Taronga Zoo Future of Taronga Zoo (Speculation / Fantasy)

[Swanson02]

Indian Rhinos are a nice alternative, and I think they could hold the species; although they'd be non breeding.

Guars would also be a nice fit; as Water Buffalos have been considered as replacements for elephants (by us of course). Although i'm not sure whether we have any in the region atm.

Re. Brazilian Tapirs; Tiquie was her name. She's still kicking up at DDZ. Toby was from Adelaide I believe. I'm not sure what happened to him, but I assume he died in the early 2000's, or was transferred out to Dubbo.

I could see Hari being sent to Taronga for a period like what they did with black rhinos a few years ago. The bull elephant exhibit would require minimal work and the greater visitor numbers at Taronga would incentivize the move from a financial perspective. This would also create room at TWPZ which is always handy as they are attempting to breed all three rhino species. Ultimately I could see Hari being sent to Taronga for a couple of years (to essentially earn Taronga some do$h) before being sent to Perth (or Melbourne) to be paired with a European cow.

Additionally, if the Perth elephants are sent to Werribee will they be sent before, after, or at the same time as the Melbourne herd? I'd imagine a couple of older more mature elephants would be easier to manage than a large young herd and would allow Werribee to work out and fix any errors in their system before the main group arrives. Would the Perth couple arriving earlier also be better for Permai's introduction to the main herd as both will be unfamiliar with their surroundings? Not leaving the larger Melbourne group with both a numbers and home ground advantage?

The reason is if Melbourne is vacated first that puts them in a better position to begin renovations and thus receive Hari earlier than Perth could (this is Melbourne they are interested at all in Indian Rhinos). Also, this is all assuming Hari will first, remain in Australia and, not just remain at TWPZ and be paired up with an international female there.

 

[Zoofan15]

@Zoofan15 Man that is such a good idea; Bonnet Macs' in a troop and a big area for them considering the dimensions of the exhibit would be an amazing choice of resident species for that 'Temple' exhibit. Especially too as you've picked up on the temple connection with India and how monkeys like Macaques and Langurs there have that sacred place in religious observance and ancient cultural stories like Hanuman the Hindu god namesake for Hanuman Langurs (personally I really like the choice of Bonnet Macaques for the exhibit, especially as they are VUL or END if memory serves right). Think you're really onto something really interesting big time there and would be so awesome if it actually happened (like how you thought 'outside the box' there too with a charismatic monkey species from the Indian subcontinent not just ungulate alternatives for the exhibit).

Grey langur:

When researching monkey species of India, I initially discounted langur species (the region can barely handle one as it is), but given how widespread the Grey (Hanuman) langur is across zoos in Europe and North America, they’d be easy to source and could make for an exciting and lively exhibit. Many zoos seem to host the Tarai grey subspecies of langur, which is Not Threatened; while Bonnet macaque is listed as Vulnerable.

Taronga could import founders for a breeding troop (a male and a few females); with an additional troop of unrelated males imported to be subbed in to the breeding troop to breed with the daughters of the founder male down the line. If not accommodated on site, this second troop could be housed at another zoo willing to collaborate on an import (perhaps Rockhampton).

Species held in Australian laboratories:

Interestingly, between 2000-2015, 331 Southern pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina) and 260 Crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis) were imported by research laboratories. Both species are listed as Endangered. While natives to South East Asia (less culturally appropriate than the Indian species), they represent another option.

 

[Zoofan15]

I could see Hari being sent to Taronga for a period like what they did with black rhinos a few years ago. The bull elephant exhibit would require minimal work and the greater visitor numbers at Taronga would incentivize the move from a financial perspective. This would also create room at TWPZ which is always handy as they are attempting to breed all three rhino species. Ultimately I could see Hari being sent to Taronga for a couple of years (to essentially earn Taronga some do$h) before being sent to Perth (or Melbourne) to be paired with a European cow.

Additionally, if the Perth elephants are sent to Werribee will they be sent before, after, or at the same time as the Melbourne herd? I'd imagine a couple of older more mature elephants would be easier to manage than a large young herd and would allow Werribee to work out and fix any errors in their system before the main group arrives. Would the Perth couple arriving earlier also be better for Permai's introduction to the main herd as both will be unfamiliar with their surroundings? Not leaving the larger Melbourne group with both a numbers and home ground advantage?

The reason is if Melbourne is vacated first that puts them in a better position to begin renovations and thus receive Hari earlier than Perth could (this is Melbourne they are interested at all in Indian Rhinos). Also, this is all assuming Hari will first, remain in Australia and, not just remain at TWPZ and be paired up with an international female there.

Indian rhinoceros breeding programme:

Personally, I hope Hari will be retained at Dubbo. Aside from his value as a stimulant bull to his father, it’d be more sustainable to see the second breeding pair in the region formed from an additional two unrelated founders - rather than just continuing the existing line we have in the region i.e. if a zoo goes to the effort of importing an unrelated cow, they might as while import a bull; otherwise an additional import will be needed when it comes to breeding the next generation versus pairing two first generation rhinos.

Elephant transfers:

It would be preferable to transfer across the Melbourne herd first to allow then to settle in. They’d actually want to give them the home advantage to support Melbourne’s matriarch in maintaining her role; with Burma and Permai coming in as subordinates. Melbourne’s cows are easy going and while they’d be assertive, I wouldn’t expect them to bully the incoming cows. Burma has had seven years acting as matriarch to Anjalee, so it’d be important for herd cohesion not to give her ideas she’ll be the matriarch of the Werribee herd by having her establish on site first.

The other point to consider here is the risk of EEHV to the Melbourne calves (due December 2022). EEHV events can be caused by stress, which is likely if two new cows are joining the herd. While it’s important the Melbourne herd establish at Werribee first, I wouldn’t delay the arrival of Burma and Permai too long as having their introductions occur before the calves are weaned would be preferable. Weaning would occur around the age of two years, so with the matriarchal herd scheduled for transfer around June 2024, they’ll have to be prompt.

 

[Jambo]

I could see Hari being sent to Taronga for a period like what they did with black rhinos a few years ago. The bull elephant exhibit would require minimal work and the greater visitor numbers at Taronga would incentivize the move from a financial perspective. This would also create room at TWPZ which is always handy as they are attempting to breed all three rhino species. Ultimately I could see Hari being sent to Taronga for a couple of years (to essentially earn Taronga some do$h) before being sent to Perth (or Melbourne) to be paired with a European cow.

Additionally, if the Perth elephants are sent to Werribee will they be sent before, after, or at the same time as the Melbourne herd? I'd imagine a couple of older more mature elephants would be easier to manage than a large young herd and would allow Werribee to work out and fix any errors in their system before the main group arrives. Would the Perth couple arriving earlier also be better for Permai's introduction to the main herd as both will be unfamiliar with their surroundings? Not leaving the larger Melbourne group with both a numbers and home ground advantage?

The reason is if Melbourne is vacated first that puts them in a better position to begin renovations and thus receive Hari earlier than Perth could (this is Melbourne they are interested at all in Indian Rhinos). Also, this is all assuming Hari will first, remain in Australia and, not just remain at TWPZ and be paired up with an international female there.

Taking into account the fact that Dubbo dosen't have the facilities for a third adult; they'll probably want to be moving Hari on within the next few years. Taronga seems the best choice (as they have an enclosure that would temporarily suit him).

It'll probably be best for the Perth elephants to arrive after Melbourne's herd if they're going to Werribee. Settling into an already cohesive herd structure is probably better than having Melbourne's herd coming to be theoretically be introduced to Burma and Permai.

If Melbourne were to receive Hari; I don't think they'd need any renovations actually. The complex is pretty much already completely suited to Indian Rhinos. Dubbo don't have the space for two Indian Rhino breeding pairs as well; their facilities would have to be expanded for that.

 

[Jambo]

It would be preferable to transfer across the Melbourne herd first to allow then to settle in. They’d actually want to give them the home advantage to support Melbourne’s matriarch in maintaining her role; with Burma and Permai coming in as subordinates. Melbourne’s cows are easy going and while they’d be assertive, I wouldn’t expect them to bully the incoming cows. Burma has had seven years acting as matriarch to Anjalee, so it’d be important for herd cohesion not to give her ideas she’ll be the matriarch of the Werribee herd by having her establish on site first.

The other point to consider here is the risk of EEHV to the Melbourne calves (due December 2022). EEHV events can be caused by stress, which is likely if two new cows are joining the herd. While it’s important the Melbourne herd establish at Werribee first, I wouldn’t delay the arrival of Burma and Permai too long as having their introductions occur before the calves are weaned would be preferable. Weaning would occur around the age of two years, so with the matriarchal herd scheduled for transfer around June 2024, they’ll have to be prompt.

None of Melbourne's cows are really out there and dominant; compared to Taronga's cows such as Porntip and Pak Boon who are known to be very forceful and controlling. With Mek Kapah as matriarch, and her being the accepting cow she is, i'm sure Burma and Permai will be able to slot into the herd without issue.

I believe EEHV also will play a part in the move too. They'll want to move the calves prior to them being weaned, as a move to an entirely new location (in addition, a bigger one); which will be an incredibly stressful time for Melbourne's cows. Melbourne's cows (apart from Mek Kapah and Mali) have had experience being moved around before and meeting other elephants; so should be hopefully fine with the move and introductions.

 

[Zoofan15]

None of Melbourne's cows are really out there and dominant; compared to Taronga's cows such as Porntip and Pak Boon who are known to be very forceful and controlling. With Mek Kapah as matriarch, and her being the accepting cow she is, i'm sure Burma and Permai will be able to slot into the herd without issue.

I believe EEHV also will play a part in the move too. They'll want to move the calves prior to them being weaned, as a move to an entirely new location (in addition, a bigger one); which will be an incredibly stressful time for Melbourne's cows. Melbourne's cows (apart from Mek Kapah and Mali) have had experience being moved around before and meeting other elephants; so should be hopefully fine with the move and introductions.

I can’t see Pak Boon and Tang Mo transferring to Werribee for this reason. As I’ve theorised in the elephant discussion thread, I suspect that Pak Boon may have been removed from the breeding program anyway, which would be the main reason for transferring her to Werribee (a third founder cow).

Personally I believe the stress of the move will be greatly minimised by the absence of unfamiliar elephants when Melbourne’s matriarchal herd arrive on site; with Burma and Permai’s arrival timed for a couple of months later.

Approximate dates (dependent on construction) could look like:

March 2024: 2.0 from Melbourne arrive
June 2024: 0.5.3 from Melbourne arrive
August 2024: 0.1 from Perth and 0.1 from Auckland arrive

 

[Jambo]

I can’t see Pak Boon and Tang Mo transferring to Werribee for this reason. As I’ve theorised in the elephant discussion thread, I suspect that Pak Boon may have been removed from the breeding program anyway, which would be the main reason for transferring her to Werribee (a third founder cow).

Personally I believe the stress of the move will be greatly minimised by the absence of unfamiliar elephants when Melbourne’s matriarchal herd arrive on site; with Burma and Permai’s arrival timed for a couple of months later.

Approximate dates (dependent on construction) could look like:

March 2024: 2.0 from Melbourne arrive
June 2024: 0.5.3 from Melbourne arrive
August 2024: 0.1 from Perth and 0.1 from Auckland arrive

Pak Boon and Tang Mo won't be unfamiliar to the Thai cows though?

 

[Zoofan15]

Pak Boon and Tang Mo won't be unfamiliar to the Thai cows though?

I doubt their brief time in quarantine together (three months) would have been enough to have built up any sort of relationship. There’s accounts of elephants at Auckland Zoo taking up to two years to warm to each other (and that’s when they’ve had nobody else for companionship).

Assuming they recognised each other, their complex social system would require substantial re-negotiations around hierarchy. Remember Kulab and Num Oi were only five and six years old when they last met and are now mature adults (one of which will have a calf by then).

In addition, there’s Mek Kapah and Mali, who would be completely unfamiliar with Pak Boon and Tang Mo.

Throw in Pak Boon’s personality and almost decade long stint as a matriarch by the point of transfer and it’s a recipe for disaster in my opinion.

 

[Abbey]

I could see Hari being sent to Taronga for a period like what they did with black rhinos a few years ago. The bull elephant exhibit would require minimal work and the greater visitor numbers at Taronga would incentivize the move from a financial perspective. This would also create room at TWPZ which is always handy as they are attempting to breed all three rhino species. Ultimately I could see Hari being sent to Taronga for a couple of years (to essentially earn Taronga some do$h) before being sent to Perth (or Melbourne) to be paired with a European cow.

Additionally, if the Perth elephants are sent to Werribee will they be sent before, after, or at the same time as the Melbourne herd? I'd imagine a couple of older more mature elephants would be easier to manage than a large young herd and would allow Werribee to work out and fix any errors in their system before the main group arrives. Would the Perth couple arriving earlier also be better for Permai's introduction to the main herd as both will be unfamiliar with their surroundings? Not leaving the larger Melbourne group with both a numbers and home ground advantage?

The reason is if Melbourne is vacated first that puts them in a better position to begin renovations and thus receive Hari earlier than Perth could (this is Melbourne they are interested at all in Indian Rhinos). Also, this is all assuming Hari will first, remain in Australia and, not just remain at TWPZ and be paired up with an international female there.

If Hari does leave Dubbo, transferring him to Taronga (at least in the short-term) I agree would be a good move. For a single animal, the temple exhibit would be large enough (it's larger than the exhibit where Dora was housed in transit to Dubbo - which has now been consumed into the African Savannah development).

That was 20 years ago, so standards may have changed, but the exhibit is bigger regardless. Currently, at least some of the bull elephant barn is being used for a site office, as construction has commenced on the RAAC. I will post more details in the Taronga news thread.

 

[Zoofan15]

If Hari does leave Dubbo, transferring him to Taronga (at least in the short-term) I agree would be a good move. For a single animal, the temple exhibit would be large enough (it's larger than the exhibit where Dora was housed in transit to Dubbo - which has now been consumed into the African Savannah development).

That was 20 years ago, so standards may have changed, but the exhibit is bigger regardless. Currently, at least some of the bull elephant barn is being used for a site office, as construction has commenced on the RAAC. I will post more details in the Taronga news thread.

10 years ago, the main argument for retaining all three Indian rhinoceros at their Dubbo site would be that Sydney locals would have a motivation to visit both facilities. Dubbo doesn’t otherwise have a lot of high profile species that can’t be seen at Taronga.

Since then, Sydney Zoo has emerged as direct competitor to Taronga Zoo, so I can see why they’d be interesting in holding Indian rhinoceros - especially if they phase out their elephants as has been widely speculated.

An alternative could be to house Hari in the main elephant exhibit (which is close to twice the size). It allows room for a cow to be imported down the track; and in the meantime, an impressive mixed species exhibit established with Indian antelope etc. There wouldn’t be room to achieve this in the bull/temple exhibit.

 

[Jambo]

I doubt their brief time in quarantine together (three months) would have been enough to have built up any sort of relationship. There’s accounts of elephants at Auckland Zoo taking up to two years to warm to each other (and that’s when they’ve had nobody else for companionship).

Assuming they recognised each other, their complex social system would require substantial re-negotiations around hierarchy. Remember Kulab and Num Oi were only five and six years old when they last met and are now mature adults (one of which will have a calf by then).

In addition, there’s Mek Kapah and Mali, who would be completely unfamiliar with Pak Boon and Tang Mo.

Throw in Pak Boon’s personality and almost decade long stint as a matriarch by the point of transfer and it’s a recipe for disaster in my opinion.

Quite true, I agree.

Werribee need a matriarch of Pak Boon’s personality though. Mek Kapah is a big sweetheart and can be apprehensive around new things. The rest of the herd is quite the same; Dokkoon likes to just stand there and look pretty, and Kulab and Num Oi are normally just worried about the food rather than the other elephants. So it’ll be different to have two elephants like Tang Mo and Pak Boon integrated into the herd; both of whom are dominant individuals. I have no doubt if Pak Boon was introduced, she would become dominant female. It may disrupt herd structure yes, but a true matriarch may be needed at Werribee in a sense. I don’t think there’d be any fighting though; Melbourne’s cows are all big softies and very conflict avoidant. I was actually told by a keeper that if Man Jai wasn’t removed from the matriarchal herd back in 2019, they believe he could’ve remained with them for many many more years. Of course, he had begun to become very annoying but all were rather apprehensive about ‘pushing him out’.

 

[Zoofan15]

Quite true, I agree.

Werribee need a matriarch of Pak Boon’s personality though. Mek Kapah is a big sweetheart and can be apprehensive around new things. The rest of the herd is quite the same; Dokkoon likes to just stand there and look pretty, and Kulab and Num Oi are normally just worried about the food rather than the other elephants. So it’ll be different to have two elephants like Tang Mo and Pak Boon integrated into the herd; both of whom are dominant individuals. I have no doubt if Pak Boon was introduced, she would become dominant female. It may disrupt herd structure yes, but a true matriarch may be needed at Werribee in a sense. I don’t think there’d be any fighting though; Melbourne’s cows are all big softies and very conflict avoidant. I was actually told by a keeper that if Man Jai wasn’t removed from the matriarchal herd back in 2019, they believe he could’ve remained with them for many many more years. Of course, he had begun to become very annoying but all were rather apprehensive about ‘pushing him out’.

I don’t see the Melbourne herd’s lack of a strong leader as a major issue. A wild herd require a decision maker, who takes charge and helps the herd navigate potentially critical situations; whereas in captivity, their lives are relatively stress free.

That said, the personalities of the cows could be a consequence of a life built upon routine within a safe and stimulating environment led by the keepers. The ethos of the Werribee exhibit is to allow them to function as a wild herd - with the enrichment coming from the environment, not the keepers; so we may see a more confident matriarch emerge within the herd as it becomes necessary to dictate where in the expansive exhibit they go etc.

 

[Jambo]

I don’t see the Melbourne herd’s lack of a strong leader as a major issue. A wild herd require a decision maker, who takes charge and helps the herd navigate potentially critical situations; whereas in captivity, their lives are relatively stress free.

That said, the personalities of the cows could be a consequence of a life built upon routine within a safe and stimulating environment led by the keepers. The ethos of the Werribee exhibit is to allow them to function as a wild herd - with the enrichment coming from the environment, not the keepers; so we may see a more confident matriarch emerge within the herd as it becomes necessary to dictate where in the expansive exhibit they go etc.

Yeah, but this new proposed complex will be very different to what they've seen in the past. They'll pretty much be able to function as a wild herd, within a small game park if you wish; and so it'd be ideal for a true leader to emerge.

Kulab's my best bet from Melbourne's group. She seems to be the most confident of all four, and is usually followed by Num Oi. Mali's started to hang with them too recently, but she has her mother's rather dismissive, shy personality.

 

[Zoofan15]

Yeah, but this new proposed complex will be very different to what they've seen in the past. They'll pretty much be able to function as a wild herd, within a small game park if you wish; and so it'd be ideal for a true leader to emerge.

Kulab's my best bet from Melbourne's group. She seems to be the most confident of all four, and is usually followed by Num Oi. Mali's started to hang with them too recently, but she has her mother's rather dismissive, shy personality.

It’ll be interesting to see the effect the calves have on the dynamics of the herd. For example, Mali may spend more time with her mother given she’ll be relying on her support; whereas the it’ll undoubtedly bring Kulab and Num Oi even closer together as Kulab assists Num Oi with her newborn calf - a reverse of their roles from when Kulab gave birth to Ongard.

Whether or not Pak Boon and Tang Mo will be transferred over from Taronga will ultimately be influenced by two factors: whether Pak Boon is still a viable breeder; and if not, then the gender ratio of Melbourne’s calves. Three male calves mean she could still bring value in establishing a strong foundation of females in the matriarchal herd; two or three female calves would make that less of a priority.

 

[Jambo]

It’ll be interesting to see the effect the calves have on the dynamics of the herd. For example, Mali may spend more time with her mother given she’ll be relying on her support; whereas the it’ll undoubtedly bring Kulab and Num Oi even closer together as Kulab assists Num Oi with her newborn calf - a reverse of their roles from when Kulab gave birth to Ongard.

Whether or not Pak Boon and Tang Mo will be transferred over from Taronga will ultimately be influenced by two factors: whether Pak Boon is still a viable breeder; and if not, then the gender ratio of Melbourne’s calves. Three male calves mean she could still bring value in establishing a strong foundation of females in the matriarchal herd; two or three female calves would make that less of a priority.

Over the past year, i've seen a big difference with Mali; who's now spending more time away from Dokkoon. Just three years ago, her, Man Jai and Dokkoon were an extremely close family unit. Mek Kapah is often off on her own, occasionally in the company of Dokkoon. Kulab and Num Oi are always together; and Mali is drifting between hanging with these girls, or being by herself. Of course, once Mali gives birth, she'll need all the help she can from Dokkoon; but with Dokkoon having a young calf of her own, this is where Kulab and Mek Kapah will come in to assist the other females. Kulab's very good with calves too, i'm told, and she reminds me of Thong Dee parenting wise; a big stand offish, but still very caring and will have a fit if the calf wanders off.

I think we'll find out if Pak Boon is still a breeder within the next year or two. If by 2024 (once Werribee's new complex opens), Pak Boon hasn't given birth or isn't pregnant, we can likely assume she has been removed from the breeding program. Due to her age and representation, it's extremely ideal to breed her asap.

 

[Zoofan15]

Orangutans at Taronga Zoo

Since appearing on initial drafts of the masterplan, it appears orangutans have been scrapped. Given the appeal of great apes, I see no reason Taronga shouldn't aspire once again to holding a third species. They tick so many boxes - critically endangered, charismatic (in a mysterious way) and of course being the face of the palm oil campaign.

An elephant phase out would offer the ideal opportunity to build an exhibit in this space. The floor space of the main elelephant exhibit is 4500 m², so there's a huge space to work with. It opens up opportunities for rotational exhibits (Siamang) or even to manage multiple orangutans; as well as space to install aerial pathways.

Best of all, it assists the establishment of geographical zones, being bordered by multiple South East Asian species. Outliers such as Eastern bongo and Pygmy hippo may well be integrated into the Congo precinct.

 

[Jambo]

Orangutans at Taronga Zoo

Since appearing on initial drafts of the masterplan, it appears orangutans have been scrapped. Given the appeal of great apes, I see no reason Taronga shouldn't aspire once again to holding a third species. They tick so many boxes - critically endangered, charismatic (in a mysterious way) and of course being the face of the palm oil campaign.

An elephant phase out would offer the ideal opportunity to build an exhibit in this space. The floor space of the main elelephant exhibit is 4500 m², so there's a huge space to work with. It opens up opportunities for rotational exhibits (Siamang) or even to manage multiple orangutans; as well as space to install aerial pathways.

Best of all, it assists the establishment of geographical zones, being bordered by multiple South East Asian species. Outliers such as Eastern bongo and Pygmy hippo may well be integrated into the Congo precinct.

I think the initial plan (back in the 80's) was for Melbourne to focus on Gorillas; Taronga on Chimps and Perth on Orangutans. Of course, Taronga have since gone back and obtained gorillas; but Melbourne is the region's designated breeding hub.

The plan was for Jantan and Willow to remain off display before receiving a new enclosure; this all supposedly changed when they were sent to Mogo a few years ago.

It would be nice if Taronga could join the Bornean program to support Auckland though. We already have a trio of facilities focused on Sumatrans; so Borneans have a higher desire in the region right now.

I like the idea of replacing elephants with orangutans, but the only thing is the skyfari runs directly over the top of the elephant exhibit. There'd be no space for any aerial ropes of the sort, or even towering towers and trees for them to climb. The bull enclosure would be suitable; and I guess the temple semi fits the theme, but unfortunately it wouldn't link nicely with the Asian Zone.

 

[StoppableSan]

The big issue with phasing out elephants is that they are just too big of a drawcard (no pun intended) and all the other options are either not possible or are flat out underwhelming. As cool as orangutans are, there is the issue of the Skyfari as laid out earlier. Malayan tapirs are a phase-out species, Indian rhinos aren't in Taronga's vision for the forseeable future, nilgai and bonnet macaques are fine species on their own but are just way too underwhelming a replacement... I know Taronga's probably mentioned they weren't going to make the switch to being a bachelor facility for elephants, but I genuinely think that's the best option they can go with. I'd totally be fine with any of the other replacement options if the Australian government was OK with streamlining the import process as well as reversing the Malayan tapir trend.

 

[Zoofan15]

I think the initial plan (back in the 80's) was for Melbourne to focus on Gorillas; Taronga on Chimps and Perth on Orangutans. Of course, Taronga have since gone back and obtained gorillas; but Melbourne is the region's designated breeding hub.

The plan was for Jantan and Willow to remain off display before receiving a new enclosure; this all supposedly changed when they were sent to Mogo a few years ago.

It would be nice if Taronga could join the Bornean program to support Auckland though. We already have a trio of facilities focused on Sumatrans; so Borneans have a higher desire in the region right now.

I like the idea of replacing elephants with orangutans, but the only thing is the skyfari runs directly over the top of the elephant exhibit. There'd be no space for any aerial ropes of the sort, or even towering towers and trees for them to climb. The bull enclosure would be suitable; and I guess the temple semi fits the theme, but unfortunately it wouldn't link nicely with the Asian Zone.

The plan was for Melbourne to be the gorilla hub, which Taronga agreed to so as to focus their resources on chimps and orangutans. The chimpanzee exhibit opened that year and they continued to breed orangutans.

Melbourne then held chimpanzees for a further 13 years. Their choice to phase out was based on needing space to expand their gorilla exhibits rather than an agreement to maintain points of difference.

It'd be great to see Taronga acquire Bornean orangutans. They represented Taonga's attempts to rebuild their colony after the hybrid moratorium rendered their colony defunct. They made a good start with the import 1.2 young orangutans, but gave up just as quickly.

 

[Zoofan15]

The big issue with phasing out elephants is that they are just too big of a drawcard (no pun intended) and all the other options are either not possible or are flat out underwhelming. As cool as orangutans are, there is the issue of the Skyfari as laid out earlier. Malayan tapirs are a phase-out species, Indian rhinos aren't in Taronga's vision for the forseeable future, nilgai and bonnet macaques are fine species on their own but are just way too underwhelming a replacement... I know Taronga's probably mentioned they weren't going to make the switch to being a bachelor facility for elephants, but I genuinely think that's the best option they can go with. I'd totally be fine with any of the other replacement options if the Australian government was OK with streamlining the import process as well as reversing the Malayan tapir trend.

Sadly due to their unsuitability to the Australian climate, we'll never again see Malayan tapir in our zoos. Theoretically indoor housing could resolve the sunlight issue, but isn't something that any zoo would consider.

If Taronga did continue with elephants, a bachelor facility would be an asset to Dubbo, who already have one surplus bull and will surely be bredding several more.