Future of Zoos SA zoos (Speculation)

[Zoofan15]

I just have a question regarding Monarto Zoo’s ‘Wild Africa’.

If the large, multiple species, African savannah exhibit and the Madagascar lemur walk-through exhibit are going to be ‘paid’ experiences would that also apply to the hippos?

And if anyone has an update of the species that have already been introduced to Wild Africa and an update on the zoos lemurs?

Thanks

The Wild Africa precinct will include the following species:

Scimitar-horned oryx
Indian antelope
Ostrich
Common hippopotamus
Southern white rhinoceros
Plains zebra

It’s implied the hippopotamus will be part of the paid experience that includes a drive through component.

The lemurs are breeding well, with infants recently produced. I imagine the focus is on building up numbers.

 

[Zorro]

The Wild Africa precinct will include the following species:

Scimitar-horned oryx
Indian antelope
Ostrich
Common hippopotamus
Southern white rhinoceros
Plains zebra

It’s implied the hippopotamus will be part of the paid experience that includes a drive through component.

The lemurs are breeding well, with infants recently produced. I imagine the focus is on building up numbers.

I was wondering about where that might leave the black rhinos

 

[Zoofan15]

I was wondering about where that might leave the black rhinos

I’m guessing their unpredictable nature would make them less suited to the multi-species exhibits they’re aiming for and potentially leave them liable to charge the vehicles!

There could still be a way to integrate them, just behind barriers and as more of drive past feature.

 

[Zorro]

I’m guessing their unpredictable nature would make them less suited to the multi-species exhibits they’re aiming for and potentially leave them liable to charge the vehicles!

There could still be a way to integrate them, just behind barriers and as more of drive past feature.

I thought something similar to Whipsnades Indian rhino enclosure where it can be viewed right up close from a railway or track could be done

 

[Zoofan15]

I thought something similar to Whipsnades Indian rhino enclosure where it can be viewed right up close from a railway or track could be done

I imagine something similar with Common hippopotamus would need to be implemented - perhaps a track going past the watering hole, but without direct contact with the hippopotamus. The vehicles will be open top and they would be keen to avoid any direct interactions with the hippopotamus. Both sexes are extremely defensive of their water space.

 

[Chimpanzeearescary]

The Wild Africa precinct will include the following species:

Scimitar-horned oryx
Indian antelope
Ostrich
Common hippopotamus
Southern white rhinoceros
Plains zebra

It’s implied the hippopotamus will be part of the paid experience that includes a drive through component.

The lemurs are breeding well, with infants recently produced. I imagine the focus is on building up numbers.

Thanks for the reply!

Wow, it will be quite a sight to see so many species in such a large exhibit. I will admit that I am disappointed the hippos might not be shown within the actual zoo but it does make sense. If (and that’s a big if) they do end up holding Asian elephants I wonder if they’ll be able to factor them into the main part of the zoo as that would be a big draw card for visitors.

If there lemur numbers get high enough maybe they can build another enclosure for a bachelor group or something near the chimpanzees and introduce more African monkeys and apes (colobuses, ruffed lemurs, baboons, gorillas if zoos sa is acquiring them).

Is there any updates on whether Monarto are planning on importing more hippos apart from the mother/daughter from Werribee?

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for the reply!

Wow, it will be quite a sight to see so many species in such a large exhibit. I will admit that I am disappointed the hippos might not be shown within the actual zoo but it does make sense. If (and that’s a big if) they do end up holding Asian elephants I wonder if they’ll be able to factor them into the main part of the zoo as that would be a big draw card for visitors.

If there lemur numbers get high enough maybe they can build another enclosure for a bachelor group or something near the chimpanzees and introduce more African monkeys and apes (colobuses, ruffed lemurs, baboons, gorillas if zoos sa is acquiring them).

Is there any updates on whether Monarto are planning on importing more hippos apart from the mother/daughter from Werribee?

You’re welcome.

Black and white ruffed lemur are already held within the region and would be easy to obtain. There’s been some regional interest in Red ruffed lemur, which would be great to see. It wouldn’t be possible to hold both of these within a breeding setting given the risk of hybridisation, but a mixed bachelor troop of lemurs could be an option. Male ruffed lemur are less territorial than females, which would otherwise struggle to coexist.

Monarto Zoo have Hamdryas baboon in their masterplan. They’ll be transferring the troop at Adelaide to Monarto when the time comes as Adelaide plan to phase this species out.

Re. Common hippopotamus, @Patrick Keegan was advised by staff at Taronga Western Plains Zoo that the current plan is for Kani (two year old bull) to be transferred to Monarto to pair with the two cows (Brindabella and Pansy).

 

[Chimpanzeearescary]

You’re welcome.

Black and white ruffed lemur are already held within the region and would be easy to obtain. There’s been some regional interest in Red ruffed lemur, which would be great to see. It wouldn’t be possible to hold both of these within a breeding setting given the risk of hybridisation, but a mixed bachelor troop of lemurs could be an option. Male ruffed lemur are less territorial than females, which would otherwise struggle to coexist.

Monarto Zoo have Hamdryas baboon in their masterplan. They’ll be transferring the troop at Adelaide to Monarto when the time comes as Adelaide plan to phase this species out.

Re. Common hippopotamus, @Patrick Keegan was advised by staff at Taronga Western Plains Zoo that the current plan is for Kani (two year old bull) to be transferred to Monarto to pair with the two cows (Brindabella and Pansy).

I am pretty sure Australia zoo hold 3 male black and white ruffed lemur off display and based off National zoo and aquarium’s website they seem to hold 6. I’m not sure how many Taronga western plains zoo have. It would be great to see red ruffed lemur introduced to the region, let’s just hope if they do there is no - as you said - hybridisation.

Adelaide zoos troupe of hamdryas baboons only consists of 3 individuals so I wonder if they’ll acquire any others? Transferring Kani would make sense but hopefully they can eventually import some new common hippopotamus. There is only 11 currently held in the region and the population seems to be closely related.

 

[Zoofan15]

Adelaide zoos troupe of hamdryas baboons only consists of 3 individuals so I wonder if they’ll acquire any others? Transferring Kani would make sense but hopefully they can eventually import some new common hippopotamus. There is only 11 currently held in the region and the population seems to be closely related.

Adelaide Zoo recently received two female Hamadryas baboon from Melbourne Zoo, which have joined the existing troop consisting of a 19 year old female and her two sons, aged 7 and 5. The males are at prime breeding age and would be looking to establish their own harems (one male units), so this is perfect timing and should lead to healthier troop dynamics than what they’ve held in recent years.

The Common hippopotamus population is highly inbred. All living hippopotami share a common ancestor (Billy) and the most genetically valuable hippopotamus is a female bred from the mating of two half siblings (who were themselves produced by a father mating with his two daughters). A hippopotamus IRA is supposedly in the works, so hopefully this will happen in the next few years and allow some much needed imports.

 

[Chimpanzeearescary]

Adelaide Zoo recently received two female Hamadryas baboon from Melbourne Zoo, which have joined the existing troop consisting of a 19 year old female and her two sons, aged 7 and 5. The males are at prime breeding age and would be looking to establish their own harems (one male units), so this is perfect timing and should lead to healthier troop dynamics than what they’ve held in recent years.

The Common hippopotamus population is highly inbred. All living hippopotami share a common ancestor (Billy) and the most genetically valuable hippopotamus is a female bred from the mating of two half siblings (who were themselves produced by a father mating with his two daughters). A hippopotamus IRA is supposedly in the works, so hopefully this will happen in the next few years and allow some much needed imports.

I had no idea about the baboon transfer but that’s great to hear. Hopefully this will lead to an active troupe at Monarto. It would be great to see new hippopotamus brought in. It baffles me that most zoos holding hippos keep them in small groups if not pairs. If the IRA is in the works all 3 Australian open range zoos could hold a decently sized population.

 

[Zorro]

Adelaide Zoo recently received two female Hamadryas baboon from Melbourne Zoo, which have joined the existing troop consisting of a 19 year old female and her two sons, aged 7 and 5. The males are at prime breeding age and would be looking to establish their own harems (one male units), so this is perfect timing and should lead to healthier troop dynamics than what they’ve held in recent years.

The Common hippopotamus population is highly inbred. All living hippopotami share a common ancestor (Billy) and the most genetically valuable hippopotamus is a female bred from the mating of two half siblings (who were themselves produced by a father mating with his two daughters). A hippopotamus IRA is supposedly in the works, so hopefully this will happen in the next few years and allow some much needed imports.

I believe that by Dubbo zoo sending the only male river hippo in the country to Monarto zoo says it all regarding any importation!

 

[Zoofan15]

I had no idea about the baboon transfer but that’s great to hear. Hopefully this will lead to an active troupe at Monarto. It would be great to see new hippopotamus brought in. It baffles me that most zoos holding hippos keep them in small groups if not pairs. If the IRA is in the works all 3 Australian open range zoos could hold a decently sized population.

Personally, I think it would have been preferable to have brought in a minimum of three female baboons (ideally four or five). With just two, there’s a decent chance Tomkay will grab them both and his younger brother will become a frustrated and disruptive influence on the troop as Tomkay once was. However, anything is an improvement on the previous situation and hopefully the troop will flourish.

The open range zoos have always held decent sized populations of hippos, but due to the restricted space, the last two city zoos to phase out (Adelaide and Auckland) held a pair each. Long term, I think they’re more suited to the open range zoos; and due to the expense in housing them, the small zoos/wildlife parks may be reluctant to acquire them.

 

[Zoofan15]

I believe that by Dubbo zoo sending the only male river hippo in the country to Monarto zoo says it all regarding any importation!

You could well be right. The urgent need for a hippopotamus IRA was identified back in the 2000’s, yet here we are still waiting. I just hope nothing happens to Kani before he can sire a male calf. It’s all resting on his survival at this stage and he won’t be introduced to the cows before the age of five as per husbandry guidelines, so we’re currently looking at a 3-4 year wait before any calves arrive.

 

[Zorro]

Personally, I think it would have been preferable to have brought in a minimum of three female baboons (ideally four or five). With just two, there’s a decent chance Tomkay will grab them both and his younger brother will become a frustrated and disruptive influence on the troop as Tomkay once was. However, anything is an improvement on the previous situation and hopefully the troop will flourish.

The open range zoos have always held decent sized populations of hippos, but due to the restricted space, the last two city zoos to phase out (Adelaide and Auckland) held a pair each. Long term, I think they’re more suited to the open range zoos; and due to the expense in housing them, the small zoos/wildlife parks may be reluctant to acquire them.

The small zoos with limited land space are ideal for the pygmy hippos.

 

[Zorro]

You could well be right. The urgent need for a hippopotamus IRA was identified back in the 2000’s, yet here we are still waiting. I just hope nothing happens to Kani before he can sire a male calf. It’s all resting on his survival at this stage and he won’t be introduced to the cows before the age of five as per husbandry guidelines, so we’re currently looking at a 3-4 year wait before any calves arrive.

True but this time will allow our zoos to plan out what is needed and from where they could locate any wanted animals to fit the bill. This gos for both species do the home work now and put into action when the time arrives!

 

[Zoofan15]

The small zoos with limited land space are ideal for the pygmy hippos.

Very true. While the three Australian open range zoos (and if we’re lucky Orana - albeit doubtful due to the expense) focus on the Common hippopotamus; there’s a number of small zoos and wildlife life parks who could revitalise the Pygmy hippopotamus population. Auckland Zoo are considering an African forest complex, which would be greatly enhanced by a Pygmy hippopotamus exhibit; and Altina and Crocodylus could regard them as a suitable replacement for Common hippopotamus in their plans (the former stated an intention to hold them in 2011).

 

[Zoofan15]

True but this time will allow our zoos to plan out what is needed and from where they could locate any wanted animals to fit the bill. This gos for both species do the home work now and put into action when the time arrives!

The best thing Monarto can do is invest in the infrastructure needed to support both cows breeding. A secure space will be needed post parturition and isolation of the mother and newborn for several months (6-8 months if they want to be really cautious). Only then should a reintroduction be attempted, with plenty of space provided to minimise the potential for conflict. If implemented effectively, a decent sized pod could be formed around this mother and daughter dyad - with female offspring retained; and surplus males willingly accepted by the other holders in the region - starting with Werribee.

 

[Zorro]

Very true. While the three Australian open range zoos (and if we’re lucky Orana - albeit doubtful due to the expense) focus on the Common hippopotamus; there’s a number of small zoos and wildlife life parks who could revitalise the Pygmy hippopotamus population. Auckland Zoo are considering an African forest complex, which would be greatly enhanced by a Pygmy hippopotamus exhibit; and Altina and Crocodylus could regard them as a suitable replacement for Common hippopotamus in their plans (the former stated an intention to hold them in 2011).

I am hopeful that Altina becomes a holder as they are very progressive and have a good breeding record. I would hold out a small hope that even Australia Zoo could become another holder some day, they do have existing dams that could well be used near their African area something already there that does not have to be constructed

 

[Zorro]

The best thing Monarto can do is invest in the infrastructure needed to support both cows breeding. A secure space will be needed post parturition and isolation of the mother and newborn for several months (6-8 months if they want to be really cautious). Only then should a reintroduction be attempted, with plenty of space provided to minimise the potential for conflict. If implemented effectively, a decent sized pod could be formed around this mother and daughter dyad - with female offspring retained; and surplus males willingly accepted by the other holders in the region - starting with Werribee.

I believe with the huge effort they have put into the new rhino complex I can't see them doing a lesser job of it in regards to the river hippos!

 

[Zoofan15]

I am hopeful that Altina becomes a holder as they are very progressive and have a good breeding record. I would hold out a small hope that even Australia could become another holder some day, they do have existing dams that could well be used near their African area something already there that does not have to be constructed

That’s true, as Altina also have a strong focus on ungulates. It’s unfortunate that Sydney Zoo didn’t come along at a later stage to A) Help us out with elephants; and B) Join the Common hippopotamus breeding programme. They’ve since dedicated the exhibit space to other species and are unlikely to reconsider them in the future given their limited space. The availability of some surplus hippopotamus would have surely seen them come on board.