Taronga Zoo Future of Taronga Zoo (Speculation / Fantasy)

[Zoofan15]

Introduction

Taronga Zoo is in the midst of an exciting and dynamic phase of development.

Recent additions include the Sumatran tiger complex and the African precinct; while projects on the horizon include the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre, which will commence construction in the next few weeks.

For interest’s sake and in the absence of a recent masterplan, I thought I’d copy in the zoo’s 2015 development plan. Some of this has been completed; some of this is in progress; and some of this will be adapted.

2015 Development Plan:

Spoiler: 2015 Development Plan

1. Sumatran Tiger Adventure

An Indonesian-themed exhibit where visitors can get close to the mysterious Sumatran Tigers, and learn why choosing sustainable palm oil products can help preserve their native habitat.

2. Australia

An up-close animal habitat experience including a walk-through exhibit where visitors can interact with and explore iconic and unknown Australian fauna.

3. Wildlife Hospital

State-of-the-art upgrades to the Taronga Wildlife Hospital and wildlife clinic to continue the excellence of zoo animal care and wildlife rehabilitation.

4. African Savannah

A multi-species habitat including a lion breeding facility, expanded savannah for giraffes, zebras and Fennec Foxes, and a specialised meerkat exhibit and encounter space.

5. Welcome to the Wild

A unique multi-media experience that will engage and inspire visitors for a shared future for wildlife and people.

6. Congo Forest

A lush forest exhibit for the growing gorilla family, adjoining Pygmy Hippo pools and a tree-filled landscape for the rare Bongo antelope.

7. Elephant Trail

A scenic path traversing the zoo where Elephants will walk.

8. Serpentarium

Upgraded specialist exhibits for an amazing array of Reptiles and Amphibians including critical breeding facilities to support zoo-based conservation programs.

9. New Orang-utan exhibit

Drawing from their native Indonesian habitat, this facility has a range of climbing structures complete with an overhead canopy playground for these fascinating primates.

Aaa

 

[Zoofan15]

Elephants:

It’s not hard to imagine the elephant trail is the project subject to the most review. In 2015, Taronga Zoo had a small but successful herd that served as a splinter group to the one at Dubbo.

Since then, their breeding bull has been transferred to Dubbo and all reproductive has occurred at the open range site; while tragically, the two young elephants at Taronga have passed on.

Taronga is now left with two cows (one non reproductive), who long term I believe will rejoin the main herd at Dubbo. This will likely happen once the new facility is constructed in the coming years, allowing them to house a larger matriarchal herd.

While many of the city zoos are phasing out elephants, it’s easy to see Taronga being reluctant to hand their competitor (Sydney Zoo) the advantage of exhibiting Sydney’s only elephants. Long term, I envisage Taronga holding surplus bulls.

Ultimately this will have an impact on the elephants trail plans detailed above, which is why I believe this project was allocated towards the end of the development timeline. A period of reconnaissance will allow the zoo to consider all factors and adapt the plans as required.

 

[Jambo]

Introduction

Taronga Zoo is in the midst of an exciting and dynamic phase of development.

Recent additions include the Sumatran tiger complex and the African precinct; while projects on the horizon include the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre, which will commence construction in the next few weeks.

For interest’s sake and in the absence of a recent masterplan, I thought I’d copy in the zoo’s 2015 development plan. Some of this has been completed; some of this is in progress; and some of this will be adapted.

2015 Development Plan:

Spoiler: 2015 Development Plan

1. Sumatran Tiger Adventure

An Indonesian-themed exhibit where visitors can get close to the mysterious Sumatran Tigers, and learn why choosing sustainable palm oil products can help preserve their native habitat.

2. Australia

An up-close animal habitat experience including a walk-through exhibit where visitors can interact with and explore iconic and unknown Australian fauna.

3. Wildlife Hospital

State-of-the-art upgrades to the Taronga Wildlife Hospital and wildlife clinic to continue the excellence of zoo animal care and wildlife rehabilitation.

4. African Savannah

A multi-species habitat including a lion breeding facility, expanded savannah for giraffes, zebras and Fennec Foxes, and a specialised meerkat exhibit and encounter space.

5. Welcome to the Wild

A unique multi-media experience that will engage and inspire visitors for a shared future for wildlife and people.

6. Congo Forest

A lush forest exhibit for the growing gorilla family, adjoining Pygmy Hippo pools and a tree-filled landscape for the rare Bongo antelope.

7. Elephant Trail

A scenic path traversing the zoo where Elephants will walk.

8. Serpentarium

Upgraded specialist exhibits for an amazing array of Reptiles and Amphibians including critical breeding facilities to support zoo-based conservation programs.

9. New Orang-utan exhibit

Drawing from their native Indonesian habitat, this facility has a range of climbing structures complete with an overhead canopy playground for these fascinating primates.

Aaa

Two have so far been been built (African Savannah and Tiger Trek).

Three are currently under construction (Iyora Australia, and the Reptile and Amphibian Conservation Centre and Wildlife Hospital).

Welcome to the Wild is (I assume) the Taronga Wildlife Retreat that was built a few years ago. It overlooks the Backyard to Bush Australian precinct, and was part of stage one of the Australian redevelopment.

The Orangutan exhibit was apparently scrapped, although it's quite a shame as they would get quite the view of the Sydney Harbour up on their overhead ropes and lookouts.

That just leaves the Elephant trail and Congo Forest. I don't see the Elephant Trail happening especially if Taronga decides to phase out their matriarchal herd and replace them with one or two bachelor bulls. The Congo Forest will likely be the next precinct for Taronga. Proposed to feature, Gorillas, Pygmy Hippos and Bongo. It will also (hopefully) feature Okapi, and i'd like to see a species such as Black and White Colobus added as well. This would leave the trail surrounding the current elephant enclosure, to predominantly consist of asian species.

 

[Abbey]

Two have so far been been built (African Savannah and Tiger Trek).

Three are currently under construction (Iyora Australia, and the Reptile and Amphibian Conservation Centre and Wildlife Hospital).

Welcome to the Wild is (I assume) the Taronga Wildlife Retreat that was built a few years ago. It overlooks the Backyard to Bush Australian precinct, and was part of stage one of the Australian redevelopment.

The Orangutan exhibit was apparently scrapped, although it's quite a shame as they would get quite the view of the Sydney Harbour up on their overhead ropes and lookouts.

That just leaves the Elephant trail and Congo Forest. I don't see the Elephant Trail happening especially if Taronga decides to phase out their matriarchal herd and replace them with one or two bachelor bulls. The Congo Forest will likely be the next precinct for Taronga. Proposed to feature, Gorillas, Pygmy Hippos and Bongo. It will also (hopefully) feature Okapi, and i'd like to see a species such as Black and White Colobus added as well. This would leave the trail surrounding the current elephant enclosure, to predominantly consist of asian species.

Interesting thread!

In terms of the existing bongo and pygmy hippo exhibits, deer could go back into the bongo exhibit. Indeed, I believe the reason for the leopard statue in the fig tree in that exhibit, is to demonstrate how langurs and deer work together in the wild to protect from predators. That said, there aren't that many Chital just in the region, but although Asian deer species would probably achieve the same educational message.

I'm not sure what would replace pygmy hippo in those two exhibits. They were originally built for Malayan Tapir, which won't be returning. Ideally, through breeding and/or imports, Taronga would have enough pygmy hippos to exhibit them both in Congo and the Rainforest Trail, even though this isn't an Asian species.

If linked, they would probably be large enough to house a surplus tiger (with underwater viewing to boot!), but the exhibits would require renovation to house an agile carnivore as opposed to ungulates.

 

[Zoofan15]

Interesting thread!

In terms of the existing bongo and pygmy hippo exhibits, deer could go back into the bongo exhibit. Indeed, I believe the reason for the leopard statue in the fig tree in that exhibit, is to demonstrate how langurs and deer work together in the wild to protect from predators. That said, there aren't that many Chital just in the region, but although Asian deer species would probably achieve the same educational message.

I'm not sure what would replace pygmy hippo in those two exhibits. They were originally built for Malayan Tapir, which won't be returning. Ideally, through breeding and/or imports, Taronga would have enough pygmy hippos to exhibit them both in Congo and the Rainforest Trail, even though this isn't an Asian species.

If linked, they would probably be large enough to house a surplus tiger (with underwater viewing to boot!), but the exhibits would require renovation to house an agile carnivore as opposed to ungulates.

Thank you! Given the developmental phase Taronga is in, I thought it’d be good to have a space to share our thoughts and ideas.

Long term, it’d be nice to see Eastern bongo return to Taronga. With the Bovid IRA completed, imports for the open range zoos may soon see thriving breeding herds and surplus males, which could be housed at the city zoos.

The inclusion of Pygmy hippopotamus and Eastern bongo in the Congo precinct will likely depend on whether they can source Okapi. If they’re able to, they may be content with one ungulate species and one great ape (supported by monkeys, birds etc).

If the Pygmy hippopotamus vacate their current exhibit, I’d love to see Clouded leopard return to Taronga. The Wild Cat Conservation Centre are trying to import a breeding pair and could potentially supply Taronga with a sibling pair in a few years. As with the Sumatran tiger, the exhibit would need extensive modification, but it’d at least add a new species versus tigers, which the large complex can already house several of.

 

[Jambo]

In terms of the existing bongo and pygmy hippo exhibits, deer could go back into the bongo exhibit. Indeed, I believe the reason for the leopard statue in the fig tree in that exhibit, is to demonstrate how langurs and deer work together in the wild to protect from predators. That said, there aren't that many Chital just in the region, but although Asian deer species would probably achieve the same educational message.

A smaller species of Deer would be better suited to the Bongo enclosure. In my opinion, it's rather small for a Bongo. Philippine Spotted Deer would be a great species, being remarkably critically endangered. If a species of deer is heavily needed, they could easily import some Blackbuck though.

I'm not sure what would replace pygmy hippo in those two exhibits. They were originally built for Malayan Tapir, which won't be returning. Ideally, through breeding and/or imports, Taronga would have enough pygmy hippos to exhibit them both in Congo and the Rainforest Trail, even though this isn't an Asian species.

Maybe a species such as Babirusa or Visayan Warty Pig would fit the Pygmy Hippo enclosures, if they were joined up. They would fit the enclosure nicely.

Not sure about the Tortoises, whether they'll be getting a new home in the new Reptile complex; but it may work better to revamp the enclosure for Komodo Dragon, which would suit the South East Asian theme better. It seems Taronga aren't dedicated to breeding Andean Condors in the future, so the remaining individual could be replaced with a South East Asian eagle species too, such as the Philippine Eagle.

 

[Jambo]

Thank you! Given the developmental phase Taronga is in, I thought it’d be good to have a space to share our thoughts and ideas.

Long term, it’d be nice to see Eastern bongo return to Taronga. With the Bovid IRA completed, imports for the open range zoos may soon see thriving breeding herds and surplus males, which could be housed at the city zoos.

The inclusion of Pygmy hippopotamus and Eastern bongo in the Congo precinct will likely depend on whether they can source Okapi. If they’re able to, they may be content with one ungulate species and one great ape (supported by monkeys, birds etc).

If the Pygmy hippopotamus vacate their current exhibit, I’d love to see Clouded leopard return to Taronga. The Wild Cat Conservation Centre are trying to import a breeding pair and could potentially supply Taronga with a sibling pair in a few years. As with the Sumatran tiger, the exhibit would need extensive modification, but it’d at least add a new species versus tigers, which the large complex can already house several of.

The Congo precinct will likely be built in the place of the current Gorilla enclosures and above (up to where the lemurs are). I think Ring Tailed Lemur may also be included in this 'Congo precinct'. Okapi are desired, but the fact that the US have no surplus individuals, means this is quite unlikely, especially a breeding pair. A species list of: Bongo, Pygmy Hippo, Gorillas, Ring Tailed Lemurs and birds sounds pretty good.

Clouded Leopard would be great for the Asian area. I think they'd suit the Bongo enclosure much better if more vegetation and climbing opportunities are provided, and the enclosure is covered in netting. The Pygmy Hippo enclosures could be combined for Babirusa. I'd find it more likely Taronga just throw some Carp into the Pygmy Hippo enclosures though.

 

[Abbey]

The Congo precinct will likely be built in the place of the current Gorilla enclosures and above (up to where the lemurs are). I think Ring Tailed Lemur may also be included in this 'Congo precinct'. Okapi are desired, but the fact that the US have no surplus individuals, means this is quite unlikely, especially a breeding pair. A species list of: Bongo, Pygmy Hippo, Gorillas, Ring Tailed Lemurs and birds sounds pretty good.

Clouded Leopard would be great for the Asian area. I think they'd suit the Bongo enclosure much better if more vegetation and climbing opportunities are provided, and the enclosure is covered in netting. The Pygmy Hippo enclosures could be combined for Babirusa. I'd find it more likely Taronga just throw some Carp into the Pygmy Hippo enclosures though.

One thing that I hope in the development of the Congo precinct is that the lush foliage and overhead canopy within that area around the current lemur (originally orang-utan) exhibit and between there and the current gorilla area & African Savannah is retained. I'd think so given the plans for the area is to house African rainforest species, but hopefully that will be possible with construction.

I wonder what the future of the current capybara exhibit will be. Originally built for lemurs, I figure they could link it in by putting the lemurs back in there, although I feel capybara suits it better in terms of fully utilising the aquatic aspect of the enclosure. The structure has its roots in the old seal pools, which I honestly can't remember if they're heritage-listed or not (I'm leaning towards not, not that this would be the first discussion on that particular matter on this forum).

 

[Jambo]

One thing that I hope in the development of the Congo precinct is that the lush foliage and overhead canopy within that area around the current lemur (originally orang-utan) exhibit and between there and the current gorilla area & African Savannah is retained. I'd think so given the plans for the area is to house African rainforest species, but hopefully that will be possible with construction.

Definitely hope so too. In some cases, the zoo could move large trees and already fully grown flora to plant the new 'African rainforest'. Melbourne has two great rainforest trails (Gorilla rainforest and Trail of the elephants), both of which fully immerse you in lush foliage everywhere you look. Taronga should definitely look at the way Melbourne's designed theirs for inspiration.

I wonder what the future of the current capybara exhibit will be. Originally built for lemurs, I figure they could link it in by putting the lemurs back in there, although I feel capybara suits it better in terms of fully utilising the aquatic aspect of the enclosure. The structure has its roots in the old seal pools, which I honestly can't remember if they're heritage-listed or not (I'm leaning towards not, not that this would be the first discussion on that particular matter on this forum).

I'm figuring this area will also be used for the Congo precinct. Maybe as one of the Pygmy hippo enclosures? If they really needed too, the Capybara would be an easy fit than for the former Pygmy Hippo enclosures despite not fitting the Asian theme. Apparently Taronga's lemurs didn't do so well with the walkthrough enclosure; i'm not sure exactly why.

I don't think it would be heritage listed, considering it's not been fully retained. They already sort of rebuilt the seal pools into the Lemur (now capybara) enclosure anyways.

 

[Abbey]

Definitely hope so too. In some cases, the zoo could move large trees and already fully grown flora to plant the new 'African rainforest'. Melbourne has two great rainforest trails (Gorilla rainforest and Trail of the elephants), both of which fully immerse you in lush foliage everywhere you look. Taronga should definitely look at the way Melbourne's designed theirs for inspiration.



I'm figuring this area will also be used for the Congo precinct. Maybe as one of the Pygmy hippo enclosures? If they really needed too, the Capybara would be an easy fit than for the former Pygmy Hippo enclosures despite not fitting the Asian theme. Apparently Taronga's lemurs didn't do so well with the walkthrough enclosure; i'm not sure exactly why.

I don't think it would be heritage listed, considering it's not been fully retained. They already sort of rebuilt the seal pools into the Lemur (now capybara) enclosure anyways.

Yeah that's a good point about pygmy hippo being a viable option for the capybara exhibit. The capybara could, as you said, go into the Rainforest Trail, despite not being an Asian species. As an aside, I think I've found myself to be quite pragmatic in terms of thinking about zoo collections - I'd rather Taronga look to breed more bongo rather than import okapi and end up breeding neither in great numbers - but good luck to them if the planned import ends up being successful.

(That doesn't mean I don't love a good dream of okapi or jaguars at the same time!)

 

[Zoofan15]

The Congo precinct will likely be built in the place of the current Gorilla enclosures and above (up to where the lemurs are). I think Ring Tailed Lemur may also be included in this 'Congo precinct'. Okapi are desired, but the fact that the US have no surplus individuals, means this is quite unlikely, especially a breeding pair. A species list of: Bongo, Pygmy Hippo, Gorillas, Ring Tailed Lemurs and birds sounds pretty good.

Clouded Leopard would be great for the Asian area. I think they'd suit the Bongo enclosure much better if more vegetation and climbing opportunities are provided, and the enclosure is covered in netting. The Pygmy Hippo enclosures could be combined for Babirusa. I'd find it more likely Taronga just throw some Carp into the Pygmy Hippo enclosures though.

Yeah that's a good point about pygmy hippo being a viable option for the capybara exhibit. The capybara could, as you said, go into the Rainforest Trail, despite not being an Asian species. As an aside, I think I've found myself to be quite pragmatic in terms of thinking about zoo collections - I'd rather Taronga look to breed more bongo rather than import okapi and end up breeding neither in great numbers - but good luck to them if the planned import ends up being successful.

(That doesn't mean I don't love a good dream of okapi or jaguars at the same time!)

When I contacted Taronga Zoo recently, they advised the Western lowland gorillas would be the main attraction of the Congo precinct - with exhibits housing a breeding troop and a bachelor troop (the three young males in the current troop); but advised the rest of the species list for this precinct is still being finalised and Okapi haven’t been ruled out.

Taronga will have to revise their original intention to import a breeding pair of Okapi due to a lack of females; but there should be a surplus bull given the size of the US population.

I don’t think they’d include lemurs in the Congo precinct. Thanks to that inane movie (with the eve more inane song), even the general public firmly associate them with Madagascar and would debate on their inclusion in the precinct. The combination of Western lowland gorilla, Pygmy hippo, Eastern bongo and birds sounds ideal though.

 

[Jambo]

When I contacted Taronga Zoo recently, they advised the Western lowland gorillas would be the main attraction of the Congo precinct - with exhibits housing a breeding troop and a bachelor troop (the three young males in the current troop); but advised the rest of the species list for this precinct is still being finalised and Okapi haven’t been ruled out.

Taronga will have to revise their original intention to import a breeding pair of Okapi due to a lack of females; but there should be a surplus bull given the size of the US population.

I don’t think they’d include lemurs in the Congo precinct. Thanks to that inane movie (with the eve more inane song), even the general public firmly associate them with Madagascar and would debate on their inclusion in the precinct. The combination of Western lowland gorilla, Pygmy hippo, Eastern bongo and birds sounds ideal though.

I was under the impression that the former Elephant enclosure (now holding camels), will also be part of the Congo precinct construction. A flat area of space is needed for the hoofstock species such as Bongo and possibly Okapi.

It's great to see Taronga plan to build two seperate enclosures for their gorillas. They currently do have two enclosures (although one is rather small). A third bachelor group in the region is also needed. Monarto have plans to have one too as a support for their breeding group which will be located at Adelaide.

I'm not surprised Taronga still hold hope of importing Okapi. The deal with San Diego was platypus for okapi in return. Especially due to the overwhelming popularity the platypus have given them, i'm sure San Diego would be trying to work out anything they can.

The current lemur enclosure will be demolished as a part of the new Congo precinct though. I don't see anywhere else for them elsewhere in the zoo, if they're not included in the Congo precinct. Maybe Taronga plan to just focus on displaying them at Dubbo.

 

[Zoofan15]

I was under the impression that the former Elephant enclosure (now holding camels), will also be part of the Congo precinct construction. A flat area of space is needed for the hoofstock species such as Bongo and possibly Okapi.

It's great to see Taronga plan to build two seperate enclosures for their gorillas. They currently do have two enclosures (although one is rather small). A third bachelor group in the region is also needed. Monarto have plans to have one too as a support for their breeding group which will be located at Adelaide.

I'm not surprised Taronga still hold hope of importing Okapi. The deal with San Diego was platypus for okapi in return. Especially due to the overwhelming popularity the platypus have given them, i'm sure San Diego would be trying to work out anything they can.

The current lemur enclosure will be demolished as a part of the new Congo precinct though. I don't see anywhere else for them elsewhere in the zoo, if they're not included in the Congo precinct. Maybe Taronga plan to just focus on displaying them at Dubbo.

Okapi may well remain a pipe dream given the hassle of importing them. From a practical perspective, it’d be easier to focus on Pygmy hippopotamus and Eastern bongo (especially with imports of the latter soon to be occurring); though Taronga definitely haven’t given up on exploring the possibility of importing Okapi.

Due to the population of gorillas reaching capacity in Europe, there will be an increased reliance on Australasian zoos accomodating what they breed (including makes). A bachelor troop at Taronga will support the breeding troop long term without relying on the assistance of other zoos (regionally and internationally) in receiving surplus males.

Lemurs at Dubbo sounds like the best solution. They have the space to hold large numbers and could create a walk through on a scale that exceeds anything the city zoos are capable of.

 

[Abbey]

I was under the impression that the former Elephant enclosure (now holding camels), will also be part of the Congo precinct construction. A flat area of space is needed for the hoofstock species such as Bongo and possibly Okapi.

It's great to see Taronga plan to build two seperate enclosures for their gorillas. They currently do have two enclosures (although one is rather small). A third bachelor group in the region is also needed. Monarto have plans to have one too as a support for their breeding group which will be located at Adelaide.

I'm not surprised Taronga still hold hope of importing Okapi. The deal with San Diego was platypus for okapi in return. Especially due to the overwhelming popularity the platypus have given them, i'm sure San Diego would be trying to work out anything they can.

The current lemur enclosure will be demolished as a part of the new Congo precinct though. I don't see anywhere else for them elsewhere in the zoo, if they're not included in the Congo precinct. Maybe Taronga plan to just focus on displaying them at Dubbo.

It'll be interesting to see how the Congo precinct juggles the topography of Taronga, particularly considering where the reptile and amphibian centre is going to be built and the position of the (brilliant) Blue Mountains Bushwalk aviary, meaning that the camel (former bull elephant) enclosure is a little separate from the other potential land.

I wonder whether the King Nyani statue (a large silverback gorilla statue) might signal at entry to the Congo precinct at the top of the zoo there?

 

[Jambo]

It'll be interesting to see how the Congo precinct juggles the topography of Taronga, particularly considering where the reptile and amphibian centre is going to be built and the position of the (brilliant) Blue Mountains Bushwalk aviary, meaning that the camel (former bull elephant) enclosure is a little separate from the other potential land.

I wonder whether the King Nyani statue (a large silverback gorilla statue) might signal at entry to the Congo precinct at the top of the zoo there?

That's very true. I'm thinking they may also make use of the former Alligator enclosure which has been vacated and the Emperor Tamarin enclosure. Possibly this side could be used for another monkey species (Black and White Colobus or Mandrill) and even bird aviaries, before of course, the Bongo and/or Okapi enclosures.

The King Nyani statue is in perfect position for the start of a Congo precinct. There's quite a bit of space though leading down to the current gorilla enclosures, although its rather hilly so I don't see it being overly used. I assume the area will be mainly used for Pygmy Hippos and Western Lowland Gorillas.

 

[Zoofan15]

I wonder whether the King Nyani statue (a large silverback gorilla statue) might signal at entry to the Congo precinct at the top of the zoo there?

I was interested to learn the statue is actually a third edition of a statue that’s proved popular at Brookfield Zoo, while also being installed in another American zoo.

Auckland Zoo have a replica of a Pygmy blue whale skeleton as the entrance to their New Zealand Coast exhibit and this statue would form an equally impressive facade to the Congo precinct at Taronga.

The general public will liken him to King Kong, which although is the image zoos tend to distance themselves from in promoting their gorillas, ironically was the name of the first gorilla held at Taronga - a gorilla every bit as crowd pulling as Taronga’s popular troop, which have been identified as the star species of the Congo precinct.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

It seems Taronga are going to follow there master plan I would be great to see a Congo precinct with Pygmy hippos, bongos, colubus would the langurs remain in that area or would they be moved

 

[Zoofan15]

It seems Taronga are going to follow there master plan I would be great to see a Congo precinct with Pygmy hippos, bongos, colubus would the langurs remain in that area or would they be moved

Black and white colobus would nicely compliment the ungulates and gorillas, but as an Asian species, the François' langur wouldn’t be geographically compatible with a Congo precinct.

 

[Jambo]

It seems Taronga are going to follow there master plan I would be great to see a Congo precinct with Pygmy hippos, bongos, colubus would the langurs remain in that area or would they be moved

Pygmy Hippos are certain. Bongos are a little bit iffy, depends whether Taronga still want to hold some surplus males or just keep the entire herd at Dubbo. Colobus are just speculation, mainly considering Adelaide and Monarto have recently shown initiative with breeding them.

The Languars are in the Asian trail, so no, they do not need to move. The Congo precinct will be built in the centre of the zoo

 

[Abbey]

I found this planning document available online relating to the African Savannah and Congo Forest precincts at Taronga: https://majorprojects.planningporta...nt?AttachRef=SSD-8008!20190228T003458.929 GMT

It's from 2017, so I believe that there have been some changes of plans since then; however, what is does show is how the zoo is seeking to (or has sought to) use the existing plant life and the sloping site in order to construct new exhibits. While these plans aren't gospel (for instance, as far as I can see there isn't an exhibit for pygmy hippo, and what's marked as a lemur exhibit now holds capybara), I do note that the existing gorilla exhibit isn't included within the area to be redeveloped.

My view would be this is a matter of practicality (as in, the new gorilla exhibit needs to be separate from the old one unless there's somewhere else for Taronga to house the gorilla troop in the meantime), although it does provide the opportunity for that space to be redeveloped to house bongo and pygmy hippo once the gorillas have moved into their new exhibit.