They're Seattle based, and going back I think they designed Melbourne's Gorilla Rainforest too. So a really well known architect company that's obviously done a lot of projects worldwide.
Taronga Zoo Future of Taronga Zoo (Speculation / Fantasy)
- Thread starter Zoofan15
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They're Seattle based, and going back I think they designed Melbourne's Gorilla Rainforest too. So a really well known architect company that's obviously done a lot of projects worldwide.
No, Melbourne’s Gorilla Rainforest was designed by Green and Dale Associates (a Melbourne based company). They also designed Trail of the Elephants at Melbourne Zoo and the Sumatran Tiger complex at Taronga Zoo among other projects.
I think I might've confused re. that.
Studio Hansen also designed the amazing Owens Sea Lions shores at Ohama's Henry Doorly Zoo. It'll be wonderful to see them cooperate with an Australasian zoo again; they've done phenomenal jobs so far with multiple precincts, and I have no doubt the same could be done again.
I rate them very highly. World class architects come at world class prices, but it’s well worth it when you consider the end result.
It’s interesting noting the difference between exhibits that age well versus those that don’t - with the ones that do (e.g. Auckland Zoo’s sea lion exhibit) indicative of an architect with the foresight to design a timeless masterpiece that remain aesthetically pleasing and fit for purpose well beyond the average lifespan of an exhibit.
I found this document through the same site where @Jambo found a document about Werribee's elephant exhibit: Ssd15 7419 Australia Habitat and Taronga Wildlife Retreat - Response to Submissions
Relating to the development of the Taronga Wildlife Retreat and the Australia precinct, it's not super revelatory; however, provides some interesting insights into how decisions are made at Taronga Zoo in regard to exhibit planning.
Relating to the development of the Taronga Wildlife Retreat and the Australia precinct, it's not super revelatory; however, provides some interesting insights into how decisions are made at Taronga Zoo in regard to exhibit planning.
@Zoofan15
Yeah that's a wicked idea (wicked as in really good but am sure you know that lol, borrowed from loving how they used the term in the HP films). Really think it would be great if like you thought up they managed to home a pair of Siamangs also occupying the possible four interchangeable exhibits. Am remembering that you mentioned a little while ago about how the environmental enrichment of interchangeable exhibits has for so many different animals and most certainly for apes like Orangs' and Siamangs.
Another solid point by @Abbey about how that area is precisely the cable rite of the gondolas. Promoted a really interesting timeline memory of how pre 2003 Elephant exhibit construction commencement about remembering seeing the farmyard animals below when taking the 'sky safari' entry for a zoo visit. The gondola route went really close to the '94-'18 Orangutan exhibit too and sometimes could see an individual on top of their climbing structures but moreso was reading under a cardboard box if memory is not being entirely being mixed up with that being a memory of some of the Orangs' at PZ (Hsing Hsing at PZ spent a fair bit of time during daytime's like that apparently may have had to do with his diabetes infliction but once again sorry I digress).
Not sure if am having a 'Mandela affect/effect' style 'memory but seem to remember hearing maybe from our fellow zc members about one of the Crab-eating Macaques making it onto one of the gondola towers via that exhibits climbing frame and a hearty leap of agility during the Mac's mid to late '90s time having use of that exhibit. Though am definitely not as certain of that memory as am of others.
Sorry probably sounds like digression again, my point mainly with that being that optimally the best thing for Taronga would be rerouted the gondola towers (there's no shortage of amazing scenery on the ground for gondola riders to look down at, and from a 'safe' distance side-on views of 'Orangs and Siamangs. I deplore being cynical, this is just trying to 'scout' for possible 'hiccups' going forward with excellent concepts (the most obvious being zoo management don't take inspiration from here like I so wish they would, don't get much more invested than zoochat brainstorm threads), but firstly I wonder if the fact that Sydney Zoo has Sumatran Orangutans has dismayed Taronga to having any Orangutans find a future home at Taronga? (or perhaps I think Taronga compares itself to Sydney Zoo in last almost three years much more than it really does, which could be zilch) Secondly I worry that the more nay-saying management members might use the likely need to reroute the gondola route as being an issue that would be considered too financially dear to go forward with your really cool Orang'/Siamang multi-exhibit complex? (I have to go wash my mind out with like bi-carb soda now or something lol, would say wash my mouth out but this is typing corresponding obviously, cos I hate pointing out possible 'roadblocks' especially when I think it's the best idea possible).
PS sorry another post longer than 'War and Peace'.
Yeah that's a wicked idea (wicked as in really good but am sure you know that lol, borrowed from loving how they used the term in the HP films). Really think it would be great if like you thought up they managed to home a pair of Siamangs also occupying the possible four interchangeable exhibits. Am remembering that you mentioned a little while ago about how the environmental enrichment of interchangeable exhibits has for so many different animals and most certainly for apes like Orangs' and Siamangs.
Another solid point by @Abbey about how that area is precisely the cable rite of the gondolas. Promoted a really interesting timeline memory of how pre 2003 Elephant exhibit construction commencement about remembering seeing the farmyard animals below when taking the 'sky safari' entry for a zoo visit. The gondola route went really close to the '94-'18 Orangutan exhibit too and sometimes could see an individual on top of their climbing structures but moreso was reading under a cardboard box if memory is not being entirely being mixed up with that being a memory of some of the Orangs' at PZ (Hsing Hsing at PZ spent a fair bit of time during daytime's like that apparently may have had to do with his diabetes infliction but once again sorry I digress).
Not sure if am having a 'Mandela affect/effect' style 'memory but seem to remember hearing maybe from our fellow zc members about one of the Crab-eating Macaques making it onto one of the gondola towers via that exhibits climbing frame and a hearty leap of agility during the Mac's mid to late '90s time having use of that exhibit. Though am definitely not as certain of that memory as am of others.
Sorry probably sounds like digression again, my point mainly with that being that optimally the best thing for Taronga would be rerouted the gondola towers (there's no shortage of amazing scenery on the ground for gondola riders to look down at, and from a 'safe' distance side-on views of 'Orangs and Siamangs. I deplore being cynical, this is just trying to 'scout' for possible 'hiccups' going forward with excellent concepts (the most obvious being zoo management don't take inspiration from here like I so wish they would, don't get much more invested than zoochat brainstorm threads), but firstly I wonder if the fact that Sydney Zoo has Sumatran Orangutans has dismayed Taronga to having any Orangutans find a future home at Taronga? (or perhaps I think Taronga compares itself to Sydney Zoo in last almost three years much more than it really does, which could be zilch) Secondly I worry that the more nay-saying management members might use the likely need to reroute the gondola route as being an issue that would be considered too financially dear to go forward with your really cool Orang'/Siamang multi-exhibit complex? (I have to go wash my mind out with like bi-carb soda now or something lol, would say wash my mouth out but this is typing corresponding obviously, cos I hate pointing out possible 'roadblocks' especially when I think it's the best idea possible).
PS sorry another post longer than 'War and Peace'.
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It’s possible that it may not be financially viable to reroute the Sky Safari in favour of installing aerial ropes for the orangutans. Though this needn’t be the be all and end all. Auckland were the first to adopt this concept; Perth will be the second. Rather than copying what will be far from a groundbreaking original concept by the time they get to constructing anything, Taronga could instead focus on the rotational aspect.
Aside from the novelty of different exhibits to explore on rotation, it accommodates a fission-fusion management style of the orangutan colony. As in the wild, it allows them to spend time together and time apart with respect to their personal preferences.
On a side note, I’d never picked up on the use of the word “wicked” in the HP series, but on the subject of the best quote, Umbridge would have to rank highly with “Progress for the sake of progress must be discouraged.” If only Melbourne Zoo had adhered to such wise advice before demolishing their historic lion park to build the Carnivores precinct.
@Zoofan15
100% with the fission-fusion function for the Orangs'. Really like that you see how a pair of Siamangs could actually be able to live in some of the potential exhibits too.
Omg finally after 19 years of first reading that statement by Umbridge in HP&OOTP do I hear an example where it actually is fitting (given her beliefs on the whole are disturbing as we all could see..well maybe not radical neo-fascists lol). Oh the 'wicked' utterance was said a couple of the film's as their alternative to saying awesome, but I think it was just in some of the film's, can't remember it being used in the books. Remember being so impressed when Ron calls Harry 'mate' in at least one instance (at that age I naively assumed that although mate is an English word, I assumed back then it was only used in that context for meaning friend in Aus' per the quintessential stereotype).
100% with the fission-fusion function for the Orangs'. Really like that you see how a pair of Siamangs could actually be able to live in some of the potential exhibits too.
Omg finally after 19 years of first reading that statement by Umbridge in HP&OOTP do I hear an example where it actually is fitting (given her beliefs on the whole are disturbing as we all could see..well maybe not radical neo-fascists lol). Oh the 'wicked' utterance was said a couple of the film's as their alternative to saying awesome, but I think it was just in some of the film's, can't remember it being used in the books. Remember being so impressed when Ron calls Harry 'mate' in at least one instance (at that age I naively assumed that although mate is an English word, I assumed back then it was only used in that context for meaning friend in Aus' per the quintessential stereotype).
I think it’d be ideal for breeding as not only would it allow them to house multiple adults, but it’d allow for the social development of the zoo bred orangutans to mirror the wild situation. A juvenile would live with its mother primarily, but have interactions with its father, peers etc.
At some zoos, female orangutans have maintained a relationship with either their mother or a fellow peer into adulthood which could in turn allow the zoo to build a colony with two adult females breeding, so their respective offspring can interact with each other.
Auckland Zoo founded their colony with four young orangutans in 1983-1984 and the two females maintained a close bond into adulthood. When they both gave birth to their first infants in 1989, it must have been hugely enriching for the infants to have a peer for social interaction.
I seriously doubt they'd reroute the 35 year old Sky Safari. Also the terrain would have to be considered too; it would be difficult to construct an Orangutan exhibit on the hilly terrain; especially with them being the escape artists they are.
It's easy enough to level terrain if that's their intention. They haven't said what their upgrades to the Sky Safari will entail, but adjusting the height would give additional options .
The terrain behind the elephant enclosure is incredibly cliffy; you have to take a lift/stairs for example all the way down to the Red Pandas and Seals which are just behind the elephants. The hilly terrain would make it quite hard to adjust the height too; it travels straight down the cliffside.
None of this would prevent them from building an orangutan exhibit on the existing footprint of the elephant exhibit, which is for the most part flat. As long as climbing structures didn't clash with the Sky Safari line (which wouldn't be difficult to achieve).
It's a great shame the zoo has no interest in Snow leopards. Aside from the location of a peak, the red pandas opposite would make for a fitting link. Sadly the architecture that would so greatly enhance this exhibit would also be restricted by the Sky Safari rail.
The back of the exhibit slopes down, but I doubt that'd be a an issue as the Sky Safari dosen't go over the part. Indeed, it could be done. Although I think they'll only manage two decent sized enclosures; which is still manageable.
Snow Leopards would be a great fit for that area, and are very much suited to the terrain; there will be no need to build fake mock rock
. The thing is, the Sky Safari runs quite low; going just over the top of the Elephant lookout. So any high construction will need to wary of this.
Snow leopards may of been a good fit but lets not forget that less is moreThe back of the exhibit slopes down, but I doubt that'd be a an issue as the Sky Safari dosen't go over the part. Indeed, it could be done. Although I think they'll only manage two decent sized enclosures; which is still manageable.
Snow Leopards would be a great fit for that area, and are very much suited to the terrain; there will be no need to build fake mock rock
The thing is, the Sky Safari runs quite low; going just over the top of the Elephant lookout. So any high construction will need to wary of this.
Snow leopards may of been a good fit but lets not forget that less is more
Snow leopards would be an exciting drawcard the zoo may rely on in the wake of the elephants leaving.
While I was initially doubtful they'd reconsiderr this species, it's worth noting the master plan which didn't include them detailed plans for an elephant trail, which has apparently been scrapped - and elephants now speculated to be on the phase out list.
Replacements will be needed if the elephanrs leave and Taronga will be wise to consider options that have maximum appeal to the general public. Snow leopards 100% tick this box.
Perhaps TZ would be wise to obtain another pair of Indian rhinos as was the original plan and get a real breeding program going, they would be easy to acquire, I understand European zoos have halted breeding because they have run out of current holders.Snow leopards would be an exciting drawcard the zoo may rely on in the wake of the elephants leaving.
While I was initially doubtful they'd reconsiderr this species, it's worth noting the master plan which didn't include them detailed plans for an elephant trail, which has apparently been scrapped - and elephants now speculated to be on the phase out list.
Replacements will be needed if the elephanrs leave and Taronga will be wise to consider options that have maximum appeal to the general public. Snow leopards 100% tick this box.
At a minimum, it’d be nice to see Taronga Western Plains Zoo import a second breeding female. They have the space to accomodate a larger breeding herd and would surely see success, while receiving a cow from Europe that will likely never breed.
On the subject of Taronga Western Plains Zoo, it’s strange how underrepresented primates are - with the notable lack of great apes. According to the 1991 primate planning document, there were plans for them to hold chimpanzees, but this clearly came to nothing.
At a minimum, I’d have expected Dubbo to establish a large Hamadryas baboon troop given the popularity of this species. And imagine what they could do with Mandrill!
Re. Apes, I believe the plan was for them to hold a bachelor group of chimps. The plans were abandoned as I believe most of the candidates at Taronga either died soon after, or were sent to Hyderbad in 1992.
I've long thought Hamadryads Baboons should be held at Dubbo. Dubbo have the space to create a worldclass exhibit for this species, and i addition; Taronga dosen't have this species too, so baboons could create another pull to get people out to Dubbo.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo were aiming to open a bachelor facility for chimpanzees in 1994, starting with six males. The Hyderabad export saw Taronga offload two adult males, but there were still plenty of juveniles/adolescents in the region.
I’ve identified the six likely candidates as Lewis (1985), Monte (1985), Gombe (1988) and Lobo (1989) from Taronga; Marty (1988) from Wellington; and Lucifer (1988) from Auckland. Taronga were attempting to eliminate competition for Snowy at Taronga; and Auckland would have benefited from exporting a male given they had 3.3 and significant tension in the group as the two young males matured.
It’d be great to see a baboon exhibit on the scale of Emmen or Singapore created at Dubbo. I have high hopes for Monarto’s exhibit and in the meantime, there’s Darling Down’s exhibit to look forward to.