Taronga Zoo Future of Taronga Zoo (Speculation / Fantasy)

[Jambo]

I totally agree with you, best case scenario would include the two boys moving to another facility(in my opinion Melbourne) and having the girls stay along with Ato and Maya as Taronga just doesn’t have the space required for another litter. In the originally proposed plan there was two seperate exhibits, one at the wooden shade structure and one at the current backstage behind the main viewing point. Had Taronga gone ahead with these plans there could have been a conversation around holding two litters, or at the very least a seperate male enclosure like the Congo Gorilla area proposes.

As for the Tigers, I personally enjoy having all the cubs roaming around with their parents, it makes for a pretty special encounter. I can never seem to remember, is there 3 or 4 cubs? They move around so much—luckily— that I can’t count them regularly, especially with the thick foliage covering most of the outer exhibit layer. It would make most sense to keep them there until their parents eventually pass away and then maybe look at renovating the precinct to give them more room or bring in a breeding pair to accomodate them.

Melbourne currently have two males so would require either transferring out their current pair or expanding their exhibit to accommodate the males.

Taronga does actually have the two exhibits, which is presumably what they utilise when separating the pride up. A second litter is certainly not on the cards especially with; a) Maya being almost post reproductive (if not already) and b) the current cubs not being genetically valuable.

Re. the tiger cubs, they're usually kept with their mother (Kartika) as @Osedax said, but occasionally are now displayed separate from her on occasions. It could still be another seven years or so at least until the cubs current parents pass on, so it would probably be advisable to bring in a mate for one of the cubs prior to that if there is the intention of breeding. That *would* probably require them moving some of the tigers out. Dubbo have three ageing individuals, so would probably have space to acquire the remaining pair of the cubs. Therefore it would probably be best to use the male (Pemanah) as the breeding male and send his two sisters across to Dubbo when the time comes.

 

[Zoofan15]

Melbourne currently have two males so would require either transferring out their current pair or expanding their exhibit to accommodate the males.

Taronga does actually have the two exhibits, which is presumably what they utilise when separating the pride up. A second litter is certainly not on the cards especially with; a) Maya being almost post reproductive (if not already) and b) the current cubs not being genetically valuable.

Re. the tiger cubs, they're usually kept with their mother (Kartika) as @Osedax said, but occasionally are now displayed separate from her on occasions. It could still be another seven years or so at least until the cubs current parents pass on, so it would probably be advisable to bring in a mate for one of the cubs prior to that if there is the intention of breeding. That *would* probably require them moving some of the tigers out. Dubbo have three ageing individuals, so would probably have space to acquire the remaining pair of the cubs. Therefore it would probably be best to use the male (Pemanah) as the breeding male and send his two sisters across to Dubbo when the time comes.

I’m thinking the next breeding recommendation at Taronga will centre around Pemanah and a female, not just for the sake of maintaining his sisters as a cohesive grouping; but because it gives them a wider range of years to work with (considering females cease breeding around 12 years).

I’m hopeful Taronga will take the opportunity to refurbish the tiger complex (specifically the non animal part), which would be aided by having less tigers in the facility at the time. Whether this involves loaning their young tigers to Dubbo once the older three have passed on; or even retiring the elder three to Dubbo, with the assumption the younger tigers would be less stressed by the upheaval.

 

[Abbey]

Melbourne currently have two males so would require either transferring out their current pair or expanding their exhibit to accommodate the males.

Taronga does actually have the two exhibits, which is presumably what they utilise when separating the pride up. A second litter is certainly not on the cards especially with; a) Maya being almost post reproductive (if not already) and b) the current cubs not being genetically valuable.

Re. the tiger cubs, they're usually kept with their mother (Kartika) as @Osedax said, but occasionally are now displayed separate from her on occasions. It could still be another seven years or so at least until the cubs current parents pass on, so it would probably be advisable to bring in a mate for one of the cubs prior to that if there is the intention of breeding. That *would* probably require them moving some of the tigers out. Dubbo have three ageing individuals, so would probably have space to acquire the remaining pair of the cubs. Therefore it would probably be best to use the male (Pemanah) as the breeding male and send his two sisters across to Dubbo when the time comes.

I’m thinking the next breeding recommendation at Taronga will centre around Pemanah and a female, not just for the sake of maintaining his sisters as a cohesive grouping; but because it gives them a wider range of years to work with (considering females cease breeding around 12 years).

I’m hopeful Taronga will take the opportunity to refurbish the tiger complex (specifically the non animal part), which would be aided by having less tigers in the facility at the time. Whether this involves loaning their young tigers to Dubbo once the older three have passed on; or even retiring the elder three to Dubbo, with the assumption the younger tigers would be less stressed by the upheaval.

When I last visited Dubbo in 2010, they held five tigers - Satu, Indah, Isha, Selatan and Juara. Off the top of my head, this is the maximum they've ever held, with some of these cats permanently off-display. Unless some of these facilities are no longer considered suitable, I gather they would still have a similar holding capacity.

 

[Zoofan15]

When I last visited Dubbo in 2010, they held five tigers - Satu, Indah, Isha, Selatan and Juara. Off the top of my head, this is the maximum they've ever held, with some of these cats permanently off-display. Unless some of these facilities are no longer considered suitable, I gather they would still have a similar holding capacity.

That’s correct, with those tigers held across four groupings. Their first Sumatran tigers were the 3.0 from Taronga’s 1995 litter; followed by the import of Assiqua (1999) in 2001, who was exchanged for Selatan (1990) from Taronga a year later. Juara was transferred to Taronga to breed in 2002 and then back to Dubbo to afford Assiqua and their cubs more room as they matured.

By all accounts, Selatan demonstrated a great fondness for Juara when they were reunited at Dubbo (through the fence line); but didn’t display any affection to Satu and Isha.

Dubbo’s three tigers live separately, so they could arguably manage a fourth tiger; with more accommodated once their elderly tigers pass.

 

[Abbey]

That’s correct, with those tigers held across four groupings. Their first Sumatran tigers were the 3.0 from Taronga’s 1995 litter; followed by the import of Assiqua (1999) in 2001, who was exchanged for Selatan (1990) from Taronga a year later. Juara was transferred to Taronga to breed in 2002 and then back to Dubbo to afford Assiqua and their cubs more room as they matured.

By all accounts, Selatan demonstrated a great fondness for Juara when they were reunited at Dubbo (through the fence line); but didn’t display any affection to Satu and Isha.

Dubbo’s three tigers live separately, so they could arguably manage a fourth tiger; with more accommodated once their elderly tigers pass.

Thinking about it, when the tigers from Taronga Sydney were at Dubbo for the construction of Tiger Trek, there would have been Jumilah, her three cubs, as well as Satu and Indah (six tigers) - although I wouldn't have been surprised if Jumilah, Kartika and Kembali were housed together (so still four groupings) given that Kembali and Jumilah still spent time together back at Taronga up until her death in December 2021.

The on-exhibit enclosure at Dubbo is massive, so would have definitely accommodated the 1.2 family group of Jumilah, Kartika and Kembali.

When we visited in 2010, we did the Tiger Encounter so that we could see Selatan, as she was permanently off display. Concurring with your account, even as an old girl she was fond of her son. Was it in Darrill Clements' book that she mentioned he might have reminded her of Shiva? Their close bond was somewhat of a rarity between tiger pairs in the region, unlike in some UK zoos.

At the time, Indah was the tiger the public could feed through the mesh, as she loved human attention due to being hand-reared at Dreamworld. This is in contrast to her sister, Rahni. Her keepers at the NZA said that she 'hated people', although perhaps that was a by-product of the reduced amount of human attention which a tiger in protective contact, having been humanised, would have received.

 

[Zorro]

Thinking about it, when the tigers from Taronga Sydney were at Dubbo for the construction of Tiger Trek, there would have been Jumilah, her three cubs, as well as Satu and Indah (six tigers) - although I wouldn't have been surprised if Jumilah, Kartika and Kembali were housed together (so still four groupings) given that Kembali and Jumilah still spent time together back at Taronga up until her death in December 2021.

The on-exhibit enclosure at Dubbo is massive, so would have definitely accommodated the 1.2 family group of Jumilah, Kartika and Kembali.

When we visited in 2010, we did the Tiger Encounter so that we could see Selatan, as she was permanently off display. Concurring with your account, even as an old girl she was fond of her son. Was it in Darrill Clements' book that she mentioned he might have reminded her of Shiva? Their close bond was somewhat of a rarity between tiger pairs in the region, unlike in some UK zoos.

At the time, Indah was the tiger the public could feed through the mesh, as she loved human attention due to being hand-reared at Dreamworld. This is in contrast to her sister, Rahni. Her keepers at the NZA said that she 'hated people', although perhaps that was a by-product of the reduced amount of human attention which a tiger in protective contact, having been humanised, would have received.

The original exhibit area was quite small compared to what they have today, It was only in the later years they did a major expansion to accommodate a breeding group. Off the top of my head I believe they were considering housing up to 8 Tigers.

 

[Zoofan15]

The original exhibit area was quite small compared to what they have today, It was only in the later years they did a major expansion to accommodate a breeding group. Off the top of my head I believe they were considering housing up to 8 Tigers.

It was reported in the Sydney Morning Herald in December 1997 that Taronga Zoo and Taronga Western Plains Zoo had a $1.59 million operating surplus for that year, which would allow them to complete a large enclosure for the tigers at Dubbo. The Dubbo complex was built to accomodate up to 12 tigers.

At that point in time, Dubbo held three males (the triplets born at Taronga Zoo in 1995); and it was noted the complex would strengthen their position to receive Sumatran tigers from the US, who were considering a region wide phase out at that time.

 

[Zoofan15]

Thinking about it, when the tigers from Taronga Sydney were at Dubbo for the construction of Tiger Trek, there would have been Jumilah, her three cubs, as well as Satu and Indah (six tigers) - although I wouldn't have been surprised if Jumilah, Kartika and Kembali were housed together (so still four groupings) given that Kembali and Jumilah still spent time together back at Taronga up until her death in December 2021.

The on-exhibit enclosure at Dubbo is massive, so would have definitely accommodated the 1.2 family group of Jumilah, Kartika and Kembali.

When we visited in 2010, we did the Tiger Encounter so that we could see Selatan, as she was permanently off display. Concurring with your account, even as an old girl she was fond of her son. Was it in Darrill Clements' book that she mentioned he might have reminded her of Shiva? Their close bond was somewhat of a rarity between tiger pairs in the region, unlike in some UK zoos.

At the time, Indah was the tiger the public could feed through the mesh, as she loved human attention due to being hand-reared at Dreamworld. This is in contrast to her sister, Rahni. Her keepers at the NZA said that she 'hated people', although perhaps that was a by-product of the reduced amount of human attention which a tiger in protective contact, having been humanised, would have received.

Very true. Sakti was separated from Jumilah and his littermates when they were around 20 months old. Jumilah reportedly drove him out and by all accounts he’s not a very sociable tiger. He left for Taronga Western Plains Zoo first in April 2015; and was followed by Jumilah, Kembali and Kartika in October 2015. They remained together in a trio while at Dubbo and this article confirms the zoo had four groups of tigers which rotated access to two exhibits:

Trio of Tigers settling in well

The four groupings being:

1.0 Satu (2006)

0.1 Indah (2007)

0.1 Jumilah (2003)
1.0 Kembali (2011)
0.1 Kartika (2011)

1.0 Sakti (2011)

Kartika was split from this trio, following their return to Taronga, ahead of her introductions to Clarence in 2018.

Re. Selatan’s fondness of Juara, he may well have reminded her of Shiva. In any case, he was a placid male like Shiva, which complimented Selatan’s fiery personality. I would have loved to have seen Shiva and Selatan on exhibit together at Taronga.

On that note, I think it’s a real shame no zoo in Australasia considers integration of their cubs with their father. It’s been carried out at multiple European zoos and has proved enriching for all involved. Some males in the region (e.g. Satu at Taronga) were too unpredictable for this to be considered; but there’s been many others who would have been ideal candidates.

 

[Abbey]

Very true. Sakti was separated from Jumilah and his littermates when they were around 20 months old. Jumilah reportedly drove him out and by all accounts he’s not a very sociable tiger. He left for Taronga Western Plains Zoo first in April 2015; and was followed by Jumilah, Kembali and Kartika in October 2015. They remained together in a trio while at Dubbo and this article confirms the zoo had four groups of tigers which rotated access to two exhibits:

Trio of Tigers settling in well

The four groupings being:

1.0 Satu (2006)

0.1 Indah (2007)

0.1 Jumilah (2003)
1.0 Kembali (2011)
0.1 Kartika (2011)

1.0 Sakti (2011)

Kartika was split from this trio, following their return to Taronga, ahead of her introductions to Clarence in 2018.

Re. Selatan’s fondness of Juara, he may well have reminded her of Shiva. In any case, he was a placid male like Shiva, which complimented Selatan’s fiery personality. I would have loved to have seen Shiva and Selatan on exhibit together at Taronga.

On that note, I think it’s a real shame no zoo in Australasia considers integration of their cubs with their father. It’s been carried out at multiple European zoos and has proved enriching for all involved. Some males in the region (e.g. Satu at Taronga) were too unpredictable for this to be considered; but there’s been many others who would have been ideal candidates.

It's an interesting one, because, while Sumatran tigers are a solitary species, many zoos (like Taronga) keep grown-up cubs together long-term. I've heard this can be enriching for the animals and allows zoos to not need as many enclosures as they otherwise would. I gather a similar logic would apply for integrating cubs with their father. Some zoos even leave the male in with the female permanently - I saw a video from social media of a tigress somewhere overseas giving birth, and the male was in soon after to meet the cubs. I gather this is more risky though, it would depend on the personalities.

On the topic of tigers, the Adelaide cubs are now 1 year old! Some cute pictures from throughout the year on the Zoos SA Instagram for those interested.

 

[Zoofan15]

It's an interesting one, because, while Sumatran tigers are a solitary species, many zoos (like Taronga) keep grown-up cubs together long-term. I've heard this can be enriching for the animals and allows zoos to not need as many enclosures as they otherwise would. I gather a similar logic would apply for integrating cubs with their father. Some zoos even leave the male in with the female permanently - I saw a video from social media of a tigress somewhere overseas giving birth, and the male was in soon after to meet the cubs. I gather this is more risky though, it would depend on the personalities.

On the topic of tigers, the Adelaide cubs are now 1 year old! Some cute pictures from throughout the year on the Zoos SA Instagram for those interested.

Taronga Zoo exhibited Assiqua with her three cubs until the export of the males to New Zealand in 2006. She then remained with Jumilah until Assiqua’s transfer to Adelaide Zoo.

It appears Taronga Zoo also housed Nico and Meta together with their cubs; which was a common practice or zoos of that era due to space. Quintus is also shown in old photos from the 1970’s housed with his cubs.

Yes, Jae Jae at London Zoo was left in the exhibit with Melati (born at Perth Zoo in 2008) while she was giving birth. There’s a nice video of them here, which may be the one you saw:

I saw the photos of Adelaide’s litter. Ketambe has a nice ruff coming in!

 

[Abbey]

Taronga Zoo exhibited Assiqua with her three cubs until the export of the males to New Zealand in 2006. She then remained with Jumilah until Assiqua’s transfer to Adelaide Zoo.

It appears Taronga Zoo also housed Nico and Meta together with their cubs; which was a common practice or zoos of that era due to space. Quintus is also shown in old photos from the 1970’s housed with his cubs.

Yes, Jae Jae at London Zoo was left in the exhibit with Melati (born at Perth Zoo in 2008) while she was giving birth. There’s a nice video of them here, which may be the one you saw:

I saw the photos of Adelaide’s litter. Ketambe has a nice ruff coming in!

Thanks for sharing that video. Come to think of it, it wasn't the one I saw, but rather in the episode of London Zoo at Christmas which aired on Monday night, with London Zoo's current tiger pair (would either of them be descended from Melati and Jae Jae?). It's lovely to see that Melati bred overseas.

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for sharing that video. Come to think of it, it wasn't the one I saw, but rather in the episode of London Zoo at Christmas which aired on Monday night, with London Zoo's current tiger pair (would either of them be descended from Melati and Jae Jae?). It's lovely to see that Melati bred overseas.

Jae Jae and Melati were a successful pair, producing five surviving cubs during their six years at London Zoo together. Jae Jae was exported to a zoo in France, where he was paired with Isha from Melbourne/Dubbo. They sadly never produced any cubs.

Following this, London Zoo imported a new male Sumatran tiger named Asim, who tragically killed Melati during an introduction in 2019. She was replaced by Asim’s mate as his previous zoo (Gaysha). They’re London’s current pair and are not (directly) related to Jae Jae and Melati.

It’s interesting to think how things could have turned out had Dubbo received any of the US tigers. They could well have become the breeding hub; and I imagine Juara and Ramalon would have received US mates, rather than Assiqua and Binjai.

 

[Zoofan15]

I do agree, if we were to remain a holder at Mosman it would be for the surplus bulls but I would prefer to hold more than 1 especially if we ascertain the space required. If we can’t house the species however, this leaves a door wide open for Okapi to fill the space. Best case scenario for me would be a Bongo bull and Okapi surplus bull from NA.

Depending on availability, it’d be beneficial to the Eastern bongo breeding programme to import multiple bulls (as well as cows). While the cows are useful for building up numbers, having a low bull to cow ratio means we’ll soon be inbreeding or having to import at every generation.

This ties in well with your idea to hold more than one at Taronga Zoo. Three bulls could be imported, with two housed at Taronga; one breeding at Dubbo. Then the breeding bull could be transferred to Taronga; to be replaced with one of the bachelors to breed with the herd (including first generation females).

 

[loganjmuir]

The cancellation of the Congo precinct has not yet been publicly announced; and to be fair, will probably go unnoticed by the general public. They typically show little interest other than in what’s in the here and now; neither lamenting the saintly days of yore or contemplating future planning.

The future of Pygmy hippopotamus is not in doubt. @loganjmuir reported yesterday the zoo plans to build a new exhibit for this species.

Western lowland gorilla are the unknown. It was previously reported the zoo are considering phasing them out, which is supported by the revelation the Congo precinct has been canned (gorillas were the headliners for this precinct).

It was mentioned on here last year that an exhibit for an ape species will be one of the replacements for the elephants. Orangutans seem the most likely choice here. They’re endangered; the face of the palm oil campaign; and fit the image of a modern zoo via aerial pathways. They can potentially be integrated with gibbons and otters, which is efficient use of space in a city zoo.

With the departure of the Elephants on the horizon, Orangutans seem the likely beneficary. They do after all fill the quota for the 'Raise your Palm' campaign so I wouldn't be at all surprised if this does happen. As we know, the zoo plans to expand their Hippo population, along with their exhibits, so we could see the return of the Malayan Tapir, seeing as the trail is supposed to be centered around asian species. With Ekundu's age, it is inevitable he will be replaced, and as I have been informed, most likely by Chital or Philippine spotted. This could see two birds hit with one stone, and the Elephant Trail, ex-Elephant Trail by this stage, resurrected in a sense.
I just wonder what will happen to that bottom area of the current Elephant enclosure. It seems quite pointless to use it for Orangutans, unless we plan to hold 6-7, as it is a large exhibit, so it begs the question what it will be used for. I know it am just reciting old lyrics here, but I would love to expand the Wetland Aviary especially as the river runs from the Elephant enclosure down into it(technically).

 

[Zoofan15]

With the departure of the Elephants on the horizon, Orangutans seem the likely beneficary. They do after all fill the quota for the 'Raise your Palm' campaign so I wouldn't be at all surprised if this does happen. As we know, the zoo plans to expand their Hippo population, along with their exhibits, so we could see the return of the Malayan Tapir, seeing as the trail is supposed to be centered around asian species. With Ekundu's age, it is inevitable he will be replaced, and as I have been informed, most likely by Chital or Philippine spotted. This could see two birds hit with one stone, and the Elephant Trail, ex-Elephant Trail by this stage, resurrected in a sense.
I just wonder what will happen to that bottom area of the current Elephant enclosure. It seems quite pointless to use it for Orangutans, unless we plan to hold 6-7, as it is a large exhibit, so it begs the question what it will be used for. I know it am just reciting old lyrics here, but I would love to expand the Wetland Aviary especially as the river runs from the Elephant enclosure down into it(technically).

I actually wouldn’t be surprised to see Taronga Zoo hold a large colony of orangutans, with aerial lines and a series of rotational exhibits. Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide each hold a pair or trio of adult orangutans and Taronga Zoo may well be considering the benefits of establishing themselves as a regional breeding hub, rather then replicating what the others are doing.

Importing 1.2 Bornean orangutans from Europe to grow a colony could be the starting point, with 3-4 offspring bred over the next decade. But that stage, both they and Auckland Zoo would be in a position to exchange young first generation orangutans to support further growth of their respective colonies, each aiming for 6-8 orangutans.

 

[Tiger91]

With the departure of the Elephants on the horizon, Orangutans seem the likely beneficary. They do after all fill the quota for the 'Raise your Palm' campaign so I wouldn't be at all surprised if this does happen. As we know, the zoo plans to expand their Hippo population, along with their exhibits, so we could see the return of the Malayan Tapir, seeing as the trail is supposed to be centered around asian species. With Ekundu's age, it is inevitable he will be replaced, and as I have been informed, most likely by Chital or Philippine spotted. This could see two birds hit with one stone, and the Elephant Trail, ex-Elephant Trail by this stage, resurrected in a sense.
I just wonder what will happen to that bottom area of the current Elephant enclosure. It seems quite pointless to use it for Orangutans, unless we plan to hold 6-7, as it is a large exhibit, so it begs the question what it will be used for. I know it am just reciting old lyrics here, but I would love to expand the Wetland Aviary especially as the river runs from the Elephant enclosure down into it(technically).

It would be a good site to build the new pygmy hippo exhibit. It has the land area to build the required exhibits, is part of the rainforest trail and already has a water set up that would be easily modified for the hippos.

 

[Jambo]

With the departure of the Elephants on the horizon, Orangutans seem the likely beneficary. They do after all fill the quota for the 'Raise your Palm' campaign so I wouldn't be at all surprised if this does happen. As we know, the zoo plans to expand their Hippo population, along with their exhibits, so we could see the return of the Malayan Tapir, seeing as the trail is supposed to be centered around asian species. With Ekundu's age, it is inevitable he will be replaced, and as I have been informed, most likely by Chital or Philippine spotted. This could see two birds hit with one stone, and the Elephant Trail, ex-Elephant Trail by this stage, resurrected in a sense.
I just wonder what will happen to that bottom area of the current Elephant enclosure. It seems quite pointless to use it for Orangutans, unless we plan to hold 6-7, as it is a large exhibit, so it begs the question what it will be used for. I know it am just reciting old lyrics here, but I would love to expand the Wetland Aviary especially as the river runs from the Elephant enclosure down into it(technically).

I actually wouldn’t be surprised to see Taronga Zoo hold a large colony of orangutans, with aerial lines and a series of rotational exhibits. Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide each hold a pair or trio of adult orangutans and Taronga Zoo may well be considering the benefits of establishing themselves as a regional breeding hub, rather then replicating what the others are doing.

Importing 1.2 Bornean orangutans from Europe to grow a colony could be the starting point, with 3-4 offspring bred over the next decade. But that stage, both they and Auckland Zoo would be in a position to exchange young first generation orangutans to support further growth of their respective colonies, each aiming for 6-8 orangutans.

With the Orangutans there will obviously need to be more space for them than the current elephant complex has; especially if they wish to have an aerial pathway and maintain a mixed species habitat with the likes of gibbons ect. This is probably where the consideration lies at the moment ie. where the additional space will be for a complex like this.

I thought it's worth mentioning the gorilla complex is virtually directly opposite, so would be the perfect location for this.

So in that case I think we could certainly see one of the two; A) either gorillas being phased out and orangutans inhabiting that space or, B) the gorilla habitat being expanded over the other side too with an overhead pathway connecting the two exhibits and a smaller 'congo' precinct being created there alongside the Pygmy Hippo.

 

[Jambo]

I haven’t been to TWPZ in a few years so I am unsure of their current Bongo population but the plan from the sounds of it to keep Dubbo as the breeding facility with their breeding female, and move away from ungulates at Taronga full stop. The plan following Ekundu’s passing is a filler animal for the meanwhile, most likely Philippine spotted or Chital, until concrete plans can be made regarding the Elephant trail. I am assuming the entire precinct will be transformed and partly demolished with the Fishing cat on her last legs and Ekundu not far behind. With a thriving bongo and Langur population these species will remain although their exhibits may not. It would make sense to build further exhibits for the Hippo and potentially move the Langurs somewhere in the middle of the zoo, which as we have spoken about here, offers terrain elevation suited to Primates.

I am sure the Rainforest precinct will be the next area of focus for Taronga within the next few years. We can certainly expect a few of the species to be lost (Fishing Cat, Bongo, Elephants). That would open up a lot of space to work with, as we could see their exhibits be renovated too and the whole precint be refurbished. The Pygmy Hippo expansion makes the most sense. I reckon giving them a third enclosure in the southern half of the elephant complex would be beneficial for them, and even expanding the first exhibit into Ekundu's current enclosure could work too.

Re. the other exhibits, I'd like to see Black and White Colobus in the current Langur enclosure to align with at least the smaller Congo theme in the area (beside the Pygmy Hippos). The Langurs would be suitable for the current Lemur enclosure in the center of the zoo.

 

[Zoofan15]

I am sure the Rainforest precinct will be the next area of focus for Taronga within the next few years. We can certainly expect a few of the species to be lost (Fishing Cat, Bongo, Elephants). That would open up a lot of space to work with, as we could see their exhibits be renovated too and the whole precint be refurbished. The Pygmy Hippo expansion makes the most sense. I reckon giving them a third enclosure in the southern half of the elephant complex would be beneficial for them, and even expanding the first exhibit into Ekundu's current enclosure could work too.

Re. the other exhibits, I'd like to see Black and White Colobus in the current Langur enclosure to align with at least the smaller Congo theme in the area (beside the Pygmy Hippos). The Langurs would be suitable for the current Lemur enclosure in the center of the zoo.

What I would most like to see is multiple Pygmy hippopotamus exhibits. A series of three exhibits with off display yards would allow the zoo to import a second cow once the Hippopotamus IRA is passed and commence breeding. They’re not a species that require a lot of space and there’s even option for creating mixed species exhibits with colobus.

Having multiple exhibits/yards would allow the retention of calves into adolescence/young adulthood, before they’re transferred out to other holders within the region. Renewed regional interest in this species will likely follow the passing of the IRA.

 

[Jambo]

What I would most like to see is multiple Pygmy hippopotamus exhibits. A series of three exhibits with off display yards would allow the zoo to import a second cow once the Hippopotamus IRA is passed and commence breeding. They’re not a species that require a lot of space and there’s even option for creating mixed species exhibits with colobus.

Having multiple exhibits/yards would allow the retention of calves into adolescence/young adulthood, before they’re transferred out to other holders within the region. Renewed regional interest in this species will likely follow the passing of the IRA.

If we use Ekundu's enclosure and the current lower half of the elephant enclosure that would theoretically give them two additional exhibits. With that in mind, I'd imagine the two current exhibits would (and should) be combined. Considering the close proximity the off display yards could very well be at the upper half of that said elephant paddock as it's a fair amount of land space as seen in this photo: