd; and after a decade, males could swap with the males at Wellington (ideally unrelated to the other founders). The inevitable male offspring could be housed in a bachelor herd at Orana Wildlife Park.

Following Burma’s departure, Auckland Zoo will be working towards extending their African precinct into this area (predominantly for rhinos), which would provide additional space for breeding. Wellington has an empty exhibit opposite the giraffes (old wild dog exhibit) that’s sat empty for close to a decade.

Nice btw, that is exciting potential about big time.

 

[Zoofan15]

@Zoofan15

Hey was wondering what your thoughts and opinions were on - starting with mammal discussion (per usual lol) but intended this thread to be for all animals.I left out camelidae (though would like to see some dromedaries return to NZ), cervidaes, a fair few bovids especially those banned, just mentione small-clawed otters for musetelidae, lagomorpha, and left myomorpha rodents off the list too, and hedgehogs, and notamacropus/wallaby macropod marsupials and brush-tailed possums, from the list becausemany are either bannd because of being feral in New Zealand. But wanted to ask which of these species do you think have fairly secure future in New Zealand
facilities for say the next 15 years-20 years? (sorry I state the obvious in some places mentioning some import bans I think are in place, and add some assumptions of my own here and there, but am no expert on the 'lay of the land' with NZ zoos and other animal institutions. But heres the mammal list in the order Chlidonias wrote it in, with some ommissions mentioned above:

Plains zebras

Southern white rhinos'

Giraffes

Domestic water buffalos (banned from furthe import)

American bisons (banned from furthe import but farmed)

Domestic yaks (banned from furthe import but farmed? still??)

Himalayan tahrs (banned from furthe import but feral)

Chamois (banned from furthe import but feral)

Indian antelopes

Springboks

Lowland nyalas

Addax

Waterbucks

Ring-tailed lemurs

Black-and-white-ruffed lemurs

Cottontop tamarins

Emperor tamarins

Golden lion tamarins

Pygmy marmosets

Bolivian squirrel monkeys

Black-capped/Brown capuchins

Black-handed spider monkeys (I left Variegated spider monkey off list as one female left at Wellington so seems after she passes will be gone possibly forever from NZ)

Hamadryas baboons

Siamangs

Nth white-cheeked gibbons

White-handed gibbons (seems they are destined for phase out with one left, think its a real shame)

Bornean orangutan

Chimpanzees

Western lowland gorillas (albeit just the two bachelor males Fataki & Fuzu at Orana)

Lions

Sumatran tigers & other tigers

Snow leopards (know its the 1.1 at Wellington as sole representatives of their species in NZ)

Cheetahs

Servals

Caracals

Fishing cats

Sub bear (Sasa at Wellington)

Dingos (a couple at Wellington)

African wild dogs/hunting dogs

Small-clawed otters

Meerkats

Red pandas

Subantarctic fur seal (really hope NZ animal parks reconsider having seals again when Orua passes someday (would Kelly Tarlton consider perhaps? New Zealand fur seals as option too of course)

Brazilian agoutis (seem fairly secure to me, and Australia has them too)

Capybaras

Crested porcupines (albeit only one or two at Orana right)

Cape porcupines (feel they have a fairly decent chance of being around a while)

Tasmanian devils (being in a serious plight in Australia - Tasmania obvs to be specific, believe New Zealand will continue to hold and breed and contribute towards their breeding program for many years to come)

Eastern grey kangaroo (could see them or their cousins Western greys particuarly Kangaroo Island kangaroos be around in some NZ zoos for the future)

I’ll reply in red under each heading regarding their future in the region:

Plains zebras

Very safe future. Orana holds the only breeding herd, which appears to contain only one viable mare; but Hamilton has a large herd and has only recently ceased breeding. Readily available from Australia.

Southern white rhinos'

Very safe future. Breeding well at Auckland Zoo, who plan to expand their facilities (as do Hamilton Zoo who hold six white rhino). Irregardless of whether the Orana import goes ahead, interest in this species is high.

Giraffes

Very safe future with multiple breeding herds. Importing from outside the region would be appreciated considering NZ has a Giraffe IRA. The demand for first generation calves from Australia (who lack an IRA) would enable a succession of breeding recommendations.

Domestic water buffalos (banned from furthe import)

I’m doubtful of their future tbh. Orana has three ageing individuals, who appear to be a non-breeding herd.

American bisons (banned from furthe import but farmed)

I’m on the fence with this one. Hamilton has ceased breeding but could potentially acquire more via a farm.

Domestic yaks (banned from furthe import but farmed? still??)

Not held in any of New Zealand’s main zoos and I don’t forsee them returning.

Himalayan tahrs (banned from furthe import but feral)

Great species! Only saw one at Paradise Valley Springs, so doubtful of their future in New Zealand zoos/wildlife parks tbh.

Indian antelopes

Doubtful. A formerly large New Zealand population has been reduced to a handful of males at Hamilton Zoo. Could well be phased out.

Springboks

Confirmed phase out.

Lowland nyalas

Very safe and breeding like rabbits.

Addax

Uncertain. Orana is the only holder and breeding has been steady, but not exponential.

Waterbucks

Appears to be dwindling. Orana hasn’t bred in years and Auckland has two elderly females.

Ring-tailed lemurs

Very safe future. Breeds like rabbits, popular with visitors.

Black-and-white-ruffed lemurs

Uncertain. Breeding has slowed in New Zealand (no offspring for close on a decade). It wouldn’t surprise me to see them phased out for Red ruffed lemur.

Cottontop tamarins

Very safe future. Breeds like rabbits.

Emperor tamarins
Bolivian squirrel monkeys
Black-capped/Brown capuchins
Pygmy marmosets

I’m confident all of these will remain in New Zealand collections, despite peaks and troughs in breeding.

Golden lion tamarins

Golden lion tamarin have far from thrived in New Zealand zoos. I’m not optimistic of their future, but hope I’m wrong.

Black-handed spider monkeys (I left Variegated spider monkey off list as one female left at Wellington so seems after she passes will be gone possibly forever from NZ)

Currently breeding poorly across New Zealand’s main zoos, but a long-lived species and plenty of opportunities to import from Australia. They have a secure future imo.

Hamadryas baboons

It all hinges on Auckland, the only New Zealand holder. The next 12 months will be critical pending an announcement of details regarding the playground originally slated to wipe out the baboon exhibit.

Siamangs

Very secure future. One active breeding pair; and a second potential breeding pair at Hamilton Zoo.

Nth white-cheeked gibbons

Uncertain. One ageing non-breeding pair at Wellington. It wouldn’t surprise me to see them phase the species out long term.

Bornean orangutan

Very secure future, albeit via one holder. Recent birth and a recent import indicate strong intention of continuing with this species.

Chimpanzees

Very secure future. Breeding well at both holders (Wellington and Hamilton).

Western lowland gorillas (albeit just the two bachelor males Fataki & Fuzu at Orana)

Secure future. At a minimum for the lives of Orana’s bachelor males. Possible opportunity to import Taronga’s three adolescents; with Fataki returning to Australia to head up a breeding troop?

Lions

Very secure future. Decent sized NZ population across three main zoos and three wildlife parks (one regularly breeding).

Sumatran tigers & other tigers

Very secure future. Four holders, two of which bred Iast year. Auckland hold a genetically valuable breeding pair.

Snow leopards (know its the 1.1 at Wellington as sole representatives of their species in NZ)

Secure future, albeit with Wellington planned to remain a non-breeding holder.

Cheetahs

Stable. Auckland plan to phase out; Wellington have phased out. Hamilton have a young bachelor quartet; and Orana have a small number of Cheetah they hope to breed.

Servals

Confirmed phase out. One ageing female at Auckland.

Caracals

One male at Hamilton, with Hamilton hoping to import a female. Secure future, even if just with Hamilton holding them.

Fishing cats

Uncertain, nationally and regionally. Hamilton would like to import more, but plans change. I could see them abandoning them and acquiring Clouded leopard.

Sub bear (Sasa at Wellington)

Doubtful future. Once Sasa goes, I don’t anticipate Wellington will get more. Possible conversion of her exhibit into a third Sumatran tiger exhibit?

Dingos (a couple at Wellington)

Likely secure, with Wellington importing every decade or so as and when needed to replace.

African wild dogs/hunting dogs

A handful of ageing dogs at Orana. Doubtful future. I can see Orana replacing them with Spotted hyena.

Small-clawed otters
Meerkats
Red pandas
Capybaras

Secure future. Breeds well and readily available from Australia.

Subantarctic fur seal (really hope NZ animal parks reconsider having seals again when Orua passes someday (would Kelly Tarlton consider perhaps? New Zealand fur seals as option too of course)

Confirmed phase out. Kelly Tarlton’s don’t have the space unfortunately.

Crested porcupines (albeit only one or two at Orana right)

Two females at Orana. Confirmed phase out to focus on Cape porcupine.

Cape porcupines (feel they have a fairly decent chance of being around a while)

Very secure future. Breeds well when a compatible pair is formed and conditions are right.

Tasmanian devils (being in a serious plight in Australia - Tasmania obvs to be specific, believe New Zealand will continue to hold and breed and contribute towards their breeding program for many years to come)

Secure future; but I anticipate a continuous succession of ambassador devils rather than breeding, as per New Zealand’s role in holding Australia’s surplus.

Eastern grey kangaroo (could see them or their cousins Western greys particuarly Kangaroo Island kangaroos be around in some NZ zoos for the future)

Coming this year to Auckland Zoo!

 

[ElephasMaximus]

NZ Government

So I found this. It's a draft of a new Import Health Standard for zoo equids, intended to replace the existing one for zebras. The old standard is about 20 years old, so it's probably time for an update. The new standard has, as far as I can tell, about two major changes:

1. Whereas the old IHS only allowed zebra imports from Australia, the new one expands the list of allowed countries to include the US, Canada, South Africa, Europe, Japan and Singapore; and
2. The new standard explicitly includes not just zebra, but also Przewalski's Horses! I wonder if this change is just from civil servants doing their due diligence and covering a wide range of equid species, or if a NZ zoo specifically requested this species be added. No other equid species have been added, so it might be the latter. Przewalski's horses aren't on the approved zoo animal list, but maybe they'd just be treated like domestic horses in that sense?

 

[ElephasMaximus]

I’ll reply in red under each heading regarding their future in the region:

Plains zebras

Very safe future. Orana holds the only breeding herd, which appears to contain only one viable mare; but Hamilton has a large herd and has only recently ceased breeding. Readily available from Australia.

Southern white rhinos'

Very safe future. Breeding well at Auckland Zoo, who plan to expand their facilities (as do Hamilton Zoo who hold six white rhino). Irregardless of whether the Orana import goes ahead, interest in this species is high.

Giraffes

Very safe future with multiple breeding herds. Importing from outside the region would be appreciated considering NZ has a Giraffe IRA. The demand for first generation calves from Australia (who lack an IRA) would enable a succession of breeding recommendations.

Domestic water buffalos (banned from furthe import)

I’m doubtful of their future tbh. Orana has three ageing individuals, who appear to be a non-breeding herd.

American bisons (banned from furthe import but farmed)

I’m on the fence with this one. Hamilton has ceased breeding but could potentially acquire more via a farm.

Domestic yaks (banned from furthe import but farmed? still??)

Not held in any of New Zealand’s main zoos and I don’t forsee them returning.

Himalayan tahrs (banned from furthe import but feral)

Great species! Only saw one at Paradise Valley Springs, so doubtful of their future in New Zealand zoos/wildlife parks tbh.

Indian antelopes

Doubtful. A formerly large New Zealand population has been reduced to a handful of males at Hamilton Zoo. Could well be phased out.

Springboks

Confirmed phase out.

Lowland nyalas

Very safe and breeding like rabbits.

Addax

Uncertain. Orana is the only holder and breeding has been steady, but not exponential.

Waterbucks

Appears to be dwindling. Orana hasn’t bred in years and Auckland has two elderly females.

Ring-tailed lemurs

Very safe future. Breeds like rabbits, popular with visitors.

Black-and-white-ruffed lemurs

Uncertain. Breeding has slowed in New Zealand (no offspring for close on a decade). It wouldn’t surprise me to see them phased out for Red ruffed lemur.

Cottontop tamarins

Very safe future. Breeds like rabbits.

Emperor tamarins
Bolivian squirrel monkeys
Black-capped/Brown capuchins
Pygmy marmosets

I’m confident all of these will remain in New Zealand collections, despite peaks and troughs in breeding.

Golden lion tamarins

Golden lion tamarin have far from thrived in New Zealand zoos. I’m not optimistic of their future, but hope I’m wrong.

Black-handed spider monkeys (I left Variegated spider monkey off list as one female left at Wellington so seems after she passes will be gone possibly forever from NZ)

Currently breeding poorly across New Zealand’s main zoos, but a long-lived species and plenty of opportunities to import from Australia. They have a secure future imo.

Hamadryas baboons

It all hinges on Auckland, the only New Zealand holder. The next 12 months will be critical pending an announcement of details regarding the playground originally slated to wipe out the baboon exhibit.

Siamangs

Very secure future. One active breeding pair; and a second potential breeding pair at Hamilton Zoo.

Nth white-cheeked gibbons

Uncertain. One ageing non-breeding pair at Wellington. It wouldn’t surprise me to see them phase the species out long term.

Bornean orangutan

Very secure future, albeit via one holder. Recent birth and a recent import indicate strong intention of continuing with this species.

Chimpanzees

Very secure future. Breeding well at both holders (Wellington and Hamilton).

Western lowland gorillas (albeit just the two bachelor males Fataki & Fuzu at Orana)

Secure future. At a minimum for the lives of Orana’s bachelor males. Possible opportunity to import Taronga’s three adolescents; with Fataki returning to Australia to head up a breeding troop?

Lions

Very secure future. Decent sized NZ population across three main zoos and three wildlife parks (one regularly breeding).

Sumatran tigers & other tigers

Very secure future. Four holders, two of which bred Iast year. Auckland hold a genetically valuable breeding pair.

Snow leopards (know its the 1.1 at Wellington as sole representatives of their species in NZ)

Secure future, albeit with Wellington planned to remain a non-breeding holder.

Cheetahs

Stable. Auckland plan to phase out; Wellington have phased out. Hamilton have a young bachelor quartet; and Orana have a small number of Cheetah they hope to breed.

Servals

Confirmed phase out. One ageing female at Auckland.

Caracals

One male at Hamilton, with Hamilton hoping to import a female. Secure future, even if just with Hamilton holding them.

Fishing cats

Uncertain, nationally and regionally. Hamilton would like to import more, but plans change. I could see them abandoning them and acquiring Clouded leopard.

Sub bear (Sasa at Wellington)

Doubtful future. Once Sasa goes, I don’t anticipate Wellington will get more. Possible conversion of her exhibit into a third Sumatran tiger exhibit?

Dingos (a couple at Wellington)

Likely secure, with Wellington importing every decade or so as and when needed to replace.

African wild dogs/hunting dogs

A handful of ageing dogs at Orana. Doubtful future. I can see Orana replacing them with Spotted hyena.

Small-clawed otters
Meerkats
Red pandas
Capybaras

Secure future. Breeds well and readily available from Australia.

Subantarctic fur seal (really hope NZ animal parks reconsider having seals again when Orua passes someday (would Kelly Tarlton consider perhaps? New Zealand fur seals as option too of course)

Confirmed phase out. Kelly Tarlton’s don’t have the space unfortunately.

Crested porcupines (albeit only one or two at Orana right)

Two females at Orana. Confirmed phase out to focus on Cape porcupine.

Cape porcupines (feel they have a fairly decent chance of being around a while)

Very secure future. Breeds well when a compatible pair is formed and conditions are right.

Tasmanian devils (being in a serious plight in Australia - Tasmania obvs to be specific, believe New Zealand will continue to hold and breed and contribute towards their breeding program for many years to come)

Secure future; but I anticipate a continuous succession of ambassador devils rather than breeding, as per New Zealand’s role in holding Australia’s surplus.

Eastern grey kangaroo (could see them or their cousins Western greys particuarly Kangaroo Island kangaroos be around in some NZ zoos for the future)

Coming this year to Auckland Zoo!

Water Buffaloes are fairly common on commercial farms, so if any zoo wanted to restock they could do so easily. They do seem like animals that would be better suited to farm parks, though.

American Bison are also available from commercial farms, and are fairly popular at Hamilton Zoo, so I think it's more likely than not that they'll be kept on.

Yaks, like the above, are commercially available, but they seem to the rarest of the three bovines on farms and aren't able to be imported at all, so I think of these three species they're the least likely to be kept on by zoos.

Himalayan Tahr are freely available from the wild and I think are kept by some private owners, so if any zoo really wanted some they could get them pretty easily. On the other hand, the government keeps throwing around plans for their extermination from the Southern Alps, so that supply might dry up quickly. Also, NZ zoos seem reluctant - for good reasons, I think - to display animals that are invasive in this country.

I'm not super concerned about the serval phase-out, since we seem to be importing caracal to fill the gap. In any case, if any zoos changed their minds it would be pretty easy to import some new servals.

I think the sun bears could go either way. This might just be my personal bias showing, since I really like Sasa and hope she's not the last of her kind in this country. At my last visit to Wellington Zoo, the keeper giving the sun bear talk emphasised that she was the only bear in the country, so the zoo does seem to be using her as a selling point. Additionally, despite predictions on this forum Australian zoos do seem to be planning to continue on with sun bears as their bear species, so there's definitely regional will to maintain the species.

I think pinnipeds are the most likely of the above species to be phased out completely, and the least likely to return at any point in the future. Only Auckland Zoo has the facilities to care for seals, and they seem to be planning to get rid of those facilities entirely, so if seals did return to the country any holder would have to build their enclosures from scratch. Also, MPI recently released a very extensive carnivora IHS would set import standards for almost every group of carnivora except pinnipeds, which suggests that either NZ zoos aren't interested in seals or the government doesn't want them to be kept in this country. The only way seals might reenter zoos would be if one of the Big Four was willing to build facilities to keep rescue animals.

 

[Zoofan15]

NZ Government

So I found this. It's a draft of a new Import Health Standard for zoo equids, intended to replace the existing one for zebras. The old standard is about 20 years old, so it's probably time for an update. The new standard has, as far as I can tell, about two major changes:

1. Whereas the old IHS only allowed zebra imports from Australia, the new one expands the list of allowed countries to include the US, Canada, South Africa, Europe, Japan and Singapore; and
2. The new standard explicitly includes not just zebra, but also Przewalski's Horses! I wonder if this change is just from civil servants doing their due diligence and covering a wide range of equid species, or if a NZ zoo specifically requested this species be added. No other equid species have been added, so it might be the latter. Przewalski's horses aren't on the approved zoo animal list, but maybe they'd just be treated like domestic horses in that sense?

It would be very exciting to see Przewalski's horse come to New Zealand. I’ve always thought they would be perfect for Hamilton Zoo. Hamilton Zoo has several developments planned for the next decade and none involve importing this species as far as I’m aware, so not getting my hopes up; but they and Orana Wildlife Park would be the most suitable locations, with the latter having a multitude of large paddocks to manage the breeding of a decent sized herd.

Water Buffaloes are fairly common on commercial farms, so if any zoo wanted to restock they could do so easily. They do seem like animals that would be better suited to farm parks, though.

American Bison are also available from commercial farms, and are fairly popular at Hamilton Zoo, so I think it's more likely than not that they'll be kept on.

Yaks, like the above, are commercially available, but they seem to the rarest of the three bovines on farms and aren't able to be imported at all, so I think of these three species they're the least likely to be kept on by zoos.

Himalayan Tahr are freely available from the wild and I think are kept by some private owners, so if any zoo really wanted some they could get them pretty easily. On the other hand, the government keeps throwing around plans for their extermination from the Southern Alps, so that supply might dry up quickly. Also, NZ zoos seem reluctant - for good reasons, I think - to display animals that are invasive in this country.

I'm not super concerned about the serval phase-out, since we seem to be importing caracal to fill the gap. In any case, if any zoos changed their minds it would be pretty easy to import some new servals.

I think the sun bears could go either way. This might just be my personal bias showing, since I really like Sasa and hope she's not the last of her kind in this country. At my last visit to Wellington Zoo, the keeper giving the sun bear talk emphasised that she was the only bear in the country, so the zoo does seem to be using her as a selling point. Additionally, despite predictions on this forum Australian zoos do seem to be planning to continue on with sun bears as their bear species, so there's definitely regional will to maintain the species.

I think pinnipeds are the most likely of the above species to be phased out completely, and the least likely to return at any point in the future. Only Auckland Zoo has the facilities to care for seals, and they seem to be planning to get rid of those facilities entirely, so if seals did return to the country any holder would have to build their enclosures from scratch. Also, MPI recently released a very extensive carnivora IHS would set import standards for almost every group of carnivora except pinnipeds, which suggests that either NZ zoos aren't interested in seals or the government doesn't want them to be kept in this country. The only way seals might reenter zoos would be if one of the Big Four was willing to build facilities to keep rescue animals.

It’s a shame Auckland Zoo are phasing out pinnipeds, which have been held at the zoo in some form for over a century. The charisma of the California sea lions was unmatched; but even the elderly fur seal they have now is (along with the kiwi) regarded the highlight of the New Zealand precinct by the general public, who in general demonstrate a higher affinity for mammals than they do reptiles and birds.

The apparent inability to source a male sun bear (lack of surplus in Europe; TB issues in South East Asian sanctuaries) means we’re failing to generate any form of succession in the current population. The last three cubs (all born in Australasian zoos) are all female, all un-paired and all getting on in years (15-19 years).

The only hope at this point is for a change in either of the above situations to enable an avenue for importing more. Had the region began with more mother-raised founders, the situation now could be very different. It’s no coincidence the only pair where both bears were mother raised were also the most successful - producing several litters totalling three cubs to survive infancy.

 

[steveroberts]

As more hoofstock for New Zealand seems to be the currently most popular idea on the above pole, at currently 7 votes (hippos and or pygmy hippos & xenarthra species are the second most popular at 6 voteh eacg, with respective IHS'es needed to make both these happen), -
-thought would post this starting with potential 'hoofstock' species which could possibly be appoved. These are the Endangered and Critically Endangered IUCN classified species (several other species were on original list have been removed because no longer held in any zoos, some never have been to knowledge (and in one case the Przewalski's gazelle - Procapra przewalskii {Endangered} there were only 2.0 left in a zoo in China in 2023).

Both approved and possibly (by the wording of approved list) for NZ import Bovidae species. Names in blue are clickable links to their Zootierliste species & subspecies profile pages, with photos of the species and info about what zoos they are known to be in currently:

Endangered and Critically Endangered species listed as CITES I for imports

Addax - Addax nasomaculatus {Critically Endangered} (already at Orana Wildlife Park)

Addra gazelle - Dama ruficollis {Critically Endangered}

Rhim gazelle - Gazella leptoceros {Endangered}

Scimitar-horned oryx - Oryx dammah {Endangered} (a fair number in Australia)


Endangered and Critically Endangered species (and some subspecies) not listed on CITES (which am trying to determine if this is similar to organising a CITES III import perhaps?)

Arabian mountain gazelle - Gazella gazella cora {Endangered}

East African oryx - Oryx beisa {Endangered} (fringe-eared oryx sbsp also an option)

Eastern bongo - Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci {Critically Endangered}

Nile lechwe - Kobus megaceros {Endangered}

Southern mountain reedbuck - Redunca fulvorufula fulvorufula {Endangered}

Speke's gazelle - Gazella spekei {Endangered}


*my personal preferences would be return of Addra gazelles, Eastern bongos and Scimitar-horned oryxes to return to some New Zealand zoos (if not the latter than perhaps East African oryx). Nile lechwe would be a great replacement for Indian antelope if they are ever phased out. Think some of the other species on list are quite worth considering too.

**These species had to be ommitted: Abbott's duiker- Cephalophus spadix {Endangered}; Giant sable antelope Hippotragus niger variani {Critically Endangered}; Heuglin's gazelle - Eudorcas tilonura {Endangered}; Hirola - Beatragus hunteri {Critically Endangered}; Jentink's duiker- Cephalophus jentinki {Endangered}; Mountain nyala- Tragelaphus buxtoni {Endangered}; Ruwenzori duiker- Cephalophus rubidus {Endangered}. They unfortunately either are no longer found in any zoos currently or never have been in some cases.

***In regards to the southern mountain reedbuck, as a species (mountain reedbuck) they are considered Endangered by the IUCN since 2017. The southern subspecies is the only ones of their species living in some zoos at the moment. The IUCN assessment statement reads:

''The Mountain Reedbuck was, until recently, represented by good-sized, stable or increasing populations in protected areas and private land in southern Africa. The East and West African populations are much smaller. However, recent evidence has emerged that the South African population underwent a decline of 61-73% in the last three generations (15 years). This is by far the largest of the three populations and results in an overall decline of 55% in three generations.

The total population was estimated at over 36,000 individuals in 1999 (33,000 Southern Mountain Reedbuck, 2,900 Chanler's Mountain Reedbuck, and 450 Western Mountain Reedbuck), although the estimate for Chanler’s Mountain Reedbuck may be very conservative if this subspecies still occurs in significant numbers on private land in Kenya (East 1999). The estimate for Western Mountain Reedbuck may also be slightly low; they have been reported as locally common, albeit declining, in Gashaka Gumti N.P. (Nicholas 2004). The Southern Mountain Reedbuck has recently been reported to have unexpectedly declined by 61-73% (Taylor et al. 2016).'' (source: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species)

 

[steveroberts]

@Zoofan15

Am really glad lions, tigers, white rhino, zebras, giraffes, nyalas, chimpanzees, orangutans (longevity on their side), siamangs (same as orangs), ringtailed lemurs, cottontop tamarins, red pandas, otters, capybaras have very safe futures in NZ.

& sounds like snow leopards have at least the pair at Wellington for the rest of their lives and new additions someday (like with their dingos) given the exhibit being very new. It sounds like cheetahs really need a bit of a bolstering and wish was not as many phase outs.

Think its a real big shame that servals are destined for phase out; but sounds like thanks to Hamilton will still be caracal(s) at their zoo at least for the next decade.

Would be a shame to see no more painted hunting dogs in NZ but if Orana acquired spotted hyenas after guess might help 'soften the blow' (but as the soft vs crunchy taco commercial used to say ''why not have both?'').

Sorry know missed a few species too (really think NZ zoos should 'hang on tight' to keeping fishing cats, nth w.c gibbons, hamadryas baboons, black-handed spider monkeys, golden lion tamarins, emperor tamarins, pygmy marmosets and porcupines if they can try).

It seems like I might have 'jumped the gun' a bit with posts before about potential new or returning species when there are a considerable number of species still in New Zealand, who's future retainments conspecifically at least need to be secured.

 

[Zoofan15]

@Zoofan15

Am really glad lions, tigers, white rhino, zebras, giraffes, nyalas, chimpanzees, orangutans (longevity on their side), siamangs (same as orangs), ringtailed lemurs, cottontop tamarins, red pandas, otters, capybaras have very safe futures in NZ.

& sounds like snow leopards have at least the pair at Wellington for the rest of their lives and new additions someday (like with their dingos) given the exhibit being very new. It sounds like cheetahs really need a bit of a bolstering and wish was not as many phase outs.

Think its a real big shame that servals are destined for phase out; but sounds like thanks to Hamilton will still be caracal(s) at their zoo at least for the next decade.

Would be a shame to see no more painted hunting dogs in NZ but if Orana acquired spotted hyenas after guess might help 'soften the blow' (but as the soft vs crunchy taco commercial used to say ''why not have both?'').

Sorry know missed a few species too (really think NZ zoos should 'hang on tight' to keeping fishing cats, nth w.c gibbons, hamadryas baboons, black-handed spider monkeys, golden lion tamarins, emperor tamarins, pygmy marmosets and porcupines if they can try).

It seems like I might have 'jumped the gun' a bit with posts before about potential new or returning species when there are a considerable number of species still in New Zealand, who's future retainments conspecifically at least need to be secured.

Wellington Zoo’s Snow leopards turned five years old last month, so should be around for at least a decade (hopefully longer). Gregor and Shimbu at Melbourne Zoo reached 21 years old; while Billabong’s eldest male turns 22 years old this year. Their exhibit is modern (opened 2023) and the species are well suited to Wellington’s climate. While I don’t anticipate any of the other zoos in New Zealand will acquire them, it’s easy to see Wellington Zoo continuing with them beyond this pair.

To my knowledge, no New Zealand zoos have any interest in Sri Lankan leopard, which is a shame. Auckland Zoo’s old tiger exhibit (fully enclosed) would be ideal for a single leopard. The trio of elderly lemurs that inhabit it make for an uninspiring exhibit in the current state. A Sri Lankan leopard would nicely compliment the adjacent Sumatran tigers. Hamilton Zoo are currently planning to build a third Sumatran tiger exhibit, which would be better spent on Sri Lankan leopard in my opinion. The current tiger set up (two exhibits and two night houses) is sufficient for breeding; and a leopard would be an exciting addition to the collection.

It’s been disappointing to lose so many smaller felids from New Zealand zoos over the past couple of decades - Leopard cat, Temminck’s golden cat, Bobcat and now Serval (once Auckland’s elderly female passes). I really hope that in addition to retaining their baboon exhibit, Auckland Zoo replace Cheetah (a confirmed phase out) with Caracal, which would be ideal for their exhibit. Hamilton Zoo plan to continue with Fishing cat long term, but are without a male following the death of their male last year. Future breeding attempts would require new imports (the females are both elderly) and a new complex as the current set up doesn’t support their privacy requirements.

It’s unfortunate that Hamilton Zoo failed to achieve the breeding success with African wild dog they experience in the 2000’s. The successful formula was clear - importing young founders of around 18 months. The succession of pairs they had in the years that followed included at least one senior dog per pair and no surviving litters were produced. The renovation of an African wild dog exhibit for Spotted hyena is costly, so it’s a possibility Orana might import new African wild dogs as opposed to replacing them with hyena. They have two exhibits, so could even import a trio of young dogs with the view of breeding them, using the two exhibits to manage a second group as the hierarchy dictated (they’re a female dispersal species, so females often transfer out as adolescents/young adults). If the founders were sourced from South Africa (or Europe), there could additionally be demand for their offspring from Australian zoos.

 

[ElephasMaximus]

What primate species do people here think NZ could use? We have a decent roster already, but personally I'd like to see a few more African primates, like Colobus or De Brazza's monkeys. Almost all of our current monkeys are South American, so it'd be good for variety, and they could be a good addition to African exhibits if zoos don't want to house Hamadryas baboons as their African primate. Mandrills would be an excellent addition as well, but unfortunately their dwindling population makes them likely to be phased out, and as a CITES I species they'd be very difficult to bring back into the region. Colobines and De Brazza's seems more plausible going forward.

I'd like to see a wider variety of lemur species too, but honestly I don't think Australasian zoos are likely to be interested. No one seems to have ambitions to build a Madagascar-themed exhibit, and without one of those there's little call for a zoo to house more than a couple of species of lemur.

I've said this before in a previous post, but I'm genuinely surprised that no zoo here has taken on bush babies. It's legal to both import and keep them, they'd be a point of difference with Australian zoos (none are currently kept there, but I'm not sure what legislation they have surrounding their import) and they'd be popular with visitors.

 

[steveroberts]

What primate species do people here think NZ could use? We have a decent roster already, but personally I'd like to see a few more African primates, like Colobus or De Brazza's monkeys. Almost all of our current monkeys are South American, so it'd be good for variety, and they could be a good addition to African exhibits if zoos don't want to house Hamadryas baboons as their African primate. Mandrills would be an excellent addition as well, but unfortunately their dwindling population makes them likely to be phased out, and as a CITES I species they'd be very difficult to bring back into the region. Colobines and De Brazza's seems more plausible going forward.

I'd like to see a wider variety of lemur species too, but honestly I don't think Australasian zoos are likely to be interested. No one seems to have ambitions to build a Madagascar-themed exhibit, and without one of those there's little call for a zoo to house more than a couple of species of lemur.

I've said this before in a previous post, but I'm genuinely surprised that no zoo here has taken on bush babies. It's legal to both import and keep them, they'd be a point of difference with Australian zoos (none are currently kept there, but I'm not sure what legislation they have surrounding their import) and they'd be popular with visitors.

I saw that: Mandrills; B+W colobuses, De Brazzas's guenons; Vervets; Francois' langurs; Black-handed spider monkeys (thankfully a few left in New Zealand thank goodness); White-bellied spider monkey; White-faced saki monkeys (a great South American species) were amongst those species named on the approved import list (along with some other species still in NZ). I agree with you about b+w colobuses and De Brazzas guenons. There were a few macaque species on the list too but the herpes b virus scare unfortunately.

 

[Zoofan15]

What primate species do people here think NZ could use? We have a decent roster already, but personally I'd like to see a few more African primates, like Colobus or De Brazza's monkeys. Almost all of our current monkeys are South American, so it'd be good for variety, and they could be a good addition to African exhibits if zoos don't want to house Hamadryas baboons as their African primate. Mandrills would be an excellent addition as well, but unfortunately their dwindling population makes them likely to be phased out, and as a CITES I species they'd be very difficult to bring back into the region. Colobines and De Brazza's seems more plausible going forward.

I'd like to see a wider variety of lemur species too, but honestly I don't think Australasian zoos are likely to be interested. No one seems to have ambitions to build a Madagascar-themed exhibit, and without one of those there's little call for a zoo to house more than a couple of species of lemur.

I've said this before in a previous post, but I'm genuinely surprised that no zoo here has taken on bush babies. It's legal to both import and keep them, they'd be a point of difference with Australian zoos (none are currently kept there, but I'm not sure what legislation they have surrounding their import) and they'd be popular with visitors.

I saw that: Mandrills; B+W colobuses, De Brazzas's guenons; Vervets; Francois' langurs; Black-handed spider monkeys (thankfully a few left in New Zealand thank goodness); White-bellied spider monkey; White-faced saki monkeys (a great South American species) were amongst those species named on the approved import list (along with some other species still in NZ). I agree with you about b+w colobuses and De Brazzas guenons. There were a few macaque species on the list too but the herpes b virus scare unfortunately.

The safest primate species going forward imo are:

Western lowland gorilla
Bornean orangutan
Common chimpanzee
Siamang
Black-handed spider monkey
Ring-tailed lemur
Emperor tamarin
Cotton-top tamarin

Less certain are:

Hamadryas baboon
Black and white ruffed lemur
Pygmy marmoset
Golden lion tamarin

Hamadryas baboon will of course depend on Auckland Zoo’s intention around holding this species. Black and white ruffed lemur have an ageing population within New Zealand. They’re difficult to display in large multi-male/multi-female troops due to the territorial nature of the females, so phase out in favour of Ring-tailed lemur is certainly possible. Auckland were considering importing Red ruffed lemur a decade ago, but nothing has happened with this, so unsure if these plans have been abandoned. The old tiger exhibit would be the obvious location; with the Cheetah exhibit then housing Ring-tailed lemur or Caracal (hopefully the latter).

Future species:

Given the interest in Australia in Black and white colobus, they appear the most likely new species for New Zealand zoos.

 

[ElephasMaximus]

Related to the subject of primates in NZ zoos - what about the future of South American species in NZ zoos? Australasian zoos in general have poor South American rosters. I'm not sure why. Their South American exhibits tend to turn into primate trails because primates are the only South American species easily available here. Even in Australia the situation isn't much better. There've been a bunch of threads on this forum about how Auckland Zoo's South American exhibit might be improved, but even those proposals still fall far short of Auckland's Asian and African exhibits. Given the limited species currently available, I think improving NZ's South American collections will require long-term planning for new imports, including IHSs for new species.

Following in Australia's footsteps and beginning the processes to import xenarthra species is probably the first logical step. If all goes well with the Australian imports, there should be a bunch of new individuals available in the region anyway, so it'd be good to get the ball rolling for when that happens. I'd also like to see tapirs return to NZ, and again, Australia is bringing in a number of new individuals, so it makes sense to get in on that action. It'd take a couple of years for the IHS to be completed, but South American tapirs are on the Approved Zoo Animal list, so that battle is already half-won. Conversely, there are a bunch of carnivora from SA that have valid IHSs, but aren't on the live import list, so zoos could apply for them to be added. Unfortunately Jaguars are probably out of reach as a CITES I species, as are bush dogs, but coati might be promising given the Darling Downs imports. Maned Wolf are already legal to both import and keep in NZ, so they'd be a good starting point.

One big disadvantage both Aus and NZ have compared to zoos overseas is our almost complete inability to import bird species, which are often the cornerstones of Amazonian exhibits overseas. There's only so much you can do with macaws and conures. One solution here might be for zoos to create butterfly houses as a substitute for aviaries, since a number of Neotropical species are able to be imported. It might also be worth it for zoos to try and wrangle an IHS for rhea, since they are one of the few bird species list on the Live Import list. However, zoos in the region don't really seem to be interested in pampas species, so maybe there won't be a motive, especially with ratites already well-provided for in ostriches, emus and cassowaries.

Given the lack of birds and charismatic megafauna (specifically jaguars) available for SA exhibits, a better option might be to lobby for the import of more reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. Many zoos worldwide have "Flooded Forest" Amazon exhibits focussing on aquatic life, so I think it would make the most sense for Australasian zoos to focus on those styles of exhibits for their SA sections. Auckland Zoo has already pioneered a similar kind of exhibit in the region with their Indonesian tropical dome, so there's no reason other zoos couldn't create similar exhibits for neotropical species. Currently we can import butterflies, tarantulas, and a bunch of ornamental fish. Many of the latter would be good complements to an exhibit, but I've always felt that an exhibit enitrely based around commercially available species is cheating. I'd recommend zoos lobby for IHSs and containment approvals for zoo-only fish species like arapaima, freshwater stingrays and piranha (already on the Live Import list). I'm not sure what legislation exists surrounding the import of invertebrates - only tarantulas and butterflies seem to have IHSs, but a number of other invert species have been imported by zoos anyway, so I'd appreciate it if someone could enlighten me on the situation here. I think leaf-cutter ants would be a good addition to what's already in the country.

 

[ElephasMaximus]

Oh, forgot to add - reptiles and amphibians! A few species of poison arrow frog are on the Live Import list, so those could use an IHS. Snakes are off-limits obviously, and I'm not very familiar with South American lizards, but caimans and freshwater turtles would both be very welcome. The only problem here, I think, is that as Auckland has already got Sunda Gharials in their tropical dome and is still trying to get Southeast Asian turtle species into the country, I'm not sure if they'll be at all interested in importing any South American species of either group. Add to that the easy availability of American Alligators for zoos in this country and I'm not sure if there'll be much of an incentive for any other zoo to do so either.

To sum up, I think that if NZ zoos want to expand their South American collections, they should request IHS and additions to the Live Import list for xenarthra, coatis, tapirs, poison arrow frogs, inverts and Amazonian fish. Caimans and SA turtles would also be great additions, but are likely to be less of a priority for local zoos.

 

[Cassidy Casuar]

I think that the import of any novel amphibian species into New Zealand is likely to be out of the question, as it would raise concerns that this could result in the spread of chytrid fungus and other pathogens to the endemic frogs.

NZ's zoos appear to be content with holding the green frogs Ranoidea aurea and Ranoidea raniformis. Those frog species are large, brightly-coloured, and easily sourced from either private hands or from the wild - a hugely convenient combination for any place that might want exotic frogs for display.

 

[ElephasMaximus]

I think that the import of any novel amphibian species into New Zealand is likely to be out of the question, as it would raise concerns that this could result in the spread of chytrid fungus and other pathogens to the endemic frogs.

NZ's zoos appear to be content with holding the green frogs Ranoidea aurea and Ranoidea raniformis. Those frog species are large, brightly-coloured, and easily sourced from either private hands or from the wild - a hugely convenient combination for any place that might want exotic frogs for display.

I'd forgotten about the disease risk! That might actually be the reason why there are multiple frog species on the Live Import list without an IHS, or why no one's tried to bring back African Clawed Frogs to NZ

 

[ElephasMaximus]

I was having a discussion with Zoofan15 over on the Australia forum on the likelihood of importing coatis to NZ, and I thought I'd move the conversation to a more appropriate location. We agreed that it was entirely possible that the government would deny permission to add coatis to the Live Import list due to the risk of the establishment of a feral population, and it got me thinking about which other small carnivorans are likely to be allowed or denied entry into NZ. Looking over the 2022 Carnivora IHS, I think most of the fox species mentioned are likely to be denied but, conversely, fossa and kinkajou are most likely to be allowed. For these latter two, I say this partly because they're both tropical species, which puts them at a disadvantage - not necessarily an insurmountable one - in temperate New Zealand; more importantly, however, neither species has successfully established a feral population outside of their home ranges, which suggests that this is an unlikely occurrence even if they were brought into captivity in this country. I don't say that either species is guaranteed entry on request, just that they seem the most likely of the lot. I'm curious to know what other people here think.

 

[Zoofan15]

The Future of Fishing Cat in New Zealand

This is the regional population of Fishing cat:

Hamilton Zoo:

0.1 Indah (16/06/2013) Imported 2015 (Singapore)
0.1 Sahaja (27/04/2013) Imported 2017 (Czech Republic)

Australia

Taronga Zoo:

0.1 Maew (26/03/2012) Imported 2015 (United Kingdom)

Wild Cat Conservation Centre:

1.0 Finn (Unknown) Imported 2022 (Czech Republic)

Last I heard, Hamilton Zoo are planning to continue with this species long term and intend to build a new facility once their ageing cats pass. This will be purpose built and designed for breeding (with off display facilities for their breeding pairs). The current facility has BOH cages which back onto the three on display exhibits; but the whole complex is adjacent to one of two main thoroughfares from the upper to lower zoo.


Current Fishing cat facility at Hamilton Zoo with taller framed BOH facilities behind the three on display exhibits.


One of Hamilton Zoo’s three on display exhibits

Potentially, Hamilton Zoo could establish themselves as the regional breeding hub for this species:

Demand across New Zealand zoos for will likely be low. Wellington Zoo have disappointingly phased out all small cat species; and Auckland Zoo look set to follow the death of their Serval.

However, there’s a number of Australian zoos that could be interested in them. Due to the challenges of breeding them on display, this greatest likelihood in my opinion is that Hamilton Zoo would display them with first generation offspring for solitary/display purposes only. Therefore the import of 1.2 founders (with all offspring being related) could be possible; or at most 2.2 to offer some genetic variation should a breeding holder arise in the future (as well as allowing for contingencies to re-pairing under performing or incompatible pairs).