New park

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Zoofan15 said:
That would be interesting to see. If you need inspiration, Paradise Valley Springs (New Zealand), Kamo Wildlife Park (New Zealand) and Mansfield Zoo (Victoria) are examples of non-accredited facilities that hold exotics (easily obtainable species).
Through your own knowledge, you’d have a good idea of what other species are achievable/obtainable beyond that within the region.

Acquiring Sri Lankan leopard would require the facility to join the European breeding programme, which is a more in depth process. It’s a shame as new holders would be so beneficial while they become established in the region.
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Keep in mind this would be a large zoo, and is only a selection of possibilities
With a bit of luck and investment, I could see this eventuating:
Bison

Domestic Water Buffalo

Asian Small Clawed Otter

African Lion- White or Tan

Capybara

Collared Peccary

Cotton Top Tamarin

Pygmy Marmoset

Common Marmoset

Caracal

Sun Conure

Reticulated Python

Serval

African Grey Parrot

Scarlet Macaw

Blue and Gold Macaw

Maned Wolf

Squirrel Monkey

Barbary Sheep

Binturong

Hamadryas Baboon

Vervet Monkey

Black and White Colobus

Komodo Dragon

Himalayan Tahr

Dusky/Francois Langur

Blackbuck

Ostrich

Nyala

Eland



Well After Opening-

Giraffe(Bachelor Herd)

Zebra(Stallion)

Sumatran Tiger

Sri Lankan Leopard

Clouded Leopard

Brazilian Tapir (dependent on situation potentially Malayan)

Malayan Sun Bear

Sloth Bear
 
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PaddyRickMFZ said:
W

Keep in mind this would be a large zoo, and is only a selection of possibilities
With a bit of luck and investment, I could see this eventuating:
Bison

Domestic Water Buffalo

Asian Small Clawed Otter

African Lion- White or Tan

Capybara

Collared Peccary

Cotton Top Tamarin

Pygmy Marmoset

Common Marmoset

Caracal

Sun Conure

Reticulated Python

Serval

African Grey Parrot

Scarlet Macaw

Blue and Gold Macaw

Maned Wolf

Squirrel Monkey

Barbary Sheep

Binturong

Hamadryas Baboon

Vervet Monkey

Black and White Colobus

Komodo Dragon

Himalayan Tahr

Dusky/Francois Langur

Blackbuck

Ostrich

Nyala

Eland



Well After Opening-

Giraffe(Bachelor Herd)

Zebra(Stallion)

Sumatran Tiger

Sri Lankan Leopard

Clouded Leopard

Brazilian Tapir (dependent on situation potentially Malayan)

Malayan Sun Bear

Sloth Bear
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Not sure Melbourne Zoo will relinquish their Collared peccary, but if they would I’d love to see them go to a facility that will breed them. I’m of the opinion that should have happened long ago if Melbourne Zoo wish to phase them out.

Under the “well after opening” category, many of these species are indeed something only a well established zoo would look at acquiring - especially Malayan sun bear, which are a challenge to source; but I’d like to note that Keystone (now ZAA accredited, but previously non accredited) was able to acquire three bull giraffe and several zebra stallions. Both of these are always in great surplus and I’d imagine are comparatively easy to acquire as donations from accredited zoos.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Not sure Melbourne Zoo will relinquish their Collared peccary, but if they would I’d love to see them go to a facility that will breed them. I’m of the opinion that should have happened long ago if Melbourne Zoo wish to phase them out.

Under the “well after opening” category, many of these species are indeed something only a well established zoo would look at acquiring - especially Malayan sun bear, which are a challenge to source; but I’d like to note that Keystone (now ZAA accredited, but previously non accredited) was able to acquire three bull giraffe and several zebra stallions. Both of these are always in great surplus and I’d imagine are comparatively easy to acquire as donations from accredited zoos.
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Thanks for the info. I guess I could see an African Savannah type exhibit featuring Giraffe, Zebra, Ostrich, Nyala and maybe Eland as not too much of a hassle. I was definitely hoping MZ would relinquish their peccaries, and I don’t really see why they wouldn’t if they are to be phased out and not bred. Kinda illogical on their part
 
PaddyRickMFZ said:
Thanks for the info. I guess I could see an African Savannah type exhibit featuring Giraffe, Zebra, Ostrich, Nyala and maybe Eland as not too much of a hassle. I was definitely hoping MZ would relinquish their peccaries, and I don’t really see why they wouldn’t if they are to be phased out and not bred. Kinda illogical on their part
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Those species (and most ungulates) are a good choice as the exhibit they require is comparatively simple (a grass field) compared to what a Snow leopard would need or a False gharial.

Giraffe are expensive to feed, due to their size, but smaller ungulates are certainly cheaper than big cats, primates etc. which are costly because of their diet. Wellington Zoo name their chimpanzee troop as the most expensive to feed. I’d imagine the trio of giraffe, followed by each of the three pairs of big cats they hold.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Those species (and most ungulates) are a good choice as the exhibit they require is comparatively simple (a grass field) compared to what a Snow leopard would need or a False gharial.

Giraffe are expensive to feed, due to their size, but smaller ungulates are certainly cheaper than big cats, primates etc. which are costly because of their diet. Wellington Zoo name their chimpanzee troop as the most expensive to feed. I’d imagine the trio of giraffe, followed by each of the three pairs of big cats they hold.
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I feel as though starting with one big cat, which would certainly pay for itself is not too ambitious. A smaller cat like caracal is popular and charismatic, while providing a good filler animal in an African themed precinct. African Savannah exhibits are always popular with the public, and the zebras can always be separated with necessary. Placing them next to lions and other small African species would also help. There’s also no reason not to have meerkats if you can get your hands on them. Ideally a primate species would complete such a precinct, namely vervets or hamadryads, and an Aldabra tortoise could be another good option.
 
I wish you a succesfull undertaking sir.
Can I ask: Will you need to obtain a construction permit first (if you are starting from a green field, from zero) for the animal houses/enclosures and infrastructure, or you already posses some kind of empty facility like past farm complex. Or is it allowed to do hand-job, like for example more basic naturalistic enclosures using wood/wiremesh, for native species for which maybe you don't need a construction permit?
I also want to do a project this year (in North Macedonia), for construction permit for enclosures for big cats, siamangs/gibbons and for kangaroos/wallabies, and that will take at least 8-10 months until I get the construction permit, after which construction can begin.
 
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Bruce burdon said:
Around the mill to open the door and further inputs
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I don’t intend to come across as discouraging, but one million would barely cover supporting infrastructure - administration building, quarantine facilities, visitor facilities e.g. toilet blocks.

That’s before you even start building and maintaining exhibits; as well as the allocation of additional funds for animal upkeep (food, vet bills).

As I don’t doubt you’re aware, you also need to have funds for unexpected occurrences; as well as overheads like insurance, electricity etc.
 
Zoofan15 said:
I don’t intend to come across as discouraging, but one million would barely cover supporting infrastructure - administration building, quarantine facilities, visitor facilities e.g. toilet blocks.

That’s before you even start building and maintaining exhibits; as well as the allocation of additional funds for animal upkeep (food, vet bills).

As I don’t doubt you’re aware, you also need to have funds for unexpected occurrences; as well as overheads like insurance, electricity etc.
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In fairness, 1 million would very much suffice for a smaller park. It’s likely the exhibits won’t be of ZAA quality; so won’t require the same expenses. Obviously he intends to hold animals that are easily maintained, so wouldn’t be overly worried about that. Further inputs would be needed of course, as stated, but as the park grows, so will the visitor count, and thus the once difficult coats become far more achievable. The main issue I would assume is buying the property, as 1 million should comfortably cover a medium sized facility without outstanding visitor facilities
 
“As the park grows”.

Why would it grow? Again, there is already an established small wildlife park in this region, which has recently gained the organisational and financial heft of being government-owned.

What is this new park going to do differently to draw people to it, and not Kyabram?
 
CGSwans said:
“As the park grows”.

Why would it grow? Again, there is already an established small wildlife park in this region, which has recently gained the organisational and financial heft of being government-owned.

What is this new park going to do differently to draw people to it, and not Kyabram?
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Why would it not grow? It probably wouldn’t be ideal to stagnate, and an initial budget of 1 million doesn’t allow for an entirely complete facility. Kyabram has a collection entirely comprised of natives, aside from meerkats. Having smaller but popular exotics is an easy way to create a point of difference, while having some natives. When I say as the park grows, it could be higher key exotics, potentially even lions which don’t require ZAA accreditation
 
PaddyRickMFZ said:
Why would it not grow? It probably wouldn’t be ideal to stagnate, and an initial budget of 1 million doesn’t allow for an entirely complete facility. Kyabram has a collection entirely comprised of natives, aside from meerkats. Having smaller but popular exotics is an easy way to create a point of difference, while having some natives. When I say as the park grows, it could be higher key exotics, potentially even lions which don’t require ZAA accreditation
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Because money runs out.
 
PaddyRickMFZ said:
That obviously where the profit comes in. If you are successful and you have visitors, you can afford to grow…
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Uh huh, but we’re back at the beginning, aren’t we? What is this park going to do differently to attract visitors there rather than Kyabram?
 
CGSwans said:
Uh huh, but we’re back at the beginning, aren’t we? What is this park going to do differently to attract visitors there rather than Kyabram?
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Exotics. most Shepparton residents will not drive 4 hours just to go to the zoo, so this zoo will certainly have a market. As stated, Kyabram only told natives, so an easy way to outcompete them is to hold exotics that you cannot see at Kyabram. Of course it is up to him what he holds, but holding something like a capybara which cannot be seen in Victoria is something I’d suggest
 
CGSwans said:
Kyabram is also expanding into exotics.
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They have only indicated otters for certain, potentially capybara. They stated potential rotational exhibits, but that’s unlikely. Having an exotic focused collections will take priority over a facility with 3-4 exotics.
 
Right-o. I think I’m done here - it’s simply wish-casting to imagine the Goulburn Valley region has room for two zoos. I can’t convince you of something you don’t want to believe.
 
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