This zoo with big enclosures and a great Asian collection reminds me a bit to Tierpark Berlin. Btw I have a new candidate to Thread of the year competition. You did a great work, @Haliaeetus
Masterplan of my "absolute" zoo
- Thread starter Haliaeetus
- Start date
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
Not yet.
But I think to the future ; in the next years they could come in my zoo. I'll publish an update in early 2022, the Rhino may come in my zoo...
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
Many thanks !This zoo with big enclosures and a great Asian collection reminds me a bit to Tierpark Berlin. Btw I have a new candidate to Thread of the year competition. You did a great work, @Haliaeetus
I didn't even know that there's a Thread of the Year competition !!!
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Oh ok I see
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
Hello,
as I promised you few days ago, there's now the description of a pavilion designed for small species of mammals, the South Asian Vivarium.
Its conception is the same as the European Vivarium (see this section), it's a row of inner enclosures in a building. It concludes the Indochinese section.
All the enclosures that can be seen by the public are designed for arboreal species, and thus full of trunks, branches and hides of all types. Most of the animals are rare and interesting, but hard to see.
Map of the South Asian Vivarium :
After the entrance, we start with a 50 m² enclosure (A) that is the inner exhibit of the Common Palm Civets described earlier.
It's as challenging to see them as in the outdoor exhibit.
The second enclosure (B) is slightly smaller (40 m²).
In this one we can see Malayan Slow Lorises Nycticebus coucang (1.2).
They aren't too difficult to see among the branches, but usually we can see them sleeping.
The Slow Loris exhibit (without the Chevrotains) :
(Credits : Blackduiker)
In 2020 a Malayan Slow Loris (0.1) is born in the Zoo.
The third exhibit (C) has a surface of 20 m² and presents a rare, although classified in the Least Concern category, species of rodent, the Southern Luzon Phloeomys or Cloud Rat Phloeomys cumingi (2.1).
It's also a species from the Philippines, so it isn't a "true" Indochinese species.
Nevertheless, it remains a very interesting species, that deserves a place in the South Asian Vivarium.
These "rats" are quite hard to see in their enclosure, the easiest way to see them is during the feeding times, when they leave their nest boxes and other hides.
The Cloud Rat exhibit :
(Credits : KevinB)
A Southern Luzon Cloud Rat :
(Credits : HOMIN96)
The Vivarium ends with the smallest enclosure (D) with a surface of 15 m², where it's possible to see Common Treeshrews Tupaia glis (2.1).
These animals are the easiest and most active animals of the Vivarium.
The Treeshrew exhibit :
(Credits : EmperorTamarin)
Common Treeshrew :
(Credits : Elephas Maximus)
Additionnally I present you four inner enclosures (E-F-G-H) that are the night shelters of the Fishing Cats, also used when the females have young litters (like now for both Cats pairs).
The surfaces of the enclosures are 30 m² for E and F, 25 m² for G and 40 m² for H.
E-F and G-H can be connected altogether if the behaviour of the cats allows it.
All these enclosures are off the sight of the public, only the staff can access to them.
It's now the time to come in the Indonesian complex of the Zoo.
It starts with a large building (9) that can be visited. It's a 855 m² building with a path for the visitors and two 300 m² inner enclosures, connected altogether and designed for Asian apes.
The inner enclosures host the following species, in a mixed exhibit :
- Bornean Orangutan Pongo pygmaeus (3.2)
- Lar Hylobates lar (1.1).
Of course this building is completed with a large outdoor complex (10), that includes four island linked by bridges between them, to the building and even above the visit path !
In these islands there are plenty of trees and climbing structures.
Their total surface is 1.510 + 290 + 1.285 + 1.240 m², so a total of 4.325 m².
The primates have an easy access to the islands year-round, except in the (rare) cases of intense cold or severe storms, or if there are babies (it already happened for the Orangutans, not yet for the Gibbons).
We can note that in the Orangutan group, there's a young male born in 2017 ; he will remain in the group until 2025 or 2026 at least, given the long time of growth for the young of this species.
Young male Bornean Orangutan :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
Lar Gibbon :
(Credits : ISAO)
Orangutan indoor enclosure :
(Credits : Vogelcommando)
Orangutans outdoor enclosure (example) :
(Credits : KevinB)
I'll present the other South Asian species (mainly birds) and exhibits in the next days...
Now you can comment this part of South Asian zone, dedicated to primates and small mammals...
as I promised you few days ago, there's now the description of a pavilion designed for small species of mammals, the South Asian Vivarium.
Its conception is the same as the European Vivarium (see this section), it's a row of inner enclosures in a building. It concludes the Indochinese section.
All the enclosures that can be seen by the public are designed for arboreal species, and thus full of trunks, branches and hides of all types. Most of the animals are rare and interesting, but hard to see.
Map of the South Asian Vivarium :
After the entrance, we start with a 50 m² enclosure (A) that is the inner exhibit of the Common Palm Civets described earlier.
It's as challenging to see them as in the outdoor exhibit.
The second enclosure (B) is slightly smaller (40 m²).
In this one we can see Malayan Slow Lorises Nycticebus coucang (1.2).
They aren't too difficult to see among the branches, but usually we can see them sleeping.
The Slow Loris exhibit (without the Chevrotains) :
(Credits : Blackduiker)
In 2020 a Malayan Slow Loris (0.1) is born in the Zoo.
The third exhibit (C) has a surface of 20 m² and presents a rare, although classified in the Least Concern category, species of rodent, the Southern Luzon Phloeomys or Cloud Rat Phloeomys cumingi (2.1).
It's also a species from the Philippines, so it isn't a "true" Indochinese species.
Nevertheless, it remains a very interesting species, that deserves a place in the South Asian Vivarium.
These "rats" are quite hard to see in their enclosure, the easiest way to see them is during the feeding times, when they leave their nest boxes and other hides.
The Cloud Rat exhibit :
(Credits : KevinB)
A Southern Luzon Cloud Rat :
(Credits : HOMIN96)
The Vivarium ends with the smallest enclosure (D) with a surface of 15 m², where it's possible to see Common Treeshrews Tupaia glis (2.1).
These animals are the easiest and most active animals of the Vivarium.
The Treeshrew exhibit :
(Credits : EmperorTamarin)
Common Treeshrew :
(Credits : Elephas Maximus)
Additionnally I present you four inner enclosures (E-F-G-H) that are the night shelters of the Fishing Cats, also used when the females have young litters (like now for both Cats pairs).
The surfaces of the enclosures are 30 m² for E and F, 25 m² for G and 40 m² for H.
E-F and G-H can be connected altogether if the behaviour of the cats allows it.
All these enclosures are off the sight of the public, only the staff can access to them.
It's now the time to come in the Indonesian complex of the Zoo.
It starts with a large building (9) that can be visited. It's a 855 m² building with a path for the visitors and two 300 m² inner enclosures, connected altogether and designed for Asian apes.
The inner enclosures host the following species, in a mixed exhibit :
- Bornean Orangutan Pongo pygmaeus (3.2)
- Lar Hylobates lar (1.1).
Of course this building is completed with a large outdoor complex (10), that includes four island linked by bridges between them, to the building and even above the visit path !
In these islands there are plenty of trees and climbing structures.
Their total surface is 1.510 + 290 + 1.285 + 1.240 m², so a total of 4.325 m².
The primates have an easy access to the islands year-round, except in the (rare) cases of intense cold or severe storms, or if there are babies (it already happened for the Orangutans, not yet for the Gibbons).
We can note that in the Orangutan group, there's a young male born in 2017 ; he will remain in the group until 2025 or 2026 at least, given the long time of growth for the young of this species.
Young male Bornean Orangutan :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
Lar Gibbon :
(Credits : ISAO)
Orangutan indoor enclosure :
(Credits : Vogelcommando)
Orangutans outdoor enclosure (example) :
(Credits : KevinB)
I'll present the other South Asian species (mainly birds) and exhibits in the next days...
Now you can comment this part of South Asian zone, dedicated to primates and small mammals...
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I suspected 10 would be a primate exhibit.
I see two upcoming exhibits that look like they should be walkthroughs, so that'll be interesting.
I see two upcoming exhibits that look like they should be walkthroughs, so that'll be interesting.
Me too, but I thought that otters too would be exhibited here; well, you can't always be right I guess
still really good notherless
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
Hello, after a week of absence, I'll describe the following parts of the South Asian section.
The first enclosures were dedicated to mammals, including large and charismatic species : Asian Lion, Elephant, Orangutan...
Now we come in the last part of the zone ; here there are mainly bird species, in large aviaries and greenhouses. They reproduce the division between Indian, Indochinese and Indonesian subregions.
First there's a large rocky aviary with a few perches.
With a 865 m² surface, it's dedicated to birds of prey (11).
The species displayed are :
- Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus (3.4)
- Indian Vulture Gyps indicus (1.1)
While the Brahminy Kite is a common and not-threatened species in South Asia and even in Australia, the Indian Vulture suffered a catastrophic decline since the 1990's (even if some recovery have occurred in protected places).
It's explained in this exhibit, along with the support of Vulture protection projects in Northern India and Nepal (that consist mainly in supplies of safe food, free from toxic drugs that were the primary cause of the decline explained earlier).
For now, the Vulture pair is young, but it's hoped that it will breed in the coming years.
The Asian Vultures' aviary :
(Credits : conservationistdude)
Brahminy Kite :
(Credits : Antoine)
The next aviary (12) is a very large, walk-through aviary, themed on the Asian wetlands.
It has got a 1.790 m² surface and hosts several species year-round or only in summer.
It's possible to see the following species there :
- Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans (6.7)
- Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus (2.2)
- Australian Ibis Threskiornis molucca (2.7)
- Green Peafowl Pavo muticus (2.2), in summer only
- Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis (5.0)
Some of the species are threatened in the wild, others are very rare in European zoos.
The Zoo supports a program of wetland conservation in Cambodia, that encompasses monitoring of nesting bird colonies (with a focus on the rarest like several Ibises and Vultures), and wildlife-friendly methods of agriculture.
Possible look of the Asian wetland aviary :
(Credits : KevinB)
Asian Openbill :
(Credits : Maguari)
Lesser Adjutant :
(Credits : Nandito)
Australian Ibises :
(Credits : Macaw16)
Now we enter the last complex of the South Asian Zone, it's the Bird House.
Its total (indoor) surface is 2.705 m².
Most of the space (1.700 m²) is a walk-through exhibit (13) with small ponds and feeders, where live a large array of Australasian birds species. The biogeographical "bridge" of Indonesia and neighbouring islands (we can include Philippines, New Guinea, Melanesia and Micronesia for example) between "true" Asian and Oceanian regions is highlighted.
In the beginning of 2021 it's possible to see the following species in free flight in the house :
- Laysan Duck Anas laysanensis (3.0)
- Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus (7.9)
- Green Peafowl Pavo muticus (2.2), in winter only (those of the Asian Wetland Aviary, n°12 of this zone)
- Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea (1.0)
- Coroneted Fruit-dove Ptilinopus coronulatus (1.0)
- Zebra Dove Geopelia striata (0.5)
- Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella (5.4)
- Blue-and-white Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana (1.3)
- Striated Babbler Argyia earlei (0.3)
- White-headed Munia Lonchura maja (0.5)
- Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata (7.10)
- Java Sparrow Padda oryzivora (12.14)
- Red Avadavat Amandava amandava (5.7)
- Cardinal Honeyeater Myzomela cardinalis (6.8)
Some of these birds are very rare in nature and/or in captivity.
For several species there's only one individual or a same-sex group : it's explained because the Zoo tries to start breeding of rare species (Laysan Duck for example) and just acquired a few individuals, some other birds are old, belong to common species or have been seized by the customs.
A possible look of the Bird House :
(Credits : KevinB)
Laysan Duck :
(Credits : Pedro)
Red Junglefowl :
(Credits : WhistlingKite24)
Coroneted Fruit-dove :
(Credits : Malayan Tapir)
Zebra Dove :
(Credits : aardvark250)
Asian Fairy-bluebird :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
Blue-and-white Flycatcher :
(Credits: Goura)
White-headed Munia :
(Credits : LaughingDove)
Scaly-breasted Munia :
(Credits : KevinB)
Javan Sparrow :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
Red Avadavats :
(Credits : gentle lemur)
You may have noticed several indoor and outdoor enclosures and aviaries in the Bird House.
I haven't the time to talk about them yet, but it surely will be done in next days !
Now I let you comment the post, the enclosures, the species...
The first enclosures were dedicated to mammals, including large and charismatic species : Asian Lion, Elephant, Orangutan...
Now we come in the last part of the zone ; here there are mainly bird species, in large aviaries and greenhouses. They reproduce the division between Indian, Indochinese and Indonesian subregions.
First there's a large rocky aviary with a few perches.
With a 865 m² surface, it's dedicated to birds of prey (11).
The species displayed are :
- Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus (3.4)
- Indian Vulture Gyps indicus (1.1)
While the Brahminy Kite is a common and not-threatened species in South Asia and even in Australia, the Indian Vulture suffered a catastrophic decline since the 1990's (even if some recovery have occurred in protected places).
It's explained in this exhibit, along with the support of Vulture protection projects in Northern India and Nepal (that consist mainly in supplies of safe food, free from toxic drugs that were the primary cause of the decline explained earlier).
For now, the Vulture pair is young, but it's hoped that it will breed in the coming years.
The Asian Vultures' aviary :
(Credits : conservationistdude)
Brahminy Kite :
(Credits : Antoine)
The next aviary (12) is a very large, walk-through aviary, themed on the Asian wetlands.
It has got a 1.790 m² surface and hosts several species year-round or only in summer.
It's possible to see the following species there :
- Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans (6.7)
- Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus (2.2)
- Australian Ibis Threskiornis molucca (2.7)
- Green Peafowl Pavo muticus (2.2), in summer only
- Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis (5.0)
Some of the species are threatened in the wild, others are very rare in European zoos.
The Zoo supports a program of wetland conservation in Cambodia, that encompasses monitoring of nesting bird colonies (with a focus on the rarest like several Ibises and Vultures), and wildlife-friendly methods of agriculture.
Possible look of the Asian wetland aviary :
(Credits : KevinB)
Asian Openbill :
(Credits : Maguari)
Lesser Adjutant :
(Credits : Nandito)
Australian Ibises :
(Credits : Macaw16)
Now we enter the last complex of the South Asian Zone, it's the Bird House.
Its total (indoor) surface is 2.705 m².
Most of the space (1.700 m²) is a walk-through exhibit (13) with small ponds and feeders, where live a large array of Australasian birds species. The biogeographical "bridge" of Indonesia and neighbouring islands (we can include Philippines, New Guinea, Melanesia and Micronesia for example) between "true" Asian and Oceanian regions is highlighted.
In the beginning of 2021 it's possible to see the following species in free flight in the house :
- Laysan Duck Anas laysanensis (3.0)
- Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus (7.9)
- Green Peafowl Pavo muticus (2.2), in winter only (those of the Asian Wetland Aviary, n°12 of this zone)
- Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea (1.0)
- Coroneted Fruit-dove Ptilinopus coronulatus (1.0)
- Zebra Dove Geopelia striata (0.5)
- Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella (5.4)
- Blue-and-white Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana (1.3)
- Striated Babbler Argyia earlei (0.3)
- White-headed Munia Lonchura maja (0.5)
- Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata (7.10)
- Java Sparrow Padda oryzivora (12.14)
- Red Avadavat Amandava amandava (5.7)
- Cardinal Honeyeater Myzomela cardinalis (6.8)
Some of these birds are very rare in nature and/or in captivity.
For several species there's only one individual or a same-sex group : it's explained because the Zoo tries to start breeding of rare species (Laysan Duck for example) and just acquired a few individuals, some other birds are old, belong to common species or have been seized by the customs.
A possible look of the Bird House :
(Credits : KevinB)
Laysan Duck :
(Credits : Pedro)
Red Junglefowl :
(Credits : WhistlingKite24)
Coroneted Fruit-dove :
(Credits : Malayan Tapir)
Zebra Dove :
(Credits : aardvark250)
Asian Fairy-bluebird :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
Blue-and-white Flycatcher :
(Credits: Goura)
White-headed Munia :
(Credits : LaughingDove)
Scaly-breasted Munia :
(Credits : KevinB)
Javan Sparrow :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
Red Avadavats :
(Credits : gentle lemur)
You may have noticed several indoor and outdoor enclosures and aviaries in the Bird House.
I haven't the time to talk about them yet, but it surely will be done in next days !
Now I let you comment the post, the enclosures, the species...
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
Hello,
I apologize for the delay, but I must first announce that the zoos are now open in France, so I could visit my favourite zoo (Beauval) few days ago, and I don't have a lot of time to describe my "absolute" fantasy zoo.
Meanwhile, I'll carry on my description, but more slowly. Maybe I'll end it for the end of the year, so I could start a new description by early 2022 (with all the changes, births and evolutions of my zoo).
Today I end the description of the South Asian Zone.
I've let you in the Bird House, where you should have noticed several indoor and outdoor enclosures.
I begin with the indoor ones.
All of them display crocodilians. In these enclosures there are ponds, sandbanks, trunks and even mounds of compost to allow the breeding of the reptiles.
These enclosures are separated from the visitors (and from the rest of the greenhouse) by glass windows (with submarine vision) and fine nets to avoid deadly encounters for the birds (especially the aquatic ones).
The two first enclosures (14-15) have a 310 m² surface each ; they display Saltwater Crocodiles Crocodylus porosus.
In the n°14 enclosure, there are the adults (1.2).
The Saltwater Crocodiles breed well in the zoo, and last year 2 clutches produced 87 little viable Crocs. All of them can be seen now in the n°15 enclosure, after few months spent in the nursery (see the North Asian section).
Of course the baby Crocs wouldn't stay in the Zoo for a long time, and they gradually leave the zoo during this year.
The last enclosure (16) is a bit larger (350 m²) but conceived on the same model than the previous Croc enclosures.
In this enclosure we can see young False Gharials Tomistoma schlegelii (2.2). For now this species hasn't bred in the Zoo, but it's hoped in the next years, according to the threatened (but poorly known) status of it in the wild.
Look of the "Salty" and False Gharial enclosures :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
Saltwater Crocodile :
(Credits : dsimmons917)
Baby Saltwater Crocodile :
(Credits : gyuyeong Han)
False Gharial :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
After the crocodiles, I describe you several outdoor aviaries used for the breeding of medium and large-sized birds.
The larger (17-18) have a 150 m² surface and are designed for the breeding of jungle pheasant and peafowl species, with a lot of bushy vegetation, bamboo, trees and perches, that can make the birds rather difficult to see.
In the first there are Green Peafowl Pavo muticus (1.1).
In the second we can see Great Argus Argusianus argus (1.1).
The Zoo supports programs of monitoring and conservation of these birds, respectively in Cambodia and Malaysia.
The importance of the Peafowl family in traditional and modern Asian cultures is highlighted near these exhibits, with an ethnographical presentation.
Peafowl and Argus aviary :
(Credits : MagpieGoose)
Green Peafowl :
(Credits : KevinB)
Great Argus :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
The two last aviaries (19) are smaller (60 m² each) and house a very special bird, the Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus (2.1).
In the first aviary there's the breeding pair ; in the second there's a young bird that hatched in 2020, that's the first bird of this rare species born in the Zoo.
Of course they aren't properly Asian, but their enclosures make a transition with the next zone.
Kagu Aviary :
(Credits : TheoV)
Kagu :
(Credits : Rayane)
Near the Kagus there's information about the nature and history of New Caledonia, and about the projects supported by the Zoo (protection of the Kagus and of the marine life of the lagoon and coral reefs).
And the Kagus make a perfect transition with the next zone, the Oceanian Zone that I'll describe in the next days...
Now you can comment this post, and your impressions about the South Asian Zone.
I apologize for the delay, but I must first announce that the zoos are now open in France, so I could visit my favourite zoo (Beauval) few days ago, and I don't have a lot of time to describe my "absolute" fantasy zoo.
Meanwhile, I'll carry on my description, but more slowly. Maybe I'll end it for the end of the year, so I could start a new description by early 2022 (with all the changes, births and evolutions of my zoo).
Today I end the description of the South Asian Zone.
I've let you in the Bird House, where you should have noticed several indoor and outdoor enclosures.
I begin with the indoor ones.
All of them display crocodilians. In these enclosures there are ponds, sandbanks, trunks and even mounds of compost to allow the breeding of the reptiles.
These enclosures are separated from the visitors (and from the rest of the greenhouse) by glass windows (with submarine vision) and fine nets to avoid deadly encounters for the birds (especially the aquatic ones).
The two first enclosures (14-15) have a 310 m² surface each ; they display Saltwater Crocodiles Crocodylus porosus.
In the n°14 enclosure, there are the adults (1.2).
The Saltwater Crocodiles breed well in the zoo, and last year 2 clutches produced 87 little viable Crocs. All of them can be seen now in the n°15 enclosure, after few months spent in the nursery (see the North Asian section).
Of course the baby Crocs wouldn't stay in the Zoo for a long time, and they gradually leave the zoo during this year.
The last enclosure (16) is a bit larger (350 m²) but conceived on the same model than the previous Croc enclosures.
In this enclosure we can see young False Gharials Tomistoma schlegelii (2.2). For now this species hasn't bred in the Zoo, but it's hoped in the next years, according to the threatened (but poorly known) status of it in the wild.
Look of the "Salty" and False Gharial enclosures :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
Saltwater Crocodile :
(Credits : dsimmons917)
Baby Saltwater Crocodile :
(Credits : gyuyeong Han)
False Gharial :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
After the crocodiles, I describe you several outdoor aviaries used for the breeding of medium and large-sized birds.
The larger (17-18) have a 150 m² surface and are designed for the breeding of jungle pheasant and peafowl species, with a lot of bushy vegetation, bamboo, trees and perches, that can make the birds rather difficult to see.
In the first there are Green Peafowl Pavo muticus (1.1).
In the second we can see Great Argus Argusianus argus (1.1).
The Zoo supports programs of monitoring and conservation of these birds, respectively in Cambodia and Malaysia.
The importance of the Peafowl family in traditional and modern Asian cultures is highlighted near these exhibits, with an ethnographical presentation.
Peafowl and Argus aviary :
(Credits : MagpieGoose)
Green Peafowl :
(Credits : KevinB)
Great Argus :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
The two last aviaries (19) are smaller (60 m² each) and house a very special bird, the Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus (2.1).
In the first aviary there's the breeding pair ; in the second there's a young bird that hatched in 2020, that's the first bird of this rare species born in the Zoo.
Of course they aren't properly Asian, but their enclosures make a transition with the next zone.
Kagu Aviary :
(Credits : TheoV)
Kagu :
(Credits : Rayane)
Near the Kagus there's information about the nature and history of New Caledonia, and about the projects supported by the Zoo (protection of the Kagus and of the marine life of the lagoon and coral reefs).
And the Kagus make a perfect transition with the next zone, the Oceanian Zone that I'll describe in the next days...
Now you can comment this post, and your impressions about the South Asian Zone.
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
Hello,
finally I could go in Beauval for the first time in 2021, it's the reason of my "pause" in this topic.
Now I can carry on the description, beginning with the next zone in the map, the Oceanian Zone.
This zone can be described as a long path with gentle slopes, various enclosures and aviaries, and a house for small Oceanian animals.
The path is sometimes at ground level, sometimes slightly raised above it, to see better the animals.
The sinuous shape of the path, the vegetation (with Eucalyptus trees) and the decorations (genuine artcraft) reminds to the traditional Aboriginal culture ; so this part of the Zoo will be also called the Dreamtime Walkway (a reference to the mythical Dreamtime Age in the Aboriginal beliefs).
You could also see that the beginning of the zone is strongly linked with the South Asian Zone, a biogeographical reference to the large transition zone between Oriental and Australasian Zones in the world, that covers most of Indonesia, Papua, Melanesia, Micronesia and even Philippines.
It's the reason of the presence of Kagus, Saltwater Crocodiles and other "Australasian" species in the Bird House described previously.
But now we start the discovery of the proper Oceanian Zone.
It begins with a complex of 3 bushy and forested enclosures (1-2-3) for Southern Cassowaries Casuarius casuarius (2.0).
The first is the larger with 3.000 m², the second is much smaller (515 m²) and only used for isolation or breeding purposes, the third has a medium size (2.020 m²).
There's also a long building with boxes to house the birds during the nights or the coldest winter days.
The birds can only be easily seen from the third enclosure, the first offers small places to catch glimpses of them, and the second - that's entirely hidden behind the Bird House - couldn't be seen by the visitors.
Now only 2 males live in the n° 1 and 3 enclosures, but the arrival of females is planned, maybe to have a pair in each enclosure.
A view of the Cassowary enclosure n°3, from the Dreamtime Walkway :
(Credits : WhistlingKite24)
Southern Cassowary :
(Credits : TheoV)
Near of the Cassowary enclosures, a complex of aviaries is designed for Cockatoos (4-5-6).
In all these aviaries there are a lot of trees, perches and nest boxes for the birds.
The first aviary (4) has a 310 m² surface. It hosts Palm Cockatoos Probosciger aterrimus (2.3), the first cockatoo species of the Zoo, that hopes to manage quickly the breeding of these rare and conspicuous birds.
The second (5) is smaller (150 m²) ; the parrot species displayed there is the White Cockatoo Cacatua alba (1.2).
In the last one (6), that's the smallest aviary of the three (120 m²) ; it's dedicated to the Galah Eolophus roseicapilla (0.2).
In this place there's information about the poaching of parrots, that isn't a problem in Australia due to its strong legislation, but much more serious in more Northern countries.
The Zoo supports a program of monitoring parrot nests and deterring poaching in the Eastern part of Indonesia and neighbouring Timor-Leste.
The Cockatoo Aviaries :
(Credits : MagpieGoose)
Palm Cockatoo :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
White Cockatoo :
(Credits : Terry Thomas)
Galah :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
Next there's a long row of aviaries with various species of Australasian birds.
The first ones (7-8) are quite small (110 and 100 m² respectively) and linked by a small night building.
In the n°7 aviary there'a family of Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoos Cacatua galerita galerita (1.3) composed of a breeding pair and 2 young females born in 2020.
In the n°8 aviary there's a last Cockatoo species, the Salmon-crested Cockatoo Cacatua moluccensis (2.1).
"Small" Cockatoo aviaries :
(Credits : Gavial)
Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoo :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
Salmon-crested Cockatoo :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
Now I close the first step of the Oceanian Zone, in the next days I'll describe you the latter aviaries, and maybe the first mammal species of the zone.
You can comment your first impressions about this Oceanian Zone, its design, its animal collection, etc... (and even your wishes about it)
finally I could go in Beauval for the first time in 2021, it's the reason of my "pause" in this topic.
Now I can carry on the description, beginning with the next zone in the map, the Oceanian Zone.
This zone can be described as a long path with gentle slopes, various enclosures and aviaries, and a house for small Oceanian animals.
The path is sometimes at ground level, sometimes slightly raised above it, to see better the animals.
The sinuous shape of the path, the vegetation (with Eucalyptus trees) and the decorations (genuine artcraft) reminds to the traditional Aboriginal culture ; so this part of the Zoo will be also called the Dreamtime Walkway (a reference to the mythical Dreamtime Age in the Aboriginal beliefs).
You could also see that the beginning of the zone is strongly linked with the South Asian Zone, a biogeographical reference to the large transition zone between Oriental and Australasian Zones in the world, that covers most of Indonesia, Papua, Melanesia, Micronesia and even Philippines.
It's the reason of the presence of Kagus, Saltwater Crocodiles and other "Australasian" species in the Bird House described previously.
But now we start the discovery of the proper Oceanian Zone.
It begins with a complex of 3 bushy and forested enclosures (1-2-3) for Southern Cassowaries Casuarius casuarius (2.0).
The first is the larger with 3.000 m², the second is much smaller (515 m²) and only used for isolation or breeding purposes, the third has a medium size (2.020 m²).
There's also a long building with boxes to house the birds during the nights or the coldest winter days.
The birds can only be easily seen from the third enclosure, the first offers small places to catch glimpses of them, and the second - that's entirely hidden behind the Bird House - couldn't be seen by the visitors.
Now only 2 males live in the n° 1 and 3 enclosures, but the arrival of females is planned, maybe to have a pair in each enclosure.
A view of the Cassowary enclosure n°3, from the Dreamtime Walkway :
(Credits : WhistlingKite24)
Southern Cassowary :
(Credits : TheoV)
Near of the Cassowary enclosures, a complex of aviaries is designed for Cockatoos (4-5-6).
In all these aviaries there are a lot of trees, perches and nest boxes for the birds.
The first aviary (4) has a 310 m² surface. It hosts Palm Cockatoos Probosciger aterrimus (2.3), the first cockatoo species of the Zoo, that hopes to manage quickly the breeding of these rare and conspicuous birds.
The second (5) is smaller (150 m²) ; the parrot species displayed there is the White Cockatoo Cacatua alba (1.2).
In the last one (6), that's the smallest aviary of the three (120 m²) ; it's dedicated to the Galah Eolophus roseicapilla (0.2).
In this place there's information about the poaching of parrots, that isn't a problem in Australia due to its strong legislation, but much more serious in more Northern countries.
The Zoo supports a program of monitoring parrot nests and deterring poaching in the Eastern part of Indonesia and neighbouring Timor-Leste.
The Cockatoo Aviaries :
(Credits : MagpieGoose)
Palm Cockatoo :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
White Cockatoo :
(Credits : Terry Thomas)
Galah :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
Next there's a long row of aviaries with various species of Australasian birds.
The first ones (7-8) are quite small (110 and 100 m² respectively) and linked by a small night building.
In the n°7 aviary there'a family of Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoos Cacatua galerita galerita (1.3) composed of a breeding pair and 2 young females born in 2020.
In the n°8 aviary there's a last Cockatoo species, the Salmon-crested Cockatoo Cacatua moluccensis (2.1).
"Small" Cockatoo aviaries :
(Credits : Gavial)
Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoo :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
Salmon-crested Cockatoo :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
Now I close the first step of the Oceanian Zone, in the next days I'll describe you the latter aviaries, and maybe the first mammal species of the zone.
You can comment your first impressions about this Oceanian Zone, its design, its animal collection, etc... (and even your wishes about it)
Last edited:
Great to see this up and going again. It's always fun to read.
Lets see...it wouldn't be an Oceanian section without some sort of macropod and exhibit 21 looks quite big. You could probably get a good-sized family of kangaroos or a few species of wallaby in there. Also, 18 looks like it'd make a nice house for some New Zealand species, like tuatara or kiwi.
I wonder if we'll see any representatives from what I've taken to calling the "Australian Big Five" - Koala, Wombat, Quoll, Platypus and Tasmanian Devil.
Lets see...it wouldn't be an Oceanian section without some sort of macropod and exhibit 21 looks quite big. You could probably get a good-sized family of kangaroos or a few species of wallaby in there. Also, 18 looks like it'd make a nice house for some New Zealand species, like tuatara or kiwi.
I wonder if we'll see any representatives from what I've taken to calling the "Australian Big Five" - Koala, Wombat, Quoll, Platypus and Tasmanian Devil.
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
You're partially right.
I cannot say anything else now.
Coming from Australia, I can't wait to see the next part of this section! I hope there is a good representation of marsupials!
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
Hello,
you surely waited it, there's the next stage of the Oceanian Zone of my Zoo !
After the Cassowaries and the first Parrot aviaries, you will see several aviaries along a forested and sinuous path.
Two of them (9-10) are among the smallest of the Zone (75 m² each), obviously dedicated to small species of birds.
The species displayed here are :
- n°9 aviary : Bourke's Parrot Neopsephotus bourkii (2.3)
- n°10 aviary : Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans (2.2)
Nothing special in these aviaries, except bushy vegetation, perches and nest boxes, the displayed birds belong to common (but beautiful) species.
Small Australian Parrots' aviaries :
(Credits : Hvedekorn)
Bourke's Parrot :
(Credits : birdsandbats)
Crimson Rosella
(Credits : vogelcommando)
The next aviary (11) is larger (240 m²) and filled with rich vegetation and perches.
This is the home of a family of Laughing Kookaburras Dacelo novaeguineae (3.3) composed of a breeding pair and their offspring (2 males and 2 females) born in 2020.
The departure of the young is planned during the year.
This species is common and not-threatened across Australia, but it's also a symbol of the birds of this continent.
Laughing Kookaburras' aviary :
(Credits : mrcriss)
A Laughing Kookaburra :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
In the next aviary (12) there's room (250 m²).
This aviary is dedicated to another emblematic (although very common) Australian species : the Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus (42.6).
They bred in 2020, producing 10 fledglings (5 males and 5 females).
As it's a very common species (and largely domesticated), breeding isn't searched and the females are gradually phased out. Now there's a sole breeding pair, maintained in the backstage with the young females (these ones are waiting for departure) ; only males are really displayed to the public.
There's a reflexion about the future of Budgerigars in the Zoo : maybe they'll go in another Zoo, but the building of a walkthrough aviary (and even the arrival of new breeding pairs) is now considered for the next years.
Budgerigar aviary :
(Credits : Crowthorne)
Budgerigar :
(Credits : Macaw16)
The next aviary (13) is also quite large (250 m²) : it houses a close relative of the Laughing Kookaburra, the Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii (0.2).
Blue-winged Kookaburra aviary :
(Credits : KevinB)
The bird trail ends with a last aviary, not very big (160 m²) but filled with dense vegetation and placed in the background of the path, so its discreet inhabitants aren't troubled.
It's the home of the Morepork Ninox novaeseelandiae (0.2), a New Zealander endemic, vary rare outside of its native country.
It's also the only owl species of this zone.
Morepork aviary :
(Credits : Chlidonias)
Morepork :
(Credits : Chlidonias)
I add that there are daily talks along the Australian bird path, that explain the diversity of bird forms in Oceania, their adaptation to various environments and climates, the conservation issues and even the semi-domestication of various species (mainly parrots and finches).
Now there's a quite large grassy enclosure (1.375 m²) with 2 ponds and some bushes, for a pair of Cape Barren Geese Cereopsis novaehollandiae (1.1).
It has bred several times, but not in 2020.
Formerly it has been kept in other enclosures but now there's an enclosure only for them, because of their aggresive and territorial behaviour while breeding.
Cape Barren Geese enclosure :
(Credits : Antoine)
Pair of Cape Barren Geese :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
In the next enclosure (16) there's a really interesting mixed-species exhibit, and the very first mammals in the zone.
This enclosure is a large grassy and rocky plain, with a 1.490 m² surface.
The species displayed are the following :
- Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby Petrogale xanthopus (2.5)
- Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis (0.2), this last species is very rare in the zoological collections out of Australia.
Rock Wallaby and Bustard enclosure :
(Credits : akasha)
Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby :
(Credits : TheoV)
Australian Bustard :
(Credits : WhistlingKite24)
Now it's the moment to discover the last exhibit (17) before the entrance in the Australian House.
It's an hilly enclosure with a lot of bushy vegetation, some trees and a creek.
This is the home of Tasmanian Devils Sarcophilus harrisii (3.3). [you were right @CrashMegaraptor !]
There's a breeding pair, Hobart (1.0) and Hortense (0.1), and their offspring born in 2020 : the males Igor and Ivan, and the females Iris and Isis.
Due to the behaviour of these animals, it's possible to see in the outdoor enclosure either the male, either his mate and the youngsters (that may go in other zoos during the year 2021), as it's the case for several carnivore mammals (Bears, Clouded Leopards, Fishing Cats...).
They go outside in alternance, otherwise it's possible to see them in indoor enclosures of the Australian house (the first exhibits of this building...).
In this zone there are information about the ancient history of the Tasmanian Devils (they lived once across all the Australian continent), the current threats (especially an horrible facial tumour) but also the research to fight them, the importance of captive breeding to maintain safe populations and even the perspectives of reintroduction in mainland Australia, a project supported by the Zoo due to it's zoogeographical prime importance (even if Australia isn't the country that have the most pressing needs for funds, compared to many low-income countries).
Tasmanian Devils' enclosure :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
Tasmanian Devil :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
In the next days I'll make you discover the impressive Australian house, but now you can comment the post, with your impressions about the animals, the exhibits or even the general philosophy of this zone.
See you later !
you surely waited it, there's the next stage of the Oceanian Zone of my Zoo !
After the Cassowaries and the first Parrot aviaries, you will see several aviaries along a forested and sinuous path.
Two of them (9-10) are among the smallest of the Zone (75 m² each), obviously dedicated to small species of birds.
The species displayed here are :
- n°9 aviary : Bourke's Parrot Neopsephotus bourkii (2.3)
- n°10 aviary : Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans (2.2)
Nothing special in these aviaries, except bushy vegetation, perches and nest boxes, the displayed birds belong to common (but beautiful) species.
Small Australian Parrots' aviaries :
(Credits : Hvedekorn)
Bourke's Parrot :
(Credits : birdsandbats)
Crimson Rosella
(Credits : vogelcommando)
The next aviary (11) is larger (240 m²) and filled with rich vegetation and perches.
This is the home of a family of Laughing Kookaburras Dacelo novaeguineae (3.3) composed of a breeding pair and their offspring (2 males and 2 females) born in 2020.
The departure of the young is planned during the year.
This species is common and not-threatened across Australia, but it's also a symbol of the birds of this continent.
Laughing Kookaburras' aviary :
(Credits : mrcriss)
A Laughing Kookaburra :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
In the next aviary (12) there's room (250 m²).
This aviary is dedicated to another emblematic (although very common) Australian species : the Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus (42.6).
They bred in 2020, producing 10 fledglings (5 males and 5 females).
As it's a very common species (and largely domesticated), breeding isn't searched and the females are gradually phased out. Now there's a sole breeding pair, maintained in the backstage with the young females (these ones are waiting for departure) ; only males are really displayed to the public.
There's a reflexion about the future of Budgerigars in the Zoo : maybe they'll go in another Zoo, but the building of a walkthrough aviary (and even the arrival of new breeding pairs) is now considered for the next years.
Budgerigar aviary :
(Credits : Crowthorne)
Budgerigar :
(Credits : Macaw16)
The next aviary (13) is also quite large (250 m²) : it houses a close relative of the Laughing Kookaburra, the Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii (0.2).
Blue-winged Kookaburra aviary :
(Credits : KevinB)
The bird trail ends with a last aviary, not very big (160 m²) but filled with dense vegetation and placed in the background of the path, so its discreet inhabitants aren't troubled.
It's the home of the Morepork Ninox novaeseelandiae (0.2), a New Zealander endemic, vary rare outside of its native country.
It's also the only owl species of this zone.
Morepork aviary :
(Credits : Chlidonias)
Morepork :
(Credits : Chlidonias)
I add that there are daily talks along the Australian bird path, that explain the diversity of bird forms in Oceania, their adaptation to various environments and climates, the conservation issues and even the semi-domestication of various species (mainly parrots and finches).
Now there's a quite large grassy enclosure (1.375 m²) with 2 ponds and some bushes, for a pair of Cape Barren Geese Cereopsis novaehollandiae (1.1).
It has bred several times, but not in 2020.
Formerly it has been kept in other enclosures but now there's an enclosure only for them, because of their aggresive and territorial behaviour while breeding.
Cape Barren Geese enclosure :
(Credits : Antoine)
Pair of Cape Barren Geese :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
In the next enclosure (16) there's a really interesting mixed-species exhibit, and the very first mammals in the zone.
This enclosure is a large grassy and rocky plain, with a 1.490 m² surface.
The species displayed are the following :
- Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby Petrogale xanthopus (2.5)
- Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis (0.2), this last species is very rare in the zoological collections out of Australia.
Rock Wallaby and Bustard enclosure :
(Credits : akasha)
Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby :
(Credits : TheoV)
Australian Bustard :
(Credits : WhistlingKite24)
Now it's the moment to discover the last exhibit (17) before the entrance in the Australian House.
It's an hilly enclosure with a lot of bushy vegetation, some trees and a creek.
This is the home of Tasmanian Devils Sarcophilus harrisii (3.3). [you were right @CrashMegaraptor !]
There's a breeding pair, Hobart (1.0) and Hortense (0.1), and their offspring born in 2020 : the males Igor and Ivan, and the females Iris and Isis.
Due to the behaviour of these animals, it's possible to see in the outdoor enclosure either the male, either his mate and the youngsters (that may go in other zoos during the year 2021), as it's the case for several carnivore mammals (Bears, Clouded Leopards, Fishing Cats...).
They go outside in alternance, otherwise it's possible to see them in indoor enclosures of the Australian house (the first exhibits of this building...).
In this zone there are information about the ancient history of the Tasmanian Devils (they lived once across all the Australian continent), the current threats (especially an horrible facial tumour) but also the research to fight them, the importance of captive breeding to maintain safe populations and even the perspectives of reintroduction in mainland Australia, a project supported by the Zoo due to it's zoogeographical prime importance (even if Australia isn't the country that have the most pressing needs for funds, compared to many low-income countries).
Tasmanian Devils' enclosure :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
Tasmanian Devil :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
In the next days I'll make you discover the impressive Australian house, but now you can comment the post, with your impressions about the animals, the exhibits or even the general philosophy of this zone.
See you later !
Last edited:
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
Hello,
now it's time to discover the Australasian House, a large building dedicated to different small and medium-sized animals (mainly mammals), especially nocturnal species.
Map of the House :
You come in the building after have seen the outdoor Tasmanian Devils' enclosure.
Of course the first exhibits are the indoor enclosures for this species (A-B-C).
They are quite small (18 m² each for A and B, 30 m² for C) but can be connected together, offering a maximum space of 86 m².
These enclosures have a sandy soil, with stumps, straw and burrows to allow the hiding of the animals.
The separation between the enclosures is important when there's breeding, like now, otherwise the 3 enclosures are connected.
Then you enter in a properly nocturnal zone, with several exhibits along a corridor.
The animals live in dark exhibits, with few infra-red spots that make the photos difficult to take (flashes strictly forbidden). There are enclosures for arboreal species at the right, and for terrestrian species at the left.
Most species are rare if not inexistent in the European zoos nowadays.
You start with an enclosure of 20 m² surface (D), that hosts now Common Striped Possums Dactylopsila trivirgata (1.5) from New Guinea and the extreme North-East of Australia.
The animals can climb on a lot of branches and there are nest boxes to hide.
It's hoped to have births in the coming years.
Common Striped Possum :
(Credits : ralph)
At the left the second night enclosure (E) is long and quite large (50 m²), and designed for Tasmanian Echidnas Tachyglossus aculeatus setosus (0.1).
This enclosure is a "night version" of the Tasmanian Devils indoor paddocks described before, with many stumps and shelters.
It's the only monotreme species displayed in the zoo for now (with the single female "Ellie"), and we hope the arrival of a male to start the breeding of them.
Partial view of the Echidna enclosure :
(Credits : gulogulogulo)
The Tasmanian Echidna "Ellie" :
(Credits : jbnbsn99)
You continue with an "arboreal" enclosure of 20 m² (F) where live some Short-tailed Spotted Cuscus Spilocuscus maculatus (3.0).
Like the Striped Possums described earlier, the animals can climb in a lot of branches.
Partial (possible) view of the Cuscus enclosure :
(Credits : MagpieGoose)
A short-tailed spotted Cuscus :
(Credits : Ursus)
The following enclosure (G) is the smallest (15 m²) of the whole building, but there's one of the big successes of the Zoo, because it displays (and breed !) Honey Possums Tarsipes rostratus (3.1).
The Zoo has now a breeding pair, with 2 young males born in 2020.
It has managed to feed these honey-eating animals with an appropriate diet.
Honey Possum :
(Credits : Najade)
We end the night section with another "terrestrial" 50 m² enclosure (H), where there are Southern Brown Kiwis Apteryx australis (3.2).
A juvenile male of this species has hatched in 2020 (for the first time in France !) and now he lives with his parents and another adult pair.
Sorry I haven't any picture of this species for now.
The last exhibit of the Australasian House (out of the properly night section) is the indoor enclosure of the Grizzled Tree-kangaroos Dendrolagus inustus (2.2), with 45 m² surface and mainly used at night or in winter.
I'll talk about them longer when I'll describe the outdoor enclosure.
Tree-kangaroo exhibit :
(Credits : TheoV)
There's a last place in the house, that doesn't host any animal : the Outback Cafe (J) where it's possible to have drinks, sandwiches and light meals.
I add it's considered to move the Cafe to another place, and to turn the large, wooden area in front of the building in a new exhibit, perhaps a cove for Tuataras and/or Australasian Penguins.
Before describing the next parts of the Oceanian Zone, you can comment this house, and give me your impressions about it, the animals, the exhibits and even the projects.
See you soon !
now it's time to discover the Australasian House, a large building dedicated to different small and medium-sized animals (mainly mammals), especially nocturnal species.
Map of the House :
You come in the building after have seen the outdoor Tasmanian Devils' enclosure.
Of course the first exhibits are the indoor enclosures for this species (A-B-C).
They are quite small (18 m² each for A and B, 30 m² for C) but can be connected together, offering a maximum space of 86 m².
These enclosures have a sandy soil, with stumps, straw and burrows to allow the hiding of the animals.
The separation between the enclosures is important when there's breeding, like now, otherwise the 3 enclosures are connected.
Then you enter in a properly nocturnal zone, with several exhibits along a corridor.
The animals live in dark exhibits, with few infra-red spots that make the photos difficult to take (flashes strictly forbidden). There are enclosures for arboreal species at the right, and for terrestrian species at the left.
Most species are rare if not inexistent in the European zoos nowadays.
You start with an enclosure of 20 m² surface (D), that hosts now Common Striped Possums Dactylopsila trivirgata (1.5) from New Guinea and the extreme North-East of Australia.
The animals can climb on a lot of branches and there are nest boxes to hide.
It's hoped to have births in the coming years.
Common Striped Possum :
(Credits : ralph)
At the left the second night enclosure (E) is long and quite large (50 m²), and designed for Tasmanian Echidnas Tachyglossus aculeatus setosus (0.1).
This enclosure is a "night version" of the Tasmanian Devils indoor paddocks described before, with many stumps and shelters.
It's the only monotreme species displayed in the zoo for now (with the single female "Ellie"), and we hope the arrival of a male to start the breeding of them.
Partial view of the Echidna enclosure :
(Credits : gulogulogulo)
The Tasmanian Echidna "Ellie" :
(Credits : jbnbsn99)
You continue with an "arboreal" enclosure of 20 m² (F) where live some Short-tailed Spotted Cuscus Spilocuscus maculatus (3.0).
Like the Striped Possums described earlier, the animals can climb in a lot of branches.
Partial (possible) view of the Cuscus enclosure :
(Credits : MagpieGoose)
A short-tailed spotted Cuscus :
(Credits : Ursus)
The following enclosure (G) is the smallest (15 m²) of the whole building, but there's one of the big successes of the Zoo, because it displays (and breed !) Honey Possums Tarsipes rostratus (3.1).
The Zoo has now a breeding pair, with 2 young males born in 2020.
It has managed to feed these honey-eating animals with an appropriate diet.
Honey Possum :
(Credits : Najade)
We end the night section with another "terrestrial" 50 m² enclosure (H), where there are Southern Brown Kiwis Apteryx australis (3.2).
A juvenile male of this species has hatched in 2020 (for the first time in France !) and now he lives with his parents and another adult pair.
Sorry I haven't any picture of this species for now.
The last exhibit of the Australasian House (out of the properly night section) is the indoor enclosure of the Grizzled Tree-kangaroos Dendrolagus inustus (2.2), with 45 m² surface and mainly used at night or in winter.
I'll talk about them longer when I'll describe the outdoor enclosure.
Tree-kangaroo exhibit :
(Credits : TheoV)
There's a last place in the house, that doesn't host any animal : the Outback Cafe (J) where it's possible to have drinks, sandwiches and light meals.
I add it's considered to move the Cafe to another place, and to turn the large, wooden area in front of the building in a new exhibit, perhaps a cove for Tuataras and/or Australasian Penguins.
Before describing the next parts of the Oceanian Zone, you can comment this house, and give me your impressions about it, the animals, the exhibits and even the projects.
See you soon !
You weren't kidding when you said these were rare. I've been following this thread by seeing which European zoos/countries have the species mentioned, at least according to Zootierliste.
Of this batch, I only found one zoo to have any of these and even then it was just the cuscus.
Of this batch, I only found one zoo to have any of these and even then it was just the cuscus.
Very good ideas and description! The Australian House should be biggerHello,
now it's time to discover the Australasian House, a large building dedicated to different small and medium-sized animals (mainly mammals), especially nocturnal species.
Map of the House :
You come in the building after have seen the outdoor Tasmanian Devils' enclosure.
Of course the first exhibits are the indoor enclosures for this species (A-B-C).
They are quite small (18 m² each for A and B, 30 m² for C) but can be connected together, offering a maximum space of 86 m².
These enclosures have a sandy soil, with stumps, straw and burrows to allow the hiding of the animals.
The separation between the enclosures is important when there's breeding, like now, otherwise the 3 enclosures are connected.
Then you enter in a properly nocturnal zone, with several exhibits along a corridor.
The animals live in dark exhibits, with few infra-red spots that make the photos difficult to take (flashes strictly forbidden). There are enclosures for arboreal species at the right, and for terrestrian species at the left.
Most species are rare if not inexistent in the European zoos nowadays.
You start with an enclosure of 20 m² surface (D), that hosts now Common Striped Possums Dactylopsila trivirgata (1.5) from New Guinea and the extreme North-East of Australia.
The animals can climb on a lot of branches and there are nest boxes to hide.
It's hoped to have births in the coming years.
Common Striped Possum :
(Credits : ralph)
At the left the second night enclosure (E) is long and quite large (50 m²), and designed for Tasmanian Echidnas Tachyglossus aculeatus setosus (0.1).
This enclosure is a "night version" of the Tasmanian Devils indoor paddocks described before, with many stumps and shelters.
It's the only monotreme species displayed in the zoo for now (with the single female "Ellie"), and we hope the arrival of a male to start the breeding of them.
Partial view of the Echidna enclosure :
(Credits : gulogulogulo)
The Tasmanian Echidna "Ellie" :
(Credits : jbnbsn99)
You continue with an "arboreal" enclosure of 20 m² (F) where live some Short-tailed Spotted Cuscus Spilocuscus maculatus (3.0).
Like the Striped Possums described earlier, the animals can climb in a lot of branches.
Partial (possible) view of the Cuscus enclosure :
(Credits : MagpieGoose)
A short-tailed spotted Cuscus :
(Credits : Ursus)
The following enclosure (G) is the smallest (15 m²) of the whole building, but there's one of the big successes of the Zoo, because it displays (and breed !) Honey Possums Tarsipes rostratus (3.1).
The Zoo has now a breeding pair, with 2 young males born in 2020.
It has managed to feed these honey-eating animals with an appropriate diet.
Honey Possum :
(Credits : Najade)
We end the night section with another "terrestrial" 50 m² enclosure (H), where there are Southern Brown Kiwis Apteryx australis (3.2).
A juvenile male of this species has hatched in 2020 (for the first time in France !) and now he lives with his parents and another adult pair.
Sorry I haven't any picture of this species for now.
The last exhibit of the Australasian House (out of the properly night section) is the indoor enclosure of the Grizzled Tree-kangaroos Dendrolagus inustus (2.2), with 45 m² surface and mainly used at night or in winter.
I'll talk about them longer when I'll describe the outdoor enclosure.
Tree-kangaroo exhibit :
(Credits : TheoV)
There's a last place in the house, that doesn't host any animal : the Outback Cafe (J) where it's possible to have drinks, sandwiches and light meals.
I add it's considered to move the Cafe to another place, and to turn the large, wooden area in front of the building in a new exhibit, perhaps a cove for Tuataras and/or Australasian Penguins.
Before describing the next parts of the Oceanian Zone, you can comment this house, and give me your impressions about it, the animals, the exhibits and even the projects.
See you soon !
, because a lot of interesting species exists in Australia (bettongs, flying foxes, bilbies, cuscuses).
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
Indeed I think about an enlargement of the Australasian house, with a general reshaping and/or new species. One of my ideas is a New Zealander cove, with Penguins and Tuataras.Very good ideas and description! The Australian House should be bigger
You'll have the final answer in early 2022!