Melbourne Zoo Melbourne Zoo News 2022

[Zoofan15]

I'm not actually sure whether this has been achieved successfully anywhere since either.

It has: Birth of a western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer - PubMed

However, bearing in mind this is a species that now breeds readily in captivity and many females are on contraception to prevent overcrowding in zoos, it’s less and less likely this sort of technology will be used in the future.

The chance of a female gorilla being of sufficient genetic value to warrant this treatment AND being unable to conceive naturally would be slim.

 

[Pertinax]

It has: Birth of a western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer - PubMed

However, bearing in mind this is a species that now breeds readily in captivity and many females are on contraception to prevent overcrowding in zoos, it’s less and less likely this sort of technology will be used in the future.

The chance of a female gorilla being of sufficient genetic value to warrant this treatment AND being unable to conceive naturally would be slim.

Do you know where(what zoo) this happened?

I can think of at least a couple of non-breeding females where successful AI would still be a valuable tool in genetic representation of the population. Asante at Twycross (wildcaught mother, no offspring, no full siblings)- will not mate with males. Coco- Lisbon- wildcaught, no relatives at all in population- seems unwilling to mate. Also Julia's daughter in Taronga? All these females are of course desocialised to varying degrees.

 

[Zoofan15]

Do you know where(what zoo) this happened?

I can think of at least a couple of non-breeding females where successful AI would still be a valuable tool in genetic representation of the population. Asante at Twycross (wildcaught mother, no offspring, no full siblings)- will not mate with males. Coco- Lisbon- wildcaught, no relatives at all in population- seems unwilling to mate. Also Julia's daughter in Taronga? All these females are of course desocialised to varying degrees.

It was at the Cincinnati Zoo. Rosie (born 1974) gave birth to a daughter named Timu in 1995 after successful IVF treatment (the first and only successful IVF birth of this species in the USA).

Good point, Johari would indeed be considered a genetically valuable female. While her paternal line is well represented, she’s the only offspring of her (deceased) founder mother. It’s looking unlikely she’ll ever conceive naturally - either via the silverback or the adolescent males that have grown up around her.

 

[Jambo]

Good point, Johari would indeed be considered a genetically valuable female. While her paternal line is well represented, she’s the only offspring of her (deceased) founder mother. It’s looking unlikely she’ll ever conceive naturally - either via the silverback or the adolescent males that have grown up around her.

Melbourne’s younger trio (I say Melbourne - as in the trio born at melb in 99/00) probably need to be breed from soon. Keep in mind, all three do come from a well represented paternal line though.

Yakini’s less of a concern, as he has somewhat of representation from his maternal side, but it would still be valuable if he could have some children of his own. Johari at Taronga, is still a chance. She’s her mothers only surviving offspring, and with her mother being wild born, Johari is essentially very genetically valuable. Ganyeka at Werribee is also his mother’s only offspring; but his mother does have many siblings and cousins over in the US. After evaluation, it does seem both Yakini and Ganyeka can be spared; they’re not extremely valuable to the level Johari is. Although I’m not sure Taronga will resort to AI with her. First off, where will the sperm come from. No males are trained for such procedure in the region, let alone the world.

 

[Zoofan15]

Melbourne’s younger trio (I say Melbourne - as in the trio born at melb in 99/00) probably need to be breed from soon. Keep in mind, all three do come from a well represented paternal line though.

Yakini’s less of a concern, as he has somewhat of representation from his maternal side, but it would still be valuable if he could have some children of his own. Johari at Taronga, is still a chance. She’s her mothers only surviving offspring, and with her mother being wild born, Johari is essentially very genetically valuable. Ganyeka at Werribee is also his mother’s only offspring; but his mother does have many siblings and cousins over in the US. After evaluation, it does seem both Yakini and Ganyeka can be spared; they’re not extremely valuable to the level Johari is. Although I’m not sure Taronga will resort to AI with her. First off, where will the sperm come from. No males are trained for such procedure in the region, let alone the world.

I definitely wouldn’t be concerned with Yakini or Ganyeka breeding given they’re well represented on both sides. Yuska’s eldest son Mzuri was far more valuable given his sire was Rigo and his line will continue through Mapema and his offspring.

It would be easy to obtain sperm via electroejaculation. This could be done while any of the region’s males are under anaesthetic; as well as via training, which wouldn’t be difficult either. It’s been successfully done at other facilities.

 

[Jambo]

I definitely wouldn’t be concerned with Yakini or Ganyeka breeding given they’re well represented on both sides. Yuska’s eldest son Mzuri was far more valuable given his sire was Rigo and his line will continue through Mapema and his offspring.

It would be easy to obtain sperm via electroejaculation. This could be done while any of the region’s males are under anaesthetic; as well as via training, which wouldn’t be difficult either. It’s been successfully done at other facilities.

Within the region, Kisane at Mogo probably presents the best option for providing sperm for Johari. Mogo is awfully close to Taronga as well. In addition, Kisane is so far unrepresented within the region, so an offspring of him and Johari will be incredibly valuable.

 

[Zoofan15]

Within the region, Kisane at Mogo probably presents the best option for providing sperm for Johari. Mogo is awfully close to Taronga as well. In addition, Kisane is so far unrepresented within the region, so an offspring of him and Johari will be incredibly valuable.

Genetically speaking, Kibali is the better option given how well Kisane’s line is in Europe, to which our breeding programme is connected (as well as being on site). I’d also anticipate Kibali’s breeding options to be limited in the future given Frala is now post reproductive, but could occupy a space in his troop for another decade.

 

[Pertinax]

Good point, Johari would indeed be considered a genetically valuable female. While her paternal line is well represented, she’s the only offspring of her (deceased) founder mother. It’s looking unlikely she’ll ever conceive naturally - either via the silverback or the adolescent males that have grown up around her.

Johari has a very similar parentage to Twycross' Asante- both females are the only offspring of their wildcaught (deceased) mothers though with more represenation on the father's side. Both have juvenile males in their groups but with no sign(so far) that is improving their chances of mating. Coco in Lisbon was probably the last wildcaught gorilla to enter the European zoo population and has no representation at all. There is also a juvenile male in her group too.

 

[Jambo]

Visited Melbourne for a bit today and have some updates:

- Talked to one of the gorilla keepers, and the plan is indeed to keep Otana as silverback. Breeding wise, at the moment they’re still trying with Kimya, but it’s likely they’ll import at least one or two females from overseas within the next few years. Regarding Kanzi, the keeper stated that she’ll only be moved elsewhere once a recommendation is placed to breed her, and considering how well represented her line is, it’s probably unlikely.

- Interestingly, Felix has access to both enclosures which was exciting to see. It’s good to see them making use of both enclosures, as it also gives Felix more space to move around.

- The Zebras and the Giraffe have been mixed together once again.

- It appears Roshani the Red Panda has passed. Either that or she’s been moved off display for some reason or another, or moved facilities. I doubt the latter, especially considering her age.

- And big news to finish, Melbourne is completing a new redevelopment; a new Kangaroo/Emu walkthrough that has begun construction. It’s pretty much a renovation of the current habitat, but they’ve dug everything up, and hopefully this new enclosure will provide them with some grass (something the previous enclosure lacked). Construction is due to be completed this summer.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

I am visiting the zoo tomorrow, they haven't posted anything about it on Facebook ect
I shall ask tommowr

 

[Zoofan15]

I am visiting the zoo tomorrow, they haven't posted anything about it on Facebook ect
I shall ask tommowr

Cheers @austrlain zoo gower. If you could please ask names of baboons, that would be great.

Maybe show them this list and ask which are missing.

1.0 Azizi (2010)
1.0 Jabari (2010)
0.1 Huddo (2000)
0.1 Grace (1999/2000)
0.1 Macey (2004)
0.1 Qetesh (2010)
0.1 Juju (2015)
1.0 Melako (2017)
0.1 Gana (2017)
0.1 Baby H (2019) Renamed?
1.0 Quill (2019)
0.1 Makali (2019)
0.1 Quilton (2020)

I'd expect there to be another 8-10 baboons.

 

[Jambo]

I am visiting the zoo tomorrow, they haven't posted anything about it on Facebook ect
I shall ask tommowr

About what?

Cheers @austrlain zoo gower. If you could please ask names of baboons, that would be great.

Maybe show them this list and ask which are missing.

1.0 Azizi (2010)
1.0 Jabari (2010)
0.1 Huddo (2000)
0.1 Grace (1999/2000)
0.1 Macey (2004)
0.1 Qetesh (2010)
0.1 Juju (2015)
1.0 Melako (2017)
0.1 Gana (2017)
0.1 Baby H (2019) Renamed?
1.0 Quill (2019)
0.1 Makali (2019)
0.1 Quilton (2020)

I'd expect there to be another 8-10 baboons.

They had a sign up front which indicated the animals may not be on display, but I did see a few. They were also doing back house renovations at the time, which they have been doing for a few months now. Normally you’d see quite a large troop of them, but obviously they’re choosing to stay bts for some reason or another lately.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

After Visiting Melbourne zoo yesterday i have a few updates.
Nyalas have been taken off the zoo map at the rail gate entrance, this presumably means they might have postponed or cancel nyala.
I only saw 3 baboon on my visit, i saw quite a few in the back of house, normally the have at least 10 in the exibit. Thoe i did see a sign saying that they were doing renovation.
After asking zookeepers about then red pandas as i didnt see any of them thay said they are both alive but have been put off display but should be back on display soon
I couldn’t ask many zookeepers as there were 15,000 people at the zoo and it was crouded

 

[Zoofan15]

After Visiting Melbourne zoo yesterday i have a few updates.
Nyalas have been taken off the zoo map at the rail gate entrance, this presumably means they might have postponed or cancel nyala.
I only saw 3 baboon on my visit, i saw quite a few in the back of house, normally the have at least 10 in the exibit. Thoe i did see a sign saying that they were doing renovation.
After asking zookeepers about then red pandas as i didnt see any of them thay said they are both alive but have been put off display but should be back on display soon
I couldn’t ask many zookeepers as there were 15,000 people at the zoo and it was crouded

It’s possible they may consider Lowland nyala in the future - castrated bulls (or even cows) may be more successful in an integrated exhibit than a bachelor herd of intact bulls. They breed readily in captivity, so there’d be a reasonable surplus of both at Werribee (and other zoos).

With regards to the baboons, I’m thinking the troop may not be as large as we’re all thinking. The goal was to grow the troop to around 24 with four offspring born to each female. They apparently achieved this with Macey (2004) and Quetesh (2010), who were young and each had four offspring to our knowledge (see above list); but Huddo and Grace were older and don’t appear to have had as many offspring - Huddo also rejected her first offspring.

I’m thinking they reached a population of 20-24 in the late 2010’s by virtue of having several older non-reproductive females (including some imported from New Zealand), which have now died - leaving them with around 13 baboons as listed above.

 

[Zorro]

It’s possible they may consider Lowland nyala in the future - castrated bulls (or even cows) may be more successful in an integrated exhibit than a bachelor herd of intact bulls. They breed readily in captivity, so there’d be a reasonable surplus of both at Werribee (and other zoos).

With regards to the baboons, I’m thinking the troop may not be as large as we’re all thinking. The goal was to grow the troop to around 24 with four offspring born to each female. They apparently achieved this with Macey (2004) and Quetesh (2010), who were young and each had four offspring to our knowledge (see above list); but Huddo and Grace were older and don’t appear to have had as many offspring - Huddo also rejected her first offspring.

I’m thinking they reached a population of 20-24 in the late 2010’s by virtue of having several older non-reproductive females (including some imported from New Zealand), which have now died - leaving them with around 13 baboons as listed above.

So does DDZ have the largest zoo group in the region at this time

 

[Zoofan15]

So does DDZ have the largest zoo group in the region at this time

Sydney Zoo have the largest troop in the region I believe. They imported 13 baboons in 2019 and have welcomed several infants since. Melbourne Zoo reportedly have around 12-13 baboons, so depending on what Darling Downs Zoo hold, they’d probably be somewhere between these two.

 

[Jambo]

After Visiting Melbourne zoo yesterday i have a few updates.
Nyalas have been taken off the zoo map at the rail gate entrance, this presumably means they might have postponed or cancel nyala.
I only saw 3 baboon on my visit, i saw quite a few in the back of house, normally the have at least 10 in the exibit. Thoe i did see a sign saying that they were doing renovation.
After asking zookeepers about then red pandas as i didnt see any of them thay said they are both alive but have been put off display but should be back on display soon
I couldn’t ask many zookeepers as there were 15,000 people at the zoo and it was crouded

Re. Nyala, Melbourne don’t have any whatsoever. It’s possible they planned to, but those were canned. Possibly due to the arrival of Iris.

I’ve also seen only a few baboons during my last few visits. None of the males for sure; all seemed to be females and younger individuals. It makes me wonder whether Melbourne have sent a large portion of their troop elsewhere. They are currently conducting renovations so it’s possible they’ve sent say 10 of their individuals overseas and have retained five or so females to start a new breeding group once the renovations are completed.

Re. Red pandas, I saw Seba on display when I visited just two days ago. I don’t think he’s been taken off display; he was just off display for a period of time ( a few months I believe). Roshani, I haven’t seen for some time. It’s possible she may be off display but I’m not entirely sure. I’ll email Melbourne.

 

[Jambo]

Visited yesterday and can confirm Seba is indeed on display.

Also counted about 15 baboons which seems about right. Saw the two adult males with their seperate harems.

 

[Zoofan15]

Also counted about 15 baboons which seems about right. Saw the two adult males with their seperate harems.

I was interested to learn Azizi passed away in June 2016. The two adult male baboons you saw would have therefore been Jabari (2010) and Melako (2017).

To the best of our knowledge, the next youngest male is Quill (2019) - an adolescent not yet fully caped or capable of holding a harem. You’d probably saw him on the periphery of the harem his mother is in, as a follower male.

 

[Astrobird]

I drove past the zoo today and took some photos of the back of house areas of the carnivore area, I found it interesting to see how much the gardens have grown and try to work out what the structures were for.

this would be the tiger enclosure.

i cant think what this aviary style structure would be for, it should be behind the snow leopards but looks too small IMO for leopards

this looks to be a shaded area for the snow leopards off exhibit area. Has anyone done a tour that could tell us exactly what these areas are?