There are no female African Wild Dogs at Melbourne Zoo; the two males who have just passed away were the last two animals. Melbourne held a bachelor group, originally of four males, with the other two males passing away in 2019 and 2020 respectively.
Melbourne Zoo Melbourne Zoo News 2022
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There are no female African Wild Dogs at Melbourne Zoo; the two males who have just passed away were the last two animals. Melbourne held a bachelor group, originally of four males, with the other two males passing away in 2019 and 2020 respectively.
@Abbey
Oh cheers Abbey for the info, oh that's sad that they're all gone from Melbourne. Wonder if they were deliberately euthanised at the same time because of their strong social companion/pack living mindset? Right ok so Melbourne were bachelor pack holders of them. Once again info probably shared by you and others on the threads here and interesting info that personally missed until they are no more
Oh cheers Abbey for the info, oh that's sad that they're all gone from Melbourne. Wonder if they were deliberately euthanised at the same time because of their strong social companion/pack living mindset? Right ok so Melbourne were bachelor pack holders of them. Once again info probably shared by you and others on the threads here and interesting info that personally missed until they are no more
Swanson02
Well-Known Member
What is Zoos Vic's current set of criteria? And why don't Maned Wolf fit?
Personally, I don't think hyena will fit in size-wise. Forest at Monarto is reportedly around 70 kg, most Wild dogs only max out at 33 kg. One of the main things guests at Monarto are shocked by is how big Hyenas truly are, as most people think they are around the same size as your average German Shepard.
@Swanson02
Man you are so right. It really is quite something when you see just how big Spotted Hyenas can be. It probably seems a bit 'backwards' with this example as when being a kid we're smaller so therefore any animals we get to actually see for ourselves would therefore be bigger (did have that experience later in life with last time seeing the Asian Eles' at Taronga Sydney, dgmw they were still big of course, its just something happened with size perception in my mind where seeing them once again they were actually not quite as 'colossal' in size as had committed to memory from before, but sorry I digress..yet again). {ps main point is last paragraph, the rest just reminiscing 'fluff' lol}
When visiting Perth Zoo again in the mid '00s (was still actually the Spotted Hyenas Annie' & Ferret there at the time now know via here) was taken aback at just how big they actually were; something that did not recall noticing as a kid in the '90s when seeing them (albeit could see they certainly were not small then, but in comparison to seeing the African Wild Dogs a few exhibits prior, kind-of just saw them along the same body size pretty much, but on the visits years later could really see just how large they actually were, was pretty impressive actually, and cool to see you say that it is something that most visitors would likely be very impressed by too with Monarto as the example, god wanna visit there so badly).
Really think that if Werribee considered housing both Spotted Hyenas and Maned Wolves it would be a brilliant decision. Think that Werribee continues to be in a fortunate position (not discounting fortune that its animals and staff have earned for it on own merits) but being within easy distance to Melbourne residents and Melbourne visitors alike (plus Geelong, Ballarat etc) they could expand and really think they could break-even financially as a bare minimum with visitor financial gains. Western Plains Dubbo was so exciting to go to in the late '90s with their impressive species collection at the time (and that was pre Asian Eles', Indian Rhinos, Otters etc) one of the most exciting things personally remember was seeing the Maned Wolves (AWD's were awesome too, just remember particular excitement over seeing the Maned Wolves). Really think Werribee should follow your suggestions.
edit: sorry the Elephant tangent from first paragr' was probably not needed, just when talking about noticing how big some species really are used it as an example of an opposite reaction to being taken aback by the Hyenas actual size at PZ 16-18 years ago. Would understand if anyone wanted to counter with say ''...uh...Asian Elephants really are quite big dude'' lol.
Man you are so right. It really is quite something when you see just how big Spotted Hyenas can be. It probably seems a bit 'backwards' with this example as when being a kid we're smaller so therefore any animals we get to actually see for ourselves would therefore be bigger (did have that experience later in life with last time seeing the Asian Eles' at Taronga Sydney, dgmw they were still big of course, its just something happened with size perception in my mind where seeing them once again they were actually not quite as 'colossal' in size as had committed to memory from before, but sorry I digress..yet again). {ps main point is last paragraph, the rest just reminiscing 'fluff' lol}
When visiting Perth Zoo again in the mid '00s (was still actually the Spotted Hyenas Annie' & Ferret there at the time now know via here) was taken aback at just how big they actually were; something that did not recall noticing as a kid in the '90s when seeing them (albeit could see they certainly were not small then, but in comparison to seeing the African Wild Dogs a few exhibits prior, kind-of just saw them along the same body size pretty much, but on the visits years later could really see just how large they actually were, was pretty impressive actually, and cool to see you say that it is something that most visitors would likely be very impressed by too with Monarto as the example, god wanna visit there so badly).
Really think that if Werribee considered housing both Spotted Hyenas and Maned Wolves it would be a brilliant decision. Think that Werribee continues to be in a fortunate position (not discounting fortune that its animals and staff have earned for it on own merits) but being within easy distance to Melbourne residents and Melbourne visitors alike (plus Geelong, Ballarat etc) they could expand and really think they could break-even financially as a bare minimum with visitor financial gains. Western Plains Dubbo was so exciting to go to in the late '90s with their impressive species collection at the time (and that was pre Asian Eles', Indian Rhinos, Otters etc) one of the most exciting things personally remember was seeing the Maned Wolves (AWD's were awesome too, just remember particular excitement over seeing the Maned Wolves). Really think Werribee should follow your suggestions.
edit: sorry the Elephant tangent from first paragr' was probably not needed, just when talking about noticing how big some species really are used it as an example of an opposite reaction to being taken aback by the Hyenas actual size at PZ 16-18 years ago. Would understand if anyone wanted to counter with say ''...uh...Asian Elephants really are quite big dude'' lol.
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Swanson02
Well-Known Member
I definitely agree, I think most people just associate them with dogs even if they know they aren't related as it's just an easy comparison. The heads on Spotted Hyenas are massive too, I know they have incredible bite force but that for some reason doesn't translate in my brain for why they'd need a head bigger than mine hahaha. Some species always shock me with how big they are in person, usually the ones I don't associate with size. Eland are a great example, I think 'dainty antelope' and forget that they actually are 6' at the shoulder and close to 800 kgs. The male Mandrill at Adelaide Zoo is the same, I think 'Colourful Primate' and forget that he is around 35 kg the same as your average 10-year-old.
Werribee imo is in the best location out of the three of our open-range zoos. TWPZ is obviously more than a single days drive and Monarto is still a two-hour round trip, plus it serves a much smaller urban center. Werribee on the other hand is the perfect distance where it has access to plenty of space but is still easily reachable from the majority of the city.
I don't believe TWPZ will ever out-sell Taronga just due to their completely polar locations. But I do believe both Werribee and Monarto will eventually outsell their city counterparts the question is just when, and who will be first.
@Abbey
Oh cheers Abbey for the info, oh that's sad that they're all gone from Melbourne. Wonder if they were deliberately euthanised at the same time because of their strong social companion/pack living mindset? Right ok so Melbourne were bachelor pack holders of them. Once again info probably shared by you and others on the threads here and interesting info that personally missed until they are no more
They initially had four brothers named Saba, Maana, Samawhati and Duara. They were born at Perth Zoo in 2012 and arrived in 2014. Saba died first in 2019, followed by Samawhati in 2020.
It’s possible one required euthanasia on medical grounds, while the other was euthanised on humane grounds (in addition to their declining health) on welfare grounds. This is done in many zoos holding this species - including at Wellington Zoo, when their last two dogs died in 2014.
Zoos Victoria Criteria
Their criteria consist of five categories:
Recovery - threatened species recovery programme, preferably reintroduced to the wild.
Ark - species under threat of extinction in the wild and part of regional and international breeding programmes.
Ambassador - the face of a conservation campaign.
Enabling - species that engage with people and form emotional bonds.
Research - species that support the research of Zoos Victoria for the improvement of animal welfare.
Personally I agree Maned wolf would be a great fit. As you can see, many of these categories are highly subjective - especially enabling. Almost anything can be enabling if you sell it to people. A Maned wolf is fox on stilts. What’s not to like?
They’d be a perfect compliment to the African and Asia carnivores and have one of the best exhibits for this species in the region with regards to space.
Alby
Member
@steveroberts
I can't figure out how to upload an image - I think I haven't done enough posts - but the full text of the sign was:
Animal not viewable
Farewell, Wild Dogs
Sadly, Melbourne Zoo has had to farewell its two African Wild Dogs, brothers Maana and Duara.
Due to persistent health complications, the kindest and most humane course of action for the brothers was euthanasia.
We give thanks and kind thoughts to their vets, keepers, and all who loved them.
Their passing means the end of this species being housed at Melbourne Zoo.
Farewell, Wild Dogs
Sadly, Melbourne Zoo has had to farewell its two African Wild Dogs, brothers Maana and Duara.
Due to persistent health complications, the kindest and most humane course of action for the brothers was euthanasia.
We give thanks and kind thoughts to their vets, keepers, and all who loved them.
Their passing means the end of this species being housed at Melbourne Zoo.
Yes, you need to post a certain number of times before you can upload images to the gallery.
With regards to the sign, I'm glad they acknowledged their passing with an explanation, rather than Melbourne's usual "Something exciting is coming soon." In this case, I do believe the replacement will be genuinely exciting however
@Alby thanks man
@Zoofan15 Yeah fully its nice to see an actual acknowledgement sign that shares about the two individuals and letting the public know their names and that a euthanasia decision was made plus their plan not to have more AWDs. You just reminded me how irritating I find those "Something exciting is coming soon'' signs, gah they're so...dumbed down and marketing-centric like.
@Zoofan15 Yeah fully its nice to see an actual acknowledgement sign that shares about the two individuals and letting the public know their names and that a euthanasia decision was made plus their plan not to have more AWDs. You just reminded me how irritating I find those "Something exciting is coming soon'' signs, gah they're so...dumbed down and marketing-centric like.
It’s the first exhibit apart of the Carnivores trail, and you also view it right as you leave as well, so it’s not an exhibit they’d let sit empty. My hopes are for Spotted Hyena; but it is Melbourne.
Another thought I just got was Dingo. Apparently Melbourne has a pair off display so they already have some on site. Dingoes would fit the enclosure perfectly and also the trail itself (of Carnivores).
I think a canid species is the most likely as the infrastructure for exhibiting a Spotted hyena, Maned wolf or Dingo would require less modification than it would for a felid etc.
Sri Lankan leopard at Melbourne Zoo:
Ideally, I’d like to see Sri Lankan leopard accommodated in the vacant African wild dog exhibit. There’s space for a single male and although the renovations needed would be extensive, it’d be great to have another holder in the region.
A better opportunity to exhibit this species will likely come with the redevelopment of the Elephant Trail. If Melbourne haven’t abandoned all interest in geographical links, then the Sri Lankan leopard would be the perfect addition to a South Asian precinct along with Indian rhinoceros.
Spotted Hyena or Dingo would require no changes to the current exhibit, so I think Melbourne will pursue that route.
Sri Lankan Leopards also a good choice; and renovations may be possible (I don't think they'd be that extensive) - but there's a better opportunity as you say, with the elephants leaving to Werribee. I'd still like to see Indian Rhinos, but I think it's likely the trail will be repurposed for multiple species. It does seem Melbourne have abandoned geographical links unfortunately. Hopefully they won't go throwing camels into one of the enclosures.
Hamadryas Baboon Update
0.1 Grace (1996) died in April 2021.
1.0 Azizi (2010) is still alive. I was under the impression he’d died - as the article below stated: Jabari became the alpha male of the baboon troop at Melbourne Zoo after the dominant male passed away in June this year.
Melbourne Zoo welcomes NZ baboons for breeding
I’d assumed Azizi and Jabari were the only adult males in the troop upon their integration (given the difficulties around introducing unrelated males baboons), but it’s implied there were other males in the troop at the time.
The zoo’s Hamadryas baboon population in July 2011 was 6.10 Hamadryas baboon, so it appears most (if not all) of these six males lived out their lives at Melbourne Zoo (as opposed to being transferred out). Some of these males (obviously not the alpha) could have been castrated, which would have simplified the introduction of the US imports.
0.1 Grace (1996) died in April 2021.
1.0 Azizi (2010) is still alive. I was under the impression he’d died - as the article below stated: Jabari became the alpha male of the baboon troop at Melbourne Zoo after the dominant male passed away in June this year.
Melbourne Zoo welcomes NZ baboons for breeding
I’d assumed Azizi and Jabari were the only adult males in the troop upon their integration (given the difficulties around introducing unrelated males baboons), but it’s implied there were other males in the troop at the time.
The zoo’s Hamadryas baboon population in July 2011 was 6.10 Hamadryas baboon, so it appears most (if not all) of these six males lived out their lives at Melbourne Zoo (as opposed to being transferred out). Some of these males (obviously not the alpha) could have been castrated, which would have simplified the introduction of the US imports.
@steveroberts I would agree I saw my first Hyenas back in the early 70s and was surprised just how big and bulky they were. I would believe that having to evolved to survive in the wild on the African savanna they would been to be built like a Mack truck.
I agree Spotted hyena are best suited to Werribee and that it’s unlikely Melbourne Zoo will acquire them. They’re a long lived species, commonly living into their 20’s and what would be considered an adequate exhibit for them now in 2022, will not be suitable in 10-15 years time.
A shorter lived canid - African wild dog, Maned wolf or Dingo could occupy this exhibit for a decade, which will tie in with the lifespans of the two male lions (six years old). Upon their death, the zoo will be in the same predicament re. space - and use that opportunity to review whether they want to merge the exhibit space of the two exhibits into one.
As predicted dingos have gone into the enclosure by the looks of this post
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That’s disappointing. I suppose the zoo feel adding another Australian carnivore to the precinct will balance out the species from Africa and Asia - as well as the exhibit being fit for purpose without modification. I doubt any locals will be excited by this change - but with international travel resuming, overseas visitors will be happy enough.
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Just as I predicted.
They were an obvious choice if we ruled out Spotted Hyena and Maned Wolf.That seemed like the easiest move imo and it seems management has probably planned this for a while - following the arrival of the two brothers who have been waiting off display until both wild dog brothers were euthanised.
I’m personally happy to see this species at Melbourne. They can only be seen at Healesville, which is a decent drive from Melbourne; so it’ll be wonderful to have them closer to home.
Melbourne have officially replaced this species with a pair of male Dingoes.