Future of New Zealand Zoos (speculation / fantasy)

[ElephasMaximus]

Most of the discussion on this thread is about current/future zoo species, but over on the Australia forum there's a bit of discussion about why Western Australia never got its own open-range zoo, and it got me thinking about the possibilities of New Zealand getting another open-range zoo. I know of no current plans to open one in this country, and given the current state of the economy I doubt we'll be getting one anytime soon, but long-term I think it could be a real asset to our country's zoos and overall tourist economy.

We already have one open-range zoo in Orana Wildlife Park, which as I'm sure we all know has been having mismanagement woes for the past few years. They've recently come under new management, so hopefully they'll be able to sort out their internal problems in the coming years. However, even if everything at Orana was going smoothly, the fact remains that our only open-range zoo is out of easy reach for most NZers, being located on the South Island, which is only home to a quarter of our population. I think it would be a good idea to have an open range zoo in the North Island as well, closer to major population centres and customer bases.

Another reason why I think an open-range zoo in the North Island would be a good idea is that, like in a lot of other countries, our zoos have been phasing out a lot of their existing species so they can house their remaining species in more spacious enclosures. I support this move for animal welfare reasons, but the unfortunate side-effect of this is that there are just fewer species in NZ zoos, and because we're so remote and have such strict import laws, it would be very difficult or even impossible to get a lot of these species back. Having an open-range zoo could give us a place for city zoos to send larger species.

Auckland seems like an obvious location for a new open-range zoo, and IIRC Auckland Zoo actually had loose plans back in the 80s to set up such a facility, but nothing ever came of it. However, as such a large part of Auckland Zoo is its savanna-themed Pridelands precinct, they're likely to view an open-range zoo as a competitor more than anything else, as open-range zoos tend to specialise in housing African fauna. I think a better location would be near Wellington, either around Porirua or on the Kapiti coast. These areas are sheltered from Wellington's usual southerly winds, they have plenty of room to spread out, and still have large towns nearby to support tourist activity. Also, given just how little space Wellington Zoo currently has, they might welcome an open-range zoo nearby, so they can use their exisiting space to house small-to-medium-size animals.

This is of course all purely hypothetical, but I'm curious what other people here think.

 

[Zoofan15]

Most of the discussion on this thread is about current/future zoo species, but over on the Australia forum there's a bit of discussion about why Western Australia never got its own open-range zoo, and it got me thinking about the possibilities of New Zealand getting another open-range zoo. I know of no current plans to open one in this country, and given the current state of the economy I doubt we'll be getting one anytime soon, but long-term I think it could be a real asset to our country's zoos and overall tourist economy.

We already have one open-range zoo in Orana Wildlife Park, which as I'm sure we all know has been having mismanagement woes for the past few years. They've recently come under new management, so hopefully they'll be able to sort out their internal problems in the coming years. However, even if everything at Orana was going smoothly, the fact remains that our only open-range zoo is out of easy reach for most NZers, being located on the South Island, which is only home to a quarter of our population. I think it would be a good idea to have an open range zoo in the North Island as well, closer to major population centres and customer bases.

Another reason why I think an open-range zoo in the North Island would be a good idea is that, like in a lot of other countries, our zoos have been phasing out a lot of their existing species so they can house their remaining species in more spacious enclosures. I support this move for animal welfare reasons, but the unfortunate side-effect of this is that there are just fewer species in NZ zoos, and because we're so remote and have such strict import laws, it would be very difficult or even impossible to get a lot of these species back. Having an open-range zoo could give us a place for city zoos to send larger species.

Auckland seems like an obvious location for a new open-range zoo, and IIRC Auckland Zoo actually had loose plans back in the 80s to set up such a facility, but nothing ever came of it. However, as such a large part of Auckland Zoo is its savanna-themed Pridelands precinct, they're likely to view an open-range zoo as a competitor more than anything else, as open-range zoos tend to specialise in housing African fauna. I think a better location would be near Wellington, either around Porirua or on the Kapiti coast. These areas are sheltered from Wellington's usual southerly winds, they have plenty of room to spread out, and still have large towns nearby to support tourist activity. Also, given just how little space Wellington Zoo currently has, they might welcome an open-range zoo nearby, so they can use their exisiting space to house small-to-medium-size animals.

This is of course all purely hypothetical, but I'm curious what other people here think.

An open range zoo for Auckland was first proposed in the 1970’s, with the idea being it would function as a satellite site or sister zoo to Auckland Zoo. Had the proposal came to fruition, I’m confident Asian elephant and Common hippopotamus would still be held in New Zealand to this day.

Building in Auckland would be preferable from a population standpoint. It’s the most populated city in New Zealand and accessible as a day out for people in Hamilton, Tauranga etc. The development in Auckland would likely necessitate its relocation further north however, which then becomes less feasible for cities south of Auckland.

Building nearer to Wellington makes sense; though my assumption would be that if any open range zoo arose, it would as per above function as a sister zoo to one of New Zealand’s main zoos. Auckland Zoo is realistically the only possibility; and even then, a very slim one. There was significant ratepayer opposition to a mere $10 million being spent on importing elephants and expanding their facilities.

Ultimately, I can’t see it happening; but there’s no doubt it’d be an asset to New Zealand. Many of the city zoos are holding non-breeding populations of animals due to insufficient space to accommodate breeding groups - lions being a prime example.

 

[Jambo]

Most of the discussion on this thread is about current/future zoo species, but over on the Australia forum there's a bit of discussion about why Western Australia never got its own open-range zoo, and it got me thinking about the possibilities of New Zealand getting another open-range zoo. I know of no current plans to open one in this country, and given the current state of the economy I doubt we'll be getting one anytime soon, but long-term I think it could be a real asset to our country's zoos and overall tourist economy.

We already have one open-range zoo in Orana Wildlife Park, which as I'm sure we all know has been having mismanagement woes for the past few years. They've recently come under new management, so hopefully they'll be able to sort out their internal problems in the coming years. However, even if everything at Orana was going smoothly, the fact remains that our only open-range zoo is out of easy reach for most NZers, being located on the South Island, which is only home to a quarter of our population. I think it would be a good idea to have an open range zoo in the North Island as well, closer to major population centres and customer bases.

Another reason why I think an open-range zoo in the North Island would be a good idea is that, like in a lot of other countries, our zoos have been phasing out a lot of their existing species so they can house their remaining species in more spacious enclosures. I support this move for animal welfare reasons, but the unfortunate side-effect of this is that there are just fewer species in NZ zoos, and because we're so remote and have such strict import laws, it would be very difficult or even impossible to get a lot of these species back. Having an open-range zoo could give us a place for city zoos to send larger species.

Auckland seems like an obvious location for a new open-range zoo, and IIRC Auckland Zoo actually had loose plans back in the 80s to set up such a facility, but nothing ever came of it. However, as such a large part of Auckland Zoo is its savanna-themed Pridelands precinct, they're likely to view an open-range zoo as a competitor more than anything else, as open-range zoos tend to specialise in housing African fauna. I think a better location would be near Wellington, either around Porirua or on the Kapiti coast. These areas are sheltered from Wellington's usual southerly winds, they have plenty of room to spread out, and still have large towns nearby to support tourist activity. Also, given just how little space Wellington Zoo currently has, they might welcome an open-range zoo nearby, so they can use their exisiting space to house small-to-medium-size animals.

This is of course all purely hypothetical, but I'm curious what other people here think.

I do agree that if there was to be an open range zoo, the North Island would be a perfect location.

In regards to where, it's interesting as there is a lot of space to chose from. The east coast is a huge tourism hub and would be a nice location for an open range zoo to capitalise of some of that; especially since we essentially have no zoos on the east coast of the North Island.

Tauranga has the fifth biggest population in NZ; and is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. A zoo around here (potentially along the highway going north) might be a worthwhile investment.

 

[ElephasMaximus]

An open range zoo for Auckland was first proposed in the 1970’s, with the idea being it would function as a satellite site or sister zoo to Auckland Zoo. Had the proposal came to fruition, I’m confident Asian elephant and Common hippopotamus would still be held in New Zealand to this day.

Building in Auckland would be preferable from a population standpoint. It’s the most populated city in New Zealand and accessible as a day out for people in Hamilton, Tauranga etc. The development in Auckland would likely necessitate its relocation further north however, which then becomes less feasible for cities south of Auckland.

Building nearer to Wellington makes sense; though my assumption would be that if any open range zoo arose, it would as per above function as a sister zoo to one of New Zealand’s main zoos. Auckland Zoo is realistically the only possibility; and even then, a very slim one. There was significant ratepayer opposition to a mere $10 million being spent on importing elephants and expanding their facilities.

Ultimately, I can’t see it happening; but there’s no doubt it’d be an asset to New Zealand. Many of the city zoos are holding non-breeding populations of animals due to insufficient space to accommodate breeding groups - lions being a prime example.

Yeah, it's unlikely to ever happen, I was just mulling over the possiblities. I did envision it as a sister site to Wellington Zoo. As an alternative, I wonder if Hamilton Zoo might ever be able to expand into the surrounding countryside? I haven't been there in years, so I can't remember what the layout is. They've got a lot of space to work with already and they're close to Auckland and other North Island population centres, so maybe they could lean more into their open-range features. They're already a rhino-breeding hub, and since you mentioned how NZ city zoos tend to hold non-breeding populations, it'd be good to have more breeding hubs for more species so we aren't totally reliant on Australia.

 

[Zoofan15]

Yeah, it's unlikely to ever happen, I was just mulling over the possiblities. I did envision it as a sister site to Wellington Zoo. As an alternative, I wonder if Hamilton Zoo might ever be able to expand into the surrounding countryside? I haven't been there in years, so I can't remember what the layout is. They've got a lot of space to work with already and they're close to Auckland and other North Island population centres, so maybe they could lean more into their open-range features. They're already a rhino-breeding hub, and since you mentioned how NZ city zoos tend to hold non-breeding populations, it'd be good to have more breeding hubs for more species so we aren't totally reliant on Australia.

Yes, Hamilton Zoo have actually bought two properties in recent years, which have been earmarked for enabling the zoo to expand. It won’t be a significant expansion - but plans for one of them is for luxury accomodation; and for housing the younger bull rhinoceros.

The new rhino facility will be hugely exciting and allow the zoo to play a more active role in the breeding programme. They’re currently at capacity and have ceased breeding, so this will be beneficial on so many levels.

 

[ElephasMaximus]

I do agree that if there was to be an open range zoo, the North Island would be a perfect location.

In regards to where, it's interesting as there is a lot of space to chose from. The east coast is a huge tourism hub and would be a nice location for an open range zoo to capitalise of some of that; especially since we essentially have no zoos on the east coast of the North Island.

Tauranga has the fifth biggest population in NZ; and is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. A zoo around here (potentially along the highway going north) might be a worthwhile investment.

Tauranga's a good possibility. I thought Napier might be good too: they've got a history of wildlife-related tourism with the aquarium and Marineland, and they never got a replacement for the latter. Rotorua might also be a good location, as it's already a tourist hub with a warm climate and plenty of space.

 

[Jambo]

Tauranga's a good possibility. I thought Napier might be good too: they've got a history of wildlife-related tourism with the aquarium and Marineland, and they never got a replacement for the latter. Rotorua might also be a good location, as it's already a tourist hub with a warm climate and plenty of space.

I also considered Rotorua as an option however I was struggling to see where the space would be for a large open range facility there. In saying that, Rotorua would certainly be a place I'd look at.

Napier too, however it's worth acknowledging Napier doesn't nearly have as much of a tourism draw as Rotorua or the East Coast so I'd be surprised if it was to be considered tbh.

 

[Zoofan15]

Tauranga's a good possibility. I thought Napier might be good too: they've got a history of wildlife-related tourism with the aquarium and Marineland, and they never got a replacement for the latter. Rotorua might also be a good location, as it's already a tourist hub with a warm climate and plenty of space.

I also considered Rotorua as an option however I was struggling to see where the space would be for a large open range facility there. In saying that, Rotorua would certainly be a place I'd look at.

Napier too, however it's worth acknowledging Napier doesn't nearly have as much of a tourism draw as Rotorua or the East Coast so I'd be surprised if it was to be considered tbh.

Rotorua is a strong possibility given that it’s a tourism hub. Tauranga is a fast growing city, but predominantly amongst the retirement age demographic; with young families conversely being a zoo’s bread and butter.

The majority of international visitors to New Zealand come to Auckland; with Waikato (Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves) and Rotorua (Geothermal and the Luge) also being extremely popular destinations.

 

[ElephasMaximus]

So at this point, I'd say that NZ is unlikely to get a brand new open-range zoo any time soon; but it would good if Hamilton could expand its grounds and become a breeding hub for more species. If a new open-range zoo were to be set up, Rotorua or a sister-site to Wellington Zoo would be the best options.

 

[Zoofan15]

So at this point, I'd say that NZ is unlikely to get a brand new open-range zoo any time soon; but it would good if Hamilton could expand its grounds and become a breeding hub for more species. If a new open-range zoo were to be set up, Rotorua or a sister-site to Wellington Zoo would be the best options.

Hamilton Zoo have two elderly male giraffes and an adolescent bull, which presents a prime opportunity for them to import females from overseas and breed. There would be huge demand for any calves bred across Australian zoos (who can only import from New Zealand), so placements of calves bred on site would be readily available.

Hamilton Zoo is planning to build a third Sumatran tiger exhibit, so could become another regional breeding hub. At the very least, I’d expect another litter (possibly two) in the next decade given that a number of other facilities are also breeding - and Orana (who also have three exhibits), plan to breed in the future.

Hamilton currently have a non-breeding herd of zebra. It might be wise to cease breeding, so that the zoo can accomodate the breeding of giraffe. Having stallions as exhibit mates for giraffe calves is inadvisible.

 

[ElephasMaximus]

Something that recently occurred to me was that New Zealand has pretty easy access to a number of deep sea ecosystems, particularly off the coast of Fiordland, so setting up a deep sea exhibit would be easier here than in most other countries. If the National Aquarium gets enough money for that redesign they've been talking about for the past few years, it might be worth looking into the possibility of creating a deep sea exhibit like the one at Monterey Bay Aquarium.

 

[PossumRoach]

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.

Excuse my ignorance, for I have not read the NZ law so I don’t know if this is already written in the books, but I feel like wildebeests have a low chance of getting accepted to NZ. When the bovid IRA in Australia was published, wildebeest were excluded because wildebeest carry malignant catarrhal fever and almost all wildebeest calves are infected with MCF in the first few weeks of their lives. I doubt that the government would dare take such a risk.

 

[Zoofan15]

Excuse my ignorance, for I have not read the NZ law so I don’t know if this is already written in the books, but I feel like wildebeests have a low chance of getting accepted to NZ. When the bovid IRA in Australia was published, wildebeest were excluded because wildebeest carry malignant catarrhal fever and almost all wildebeest calves are infected with MCF in the first few weeks of their lives. I doubt that the government would dare take such a risk.

I could be mistaken, but my interpretation of this document was that New Zealand could potentially import both species of wildebeest - Black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou) and Blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) if the following requirements (among others) were satisfied:

NZ Government

2.1.1 Requirements for zoo Bovidae (Connochaetes gnou and Connochaetes taurinus only):

(1) For the 5 years prior to shipment no cases of wildebeest-associated malignant catarrhal fever have been reported at the zoo(s) of origin; and

(2) For the 12 months prior to shipment no species of Connochaetes have been introduced into the collection at the zoo(s) of origin.

 

[ElephasMaximus]

I could be mistaken, but my interpretation of this document was that New Zealand could potentially import both species of wildebeest - Black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou) and Blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) if the following requirements (among others) were satisfied:

NZ Government

2.1.1 Requirements for zoo Bovidae (Connochaetes gnou and Connochaetes taurinus only):

(1) For the 5 years prior to shipment no cases of wildebeest-associated malignant catarrhal fever have been reported at the zoo(s) of origin; and

(2) For the 12 months prior to shipment no species of Connochaetes have been introduced into the collection at the zoo(s) of origin.

Yeah, the requirements for wildebeest are a bit higher than for most other bovids, but both species are explicitly included in the species list in the appendices at the end of the IHS. They wouldn't be included on that list if the IHS didn't permit their import.

 

[Zoofan15]

Future of Giraffe in New Zealand

I thought it would be interesting to discuss the future of giraffe in New Zealand zoos, following the reduction of Hamilton’s herd this week to an elderly bull and an adolescent bull.

Wellington Zoo’s breeding female giraffe was placed on contraception after the birth of her female calf 16 months ago. It’s unclear yet whether Nia will remain at Wellington long term (on contraception); or transfer out. If she’s retained, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Zuri remain on contraception until Zahara passes. Calves usually transfer between zoos at 12-24 months, so we should get an indication this year of future plans.

Orana Wildlife Park have publicly stated plans to retain Kevin and potentially breed him once he reaches maturity to two of the cows, citing two are genetic matches. This would refer to Shira and Mdomo. Giraffes attain sexual maturity at circa 36 months, so calves could be a possibility anytime from late 2026 (more likely 2027).

Auckland Zoo currently has a male and four females, but only one of the cows (Kiraka) is a viable breeder. Rukiya has been retired from breeding; Kabili is believed to be sterile; and Enzi is 14 months old. It’ll be interesting to see what the future holds with the redevelopment of the elephant exhibit intended to extend the savannah. Though this will primarily focus on rhinoceros, it may have implications for the zoo’s giraffe holdings.

Hamilton Zoo have an elderly bull (turning 23 in November), who will inevitably pass in the coming years. This presents the ideal opportunity for Hamilton Zoo to import some female giraffes from outside the region, to enhance the genetics of the regional population (which is becoming increasingly inbred). I really hope Hamilton Zoo take this route, rather than the more predictable outcome of them continuing to acquire young bulls from New Zealand zoos.

Bull calves will inevitably be produced by Orana (potential for calves from late 2026); and Auckland Zoo (their breeding cow could calve as soon as this year if not on contraception). Rather than transferring these to Hamilton, I’d like to see consideration given to transferring these to Keystone, whose three bulls are now elderly.

Auckland Zoo:

0.1 Rukiya (2001) Ricky x Tisa
0.1 Kiraka (2009) Unnami x Mutangi
0.1 Kabili (2016) Zabulu x Kiraka
1.0 Billy (2018) Forrest x Penny
0.1 Enzi (2024) Billy x Kiraka

Hamilton Zoo:

1.0 Masamba (2002) Zabulu x Kiri
1.0 Jabali (2022) Billy x Kiraka

Orana Wildlife Park:

0.1 Harriet (2012) Harold x Tunu
0.1 Shira (2013) Zabulu x Rukiya
0.1 Mdomo (2013) Zabulu x Kiraka
0.1 Kamili (2018) Armani x Kitoto
1.0 Kevin (2022) Mabuti x Kamili

Keystone Wildlife Conservancy:

1.0 Flynn (2004) Harold x Nathalie
1.0 Orly (2004) Harold x Zuri
1.0 Kijana (2006) Harold x Zuri

Wellington Zoo:

0.1 Zahara (2004) Ricky x Tisa
0.1 Zuri (2015) Zabulu x Rukiya
1.0 Sunny (2017) Forrest x Sally
0.1 Nia (2023) Sunny x Zuri

 

[Jambo]

Future of Giraffe in New Zealand

I thought it would be interesting to discuss the future of giraffe in New Zealand zoos, following the reduction of Hamilton’s herd this week to an elderly bull and an adolescent bull.

Wellington Zoo’s breeding female giraffe was placed on contraception after the birth of her female calf 16 months ago. It’s unclear yet whether Nia will remain at Wellington long term (on contraception); or transfer out. If she’s retained, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Zuri remain on contraception until Zahara passes. Calves usually transfer between zoos at 12-24 months, so we should get an indication this year of future plans.

Orana Wildlife Park have publicly stated plans to retain Kevin and potentially breed him once he reaches maturity to two of the cows, citing two are genetic matches. This would refer to Shira and Mdomo. Giraffes attain sexual maturity at circa 36 months, so calves could be a possibility anytime from late 2026 (more likely 2027).

Auckland Zoo currently has a male and four females, but only one of the cows (Kiraka) is a viable breeder. Rukiya has been retired from breeding; Kabili is believed to be sterile; and Enzi is 14 months old. It’ll be interesting to see what the future holds with the redevelopment of the elephant exhibit intended to extend the savannah. Though this will primarily focus on rhinoceros, it may have implications for the zoo’s giraffe holdings.

Hamilton Zoo have an elderly bull (turning 23 in November), who will inevitably pass in the coming years. This presents the ideal opportunity for Hamilton Zoo to import some female giraffes from outside the region, to enhance the genetics of the regional population (which is becoming increasingly inbred). I really hope Hamilton Zoo take this route, rather than the more predictable outcome of them continuing to acquire young bulls from New Zealand zoos.

Bull calves will inevitably be produced by Orana (potential for calves from late 2026); and Auckland Zoo (their breeding cow could calve as soon as this year if not on contraception). Rather than transferring these to Hamilton, I’d like to see consideration given to transferring these to Keystone, whose three bulls are now elderly.

Auckland Zoo:

0.1 Rukiya (2001) Ricky x Tisa
0.1 Kiraka (2009) Unnami x Mutangi
0.1 Kabili (2016) Zabulu x Kiraka
1.0 Billy (2018) Forrest x Penny
0.1 Enzi (2024) Billy x Kiraka

Hamilton Zoo:

1.0 Masamba (2002) Zabulu x Kiri
1.0 Jabali (2022) Billy x Kiraka

Orana Wildlife Park:

0.1 Harriet (2012) Harold x Tunu
0.1 Shira (2013) Zabulu x Rukiya
0.1 Mdomo (2013) Zabulu x Kiraka
0.1 Kamili (2018) Armani x Kitoto
1.0 Kevin (2022) Mabuti x Kamili

Keystone Wildlife Conservancy:

1.0 Flynn (2004) Harold x Nathalie
1.0 Orly (2004) Harold x Zuri
1.0 Kijana (2006) Harold x Zuri

Wellington Zoo:

0.1 Zahara (2004) Ricky x Tisa
0.1 Zuri (2015) Zabulu x Rukiya
1.0 Sunny (2017) Forrest x Sally
0.1 Nia (2023) Sunny x Zuri

Hamilton do have a good oppurtunity to form a fourth breeding group regionally, however this would ultimately depend on Keystone's holding capacity. Neither Wellington nor Auckland have the space to accommodate surplus calves and overseas transfers are costly ventures.

In the recent decades NZ have really only had two facilities breeding (Auckland and Orana), each with a dedicated bachelor facility to offload their surplus males too. If Hamilton were to breed, it would limit Keystone to having to accommodate potentially four facilities worth of surplus male calves.

I unfortunately don't see Hamilton breeding unless one of the other facilities (like Wellington) elect to hold a non breeding group instead.

In regards to Auckland, they'll hopefully allow Kiraka to conceive once more. Besides Orana, Enzi doesn't have breeding application regionally so I could see her being sent across to Australia.

Wellington's an interesting one. They could elect to be non breeding (with the goal of being a bachelor facility long term). Nia could have breeding application at Orana (the same could be said for Enzi), however I'm not sure how much additional space they have.

 

[ElephasMaximus]

Does Wellington Zoo need to display native species at all? I've mentioned this before on the forum, but I've always been baffled by how, in a zoo with such limited space, so much of the "Meet the Locals" exhibit is taken up by a farmyard! I've never been certain why management made this decision for development, but at a guess I would say that a lot native species are just so common around Wellington these days they'd have no draw for any visitors. I remember I was walking along a road above the zoo one day a few years ago, and I came across a tree where seven kaka were roosting. With so many native birds found so close by, is there any point in having any on display? The only native birds they do have are rescues (i.e. the penguins), our national icon (kiwi) and kea, which are about the only species that can't be found in the hills around Wellington these days.

If Wellington Zoo were to get rid of it farmyard, what would be a good replacement? Is there any kind of native exhibit that would be a good fit? Conversely, if it was replaced by an exotic exhibit, what would it be? It could be either an extension of the tropical walk at the zoo's entrance or of the Asia exhibit a little further on.

 

[Zoofan15]

Does Wellington Zoo need to display native species at all? I've mentioned this before on the forum, but I've always been baffled by how, in a zoo with such limited space, so much of the "Meet the Locals" exhibit is taken up by a farmyard! I've never been certain why management made this decision for development, but at guess I would say that a lot native species are just so common around Wellington these days they'd have no draw for any visitors. I remember I was walking along a road above the zoo one day a few years ago, and I came across a tree where seven kaka were roosting. With so many native birds found so close by, is there any point in having any on display? The only native birds they do have on are rescues (i.e. the penguins), our national icon (kiwi) and kea, which are about the only species that can't be found in the hills around Wellington these days.

If Wellington Zoo were to get rid of it farmyard, what would be a good replacement? Is there any kind of native exhibit that would be a good fit? Conversely, if it was replaced by an exotic exhibit, what would it be? It could be either an extension of the tropical walk at the zoo's entrance or of the Asia exhibit a little further on.

The farmyard is presumably there on the justification of Wellington locals having less access to farms compared to Canterbury, Waikato locals etc. The species housed there are also low cost compared to large carnivores, large ungualtes etc. which non doubt wins them favour from an operational stand point.

Interest in both the farm animals and natives was low on both my visits. Kids couldn’t care less about the interactive/educational stations in the farmyard; while the Kea aviary (housing a single Kea at the time) was basically serving as a thoroughfare to the tigers and sun bears. The exception was the Kiwi House (albeit closed on my last visit). Both New Zealanders and international visitors always seem to enjoy seeing this species and there’s no doubt Wellington’s kiwi house is an asset to the zoo.

If the farmyard were to be replaced with something more imaginative, my vote would be for Capybara and Maned wolf. The zoo’s current layout has a loose geographical theming - with a continuation of South American species being the obvious compliment to the adjacent South American monkeys. In the current state, Capybara are an outlier to the neighbouring African species, so could move down that end of the zoo; while Maned wolf would be an exciting drawcard. I would choose Maned wolf over tapir due to the latter being unable to be imported at this point in time; and Maned wolf having a greater visitor appeal.

With the Capybara moved out of their current exhibit, this leaves a substantial amount of space to work with (two adjacent paddocks). I would look at reinstating African wild dog (a popular species); or redeveloping the entire row to bring back Hamadryas baboon (a phase out where the replacement has been as underwhelming as anticipated).

 

[ElephasMaximus]

The farmyard is presumably there on the justification of Wellington locals having less access to farms compared to Canterbury, Waikato locals etc. The species housed there are also low cost compared to large carnivores, large ungualtes etc. which non doubt wins them favour from an operational stand point.

Interest in both the farm animals and natives was low on both my visits. Kids couldn’t care less about the interactive/educational stations in the farmyard; while the Kea aviary (housing a single Kea at the time) was basically serving as a thoroughfare to the tigers and sun bears. The exception was the Kiwi House (albeit closed on my last visit). Both New Zealanders and international visitors always seem to enjoy seeing this species and there’s no doubt Wellington’s kiwi house is an asset to the zoo.

If the farmyard were to be replaced with something more imaginative, my vote would be for Capybara and Maned wolf. The map has a loose geographical theming - with a continuation of South American species being the obvious compliment to the adjacent South American monkeys. In the current state, Capybara are an outlier to the neighbouring African species, so could move down that end of the zoo; while Maned wolf would be an exciting drawcard. I would choose Maned wolf over tapir due to the latter being unable to be imported at this point in time; and Maned wolf having a greater visitor appeal.

With the Capybara moved out of their current exhibit, this leaves a substantial amount of space to work with (two adjacent paddocks). I would look at reinstating African wild dog (a popular species); or redeveloping the entire row to bring back Hamadryas baboon (a phase out where the replacement has been as underwhelming as anticipated).

Your suggestions seem really good. It does seem like the zoo set up a farmyard area at least partly for cost reasons.

Your suggestion about Capybara and Maned Wolf seem like a good idea. As to what would replace the Capybara up in the African precinct, I certainly wouldn't object to the return of wild dogs or baboons. Cheetah might also be an option, although they might have to dig into the hillside to create a flatter enclosure. Maybe hyena, since Hamilton seems to be importing those soon? Or do they require more space? I'd quite like to see zebra return to the zoo as well, and since they often have trouble playing well with other animals, maybe housing them across from the main savanna could be a good alternative.

This also got me thinking about the empty enclosure near the zoo entrance. If there was any place to house farm animals in Wellington Zoo, this is probably the best option, but personally I'd prefer an exotic species here. The animals in nearby enclosures are all rainforest species, so something from that biome would be best. I've seen proposals for clouded leopard, komodo dragon and galapagos tortoise in the past. Some kind of crocodilian might be good as well.

 

[Zoofan15]

Your suggestions seem really good. It does seem like the zoo set up a farmyard area at least partly for cost reasons.

Your suggestion about Capybara and Maned Wolf seem like a good idea. As to what would replace the Capybara up in the African precinct, I certainly wouldn't object to the return of wild dogs or baboons. Cheetah might also be an option, although they might have to dig into the hillside to create a flatter enclosure. Maybe hyena, since Hamilton seems to be importing those soon? Or do they require more space? I'd quite like to see zebra return to the zoo as well, and since they often have trouble playing well with other animals, maybe housing them across from the main savanna could be a good alternative.

This also got me thinking about the empty enclosure near the zoo entrance. If there was any place to house farm animals in Wellington Zoo, this is probably the best option, but personally I'd prefer an exotic species here. The animals in nearby enclosures are all rainforest species, so something from that biome would be best. I've seen proposals for clouded leopard, komodo dragon and galapagos tortoise in the past. Some kind of crocodilian might be good as well.

Cheetah actually used to be accommodated in that row. They had two males (brothers) named Asante and Etosha, who died in 2006. There was a row of three exhibits and the African wild dogs had the run of two of them by the end (one of which now houses Capybara; one of which has remained empty for most of the past decade and a half, but I saw a bull nyala in there once). African wild dogs would be an easy replacement (I assume the dens are still intact, but don’t know for sure); but size wise, it would certainly be suitable for 2-3 Spotted hyena. Hamilton Zoo mentioned significant adaptions would need to be made to their intended hyena exhibit (formerly home to African wild dog) as the containment requirements for hyena are more advanced than what’s required for wild dogs.

It annoys me Wellington still have that empty exhibit near the entrance. It housed Capybara briefly and prior to that housed peccaries; but has sat empty for close to a decade now. It would make a good red panda exhibit if the zoo wanted to expand their holdings; but your ideas are all good too. Clouded leopard would be exciting and it’s a good distance from the big cats etc.

The future of the sun bear exhibit will in my opinion be a third Sumatran tiger exhibit. Wellington has an adequate set for breeding; but a third exhibit would better support long term retention of offspring. It’s hard to imagine Wellington Zoo once managed six tigers in three groupings from 2000-2001 in the current set up. It’s no wonder the three cubs transferred out at 12 months of age.