Monarto Safari Park Monarto Safari Park News 2023

[Zoofan15]

I think the rhino crisis in South Africa (that has now spilled into Botswana and Namibia) is much more dramatic then people realise .... Kruger rhino numbers continue to fall, both for white and black rhino. It has in fact gotten so bad that when the largest rhino holder in the country has now sold off most of his stock to the African Parks organisation that will rewild white rhinos elsewhere on the African continent.

Thanks for this update. It’s interesting to know how much the Southern white rhinoceros population has fallen. I had a look and found the following population graph (it is indeed very dramatic):


Source: Kruger rhino population update - the losses continue - Africa Geographic

Poaching has been attributed as the main cause.

 

[WhistlingKite24]

A new male cheetah Dakari has arrived from the Wild Cat Conservation Centre for breeding purposes. He was bred at the centre in 2022 and has been introduced to young Monarto-bred Absame - reported on their FB page.

 

[Zoofan15]

Ring-tailed Lemur Naming Competition

Voting is now open to name the five infants:

Help us name the Lemur pups - Monarto Safari Park

Names for Spindles' pup:

Manja – Meaning pretty
Avana – Meaning rainbow
Dimby – Meaning successor (Spindles is the matriarch of the troop)

Names for Clementine’s pup:

Paoma - Meaning apple (Clementines name means orange)
Andry - Meaning pillar
Hendry - Meaning wise

Names for Lulu’s pup:

Tsiky - Meaning smile
Onja - Meaning river
Onya - Meaning wave
Koba – Meaning a traditional cake
Mamy – Meaning sweet

Names for Blossom’s twin pups:

Felana - Meaning petal
Lainga - Meaning tip or bud of a plant
Afo - Meaning fire
Nofy - Meaning dream
Carob – Linking to Carob bean (grown in Madagascar)
Alina - Meaning night
Iray - Meaning one
Roa - Meaning two

 

[Jambo]

Ring-tailed Lemur Naming Competition

Voting is now open to name the five infants:

Help us name the Lemur pups - Monarto Safari Park

Names for Spindles' pup:

Manja – Meaning pretty
Avana – Meaning rainbow
Dimby – Meaning successor (Spindles is the matriarch of the troop)

Names for Clementine’s pup:

Paoma - Meaning apple (Clementines name means orange)
Andry - Meaning pillar
Hendry - Meaning wise

Names for Lulu’s pup:

Tsiky - Meaning smile
Onja - Meaning river
Onya - Meaning wave
Koba – Meaning a traditional cake
Mamy – Meaning sweet

Names for Blossom’s twin pups:

Felana - Meaning petal
Lainga - Meaning tip or bud of a plant
Afo - Meaning fire
Nofy - Meaning dream
Carob – Linking to Carob bean (grown in Madagascar)
Alina - Meaning night
Iray - Meaning one
Roa - Meaning two

Credit to the keepers for coming up with all of those names!

 

[Zoofan15]

Credit to the keepers for coming up with all of those names!

I was really impressed with the options. They’re all geographically appropriate and there’s a number of original names not overused within the regional population. The fruit and botanical references to Clementine and Blossom respectively are also a nice touch.

 

[WhistlingKite24]

A recent article about the hippos: Hip-hip Hooray, Hippos Return to SA! - Monarto Safari Park

 

[Zoofan15]

A recent article about the hippos: Hip-hip Hooray, Hippos Return to SA! - Monarto Safari Park

Some interesting details on the exhibit:

The hippo habitat is one of the biggest in Australia and is specially designed to meet the Nile Hippopotamus’ needs. Director of Monarto Safari Park, Peter Clark, led the design of the habitat.

“The huge central waterhole in their habitat features gradual slopes and a variety of depths which should be perfect for the hippos,” he said. “It also has a sandy beach where we’re looking forward to seeing them soak up some sun.

“The hippos have access to pools in their own off-habitat facilities for those colder nights.”

The use of the word ‘pools’ implies there’s multiple off display yards (or at least two), which will be useful in managing the introduction of future hippos for breeding and the separation of mothers/calves.

 

[Jambo]

A small little video of the new Wild Africa precinct at Monarto which doesn't really show much; but is still very interesting nonetheless.

Brindabella and Pansy the hippos are also apparently on habitat too which is very exciting.

 

[Zoofan15]

A small little video of the new Wild Africa precinct at Monarto which doesn't really show much; but is still very interesting nonetheless.

Brindabella and Pansy the hippos are also apparently on habitat too which is very exciting.

I’m really excited to visit the Wild Africa precinct someday. Monarto should be really proud to be undertaking so many large projects simultaneously - with the elephant complex coming late 2024/early 2025 and then the Southern white rhinoceros import hopefully in the next 2-3 years. They’ve really raised the bar within the region and continue to plan side projects such as the lion den upgrades.

 

[Swanson02]

I’m really excited to visit the Wild Africa precinct someday. Monarto should be really proud to be undertaking so many large projects simultaneously - with the elephant complex coming late 2024/early 2025 and then the Southern white rhinoceros import hopefully in the next 2-3 years. They’ve really raised the bar within the region and continue to plan side projects such as the lion den upgrades.

I'm obviously biased as a proud South Aussie, but I'm of the opinion that Monarto could easily be the region's best zoo by the end of the decade. Especially in an era when many of our major zoos seem to be heading backwards (ahem Taronga, Melbourne, Adelaide) and many are in a period of stagnation (TWPZ, Perth). At the end of the decade, Monarto will not only have an amazing variety of species they will also have them in high quantities, something I think is even more extraordinary.

Breeding major species such as - Cheetah, African Lion, White Rhino, Spotted Hyena, Plains Zebra, Chimpanzees, Hamadryas Baboon, Painted Dogs, Giraffe, Black Rhino*, Asian Elephant*, Common Hippopotamus* and copious species of ungulates.

I don't think any other zoo in the region in 7 years could claim to have a wrap sheet this good (bar maybe TWPZ)

* Species Monarto will likely start breeding programs for by 2030

 

[loganjmuir]

I'm obviously biased as a proud South Aussie, but I'm of the opinion that Monarto could easily be the region's best zoo by the end of the decade. Especially in an era when many of our major zoos seem to be heading backwards (ahem Taronga, Melbourne, Adelaide) and many are in a period of stagnation (TWPZ, Perth). At the end of the decade, Monarto will not only have an amazing variety of species they will also have them in high quantities, something I think is even more extraordinary.

Breeding major species such as - Cheetah, African Lion, White Rhino, Spotted Hyena, Plains Zebra, Chimpanzees, Hamadryas Baboon, Painted Dogs, Giraffe, Black Rhino*, Asian Elephant*, Common Hippopotamus* and copious species of ungulates.

I don't think any other zoo in the region in 7 years could claim to have a wrap sheet this good (bar maybe TWPZ)

* Species Monarto will likely start breeding programs for by 2030

There is no doubt in my mind that Monarto is and will continue to be the most successful zoo in the country in terms of breeding for the forseeable future, but the question of whether or not it is successful popularity wise all relies on TWPZ in my opinion.

Following the recent Lion litter, all eyes will be on them potentially drawing away from Monarto. Given TWPZ's geographical location it gives them a little edge over Monarto and due to TWPZ's current animal roster, of which 90% are breeding, it makes Dubbo the more desirable location.

I may be wrong but isn't Monarto supposed to receive 12 of Melbourne's Elephants? If so then this could be a determine a huge shift in popularity in their favour should they open the savanna around the same time. I myself plan to visit Monarto around March next year so it will be exciting to see what happens and considering the potential Monarto has in upcoming years, they could take this a long way.

However, if we look at TWPZ's current animal roster of Hippo, Black Rhino, White Rhino, Greater one-horned Rhino, Tiger, Lion, Bongo, Asian Elephant and a multitude of smaller bovid species, among other smaller species not worth mentioning, it is pretty obvious TWPZ holds a current popularity advantage, and given the Taronga Sydney Gorilla troop may need a temporary home in the next few years it will certainly be interesting to see who becomes the bigger name in the future.

 

[Zoofan15]

Following the recent Lion litter, all eyes will be on them potentially drawing away from Monarto.

Monarto Safari Park have a litter of lion cubs too. 1.3 cubs were born in August. They also have the largest lion pride in Australasia with plans to expand the dens for further breeding.

While Dubbo has lagged behind, twice building prides around a single breeding pair, they’re now working towards an integrated pride of eight, which is good to see. From here, they could either breed a third litter from their breeding pair; or look at transferring out the males and establishing a multigenerational pride around Marion and her daughters.

I may be wrong but isn't Monarto supposed to receive 12 of Melbourne's Elephants? If so then this could be a determine a huge shift in popularity in their favour should they open the savanna around the same time. I myself plan to visit Monarto around March next year so it will be exciting to see what happens and considering the potential Monarto has in upcoming years, they could take this a long way.

Werribee Open Range Zoo are receiving nine Asian elephants from Melbourne Zoo (Luk Chai, Mek Kepah, Dokkoon, Kulab, Num Oi, Mali, Aiyara, Roi Yim and Kati). Their complex will be 21ha.

Monarto Safari Park are receiving five Asian elephants from Auckland Zoo (Burma), Perth Zoo (Putra Mas and Permai) and a third holder that’s unconfirmed, but speculated to be Taronga Zoo (Pak Boon and Tang Mo). Their complex will be 14ha.

 

[Zoofan15]

I'm obviously biased as a proud South Aussie, but I'm of the opinion that Monarto could easily be the region's best zoo by the end of the decade. Especially in an era when many of our major zoos seem to be heading backwards (ahem Taronga, Melbourne, Adelaide) and many are in a period of stagnation (TWPZ, Perth). At the end of the decade, Monarto will not only have an amazing variety of species they will also have them in high quantities, something I think is even more extraordinary.

Breeding major species such as - Cheetah, African Lion, White Rhino, Spotted Hyena, Plains Zebra, Chimpanzees, Hamadryas Baboon, Painted Dogs, Giraffe, Black Rhino*, Asian Elephant*, Common Hippopotamus* and copious species of ungulates.

I don't think any other zoo in the region in 7 years could claim to have a wrap sheet this good (bar maybe TWPZ)

* Species Monarto will likely start breeding programs for by 2030

Three years ago, I would have confidently placed Taronga Western Zoo ahead of the region’s other open range zoo; but now I have to agree Monarto Safari Park is placed to take the crown.

Monarto have the largest lion exhibit and the largest lion pride, with plans for further expansion; their elephant complex will be larger than Dubbo’s and with breeding, I have no doubt they’ll exceed them in herd size over the years.

Monarto have a thriving chimpanzee troop that’s regularly breeding and now numbers 11 chimpanzees; while Dubbo have no great ape species. As you mention, they’re also planning to acquire Hamadryas baboon. I have expectations for a world class exhibit numbering 100 baboons or more (similar to Singapore and Emmen), but I note nothing has been confirmed by the zoo on this.

As @loganjmuir mentions, there’s the potential for Monarto to take on Taronga’s gorillas, which would potentially level the playing field ape wise if they can establish a breeding troop.

With regards to Giraffe and Cheetah, Monarto and Dubbo come out pretty even. Both hold large numbers of breeding animals.

Monarto’s Spotted hyena are their most underrated crown jewel. Nowhere else in the region can you see multiple breeding packs. Their continued investment in this species is impressive to see and while a handful of zoos now hold breeding pairs, Monarto will remain the hub for the foreseeable. Dubbo don’t hold hyena; nor do they have a breeding pack of African wild dog.

With regards to location, I would place Monarto and Werribee above Dubbo for inter-state and international visitors. Monarto and Werribee are both within an hour of the CBD and many inter-state and international visitors would consider visiting both. Dubbo by contrast is a five hour car journey. I will note though that Dubbo is sustained by a thriving local population, so in terms of visitor numbers it by no means suffers from this.

 

[Zorro]

I'm obviously biased as a proud South Aussie, but I'm of the opinion that Monarto could easily be the region's best zoo by the end of the decade. Especially in an era when many of our major zoos seem to be heading backwards (ahem Taronga, Melbourne, Adelaide) and many are in a period of stagnation (TWPZ, Perth). At the end of the decade, Monarto will not only have an amazing variety of species they will also have them in high quantities, something I think is even more extraordinary.

Breeding major species such as - Cheetah, African Lion, White Rhino, Spotted Hyena, Plains Zebra, Chimpanzees, Hamadryas Baboon, Painted Dogs, Giraffe, Black Rhino*, Asian Elephant*, Common Hippopotamus* and copious species of ungulates.

I don't think any other zoo in the region in 7 years could claim to have a wrap sheet this good (bar maybe TWPZ)

* Species Monarto will likely start breeding programs for by 2030

In my humble view since I have been following most of these animal populations for 50 years within our zoos, It is easy to see the big vision of Monarto Safari Park is to replicate an African safari experience as closely as possible for a zoo can actually do. While back in 1977 when I first visited the brand new Western Plains Zoo I thought it was outstanding, a whole new era for Australian zoos was born. The Hippo exhibit was very large and open with quite a few holding pens viewable to the public. The elephant exhibit still had small trees growing inside the exhibit with the elephants.
I seem to remember counting 54 Eland there. The most natural Giraffe exhibit I had seen in the country with about 7-8 of them, the whole place looked well designed and thought out.They were short of quite a few of the major species currently there today such as any species of rhino, Lions or Tigers, Cheetahs. but even still it was a wonderful place to visit.
In later years they decided to build a 500 acre African Safari exhibit which would of pushed the zoo to new heights and become a big drawcard within its self but alas a decision was made to scale back the exhibit to todays 50 acres which is fine but defiantly limited the potential and animal option they could of held.To me was a major setback for the zoo then and up to the present.

Now with the development at Monarto zoo and its gigantic Wild Africa exhibit it just steps things up to a whole new level even on an international scale. its potential is truly massive. With the white rhino complex properly the newest and largest in the region plus the brand new Hippo exhibit/complex where they could hold a large breeding pod well into the future. The soon to be built Asian elephant exhibit/complex of I believe 34 acres could become an important regional herd in the future as well. I was excited to hear of the possibly two new antelope species being added to the Africa plains in the future, possibly the Greater Kudu and Sable Antelope which if it does happen could feed out into other collections in the future like the Nyala are currently doing at this time. One of my main hopes is the Black rhinos do get to form a breeding situation so we have more than the one holder that we currently have now.
I will follow their progress as closely as possible as this I believe is the ultimate level a zoo can reach. I congratulate the staff and Designers on doing a wonderful job.

 

[Zoofan15]

In my humble view since I have been following most of these animal populations for 50 years within our zoos, It is easy to see the big vision of Monarto Safari Park is to replicate an African safari experience as closely as possible for a zoo can actually do. While back in 1977 when I first visited the brand new Western Plains Zoo I thought it was outstanding, a whole new era for Australian zoos was born. The Hippo exhibit was very large and open with quite a few holding pens viewable to the public. The elephant exhibit still had small trees growing inside the exhibit with the elephants.
I seem to remember counting 54 Eland there. The most natural Giraffe exhibit I had seen in the country with about 7-8 of them, the whole place looked well designed and thought out.They were short of quite a few of the major species currently there today such as any species of rhino, Lions or Tigers, Cheetahs. but even still it was a wonderful place to visit.
In later years they decided to build a 500 acre African Safari exhibit which would of pushed the zoo to new heights and become a big drawcard within its self but alas a decision was made to scale back the exhibit to todays 50 acres which is fine but defiantly limited the potential and animal option they could of held.To me was a major setback for the zoo then and up to the present.

Now with the development at Monarto zoo and its gigantic Wild Africa exhibit it just steps things up to a whole new level even on an international scale. its potential is truly massive. With the white rhino complex properly the newest and largest in the region plus the brand new Hippo exhibit/complex where they could hold a large breeding pod well into the future. The soon to be built Asian elephant exhibit/complex of I believe 34 acres could become an important regional herd in the future as well. I was excited to hear of the possibly two new antelope species being added to the Africa plains in the future, possibly the Greater Kudu and Sable Antelope which if it does happen could feed out into other collections in the future like the Nyala are currently doing at this time. One of my main hopes is the Black rhinos do get to form a breeding situation so we have more than the one holder that we currently have now.
I will follow their progress as closely as possible as this I believe is the ultimate level a zoo can reach. I congratulate the staff and Designers on doing a wonderful job.

Monarto’s elephant complex will be 14ha, so 2/3 the size of Werribee’s. Internationally, this ranks highly and I’m excited about the possibility of them building up a multigenerational herd. It’s been a huge assistance to Auckland Zoo and Perth Zoo in allowing them to phase out elephants; and I’m relieved we have confirmation Putra Mas will be retained within the region. Within the global captive population, he’d be one of the most genetically valuable elephants and long term, will put us in good stead for exporting bull calves to North America. They already have a son from Bong Su; but sending them Sabai and sons from Putra Mas would be further unrelated first generation bulls that would surely prove useful to them.

I know many of us have been underwhelmed by the lack of action from zoos in importing bovids following the completion of the Bovid IRA two years ago. Hopefully just because nothing has been announced publicly (typical of most transfers), plans are currently underway that we will hear news of when the zoos are ready to announce. Eastern bongo are the antelopes I’m most excited to see imported; but the potential to see Monarto import Greater kudu and Sable antelope is also exciting. Their approach to holding immense herds is impressive and of benefit to the region regarding establishing sustainable populations that don’t die out.

I’ll be interested to see how many Southern white rhinoceros Monarto acquire from the imports; but am expecting them to take the largest number. With 35 imported, it’s clear that unrestricted breeding won’t occur (like the cows at San Diego and Whipsnade who produced calves in the double figures); but if this is offset by the establishment of multiple founder lines, I can only see that as a positive.

 

[Zoofan15]

First Wild Africa Tours Open

Monarto are now selling tickets to undertake a tour of Wild Africa prior to the official opening. The tour includes a chance to explore the hippopotamus habitat. An exciting opportunity for those able to visit in the near future!

Safari Adventure Tour - Monarto Safari Park

First up, you will head off into the hippo habitat for an exclusive chance to spot the magnificent Nile Hippos Brindabella and Pansy.

The adventure continues into the uncharted beauty of Etosha, one of the wide-stretching vistas within our new Wild Africa precinct, which has never been available to the public before!

As Etosha unfolds before you, you’ll find herds of antelope, Scimitar-horned Oryx, Eland, giraffe and Southern White Rhinos grazing and wandering across 63 hectares of untouched landscapes as far as the eye can see.

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

Monarto’s elephant complex will be 14ha, so 2/3 the size of Werribee’s. Internationally, this ranks highly and I’m excited about the possibility of them building up a multigenerational herd. It’s been a huge assistance to Auckland Zoo and Perth Zoo in allowing them to phase out elephants; and I’m relieved we have confirmation Putra Mas will be retained within the region. Within the global captive population, he’d be one of the most genetically valuable elephants and long term, will put us in good stead for exporting bull calves to North America. They already have a son from Bong Su; but sending them Sabai and sons from Putra Mas would be further unrelated first generation bulls that would surely prove useful to them.

I know many of us have been underwhelmed by the lack of action from zoos in importing bovids following the completion of the Bovid IRA two years ago. Hopefully just because nothing has been announced publicly (typical of most transfers), plans are currently underway that we will hear news of when the zoos are ready to announce. Eastern bongo are the antelopes I’m most excited to see imported; but the potential to see Monarto import Greater kudu and Sable antelope is also exciting. Their approach to holding immense herds is impressive and of benefit to the region regarding establishing sustainable populations that don’t die out.

I’ll be interested to see how many Southern white rhinoceros Monarto acquire from the imports; but am expecting them to take the largest number. With 35 imported, it’s clear that unrestricted breeding won’t occur (like the cows at San Diego and Whipsnade who produced calves in the double figures); but if this is offset by the establishment of multiple founder lines, I can only see that as a positive.

So exciting that elephants AND hippos will be there when they had neither of them for so long!

 

[Zoofan15]

So exciting that elephants AND hippos will be there when they had neither of them for so long!

The elephants will be another year away, but yes very exciting that they’ll be coming to Monarto too.

They’ll initially acquire the three elephants from Auckland and Perth with the view of establishing a multigenerational herd following the arrival of two additional cows. I’m hopeful this will be Pak Boon and Thong Dee, who would give them a good chance of establishing succession within the herd.

The alternative is that they’ll receive Pak Boon and Tang Mo. The latter is non breeding and so edging their bets on a single (31 year old) cow to generate succession doesn’t stand them in the best stead imo. Considering Putra Mas is the most genetically valuable bull in Australia (and the oldest), it’d also be nice to maximise use of his founder genes while we have the chance.

 

[loganjmuir]

The elephants will be another year away, but yes very exciting that they’ll be coming to Monarto too.

They’ll initially acquire the three elephants from Auckland and Perth with the view of establishing a multigenerational herd following the arrival of two additional cows. I’m hopeful this will be Pak Boon and Thong Dee, who would give them a good chance of establishing succession within the herd.

The alternative is that they’ll receive Pak Boon and Tang Mo. The latter is non breeding and so edging their bets on a single (31 year old) cow to generate succession doesn’t stand them in the best stead imo. Considering Putra Mas is the most genetically valuable bull in Australia (and the oldest), it’d also be nice to maximise use of his founder genes while we have the chance.

There has been a lot of talk about Pak Boong and Tang Mo moving to Monarto in the next 2 years or so, but the plan for Taronga was to phase the Elephants out around 2027-28 while waiting for clearance on a substitute(assumed to be Orangutans) and nothing is happening at Taronga nor have they released anything indicating the arrival of Orangutans or the departure of the Elephants. While it makes sense for the two cows to move to Monarto it seems unlikely, not to mention that Tang Mo is the matriarch of the 2 strong herd, which means either Pak Boong will find difficulty breeding in a new environment should Tang Mo resume her role of lead matriarch, or Tang Mo will be shifted out of the equation entirely, changing the herd dynamic. Many people seem to think Tang Mo will take over as matriarch following a move to Monarto however which could shift the bull's focus away from the fertile cows.

 

[Zoofan15]

There has been a lot of talk about Pak Boong and Tang Mo moving to Monarto in the next 2 years or so, but the plan for Taronga was to phase the Elephants out around 2027-28 while waiting for clearance on a substitute(assumed to be Orangutans) and nothing is happening at Taronga nor have they released anything indicating the arrival of Orangutans or the departure of the Elephants. While it makes sense for the two cows to move to Monarto it seems unlikely, not to mention that Tang Mo is the matriarch of the 2 strong herd, which means either Pak Boong will find difficulty breeding in a new environment should Tang Mo resume her role of lead matriarch, or Tang Mo will be shifted out of the equation entirely, changing the herd dynamic. Many people seem to think Tang Mo will take over as matriarch following a move to Monarto however which could shift the bull's focus away from the fertile cows.

That may well have been Taronga’s original plan; but since then, Monarto have announced their decision to build a 14ha elephant complex. It’s a rare opportunity for Taronga to send them two of their cows, which will be of immense benefit to both zoos. Taronga was otherwise expecting to accomodate Pak Boon and Tang Mo at the Dubbo site, which would have been a stretch space wise.

Porntip and her five year old daughter, Kanlaya, are Taronga/Dubbo’s only mother/daughter duo and represent their best chance of establishing a multigenerational herd. Ajalee is a young unrepresented founder, who’s established a strong bond with Kanlaya. Combined with Dubbo’s posts regarding her breeding on site in the near future, we can safely assume these cows will form the nucleus of Dubbo’s breeding herd.

Neither Pak Boon, Thong Dee or Tang Mo have daughters. Theoretically any of these cows could transfer to Monarto and since Pak Boon and Thong Dee are reproductively viable, it makes sense to send them. They have an opportunity to breed; and Dubbo retains the non-breeding cow (Tang Mo), who adds female numbers to their matriarchal herd (without breeding herself). It’s a win-win!

Last I heard, Pak Boon was firmly in place as the matriarch of Taronga’s duo. She’s held that role since the departure of Porntip in 2015. I’m open to correction here, but would be surprised if there’s been any change to this dynamic. In any case, hierarchy doesn’t impact upon a cow’s chance of conceiving/raising offspring. Melbourne’s matriarch is Mek Kepah, who has never bred (while multiple subordinate cows have in her herd).