Melbourne Zoo Melbourne Zoo Review 2025 (20/1/25)

[austrlain zoo gower]

The original plan was for Snow leopard, Malayan sun bear and Komodo dragon to form the second stage of the Carnivore precinct

Where was this information? Im just interested.

Sun Bears were optimistic in the region, however another species of bear could be more viable for the region. What about sloth bear, or asiatic black bear could suit the region well. They could put the species of bear in either forest of wonder or Lion Gorge

 

[Zoofan15]

Where was this information? Im just interested.

Sun Bears were optimistic in the region, however another species of bear could be more viable for the region. What about sloth bear, or asiatic black bear could suit the region well. They could put the species of bear in either forest of wonder or Lion Gorge

It’s been discussed numerous times in the speculation thread, but this article references plans for sun bears etc where the current tiger exhibit now sits:

Predators in the classroom? Only at Melbourne Zoo

The best bear alternatives would be either:

Spectacled bear: This species is held by 18 North American facilities; and 22 European facilities.

Sloth bear: The Indian subspecies would be preferable given the Sri Lankan subspecies is only held in one North American facility (and no European facilities). Indian sloth bear are held by eight European facilities; eight North American facilities; and the Singapore Zoo Night Safari.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

I am going to move this information and speculation to an updated thread called Future of Zoos Victoria 2025 ( speculation and fantasy )

 

[steveroberts]

I am going to move this information and speculation to an updated thread called Future of Zoos Victoria 2025 ( speculation and fantasy )

Oh there is already a future of Zoos Vic speculation thread

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

Whoops my mistake, I did not remember. Will delate my thread I created. Please post comments on the future on @Zoofan15 thread, the link is here
The Future of Zoos Victoria 2025 (Speculation/Fantasy) [Melbourne Zoo]

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

In the mean time I have created a News thread for Werribee Open range zoo 2025
Link
Werribee Open Range Zoo News 2025

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

What do people think of when they hear carnivores?
I don’t think coati, binturong and dingo come to mind.

don’t get me wrong, I love seeing underrepresented species at zoos, but they would be better suited in other areas of the zoos.

I mean that Binturongs are omnivores and Lions are carnivores. The precinct was marketed as apex predator. I remember when the species got release that it was quite disappointing.
Most people just skip the binturong enclosures because you never really see them. This enclosure would be better suited for a different predator species
Not to mention Tasmanian Devil along with Sumatran tigers were already featured in other enclosures. Tasmanian devil no longer.

There have been some minor things done around the zoo, however nothing really amazing or groundbreaking. Especially when you look at the quality of some of the older enclosures. The lion enclosure is quite small for its inhabitants. Despite being some of the newest enclosure. It is interesting to see how highly quality the lemur island is compared to other ensures built at a similar time.

I will go into more detail about want I think MZ should do along with ranking of what exhibits need renovating the first

I maintain that some renovations be done, and the Lion and Dingo exhibits be connected via a bridge - Now the lions can look over humans from a caged bridge!!! Make Predator Precinct "Lion Park" again!

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

I maintain that some renovations be done, and the Lion and Dingo exhibits be connected via a bridge - Now the lions can look over humans from a caged bridge!!! Make Predator Precinct "Lion Park" again!

I love this idea. Lion Part resurrected. The current Lion Enclosure is on the smaller side, so this would be a unique habitat.

 

[Jambo]

I maintain that some renovations be done, and the Lion and Dingo exhibits be connected via a bridge - Now the lions can look over humans from a caged bridge!!! Make Predator Precinct "Lion Park" again!

I've suggested this right from the beginning! I remember walking through the precinct when it first opened and envisioning a bridge over the main path connecting both enclosures. Obviously extensive modifications would need to be completed in the Dingo enclosure though but it's something to consider in the long term.

I feel the Dingo enclosure in particular was always on the small side. The water feature at the bottom of the exhibit always took up valuable space - but I can imagine Melbourne were keen to reduce the effect of visitors looking 'down' on the animals this time around.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

Growing Wild

Growing Wild is the most underwhelming precinct at MZ. In my opinion it is a bit of a waste of space. There are technically only 2 species. Meerkats which have 3 enclosures, along with the Aldabra Giant Tortoises. There are also a variety of reptile and tortoise species in the inside area, with include keeper kids and also in the education classroom. Whilst Komodo Dragon are marketed as being in growing wild, but the main viewing in access via the main drive. There is also an inside view in Keeper Kids. I will include them in this review, as on MZ websites, they are marketed as being in Growing Wild

Growing Wild is Melbourne Zoo education precinct. It was opened in 2012, and is market at kids around 3-8. Most school excursions are also based here.

Meerkats

Melbourne Zoo has 3 meerkat enclosures. They are all a good size for there residents. They are nicely planted with rock work, that the meerkats often use. I saw 7 of the juvenile meerkats. These enclosures are some of the best I have seen in the region for meerkats. There are also some area where small kids can put here heads in glass domes to view the meerkats



Meerkat enclosure 1

Ranking -
9/10

What I like -

1. The size
2. The terrain and foliage
3. Meerkats displaying natural behaviours

What could be improved -
Nothing

Giant Tortoises

In early 2024 Melbourne zoo opened a larger new tortoise enclosure near the reptile house. There are now only 2 tortoises houses here. Compared to the other enclosures this area is quite small. It is basically grass. However there is a small forested area that they can use. There is also a great quality of life for the tootsies. I heated inside area where guest and look at the tortoises. I also like how close you can get to the animals.

Giant Tortoise Rainforest Area


Ranking -

7/10

What I love -

1. Different sections, Rainforest and then grass
2. Heated shelter, which guest can look into

What could be improved -

1. The size, growing wild as a lot of space they could expand it a little

Komodo Dragon

One of the reasons I visited Melbourne Zoo was to see Khan the 2 year old Komodo dragon that had recently made its debut at Melbourne zoo. He lives in the renovated old squirrel monkey and at one stage cotton top tamarin enclosure. The habitat is of good quality for a small Komodo dragon, however in the future this will not longer be suitable for him. Despite visiting twice and, going past his enclosure multiple times. I failed to see him, which I was disappointed about. The enclosure also has a small inside area, which can be viewed inside Keeper Kids.

Komodo dragon inside and outside area.


Ranking -

8/10

What I love -

1. A new species for MZ
2. The exhibit is a good size for a juviite
3. It is well planted and nicely looked after

What could be improved -

1. Possibly a new location., most people don’t go to keeper kids, and would often miss out on seeing him.
2. When her is outside it is hard to see because the enclosure it quite set back

Growing Wild Conclusion

Overall whilst Growing Wild is quite underwhelming , the few exhibit it has are of high quality. It area serves it purpose as the education hub of the zoo


Final Ranking

24/30

Animals at growing wild

Komodo Dragon - 1.0

Meerkat - 6:13

Aldabran Giant tortoise - 0.2

 

[Zoofan15]

Growing Wild

Growing Wild is the most underwhelming precinct at MZ. In my opinion it is a bit of a waste of space. There are technically only 2 species. Meerkats which have 3 enclosures, along with the Aldabra Giant Tortoises. There are also a variety of reptile and tortoise species in the inside area, with include keeper kids and also in the education classroom. Whilst Komodo Dragon are marketed as being in growing wild, but the main viewing in access via the main drive. There is also an inside view in Keeper Kids. I will include them in this review, as on MZ websites, they are marketed as being in Growing Wild

Growing Wild is Melbourne Zoo education precinct. It was opened in 2012, and is market at kids around 3-8. Most school excursions are also based here.

Meerkats

Melbourne Zoo has 3 meerkat enclosures. They are all a good size for there residents. They are nicely planted with rock work, that the meerkats often use. I saw 7 of the juvenile meerkats. These enclosures are some of the best I have seen in the region for meerkats. There are also some area where small kids can put here heads in glass domes to view the meerkats

View attachment 765909 View attachment 765914 View attachment 765915
View attachment 765918
Meerkat enclosure 1

Ranking -
9/10

What I like -

1. The size
2. The terrain and foliage
3. Meerkats displaying natural behaviours

What could be improved -
Nothing

Giant Tortoises

In early 2024 Melbourne zoo opened a larger new tortoise enclosure near the reptile house. There are now only 2 tortoises houses here. Compared to the other enclosures this area is quite small. It is basically grass. However there is a small forested area that they can use. There is also a great quality of life for the tootsies. I heated inside area where guest and look at the tortoises. I also like how close you can get to the animals.

Giant Tortoise Rainforest Area
View attachment 765913 View attachment 765912 View attachment 765908

Ranking -

7/10

What I love -

1. Different sections, Rainforest and then grass
2. Heated shelter, which guest can look into

What could be improved -

1. The size, growing wild as a lot of space they could expand it a little

Komodo Dragon

One of the reasons I visited Melbourne Zoo was to see Khan the 2 year old Komodo dragon that had recently made its debut at Melbourne zoo. He lives in the renovated old squirrel monkey and at one stage cotton top tamarin enclosure. The habitat is of good quality for a small Komodo dragon, however in the future this will not longer be suitable for him. Despite visiting twice and, going past his enclosure multiple times. I failed to see him, which I was disappointed about. The enclosure also has a small inside area, which can be viewed inside Keeper Kids.

Komodo dragon inside and outside area.
View attachment 765911
View attachment 765916
Ranking -

8/10

What I love -

1. A new species for MZ
2. The exhibit is a good size for a juviite
3. It is well planted and nicely looked after

What could be improved -

1. Possibly a new location., most people don’t go to keeper kids, and would often miss out on seeing him.
2. When her is outside it is hard to see because the enclosure it quite set back

Growing Wild Conclusion

Overall whilst Growing Wild is quite underwhelming , the few exhibit it has are of high quality. It area serves it purpose as the education hub of the zoo


Final Ranking

24/30

Animals at growing wild

Komodo Dragon - 1.0

Meerkat - 6:13

Aldabran Giant tortoise - 0.2

Thanks for sharing the Komodo dragon exhibit photos. The media (and even Zoos Victoria) have given us countless close ups of Kahn; but for those of us who know what a Komodo dragon looks like, it’s far more interesting to see the exhibit he’s held in and how it’s been landscaped.

Like Melbourne Zoo, Auckland Zoo used to have a series of meerkat exhibits; but they were interconnected and the flow felt much more cohesive than Melbourne’s. Plus I knew the individuals in the colony and how they were managed in multiple groupings to achieve breeding success.

While I acknowledge they’re not a long lived species and frequent updates don’t warrant commissioned signage like you see for the gorillas, laminated cards in hard plastic sleeves could easily be interchanged to update people on Melbourne’s colony, which has bred well in the past year.

 

[Jambo]

Aldabran Giant tortoise - 0.2

The pair are in fact the older two resident males - Little John and Wilbur.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

Lion Gorge


Lion Gorge is Melbourne Zoo newest precinct, it is the zoos 'predator' precinct. It was opened in 2 stages, Lion Gorge in 2014 ( African Lion, African Wild Dog and Philippines Crocodile ) and then Leopard ridge in early 2018 ( Snow Leopard, Coati, Sumatran Tiger, Tasmanian Devil ). I was going to be called predators, however now it is just called Lion Gorge. I have mixed feeling in the precinct. In some aspects it is a downgrade from the previous enclosure, including the size and diversity of the collections, size of lion enclosure, ect. Furthermore the animals it was opened with, half of them have been replaced with in my opinion inferior replacements. African Wild Dog with Dingo, Coati with binturong and Philippines crocodile with Boa constrictor. However there are few area where the precinct shines, which I will go into.

Dingo
The first exhibit houses 2 dingos. A male and a female. It is a reasonable size, has a small water area along with dens that the guest can look in. The animals are quite uninspired, and are not as active as the wild dogs were. The enclosure has some basic foliage, it suits its residents needs well.

Dingo Enclosure along with specimen


Ranking-
7/10

What I love -

Different spaces, water, den, ect

Good size for residents

Glad the enclosure is not sitting empty

What could be improved -

The animals, wild dogs fit the area better, something more active

African Lion

Perhaps one of the letdown on the precinct is the African Lion enclosure. It houses 2 male who were born at Werribee in 2016, Ndidi and Zuberi. The enclosure is quite small, compared to the lion park exhibit is replaced. However it is interesting to see how often the lions use the tree and climbing platforms. The enclosure has some reeds along with a water area, it is great to see some of the enrichment that the keeper use. There is an outside viewing area, along with inside, that is called digest, that also houses a small collection of reptile species.

Lion enclosure and brothers



Ranking-
6/10

What I Love -

The enrichment that the keeper put out

Guest can always see the animal, regardless if it is sleeping or not

What could be improved -

The size, as suggested by many zoochatters, an overpass bridge would be cool connecting to the current dingo enclosure

Doesn't have the wow factor, of a relatively new enclosure compared to Taronga, ect.

Binturong

Whilst I love binturong, in fact I am lucky enough to have had one climb on me when I visited Indonesia, this enclosure does to suit them very well. It previously housed coati, however as they got older, the zoo decided to house them behind the scenes, which I am not a fan of. Coati were a more active species. The problem is that binturong are nocturnal , and spend most of the day sleeping. On my four visits after they arrived I have failed to see them once. And on each visit I looked multiple times. The enclosures in nicely designed being well planted, most people give it a quick look and then move on. Quite disappointing. This species would be better suited in the forest of wonder precinct, and ironically binturong are not carnivores but rather omnivores.There are 2 males bhalu and Tugo

Binturong Enclosure


Ranking -
6/10

What I love -

Many different climbing opportunities

A enormous size for its residents

A new species

What could be improved -

Choosing a species that is not nocturnal

Sometimes an enclosure can be too big, with is the case here.

Snow Leopard

By far the highlight of the precinct is the snow leopard enclosures. Melbourne Zoo bred 3 of them in 2020, However they have been given to Wellington zoo and also Tasmania zoo. I am quite surprised that they have not bred again. However there was a sign up talking about the breeding cycle that the cats are going through. Maybe not much interest in the region. MZ is the only major zoo in Australia focusing on them. There are currently a breeding pair Miska and Kang-Ju. One of the highlights of my visit was when Miska came right up to the window. The enclosures mimic there natural habitats well. You can also see remittent of the old Syrian brown bear enclosure. There are 2 enclosures, one of which is more mountainous, and barren. The other is lush and mimics almost a temperate forest. Overall they are a good size and one of the best looking enclosures in the Region. This enclosures gets my first 10/10. Quite simply it is perfect.

Miska, Snow leopard enclosure 1 and 2


Ranking -

10/10

What I love-

An intersting species that sperates the zoo from others in the region.

Enclosures that are a correct size and mimic the natural environment

Other niceties for the animals, pool, cooled rocks ect

Different vantage points for both guests and leopards

What could be improved -

Nothing

Sumatran Tiger

The next enclosure is for the Sumatran tiger. It is off good quality, and the large body if water offers many swimming opportunities. Added in 2020, there is also a line where meat can be sent over to indrah the female tiger. The enclosure is densely planted, it is overall a good size and realistic to a natural habitat. There are 2 viewing areas, a small glass one near the 2nd snow leopard and a large open air one also. I prefer this to the one at forest of wonder.



Ranking -
9/10

What I love -

The large river, indrah often swims in

Well planted and realistic of natural habitat

Nice features again for the animals, heated den, cool boxes, ect

Areas where she can hide from guests

What could be improved -

Not much, the only reason it isn’t a 10, is because it is not a high quality as the snow leopard.

Tasmanian Devil

The last enclosures is for the Tasmanian devils, there are about 4 different viewing areas, and 4 different devils, all are female. There are also views including ones into there dens. The enclosures are quite large and one of the best facilities I have seen, it also mimics there natural habitat well. My only complain is that it can be sometimes hard to spot them as it is very densely planted. However overall a very high quality enclosure.

One of the enclosures and 2 females


Ranking-
9/10

What I love -
The size
Different viewing areas
Realistic to natural habitat

What could be improved -
Possibly the removal of a little bit of foliage, otherwise it is perfect!

Lion Gorge Conclusion -

Overall Lion Gorge is a mixed bag. There are some great quality enclosures, but also some small ones, that there residents don’t suit. The original line up of animal, were some of my favourite . Overall the precinct is modern and has many great quality’s for the animals, visitors and keepers.

Final Ranking -
47/60

High points

Snow leopard and Tasmanian Devil enclosures

Low Points

Small lion habitat along with nocturnal binturong

Animals of Lion Gorge

Dingo - 1.1

African Lion - 2.0

Binturong - 2.0

Snow leopard - 1.1

Sumatran Tiger - 0.1

Tasmanian Devil - 0.4

 

[Zoofan15]

Lion Gorge


Lion Gorge is Melbourne Zoo newest precinct, it is the zoos 'predator' precinct. It was opened in 2 stages, Lion Gorge in 2014 ( African Lion, African Wild Dog and Philippines Crocodile ) and then Leopard ridge in early 2018 ( Snow Leopard, Coati, Sumatran Tiger, Tasmanian Devil ). I was going to be called predators, however now it is just called Lion Gorge. I have mixed feeling in the precinct. In some aspects it is a downgrade from the previous enclosure, including the size and diversity of the collections, size of lion enclosure, ect. Furthermore the animals it was opened with, half of them have been replaced with in my opinion inferior replacements. African Wild Dog with Dingo, Coati with binturong and Philippines crocodile with Boa constrictor. However there are few area where the precinct shines, which I will go into.

Dingo
The first exhibit houses 2 dingos. A male and a female. It is a reasonable size, has a small water area along with dens that the guest can look in. The animals are quite uninspired, and are not as active as the wild dogs were. The enclosure has some basic foliage, it suits its residents needs well.

Dingo Enclosure along with specimen

View attachment 766360
Ranking-
7/10

What I love -

Different spaces, water, den, ect

Good size for residents

Glad the enclosure is not sitting empty

What could be improved -

The animals, wild dogs fit the area better, something more active

African Lion

Perhaps one of the letdown on the precinct is the African Lion enclosure. It houses 2 male who were born at Werribee in 2016, Ndidi and Zuberi. The enclosure is quite small, compared to the lion park exhibit is replaced. However it is interesting to see how often the lions use the tree and climbing platforms. The enclosure has some reeds along with a water area, it is great to see some of the enrichment that the keeper use. There is an outside viewing area, along with inside, that is called digest, that also houses a small collection of reptile species.

Lion enclosure and brothers

View attachment 766362 View attachment 766363

Ranking-
6/10

What I Love -

The enrichment that the keeper put out

Guest can always see the animal, regardless if it is sleeping or not

What could be improved -

The size, as suggested by many zoochatters, an overpass bridge would be cool connecting to the current dingo enclosure

Doesn't have the wow factor, of a relatively new enclosure compared to Taronga, ect.

Binturong

Whilst I love binturong, in fact I am lucky enough to have had one climb on me when I visited Indonesia, this enclosure does to suit them very well. It previously housed coati, however as they got older, the zoo decided to house them behind the scenes, which I am not a fan of. Coati were a more active species. The problem is that binturong are nocturnal , and spend most of the day sleeping. On my four visits after they arrived I have failed to see them once. And on each visit I looked multiple times. The enclosures in nicely designed being well planted, most people give it a quick look and then move on. Quite disappointing. This species would be better suited in the forest of wonder precinct, and ironically binturong are not carnivores but rather omnivores.There are 2 males bhalu and Tugo

Binturong Enclosure
View attachment 766364

Ranking -
6/10

What I love -

Many different climbing opportunities

A enormous size for its residents

A new species

What could be improved -

Choosing a species that is not nocturnal

Sometimes an enclosure can be too big, with is the case here.

Snow Leopard

By far the highlight of the precinct is the snow leopard enclosures. Melbourne Zoo bred 3 of them in 2020, However they have been given to Wellington zoo and also Tasmania zoo. I am quite surprised that they have not bred again. However there was a sign up talking about the breeding cycle that the cats are going through. Maybe not much interest in the region. MZ is the only major zoo in Australia focusing on them. There are currently a breeding pair Miska and Kang-Ju. One of the highlights of my visit was when Miska came right up to the window. The enclosures mimic there natural habitats well. You can also see remittent of the old Syrian brown bear enclosure. There are 2 enclosures, one of which is more mountainous, and barren. The other is lush and mimics almost a temperate forest. Overall they are a good size and one of the best looking enclosures in the Region. This enclosures gets my first 10/10. Quite simply it is perfect.

Miska, Snow leopard enclosure 1 and 2
View attachment 766365 View attachment 766366 View attachment 766367

Ranking -

10/10

What I love-

An intersting species that sperates the zoo from others in the region.

Enclosures that are a correct size and mimic the natural environment

Other niceties for the animals, pool, cooled rocks ect

Different vantage points for both guests and leopards

What could be improved -

Nothing

Sumatran Tiger

The next enclosure is for the Sumatran tiger. It is off good quality, and the large body if water offers many swimming opportunities. Added in 2020, there is also a line where meat can be sent over to indrah the female tiger. The enclosure is densely planted, it is overall a good size and realistic to a natural habitat. There are 2 viewing areas, a small glass one near the 2nd snow leopard and a large open air one also. I prefer this to the one at forest of wonder.

View attachment 766368

Ranking -
9/10

What I love -

The large river, indrah often swims in

Well planted and realistic of natural habitat

Nice features again for the animals, heated den, cool boxes, ect

Areas where she can hide from guests

What could be improved -

Not much, the only reason it isn’t a 10, is because it is not a high quality as the snow leopard.

Tasmanian Devil

The last enclosures is for the Tasmanian devils, there are about 4 different viewing areas, and 4 different devils, all are female. There are also views including ones into there dens. The enclosures are quite large and one of the best facilities I have seen, it also mimics there natural habitat well. My only complain is that it can be sometimes hard to spot them as it is very densely planted. However overall a very high quality enclosure.

One of the enclosures and 2 females
View attachment 766369
View attachment 766370
Ranking-
9/10

What I love -
The size
Different viewing areas
Realistic to natural habitat

What could be improved -
Possibly the removal of a little bit of foliage, otherwise it is perfect!

Lion Gorge Conclusion -

Overall Lion Gorge is a mixed bag. There are some great quality enclosures, but also some small ones, that there residents don’t suit. The original line up of animal, were some of my favourite . Overall the precinct is modern and has many great quality’s for the animals, visitors and keepers.

Final Ranking -
47/60

High points

Snow leopard and Tasmanian Devil enclosures

Low Points

Small lion habitat along with nocturnal binturong

Animals of Lion Gorge

Dingo - 1.1

African Lion - 2.0

Binturong - 2.0

Snow leopard - 1.1

Sumatran Tiger - 0.1

Tasmanian Devil - 0.4

The Snow leopards in our region are part of the European breeding programme and no breeding recommendations have been given due to a lack of interest within the region in acquiring Snow leopard. Wellington are a non-breeding facility; and while Tasmania hope to acquire a female, it will need to be an overseas import as the Melbourne pair are his parents. Billabong have elderly Snow leopard; but I note they only ever received cats that were surplus to the breeding programme (two removed due to eye problems; and a post-reproductive pair). It doesn’t help that the cats are poorly suited to hot temperatures and zoos have to spend a significant amount of money on remedying this (cooling systems in the dens; and on exhibit such as the mist sprays seen in your photos).

The Sumatran tiger exhibit is fantastic. Indrah was wading in the water on one of the hotter days I visited which was exciting to see. Melbourne have long aimed to build immersive exhibits and this one well and truly hits the mark, conjuring up images of the tiger’s native Sumatra.

 

[CGSwans]

It doesn't take much imagination to understand why there's limited interest in the region. Snow leopards make absolutely no sense in the Australian climate, outside of Tasmania. Building new exhibits for them when there was the alternative option of Sri Lankan leopards on the table was yet another example of batty management by Zoos Victoria.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

It doesn't take much imagination to understand why there's limited interest in the region. Snow leopards make absolutely no sense in the Australian climate, outside of Tasmania. Building new exhibits for them when there was the alternative option of Sri Lankan leopards on the table was yet another example of batty management by Zoos Victoria.

There are a number of species in Australian zoos that don't necessarily perfectly suit our climate. You could argue that Sri Lankan leopards live in hot steamy humid climates, which Melbourne certainly is not during 6-8 month of the year. They are better suited for Queensland. Snow Leopards, if you had to pick a major zoo in the mainland country , Melbournes climate is the best. animals that do not suit our climate Zoos innovate on this. This can be seen in the Snow Leopard Enclosure, cooled rocks through hydraulics, cold mist sprays on throughout the day, shaded canopied, ect. I would not say MZ having Snow Leopards is because of the mismanagement of Zoos Victoria. In fact I would argue the opposite, this is something Zoos Victoria got right! Snow leopards are a species that make MZ stand out from other zoos in the region. They have had them for a number of years, furthermore the Syrian Honey bear, that used to reside in that area, didn't have the best climate either. Zoos across the world, have to make animals adapt to climates through there habitats. Some Animals are able to adapt to climates pretty well, especially if they have been born in zoos, or older generations of there family have. Furthermore, Snow Leopards are a very unique species of big cat, tigers and leopards are quite similar.

 

[CGSwans]

There are a number of species in Australian zoos that don't necessarily perfectly suit our climate. You could argue that Sri Lankan leopards live in hot steamy humid climates, which Melbourne certainly is not during 6-8 month of the year. They are better suited for Queensland.

This is true, but it's much easier to accommodate mammals in cooler climates than they've evolved for than in hotter ones.

Also, it's not just about what Melbourne's climate is like now, but what it will be like in 20-30 years. Those snow leopards are as comfortable in a Melbourne summer now as they're ever going to get.

Snow Leopards, if you had to pick a major zoo in the mainland country , Melbournes climate is the best.

Maybe, but my point is that you *don't* have to pick a major zoo in Australia to have snow leopards. There are more suitable species available, and a small number of Australian zoos have already gone down this path, while more zoos have taken the approach of not having either species.

I'm not an advocate for further reducing the range of species on display in Australia, but snow leopards just don't make sense anymore.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

Also, it's not just about what Melbourne's climate is like now, but what it will be like in 20-30 years. Those snow leopards are as comfortable in a Melbourne summer now as they're ever going to get.

Yes in 20 to 30 years, Melbourne will probably experience hotter heatwaves ect.
But what is is interesting that Melbourne past 3 summers have not been as warm as usual due to events such as Le nino. So maybe it is something to worry about in 30 years. But for the foreseeable future, it should not be a concern
Snow leopards can live in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +40°C. whilst living in 40 degrees is not ideal and would be uncomfortable in the wild temperature can get they high in weather events.

I don’t think Melbourne Zoo replacing Snow Leopards will be happening any time soon.

Furthermore Snow Leopard are at the heart of some of the education programs and mission that have been done in areas of Nepal educating the community about them. There are many videos on YouTube about this.
The truth is no animals perfectly suits a zoos climate unless it is endemic to that region of the world. ie, Sumatran tiger at an Indonesia zoo.
What is more important is looking after the welfare of the animals. And Melbourne Zoo does a great job of making sure animals can be in a good temperature. Example in winter Indrahs den is heated. And in summer there are ice boxes that proved cool to her. A substantial amount of Habitats at MZ also have body of water for swimming along with inside quarter and shaded areas. Most zoo animals don’t live in the perfect climate. In fact far from it. I could make a long list of plenty of animals that don’t suit Melbourne climate majority of the year.There are many new reports on how Melbourne Zoo keeps it residents cold and warm

 

[steveroberts]

This is true, but it's much easier to accommodate mammals in cooler climates than they've evolved for than in hotter ones.

Also, it's not just about what Melbourne's climate is like now, but what it will be like in 20-30 years. Those snow leopards are as comfortable in a Melbourne summer now as they're ever going to get.



Maybe, but my point is that you *don't* have to pick a major zoo in Australia to have snow leopards. There are more suitable species available, and a small number of Australian zoos have already gone down this path, while more zoos have taken the approach of not having either species.

I'm not an advocate for further reducing the range of species on display in Australia, but snow leopards just don't make sense anymore.

Well Canberra too, you should see how cold Canberra can get, housing Snow Leopards at Wellington Zoo in New Zealand makes a lot of sense. There are a lot of Snow Leopards which have become acclimitised to warmer environments in Americas and southern Asia too. They're sometimes seen in the Gobi region and Afghanistan's and northern Pakistan's arid regions in the wild which gets very warm for half the year.

 

[Zoofan15]

There are a number of species in Australian zoos that don't necessarily perfectly suit our climate. You could argue that Sri Lankan leopards live in hot steamy humid climates, which Melbourne certainly is not during 6-8 month of the year. They are better suited for Queensland. Snow Leopards, if you had to pick a major zoo in the mainland country , Melbournes climate is the best. animals that do not suit our climate Zoos innovate on this. This can be seen in the Snow Leopard Enclosure, cooled rocks through hydraulics, cold mist sprays on throughout the day, shaded canopied, ect. I would not say MZ having Snow Leopards is because of the mismanagement of Zoos Victoria. In fact I would argue the opposite, this is something Zoos Victoria got right! Snow leopards are a species that make MZ stand out from other zoos in the region. They have had them for a number of years, furthermore the Syrian Honey bear, that used to reside in that area, didn't have the best climate either. Zoos across the world, have to make animals adapt to climates through there habitats. Some Animals are able to adapt to climates pretty well, especially if they have been born in zoos, or older generations of there family have. Furthermore, Snow Leopards are a very unique species of big cat, tigers and leopards are quite similar.

Well Canberra too, you should see how cold Canberra can get, housing Snow Leopards at Wellington Zoo in New Zealand makes a lot of sense. There are a lot of Snow Leopards which have become acclimitised to warmer environments in Americas and southern Asia too. They're sometimes seen in the Gobi region and Afghanistan's arid regions in the wild which gets very warm for half the year.

You both make good points.

Snow leopards are perceived by the public as the top-tier of leopards (despite Snow leopards being more closely related to tigers). They’re a drawcard in their own right versus (golden) leopards being merely something people enjoy seeing while they’re at the zoo. The latter enhance the visit, but don’t attract people independently of wanting to visit. A similar comparison could be made in the public interest around Western lowland gorilla and Hamadryas baboons.

Melbourne were clearly happy to continue with Snow leopard and if they have the funding as a government run zoo, then why not? It’s similarly understandable why private holders (in warm climates) go for the more cost effective option of Sri Lankan leopard, which of course are a better fit for the Australian climate.