Melbourne Zoo Melbourne Zoo Review

[akasha]

Main Trail:

I wasn’t exactly sure how to do this section, the main trail isn’t a cohesive group of exhibits, it’s the central path through the zoo and encompasses all the ‘leftover’ animals. I suppose I’ll begin at the front and include everything that doesn’t fit elsewhere.

The main trail begins at the front gate leading to the centre of the zoo and then veers left to the back of the zoo.

On the right of the path between the front gate and the centre of the zoo was a hub which included the carousel, play areas, cafes, a function centre, Japanese garden and a couple of exhibits.

There was an exhibit for Red Panda. The exhibit included some tall trees which the pandas were snoozing in. I liked it even though the pandas weren’t the easiest to see because I think it’s about as close to seeing them in the wild as you’ll get in a zoo.

Red Panda exhibit

Red Panda exhibit

Red Panda

Red Panda

The Lakeside Area beyond the red panda, doesn’t have any exhibits, but I really enjoyed this space. It’s close to the function centre and has a Japanese garden where weddings take place. It was a good place to escape the crowds for a minute, and there are animals to see. The lake has Koi, and I also saw a couple of wild Macquarie Turtle and a Dusky Moorhen feeding small chicks.

Lake

Japanese garden

Back in the thick of the hub, was the South American Aviary. It was one of my favourite exhibits. Given the bars and mesh it’s not super great for viewing, but it’s a beautiful, historic structure with a garden to compliment it, and fits well into the hub part of the zoo. Five parrot species were signed, I saw three; Red-fronted Macaw, Buffon's Macaw and Green-winged Macaw.

South American Aviary

Red-fronted Macaw

Exiting the hub area and walking beyond the centre of the zoo, there was a small Platypus House on the left which held one Platypus. The yabbies which were in there as prey were fun to watch too.

Yabby

The majority of exhibits on this trail were in the back half of the zoo. There was one for Giraffe and Plains Zebra. There were four zebra and three giraffe which I believe are all the individuals held by Melbourne Zoo. Compared to open range zoos, these animals are close and they were super popular. A huge crowd had gathered for the keeper talk which was just finishing when I arrived. There was also a cafe opposite which made the area even more congested. Compared to Werribee this exhibit is tiny for these species, but given their popularity they can’t really be phased-out completely.

Giraffe and Zebra exhibit

Next was the Hamadryas Baboon exhibit. When I visited back in 2003 the baboon were near the front gate in cages with concrete floors, so this spacious, more natural exhibit was a big improvement for the troop. Somehow the baboons had managed to climb one of the trees and had completely destroyed it, showing exactly why the trees require guards.

Baboon exhibit

Hamadryas Baboon

Hamadryas Baboon

At the back of the zoo was an exhibit for Malayan Tapir. I checked in three times, morning, midday and afternoon, but didn’t see the tapir. The gate to her night quarters was open so presumably she was back there.

Tapir exhibit

Next was an exhibit for Collared Peccary. I saw two peccary (the third one may have been there), which are the last of their species in Australia. Collared Peccary is the only mammal Melbourne Zoo holds that can’t be seen elsewhere in Australia. Knowing this, I spent some time with them. One of the peccary came right up to the fence so I got great views. They’re a neat little species that were reasonably popular, and it will be sad to see them go.

Collared Peccary exhibit

Collared Peccary

Collared Peccary

Beyond here was a gift shop and the rail gate at the back of the zoo.

The Main Trail is a mix of species that don’t fit anywhere else, and I like the random nature of it. The South American species add some variety to the zoo overall, and the loss of them will be disappointing. The tapir exhibit is a decent size, I wonder what species will eventually be housed there?

TBC…

 

[Zorro]

Imo a combination of two is the best option, that is utilizing two of the current elephant yards as his and her Indian rhino exhibits and the third (most likely the bull yard) as an expanded area for Melbourne's Orangutans. The yard the elephant cows currently use should be more than enough for just one rhino and a potential calf.

My only issue is that Indian rhinos don't really have the space at Melbourne to run/get up to speed. Rhinos are like large puppies and do love to get on the trot every now and then, it's great seeing the black rhinos charging about at Monarto. Another consideration is how quickly the exhibit will date. I.e. will the rhinos be unsuitable for that exhibit in 10-15 years, just like how the elephants were?

The main reason that the enclosure became unsuitable for the elephants is they were living in a herd and expanding one at that, this would not be the case with Indian rhinos I believe the exhibit would be ideal for a pair and transfer any young out in due coarse!

 

[Zoofan15]

Main Trail:

I wasn’t exactly sure how to do this section, the main trail isn’t a cohesive group of exhibits, it’s the central path through the zoo and encompasses all the ‘leftover’ animals. I suppose I’ll begin at the front and include everything that doesn’t fit elsewhere.

The main trail begins at the front gate leading to the centre of the zoo and then veers left to the back of the zoo.

On the right of the path between the front gate and the centre of the zoo was a hub which included the carousel, play areas, cafes, a function centre, Japanese garden and a couple of exhibits.

There was an exhibit for Red Panda. The exhibit included some tall trees which the pandas were snoozing in. I liked it even though the pandas weren’t the easiest to see because I think it’s about as close to seeing them in the wild as you’ll get in a zoo.

Red Panda exhibit

Red Panda exhibit

Red Panda

Red Panda

The Lakeside Area beyond the red panda, doesn’t have any exhibits, but I really enjoyed this space. It’s close to the function centre and has a Japanese garden where weddings take place. It was a good place to escape the crowds for a minute, and there are animals to see. The lake has Koi, and I also saw a couple of wild Macquarie Turtle and a Dusky Moorhen feeding small chicks.

Lake

Japanese garden

Back in the thick of the hub, was the South American Aviary. It was one of my favourite exhibits. Given the bars and mesh it’s not super great for viewing, but it’s a beautiful, historic structure with a garden to compliment it, and fits well into the hub part of the zoo. Five parrot species were signed, I saw three; Red-fronted Macaw, Buffon's Macaw and Green-winged Macaw.

South American Aviary

Red-fronted Macaw

Exiting the hub area and walking beyond the centre of the zoo, there was a small Platypus House on the left which held one Platypus. The yabbies which were in there as prey were fun to watch too.

Yabby

The majority of exhibits on this trail were in the back half of the zoo. There was one for Giraffe and Plains Zebra. There were four zebra and three giraffe which I believe are all the individuals held by Melbourne Zoo. Compared to open range zoos, these animals are close and they were super popular. A huge crowd had gathered for the keeper talk which was just finishing when I arrived. There was also a cafe opposite which made the area even more congested. Compared to Werribee this exhibit is tiny for these species, but given their popularity they can’t really be phased-out completely.

Giraffe and Zebra exhibit

Next was the Hamadryas Baboon exhibit. When I visited back in 2003 the baboon were near the front gate in cages with concrete floors, so this spacious, more natural exhibit was a big improvement for the troop. Somehow the baboons had managed to climb one of the trees and had completely destroyed it, showing exactly why the trees require guards.

Baboon exhibit

Hamadryas Baboon

Hamadryas Baboon

At the back of the zoo was an exhibit for Malayan Tapir. I checked in three times, morning, midday and afternoon, but didn’t see the tapir. The gate to her night quarters was open so presumably she was back there.

Tapir exhibit

Next was an exhibit for Collared Peccary. I saw two peccary (the third one may have been there), which are the last of their species in Australia. Collared Peccary is the only mammal Melbourne Zoo holds that can’t be seen elsewhere in Australia. Knowing this, I spent some time with them. One of the peccary came right up to the fence so I got great views. They’re a neat little species that were reasonably popular, and it will be sad to see them go.

Collared Peccary exhibit

Collared Peccary

Collared Peccary

Beyond here was a gift shop and the rail gate at the back of the zoo.

The Main Trail is a mix of species that don’t fit anywhere else, and I like the random nature of it. The South American species add some variety to the zoo overall, and the loss of them will be disappointing. The tapir exhibit is a decent size, I wonder what species will eventually be housed there?

TBC…

Another great review. They have a thriving Hamadryas baboon troop (5.10), which is the second largest in the region. It seems like a popular exhibit and I hope they have a long term future at the zoo.

The Collared peccary will be a great loss to the region. They may not be as striking as a Sumatran tiger or as dramatic as an elephant but some recognition should be give to the fact we can never import this species (or anything like it) again.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Another great review. They have a thriving Hamadryas baboon troop (5.10), which is the second largest in the region. It seems like a popular exhibit and I hope they have a long term future at the zoo.

The Collared peccary will be a great loss to the region. They may not be as striking as a Sumatran tiger or as dramatic as an elephant but some recognition should be give to the fact we can never import this species (or anything like it) again.

Might I ask, why are Peccaries never able to be imported again? Is it because they are a pest, or is there something else behind it?

 

[Zorro]

Might I ask, why are Peccaries never able to be imported again? Is it because they are a pest, or is there something else behind it?

Import rules won't allow it!

 

[Zoofan15]

Might I ask, why are Peccaries never able to be imported again? Is it because they are a pest, or is there something else behind it?

It’s because of the Suidae ban that’s in place to protect Australia’s agricultural industry. Any potential biosecurity threat is taken very seriously and sadly peccaries are deemed one of them.

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

It’s because of the Suidae ban that’s in place to protect Australia’s agricultural industry. Any potential biosecurity threat is taken very seriously and sadly peccaries are deemed one of them.

Thank you. What a shame that is because they are such cool animals. I hope the ban may be revoked one day

 

[akasha]

Wild Sea:

I had to leave the zoo by 4pm. With fifteen minutes to go, I decided to race through this section of the zoo, and therefore didn’t have nearly enough time to stop and look at all the fish species.

This trail began with a pool for sharks and rays. It combined above and below water viewing. Ten species were signed, but I only had time to identify Southern Fiddler Ray, Port Jackson Shark, Sea Sweep, Sixspined Leatherjacket and Silver Mullet.

Ray and shark pool

The path then entered a building with underwater viewing for the seals. I saw one seal. (I’m not sure which species.)

Seal viewing

This aquarium style building was very dark, and I had to be careful not to trip. I’m surprised they don’t turn the lights up just a little, or have some strip lighting on the ramp, it seemed like a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Up the ramp was underwater viewing for Little Penguin.

Along the next wall were a series of smaller tanks, with various fish and seahorses. Unfortunately I didn’t have time to examine them all.

Just outside the exit of the building were two small pens for seals. There was a keeper in here working with one of them but a large crowd had gathered so I moved on.

Outside was the above water viewing for the seal enclosure. Then the above water viewing for the penguins.

Seal exhibit

Little Penguin exhibit

This completed the Wild Sea section of the zoo. What I saw looked good, but I’d really have to visit again to make any informed comments.

TBC…

 

[akasha]

Thank you. What a shame that is because they are such cool animals. I hope the ban may be revoked one day

The problem is that Australia has millions of feral pigs, so any disease that enters the country would be completely uncontrollable, (as we are witnessing with the rapid spread of Japanese encephalitis). The pig industry would be crippled, and shutting farms down wouldn’t be enough. It’s not a risk the government is willing to take and rightly so.

 

[akasha]

Lion Gorge:

It was around 1pm when I got to the Lion Gorge. After a cool start to the day, the temperature had climbed to mid-twenties and the zoo was very crowded.

The path through Lion Gorge is more typical of most zoos, in that it isn’t located in a rainforest, so this part of the zoo while still good, doesn’t have that Melbourne magic touch.

The first exhibit on this trail was signed for African Wild Dog but held Dingo. A lot of zoos in the region seem to be featuring dingo lately. It seemed to work, as most people were pretty excited by them, especially the kids.

Dingo exhibit

Next was the African Lion exhibit. Ndidi and Zuberi were relaxing atop a high platform. I’ve never seen lions perched so high and it was an interesting way to view them.

Lion exhibit

There was also a large viewing shelter into the lion exhibit which contains a few small vivariums and a python enclosure with a pool with fish. In the large snake exhibit I saw several Reticulated Python. Taiwan Beauty Snake and Malayan Blood Python were also signed, meaning it had once been a mixed exhibit. Six fish species were signed, I saw Banded Archer Fish, Silver Shark, Clown Loach and Kissing Gourami. I’m sure there were others but the crowd made it difficult to view.

There were small vivariums for Honduran Milk Snake, Macleay’s Water Snake, Giant Mantid and a spider species. I saw them all except the spider. The idea of these smaller enclosures was a nice one, but the way they were jammed into this structure didn’t quite work. Maybe on a less busy day they would be okay.

Honduran Milk Snake

Macleay’s Water Snake

Next was an exhibit for Brown-nosed Coati. I saw one coati in here. I spent a bit of time with her, because I’ve done a bunch of research for the population thread, so taking time with the real thing seemed only logical. The exhibit was a good size, and lots of the ropes were covered in moss, so I assume the coatis don’t use them much. As it’s unlikely the elderly coati will be replaced, I wonder what species will occupy this exhibit in the future?

Coati exhibit

Next was the Snow Leopard exhibit. It’s big, with cliffs the cats can climb, and has a nice ‘Himalayas’ vibe. I saw one leopard in here, sleeping on a ledge.

Snow Leopard exhibit

Snow Leopard exhibit

Snow Leopard

Next was a second, smaller snow leopard exhibit. I didn’t see any leopards in here.

Next was the zoo’s second exhibit for Sumatran Tiger. The female, Indrah, lives here. It is big and densely vegetated. I didn’t see her even though keepers had placed a leg of venison in there to coax her out.

Sumatran Tiger exhibit

I personally find that tigers generally make average exhibition animals, especially in exhibits like the ones at Melbourne and TWPZ. To me they always look agitated or are sulking out of sight. Might just be me who has bad luck with them though.

The Lion Gorge finished with an exhibit for Tasmanian Devil, and another look at the dingo exhibit.

I don’t really know what Melbourne could do to improve this trail, but it didn’t super excite me either. (That of course could have been zoo fatigue. I was visiting my fourth zoo in 8 days and it was the afternoon.) The big Snow Leopard exhibit is the exception, it’s outstanding, and another litter of cubs would liven it up again.

TBC…

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

Coati could have a number of replacements
Melbourne shouldn’t replace such and interesting species with something boring, maybe a clouded leopard or binturong would be great

Or you could do a mix with binturong and mouse deer this species i really underrepresented in zoos

The last exibibt in tree top monkeys could house slow loris

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

Coati could have a number of replacements
Melbourne shouldn’t replace such and interesting species with something boring, maybe a clouded leopard or binturong would be great

Or you could do a mix with binturong and mouse deer this species i really underrepresented in zoos

Maybe replace it with clouded leopard, caracal or serval, and and move the coati, if they aren’t phased out, to the growing wild section. I think it would be great if Binturong reclaim its old exhibit and the squirrel monkeys combined, and maybe move popcorn van next to the Binturong?

 

[PaddyRickMFZ]

The problem is that Australia has millions of feral pigs, so any disease that enters the country would be completely uncontrollable, (as we are witnessing with the rapid spread of Japanese encephalitis). The pig industry would be crippled, and shutting farms down wouldn’t be enough. It’s not a risk the government is willing to take and rightly so.

Does it mean that warthogs and red river hogs etc. are also banned?

 

[Zoofan15]

Does it mean that warthogs and red river hogs etc. are also banned?

Yes. As I explained above, the ban is on species from the Suidae family.

Lion Gorge:

It was around 1pm when I got to the Lion Gorge. After a cool start to the day, the temperature had climbed to mid-twenties and the zoo was very crowded.

The path through Lion Gorge is more typical of most zoos, in that it isn’t located in a rainforest, so this part of the zoo while still good, doesn’t have that Melbourne magic touch.

The first exhibit on this trail was signed for African Wild Dog but held Dingo. A lot of zoos in the region seem to be featuring dingo lately. It seemed to work, as most people were pretty excited by them, especially the kids.

Dingo exhibit

Next was the African Lion exhibit. Ndidi and Zuberi were relaxing atop a high platform. I’ve never seen lions perched so high and it was an interesting way to view them.

Lion exhibit

There was also a large viewing shelter into the lion exhibit which contains a few small vivariums and a python enclosure with a pool with fish. In the large snake exhibit I saw several Reticulated Python. Taiwan Beauty Snake and Malayan Blood Python were also signed, meaning it had once been a mixed exhibit. Six fish species were signed, I saw Banded Archer Fish, Silver Shark, Clown Loach and Kissing Gourami. I’m sure there were others but the crowd made it difficult to view.

There were small vivariums for Honduran Milk Snake, Macleay’s Water Snake, Giant Mantid and a spider species. I saw them all except the spider. The idea of these smaller enclosures was a nice one, but the way they were jammed into this structure didn’t quite work. Maybe on a less busy day they would be okay.

Honduran Milk Snake

Macleay’s Water Snake

Next was an exhibit for Brown-nosed Coati. I saw one coati in here. I spent a bit of time with her, because I’ve done a bunch of research for the population thread, so taking time with the real thing seemed only logical. The exhibit was a good size, and lots of the ropes were covered in moss, so I assume the coatis don’t use them much. As it’s unlikely the elderly coati will be replaced, I wonder what species will occupy this exhibit in the future?

Coati exhibit

Next was the Snow Leopard exhibit. It’s big, with cliffs the cats can climb, and has a nice ‘Himalayas’ vibe. I saw one leopard in here, sleeping on a ledge.

Snow Leopard exhibit

Snow Leopard exhibit

Snow Leopard

Next was a second, smaller snow leopard exhibit. I didn’t see any leopards in here.

Next was the zoo’s second exhibit for Sumatran Tiger. The female, Indrah, lives here. It is big and densely vegetated. I didn’t see her even though keepers had placed a leg of venison in there to coax her out.

Sumatran Tiger exhibit

I personally find that tigers generally make average exhibition animals, especially in exhibits like the ones at Melbourne and TWPZ. To me they always look agitated or are sulking out of sight. Might just be me who has bad luck with them though.

The Lion Gorge finished with an exhibit for Tasmanian Devil, and another look at the dingo exhibit.

I don’t really know what Melbourne could do to improve this trail, but it didn’t super excite me either. (That of course could have been zoo fatigue. I was visiting my fourth zoo in 8 days and it was the afternoon.) The big Snow Leopard exhibit is the exception, it’s outstanding, and another litter of cubs would liven it up again.

TBC…

Sumatran tiger exhibits:

It was interesting to hear your views on Melbourne’s Sumatran tiger exhibit - especially following reports on here they may be phased out.

As you’ll be aware, Auckland have recently opened the second largest complex in the region and while the exhibits are stunning, they have the same problem - you never see the tigers. I actually enjoyed the exhibits more before the tigers came as I enjoyed admiring the various features; whereas now I go with an expectation of seeing a tiger!

Hamilton Zoo are a good example of how pruning is necessary for the visitors to see anything. For years, Mencari and Molek, were two typically shy females that hid in the dense undergrowth and were never seen. The exhibits were given a severe pruning a few years ago now and Mencari has easily adjusted to the change, remaining in full view without any apparent stress. I feel like Auckland and Melbourne should consider a similar approach.

 

[akasha]

Coati could have a number of replacements
Melbourne shouldn’t replace such and interesting species with something boring, maybe a clouded leopard or binturong would be great

Or you could do a mix with binturong and mouse deer this species i really underrepresented in zoos

The last exibibt in tree top monkeys could house slow loris

Binturong would probably make the most sense, especially with a few breeding pairs in the country now and the opportunity to hold pure Javan animals if they source them from DDZ or Tasmania Zoo.

 

[akasha]

Hamilton Zoo are a good example of how pruning is necessary for the visitors to see anything. For years, Mencari and Molek, were two typically shy females that hid in the dense undergrowth and were never seen. The exhibits were given a severe pruning a few years ago now and Mencari has easily adjusted to the change, remaining in full view without any apparent stress. I feel like Auckland and Melbourne should consider a similar approach.

Yes, I think so. They could leave the exhibit in the forest as is, the vegetation suits that part of the zoo and the viewing area is smaller. This one could be pruned for better views as it has viewing from right along the front of the whole exhibit. That way people would see at least one tiger at the zoo, and from a management point of view they could house tigers according to personality if need be.

 

[Jambo]

Yes, I think so. They could leave the exhibit in the forest as is, the vegetation suits that part of the zoo and the viewing area is smaller. This one could be pruned for better views as it has viewing from right along the front of the whole exhibit. That way people would see at least one tiger at the zoo, and from a management point of view they could house tigers according to personality if need be.

The exhibit isn't actually as big as it seems; the dense vegetation just makes it seem that way. I was a little bit disappointed by it back when it first opened five years ago but the vegetation has grown rather nicely over the years and has made the exhibit so much better.

Unfortunately the small forest the vegetation gives, provides a nice, cool hiding place for Indrah and since Tigers are usually very secretive species, she spends most of her time there.

 

[Jambo]

Maybe replace it with clouded leopard, caracal or serval, and and move the coati, if they aren’t phased out, to the growing wild section. I think it would be great if Binturong reclaim its old exhibit and the squirrel monkeys combined, and maybe move popcorn van next to the Binturong?

Binturong's a nice idea for a replacement. But I honestly can see Melbourne potentially going the route of putting Red Panda there to create a small Nepalese precinct.

 

[akasha]

The exhibit isn't actually as big as it seems; the dense vegetation just makes it seem that way. I was a little bit disappointed by it back when it first opened five years ago but the vegetation has grown rather nicely over the years and has made the exhibit so much better.

Unfortunately the small forest the vegetation gives, provides a nice, cool hiding place for Indrah and since Tigers are usually very secretive species, she spends most of her time there.

It’s a tough one to find a balance between visitor experience and animal welfare and that’s why I think the idea of tigers in the zoo is always better than the reality. Tigers are too cryptic for display.

 

[Josh F]

Lion Gorge:

It was around 1pm when I got to the Lion Gorge. After a cool start to the day, the temperature had climbed to mid-twenties and the zoo was very crowded.

The path through Lion Gorge is more typical of most zoos, in that it isn’t located in a rainforest, so this part of the zoo while still good, doesn’t have that Melbourne magic touch.

The first exhibit on this trail was signed for African Wild Dog but held Dingo. A lot of zoos in the region seem to be featuring dingo lately. It seemed to work, as most people were pretty excited by them, especially the kids.

Dingo exhibit

Next was the African Lion exhibit. Ndidi and Zuberi were relaxing atop a high platform. I’ve never seen lions perched so high and it was an interesting way to view them.

Lion exhibit

There was also a large viewing shelter into the lion exhibit which contains a few small vivariums and a python enclosure with a pool with fish. In the large snake exhibit I saw several Reticulated Python. Taiwan Beauty Snake and Malayan Blood Python were also signed, meaning it had once been a mixed exhibit. Six fish species were signed, I saw Banded Archer Fish, Silver Shark, Clown Loach and Kissing Gourami. I’m sure there were others but the crowd made it difficult to view.

There were small vivariums for Honduran Milk Snake, Macleay’s Water Snake, Giant Mantid and a spider species. I saw them all except the spider. The idea of these smaller enclosures was a nice one, but the way they were jammed into this structure didn’t quite work. Maybe on a less busy day they would be okay.

Honduran Milk Snake

Macleay’s Water Snake

Next was an exhibit for Brown-nosed Coati. I saw one coati in here. I spent a bit of time with her, because I’ve done a bunch of research for the population thread, so taking time with the real thing seemed only logical. The exhibit was a good size, and lots of the ropes were covered in moss, so I assume the coatis don’t use them much. As it’s unlikely the elderly coati will be replaced, I wonder what species will occupy this exhibit in the future?

Coati exhibit

Next was the Snow Leopard exhibit. It’s big, with cliffs the cats can climb, and has a nice ‘Himalayas’ vibe. I saw one leopard in here, sleeping on a ledge.

Snow Leopard exhibit

Snow Leopard exhibit

Snow Leopard

Next was a second, smaller snow leopard exhibit. I didn’t see any leopards in here.

Next was the zoo’s second exhibit for Sumatran Tiger. The female, Indrah, lives here. It is big and densely vegetated. I didn’t see her even though keepers had placed a leg of venison in there to coax her out.

Sumatran Tiger exhibit

I personally find that tigers generally make average exhibition animals, especially in exhibits like the ones at Melbourne and TWPZ. To me they always look agitated or are sulking out of sight. Might just be me who has bad luck with them though.

The Lion Gorge finished with an exhibit for Tasmanian Devil, and another look at the dingo exhibit.

I don’t really know what Melbourne could do to improve this trail, but it didn’t super excite me either. (That of course could have been zoo fatigue. I was visiting my fourth zoo in 8 days and it was the afternoon.) The big Snow Leopard exhibit is the exception, it’s outstanding, and another litter of cubs would liven it up again.

TBC…

I couldn’t agree more with the Tiger synopsis. I’ve found from my experience that Tigers are probably the worst animal in the sense of flying the face of what zoos are trying to achieve from a public perspective perspective. The pacing from my experience gives rise to questions regarding animal welfare. Personally, I wouldn’t mind if they did phase out Tigers for something that is overall a more engaging display but also something from an animal welfare perspective that doesn’t just spend it’s day sitting in a corner or pacing on repeat.