Taronga Zoo Future of Taronga Zoo (Speculation / Fantasy)

[steveroberts]

@Zoofan15

While really like Hamadryas too, agree with you about Chacmas (wow thats really fascinating about their complex social hierarchal structure, and that them and Mandrills have their birth intervals and general reproductive successes determined by their ranking; thats the sort of thing where with our zoos to see a troop of either once again in one or more of our zoos would be as fascinating as watching the complex group interactions on a daily basis as with Chimps' etc).

Personally was never lucky enough to see any Chacma Baboons in our region (and only saw Mandrills as a toddler at Perth once or twice, very very faint memory), but was lucky enough to see a troop of Chacma Baboons in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi nature reserve in north-east South Africa in April/May 1998 (they were hanging about near the road in a grassy area with a few trees, some were up the trees but many were hanging about on the ground including mothers with babies on their backs and a bit of squabbling, think maybe were foraging. Later learnt that same brilliant nature reserve was the one that is the reason Southern White Rhinos prevailed in existence so well, so not enough thumbs to thumbs up for them as much as want to lol. Side note, but interesting article somewhere online about how they had to bring in Lions from other nature reserves, game parks as their Lions descended from like about 3 founder individuals at some point about 70 years ago so had a colossal inbreeding genetic problem).

Yeah it boggles my mind too how many Orangs' they kept in the complex (and then when saw doco about them moving into the exhibit(s) even six Orangutans seemed like a lot, god wish still had that doco ('Orangutans on Stage') on tape, emailed channel 10 but they say they misplaced their copy of it, or perhaps polite excuse for its too tough to dig for, if the latter wish could do the digging in their archives personally lol). But yeah it really was 'a squeeze' from '94 to '01 with the Orangutan 'headcount' in the complex (an impressive squeeze Taronga, not knocking you).

That so fascinating again with the instrinsic social dynamics of the Orangs' too (so with Willow having reached adulthood by then, do you think perhaps Wanita had formed a loose bond with Melur and Gangsa but perhaps Willow missed out a bit on forming same bond by the time the other three went to Auckland in '01?).

 

[Zoofan15]

@Zoofan15

While really like Hamadryas too, agree with you about Chacmas (wow thats really fascinating about their complex social hierarchal structure, and that them and Mandrills have their birth intervals and general reproductive successes determined by their ranking; thats the sort of thing where with our zoos to see a troop of either once again in one or more of our zoos would be as fascinating as watching the complex group interactions on a daily basis as with Chimps' etc).

Personally was never lucky enough to see any Chacma Baboons in our region (and only saw Mandrills as a toddler at Perth once or twice, very very faint memory), but was lucky enough to see a troop of Chacma Baboons in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi nature reserve in north-east South Africa in April/May 1998 (they were hanging about near the road in a grassy area with a few trees, some were up the trees but many were hanging about on the ground including mothers with babies on their backs and a bit of squabbling, think maybe were foraging. Later learnt that same brilliant nature reserve was the one that is the reason Southern White Rhinos prevailed in existence so well, so not enough thumbs to thumbs up for them as much as want to lol. Side note, but interesting article somewhere online about how they had to bring in Lions from other nature reserves, game parks as their Lions descended from like about 3 founder individuals at some point about 70 years ago so had a colossal inbreeding genetic problem).

Yeah it boggles my mind too how many Orangs' they kept in the complex (and then when saw doco about them moving into the exhibit(s) even six Orangutans seemed like a lot, god wish still had that doco ('Orangutans on Stage') on tape, emailed channel 10 but they say they misplaced their copy of it, or perhaps polite excuse for its too tough to dig for, if the latter wish could do the digging in their archives personally lol). But yeah it really was 'a squeeze' from '94 to '01 with the Orangutan 'headcount' in the complex (an impressive squeeze Taronga, not knocking you).

That so fascinating again with the instrinsic social dynamics of the Orangs' too (so with Willow having reached adulthood by then, do you think perhaps Wanita had formed a loose bond with Melur and Gangse but perhaps Willow missed out a bit on forming same bond by the time the other three went to Auckland in '01?).

Taronga’s chimpanzee community fascinates me. I could watch them for hours if I had the time, observing the interactions and politics. As fond as I am of Hamilton’s troop, watching six chimpanzees isn’t half as interesting. Taronga’s exhibit is even more impressive when you consider it opened 44 years ago and following the 2011 refurbishment, is as functional as ever. The orangutan and gorilla complexes opened 14 and 16 years later respectively and haven’t aged half as well.

Good question! Auckland Zoo wanted females as Indra (1980) was overwhelmed by the attention she received from Horst (1978-2023) and Charlie (1981), following the death of Dara (1977-2000). Also in the colony was Indra’s adolescent daughter, Intan (1989-2013); and juvenile son, Isim (1994). My guess is they wanted the two Bornean females, Melur (1988) and Gangsa (1989) and perhaps took the hybrid Wanita (1979) as a favour. Taking four females would have stretched Auckland’s capacity. Due to still being adolescents, Melur and Gangsa were tolerated by Wanita at that point; but the young adult Willow may well have been clashing with her older sister (or could have even been separated). If so, Taronga may have struggled to integrate the solitary Wanita with the others had Melur and Gangsa’s departure left her alone.

Initially, the Taronga females integrated well with Indra and her two offspring. The juvenile Isim in particular liked them. Auckland may have taken the Taronga females on with the acceptance they’d need to run them and Indra/Intan/Isim as two groups, which would have at least provided each adult male with females full time (they were previously rotating access to the female group). It effectively worked out this way in the end, with a number of groupings trialled over the following years as conflicts arose amongst the Taronga trio.

 

[steveroberts]

@Zoofan15 Thanks for the insight man thats really interesting. Hey based on comparing the ages with Willow and Melur and Gangsa does that mean in captive setting female Orangutan adulthood is essentially reached at about 15?

(*know technically an individual Orangutan can be reproductive from younger as Indra at Auckland and Puteri at Perth are/were {and many other individuals are} examples of, but in the mindseyes of Orangs' when communally interacting).

Thats so cute Isim was really fond of them when they arrived (new potential friends and potential playmates right).

If with Taronga they did decide to work with and keep Bornean Orangutans again they could essentially have two or three seperate interconnected habitats.

 

[Zoofan15]

@Zoofan15 Thanks for the insight man thats really interesting. Hey based on comparing the ages with Willow and Melur and Gangsa does that mean in captive setting female adulthood is essentially reached at about 15?

Sexual maturity in orangutans is reached at around eight years of age. Indra had her first offspring at eight years and numerous other males and females in the region first bred at 8-12 years.

I’d roughly assess the stages as follows:

0-2 years: Infant
3-7 years: Juvenile
8-12 years: Adolescent
12-15 years: Young adulthood

Males attain full cheek flanges typically by their late teens/early 20’s, with mature males in the vicinity known to hinder their development.

 

[steveroberts]

@Zoofan15

Thanks hey, interesting.

Hey out of big interest (with social grouping 'rules of thumb'), when then might you think, based off those age milestones you know, that an older female Orangutan might start to become intolerent of sharing space with a younger female Orangutan or to reverse the perspective but same question: the younger female has found herself coming into her adulthood but specifically with behavioural changes in terms of interaction with other older females (albeit been reproductively capable for few years, the (female) inter-*Orangutanual social navigational dynamics in a shared space?

(*lol)

 

[Zoofan15]

@Zoofan15

Thanks hey, interesting.

Hey out of big interest (with social grouping 'rules of thumb'), when then might you think, based off those age milestones you know, that an older female Orangutan might start to become intolerent of sharing space with a younger female Orangutan or to reverse the dynamic but same question: the younger female has found herself coming into her adulthood but specifically with behavioural changes in terms of interaction with other older females (albeit been reproductively capable for few years, the (female) inter-*Orangutanual social navigational dynamic in a shared space?

(*lol)

Conflicts began to arise amongst the Taronga trio at Auckland Zoo when Melur and Gangsa reached their mid-teens. Gangsa’s possessiveness of Charlie was instrumental to these conflicts; and Wanita’s fiery personality didn’t help matters either. It appeared her tolerance of them decreased as they matured into adult females (she always showed fondness for the juvenile Madju).

Similar patterns are observed amongst males. Charlie and Horst lived together amicably as juveniles, but Horst (older by three years) became aggressive to Charlie when he reached adolescence. Charlie in turn tolerated Isim until the latter was around 12 years.

 

[steveroberts]

@Zoofan15

Wow thanks man, thats really fascinating.

As you would concur infinity-fold and know much better than I, really sounds like Auckland Zoo managed their Orangs' as a community with impressive expertees and careful monitoring (and mountains of love and care) and that they as one of the holders of an Orangutan community in the world of animal captivity would **have been** a world top-tier example of Orangutans living (for the most part/besides some time-share arrangements just learnt from you) communally in captivity; and their ongoing group living arrangements were managed accordingly to varying personalities and temperaments.

While obviously not personally 'pleased' about the hostile natured sometimes times between some of the individuals, am none-the-less fascinated in learning about.
But on a positive note, by same accord, the nice interactions between some individuals are really quite lovely -

- love how Wanita had these special 'aunty' bonds of hers with some of the youngest members of the colony;
(not completely a like-for-like as was more separation in their colony, but kind of reminds me how Mawas at Perth Zoo back in the '80s and up until her death in late '97 was sometimes a surrogate 'aunty' figure to some of the teenage Orangs' there).

Thats really interesting too with hearing about Gangsa's possesisveness of Charlie as now when think of Charlie think of him how he and Melur are pretty much like a married couple and parented together too wonderfully enough (re Gangsa's possesiveness of him did not 'pay off' in any positive way; it was Melur and Charlie who were 'meant to be' lol - little bit anthropomorphic but you get what mean).

(**still are as top tier as can be with Orangutans on world class level; just past tense when referring to much more complex community due to number of individuals in recent times**).

 

[Jambo]

ould the land around the Elephant Temple including the current Cotton-top Tamarin island and former Saltwater Crocodile exhibit, be considered for Bornean Orangutans habitat (o-lines and climbing towers would not come into contact with Sky Safari gondola lines). If say the Cotton-top Tamarins could be rehomed adjacent to the Squirrel Monkeys on Alligator lake perhaps. Or if were to leave this adjoining section for something else or way it is largely, there is an adjoining 665 sq m lawn adjoining the back of Gung's/the Camel's former yard which gives a ground surface area of approximately 2,665 m2. {Elephant Temple itself would be remaining historically important relic of former Elephants in area, like how Adelaide's Elephant House stands alone albeit former yard behind now for Giraffes, but geographically different).

Additionally wonder perhaps if the Ringtailed Lemurs need to move if perhaps either they take over the Alligator lake islands and or current Cottontop Tamarins area + empty former Crocodile site (though still think Philippine Crocs or similar might be a good idea), and or perhaps the Capybaras are accomodated in one of the areas albeit would need renovations, and the Lemurs move back where they were before in the old Seal Pool (although strong thinking with this latter suggesting is the thoughts ''leave well enough alone for some time'' with this last paragraph of whatifs).

Great proposal!

Considering this area really has no other obvious plans for it, it would be nice if it could be redeveloped for an additional great ape species.

The Elephant Temple would also be brilliantly suited for theming around that area and the flat land that the former camel enclosure encompasses is also already flat so this would allow for much easier construction of an orangutan habitat - especially the aerial lines. If this enclosure could be connected to say the Tamarin island, it would make a great display! Although the island is small, it could perhaps be expanded into the area in between. The Elephant Barn could easily be transformed into an indoor area too, without much changes needing to be made to the exterior.

Not sure about the Cotton Top Tamarins - if Taronga don't intend to continue with Fishing Cats, that enclosure may soon be empty once their remaining female passes.

 

[Zoofan15]

Great proposal!

Considering this area really has no other obvious plans for it, it would be nice if it could be redeveloped for an additional great ape species.

The Elephant Temple would also be brilliantly suited for theming around that area and the flat land that the former camel enclosure encompasses is also already flat so this would allow for much easier construction of an orangutan habitat - especially the aerial lines. If this enclosure could be connected to say the Tamarin island, it would make a great display! Although the island is small, it could perhaps be expanded into the area in between. The Elephant Barn could easily be transformed into an indoor area too, without much changes needing to be made to the exterior.

Not sure about the Cotton Top Tamarins - if Taronga don't intend to continue with Fishing Cats, that enclosure may soon be empty once their remaining female passes.

It would be great to see the Elephant Temple be matched with an appropriate species. Orangutans are from South East Asia of course, but are still a better match than Dromedary camels. The flat land would be a perfect space and allow ample room to build at least two seperate spaces.

The cotton-top tamarin island/old gibbon island would be ideal as a resting point between the aerial lines. Placing a platform here (with a feeder) would motivate the orangutans to progress from the exhibit (at the elephant temple site) along the aerial lines. Auckland’s orangutans made great use of the aerial lines in the first couple of years, but on my last few visits, they were all in the exhibit.

 

[Trua]

I like the suggestion of having an orangutan complex where the camel enclosure is. However on second thought I do question whether there is enough space for a reasonable sized complex like you guys describe. Maybe in this scenario they also make use of the Capybara enclosure opposite. A large viewing treehouse would be magnificent and is always something I've always liked to see present in an orangutan exhibit. It could be double/triple storied allowing an elevated view looking down on the whole ariel ropes. In my imagination the treehouse themed building here would also connect to a decent sized indoor enclosure. Suffice to say, the new reptile complex is right in between so not sure how this will impact such a concept.

 

[Zoofan15]

I like the suggestion of having an orangutan complex where the camel enclosure is. However on second thought I do question whether there is enough space for a reasonable sized complex like you guys describe. Maybe in this scenario they also make use of the Capybara enclosure opposite. A large viewing treehouse would be magnificent and is always something I've always liked to see present in an orangutan exhibit. It could be double/triple storied allowing an elevated view looking down on the whole ariel ropes. In my imagination the treehouse themed building here would also connect to a decent sized indoor enclosure. Suffice to say, the new reptile complex is right in between so not sure how this will impact such a concept.

I think the space occupied by Gung’s paddock and yard would be sufficient for two orangutan exhibits. If anything, I think they’ll be a trend of zoos building smaller exhibits to house 2-3 orangutans versus larger exhibits built 30 years ago to house 7-8 orangutans. Auckland Zoo is a prime example of this.

That’s not to say they shouldn’t include the Capybara exhibit. That would give them a total of 3-4 exhibits, allowing the management of multiple adults; and the potential to integrate Siamang (or rotate with the orangutans).

 

[Tiger91]

I think the space occupied by Gung’s paddock and yard would be sufficient for two orangutan exhibits. If anything, I think they’ll be a trend of zoos building smaller exhibits to house 2-3 orangutans versus larger exhibits built 30 years ago to house 7-8 orangutans. Auckland Zoo is a prime example of this.

That’s not to say they shouldn’t include the Capybara exhibit. That would give them a total of 3-4 exhibits, allowing the management of multiple adults; and the potential to integrate Siamang (or rotate with the orangutans).

I think smaller exhibits with a high ropes extension for climbing would be the way to go. Smaller exhibits allow for easier viewing and we seem to be keeping orangs in smaller groupings now then we once did. If you take into account the gardens and path down to the back of the zoo, there is again steep terrain that could be incorporated into an ape species habitat that would utilise it more effectively.
The bonus of going into orangs is that they can make a multi exhibit complex, that also houses gibbons. Two specie that brachiate and would be ideal for using up some of tarongas steep terrain that they have previously said limits there collection planning and exhibits. The old white cheek gibbon enclosure Is an example of doing this. And its some thing taronga needs to do more of.

 

[Jambo]

I like the suggestion of having an orangutan complex where the camel enclosure is. However on second thought I do question whether there is enough space for a reasonable sized complex like you guys describe. Maybe in this scenario they also make use of the Capybara enclosure opposite. A large viewing treehouse would be magnificent and is always something I've always liked to see present in an orangutan exhibit. It could be double/triple storied allowing an elevated view looking down on the whole ariel ropes. In my imagination the treehouse themed building here would also connect to a decent sized indoor enclosure. Suffice to say, the new reptile complex is right in between so not sure how this will impact such a concept.

I do really like the outside of the box thinking here!

A large treehouse themed building sounds phenomenal. Especially if they manage to incorporate a smaller indoor exhibit here. It could potentially serve as a halfway house in between the proposed complex on Gung's paddock and the Tamarin island (extended), allowing for sufficient use of the aerial ropes; the distance between Gung's paddock and the Tamarin island would be comparatively small and not allow for full use of this.

I think the space occupied by Gung’s paddock and yard would be sufficient for two orangutan exhibits. If anything, I think they’ll be a trend of zoos building smaller exhibits to house 2-3 orangutans versus larger exhibits built 30 years ago to house 7-8 orangutans. Auckland Zoo is a prime example of this.

Taking into account the viewing areas and moats it'll probably be suitable for two exhibits on the smaller side. It seems these days there's also more focus on the aerial space rather than floor space provided. In total, three outdoor exhibits plus a day room would be sufficient enough for breeding groups of orangutan plus a species of gibbon. The set up would also allow for rotation and access to multiple exhibits throughout the day.

 

[Zoofan15]

I think smaller exhibits with a high ropes extension for climbing would be the way to go. Smaller exhibits allow for easier viewing and we seem to be keeping orangs in smaller groupings now then we once did. If you take into account the gardens and path down to the back of the zoo, there is again steep terrain that could be incorporated into an ape species habitat that would utilise it more effectively.
The bonus of going into orangs is that they can make a multi exhibit complex, that also houses gibbons. Two specie that brachiate and would be ideal for using up some of tarongas steep terrain that they have previously said limits there collection planning and exhibits. The old white cheek gibbon enclosure Is an example of doing this. And its some thing taronga needs to do more of.

City zoos like Taronga definitely need to place more emphasis on both mixed species exhibits and rotational exhibits. Not all the exhibits will be large, but by rotating the species, they all get a turn and the enrichment of exploring a novel environment is compensation in its own right.

It surprises me Taronga is one of the only main zoos in the region that doesn’t hold porcupine. Countless zoos hold them alongside Slender-tailed meerkat, with some sort of den viewing (nocturnal annex; or window into burrow), so visitors can actually see the porcupines.

 

[loganjmuir]

The likelihood of an Orangutan enclosure seems unlikely given the current direction the zoo is going in. The Wildlife Hospital currently being built, and the steady stream of species leaving the zoo make me think it is unlikely any new exhibits will be built, and no new animals be brought in. It seems like the planning team have their eyes set on the next year or 2.

I previously commented on the drainage of the Tamarin enclosure opposite the ARC and what it might mean for the future, but I regret to inform that the exhibit has been refilled, and I spotted Tamarins in the exhibit. It just means that for the near future, a new exhibit replacing the Tamarins will most likely not go ahead. In regards to the Camel enclosure, I feel as though Taronga may look to use that space as a permanent event area(though this may change), on the basis of the Elephant Barn being very costly to remove, and the Temple being unable to be torn down. I sincerely hope this isn't the case however, as it is a perfect site for a new precinct of sort, whether that be Hippo or Orangutan.

But on the topic of the Camel exhibit, I don't think the possibility of a One-Horned Rhino breeding facility seems too far-fetched. It clearly has the space to hold Rhinos, with the current Barn being suitable, and the outdoor space being more than appropriate for 2+ Rhinos, as well as the current Elephant exhibit. With the future of Taronga's ungulate population almost solely relying on Giraffe and Rhino, I don't oppose the possibility of Rhinos breeding at Taronga.

 

[Zoofan15]

The likelihood of an Orangutan enclosure seems unlikely given the current direction the zoo is going in. The Wildlife Hospital currently being built, and the steady stream of species leaving the zoo make me think it is unlikely any new exhibits will be built, and no new animals be brought in. It seems like the planning team have their eyes set on the next year or 2.

I previously commented on the drainage of the Tamarin enclosure opposite the ARC and what it might mean for the future, but I regret to inform that the exhibit has been refilled, and I spotted Tamarins in the exhibit. It just means that for the near future, a new exhibit replacing the Tamarins will most likely not go ahead. In regards to the Camel enclosure, I feel as though Taronga may look to use that space as a permanent event area(though this may change), on the basis of the Elephant Barn being very costly to remove, and the Temple being unable to be torn down. I sincerely hope this isn't the case however, as it is a perfect site for a new precinct of sort, whether that be Hippo or Orangutan.

But on the topic of the Camel exhibit, I don't think the possibility of a One-Horned Rhino breeding facility seems too far-fetched. It clearly has the space to hold Rhinos, with the current Barn being suitable, and the outdoor space being more than appropriate for 2+ Rhinos, as well as the current Elephant exhibit. With the future of Taronga's ungulate population almost solely relying on Giraffe and Rhino, I don't oppose the possibility of Rhinos breeding at Taronga.

Sadly I’m tempted to agree. It would be fantastic to have seen orangutans return to Taronga (especially Bornean orangutan in support of Auckland Zoo’s breeding programme); but it’s clear they’re not in the plans at this point in time given the number of priority projects on the horizon.

I saw the Cotton-top tamarins on my visit. They weren’t the most exciting exhibit, but a way to fill an empty exhibit nonetheless. It’s clearly well suited to a primate species, though it’s disappointing Taronga no longer has gibbons, with bachelor male squirrel monkeys now inhabiting the old white-cheeked gibbon exhibit also.

It’s difficult to call, but either Pygmy hippopotamus pools on the site of Gung’s old exhibit; or Indian rhinoceros (making use of the barn/infrastructure) seem the obvious choices. Taronga could potentially import a cow to breed with Hari; or retire one or both of their pair at Dubbo in favour of importing a new pair.

 

[Zoofan15]

@Zoofan15

Absolutely and well said, while we're happy for Melbourne having received Khan from ARP would be like you said fitting and symbolic if Taronga received one of the individuals too.

Re Crocodilians - if perhaps Philippine Crocodile is not feasible for Taronga, really like your previous suggestion of perhaps the zoo looking into being an additional regional holder for False/Sunda Gharial in partnership with Auckland (believe Johnstone's Freshies' will remain in the IOS&L complex anyway, even if personal want was for them to be housed in the general public display grounds somewhere again in near future).

Realised after posting before should of replied to you in the speculative thread; but its almost 2025 anyway so this thread is seeing its final posts anyway as it is.

It would be great to see a breeding programme for either Phillipine crocodile or False gharial established in the region. Though False gharial are my favourite, Philippine crocodile are the best choice given they’re a critically endangered species.

Auckland Zoo’s exhibit isn’t huge. It’s adequate for two females; but not for a larger male in my opinion. The keeper I spoke to said there’s no plans to import a male/breed.

 

[Tiger91]

The likelihood of an Orangutan enclosure seems unlikely given the current direction the zoo is going in. The Wildlife Hospital currently being built, and the steady stream of species leaving the zoo make me think it is unlikely any new exhibits will be built, and no new animals be brought in. It seems like the planning team have their eyes set on the next year or 2.

I previously commented on the drainage of the Tamarin enclosure opposite the ARC and what it might mean for the future, but I regret to inform that the exhibit has been refilled, and I spotted Tamarins in the exhibit. It just means that for the near future, a new exhibit replacing the Tamarins will most likely not go ahead. In regards to the Camel enclosure, I feel as though Taronga may look to use that space as a permanent event area(though this may change), on the basis of the Elephant Barn being very costly to remove, and the Temple being unable to be torn down. I sincerely hope this isn't the case however, as it is a perfect site for a new precinct of sort, whether that be Hippo or Orangutan.

But on the topic of the Camel exhibit, I don't think the possibility of a One-Horned Rhino breeding facility seems too far-fetched. It clearly has the space to hold Rhinos, with the current Barn being suitable, and the outdoor space being more than appropriate for 2+ Rhinos, as well as the current Elephant exhibit. With the future of Taronga's ungulate population almost solely relying on Giraffe and Rhino, I don't oppose the possibility of Rhinos breeding at Taronga.

Im really hoping that they replace Cameron Kerr as director soon, since he has been there. The reduction of species and increase in non species areas has exponentially increased.
However with ARC, there was widespread criticism in the media and online in relation to taronga becoming a concrete jungle and not having enough animals anymore. That couple with Sydney zoo, which is far smaller and becoming far more popular due to its greater species of larger animals. Hopefully we will start to see a rethink of Taronga. I know plenty of friends with small kids, who won't travel to Taronga and instead will go to Sydney zoo. Hopefully that push will help to get the people running taronga to remember it's a zoo not a restaurant and events place.

 

[Zoofan15]

Im really hoping that they replace Cameron Kerr as director soon, since he has been there. The reduction of species and increase in non species areas has exponentially increased.
However with ARC, there was widespread criticism in the media and online in relation to taronga becoming a concrete jungle and not having enough animals anymore. That couple with Sydney zoo, which is far smaller and becoming far more popular due to its greater species of larger animals. Hopefully we will start to see a rethink of Taronga. I know plenty of friends with small kids, who won't travel to Taronga and instead will go to Sydney zoo. Hopefully that push will help to get the people running taronga to remember it's a zoo not a restaurant and events place.

ARC is fantastic. It really showcases a huge variety of species well, though I agree with comments that Philippine crocodile (or any crocodilian) and Komodo dragon will greatly enhance it.

Phase outs were inevitable and have been carried out across multiple main zoos in the region including Auckland, Melbourne and Perth.

In terms of wasted space, the Tiger Trek undoubtedly has the most wasted space via fake villages and supermarkets. It added nothing to my experience and like it appeared was the case for every other visitor, I just wanted to get to the tigers.

 

[Jambo]

I know plenty of friends with small kids, who won't travel to Taronga and instead will go to Sydney zoo.

And although educational dedicated areas are important, kids couldn't care less and would rather see all the animals themselves. Combined with the fact Sydney's easier to get around for families, it's obviously slowly becoming the better destination to visit (especially with young families).