Taronga Zoo Future of Taronga Zoo (Speculation / Fantasy)

[Zoofan15]

Hey does it make sense perhaps if once the Tropical African section of the zoo is underway that the Ring-tailed Lemurs relocate to the island where the Squirrel Monkeys have been for a couple of decades (given the latter now also have a home in the ex-WC Gibbon 'aviary').

African forest exhibits:

Long term, definitely. The Congo precinct won’t include Ring-tailed lemurs (from Madagascar), but they share a link to the Central African exhibit via their African (rain)forest habitat.

The chimpanzees exhibit forms a similar link as they’re not a purebred Central Chimpanzee colony, but rather includes hybrids descending from a mixture of multiple subspecies, including the Western chimpanzee - which inhabits (dry) forest habitats.

The reason I say long term as the zoo will have to manage two colonies of Bolivian squirrel monkeys for at least the short term - the main troop (island) and the bachelor troop (gibbons). Sydney Zoo could potentially take on some of their surplus males in the future.

Planning document:

Link to planning document:

https://majorprojects.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/prweb/PRRestService/mp/01/getContent?AttachRef=SSD-8008!20190228T003439.429 GMT
Aaaaa

 

[Jambo]

Hey does it make sense perhaps if once the Tropical African section of the zoo is underway that the Ring-tailed Lemurs relocate to the island where the Squirrel Monkeys have been for a couple of decades (given the latter now also have a home in the ex-WC Gibbon 'aviary').

I thought the former Gibbon enclosure might have been a suitable enclosure - especially with the link to the nearby Bongo and Pgymy Hippo enclosures (creating a smaller African forest zone).

Long term though it does appear that Taronga dosent have plans for them. They do have a breeding group at Dubbo, which they'd probably be looking to maintain.

 

[Zoofan15]

I thought the former Gibbon enclosure might have been a suitable enclosure - especially with the link to the nearby Bongo and Pgymy Hippo enclosures (creating a smaller African forest zone).

Long term though it does appear that Taronga dosent have plans for them. They do have a breeding group at Dubbo, which they'd probably be looking to maintain.

Red ruffed lemur were added to the live import list for Australia in 2022, so it also wouldn’t surprise me to see Taronga acquire a pair in the future; with a larger troop of Ring-tailed lemur continue to be accommodated at Dubbo.

Since female Red ruffed lemurs are highly territorial and daughters typically can’t remain in their natal troop past adolescence, their small family groupings make them perfect for housing in city zoos.

Due to the large distance between Taronga and Dubbo, they can be forgiven for mirroring each other’s collections; but I can’t deny this would be a nice way to compliment each other’s collections rather than doubling up on the Ring-tailed lemur, which is Endangered (but not Critically Endangered).

 

[steveroberts]

@Zoofan15 @Jambo

Im team Ringtailed or Red Ruffed Lemurs for that exhibit on the Rainforest Trail by 'merit' of them being endangered and critically endangered respectively, whether as Bolivian Squirrel Monkey are neither (but a charismatic species too). Also the point about the link with Bongo and Pygmy Hippo (and with the Francois' Langurs nearby there as the initial and continuous monkey species for that part of the zoo, endangered too, there is still a representative of monkeys along that trail).

The lake island has been a good and long term exhibit for the Squirrel Monkeys at the zoo and hope it continues to be for decades to come, would say it would be nice if eventually the bachelor ones move on to other zoos that the main group could temporarily occupy the rainforest trail exhibit and potential minor renovations could be done to the public viewing area to offer slightly better viewing now that it is no longer also an Alligator exhibt.

I like your point too @Zoofan15 about Taronga and Dubbo can be forgiven for mirroring each others collections due to distance.

 

[Zoofan15]

@Zoofan15 @Jambo

Im team Ringtailed or Red Ruffed Lemurs for that exhibit on the Rainforest Trail by 'merit' of them being endangered and critically endangered respectively, whether as Bolivian Squirrel Monkey are neither (but a charismatic species too). Also the point about the link with Bongo and Pygmy Hippo (and with the Francois' Langurs nearby there as the initial and continuous monkey species for that part of the zoo, endangered too, there is still a representative of monkeys along that trail).

The lake island has been a good and long term exhibit for the Squirrel Monkeys at the zoo and hope it continues to be for decades to come, would say it would be nice if eventually the bachelor ones move on to other zoos that the main group could temporarily occupy the rainforest trail exhibit and potential minor renovations could be done to the public viewing area to offer slightly better viewing now that it is no longer also an Alligator exhibt.

I like your point too @Zoofan15 about Taronga and Dubbo can be forgiven for mirroring each others collections due to distance.

I’m not huge fan of having a bachelor troop of squirrel monkeys occupying the old gibbon exhibit considering there’s already a breeding troop of squirrel monkeys at the zoo. It’s a double up that could have been avoided by not breeding until there was a facility available to take in the surplus males. In New Zealand, Wellington Zoo have a breeding troop; while after many years of breeding, Auckland Zoo are now a non breeding holder.

Yeah, I was really disappointed by Adelaide Zoo’s revised masterplan which sees giraffes and lions take centre stage, when they can be seen less than an hour away at Monarto. Taronga and Dubbo are hours apart and therefore I think it’s justified to have a few double ups in the collections - including lions, tigers and giraffes.

 

[steveroberts]

@Zoofan15

Agree with you on both topics (Squirrel Monkey double-ups at Taronga and Adelaide-Monarto). Funnily enough when was contemplating how two sister zoos a city one and an open range one within driving distance of each other that constitutes the same metropolitan catchment could offer diversity which is increasingly rarer in many zoos, funny enough Lions and Giraffes were two species which thought were suited for the open range zoo and instead the city zoo could go with Okapis and Pumas instead, other big cats too not just Pumas, but Puma as the 'filler' for African or Asian Lions (I suppose one of the few species both zoos would both have would be Tigers but perhaps Sumatran for the city and Bengal or Siberian for the open range). I'd better leave it there as this post is likely on the cusp of needing to be moved to another forum lol.

 

[Zoofan15]

@Zoofan15

Agree with you on both topics (Squirrel Monkey double-ups at Taronga and Adelaide-Monarto). Funnily enough when was contemplating how two sister zoos a city one and an open range one within driving distance of each other that constitutes the same metropolitan catchment could offer diversity which is increasingly rarer in many zoos, funny enough Lions and Giraffes were two species which thought were suited for the open range zoo and instead the city zoo could go with Okapis and Pumas instead, other big cats too not just Pumas, but Puma as the 'filler' for African or Asian Lions (I suppose one of the few species both zoos would both have would be Tigers but perhaps Sumatran for the city and Bengal or Siberian for the open range). I'd better leave it there as this post is likely on the cusp of needing to be moved to another forum lol.

Personally I think the homogenisation of our region’s zoos is regrettable in itself. Except for Malayan sun bears, every high profile species at Taronga is something mainstream that can be seen at several zoos within the region - Asian elephants, African lions, Sumatran tigers, Giraffe, Pygmy hippopotamus etc.

If we count great apes, big cats, bears, giraffes and elephants as first tier species and acknowledge we’re never gonna have Bonobo, Jaguar or Polar bears; then can we at least get some second or third tier species back? I’m sure we all fondly remember seeing Chacma baboons, Mandrill, gibbons and small cats on our childhood visits to the zoo. While none of these species alone made the visit, they greatly enhanced it.

 

[loganjmuir]

Personally I think the homogenisation of our region’s zoos is regrettable in itself. Except for Malayan sun bears, every high profile species at Taronga is something mainstream that can be seen at several zoos within the region - Asian elephants, African lions, Sumatran tigers, Giraffe, Pygmy hippopotamus etc.

If we count great apes, big cats, bears, giraffes and elephants as first tier species and acknowledge we’re never gonna have Bonobo, Jaguar or Polar bears; then can we at least get some second or third tier species back? I’m sure we all fondly remember seeing Chacma baboons, Mandrill, gibbons and small cats on our childhood visits to the zoo. While none of these species alone made the visit, they greatly enhanced it.

I completely agree with you, but as Taronga moves into it's next stage (the congo precinct), they will be unfortunately retiring the famous asian elephants and in their absence potentially expanding the current leaf monkey exhibit and almost certainly expanding the pygmy hippos section (which is greatly needed). There are also floor plans to house an ape in the upstairs section of the elephant exhibit, and I would think orangutans, in particular bornean, are the leading candidates for this new opening. Although the hippos need a big habitat expansion, the lower part of the elephant exhibit could realistically house a semi-aquatic species. I would put tapirs in favour as they would be considered, along with the orangutans, a 'second tier species'.

The only thing with the lower section is the terrain. It is quite steep at the top, which is likely where a backstage would go, and makes the possibility of an extra exhibit quite unlikely. So unless they plan to include the backstage at the top, or even create a multi-species exhibit with the orangutans, I actually don't see that lower part being used at all. As for the hippos, they could take over the small-clawed otter exhibit and connect it with the larger, first exhibit you encounter on the trail. The otters could be easily shifted and adapted to suit a new enclosure, possibly at the lower elephant exhibit. Of course it is all theoretical but with the plan for the elephants to move on, I could definitely see all of this happening (except maybe the otters in the lower part).

 

[steveroberts]

I completely agree with you, but as Taronga moves into it's next stage (the congo precinct), they will be unfortunately retiring the famous asian elephants and in their absence potentially expanding the current leaf monkey exhibit and almost certainly expanding the pygmy hippos section (which is greatly needed). There are also floor plans to house an ape in the upstairs section of the elephant exhibit, and I would think orangutans, in particular bornean, are the leading candidates for this new opening. Although the hippos need a big habitat expansion, the lower part of the elephant exhibit could realistically house a semi-aquatic species. I would put tapirs in favour as they would be considered, along with the orangutans, a 'second tier species'.

The only thing with the lower section is the terrain. It is quite steep at the top, which is likely where a backstage would go, and makes the possibility of an extra exhibit quite unlikely. So unless they plan to include the backstage at the top, or even create a multi-species exhibit with the orangutans, I actually don't see that lower part being used at all. As for the hippos, they could take over the small-clawed otter exhibit and connect it with the larger, first exhibit you encounter on the trail. The otters could be easily shifted and adapted to suit a new enclosure, possibly at the lower elephant exhibit. Of course it is all theoretical but with the plan for the elephants to move on, I could definitely see all of this happening (except maybe the otters in the lower part).

Agree completely that @Zoofan15 has some incredible ideas.

Reality wise would be nice for Malayan Tapir to have a sunlight-rays safe home at Taronga again, however suspect that will be difficult to convince to management of zoos currently.

However on the majority side of your thoughts think will and could very likely be the possibility and probability. The Pygmy Hippos are a long term species at Taronga and hopefully and expansion of their living space might be on the planning soon. Some of our amigos like ZooFan and others have mentioned for a while now that either Bornean or Sumatran Orangutans could and very likely may end up being the new residents of a specialized habitat on what is the female Asian Elephant habitat currently still (if the dismantling of the gondolas might be a sign of too).

So long as Otters and Leaf Monkeys still have a space at at the zoo too.

 

[Zoofan15]

I completely agree with you, but as Taronga moves into it's next stage (the congo precinct), they will be unfortunately retiring the famous asian elephants and in their absence potentially expanding the current leaf monkey exhibit and almost certainly expanding the pygmy hippos section (which is greatly needed). There are also floor plans to house an ape in the upstairs section of the elephant exhibit, and I would think orangutans, in particular bornean, are the leading candidates for this new opening. Although the hippos need a big habitat expansion, the lower part of the elephant exhibit could realistically house a semi-aquatic species. I would put tapirs in favour as they would be considered, along with the orangutans, a 'second tier species'.

The only thing with the lower section is the terrain. It is quite steep at the top, which is likely where a backstage would go, and makes the possibility of an extra exhibit quite unlikely. So unless they plan to include the backstage at the top, or even create a multi-species exhibit with the orangutans, I actually don't see that lower part being used at all. As for the hippos, they could take over the small-clawed otter exhibit and connect it with the larger, first exhibit you encounter on the trail. The otters could be easily shifted and adapted to suit a new enclosure, possibly at the lower elephant exhibit. Of course it is all theoretical but with the plan for the elephants to move on, I could definitely see all of this happening (except maybe the otters in the lower part).

Agree completely that @Zoofan15 has some incredible ideas.

Reality wise would be nice for Malayan Tapir to have a sunlight-rays safe home at Taronga again, however suspect that will be difficult to convince to management of zoos currently.

However on the majority side of your thoughts think will and could very likely be the possibility and probability. The Pygmy Hippos are a long term species at Taronga and hopefully and expansion of their living space might be on the planning soon. Some of our amigos like ZooFan and others have mentioned for a while now that either Bornean or Sumatran Orangutans could and very likely may end up being the new residents of a specialized habitat on what is the female Asian Elephant habitat currently still (if the dismantling of the gondolas might be a sign of too).

So long as Otters and Leaf Monkeys still have a space at at the zoo too.

I’m thrilled to hear an ape species is in the floor plans for the upper section of the elephant exhibit. Like @steveroberts says, I’ve long predicted orangutans. With gorillas accommodated in the Congo precinct and chimpanzees in a large, fully functional exhibit, that indeed leaves orangutans as the obvious assumption.

An additional Bornean holder would be fantastic and echo attempts of Taronga to support Auckland’s impressive colony in the 1990’s by importing two young females to pair with the young male at Auckland.

I was advised the elephant transfer is around five years away, which makes sense re. construction timeline for the Congo precinct. By this time, Auckland Zoo’s young male Bornean orangutan will be approaching dispersal age and be an ideal candidate considering his sire is the second most genetically valuable male in captivity; though I suspect he will become Auckland’s next breeding male - with plans to import a new female in the near future.

It’ll be good to see the Pygmy hippopotamus receive an expanded area. It makes sense given the upcoming Hippopotamus IRA will allow them to finally import more. The last import into the region was from Honolulu Zoo in 1981.

With regards to mixed species exhibits, Bornean orangutan and Asian small-clawed otters could work well; while Malayan tapir and François' langur are a suitable combination - socially and geographically.

 

[Jambo]

I completely agree with you, but as Taronga moves into it's next stage (the congo precinct), they will be unfortunately retiring the famous asian elephants and in their absence potentially expanding the current leaf monkey exhibit and almost certainly expanding the pygmy hippos section (which is greatly needed). There are also floor plans to house an ape in the upstairs section of the elephant exhibit, and I would think orangutans, in particular bornean, are the leading candidates for this new opening. Although the hippos need a big habitat expansion, the lower part of the elephant exhibit could realistically house a semi-aquatic species. I would put tapirs in favour as they would be considered, along with the orangutans, a 'second tier species'.

The only thing with the lower section is the terrain. It is quite steep at the top, which is likely where a backstage would go, and makes the possibility of an extra exhibit quite unlikely. So unless they plan to include the backstage at the top, or even create a multi-species exhibit with the orangutans, I actually don't see that lower part being used at all. As for the hippos, they could take over the small-clawed otter exhibit and connect it with the larger, first exhibit you encounter on the trail. The otters could be easily shifted and adapted to suit a new enclosure, possibly at the lower elephant exhibit. Of course it is all theoretical but with the plan for the elephants to move on, I could definitely see all of this happening (except maybe the otters in the lower part).

A Pygmy Hippo expansion is certainly on the cards, whether that's in the new Congo precinct or in the current Wild Asia. They weren't apart of the species I was told would be apart of the new Congo precinct; and if so, an expansion in the Wild Asia precinct is very very likely. Once the elephants do go they'd certainly be a candidate to replace the elephants.

Imo it would probably work best for them if the two current exhibits were joined up to create one with second, larger exhibit created in one of the current halves of the elephant enclosures. The lower half has the pool view so might be more suitable (and is closer to the current Pygmy Hippo complex) - especially if Orangutans or Gibbons get the top half.

 

[steveroberts]

Hey this is a zoom up of the Congo precinct upcoming plan from (source: https://majorprojects.planningporta...nt?AttachRef=SSD-8008!20190228T003458.929 GMT)

 

[Zoofan15]

Hey this is a zoom up of the Congo precinct upcoming plan from (source: https://majorprojects.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/prweb/PRRestService/mp/01/getContent?AttachRef=SSD-8008!20190228T003458.929 GMT)

This is the precinct I’m most excited for!

The current gorilla exhibit has always seemed small and the troop have long outgrown it. To have a purpose built facility to house two troops will be an asset to Taronga growing forward - especially with the expectation on zoos to manage their own (male) surplus. It’s been six years since the last infant and it’ll be nice to see breeding resume.

There’s a lot of mystery around the Okapi exhibit given zoos typically house the bull and cow in seperate yards. It appears the green space to the right is a visitor lawn (not an extension of the exhibit), so unsure whether they’ll divide the remaining paddock. Something to figure out if they ever find themselves within reach of importing. Eastern bongo are looking increasingly likely - at least in the short term.

 

[steveroberts]

Something that occured the other day when looking at the currently vacant Cotton-top Tamarin island and the former Crocodile exhibit was that potentially another pond island could be worked into that area and one larger pond could be created similar to the one where the Squirrel Monkeys are with the former Alligator pond. So that either two island could be connected with climbing ropes between and or a second primate species could occupy that area on additional pond island could be added next to the Cotton-top Tamarins.

Also it seemed perhaps that of course the Elephant Temple will remain an important museum, however the former Elephant yards area behind it can technically be used as area for another exhibit that technically can be a seperate themed exhibit from the Temple is say viewing was more focused on the southern end. Though I really liked @Zoofan15's Bonnet Macaque temple idea and the exhibit could support a very large troop (albeit I realise the herpes scare with Macaques, but considering many are still imported for labs its probably a lot more possible to do than it seems, and trying to source individuals without the virus). Looking at the Dromedaries though could see visitors are always intrigued to see Camels and they are cool. Wondered if perhaps the extensive holding yards behind the bush section of Backyard to Bush could be used as a way of seeing Camels from a slight distance (and tying food to the fence at the front like they do currently in the old Elephant yard so they are likely to come closer). That way when walking through what Abbey says the Roo Walkthrough will have Sheep soon, visitors could still see a Camel or two just over the fence?

 

[steveroberts]

@Zoofan15

any thoughts on the potential additional exhibit areas outlined maybe ('A' obviously much larger space than 'B')

 

[Jambo]

Hey this is a zoom up of the Congo precinct upcoming plan from (source: https://majorprojects.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/prweb/PRRestService/mp/01/getContent?AttachRef=SSD-8008!20190228T003458.929 GMT)

@Zoofan15

any thoughts on the potential additional exhibit areas outlined maybe ('A' obviously much larger space than 'B')

Great to see the plans! The gorilla complex seems to be very interesting and the two exhibits look very sizeable which will give Taronga the oppurtunity to further accommodate their troop long term.

Its also really intriguing to see the Okapi enclosure. Breeding would of course mean they'd require separate enclosures so my assumption here (and from what we've been told by US zoochatters before) is that Taronga may indeed only acquire a single Okapi if anything, rather than a breeding pair as we hoped. This is a little bit of a shame but does ultimately make sense when you consider the current situation of the US population.

In regards to the potential exhibits, they're a bit smaller. When I contacted Taronga last year about this precinct they advised me Black and White Colobus would also be featured, which would align with the recent push for breeding at Adelaide and Melbourne. Not sure re. any other species, besides of course the Pygmy Hippo and Bongo which aren't listed. Bongo may get a new enclosure in one of the 'potential exhibits', allowing for the Pygmy Hippo enclosure to be expanded upwards into the current Bongo enclosure.

It's also interesting to note the Lemurs will be moving into their previous home (currently occupied by the Capybara), as per the plans.

I will also note the map is from 2017 so things could have very well changed by now. It'll be interesting to see what does indeed come to fruition.

 

[Zoofan15]

@Zoofan15

any thoughts on the potential additional exhibit areas outlined maybe ('A' obviously much larger space than 'B')

Great to see the plans! The gorilla complex seems to be very interesting and the two exhibits look very sizeable which will give Taronga the oppurtunity to further accommodate their troop long term.

Its also really intriguing to see the Okapi enclosure. Breeding would of course mean they'd require separate enclosures so my assumption here (and from what we've been told by US zoochatters before) is that Taronga may indeed only acquire a single Okapi if anything, rather than a breeding pair as we hoped. This is a little bit of a shame but does ultimately make sense when you consider the current situation of the US population.

In regards to the potential exhibits, they're a bit smaller. When I contacted Taronga last year about this precinct they advised me Black and White Colobus would also be featured, which would align with the recent push for breeding at Adelaide and Melbourne. Not sure re. any other species, besides of course the Pygmy Hippo and Bongo which aren't listed. Bongo may get a new enclosure in one of the 'potential exhibits', allowing for the Pygmy Hippo enclosure to be expanded upwards into the current Bongo enclosure.

It's also interesting to note the Lemurs will be moving into their previous home (currently occupied by the Capybara), as per the plans.

I will also note the map is from 2017 so things could have very well changed by now. It'll be interesting to see what does indeed come to fruition.

I’d assess A as the most likely site for Black and white colobus. It’s a small exhibit space with limited potential to link to anything else, so a monkey species would be ideal - tying in nicely with the Western lowland gorilla complex that’s adjacent. Lots of opportunities for signage to educate visitors on apes versus monkeys!

Exhibit B has more scope because we don’t know whether Okapi will eventuate. A single bull as @Jambo suggests might be the outcome, but expansion into Exhibit B could provide provision for a cow yard. Similarly, it could be used to better manage a small breeding herd of bongo. Worst case scenario, a kids playground can’t be dismissed as a possibly.

 

[steveroberts]

@Zoofan15

I like those ideas, I feel like public recreation space has been carved out heaps in Taronga of late and personally I think thats enough space now allocated for public and play-areas etc (am sure some members of the public would say yes to more...I vehemently think they have quite enough now). Would be good to have a breeding pair of Okapis, sounds like its going to be quite difficult in acquiring one let alone a pair from what have read.

@Jambo

Oh the plan map is from when the Lemurs were still there, who knows, maybe they will move back there and the Capybaras will move out. I kind of like the idea of renovating the old Alligator area for a Capybara habitat next to the Squirrel Monkey islands and pond. Now the Taronga has Capybaras think would be a shame if they phased out, and think public fondness will mean they will remain.

Having seen the Squirrel Monkeys in the old Gibbon aviary the other day and how popular they were with the public (and very very showy and fun to watch), have thought that exhibit would best be occupied by a showy monkey species and perhaps the Lemurs would be better suited for their old area or perhaps and additional pond island next to the Tamarin one. I don't necessarily think the Squirrel Monkeys should remain long term in that aviary (while advocating for larger spaces for all species, the Squirrel Monkeys looked tiny in it, albeit they are a diminutive monkey and very cute, only saying because the island setup they have had for long time is a good exhibit too so either way Taronga's Squirrel Monkeys have a happy life which is awesome). I started to wonder if perhaps Dusky Langurs could ever be a possibility for that aviary exhibit (would be nice if Taronga did contemplate housing a Gibbon species pair again in the future say if they turned Pak Boon & Tang Mo's home area once they move into the hypothetical Orangutan precinct?

 

[Zoofan15]

@Zoofan15

I like those ideas, I feel like public recreation space has been carved out heaps in Taronga of late and personally I think thats enough space now allocated for public and play-areas etc (am sure some members of the public would say yes to more...I vehemently think they have quite enough now). Would be good to have a breeding pair of Okapis, sounds like its going to be quite difficult in acquiring one let alone a pair from what have read.

@Jambo

Oh the plan map is from when the Lemurs were still there, who knows, maybe they will move back there and the Capybaras will move out. I kind of like the idea of renovating the old Alligator area for a Capybara habitat next to the Squirrel Monkey islands and pond. Now the Taronga has Capybaras think would be a shame if they phased out, and think public fondness will mean they will remain.

Having seen the Squirrel Monkeys in the old Gibbon aviary the other day and how popular they were with the public (and very very showy and fun to watch), have thought that exhibit would best be occupied by a showy monkey species and perhaps the Lemurs would be better suited for their old area or perhaps and additional pond island next to the Tamarin one. I don't necessarily think the Squirrel Monkeys should remain long term in that aviary (while advocating for larger spaces for all species, the Squirrel Monkeys looked tiny in it, albeit they are a diminutive monkey and very cute, only saying because the island setup they have had for long time is a good exhibit too so either way Taronga's Squirrel Monkeys have a happy life which is awesome). I started to wonder if perhaps Dusky Langurs could ever be a possibility for that aviary exhibit (would be nice if Taronga did contemplate housing a Gibbon species pair again in the future say if they turned Pak Boon & Tang Mo's home area once they move into the hypothetical Orangutan precinct?

I agree. Taronga already has more than enough extracurricular activities going on that detract from the primary attraction at Taronga Zoo (the animals). I’m hugely resentful of Auckland Zoo threatening to phase out three exhibits/species for a nature play area.

On a positive note, Taronga have earmarked A and B as potential exhibit spaces, so that seems the most likely outcome - especially if Black and white colobus are being considered. To balance out two primates and an ungulate, a bird species e.g. African grey parrot may be a consideration. It’s not the most exciting species in the world, but better than a playground.

With Auckland Zoo importing a new female Bornean orangutan to expand their colony, I’m hopeful Taronga Zoo will consider this species and become the second holder in the region.

 

[Abbey]

Hey this is a zoom up of the Congo precinct upcoming plan from (source: https://majorprojects.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/prweb/PRRestService/mp/01/getContent?AttachRef=SSD-8008!20190228T003458.929 GMT)

A change to these plans which I would potentially identify is that a toilet block which has been constructed in the area just to the left of the Congo Entry near the okapi exhibit. While a much-anticipated precinct would be derailed by a toilet, it is a relatively recent structure (as part of the African Savannah).

Therefore, I would think that it has been constructed with the intention that it will last, although there is path and lawn space on this plan which could allow that building to fit within what's planned here. Also worth keeping in mind is the quite heavy foliage in that area of the zoo, so some portions may be retained (especially as some are memorial gardens) around the exhibits.