They have done well having them in a private collection.
Melbourne Zoo: Phase Outs, Imports and breeding
- Thread starter austrlain zoo gower
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They have done well having them in a private collection.
That’s correct, they’ve breed five within the last seven years, after staring off with 2.2 individuals from the US who formed two pairs.
I believe it was mentioned recently on the forum that the US could not spare any from there?
They were imported a decade ago, so I think the situation has changed since then.
There’s reportedly a lack of (available) females within the US population - which combined with the reluctance to export them to a region where there’s no contingency if they fail to breed means at best, we might receive surplus bulls (also not readily available).
In the US, they can easily be re-paired with Okapi as nearby as a neighbouring state, but there’s not that option in Australasia.
If they can fly elephants and giraffe from the UK and Europe I am sure flying an Okapi from the even closer US is do-able once the IRA is completed.
If they can fly elephants and giraffe from the UK and Europe I am sure flying an Okapi from the even closer US is do-able once the IRA is completed.
Interestingly, I’m of the belief sourcing Okapi from Europe would be easier. While they don’t have a huge surplus either, the import process is significantly simpler than importing from the US.
That’s one of the reasons so many of our imports (of felids etc) are from Europe - not counting EEP species like the Sri Lankan leopard.
If Melbourne do end up sending their Giraffe and Zebra to Werribee; that might open up space for Okapi (and the return of Bongos too).
I see no reason why Melbourne should continue holding Giraffes (and Zebra) when they take up so much space that could be rededicated to other species more suited to a city zoo. Especially since Werribee is only a decent 20 minute drive from the City. Two decent sized Okapi enclosures could easily be built in the place of the current Giraffe/Zebra enclosures; each with enough space for them to go back away from the public, which will be needed as they’re a very shy and elusive species.
I’m under the impression that if Taronga do wish to import Okapi; they’d benefit from another facility within the region holding them too, and Melbourne would be a great supporting facility to begin with, with regional zoos potentially joining in down the line (if the numbers are there).
I see no reason why Melbourne should continue holding Giraffes (and Zebra) when they take up so much space that could be rededicated to other species more suited to a city zoo. Especially since Werribee is only a decent 20 minute drive from the City. Two decent sized Okapi enclosures could easily be built in the place of the current Giraffe/Zebra enclosures; each with enough space for them to go back away from the public, which will be needed as they’re a very shy and elusive species.
I’m under the impression that if Taronga do wish to import Okapi; they’d benefit from another facility within the region holding them too, and Melbourne would be a great supporting facility to begin with, with regional zoos potentially joining in down the line (if the numbers are there).