If you go to the gallery look under the Pearl coast zoo section one of the pics shows the animals listed including the antelope species
Future of Zoos SA zoos (Speculation)
- Thread starter Abbey
- Start date
Here's a list from one of the previous Pearl Coast threads credit to @Ara:
Nyala
Addax
Blackbuck
Addra gazelle
Hog deer
Sitatunga
Sable antelope
Gemsbok
Greater kudu
Eland
Nilgai
Red lechwe
Waterbuck
Chital deer
Angolan springbok
Forest (Congo) buffalo
Water buffalo
Scimitar horned oryx
I wasn't aware that they had the nyala either.
It's a collection to leave a smile on your dial. Add in the pygmy hippos (and the parrots too) and I can't image any Australian zoo has had quite a collection since this.
Yeah, they imported 2.2 from Marwell in 1988.
Pearl Coast also had Cheetah, Prezwalski's Horse, Brazilian Tapir and Grevy's Zebra too. And quite the bird collection too; they breed both Palm Cockatoos and Sun Conures incredibly well, and most were sold to Aus bird keepers following Pearl coast's closure, and thus some ended up in other Australian zoos (Melbourne may have got their Sun Conures from Pearl Coast in fact).
Looking at Adelaide's new masterplan and the current map, It'll be interesting to see what happens to the current species that currently occupy the current space that will be used for the 'Into Africa' precinct which is set to begin construction in the coming years.
The said species (and their respective exhibits) will need to be vacated:
https://www.adelaidezoo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Map-of-Adelaide-Zoo.pdf
https://www.zoossa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AZ_masterplan_addendum_2023.pdf
The said species (and their respective exhibits) will need to be vacated:
- Dingo - Don't appear in the masterplan, will probably be sent elsewhere
- Kangaroo - Also don't appear on the masterplan. May be phased out in favour of being kept at Monarto.
- Rock Wallaby - Will receive an enclosure on the opposite side of the path (behind the reptile house)
- Brazilian Tapir - Enclosure in question is occupied by Arturo. He'll likely join the females in the other enclosure at the bottom of the zoo .
- Mara - Might be phased out, or given an enclosure elsewhere in the zoo (probably with Arturo and the other girls in the other Brazilian Tapir enclosure)
- Koala/Wombat - Will receive new enclosures in a small themed precinct where the current Alligator/Otters are. I assume this will presumably be something Adelaide completes within the next year or two as well, prior to the African construction
- Meerkat - Also not on the masterplan. May be exclusively held at Monarto.
- Nocturnal House - Seemingly will be demolished and not replaced. Billibies will get a new home in the smaller Australian themed precinct planned for the Otter/Alligator area.
- Binturong/Serval/Fennec Fox/Coati - All not featured on the masterplan. Will probably be phased out, with Fennec Fox being kept at Monarto (and possibly Serval too).
https://www.adelaidezoo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Map-of-Adelaide-Zoo.pdf
https://www.zoossa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AZ_masterplan_addendum_2023.pdf
The Disappointing Revised Masterplan (2023)
I’d regard the revised masterplan as a massive disappointment.
The worst revisions are without a doubt:
No Sri Lankan leopard:
Adelaide Zoo originally planned to build two exhibits to house a breeding pair of Sri Lankan leopard and were widely believed to be the next holder of this species in the region.
Instead, Adelaide Zoo will build a third Sumatran tiger exhibit. It’s a pointless move that will do nothing to attract additional visitation and appears to be for the purpose of retaining the current cubs into adulthood (which come 12 months, will be no more of an attraction than their parents).
No Mandrill:
The original masterplan included a Mandrill exhibit, which gave us all hope this species would be sustained in the region - even if it was only at Adelaide. Likely influenced by a lack of regional support, Zoos SA have given up on this species altogether; which unlike the Hamadryas baboon, will not be moving to Monarto.
No Western lowland gorillas:
Who wants to see a world class gorilla complex when you can see a generic Savannah?
Supposedly because of a giraffe refusing to get in a moving crate, they’ve decided to build an African Savannah exhibit instead of acquiring gorillas.
If they utilised the Bovid IRA to import antelopes that were new to the region, I’d be more accepting; but you just know this exhibit is gonna have a quartet of giraffe, a dozen nyala and a trio of curious ostrich.
With that in mind, here's a list of species that will be phased out:
Phased out entirely:
Dingoes could possibly remain with an enclosure being squeezed into the future plans. Jakarta the binturong will probably be sent elsewhere as he's still young. Following the deaths of the older two Mandrill, the younger male will probably be sent down to Tasmania (or even overseas).
Phased out, but will remain at Monarto:
Phased out entirely:
- American Alligator - pair, George and Barbara (arrived back in 1989)
- Dingo - pair, Indi and Lara (rescued in 2021)
- Binturong - one male; Jakarta (2017)
- Serval - single female; Kali (2006)
- Coati
- Mandrill - have a trio (including one young male)
- Maned Wolf - brother and sister pair
- Australian Sea Lion - will be phased out following the death of Tasko
Dingoes could possibly remain with an enclosure being squeezed into the future plans. Jakarta the binturong will probably be sent elsewhere as he's still young. Following the deaths of the older two Mandrill, the younger male will probably be sent down to Tasmania (or even overseas).
Phased out, but will remain at Monarto:
- Fennec Fox - pair will likely be sent over to Monarto
- Meerkats
- Kangaroos
- Hamadryads Baboon - group will be sent over to Monarto
A few of the phase outs are understandable. I’m of the opinion both Australians (and international tourists) would find an American alligator underwhelming in a country renowned for Saltwater crocodiles; and we can no longer source coati from Europe (and importing from North America is a hassle).
I can also understand the Australian sea lion. A lot of zoos seem to be phasing out pinnipeds and it wouldn’t surprise me to see Melbourne follow Auckland and Adelaide.
A number of zoos seem to be phasing out Serval (Auckland will soon follow Hamilton and Wellington), which is a shame. After Caracal, they’re the most confident small felid I’ve seen in a zoo; and they compliment African lions etc.
Adelaide go into and out of Maned wolf like nobody’s business. Lucky we have Altina.
The Mandrill phase out is the one I resent the most. Melbourne should never have phased them out and Adelaide doing so will mean the end of Mandrill in Australasia. Tasmania Zoo have only an elderly female, so Adelaide’s young male will be exported overseas. It wouldn’t be advisable from a welfare perspective to keep him in isolation.
The Sleepy Hippo
Well-Known Member
I loved Adelaide Zoo, but their exhibit for Sea Lion was shockingly small, with a shockingly shallow pool for them. They were amazing to watch though 
I loved Adelaide Zoo, but their exhibit for Sea Lion was shockingly small, with a shockingly shallow pool for them. They were amazing to watch though
Adelaide have a tiny exhibit like you say and from a welfare perspective the options are to build a decent sized exhibit or to phase out.
A contributing factor to Auckland Zoo’s decision to phase out pinnipeds would be the expense of treating and filtering such a large volume of water (they have a decent sized exhibit). It was similarly mentioned as an issue with regards to the Common hippopotamus prior to their phase out.
Personally, I really like pinnipeds. California sea lions are my favourite. There’s no other pinniped that even comes close to matching their charisma; but the Australian sea lions and New Zealand fur seals tick the native species box in their respective countries and pinnipeds are the only marine species that can draw the crowds without drawing the controversy. Can you imagine the uproar that would go with cetaceans?
Additional Notes from the Masterplan
Sumatran orangutan holdings:
The Sumatran orangutan exhibit is a decent size. Combined with the intention to construct an aerial pathway (identified as one of the priority projects to commence 2023), I’m hopeful this will enable Adelaide Zoo to expand their holdings beyond a 1.1 pair.
Despite plans to renovate their exhibits, Perth appear to be downsizing their colony and the transfer of Pulang and Lestari may well follow to join Kluet at Adelaide. They’re a cohesive dyad who could likely be housed full time with Kluet, making for an exciting exhibit. Perth could receive Puspa in return if Adelaide couldn’t accomodate the two female groups separately.
Breeding Komodo dragon:
The masterplan details plans to house and breed Komodo dragons. Even with the prospective hatchlings accommodated in the adjacent reptile house, there’s very little space for this species if the map is anything to go by - a small exhibit that’s a fraction of the size of “Natures Playground.”
I honestly look at “Nature Playground” and just imagine what better use this space could be put too.
Sumatran orangutan holdings:
The Sumatran orangutan exhibit is a decent size. Combined with the intention to construct an aerial pathway (identified as one of the priority projects to commence 2023), I’m hopeful this will enable Adelaide Zoo to expand their holdings beyond a 1.1 pair.
Despite plans to renovate their exhibits, Perth appear to be downsizing their colony and the transfer of Pulang and Lestari may well follow to join Kluet at Adelaide. They’re a cohesive dyad who could likely be housed full time with Kluet, making for an exciting exhibit. Perth could receive Puspa in return if Adelaide couldn’t accomodate the two female groups separately.
Breeding Komodo dragon:
The masterplan details plans to house and breed Komodo dragons. Even with the prospective hatchlings accommodated in the adjacent reptile house, there’s very little space for this species if the map is anything to go by - a small exhibit that’s a fraction of the size of “Natures Playground.”
I honestly look at “Nature Playground” and just imagine what better use this space could be put too.
Additional interesting mentions:
Sun Bears!
Set to return to Adelaide apart of the Jewels of Asia precinct. Good to see them not letting them go and this further proves what we were told from Steve last year re. them and the reason the breeding program has stagnated in Australasia in the last few years. Hopefully some new imports from overseas in the future will help invigorate the regional breeding program, starting with Adelaide!
Breeding Complex for the Gibbons
The Saimang and White Cheeked Gibbons current habitats will excitedly be expanded to the adjacent area behind their current islands (where the Baboons/Mandrills are). This will give them the opportunity to be able to hold multiple groupings and be able to manage breeding more effectively.
It's a shame to see that Orangutans aren't included in this set up (and instead, have their individual enclosure next door) but I don't see any reason why they shouldn't be added at the actual construction time to give them access to at least the O-Lines which will connect these enclosures.
Another interesting mention here is the Asian Short Clawed Otters will have access to the water surrounding these islands. A very intriguing concept and perhaps a world first? It'll be interesting to see how it pans out, but here's a photo of the current islands and their surrounding bodies of water at the moment. I presume they'll also have land access to the islands as well and share the enclosures with the Gibbons. Here's a photo taken by @Swanson02 :
Tapirs!
The Masterplan also references both Malayan and Brazilian Tapirs. The Malayans are planned to remain in their current habitat (alongside Dusky Langurs which is also interesting). Considering Mia's age I'm hopeful this means Adelaide are considering importing some further stock from overseas (hopefully breeding!) to replace her once she passes.
The same goes for the Brazilian Tapirs who are a little younger and have more time, but would still benefit from imports going forward as well. They will be featured in the walkthrough Amazon Dome which is still a while away, but the thought of having a mixed species area with them and Squirrel Monkeys/Tamarins does excite me.
Additional interesting mentions:
Sun Bears!
Set to return to Adelaide apart of the Jewels of Asia precinct. Good to see them not letting them go and this further proves what we were told from Steve last year re. them and the reason the breeding program has stagnated in Australasia in the last few years. Hopefully some new imports from overseas in the future will help invigorate the regional breeding program, starting with Adelaide!
Breeding Complex for the Gibbons
The Saimang and White Cheeked Gibbons current habitats will excitedly be expanded to the adjacent area behind their current islands (where the Baboons/Mandrills are). This will give them the opportunity to be able to hold multiple groupings and be able to manage breeding more effectively.
It's a shame to see that Orangutans aren't included in this set up (and instead, have their individual enclosure next door) but I don't see any reason why they shouldn't be added at the actual construction time to give them access to at least the O-Lines which will connect these enclosures.
Another interesting mention here is the Asian Short Clawed Otters will have access to the water surrounding these islands. A very intriguing concept and perhaps a world first? It'll be interesting to see how it pans out, but here's a photo of the current islands and their surrounding bodies of water at the moment. I presume they'll also have land access to the islands as well and share the enclosures with the Gibbons. Here's a photo taken by @Swanson02 :
Tapirs!
The Masterplan also references both Malayan and Brazilian Tapirs. The Malayans are planned to remain in their current habitat (alongside Dusky Langurs which is also interesting). Considering Mia's age I'm hopeful this means Adelaide are considering importing some further stock from overseas (hopefully breeding!) to replace her once she passes.
The same goes for the Brazilian Tapirs who are a little younger and have more time, but would still benefit from imports going forward as well. They will be featured in the walkthrough Amazon Dome which is still a while away, but the thought of having a mixed species area with them and Squirrel Monkeys/Tamarins does excite me.
I love that area of Adelaide in the photos. Otters will be a fantastic addition to those spaces.
I do have a sneaky fear that the inclusion of Sun bear and Malayan tapir could be hangovers from the previous masterplan and map, although I also see that the point of a masterplan is to express plans for the future - ie, Adelaide could put on the masterplan what they plan to use those areas for after the current inhabitants pass on (or, already, in the case of the sun bear), even if that might be a more long-term idea.
Considering how iconic the langur/tapir exhibit is, the fact that Adelaide have essentially retained it on their masterplan intrigues me. If you asked me to pick a side, I doubt there would be plans to import new Malayan tapirs (although it would be awesome) because of the blindness issue.
Also, the Amazon dome does seem incredible, and very Adelaide.
Overall, we shall see.
Additional interesting mentions:
Sun Bears!
Set to return to Adelaide apart of the Jewels of Asia precinct. Good to see them not letting them go and this further proves what we were told from Steve last year re. them and the reason the breeding program has stagnated in Australasia in the last few years. Hopefully some new imports from overseas in the future will help invigorate the regional breeding program, starting with Adelaide!
Breeding Complex for the Gibbons
The Saimang and White Cheeked Gibbons current habitats will excitedly be expanded to the adjacent area behind their current islands (where the Baboons/Mandrills are). This will give them the opportunity to be able to hold multiple groupings and be able to manage breeding more effectively.
It's a shame to see that Orangutans aren't included in this set up (and instead, have their individual enclosure next door) but I don't see any reason why they shouldn't be added at the actual construction time to give them access to at least the O-Lines which will connect these enclosures.
Another interesting mention here is the Asian Short Clawed Otters will have access to the water surrounding these islands. A very intriguing concept and perhaps a world first? It'll be interesting to see how it pans out, but here's a photo of the current islands and their surrounding bodies of water at the moment. I presume they'll also have land access to the islands as well and share the enclosures with the Gibbons. Here's a photo taken by @Swanson02 :
Tapirs!
The Masterplan also references both Malayan and Brazilian Tapirs. The Malayans are planned to remain in their current habitat (alongside Dusky Langurs which is also interesting). Considering Mia's age I'm hopeful this means Adelaide are considering importing some further stock from overseas (hopefully breeding!) to replace her once she passes.
The same goes for the Brazilian Tapirs who are a little younger and have more time, but would still benefit from imports going forward as well. They will be featured in the walkthrough Amazon Dome which is still a while away, but the thought of having a mixed species area with them and Squirrel Monkeys/Tamarins does excite me.
It seems like Asian-small clawed otters have gained a reputation as the perfect addition to a mixed species exhibit with primates (both within the region e.g. Auckland Zoo) and at zoos in Europe which have mixed them with orangutans.
Historically, Adelaide Zoo was the breeding hub of Asian small-clawed otters and only in the last couple of decades have reduced their holdings to a single breeding. With multiple primate exhibits, including the islands, there’s also an opportunity to hold larger groups.
I really hope Malayan sun bear are acquired. There’s no surplus within the region, but I’ve been hopeful for a while that we may import females from Europe. They have a reasonable surplus and have welcomed six female cubs in recent years.
I’m divided on Malayan tapir. I’m inclined to believe their inclusion in the masterplan represents their current existence at Adelaide. They could be replaced with otters as per above. There was an unconfirmed rumour that Melbourne were planning to import them (post elephants), which if true indicates some level of regional support. An exhibit in total shade cover may be viable.
Swanson02
Well-Known Member
Maned Wolf were planned for Monarto in the previous masterplan, and an enclosure could easily be made for them there. It would also be Monarto's first South American species. They would fit well in a grassy exhibit near a bus stop in the "back from the brink" section.
Swanson02
Well-Known Member
I agree and personally believe they are hangovers, most of the time these maps are created by office workers disconnected from the real happenings down in the zoo. Likewise, the omission of Dingos, Binturong, Serval, Meerkats, and Fennec fox could all just be lazy mistakes. Meerkats are highly popular in front of the current Giraffe exhibit so I doubt they'll be leaving. Dingos are literally dogs so can be placed anywhere quite easily (a big pack would be a good addition to Monarto though). Binturongs require little space so placing them isn't a hassle and both Serval and Fennec Fox would slot perfectly into being smaller "walking" exhibits supporting the Carnivores section at Monarto.
Regarding the Sun Bears, Sri Lankan leopards could still slot in. They are just as much of a drawcard and will be readily available as breeding will continue. The current exhibit that used to hold Sun Bears houses Obi but could again be converted and host one of the excess males from the National Zoo, at the least making Adelaide a non-breeding holder. Sun Bears would require an entire import something Adelaide is way too lazy (and poor) to do imo
. Regarding the Malayan Tapirs, I believe they'll slot the Brazilians into the fig exhibit after Mia passes, this will work well as the Tapir's current locations will be occupied by construction. After the Brazilians are eventually moved into the jungle journey, I don't know what will happen in this space (most likely converted into another playground or picnic area
)
Maned wolf are an ideal species for an open range zoo. The odour of their urine is considered a deterrent from holding them in some city zoos, though if one can stand the stench of an otter exhibit, they can withstand anything imo.
Monarto has more than enough space to build a series of grasslands exhibits for this species and can establish a thriving breeding programme.
Monarto are aspiring to become one of the world’s best open range zoos; but to do so, they need to abandon their African centric planning and diversify to Asia and South East Asia. Australasia doesn’t have access to enough African species to recreate what overseas facilities can do.
I agree and personally believe they are hangovers, most of the time these maps are created by office workers disconnected from the real happenings down in the zoo. Likewise, the omission of Dingos, Binturong, Serval, Meerkats, and Fennec fox could all just be lazy mistakes. Meerkats are highly popular in front of the current Giraffe exhibit so I doubt they'll be leaving. Dingos are literally dogs so can be placed anywhere quite easily (a big pack would be a good addition to Monarto though). Binturongs require little space so placing them isn't a hassle and both Serval and Fennec Fox would slot perfectly into being smaller "walking" exhibits supporting the Carnivores section at Monarto.
Regarding the Sun Bears, Sri Lankan leopards could still slot in. They are just as much of a drawcard and will be readily available as breeding will continue. The current exhibit that used to hold Sun Bears houses Obi but could again be converted and host one of the excess males from the National Zoo, at the least making Adelaide a non-breeding holder. Sun Bears would require an entire import something Adelaide is way too lazy (and poor) to do imo
Regarding the Malayan Tapirs, I believe they'll slot the Brazilians into the fig exhibit after Mia passes, this will work well as the Tapir's current locations will be occupied by construction. After the Brazilians are eventually moved into the jungle journey, I don't know what will happen in this space (most likely converted into another playground or picnic area
Sun bears are almost unmatched in charisma and would nicely compliment the South East Asian exhibits; but Sri Lankan leopard would be a suitable replacement.
If we’re to assume the first generation male and female Sri Lankan leopard at Darling Downs Zoo and the National Zoo and Aquarium are to form a breeding pair; then that leaves the two Canberra males surplus and suitable for Adelaide. It’s equally like the female at Canberra has retired from the breeding programme and could be an option for a non-breeding holder (with or without her mate).
I’d assume Adelaide are hoping the addition of a third Sumatran tiger exhibit will increase breeding recommendations, but I hope they’re astute enough to realise that with a pair from well represented lines, they probably won’t be breeding for some time.
Brazilian tapir could work well in that exhibit. It’d be better to see the region concentrate on one tapir species and do a decent job of it than a half-hearted attempt to manage Brazilians and Malayans and end up back where we are now. It’s more than a little disappointing we can’t aspire to more as a region, but that’s the reality of it.
I agree. Brazilian Tapirs bring the 'large animal' factor to the South American collection. They are vulnerable and not endangered like Malayan Tapirs, although by the sounds of things the issue has been obtaining animals from overseas, rather than the zoos not wanting to import and breed this species.
As much as I love Malayan Tapirs, I think the zoos will need to have a clear plan for preventing eye issues if they are to import additional animals for a new breeding program. If that's not possible then I don't think it will happen. In the 2000s the program could have taken off - an Asian rainforest ungulate with two unrelated pairs imported.
It would have been an interesting 'what if' to see what would have happened if Semangka and Jelita (the two calves born in 1999 and 2000) were a male and a female instead of two females. Denise (Semangka's mother) was an older animal, but I wonder if Taronga and Adelaide didn't breed again because of the eye issues becoming apparent or another reason.
I could see one of the Adelaide cubs getting a breeding recommendation with a cub born at Auckland Zoo. Whilst both Kembali and Delilah are from the Nico-Meta line like so many tigers in the region, they both have one parent (Oz and Kaitlyn, respectively) who are founders in the regional population and Susu, Marni and Ketambe are first grandcubs for both of them.
I was told Europe had stopped breeding Brazilian tapir as of a couple of years ago due to overcrowding in their zoos. They’d be a preferable source to the North American population due to the competitive ease of importing them. Somebody did mention on here that Europe only send them out on the proviso they can recall them and their offspring, but I don’t see this as an issue. If they’re that overcrowded in Europe, they’ll be glad to be shot of them and if they breed well over here, we can only accomodate so many.
I’d assume Taronga stopped breeding because of the eye-issue. I can’t imagine it would have been hard to place such a unique species within the region, so am confident the demand would have been there. Tapirs appear to have a few reproductive idiosyncrasies, but when they breed, they breed - so I’m confident that wasn’t the issue either. The same for a hypothetical male-female first generation pairing - I think it would have either worked or it wouldn’t have.
I think cubs from Auckland’s Sumatran tiger pair will be in high demand and unless the first litter is quadruplets, I’d expect a second litter within three years. Oz has had five cubs - one is deceased and two are non-breeding; so Kembali’s cubs may benefit from that.
A near identical mating is being planned in New Zealand though between Kirana (twin of Kembali) and Scout (twin of Delilah). Not sure who thought that was a bright idea when they could have paired Reggie (only living descendant of Maneki) or Bashi (unrepereseted founder) with Kirana.