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

[Zoofan15]

They used to be housed in a few circular mini pit set ups (similar to the off display ones at Auckland that you'd be familiar with). There was three of these were Growing Wild currently is, two for the Red Panda and another for Tree Kangaroo.

They weren't the biggest, but certainly provided the Red Pandas with more floor space than they do now; even if that meant compromising their arboreal space.

On Melbourne, a third exhibit could be placed across the pathway next to the old elephant house. This area was recently utilised apart of the 'Dino animatronic' trail and could do with a species living there. This could be connected back to the main complex via overhead pathways and could even allow the current exhibits to be combined into one to provide more space.

That sounds like a good idea and would be useful for managing breeding. The regional population would greatly benefit from some new founders given how many of the current population are related to each other.

Sagar, who was imported by Auckland Zoo in 2010 would be one of the most recent founders to be imported from outside the region, but a decade and a half later and he has a wealth of descendants.

More and more zoos are accomodating their own offspring well into adulthood, as Wellington and Auckland are both doing; and Hamilton has previously done (with Jamuna designated non-breeding). A third red panda exhibit at Melbourne would assist with this as I note that while mothers and daughters can be kept together, this falls to pieces if you intoduce a male or one lives next door. This is why Auckland’s original exhibits (one near the old tiger pit; one the old bear pit) were apart from each other - which was continued with the construction of the new red panda exhibit near the otters.

 

[Trua]

For those interested, this is a map of Taronga’s Sumatran tiger complex, showing the location of the two off display exhibits available to the tigers (which are housed in four groups):

View attachment 770127
Source: Taronga Zoo Tiger Trek — lahznimmo architects

Those two BOH exhibits are the two former on display Big Cat pits that used to hold the lions and tigers for countless years. I'm really glad Taronga have decided to retain them as they're still of reasonable size to be used in that capacity.

 

[Zoofan15]

Those two BOH exhibits are the two former on display Big Cat pits that used to hold the lions and tigers for countless years. I'm really glad Taronga have decided to retain them as they're still of reasonable size to be used in that capacity.

It’s been invaluable in supporting the capacity of the Sumatran tiger complex, which has five exhibits to hold the species. The tigers are currently held in four groups:

1.0 Kembali (2011)
1.0 Clarence (2013)
0.1 Kartika (2011) and Tengah (2019)
1.0 Penmanah (2019) and Mawar (2019)

After the export of Penmanah and Mawar, Taronga may look to bringing in a male; though realistically breeding will have to wait until they have at least one additional exhibit to accomodate any cubs born.

Retirement of the 2-3 of the older tigers to Dubbo would appear the best solution.

 

[Jambo]

Those two BOH exhibits are the two former on display Big Cat pits that used to hold the lions and tigers for countless years. I'm really glad Taronga have decided to retain them as they're still of reasonable size to be used in that capacity.

I had figured that looking at Google Earth and the design plans! It's nice to see they've taken the initiative in retaining those exhibits considering they still serve great value in accommodating Taronga's breeding population.

After the export of Penmanah and Mawar, Taronga may look to bringing in a male; though realistically breeding will have to wait until they have at least one additional exhibit to accomodate any cubs born.

With Dubbo's ageing tigers, it's possible they may look at sending at least Clarence across if he has no further breeding application at Taronga. That would give them the space to acquire an additional male and pair him with Tengah.

My preference would be to see a male acquired from overseas. Realistically there are limited options within the region to pair with her; only the Mogo brothers (Mati and Indra, born 2010).

 

[Zoofan15]

I had figured that looking at Google Earth and the design plans! It's nice to see they've taken the initiative in retaining those exhibits considering they still serve great value in accommodating Taronga's breeding population.

With Dubbo's ageing tigers, it's possible they may look at sending at least Clarence across if he has no further breeding application at Taronga. That would give them the space to acquire an additional male and pair him with Tengah.

My preference would be to see a male acquired from overseas. Realistically there are limited options within the region to pair with her; only the Mogo brothers (Mati and Indra, born 2010).

It would be great to see a new founder imported as after importing an impressive 12 tigers between 2000-2008, we’ve only imported Ramah and Zayana in the 17 years that have followed. The lull in imports in the 2010’s can be attributed to making use of the previous cohort of founders; but it’s been 17-25 years now!

A few of the last matches have seen cousins paired, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see one of Mogo’s males transfer to Taronga; which would also free them up to receive one of the female cubs from Adelaide Zoo, who we know will be transferring out.

All Australasian Imports:

0.1 Meta (25/04/1975) Imported 1979; Died 1990
1.0 Djambi (26/11/1975) Imported 1976; Died 1979
1.0 Nico (12/04/1976) Imported 1979; Died 1990
0.1 Poetry (25/05/1978) Imported 1979; Died 1997
1.0 Frank (20/03/1980) Imported 1981; Died 1999
1.0 Tiger Boy (29/04/1990) Imported 2000; Died 2008
0.1 Toba (11/05/1990) Imported 1992; Died 1993
0.1 Cantic (15/08/1992) Imported 1994; Died 2013
1.0 Hari (04/01/1996) Imported 2003; Died Unknown
1.0 Tuan (12/03/1998) Imported 2006; Died 2017
0.1 Assiqua (18/05/1999) Imported 2001; Died 2020
0.1 Binjai (30/08/2002) Imported 2004; Died 2021
0.1 Soraya (09/06/2002) Imported 2003; Died 2019
1.0 Dumai (04/04/2003) Imported 2004; Died 2020
1.0 Raja (25/12/2003) Imported 2005; Died 2022
1.0 Oz (22/11/2004) Imported 2006; Died 2020
1.0 Satu (15/05/2005) Imported 2006; Died 2022
1.0 Bashi (04/12/2007) Imported 2008
0.1 Kaitlyn (04/12/2007) Imported 2008
0.1 Maneki (04/12/2007) Imported 2008; Died 2020
1.0 Ramah (08/07/2017) Imported 2022
0.1 Zayana (15/10/2018) Imported 2022

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

Main Trail - Part 3
Reptile House

This is the final review of MZ's precincts, the rest of postings will be conclusions

Up until my visits to MZ in 2025, I have never truly appreciated how excellent the reptile house is. On my visits it was very hot and sunny, meaning the air conditioned Reptile House was quite busy.

Despite all the phase out the MZ has made to it other collections, there reptiles are one of the best, if not the best in the region. And they keep adding more species, more interesting than the next.

The Reptile house opened in October 1969, and has had little redeveloped since.

There are a variety of different species of reptiles, ranging from the Philippines Crocodile, Kind Cobra, Gila monster to the Chameleon and Rhinoceros iguana.

Overall all the enclosures are excellent, they all feel Modern, the correct size and mimic the animals natural habitats well. I also appreciate that all the enclosures has signage about each animal.

Some of my files from the reptile house came out corrupted, so there will be some photos from other people, which will be stated

Reptile House Exterior, taken by @Zoofan15


Gila Monster


Chameleon



Crocodiles


Reptile House Interior taken by @Zoofan15


Crocodile Habitat


Leopard Tortoise


Constrictor

Rating -
10/10

What I love -

1. Variety of Species
2. Quality of Exhibits
3. An great cave like atmosphere
4. Suits all weather conditions
5. A historic and famous building

Surrounding the Reptile House, MZ has somewhat created a small reptile orientated area, which I am a fan of.

There is a large enclosure for the Aldabra Tortoises, expanded in 2022



There is also a cool but gimmicky Frog/Dragon disco area
Along with a small hidden area where you can look at some of Zoos Victorias Fighting Extinction species of frog, that include the Baw Baw frog and the Corroboree Frog.

Main Trail Final Ranking -
62.5/80

Next Part - Melbourne Zoo, Conclusion, Part 1

What will be featured in the conclusion, there will be multiple parts


Best exhibits, awards in different categories
Best, Worst and Most improved trails
Worst exhibit awards
My opinion on the future, small changes, redevelopment, ect
Final Thoughts about the zoo as a whole
What is next for the zoo?
Other information and photos
Final Conclusion

 

[Zoofan15]

Main Trail - Part 3
Reptile House

This is the final review of MZ's precincts, the rest of postings will be conclusions

Up until my visits to MZ in 2025, I have never truly appreciated how excellent the reptile house is. On my visits it was very hot and sunny, meaning the air conditioned Reptile House was quite busy.

Despite all the phase out the MZ has made to it other collections, there reptiles are one of the best, if not the best in the region. And they keep adding more species, more interesting than the next.

The Reptile house opened in October 1969, and has had little redeveloped since.

There are a variety of different species of reptiles, ranging from the Philippines Crocodile, Kind Cobra, Gila monster to the Chameleon and Rhinoceros iguana.

Overall all the enclosures are excellent, they all feel Modern, the correct size and mimic the animals natural habitats well. I also appreciate that all the enclosures has signage about each animal.

Some of my files from the reptile house came out corrupted, so there will be some photos from other people, which will be stated

Reptile House Exterior, taken by @Zoofan15
View attachment 771535

Gila Monster
View attachment 771542

Chameleon

View attachment 771536

Crocodiles
View attachment 771541

View attachment 771540Reptile House Interior taken by @Zoofan15

View attachment 771539
Crocodile Habitat

View attachment 771538
Leopard Tortoise

View attachment 771537
Constrictor

Rating -
10/10

What I love -

1. Variety of Species
2. Quality of Exhibits
3. An great cave like atmosphere
4. Suits all weather conditions
5. A historic and famous building

Surrounding the Reptile House, MZ has somewhat created a small reptile orientated area, which I am a fan of.

There is a large enclosure for the Aldabra Tortoises, expanded in 2022

View attachment 771543

There is also a cool but gimmicky Frog/Dragon disco area
Along with a small hidden area where you can look at some of Zoos Victorias Fighting Extinction species of frog, that include the Baw Baw frog and the Corroboree Frog.

Main Trail Final Ranking -
62.5/80

Next Part - Melbourne Zoo, Conclusion, Part 1

What will be featured in the conclusion, there will be multiple parts


Best exhibits, awards in different categories
Best, Worst and Most improved trails
Worst exhibit awards
My opinion on the future, small changes, redevelopment, ect
Final Thoughts about the zoo as a whole
What is next for the zoo?
Other information and photos
Final Conclusion

The Reptile House was one of the highlights of my visits. I spent close to an hour in there the first time and then made a trip back because I didn’t see the basilisk the first time.

The fact this building was built in 1969 and still remains fit for purpose is astonishing, especially considering how many reptile houses across the region’s main zoos have come and gone in that time (the most notable being Serpentaria).

My only criticism of this area is that the amphibian exhibits around the side were poorly signposted. I initially saw the Frog Disco and avoided that like the plague, not realising there were actual exhibits in the vicinity until I looked for them (I was particularly interested in seeing the Crucifix frog). It might seem obvious to regular visitors, but pointing that out as a first time visitor perspective.

 

[Jambo]

My only criticism of this area is that the amphibian exhibits around the side were poorly signposted. I initially saw the Frog Disco and avoided that like the plague, not realising there were actual exhibits in the vicinity until I looked for them (I was particularly interested in seeing the Crucifix frog). It might seem obvious to regular visitors, but pointing that out as a first time visitor perspective.

I've always appreciated the fact that they pretty much entirely designed the Reptile House on London's. You can see the similarities everywhere, going down the the brick work and the layout.

Tbh I would actually agree with this. Even before there was the childrens interactive area next door, I still went many years before even noticing the Frog House around the side. This is mainly because they've always been labelled on the map as if they were apart of the reptile house which is obviously not the case.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Still think the temporary build amphibian recovery centre behind the reptile house should be eventually replaced with a more permanent multi level structure for both behind the scenes work, and displaying more amphibian species.

 

[Jambo]

Still think the temporary build amphibian recovery centre behind the reptile house should be eventually replaced with a more permanent multi level structure for both behind the scenes work, and displaying more amphibian species.

I too would much appreciate further reptile and amphibian diversity in Melbourne's collection. I know they hold a lot of frog species but it's a shame most are kept off display.

Per the inventory report from last year, Melbourne held thirteen amphibian species (all frog species). Only seven of which I can recall being on display in the Frog House.

 

[That Aussie Guy]

Birds*
Southern Cassowary - 0.1
Emu - 4.0
* The rest of the birds in the GFA will be featured in the Inventory Report also in later review
Inventory Report
zv-inventory-2023-24-1.pdf

Next up is the final trail - Main Trail!

Hey mate, would you happen to know if the following species are kept in the GFA, or elsewhere?

Black Swan
Buff-Banded Rail
Bush Stone-Curlew
Sacred Kingfisher
Helmeted Honeyeater
White-Browed Woodswallow

Cheers

 

[Jambo]

Hey mate, would you happen to know if the following species are kept in the GFA, or elsewhere?

Black Swan
Buff-Banded Rail
Bush Stone-Curlew
Sacred Kingfisher
Helmeted Honeyeater
White-Browed Woodswallow

Cheers

All of those birds should be on display in the GFA.

There's also a pair of Black Swans who reside in a pond alongside the Australian trail. And I believe the Bush Stone Curlew may also be in a small walkthrough aviary near the children's play area along the Australian trail, however this was closed during my last visits last year.