Future of Zoos SA zoos (Speculation)

[Zoofan15]

I think Zoos SA fundraising for elephants drive has had a number of us wondering what’s happened to the hippos we fundraised for in 2021/2022. The exhibit surely must be complete by now.

Articles at the beginning of the campaign stated they’d be transferring the hippopotami in mid-2023, so hopefully the cows from Werribee and bull from Dubbo are imminent. The elephant complex is exciting, but it’d be good to see this project wrapped up soon.

Exactly I do worry that with this new campaign Monarto maybe over extending themselves and neglecting species and commitments which still require attention.

For example their two black rhino bulls will most likely move into the behind scenes semi completed complex built to support the planned 30 white rhinos from South Africa. Atleast until another on display exhibit is constructed for them (not likely until atleast 2026), does this mean plans for a black rhino cow have been scrapped? It will be sad not seeing them for a minimum of a few years.

This en mass diversion of funds could also impact Monartos stated plans for more white rhinos, more hyenas, new antelope species, a Maned wolf exhibit, a baboon exhibit etc and ultimately Wild Africa.

Saying all this Monarto has an amazing ability to breed species in large quantity, as exhibited in recent times by their Cheetahs, Lions, Zebras and Giraffe, hopefully some of this success extends to their incoming species

I’m not sure how many Southern white rhinoceros are expected to be received by Monarto as part of the Australian Rhino Project, but the total import from South Africa will comprise 35 rhinos - which will be split between Orana, Monarto and Dubbo. Each shipment of 15, 10 and 10 will arrive at 12 month intervals and spend 12 months quarantining at Orana. The first batch aren’t even on site at Orana yet, so I doubt Monarto will be receiving any until at least 2025.

I don’t know how Monarto’s plans for black rhinoceros will be affected, but imagine it’s well below the elephants, hippos and white rhinos in terms of priorities. That said, Monarto have a lot of background projects e.g. Spotted hyena and Ring-tailed lemur. The black rhinos will need an exhibit in the meantime - hopefully not behind a paywall.

The elephant complex will ensure Monarto doesn’t fall behind Werribee and though 14ha to Werribee’s 21ha, Monarto has plenty of other drawcards. Numbers will always be Monarto’s biggest asset - they have Australia’s largest lion pride (12 lions) with two litters of cubs expected versus small prides at Dubbo and Werribee; and Werribee’s bachelor herd of giraffe and bachelor troop of gorillas lag behind Monarto’s magnificent breeding troops of giraffe and chimpanzee.

 

[Swanson02]

I was wondering today about the configuration of Monarto's new elephant complex so drew up a quick map that encapsulates all my thoughts and theories. Let me know if I've missed anything that ZoosSA has publicly stated. (This is mostly my own educated speculation, Monarto still hasn't 100% confirmed they will be receiving the elephants). Further, the google maps survey image was taken during the peak of the South Australian summer, hence Monarto is looking very dull and brown.

Below is a map of Monarto's Black Rhinoceros, Plains Zebra, and 'Asian Grassland' Exhibits. All of which are intended to be used for the elephants if Monarto recieves them. I have numbered each area of interest on the map and discuss them individually below

Key
Red - Perimeter fencing
Green - Current Black Rhinoceros exhibit borders (I.e. heavy duty barriers that could hold elephants with minimal work)
Light Green - Black Rhino raceways and holding pens
Blue - Automatic gates (for tour buses)
Pink - Current Black Rhino Bus stop

1. This google maps image is quite old, but this is the approximate location of the current Black Rhino bus stop, it has a path leading to #4, where the new Black Rhino viewing area is located. This area has outdoor seating and a toilet but I'd imagine they'd be greatly expanded on and maybe even a cafe added due to the high foot traffic elephants would bring to this section of the park. As of right now though it is the least visited bus stop. Prior to this area is Monarto's Wild Horse and Bison exhibit so no real appropriate theming outside it's current 'back from the brink' designation could be made to tie the two areas together. (Maybe an "ice age" theme but that would be a stretch imo)
2. This is Monarto's solar farm which runs all of the park's electric fences, this area will likely remain untouched.
3. The approximate location of the recently constructed 5.5-acre paddock for the Black Rhinos. I imagine this will be one of three rotational elephant yards/paddocks. With essentially one being occupied by Putra Mas, a second by the cows, and a third on 'rest' at all times.
4. The approximate location of the new Black Rhino viewing area over both #3 and #6, will likely be updated with a covered and elevated platform.
5. The barn, raceways, and two rhino-holding yards. Back in the 90s, the plan was for Monarto to hold up to 9 elephants, however, I don't believe this barn was intended to hold that many (maybe 3-4 elephants). Anway a separate bull barn for Puta Mas will need to be constructed somewhere near here. Additionally, the entire area will have to be brought up to modern standards.
6. The main Black Rhino display exhibit, little will have to be done to convert this to elephants, bar adding a plunge pool (currently it only has a wallow). My only other qualm is the moats, Samorn passed from injuries related to falling into these earthen moats, which can get quite hard and slippery in the winter, so maybe employ some terracing?
7. The drive-through portion of this exhibit currently holds a couple of young Plains Zebra. I imagine they will most likely be removed due to clashes in theming with the elephants. Zebra have been held in four other locations within the park so it's not a big deal. I could see the small herd of Mesopotamian fallow deer from the neighboring grassland replacing them, matching the 'Asian Savanna' theming better. Additionally, the fallow deer are not as nimble as Blackbuck so will likely not lend themselves as well to a mixed exhibit with elephants.
8. The current Asian grasslands exhibit, holds Blackbuck and Mesopotamian fallow deer. This area will be the most drastically altered by planned works. Additionally, it will be by far the largest of my speculated three main yards, with the other two encompassing a combined 5ha, therefore I'd estimate this to be somewhere in the 9ha range. Being so large I could easily see the Blackbuck remaining within this exhibit (the buses already moving through is also evidence they are fine with large entities in close proximity). Having a mixed exhibit will also be a point of difference for Monarto compared to TWPZ and WORZ.
9. The overnight holding pens for the Blackbuck and fallow deer, are easily rebuildable so could be removed to make way for elephant-related projects.
10. This oblong paddock for a long time held Monarto's two male Bongos, which are now either being held BOH or have passed? I can't imagine they'd return to this odd and hard-to-view location, so I imagine in the future it will be absorbed by the elephant-related construction.
11. The two walking trail lookouts, I imagine they'll receive a sizeable update to compensate for the greater foot traffic.
12. The bus route leads onto the waterhole area from here. I can't imagine it will be, but I can see a case for #8 remaining drive-through if only Permai and Burma inhabited it. Both are known to be very tame cows and are under free contact. Drive-through elephant exhibits have also been achieved elsewhere before. Saying that the exhibit will likely be used in Later years for breeding (i.e. the introduction of bulls and calves). So will have to be converted to 'drive-by'.

As for Monarto's two bull Black Rhinos, I see them moving behind the scenes for the next few years, to the newly constructed Rhino handling facility. I pray not permanently behind a Paywall like Wild Africa, but I wouldn't put it past them

 

[Jambo]

This oblong paddock for a long time held Monarto's two male Bongos, which are now either being held BOH or have passed? I can't imagine they'd return to this odd and hard-to-view location, so I imagine in the future it will be absorbed by the elephant-related construction.

Awesome breakdown!

It certainly seems like the majority of species currently there; Black Rhinos, Zebras, Blackbuck ect. will just get housing elsewhere.

Re. the Bongo, they currently only have one male (Isaac, born at Melbourne in 2012). Not sure what happened to the other male, but I assume Isaac's off display.

 

[Zoofan15]

I’m replying to your question in this thread here @JpY, as this is a dead thread (no replies since 2007):

https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/gorillas-at-adelaide-zoo.166/page-3#post-1483684

Does anyone know if the plans for gorillas have been abandoned in the latest Masterplan?

Western lowland gorillas are no longer in Adelaide’s plans.

They planned to build an impressive complex, but this was canned in favour of a generic savannah exhibit housing giraffe, nyala and ostrich. This decision was supposedly influenced by their staff being unable to persuade a giraffe to enter a transport crate.

It’s a great loss to Adelaide and with confirmation they’ll now be housing a bachelor pride of lions (and canning plans to acquire leopards) pretty much cements their position as a lesser version of Monarto; rather than complimenting their collection as originally intended. Very disappointing to see.

 

[Zorro]

Going through some old correspondence from the Adelaide zoo in August 1984 I was told that in the last 12 months Bison, Chamois and Nilgai (among others) were imported from New Zealand zoo/s. I don't have any idea what numbers were imported but properly not that many to sustain itself in the long term!

It would be nice if the Nilgai were still around today at Monarto perhaps mixed with the elephants!

 

[Zoofan15]

Going through some old correspondence from the Adelaide zoo in August 1984 I was told that in the last 12 months Bison, Chamois and Nilgai (among others) were imported from New Zealand zoo/s. I don't have any idea what numbers were imported but properly not that many to sustain itself in the long term!

It would be nice if the Nilgai were still around today at Monarto perhaps mixed with the elephants!

That’s interesting. I’m assuming these came from the Auckland and Wellington Zoos. Looking at old maps, Auckland Zoo had a Bison herd around this time. Nilgai were held at Orana, Hamilton and Auckland.

It’s possible Nilgai remain in private hands, but could easily be imported. They’d be a great addition to the elephant complexes at Monarto and Werribee.

 

[Jambo]

Going through some old correspondence from the Adelaide zoo in August 1984 I was told that in the last 12 months Bison, Chamois and Nilgai (among others) were imported from New Zealand zoo/s. I don't have any idea what numbers were imported but properly not that many to sustain itself in the long term!

It would be nice if the Nilgai were still around today at Monarto perhaps mixed with the elephants!

Considering Australia’s Bison population was largely descended from Canadian imports in the early 1900’s; it made sense the Australian zoos began to import from NZ to introduce new genes.

It’s surprising though to see they were still being imported going into the 80’s. Adelaide phased them out in the 90’s, sending their herd over to Monarto.

 

[Zorro]

That’s interesting. I’m assuming these came from the Auckland and Wellington Zoos. Looking at old maps, Auckland Zoo had a Bison herd around this time. Nilgai were held at Orana, Hamilton and Auckland.

It’s possible Nilgai remain in private hands, but could easily be imported. They’d be a great addition to the elephant complexes at Monarto and Werribee.

It would be really interesting to know if any Nilgai do survive in the region, possibly at the Mary River station but who knows!

 

[Zoofan15]

It would be really interesting to know if any Nilgai do survive in the region, possibly at the Mary River station but who knows!

If not, they’re at least on the live import list and could be easily imported. There’s close to 70 European zoos that hold Nilgai, so they’d be readily available.

I’m hopeful we’ll see some imports of bovids (especially from the open range zoos). Any new bovid species to the region will likely be those already on the live import list. It gives us enough new options to work with, without going to the additional effort of getting new species added to the list.

Nilgai, Boselaphus tragocamelus
Red Lechwe, Kobus leche
Dama Gazelle, Nanger dama ruficollis
Grant's Gazelle, Nanger granti
Gemsbok, Oryx gazella
Sable Antelope, Hippotragus niger
Sitatunga, Tragelaphus spekii
Greater Kudu, Tragelaphus strepsiceros

Personally, I’d be most excited to see sable antelope (especially Giant sable antelope) and Sitatunga imported; though I understand kudu have been considered for Monarto at least.

 

[Zorro]

If not, they’re at least on the live import list and could be easily imported. There’s close to 70 European zoos that hold Nilgai, so they’d be readily available.

I’m hopeful we’ll see some imports of bovids (especially from the open range zoos). Any new bovid species to the region will likely be those already on the live import list. It gives us enough new options to work with, without going to the additional effort of getting new species added to the list.

Nilgai, Boselaphus tragocamelus
Red Lechwe, Kobus leche
Dama Gazelle, Nanger dama ruficollis
Grant's Gazelle, Nanger granti
Gemsbok, Oryx gazella
Sable Antelope, Hippotragus niger
Sitatunga, Tragelaphus spekii
Greater Kudu, Tragelaphus strepsiceros

Personally, I’d be most excited to see sable antelope (especially Giant sable antelope) and Sitatunga imported; though I understand kudu have been considered for Monarto at least.

I believe the new (as in not currently here) species that may enter the region would most likely be for Monarto Safari park, I had seen/read that they have 2 new Mystery antelope species planned. I am guessing the Greater Kudu and the Sable antelope. Which should under the climate/conditions at Monarto zoo thrive. I do hope if/when this happens that they import a good number and avoid the preivous pit falls of trying to breed with to smaller number in the first place.
Giant Sable will never happen unfortunately, They are in my top 3 favourites.
I would really like to know how many were imported for Werribee zoo in the past I would imagine properly not many hence none around anymore.

 

[Zoofan15]

I believe the new (as in not currently here) species that may enter the region would most likely be for Monarto Safari park, I had seen/read that they have 2 new Mystery antelope species planned. I am guessing the Greater Kudu and the Sable antelope. Which should under the climate/conditions at Monarto zoo thrive. I do hope if/when this happens that they import a good number and avoid the preivous pit falls of trying to breed with to smaller number in the first place.
Giant Sable will never happen unfortunately, They are in my top 3 favourites.
I would really like to know how many were imported for Werribee zoo in the past I would imagine properly not many hence none around anymore.

I’m hopeful the import of a large number of Lowland nyala is representative of how the region intends to undertake imports into the future. Species are now managed at a regional level and the inadvisable imports of pairs and trios of ungulates throughout the 20th century are representative of zoos working on a limited budget at the individual level, with no consideration given to long term breeding plans.

It appears we have Pearl Coast to thank for several ungulate imports in the 1980’s; though as recently as 1996, Werribee undertook the import of 1.2 Greater kudu from the US. A larger founder base and not castrating the only male could have seen a viable population remain to this day.

 

[Zorro]

I’m hopeful the import of a large number of Lowland nyala is representative of how the region intends to undertake imports into the future. Species are now managed at a regional level and the inadvisable imports of pairs and trios of ungulates throughout the 20th century are representative of zoos working on a limited budget at the individual level, with no consideration given to long term breeding plans.

It appears we have Pearl Coast to thank for several ungulate imports in the 1980’s; though as recently as 1996, Werribee undertook the import of 1.2 Greater kudu from the US. A larger founder base and not castrating the only male could have seen a viable population remain to this day.

I agree in full. But as an observer on the wall for 50+ years I expect very few holders to import that much at all. As we have spoken about before the trend of down sizing is the norm, My "guess" is apart from Monarto we will be lucky to see much more than the odd one or pair imported here and there and despite the resent IRA for Bovine now being completed after I believe 13 years I expect minimum action. Even in NZ where they can import Giraffe there appears no interest in doing so, so just keep the status quo has become the norm properly out of habit and apathy!
(I do hope that I am completely wrong regarding this)

 

[Zorro]

I’m hopeful the import of a large number of Lowland nyala is representative of how the region intends to undertake imports into the future. Species are now managed at a regional level and the inadvisable imports of pairs and trios of ungulates throughout the 20th century are representative of zoos working on a limited budget at the individual level, with no consideration given to long term breeding plans.

It appears we have Pearl Coast to thank for several ungulate imports in the 1980’s; though as recently as 1996, Werribee undertook the import of 1.2 Greater kudu from the US. A larger founder base and not castrating the only male could have seen a viable population remain to this day.

Just on the import thing, I would have loved to see Taronga import the stunning highly endangered Philippine dear species as they wanted a few years ago!

 

[Zoofan15]

Just on the import thing, I would have loved to see Taronga import the stunning highly endangered Philippine dear species as they wanted a few years ago!

I’d love to see more small (endangered) mammals like this at Adelaide and Melbourne in place of giraffes and other large mammals that could be better accommodated at the open range zoos.

Similarly with lions, if Adelaide and Melbourne aren’t gonna dedicate the space to holding a pride, then don’t bother with lions full-stop. Non breeding facilities aren’t essential to the breeding programme like they are with other species. Males like Chad and Ruka at Monarto could easily be castrated and remain in their natal prides long term.

 

[Zorro]

I’d love to see more small (endangered) mammals like this at Adelaide and Melbourne in place of giraffes and other large mammals that could be better accommodated at the open range zoos.

Similarly with lions, if Adelaide and Melbourne aren’t gonna dedicate the space to holding a pride, then don’t bother with lions full-stop. Non breeding facilities aren’t essential to the breeding programme like they are with other species. Males like Chad and Ruka at Monarto could easily be castrated and remain in their natal prides long term.

I firmly believe that Adelaide could heavily focus on the smaller endangered species such as rare Tamarins, marmosets, birds, Reptiles, Leopards, Pygmy hippos and similar rare animal species and market themselves as the "Adelaide Ark" while promoting Monarto as the "Safari park" to see large animals on the open range, Much focus could be put on breeding and the promotion of many rain forest species, they had ultra are species before like Golden headed Tamarins ect it would be the perfect place with its warm climate and having only a 8 hectare foot print!

 

[Zoofan15]

I firmly believe that Adelaide could heavily focus on the smaller endangered species such as rare Tamarins, marmosets, birds, Reptiles, Leopards, Pygmy hippos and similar rare animal species and market themselves as the "Adelaide Ark" while promoting Monarto as the "Safari park" to see large animals on the open range, Much focus could be put on breeding and the promotion of many rain forest species, they had ultra are species before like Golden headed Tamarins ect it would be the perfect place with its warm climate and having only a 8 hectare foot print!

Bearing in mind space constraints and what we can and can’t potentially import, this would be my exotic mammals list for Adelaide Zoo:

Adelaide Zoo

Carnivores:

Sumatran tiger
Sri Lankan leopard (replace African lion)
Snow leopard (replace Giant panda)
Clouded leopard
Fishing cat
Maned wolf
Binturong
Asian-small clawed otter
Nepalese red panda
Slender-failed meerkat

Primates:

Sumatran orangutan
Mandrill
Black and white colobus
De Brazza’s monkey
Dusky langur
Bolivian squirrel monkey
Red ruffed lemur
Golden lion tamarin
Cotton-top tamarin

Ungulates:

Pygmy hippopotamus
Eastern bongo
Philippine deer
Malayan tapir
Brazilian tapir

Phase outs:

African lion (already at Monarto)
Giant panda (phase out of Zoos SA)
Hamadryas baboon (relocate to Monarto)
Giraffe (already at Monarto)

 

[Zorro]

Bearing in mind space constraints and what we can and can’t potentially import, this would be my exotic mammals list for Adelaide Zoo:

Adelaide Zoo

Carnivores:

Sumatran tiger
Sri Lankan leopard (replace African lion)
Snow leopard (replace Giant panda)
Clouded leopard
Fishing cat
Maned wolf
Binturong
Asian-small clawed otter
Nepalese red panda
Slender-failed meerkat

Primates:

Sumatran orangutan
Mandrill
Black and white colobus
De Brazza’s monkey
Dusky langur
Bolivian squirrel monkey
Red ruffed lemur
Golden lion tamarin
Cotton-top tamarin

Ungulates:

Pygmy hippopotamus
Eastern bongo
Philippine deer
Malayan tapir
Brazilian tapir

I like it, but add in nice birds and reptiles and you have a winner!

 

[Zoofan15]

I like it, but add in nice birds and reptiles and you have a winner!

There’s people more knowledgeable on birds and reptiles than myself; but if pushed, I’d say Komodo dragon and Galapagos giant tortoise as the main reptile attractions; combined with a reptile house filled with smaller reptiles such as basilisk.

 

[Zorro]

There’s people more knowledgeable on birds and reptiles than myself; but if pushed, I’d say Komodo dragon and Galapagos giant tortoise as the main reptile attractions; combined with a reptile house filled with smaller reptiles such as basilisk.

Add in some of the smaller cat species fishing cats ect

 

[Zorro]

There’s people more knowledgeable on birds and reptiles than myself; but if pushed, I’d say Komodo dragon and Galapagos giant tortoise as the main reptile attractions; combined with a reptile house filled with smaller reptiles such as basilisk.

I could see it like a version of the Jersey zoo of Australia!