Hamilton Zoo Hamilton Zoo News 2024

Abbey said:
Where is the caracal exhibit going to be located at Hamilton Zoo? Is it around where the golden cats used to be held, in the rainforest area? I'm never been to the zoo myself, but I have been looking at maps recently trying to work out where it's supposed to be. Also, is it completely a new build?
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The Caracal exhibit is on the rainforest boardwalk and is the old Temminck’s golden cat cage. There’s two cages, which have housed various small cats over the years including Leopard cat and Bobcat; as well as more recently, red pandas and lemurs. So, no, not a new exhibit.

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Hamilton Zoo News

Update from my visit (08/03/2024):

Hamilton Zoo now has Caracal! The zoo have imported a male Caracal from Darling Downs Zoo. There’s a screen up while he settles in, but zoo visitors can catch get a glimpse of him from the boardwalk.

Kirana brought her nine week old cubs outside today, which was really exciting to see.

The old Tuatara exhibit is under development.

Kune kune pigs are currently being housed in the old African wild dog exhibit by the Savannah. I can’t tell you how excited I was to see a flash of black and tan laying in the grass, before I realised what it was. African wild dogs of course are being phased out.

Although Salsa the spider monkey has been observed mating with the females, no pregnancies have resulted. It’s believed Salsa is infertile and consideration is being given to bringing in a new male.

Photos from my visit are in the gallery:

Hamilton Zoo - ZooChat
Aaa
 
Zoofan15 said:
Hamilton Zoo News

Update from my visit (08/03/2024):

Hamilton Zoo now has Caracal! The zoo have imported a male Caracal from Darling Downs Zoo. There’s a screen up while he settles in, but zoo visitors can catch get a glimpse of him from the boardwalk.

Kirana brought her nine week old cubs outside today, which was really exciting to see.

The old Tuatara exhibit is under development.

Kune kune pigs are currently being housed in the old African wild dog exhibit by the Savannah. I can’t tell you how excited I was to see a flash of black and tan laying in the grass, before I realised what it was. African wild dogs of course are being phased out.

Although Salsa the spider monkey has been observed mating with the females, no pregnancies have resulted. It’s believed Salsa is infertile and consideration is being given to bringing in a new male.

Photos from my visit are in the gallery:

Hamilton Zoo - ZooChat
Aaa
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Great news all around, by the old Tuatara exhibit do you mean just the exhibit where the snake neck turtle was housed recently or the entire former exhibit walkthrough area?
 
Matt_C said:
Great news all around, by the old Tuatara exhibit do you mean just the exhibit where the snake neck turtle was housed recently or the entire former exhibit walkthrough area?
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I was really impressed by the progress Hamilton Zoo has made of late. The Caracal is an exciting addition; and with several recent births including the Cape porcupine, Plains zebra and Sumatran tiger, there’s lots to see.

I was referring to this exhibit, which adjoined the old reptile house:

Old Tuatara Exhibit (Under Development)

Old Tuatara Exhibit (Under Development)

  • Media owner Zoofan15
  • Date added
Photo taken 08/03/2024.
 
Thanks, I miss the old walkthrough but thought it was too much to hope that would be reopened.

Have you heard any rumors about the former wild dog enclosure near the savanah area? It is a very good enclosure that seems wasted. I keep hearing hyena are planned for there but it doesn't sounds like a very firm plan.
 
Matt_C said:
Thanks, I miss the old walkthrough but thought it was too much to hope that would be reopened.

Have you heard any rumors about the former wild dog enclosure near the savanah area? It is a very good enclosure that seems wasted. I keep hearing hyena are planned for there but it doesn't sounds like a very firm plan.
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The old reptile house has been gutted and is now a lounge for the volunteers. I believe that will be its purpose from here on in.

I spoke to a keeper late last year and was told Spotted hyena will be going where the old African wild dog exhibit was (Savannah) because they’re an African species and will link to the adjacent giraffe/zebra.

African wild dog is designated as phase out and while nothing has been confirmed for their larger exhibit (Tigers), the main idea being considered at the moment is to build a third tiger exhibit. I’m not hugely in favour of this as what they have serves them well and I feel the space would be better allocated to a Sri Lankan leopard complex (it’s a large space after all).
 
Information on new male Caracal:

The zoo also has plans to import a female for breeding:

Caracal: The newest exotic cat at Hamilton Zoo

The newest addition to Hamilton Zoo is a two-year-old male named Khafre who arrived all the way from Queensland, Australia. After a brief quarantine period, he has now been moved into his new enclosure and is settling in well.

But if everything goes as planned, Khafre won't be the only Caracal at the Zoo! Hamilton Zoo is planning to introduce a female Caracal for breeding purposes. They're currently working with the regional species program to source an eligible female for import.
 
Faiion the Slender-tailed meerkat has died:

His death leaves Hamilton Zoo with one elderly male meerkat.

From socials:

The Zoo is mourning the loss of beloved Meerkat, Faiion.

It is with a heavy heart we share that Faiion, 9, passed away overnight on Thursday. Just one month shy of his 10th birthday,

Faiion was a well-loved member of the Hamilton Zoo whaanau. His feisty personality and playful antics made him a favourite among staff and visitors over the years.

We know our Meerkat boys hold a special place in the hearts of many staff and visitors, Faiion will be greatly missed by all.

Our keeping and veterinary teams will continue to monitor our remaining Meerkat, Pemba, closely during this time to ensure his welfare.
 
Sumatran tiger cubs named:

The cubs have been named Mayang and Andalas:

0.1 Andalas (03/01/2024) Scout x Kirana
0.1 Mayang (03/01/2024) Scout x Kirana

From socials:

Everyone's favourite tiger twins officially have names and a lasting tie to their wild counterparts in Sumatra.

Mayang (my-Ang) refers to a legendary Sultan's daughter who sparked a war with her beauty, which resulted in the establishment of a powerful kingdom in Jambi, a popular name among Jambi people.

Andalas (an-dA-lus) an ancient Melayu word meaning the island of Sumatra.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Sumatran tiger cubs named:

The cubs have been named Mayang and Andalas:

0.1 Andalas (03/01/2024) Scout x Kirana
0.1 Mayang (03/01/2024) Scout x Kirana

From socials:

Everyone's favourite tiger twins officially have names and a lasting tie to their wild counterparts in Sumatra.

Mayang (my-Ang) refers to a legendary Sultan's daughter who sparked a war with her beauty, which resulted in the establishment of a powerful kingdom in Jambi, a popular name among Jambi people.

Andalas (an-dA-lus) an ancient Melayu word meaning the island of Sumatra.
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Those are nice names, and although there was no public input into the naming decision, I do support the decision being given over to the rangers in recognition of all their valuable work!
 
Unsuccessful attempt to transfer rhino to Orana:

The Waikato Times

The seven-year-old rhinoceros has a new home waiting at Christchurch’s Orana Wildlife Park, and made it as far as Auckland Airport.

Then came the problem, early on Wednesday. The 1800kg rhino’s crate couldn’t fit into a freight plane to head south as part of the Australasian breeding programme.

Hamilton Zoo currently has six rhinos held in three groups:

1.0 Kruger (1989) Imported 1999

1.0 Samburu (2016) Kruger x Kito

0.1 Moesha (1994) Imported 1999
0.1 Kito (2000) Wild x Mazithi
0.1 Imani (2007) Zambezi x Caballe
0.1 Zahra (2020) Kruger x Kito
 
Zoofan15 said:
Unsuccessful attempt to transfer rhino to Orana:

The Waikato Times

The seven-year-old rhinoceros has a new home waiting at Christchurch’s Orana Wildlife Park, and made it as far as Auckland Airport.

Then came the problem, early on Wednesday. The 1800kg rhino’s crate couldn’t fit into a freight plane to head south as part of the Australasian breeding programme.

Hamilton Zoo currently has six rhinos held in three groups:

1.0 Kruger (1989) Imported 1999

1.0 Samburu (2016) Kruger x Kito

0.1 Moesha (1994) Imported 1999
0.1 Kito (2000) Wild x Mazithi
0.1 Imani (2007) Zambezi x Caballe
0.1 Zahra (2020) Kruger x Kito
Click to expand...

I was wondering when Samburu was going to transfer out, but sorry to hear the process has hit a snag. Hope he'll be on his way soon!
 
ApeLadyNZ said:
I was wondering when Samburu was going to transfer out, but sorry to hear the process has hit a snag. Hope he'll be on his way soon!
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He was originally scheduled to leave in 2020 for Halls Gap Zoo, which would have timed well with his mother delivering a new calf that year. Covid canned the move and it was subsequently reported that the division of the upper paddock was about managing the six rhinos long term (with the four cows held together; and the two bulls separately).

Though Samburu transferring out will free up space, it doesn’t appear to be essential given Hamilton’s holding capacity (three paddocks; two night houses), so I’m wondering if the intention is for him to breed at Orana. I discussed it further in the Orana thread, but they were originally scheduled to be facilitating the import of 35 rhinos from SA in the future.
 
Zoofan15 said:
He was originally scheduled to leave in 2020 for Halls Gap Zoo, which would have timed well with his mother delivering a new calf that year. Covid canned the move and it was subsequently reported that the division of the upper paddock was about managing the six rhinos long term (with the four cows held together; and the two bulls separately).

Though Samburu transferring out will free up space, it doesn’t appear to be essential given Hamilton’s holding capacity (three paddocks; two night houses), so I’m wondering if the intention is for him to breed at Orana. I discussed it further in the Orana thread, but they were originally scheduled to be facilitating the import of 35 rhinos from SA in the future.
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I was wondering, too, if they intended to breed from Samburu at Orana. I wasn't aware of the previous plan to move him but am not surprised it was canned by Covid. A lot of animal transfers were, after all!
 
Hamilton Zoo Update

Update from my visit (28/06/2024):

Hamilton Zoo’s male Fishing died last week, leaving the zoo with two ageing females. I will greatly miss seeing him on my visits as he was the most confident/visible of the three cats.

The male Caracal has settled in nicely and was looking very relaxed today.

The path leading past the old camel stable/paddock and the old oryx paddock is now open again. I much enjoyed seeing these two exhibits again; albeit now occupied by miniature ponies/donkeys and fallow deer.

New fencing has been installed throughout the giraffe yard. The two bulls were housed together on my visit (Masamba had been separated on some of my recent visits).

Photos in the gallery: Hamilton Zoo - ZooChat
 
New male giraffe:

Jabali (2022) has been transferred in from Auckland Zoo where he was born. It’s implied Hamilton Zoo will continue as a bachelor holder long term.

Super travel trailer supports giraffe Jabali’s smooth move to Hamilton | Auckland Zoo News

Close to two-years old, Jabali - the offspring of female Kiraka and male Billy (whose genetics are now well represented in the Australasian region) is joining other male giraffe as part of a bachelor herd at Hamilton. Here he’ll continue to play a vital advocacy role for his species.
 
Zoofan15 said:
New male giraffe:

Jabali (2022) has been transferred in from Auckland Zoo where he was born. It’s implied Hamilton Zoo will continue as a bachelor holder long term.

Super travel trailer supports giraffe Jabali’s smooth move to Hamilton | Auckland Zoo News

Close to two-years old, Jabali - the offspring of female Kiraka and male Billy (whose genetics are now well represented in the Australasian region) is joining other male giraffe as part of a bachelor herd at Hamilton. Here he’ll continue to play a vital advocacy role for his species.
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This is interesting news! I had thought that Jabali would have been Australia-bound, but if he has been deemed surplus to breeding requirements, it does make sense that he join a bachelor herd, and it's encouraging to see Hamilton intending to maintain one!
 
ApeLadyNZ said:
This is interesting news! I had thought that Jabali would have been Australia-bound, but if he has been deemed surplus to breeding requirements, it does make sense that he join a bachelor herd, and it's encouraging to see Hamilton intending to maintain one!
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Yes, I wonder if some young bulls will be coming over from Australia as they’ll be no bulls from within New Zealand in a while. Auckland and Wellington both have female calves; and Orana, who have a young bull, have stated they intend to keep him for future breeding.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Yes, I wonder if some young bulls will be coming over from Australia as they’ll be no bulls from within New Zealand in a while. Auckland and Wellington both have female calves; and Orana, who have a young bull, have stated they intend to keep him for future breeding.
Click to expand...

Personally, I could see future young bulls being imported from Australia to Hamilton, and if there are any future male calves born at Auckland, most likely they could also end up with Jabali at Hamilton Zoo.
 
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