Taronga Zoo Future of Taronga Zoo (Speculation / Fantasy)

[Tiger91]

I was more so orangutans down there with an aerial pathway connecting the two exhibits. The theming with the old elephant house would fit nicely.

That would obviously mean the gorillas stay where they are, but I don't see why the current complex can't be renovated and expanded if anything. It would require the gorillas moving and this could potentially be done six or seven years down the line when the orangutan enclosures are completed, so the gorillas could inhabit one temporarily.

Also a good idea!.
The garden area behind the gorillas has always left as gardens due to the steep terrain. But for a partially arboreal species that would actually make for exhibits that they would better utilise. If they did a complete knock down and redevelopment. There is double the land space that the current exhibit has around it that they could integrate two exhibits and walkways with viewing areas that they planned.
It makes no sense for Taronga to phase out a species they have the room for, that can also utilise tarongas hilly terrain. The only reason they wouldn't do it is if they couldnt include a new cafe which is a trend the zoos needs to stop doing.

 

[Jambo]

Also a good idea!.
The garden area behind the gorillas has always left as gardens due to the steep terrain. But for a partially arboreal species that would actually make for exhibits that they would better utilise. If they did a complete knock down and redevelopment. There is double the land space that the current exhibit has around it that they could integrate two exhibits and walkways with viewing areas that they planned.
It makes no sense for Taronga to phase out a species they have the room for, that can also utilise tarongas hilly terrain. The only reason they wouldn't do it is if they couldnt include a new cafe which is a trend the zoos needs to stop doing.

There's plenty of space around the gorillas for the current gorilla enclosure to be expanded into. Plenty of unused space that although is steep terrain could serve quite well if implemented correctly.

Even if Taronga has scrapped the Congo precinct it shouldn't mean they still can't go ahead and redevelop the current gorilla exhibit. Even if they build a second exhibit first, that would allow them to remain in the current enclosure during construction and then move over there once its finished so the current enclosure can be expanded.

 

[Tiger91]

There's plenty of space around the gorillas for the current gorilla enclosure to be expanded into. Plenty of unused space that although is steep terrain could serve quite well if implemented correctly.

Even if Taronga has scrapped the Congo precinct it shouldn't mean they still can't go ahead and redevelop the current gorilla exhibit. Even if they build a second exhibit first, that would allow them to remain in the current enclosure during construction and then move over there once its finished so the current enclosure can be expanded.

Exactly! Im surprised Taronga has never endeavoured to do it. Especially with the well known gorillas of the mist. Although not mountain gorillas the steeper terrain could be implemented into a more mountainous enclosure type. Tying into that well known gorilla theme that the general public are more aware of. They could make two nice exhibits that compliment the gorillas and there conservation campaigns quite well.

 

[Swanson02]

Has this "big ungulate news" been released yet?

 

[Jambo]

Exactly! Im surprised Taronga has never endeavoured to do it. Especially with the well known gorillas of the mist. Although not mountain gorillas the steeper terrain could be implemented into a more mountainous enclosure type. Tying into that well known gorilla theme that the general public are more aware of. They could make two nice exhibits that compliment the gorillas and there conservation campaigns quite well.

Not many gorilla exhibits (even worldwide) utilise such terrain for gorillas, so it would be absolutely phenomenal if Taronga could achieve that and do so in the right way. Something that would involve different levels of viewing of the gorillas would be really innovative and Taronga certainly have the space and opportunity in their hands.

 

[Jambo]

Has this "big ungulate news" been released yet?

Nope, not yet.

If it's what I predict (Kambiri being pregnant) we could still be a while away until anything is announced, if at all! Pregnancy is around six months and it can be detected as early as around two months, so with that in mind I'm hoping for a calf from her come late this Autumn.

 

[loganjmuir]

Not many gorilla exhibits (even worldwide) utilise such terrain for gorillas, so it would be absolutely phenomenal if Taronga could achieve that and do so in the right way. Something that would involve different levels of viewing of the gorillas would be really innovative and Taronga certainly have the space and opportunity in their hands.

It has incredible potential if Taronga can keep breeding. Gorillas are a big enough animal to haul in visitors alone, and a second or even third exhibit would be absolutely phenomenal. If we do see this come to fruition I'm assuming the zoo would retain their adolescent males as opposed to sending them to Orana or Sydney Zoo. It seems seriously unlikely and unpopular overall, but the current indoor Gorilla complex could be renovated in order to house hoofstock, for instance Nyala, and the other indoor viewing for the outside used for Colobus or the Tamarin currently housed a hundred metres down the path, as they do not get the attention they deserve. I spoke about using Hemore Lawns for an exhibit and it seems like a good area for another Pygmy exhibit should they create additional Gorilla exhibits at the top.

 

[Zoofan15]

Has this "big ungulate news" been released yet?

Nope, not yet.

If it's what I predict (Kambiri being pregnant) we could still be a while away until anything is announced, if at all! Pregnancy is around six months and it can be detected as early as around two months, so with that in mind I'm hoping for a calf from her come late this Autumn.

I would like to remind everyone that World Hippo Day is just around the corner (February 15). These days have traditionally been used to announce pregnancies and births around the region. Taronga previously announced the birth of Safiri on World Chimpanzee Day for example. It was implied the announcement would be soon, so that’s the date I’d be looking out for.

 

[Zoofan15]

It has incredible potential if Taronga can keep breeding. Gorillas are a big enough animal to haul in visitors alone, and a second or even third exhibit would be absolutely phenomenal. If we do see this come to fruition I'm assuming the zoo would retain their adolescent males as opposed to sending them to Orana or Sydney Zoo. It seems seriously unlikely and unpopular overall, but the current indoor Gorilla complex could be renovated in order to house hoofstock, for instance Nyala, and the other indoor viewing for the outside used for Colobus or the Tamarin currently housed a hundred metres down the path, as they do not get the attention they deserve. I spoke about using Hemore Lawns for an exhibit and it seems like a good area for another Pygmy exhibit should they create additional Gorilla exhibits at the top.

It would be preferable to have multiple gorilla exhibits with multiple troops rather than a large one with multiple viewing areas. A normal gorilla troop for the most part spend time together; unlike chimpanzees who spread out throughout the day and then come back together. This means there’d otherwise be a lot of viewing windows where visitors aren’t going to see anything. I emphasise normal because Johari likes to keep distance from Kibali; and Otana has yet to find a female who sticks to him like glue.

In the event Taronga can build a third exhibit, I’d assume they’d retain the bachelor males. If plans arise to build two exhibits, they’d surely be glad to shift them on as that will allow them to breed a succession of infants (with imports of additional females) to fill it with any males from that cohort. The time delay of having a second troop up and running as per my first point would be more than offset by the publicity of gorilla births.

 

[Jambo]

It would be preferable to have multiple gorilla exhibits with multiple troops rather than a large one with multiple viewing areas. A normal gorilla troop for the most part spend time together; unlike chimpanzees who spread out throughout the day and then come back together. This means there’d otherwise be a lot of viewing windows where visitors aren’t going to see anything. I emphasise normal because Johari likes to keep distance from Kibali; and Otana has yet to find a female who sticks to him like glue.

In the event Taronga can build a third exhibit, I’d assume they’d retain the bachelor males. If plans arise to build two exhibits, they’d surely be glad to shift them on as that will allow them to breed a succession of infants (with imports of additional females) to fill it with any males from that cohort. The time delay of having a second troop up and running as per my first point would be more than offset by the publicity of gorilla births.

I really do think the issue at the moment is whether Taronga actually need additional exhibits. Overseas imports aren't guaranteed to provide Taronga with additional groups and a zoo like Melbourne would be a priority in that aspect. At the moment their young males could theoretically be accommodated at Orana too.

With that in mind, there's really no reason for them to go forward with an expansion when they won't have gorillas to fill up the exhibits! With Okapi being unlikely too, I think we can sort of understand why the Congo precinct was canned.

 

[Zoofan15]

I really do think the issue at the moment is whether Taronga actually need additional exhibits. Overseas imports aren't guaranteed to provide Taronga with additional groups and a zoo like Melbourne would be a priority in that aspect. At the moment their young males could theoretically be accommodated at Orana too.

With that in mind, there's really no reason for them to go forward with an expansion when they won't have gorillas to fill up the exhibits! With Okapi being unlikely too, I think we can sort of understand why the Congo precinct was canned.

It really depends on Taronga’s interest in gorillas going forward. Breeding will be more restricted and they’ll be a growing expedition on zoos to accomodate their own surplus.

There’s no doubt orangutans are more space efficient and their suitability to mixed species exhibits with otters and gibbons only strengthens their appeal. The outcome could just as easily be maintaining a small troop of gorillas; as it could a total phase out this species in favour of continuing with orangutans and chimpanzees. It’ll feel like a trip back to the 80’s!

 

[loganjmuir]

I would like to remind everyone that World Hippo Day is just around the corner (February 15). These days have traditionally been used to announce pregnancies and births around the region. Taronga previously announced the birth of Safiri on World Chimpanzee Day for example. It was implied the announcement would be soon, so that’s the date I’d be looking out for.

If it is announced on the 15th, which would make sense, the public will know beforehand because they will be on exhibit around the 5th. We don’t know of a definitive date for the announcement so I’d be watching their socials like a hawk for the next two weeks.

 

[Jambo]

If it is announced on the 15th, which would make sense, the public will know beforehand because they will be on exhibit around the 5th. We don’t know of a definitive date for the announcement so I’d be watching their socials like a hawk for the next two weeks.

So we may indeed have a pygmy hippo calf on our hands by the sounds of it!

 

[Tiger91]

Not many gorilla exhibits (even worldwide) utilise such terrain for gorillas, so it would be absolutely phenomenal if Taronga could achieve that and do so in the right way. Something that would involve different levels of viewing of the gorillas would be really innovative and Taronga certainly have the space and opportunity in their hands.

My thoughts exactly, incorporating climbing into how they transverse the slope would be phenomenal, I have heard keepers on visits talk about how the exhibit isnt suitable for gorillas due to it being planned for something else and very flat. They are in a prime position in the zoo as well.

 

[loganjmuir]

So we may indeed have a pygmy hippo calf on our hands by the sounds of it!

I think @Zoofan15 may be right, an announcement would be made on a World _ Day. I only know when they are going on exhibit, should have clarified

 

[Zoofan15]

I think @Zoofan15 may be right, an announcement would be made on a World _ Day. I only know when they are going on exhibit, should have clarified

We also have World Zebra Day tommorow; and a bit further down the track, World Bongo Day in May.

We won’t hold our breath on anything for World Okapi Day (October 18) now that precinct has been scrapped.

 

[Jambo]

My thoughts exactly, incorporating climbing into how they transverse the slope would be phenomenal, I have heard keepers on visits talk about how the exhibit isnt suitable for gorillas due to it being planned for something else and very flat. They are in a prime position in the zoo as well.

Originally designed for the pandas back in the 80's so it makes a lot of sense that the exhibit is very flat. It's size has also been questioned, Taronga's lack of breeding recently has been as a result of this as the capacity is only around eight or so gorillas nowadays.

A new complex would be beneficial, and would certainly spice up that section of the zoo which has really gone downhill within the last decade.

 

[Zoofan15]

Originally designed for the pandas back in the 80's so it makes a lot of sense that the exhibit is very flat. It's size has also been questioned, Taronga's lack of breeding recently has been as a result of this as the capacity is only around eight or so gorillas nowadays.

A new complex would be beneficial, and would certainly spice up that section of the zoo which has really gone downhill within the last decade.

There’s a decent summary of the origins of the gorilla exhibit here:

https://majorprojects.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/prweb/PRRestService/mp/01/getContent?AttachRef=SSD-8008%2120190228T003439.429%20GMT

The area occupied by the current gorilla enclosure was originally designated for ‘running birds’ that include ostrichs, emus and rheas. This remained the case for many decades until in 1988 the western end was redesigned to accommodate giant pandas from China as the Chinese government’s Bicentennial gift to Australia. However, this was never intended to be a permanent exhibit. At the eastern end, an earlier circular aviary for parrots and parakeets was reused as a Guenon exhibit. Both of these sites were subsumed in the 1990s for a new gorilla exhibit.

Taronga’s gorilla holdings peaked at 11 gorillas in 1998, 1999 and 2005-2006, ended by the deaths of Frala’s first two Australian offspring as neonates and the transfer of Anguka and Safiri to Adelaide Zoo in March 2006.

 

[loganjmuir]

I'm assuming the "Hippopotami House" depicted here was demolished in it's entirety but it would have done so 80 years after it's inception, so I'm wondering if it was heritage listed, and merely moved out of the way. It's also interesting to know Taronga once held 1.1 Hippopotamus, especially in a rocky, uneven terrain such is the old habitat. It also doesn't mention in the document anything about the viewable backstage on the east end, or the Guenon exhibit, despite the document labelling it as 'subsumed'.

"A substantial remnant of the Angophora costata shrubby woodland type (Heritage Item 189L) occurs at the western end of the proposed African Waterhole site while part of this community also demonstrates some intergrading characteristics with the former Eucalyptus botryoides/Glochidion/ Elaeocarpus open forest that once adjoined it.

Both the sandstone outcropping and the remnant natural vegetation are regarded as important local features of the Mosman harbourside landscape and should be conserved as much as possible."
I'm surprised Taronga did not list these gardens as untouchable, given their cultural and environmental importance. I'm also assuming the area they are talking about was the ex-Ostrich/Camel exhibit in the top north-western corner of the zoo, where the current Lion BOMA sits, looking back at images.

Edit: I only needed to read another sentence to get my answer, "The only substantial occurrence of locally indigenous vegetation (Angophora costata woodland) within the proposed African precinct relates to its western end. This coincides with where a large area is planned for a new exhibit for lions.".

 

[Zoofan15]

View attachment 682798
I'm assuming the "Hippopotami House" depicted here was demolished in it's entirety but it would have done so 80 years after it's inception, so I'm wondering if it was heritage listed, and merely moved out of the way. It's also interesting to know Taronga once held 1.1 Hippopotamus, especially in a rocky, uneven terrain such is the old habitat. It also doesn't mention in the document anything about the viewable backstage on the east end, or the Guenon exhibit, despite the document labelling it as 'subsumed'.

"A substantial remnant of the Angophora costata shrubby woodland type (Heritage Item 189L) occurs at the western end of the proposed African Waterhole site while part of this community also demonstrates some intergrading characteristics with the former Eucalyptus botryoides/Glochidion/ Elaeocarpus open forest that once adjoined it.

Both the sandstone outcropping and the remnant natural vegetation are regarded as important local features of the Mosman harbourside landscape and should be conserved as much as possible."
I'm surprised Taronga did not list these gardens as untouchable, given their cultural and environmental importance. I'm also assuming the area they are talking about was the ex-Ostrich/Camel exhibit in the top north-western corner of the zoo, where the current Lion BOMA sits, looking back at images.

Edit: I only needed to read another sentence to get my answer, "The only substantial occurrence of locally indigenous vegetation (Angophora costata woodland) within the proposed African precinct relates to its western end. This coincides with where a large area is planned for a new exhibit for lions.".

Wow, what a great find!

The hippopotami in question were Dizzie (1898) and Fatima (1928). Dizzie was transferred over from the Moore Park site; with Fatima imported in 1932. They had four known offspring. The first, Nada, was born in 1937 and is an ancestor of Cuddles at Dubbo.