Melbourne Zoo Melbourne Zoo News 2025

[austrlain zoo gower]

The mandrill exhibit has always fascinated me. It had zillie in it, and then it didn't, and then it did. Interestingly during the periods where she was not in the enclosure it was just glass, however now it has almost a big poster or wallpaper on it, hiding the enclosure from view of the visitors. It Is not good to just keep exhibits empty. Hopefully a Pygmy Hippo expansion is on the cards. I believe the most likely move forward it housing colobus monkey, as they have imported a male. This would probably be a quick and easy fix. Maybe down the future a colobus with pygmy hippo

 

[Jambo]

Melbourne Zoo Update

Today I took part in part 1 of my Melbourne Zoo visit, I managed to ask some of everybody’s questions.

Confirmed via email and in person Melbourne Zoo have plans to breed their giraffes this year or early 2026. It is still in decision which female will breed at this stage.

The 2 coati are still living back stage.

After speaking to 2 Pygmy Hippo keepers to appear that the region as a whole is looking to import some female hippos. One keeper suggested the end of this year or start of 2026

I will visit again on Monday, I will then ask some
More questions along with upload to comprehensive review with opinions and comments. Hopefully will spot the Khan the Komodo dragon!

Thanks for the update @austrlain zoo gower!

On the Pygmy Hippos, I've essentially heard the same thing. With the Hippo IRA, most zoos that are in need of new individuals are absolutely taking advantage of this opportunity.

Melbourne have the space to acquire a female to pair with Felix straight away and I wouldn't put it past Steve and DDZ from doing the same (locating a male for their female). Adelaide and Taronga are in positions where right now they can't acquire any additional individuals but they should down the line with the opening of new exhibits for the former and potentially the latter.

I'm not sure whether Melbourne can accommodate two giraffe calves at once too with their current facilities. The newly constructed barn should be able to provide enough room for mum and calf. Perhaps they'll give Iris a turn next, she recently turned four so is old enough to have her first calf.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

Melbourne Zoo update 20/01/25

There are not Cotton Top Tamarins housed in Tree Top Apes and Monkeys, the exhibit is boarded up. A new sign put on the last small exhibits about the wingspan of gibbons

The old mandrill enclosure has been drained of water

Sadly I did not see Khan the Komodo dragon, I looked multiple times, I am interested to see in the future where they will house him and the exhibit will not be suitable for a adult Komodo dragon

Melbourne Zoo seem to be focusing on Bugs in the Forest of wonder. There are new signs with all different species on them along with some new garden where forest harvest used to be.

The previous elephant viewing house that look out to the swimming pool is boarded up and visitors can no longer enter

The Gorillas were not visible, I believe there was maintenance in there habitat

There were some minor construction works in the old zebra part of the Giraffe habitat.

Interestingly, there was a digger in the forest of wonder staff area clearing out foliage

One large enclosure in the reptile house that I believe used to house a species of crocodile as been drained and removed of foliage

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for the update.

Sadly I did not see Khan the Komodo dragon, I looked multiple times, I am interested to see in the future where they will house him and the exhibit will not be suitable for a adult Komodo dragon

Yes, the exhibit is only suitable for a juvenile Komodo dragon. Kahn turns three years old in April and full size is attained at 8-10 years.

One large enclosure in the reptile house that I believe used to house a species of crocodile as been drained and removed of foliage

Are you referring to the Philippine crocodile exhibit; or the Freshwater crocodile exhibit?

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

Thanks for the update.
Yes, the exhibit is only suitable for a juvenile Komodo dragon. Kahn turns three years old in April and full size is attained at 8-10 years.

Are you referring to the Philippine crocodile exhibit; or the Freshwater crocodile exhibit?

I saw both the Freshwater and Philippines crocodiles, I believe this is a secondary enclosure for them, it was quite large with a drained pool.

 

[Jambo]

Appreciate the update @austrlain zoo gower.

Interesting that there are no Cotton Top Tamarins in that first enclosure. I had thought the individuals that were previously in Keeper Kids had moved back. I was under the impression this was some of the offspring of the previous breeding pair, but maybe this was in fact the former breeding pair themselves and they've only passed recently (not a few years back, as I'd previously assumed).

I also wouldn't take the Mandrill enclosure being drained with a grain of salt - they've done this a few times over the years.

Does the path now go behind the elephant pool habitat hut that you mention as being closed?

Also, on Kahn. His current enclosure is only temporary. He'll likely get a new one in TOTE.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

Appreciate the update @austrlain zoo gower.

Interesting that there are no Cotton Top Tamarins in that first enclosure. I had thought the individuals that were previously in Keeper Kids had moved back. I was under the impression this was some of the offspring of the previous breeding pair, but maybe this was in fact the former breeding pair themselves and they've only passed recently (not a few years back, as I'd previously assumed).

I also wouldn't take the Mandrill enclosure being drained with a grain of salt - they've done this a few times over the years.

Does the path now go behind the elephant pool habitat hut that you mention as being closed?

Also, on Kahn. His current enclosure is only temporary. He'll likely get a new one in TOTE.

You are probably right with the Mandril enclosure, however it is so unfortunate the amount of empty enclosures, or soon to be at MZ. During my visits I heard a number of guests talking about this.

It was interesting that the cotton top tamarin viewing areas have been closed off, as there is still enrichment in the enclosure along with feeders, which makes me believe they might still be in there? they could possibly merge this enclosure for the spider monkey or colobus. I have just emailed asking if the Zoo still has the species.

Where will they accommodate him in forest of wonder, a new exhibit would have to be built, possibly part of the replacement for the elephants?

The path behind the Hut has been closed, there is now a garden bed in place. You go around and then to the second viewing area with some seating. I have a photo. It is highly disappointing that Melbourne Zoo is now promoting bugs, as a main attraction in Forest of Wonder. There were about 10 different banner with different species of bug on them. The garden bed also had a number of sign with bugs. I pray this is only a temporary idea

 

[Zoofan15]

You are probably right with the Mandril enclosure, however it is so unfortunate the amount of empty enclosures, or soon to be at MZ. During my visits I heard a number of guests talking about this.

It was interesting that the cotton top tamarin viewing areas have been closed off, as there is still enrichment in the enclosure along with feeders, which makes me believe they might still be in there? they could possibly merge this enclosure for the spider monkey or colobus.

Where will they accommodate him in forest of wonder, a new exhibit would have to be built, possibly part of the replacement for the elephants?

The path behind the Hut has been closed, there is now a garden bed in place. You go around and then to the second viewing area with some seating. I have a photo. It is highly disappointing that Melbourne Zoo is now promoting bugs, as a main attraction in Forest of Wonder. There were about 10 different banner with different species of bug on them. The garden bed also had a number of sign with bugs. I pray this is only a temporary idea
View attachment 765564

The garden area in your photo looks like a butterfly garden. They have one at Adelaide Zoo also, but it’s on a smaller scale.

It was originally reported on here that a number of species would replace the elephants, so where Kahn is ultimately located would depend on the intention of the zoo to maintain 1.0 for display; or breed them - which would require a minimum of two exhibits.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

The garden area in your photo looks like a butterfly garden. They have one at Adelaide Zoo also, but it’s on a smaller scale.

It was originally reported on here that a number of species would replace the elephants, so where Kahn is ultimately located would depend on the intention of the zoo to maintain 1.0 for display; or breed them - which would require a minimum of two exhibits.

I would believe so, for butterflies and bees.

MZ will probably not worry about Khan for a few years, as Komodo's grow a quite a slow pace

 

[Jambo]

Where will they accommodate him in forest of wonder, a new exhibit would have to be built, possibly part of the replacement for the elephants?

As apart of the elephant replacement I'd assume.

And thank you for emailing regarding the Tamarins too - Melbourne has kept Tamarins off display for periods of time in the past.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

I emailed Melbourne Zoo about the Ring Tailed Lemurs and also about the Cotton Top Tamarins, unfortunately I was told this. It is surprising why Melbourne Zoo would not be willing to share this information. When I enquired about the Mandrill enclosure on Monday, I was told that this would not be made public information, according to email and in person

"Thank you for your email.


We appreciate your interest in the changes and goings on of the animals at Melbourne Zoo, unfortunately this information is not available to the public.


All public information will be announced via our social media or newsletter, we would recommend keeping your eyes peeled on these for updates!


Enjoy the rest of your day.



Kind regards,"

 

[Zoofan15]

I emailed Melbourne Zoo about the Ring Tailed Lemurs and also about the Cotton Top Tamarins, unfortunately I was told this. It is surprising why Melbourne Zoo would not be willing to share this information. When I enquired about the Mandrill enclosure on Monday, I was told that this would not be made public information, according to email and in person

"Thank you for your email.


We appreciate your interest in the changes and goings on of the animals at Melbourne Zoo, unfortunately this information is not available to the public.


All public information will be announced via our social media or newsletter, we would recommend keeping your eyes peeled on these for updates!


Enjoy the rest of your day.



Kind regards,"

It is indeed unfortunate but Melbourne Zoo have always been a closed book compared to Perth and Adelaide, who have publicly available masterplans outlining future changes.

Plans within zoos (especially when it involves importing a new species) are subject to change. Even regionally, I’ve known countless animals transactions to be called off last minute (and in one case, while the animal in question was at the airport). Therefore zoos are cautious not to announce things until they’ve happened.

From a public perspective, the public are most interested in what they can see here and now i.e. telling everyone a zoo might be getting species X only serves to frustrate the public if they can’t see it that week; or even more so, if it never arrives.

In most cases a blanket rule extends from major events (a new species of megafauna) to more minor details like plans to move a monkey species from one exhibit to another.

 

[Jambo]

I emailed Melbourne Zoo about the Ring Tailed Lemurs and also about the Cotton Top Tamarins, unfortunately I was told this. It is surprising why Melbourne Zoo would not be willing to share this information. When I enquired about the Mandrill enclosure on Monday, I was told that this would not be made public information, according to email and in person

"Thank you for your email.


We appreciate your interest in the changes and goings on of the animals at Melbourne Zoo, unfortunately this information is not available to the public.


All public information will be announced via our social media or newsletter, we would recommend keeping your eyes peeled on these for updates!


Enjoy the rest of your day.



Kind regards,"

It's much better to enquire in person - whether it's with a keeper or a volunteer.

They tend to know the information and are often willing to share. Or if they don't, they'll direct you to someone who does. At least that is my experience with the staff at Melbourne.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

It is so so in my experience, when I enquired about the Giraffe pregnancy’s they were willing to share this information. It is public knowledge when they release there inventory reports, what harm is it doing sharing of there still have a species in there care. How is that private information?

 

[Zoofan15]

It is so so in my experience, when I enquired about the Giraffe pregnancy’s they were willing to share this information. It is public knowledge when they release there inventory reports, what harm is it doing sharing of there still have a species in there care. How is that private information?

As I mentioned, it’s likely a blanket ban on sharing information that’s not publicly available. Sharing information that isn’t public knowledge can have an array of implications ranging from inconsequential (something moving exhibits) to potentially damaging to the zoo’s reputation (i.e. the death of an animal that is then sensationalised by the media).

Rather than have administration staff make judgement calls on what should or shouldn’t be shared when they have distractions like phones ringing and a line of customers behind them, an all encompassing rule is made not to share anything that isn’t public knowledge. It protects them and it protects the zoo, both of which are understandable.

 

[Trua]

It is so so in my experience, when I enquired about the Giraffe pregnancy’s they were willing to share this information. It is public knowledge when they release there inventory reports, what harm is it doing sharing of there still have a species in there care. How is that private information?

There's countless reasons why this information may be kept private. I myself work in admin so it can really come down to a lot of things and zoos don't need to have the burden of explaining everything to a member of the public.

Once management deems something okay to be communicated to the public, it will be communicated via social media and newsletters as the email explains.

 

[OzZooJoy]

As I mentioned, it’s likely a blanket ban on sharing information that’s not publicly available. Sharing information that isn’t public knowledge can have an array of implications ranging from inconsequential (something moving exhibits) to potentially damaging to the zoo’s reputation (i.e. the death of an animal that is then sensationalised by the media).

Rather than have administration staff make judgement calls on what should or shouldn’t be shared when they have distractions like phones ringing and a line of customers behind them, an all encompassing rule is made not to share anything that isn’t public knowledge. It protects them and it protects the zoo, both of which are understandable.

When you look at the negative attacks Adelaide Zoo got after the death of Amani, it does make sense, despite the best intentions to be open and honest. It must have been such a difficult time for all the staff involved at the zoo, and you can see why it would be avoided for their wellbeing, let alone all the other reasons that have been stated.

 

[Zoofan15]

When you look at the negative attacks Adelaide Zoo got after the death of Amani, it does make sense, despite the best intentions to be open and honest. It must have been such a difficult time for all the staff involved at the zoo, and you can see why it would be avoided for their wellbeing, let alone all the other reasons that have been stated.

100%. There’s many issues (euthanasia on welfare grounds being one example) that are so complex that it’s easy for the public to misconstrue things. Combine this with the media who often go for the most dramatic spin and it has the potential to become a nightmare for the zoo. Adding fuel to the fire are animal activists/anti-captivity supporters who use any death to argue against zoos - usually in total ignorance of the bigger picture.

Another example was the loss of Zayana the Sumatran tiger’s first litter at Auckland Zoo in September 2023. One cub was stillborn; and she cannibilsied the second (a natural response for tigers when the litter is reduced to a single cub in the first couple of weeks. The zoo (admirably) shared this event on socials, explained the situation. The majority of people were supportive; but some media outlets still went for the dramatic headlines and the comments on those articles were less supportive due to the narrative they’d been pedalled.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

Yes, I completly understand why zoos decide to keep this information private. The media is quick to make stories manipulated and quite frankly mis information.

What I find interesting is what they are willing to share. When I asked if the Coatis, were still living behind the scenes, they were happy to share. However when I ask if they still have Cotton top Tamarins. I also asked about about how many Ring Tailed Lemurs they have . How is that private?
They say it is private information. I just not sure what the motive is not to sure a simply answer. Yes or No. I didn’t ask where, why or any other questions. seeing that it is on the inventory report, I know many people who enquire about animals before they visit zoos.

 

[Zoofan15]

Yes, I completly understand why zoos decide to keep this information private. The media is quick to make stories manipulated and quite frankly mis information.

What I find interesting is what they are willing to share. When I asked if the Coatis, were still living behind the scenes, they were happy to share. However when I ask if they still have Cotton top Tamarins. I also asked about about how many Ring Tailed Lemurs they have . How is that private?
They say it is private information. I just not sure what the motive is not to sure a simply answer. Yes or No. I didn’t ask where, why or any other questions. seeing that it is on the inventory report, I know many people who enquire about animals before they visit zoos.

In the case of the coati, their move off display was covered in a video that was released on the zoo’s socials, so it was public knowledge. The species could no longer be seen at the zoo after more than a decade, so naturally a large amount of people would be wondering where they went.

This video was also used to promote their replacements, the Binturong: