Monarto Safari Park Monarto Safari Park News 2025

[Zoofan15]

Ring-tailed lemur birth:

Spindles has given birth to twins; with up to four more females potentially expecting.

From socials:

Our 16-year-old matriarch, Spindles, has surprised and delighted keepers by giving birth to twin pups despite having only one ovary.

Proud dad Hubert is the sire of the new arrivals.

Keepers believe that up to four more females may be pregnant, although it can be very difficult to tell with lemurs. Signs such as slight swelling or occasional vomiting usually appear very late in pregnancy, so births often come as a surprise.

 

[Zoofan15]

First Addax calf of the season:

From socials:

We’re thrilled to welcome the first Addax calf of the season at Monarto Safari Park!

With fewer than 100 Addax left in the wild, every calf born in managed care is a vital boost for the future of this Critically Endangered species.

While it’s early days, we’re hopeful this little one marks the beginning of a successful season for our herd.

 

[Zorro]

First Addax calf of the season:

From socials:

We’re thrilled to welcome the first Addax calf of the season at Monarto Safari Park!

With fewer than 100 Addax left in the wild, every calf born in managed care is a vital boost for the future of this Critically Endangered species.

While it’s early days, we’re hopeful this little one marks the beginning of a successful season for our herd.

Its even more puzzling as to why some ZAA zoos decided to phase them out!

 

[Zoofan15]

Its even more puzzling as to why some ZAA zoos decided to phase them out!

Yes, it was rather strange why Zoos Victoria decided to phase them out of Werribee Open Range Zoo. They can hybridise with Scimitar-horned oryx, but they have the capacity to manage both species on site and had done for many years prior.

If pushed to choose, one might the critically endangered Addax would take preference; though I note the Scimitar-horned oryx was only downgraded from extinct in the wild to endangered in 2023, so a fairly recent change.

Orana Wildlife Park have undertaken the reverse. Scimitar-horned oryx have been phased out; and Addax have been imported in recent years.

 

[Jambo]

Yes, it was rather strange why Zoos Victoria decided to phase them out of Werribee Open Range Zoo. They can hybridise with Scimitar-horned oryx, but they have the capacity to manage both species on site and had done for many years prior.

The Addax learned to tip toe over the cattle grids used in the drive through exhibits, so I'm assuming that may have been part of the reason as to why they were phased out, especially with the Elephant complex construction resulting in a few species having to make way.

Also it would make more sense to have the population all at two or three facilities where breeding can be more effectively managed rather than four or five where constant transfers are necessitated.

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

The Addax learned to tip toe over the cattle grids used in the drive through exhibits, so I'm assuming that may have been part of the reason as to why they were phased out, especially with the Elephant complex construction resulting in a few species having to make way.

Also it would make more sense to have the population all at two or three facilities where breeding can be more effectively managed rather than four or five where constant transfers are necessitated.

@Jambo, thanks for elucidating on the unsafe barriers in relations to addax. Allthough, I must add that given the stringent Australian laws on exotic species and having animals cross barriers ..., one just wonders why they put not more effective fencing in place (while the technology and know-how is there ...).

However, I do not see an issue with transfers between 4-5 institutions versus just 2-3, in fact for the more critically endangered addax it would make more sense to have more overseas captive assurance conservation breeding groups. Somehow that rationale just don't wash with me (even given that Australia is blessed with some pretty large open range zoos)

 

[Zoofan15]

@Jambo, thanks for elucidating on the unsafe barriers in relations to addax. Allthough, I must add that given the stringent Australian laws on exotic species and having animals cross barriers ..., one just wonders why they put not more effective fencing in place (while the technology and know-how is there ...).

However, I do not see an issue with transfers between 4-5 institutions versus just 2-3, in fact for the more critically endangered addax it would make more sense to have more overseas captive assurance conservation breeding groups. Somehow that rationale just don't wash with me (even given that Australia is blessed with some pretty large open range zoos)

There’s also no reason Werribee need to house Addax in the drive through. They have plenty of species like Przewalski’s horse and Bison housed in exhibits viewable from the Safari Bus, but not with a drive through component and also have the walking trail to accompany the elephant complex.

The drive through is better suited to large ungulates and large herds of smaller ungulates (e.g. the 30+ herd of Indian antelope). The Addax herd would be much smaller.

 

[Jambo]

However, I do not see an issue with transfers between 4-5 institutions versus just 2-3, in fact for the more critically endangered addax it would make more sense to have more overseas captive assurance conservation breeding groups. Somehow that rationale just don't wash with me (even given that Australia is blessed with some pretty large open range zoos)

Having to consistently transfer animals in/out to maintain genetic diversity isn't ideal if it can be avoided. Transfers can therefore be minimised if animals are congregated at a few facilities which can serve as breeding hubs of which are generally more efficient and effective breeding wise.

There’s also no reason Werribee need to house Addax in the drive through. They have plenty of species like Przewalski’s horse and Bison housed in exhibits viewable from the Safari Bus, but not with a drive through component and also have the walking trail to accompany the elephant complex.

The drive through is better suited to large ungulates and large herds of smaller ungulates (e.g. the 30+ herd of Indian antelope). The Addax herd would be much smaller.

Honestly, with double ups of Ostrich and Zebra along the new Waterhole trail, Werribee could have afforded to display Addax there now. However the decision to phase them out was made quite some years ago and it seems they had intentions of displaying other species in those enclosures of which haven't come to fruition.

 

[Zoofan15]

Elephant update:

Putra Mas is still scheduled to arrive late spring:

From socials:

A fresh sand delivery was just one of many developments at the Asian Elephant habitat this week, with construction on track for Putra Mas’s arrival in late spring and the herd continuing to explore new connections.

With an additional habitat space now open, keepers are closely monitoring behaviour and offering regular opportunities for all four cows to interact. These managed introductions give the elephants time and choice to safely communicate and build familiarity, whether that’s side by side, between bollard barriers, or through sound, scent, and sight.

Burma remains a calm and steady presence, often pausing to observe her companions or enjoy a dust bath, while Permai and Tang Mo are showing encouraging signs of communication. This is giving Tang Mo new confidence, reshaping her interactions with Pak Boon – all part of the natural, dynamic way mature elephants work out their place in the herd.

Keepers are working to foster a cohesive herd, providing the elephants the time and opportunity to build confidence, explore connections, and discover what works best for them. Social dynamics between mature elephants are inherently complex and fluid, with no set timeline or single guaranteed outcome. That’s why we’re moving on elephant time – following their lead and keeping their welfare at the heart of every decision.

 

[Zoofan15]

Ring-tailed lemur births:

A further three infants have been born, joining the twins born to Spindles.

From socials:

Big news from Land of the Lemurs at Monarto Safari Park – five beautiful lemur pups have been born!

Our matriarch Spindles, who is 16 and a half years old, surprised us with twins even after having one ovary removed. We’re very lucky to still have Spindles with us and now see her pups carrying on her line alongside our male Hubert.

Already the little ones are starting to jump around the exhibit and explore the rest of the conspiracy – it’s an exciting time to visit and see them growing up.

 

[Pertinax]

Elephant update:

Putra Mas is still scheduled to arrive late spring:
.

When I read this I thought, 'that's months away yet' but then I realise this is the Southern not Northern Hemisphere! Same confusion I have with any Australian text referring to 'Victorian naturalists' or similar, to my mind in the UK 'Victorian' normally means the reign of Queen Victoria rather than the Australian state.

 

[Zoofan15]

When I read this I thought, 'that's months away yet' but then I realise this is the Southern not Northern Hemisphere! Same confusion I have with any Australian text referring to 'Victorian naturalists' or similar, to my mind in the UK 'Victorian' normally means the reign of Queen Victoria rather than the Australian state.

Yes, the Southern Hemisphere where our California sea lion pups are born in December; and our Polar bear cubs are born in May and June.

We’ve just had a very boring International Red Panda Day, where zoos had nothing noteworthy to announce on their socials because cubs are born December/January in the Southern Hemisphere. These International X Days are often used to announce births and the timing is ideal for the Northern Hemisphere, which would have cubs emerging from the nest box around this time.

 

[marmolady]

I was at Monarto today, not much to report, but I was excited to see Pak Boon and Tang Mo using the newly completed paddock now viewable by bus. The viewing platform for this paddock is still under construction and at least one more paddock is still in progress.

It was also my first time seeing the seven-strong hyena clan out in the big exhibit— a fantastic sight! I’ll upload some photos to the gallery in the next couple of days.

 

[Zoofan15]

I was at Monarto today, not much to report, but I was excited to see Pak Boon and Tang Mo using the newly completed paddock now viewable by bus. The viewing platform for this paddock is still under construction and at least one more paddock is still in progress.

It was also my first time seeing the seven-strong hyena clan out in the big exhibit— a fantastic sight! I’ll upload some photos to the gallery in the next couple of days.

Thank you for this update.

@Luke899 believed the new paddock that had opened up was Area 4. Is this correct? It appears from the map that this will primarily be Putra Mas’ paddock.

 

[marmolady]

Area 3 is now opened up, it is the paddock Pak Boon and Tang Mo had access to today. Area 4 is not visible to the public, but I don't believe it is in use yet.

 

[Jambo]

Area 3 is now opened up, it is the paddock Pak Boon and Tang Mo had access to today. Area 4 is not visible to the public, but I don't believe it is in use yet.

So Areas 4 and 5 aren't in use then yet it seems?

 

[Zorro]

Thank you for this update.

@Luke899 believed the new paddock that had opened up was Area 4. Is this correct? It appears from the map that this will primarily be Putra Mas’ paddock.

View attachment 831242

Any idea which yard will have the new concrete pool built?

 

[Zoofan15]

Any idea which yard will have the new concrete pool built?

I believe that Area 2 will have the fully submersible concrete pool you refer to. From the map, it appears the deepest; though if Area 4 is to predominantly be the bull’s yard, it makes sense for that bull to be fully submersible as well.

Having at least two of the cow areas with shallower pools would be beneficial in regards to calf-proofing (being optimistic here).

 

[Zorro]

I believe that Area 2 will have the fully submersible concrete pool you refer to. From the map, it appears the deepest; though if Area 4 is to predominantly be the bull’s yard, it makes sense for that bull to be fully submersible as well.

Having at least two of the cow areas with shallower pools would be beneficial in regards to calf-proofing (being optimistic here).

So can we assume that the bull barn has not started being built as of yet

 

[Chlidonias]

I was excited to see Pak Boon and Tang Mo using the newly completed paddock now viewable by bus. The viewing platform for this paddock is still under construction and at least one more paddock is still in progress.

Area 3 is now opened up, it is the paddock Pak Boon and Tang Mo had access to today.

I thought the viewing platform being built was for Area 2? I'm sure that's what the guide on the bus said when I was there.

Pak Boon and Tang Mo were in Area 3 when I was there, Burma was out in Area 1, and Permai was in the Elephant House at the time but visible from the bus.