Perhaps if they really wanted to any Aussie zoo could in theory import Giraffe from outside the region via New Zealand since ether are allowed to import them and we are allowed to import from NZ, So a way to cut years off waiting for an local IRA. The White rhino import from South Africa is coming via NZ.
Melbourne Zoo Melbourne Zoo News 2023
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PaddyRickMFZ
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How many spider monkeys are held at the facility?
Melbourne Zoo currently have 2.3 spider monkeys:
1.0 Oren (1998)
0.1 Isobella (2010)
0.1 Estela (2011)
0.1 Elena (2018) Oren x Isobella
1.0 Izumi (2020) Oren x Isobella
PaddyRickMFZ
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Not really much information unfortunately. The future of the zoo is almost entirely up in the air, with next to nothing ruled out. The keepers said mentioned 3 things floated for the elephants, bears, a bio dome and orangutan expansion. Ultimately it’s down to what space is appropriate for the animal, whether it would be benefitted moving to MZ. I heard that keepers are aligned with having capybaras as a replacement for the tapir or opposite the orangutans. From what I heard, Zillie’s move to the GFA is potentially temporary, with no immediate replacement in mind. Theres no rush on a Pygmy hippo partner either. The binturongs are in exhibit but i unfortunately didn’t get to see them. As for coati, imports haven’t been ruled out and considering the heritage at the zoo the keepers seem to think it’s likely more will be added. They also support the addition of new tapir, and likewise couldn’t rule it out.
One last thing, apparently a “goaty-antelopey thing” will coming to the area near the tapirs. I assume this means bongo or Nyala, but feel free to brainstorm. The keepers were very helpful considering how little information was released by the zoo
Edit: Couldn’t see the Colobus and their exhibit glass was kinda blacked out. Not sure what to make of it
One last thing, apparently a “goaty-antelopey thing” will coming to the area near the tapirs. I assume this means bongo or Nyala, but feel free to brainstorm. The keepers were very helpful considering how little information was released by the zoo
Edit: Couldn’t see the Colobus and their exhibit glass was kinda blacked out. Not sure what to make of it
Wow, it sounds like you found out lots. Great work! I’d agree nyala are the most likely candidates, based on the size of the exhibit.
It’s exciting to know bears are on the cards. At this point in time, I’d assume sun bears; but by the time it eventuates, consideration may be given to switching to the sloth bear. As much as I love sun bears, I think we’d have more luck with sloth bears with regards to establishing a sustainable population.
PaddyRickMFZ
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I was most intrigued by the BioDome tbh. I always thought of it as a fantasy, but that sounds extremely interesting. We have of course brainstormed it in the past and who knows, maybe they read the posts
Bears are a surprise, but not really when you consider things. Melbourne have long wanted to acquire Sun Bears and haven't been able to for the pure reason of there being none available within the region (and overseas). It would be wonderful if Melbourne could receive Sun Bears and incorporate them into the elephant replacement.
I heard the same re. Zillie's move. It seems the move may have been conducted more so for her benefit rather than having a replacement in mind (but that's just my thinking based on what I've been told). It would be good if they could use this enclosure for a species they already have; like the Colobus who certainly deserve a better enclosure than they're currently stuck in.
It's a shame to hear there isn't a rush to get Felix a partner. The IRA should be getting worked on soon, and that brings hope. I think the regions going in the direction of - 'we don't want overtly inbred and will wait for imports and a new IRA', and this may lead them to going overtime like they did with Timmy and Petre; attempting to breed them when it was too late. It would be good if they could take things as they are. Felix is getting older and they can't rely on an IRA which has long been in the works.
I was actually of the thought that Nyala may be suitable to the former Tapir enclosure. It's sizeable enough for a small herd. Bongo would be the dream there obviously too!
Also, the colobus were probably there; just hiding. The tinted glass does make it hard to spot them!
I was most intrigued by the BioDome tbh. I always thought of it as a fantasy, but that sounds extremely interesting. We have of course brainstormed it in the past and who knows, maybe they read the posts
It’s a relatively novel concept to Australasia, pioneered by zoos like Auckland with the tropical dome. It’s a great way to ensure tropical species are held at optimum temperatures year round; and with regards to creating an immersive experience, you can’t beat the humidity that comes with a biodome. The benefit of Auckland’s is that it keeps the crowds moving, nobody wants to loiter!
PaddyRickMFZ
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Essentially with Zillie it comes down to what she prefers. She was moved due to construction and I’ve been informed the GFA seems to suit her better. Ultimately, as with the rest of the zoo, we’ll see. Also must emphasise, I was told little that is actually confirmed, just things that have been floated.
I’m almost certain the colobus weren’t in there, the foliage isn’t too heavy. I love seeing them so I examined both exhibits to no avail. Not sure where they were though
Edit: There is still a decent patch of unused land next to the baboons and giraffes that he could be referring to, and I’m desperately hoping that this, combined with other prior info, indicates the return of Bongo
I had hoped Zillie’s move to the GFA would be a permanent thing. I’ve always liked cassowary, but her placement in the old Mandrill exhibit just came across as a filler species and has never sat right with me.
That’s fair enough. There’s been numerous occasions where zoos have been confident enough in their plans to announce them in the media, only for them to fall through. We’re still waiting for Wellington Zoo’s African wild dogs that were supposed to arrive in 2014; and I’ll eat my hat if Auckland Zoo imports more hippopotamus.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
I of course agree on the Zillie front. When I mentioned mandrill the keepers were enthusiastic about their return, but added there was no merit, and stated they’d prefer Zillie to remain in the GFA. For the sake of diversity, I hope it’s the case
Unfortunately the regions Pygmy Hippos languished living apart in their respective zoos for years due to poor management nothing else until someone woke up to the fact it may of been a good idea to match them up, a waste of many breeding opportunities.
Looking back on records, I see Melbourne’s calf born in 2015 was their first since 1982; and Adelaide similarly bred one calf in 1984 and then never bred again. They were apparent content to hold a mother and daughter pair for two decades, until sending the 24 year old daughter to Taronga for breeding.
Despite the unfortunate lost of the feral Tipperary female, it seems the Tipperary/Cairns population at least sustained the population for the time being by providing the region with two young bulls that have been put to use (as has Cuddles the common hippopotamus at Dubbo).
I don't remember how many of those animals were exported to Bali but a big loss out of a small population. As for the female feral PH that was an absolute waste just to get shot by a pig hunter while living alone for 7 years.
Three hippos were exported to Bali:
1.1 common hippopotamus - Solucky (1987) and Tippi (2004)
0.1 pygmy hippopotamus - Fluffy (1991)
The bull common hippopotamus would be extremely useful right about now; and the female common hippopotamus would be the most genetically valuable cow in the region if she were here today. The pygmy hippopotamus could have been paired with one of her sons to produce at least another couple of calves.
PaddyRickMFZ
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Forgot to mention, the elephants are still being crate trained, and they were hanging around the crates during my visit. I can’t remember which individual but one of the females is putting their front legs in the crate, but not her back legs, slightly complicating things. Seems to be moving relatively smoothly though
That sounds like a Mali move. She’s the most apprehensive about new situations of all the adult cows, possibly as a consequence of living her entire (young) life at Melbourne Zoo versus the imported cows, who have moved both between countries and exhibits in the past and have more life experience.
PaddyRickMFZ
Well-Known Member
Interesting. Hopefully she gets over it soon
I’m confident this won’t be a repeat of Adelaide’s giraffe. Where there’s a will, there’s a way and they’ve begun training with plenty of time to allow for problems like this.
Mali’s apprehension has influenced her strict parenting of Roi-Yim. Though this has been relaxed since his birth; I don’t doubt she’ll revert back to restricting him from straying too far, following their transfer to Werribee. It’ll be great to see them gain confidence and learn to enjoy the opportunities the complex will provide.
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