Invasive Species displayed in Australian zoos

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Younesmark

Well-Known Member
10+ year member
Hi everyone!
i would just like to know which zoological institution exhibit invasive species . I know Australia Zoo and Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary have currently held Red Fox and that Taronga zoo displays Cane toads .

I was wondering, has Indian Mynas, European starlings , sparrows or any other invasive exotic species ever been displayed in Australian zoos ?
 
There are quite a lot of mammals, although the most interesting has to be the Five-lined Palm Squirrel, which became "invasive" (very minimally so) after escaping zoos where it was displayed!

Other mammals include: Camels, Water Buffalo, Chital, Fallow Deer, Rabbits, various domestic species. Technically dingoes?

I'm not too sure about birds, other than ostrich, and various breeds of domestic duck, chicken and pigeon. In terms of have there ever been birds like myna, starling, etc, I would say almost certainly so, back in the day. Many functioned as "Acclimation Societies" and actively imported birds, and other species, to establish wild populations.
 
Younesmark said:
Hi everyone!
i would just like to know which zoological institution exhibit invasive species . I know Australia Zoo and Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary have currently held Red Fox and that Taronga zoo displays Cane toads .

I was wondering, has Indian Mynas, European starlings , sparrows or any other invasive exotic species ever been displayed in Australian zoos ?
Click to expand...

The Darling Downs Zoo [and some others] has a free range population of Indian Mynahs. Surplus available!
 
As Steve points out, most zoos would have wild myna, starlings and sparrows, especially in an urban environment. Other wild feral birds too depending on where you are. We have blackbirds, spotted turtle doves and goldfinches, all in small numbers.

As one of the few Asian softbills available red-wiskered bul-buls are often seen in Asian themed aviaries.

Several years ago Taronga had a European themed aviary with I think song thrush, blackbirds and goldfinches.

Water buffalos and dromedary are common, banteng quite rare. Red fox are seen but don't make good exhibits, so I get the feeling many try them then drop them. Palm squirrels are occasionally seen, hares and rabbits never other than white rabbits in a pets corner.

Most herp collections seem to have cane toads.
 
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