Taronga Zoo Taronga Zoo News 2023

[Zoofan15]

We'll see what happens. I predict Rainforest Trail / Wild Asia to be the next redevelopment after the new reptile house, wildlife hospital, Sky Safari and Congo precinct, especially as the elephants will be leaving within the next few years. I would say its exhibits are looking a little on the small side, especially the bongo and Pygmy hippo exhibits. After that, I would say GSO is the next precinct to be renovated, although this would probably just be the demolition of the pelican exhibit (hopefully they will build an aviary for them but I can't think where) and a small enlargement of the seal pools.

I’ll be interested to see what eventuates with the Congo precinct as it sounds like gorillas are very up in the air.

It could really go three ways:

1) Breeding troop and bachelor troop.
2) Bachelor troop.
3) Total phase out.

Especially if Taronga are considering acquiring orangutans long term, they may well decide they’re happy with two great ape species. I like gorillas, but a large community of chimpanzees is far more engaging; and orangutans are great for the image of a modern zoo with the innovation of aerial lines.

 

[Zoofan15]

Fennec fox update:

From socials:

Following a successful introduction, Karerua and Zalika are getting on well and the keepers set up the den for a potential birth. Unfortunately one didn’t eventuate, so the keepers are now anticipating a wait until late 2024.

Fennec foxes are seasonal breeders and indeed births in the region have predominantly been October to December (conceived August to October).

 

[Jambo]

Fennec fox update:

From socials:

Following a successful introduction, Karerua and Zalika are getting on well and the keepers set up the den for a potential birth. Unfortunately one didn’t eventuate, so the keepers are now anticipating a wait until late 2024.

Fennec foxes are seasonal breeders and indeed births in the region have predominantly been October to December (conceived August to October).

Fingers crossed we have success with this pair next year for the sake of the regional population which hasn't been doing to well breeding wise in the last few years.

 

[Abbey]

Fennec fox update:

From socials:

Following a successful introduction, Karerua and Zalika are getting on well and the keepers set up the den for a potential birth. Unfortunately one didn’t eventuate, so the keepers are now anticipating a wait until late 2024.

Fennec foxes are seasonal breeders and indeed births in the region have predominantly been October to December (conceived August to October).

I thought it was interesting that the fennec fox was described as a 'winter breeder' in the episode. Maybe they were referring to conception, rather than the birth, or this is different as a result of captivity or the Australian climate

 

[Zoofan15]

I thought it was interesting that the fennec fox was described as a 'winter breeder' in the episode. Maybe they were referring to conception, rather than the birth, or this is different as a result of captivity or the Australian climate

Same here. The post on socials described them as winter breeders and preparing for winter next year. As I was reporting that, I realised births in Australian zoos have previously fallen in October to December. Factoring in gestation (50 days), that dates matings to August to October (tail end of Winter; beginning to middle of Spring).

I see in the Northern Hemisphere, they breed in January to February (sometimes March); with January and February being winter months in the Northern Hemisphere. Therefore winter is the start of breeding season (matings) with the Southern Hemisphere breeding season beginning at the end of winter (August).

It’s interesting to see the variation in seasonal breeders between the hemispheres. California sea lions are born in June in the Northern Hemisphere; December in the Southern Hemisphere. Red pandas are the same - producing offspring in December/January in the Southern Hemisphere versus the middle of the year in the north.

 

[Osedax]

I was at Taronga today and have the following updates:

- Moore Park Aviary: the birds and signage have been removed again, and there is now signage for red panda. I didn’t see any, but I assume it is Zaya and Daiyu.
- Reptile World: the Boa Constrictor that was in the old anaconda terrarium has moved back in with the Elongated Tortoises, Eastern River Cooters and the other boa. The former anaconda exhibit now has signage for Plumed Basilisk, but there is a sign inside the exhibit that says “Animals have been temporarily removed”. The other basilisk exhibit now has a male and female, so hopefully they will be breeding the species!
- Nguwing Nura: There are now 4 Fat-tailed Dunnarts rather than 2, and they are much more confident.
JR (Barton’s Long-beaked Echidna) is on display!!! Well, the species is now signed in the Yellow-bellied Glider exhibit anyway, as is Rufous Bettong. I managed to see one bettong, but did not see JR, although I did see an unsigned Short-beaked Echidna in the exhibit.
- The Centenary Theatre is now showing Netflix wildlife documentaries.
- The Peaceful Doves, Zebra Finches and Brown Cuckoo Doves are nesting in the Blue Mountains Bushwalk, as well as a female pair of Regent Bowerbirds.
- I heard an Eastern Pobblebonk in the Australian Rainforest Aviary.
- One of the goats is heavily pregnant.
- The ostriches are being gradually introduced into the zebra/giraffe paddock. There is new fencing around the outside of the exhibit, to, according to a keeper, “get the ostriches used to where the barriers are”.
- I found it interesting that okapi were talked about in the Giraffe Keeper Talk, with the keeper stating “there aren’t any in Australia at the moment”. Not sure if this hints at anything.
- Pygmy Hippos: Kambiri was on exhibit without a calf.
- I only saw 1.2 lions.

I don’t think I have forgotten anything, but I probably have.

 

[Zoofan15]

I was at Taronga today and have the following updates:

- Moore Park Aviary: the birds and signage have been removed again, and there is now signage for red panda. I didn’t see any, but I assume it is Zaya and Daiyu.
- Reptile World: the Boa Constrictor that was in the old anaconda terrarium has moved back in with the Elongated Tortoises, Eastern River Cooters and the other boa. The former anaconda exhibit now has signage for Plumed Basilisk, but there is a sign inside the exhibit that says “Animals have been temporarily removed”. The other basilisk exhibit now has a male and female, so hopefully they will be breeding the species!
- Nguwing Nura: There are now 4 Fat-tailed Dunnarts rather than 2, and they are much more confident.
JR (Barton’s Long-beaked Echidna) is on display!!! Well, the species is now signed in the Yellow-bellied Glider exhibit anyway, as is Rufous Bettong. I managed to see one bettong, but did not see JR, although I did see an unsigned Short-beaked Echidna in the exhibit.
- The Centenary Theatre is now showing Netflix wildlife documentaries.
- The Peaceful Doves, Zebra Finches and Brown Cuckoo Doves are nesting in the Blue Mountains Bushwalk, as well as a female pair of Regent Bowerbirds.
- I heard an Eastern Pobblebonk in the Australian Rainforest Aviary.
- The ostriches are being gradually introduced into the zebra/giraffe paddock. There is new fencing around the outside of the exhibit, to, according to a keeper, “get the ostriches used to where the barriers are”.
- I found it interesting that okapi were talked about in the Giraffe Keeper Talk, with the keeper stating “there aren’t any in Australia at the moment”. Not sure if this hints at anything.
- Pygmy Hippos: Kambiri was on exhibit without a calf.
- I only saw 1.2 lions.

I don’t think I have forgotten anything, but I probably have.

Thanks for sharing. There’s no doubt talks being held amongst management at Taronga with regards to importing Okapi, though the only option to do so is via quarantine in New Zealand. Though this is yet to be done with giraffe, it’s worth noting that giraffes are typically shipped around 12-18 months of age and the 12 month quarantine would therefore extend this by a year. Okapi being smaller, are possible to ship across all ages.

I was told recently that breeding introductions have been undertaken between Fergus and Kambiri, so fingers crossed for a successful calf in 2024.

Last I heard the lions were being managed as both the 3.4 together and the 2.0 adolescents on their own at times. Assuming all are still at Taronga, I’d assume their sisters are rotating between the groups as clearly not all of them were housed with their father.

 

[Jambo]

the birds and signage have been removed again, and there is now signage for red panda. I didn’t see any, but I assume it is Zaya and Daiyu.

Usually Pabu is moved there, but it could very well be the two young females.

I only saw 1.2 lions.

On occasions, the lions have access to the smaller off display enclosure at the same time too so I imagine this may have been the case during your visit.

 

[JessKimber]

Great to hear JR is back on display!

I’m trying so hard not to get my hopes up for okapi, but my gosh if they actually do end up coming to Taronga I would be beside myself. What a dream species. What’s the current aim for the Congo region to finish?

 

[Jambo]

Great to hear JR is back on display!

I’m trying so hard not to get my hopes up for okapi, but my gosh if they actually do end up coming to Taronga I would be beside myself. What a dream species. What’s the current aim for the Congo region to finish?

At this point there's been no confirmation the congo precinct will be going forward. As you mentioned, the Okapi are probably unlikely and when you take into account there's talks of Taronga potentially phasing out their gorillas there's really no reason for Taronga to go forward with such a precinct.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see a Congo precinct but as time goes on it realistically seems less and less likely. If anything, it would still be another few years until construction begins once the current projects like the skyfari and reptile house are completed.

 

[Abbey]

Great to hear JR is back on display!

I’m trying so hard not to get my hopes up for okapi, but my gosh if they actually do end up coming to Taronga I would be beside myself. What a dream species. What’s the current aim for the Congo region to finish?

At this point there's been no confirmation the congo precinct will be going forward. As you mentioned, the Okapi are probably unlikely and when you take into account there's talks of Taronga potentially phasing out their gorillas there's really no reason for Taronga to go forward with such a precinct.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see a Congo precinct but as time goes on it realistically seems less and less likely. If anything, it would still be another few years until construction begins once the current projects like the skyfari and reptile house are completed.

As mentioned, my understanding is that the current priority projects for Taronga are the reptile house (currently under construction), wildlife hospital upgrade (can't start until the existing reptile house is vacated) and sky safari. The wildlife hospital upgrade is expected to commence sometime after next April. I'd guess if all goes to plan, the reptile house will open for the April school holidays, but that's in no way confirmed, and projects like this can readily be delayed by weather, hiccups with the animals, etc.

 

[Zoofan15]

Great to hear JR is back on display!

I’m trying so hard not to get my hopes up for okapi, but my gosh if they actually do end up coming to Taronga I would be beside myself. What a dream species. What’s the current aim for the Congo region to finish?

At this point there's been no confirmation the congo precinct will be going forward. As you mentioned, the Okapi are probably unlikely and when you take into account there's talks of Taronga potentially phasing out their gorillas there's really no reason for Taronga to go forward with such a precinct.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see a Congo precinct but as time goes on it realistically seems less and less likely. If anything, it would still be another few years until construction begins once the current projects like the skyfari and reptile house are completed.

As mentioned, my understanding is that the current priority projects for Taronga are the reptile house (currently under construction), wildlife hospital upgrade (can't start until the existing reptile house is vacated) and sky safari. The wildlife hospital upgrade is expected to commence sometime after next April. I'd guess if all goes to plan, the reptile house will open for the April school holidays, but that's in no way confirmed, and projects like this can readily be delayed by weather, hiccups with the animals, etc.

I really feel like the eventuality of the Congo precinct rests on Taronga’s long term commitment to gorillas. When I asked about Okapi, the zoo said they were still in the plans; but emphasised the gorillas would be the headliners. As such, I can imagine the precinct going ahead without Okapi; but not without gorillas.

The future of gorillas at Taronga is apparently up in the air and I guess we’ll have to wait and see whether Taronga persist with a breeding troop; scale back to a bachelor troop; or phase them out altogether in favour of focussing on chimpanzees (and hopefully orangutans).

 

[loganjmuir]

I really feel like the eventuality of the Congo precinct rests on Taronga’s long term commitment to gorillas. When I asked about Okapi, the zoo said they were still in the plans; but emphasised the gorillas would be the headliners. As such, I can imagine the precinct going ahead without Okapi; but not without gorillas.

The future of gorillas at Taronga is apparently up in the air and I guess we’ll have to wait and see whether Taronga persist with a breeding troop; scale back to a bachelor troop; or phase them out altogether in favour of focussing on chimpanzees (and hopefully orangutans).

Okapi is unfortunately starting to seem more and more unlikely but this could make way for a species currently in the zoo to take priority, for example Bongo or Pygmy Hippo. Both of these are certainly in the realm of possibility, and with Taronga's recent Hippo breeding attempts they will soon require a larger living space. In my opinion, Taronga have no choice but to go ahead with the Congo Precinct, as they have been building a reputation recently for a 'concrete zoo', and the new concrete reptile house won't help this. As a result Taronga have to turn the attention away from this idea and a Congo Precinct would make for a perfect spotlight. This could also make way for a few smaller species like Langurs or birds to take residence in the Congo Precinct, all while freeing up space in the Elephant Trail.

I know this particular discussion is around the Congo Precinct, but Monarto's recent expansions and redevelopments look set to take in around 13-15 Elephants, of which 2 of said 13-15 have been speculated to be Pak Boong and Tang Mo, so there is a conversation to be had around replacing the Elephants in the immediate future. Should the Elephants depart the zoo in the next 12 months I personally think either a combination of Orangutans(most likely bornean) and Tapirs would be the most fitting replacement, other than Rhinos, which could accompany Sambar Deer or Philippine Spotted Deer as Taronga have housed in the past.

 

[Osedax]

Updates from today:

- The ostriches are being gradually introduced into the zebra/giraffe paddock. There is new fencing around the outside of the exhibit, to, according to a keeper, “get the ostriches used to where the barriers are”.

- The fencing has been moved back to split the yard along the side of the giraffe barn in two; one half for the zebras and the other for the ostriches. The ostriches will be introduced to the zebras first, then the giraffes later, though so far Ebo has been a problem.

- Last Thursday, koala encounters have moved from the site of the old bush bird aviaries to the new facility in Nura Diya. I have heard that the previous encounter area will eventually be demolished to make way for the Congo precinct.
- The Spinifex Hopping Mouse and potoroos in Nguwing Nura are in what I can only describe as a “breeding frenzy”, with constant matings happening.

(Barton’s Long-beaked Echidna) is on display!!! Well, the species is now signed in the Yellow-bellied Glider exhibit anyway, as is Rufous Bettong. I managed to see one bettong, but did not see JR, although I did see an unsigned Short-beaked Echidna in the exhibit.

- JR is not in the glider exhibit as I presumed, but in the open-topped potoroo exhibit next door. I saw him in the morning but not in the other two times I visited the building today.

- Assistance dogs are now allowed in the zoo, although they cannot go into any walkthrough exhibits or indoor areas, or at the koala and dingo exhibits. When taking them to the farmyard, tigers, lions or langurs, the owner of the dog is asked to carefully monitor the behaviour of the animals and to move on if the animals show signs of reacting to the dog’s presence.
- Wompoo Fruit Doves have moved into the Australian Rainforest Aviary, meaning that aviary now has all three Australian Ptilinopus species!
- The path between the camels and gorillas is currently closed due to the construction of the new reptile house. The plans are for the path to reopen on Wednesday.
- The new zoo map will also be released on Wednesday, when school holidays officially begin.
- The new Wild Ropes course opened in its entirety yesterday.
- A third stop on the new Sky Safari is seemingly confirmed.
- There is now a small population of free-roaming crickets in Nguwing Nura, to provide a realistic soundscape without using as much electricity.
- The same soundtrack played by hidden speakers in Nguwing Nura is now also played in Buru Nura (the macropod walkthrough in Nura Diya).
- There are once again tadpoles in Blue Mountains Bushwalk (in the small pond located on the short path directly to the right of the entrance).
- A pair of Little Lorikeets are nesting in a Wollemi Pine in BMB.
- The Grey-crowned Babbler signage in BMB has been removed. Of course, this may not mean much; half the species in there are unsigned! Even when it was signed, this is a species I had never seen in this aviary in at least 30-40 visits (but then I had never seen the Little Lorikeets until today either, and they have also been signed for years!).

- Moore Park Aviary: the birds and signage have been removed again, and there is now signage for red panda. I didn’t see any, but I assume it is Zaya and Daiyu.

Usually Pabu is moved there, but it could very well be the two young females.

- I can confirm it is Zaya and Daiyu. One of them was asleep, but the other one was extremely active, coming right up to the mesh many times before climbing right up to the top of the exhibit. It was a 35 degree day today, so they had their sprinkler on, and she shook water all over me twice!

- In the indoor portion of GSO, there are now hidden speakers like in Nura Diya, as well as moving blue lights made to look like the ocean projected onto the floor. It really creates an effect, making you feel like you really are underwater.

More updates coming on Thursday.

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for another comprehensive update @Osedax.

The fencing has been moved back to split the yard along the side of the giraffe barn in two; one half for the zebras and the other for the ostriches. The ostriches will be introduced to the zebras first, then the giraffes later, though so far Ebo has been a problem.

As detailed on The Zoo, Rukiya had a habit of chasing the ostrich when she arrived at Auckland Zoo aged 12 months. She’d never seen an ostrich at Wellington Zoo, where she was born. It was something she grew out of and I’m sure Ebo will too. He’s still young and has energy to burn.

A third stop on the new Sky Safari is seemingly confirmed.

I’m intrigued to see the final route when this is complete. Especially given the implications for construction on the site of the elephant exhibit.

 

[Jambo]

A third stop on the new Sky Safari is seemingly confirmed.

I’m intrigued to see the final route when this is complete. Especially given the implications for construction on the site of the elephant exhibit.

I’m open to correction but I believe the plan was/is for the third stop to be in the bottom right corner of the zoo (around where the Backyard to Bush precinct is). The skyfari will then form a loop around the zoo with three stops rather than just a single trip back and forth from the top of the zoo to the harbor.

 

[Osedax]

Updates from today:

- The fencing has been moved back to split the yard along the side of the giraffe barn in two; one half for the zebras and the other for the ostriches. The ostriches will be introduced to the zebras first, then the giraffes later, though so far Ebo has been a problem.

- Last Thursday, koala encounters have moved from the site of the old bush bird aviaries to the new facility in Nura Diya. I have heard that the previous encounter area will eventually be demolished to make way for the Congo precinct.
- The Spinifex Hopping Mouse and potoroos in Nguwing Nura are in what I can only describe as a “breeding frenzy”, with constant matings happening.

- JR is not in the glider exhibit as I presumed, but in the open-topped potoroo exhibit next door. I saw him in the morning but not in the other two times I visited the building today.

- Assistance dogs are now allowed in the zoo, although they cannot go into any walkthrough exhibits or indoor areas, or at the koala and dingo exhibits. When taking them to the farmyard, tigers, lions or langurs, the owner of the dog is asked to carefully monitor the behaviour of the animals and to move on if the animals show signs of reacting to the dog’s presence.
- Wompoo Fruit Doves have moved into the Australian Rainforest Aviary, meaning that aviary now has all three Australian Ptilinopus species!
- The path between the camels and gorillas is currently closed due to the construction of the new reptile house. The plans are for the path to reopen on Wednesday.
- The new zoo map will also be released on Wednesday, when school holidays officially begin.
- The new Wild Ropes course opened in its entirety yesterday.
- A third stop on the new Sky Safari is seemingly confirmed.
- There is now a small population of free-roaming crickets in Nguwing Nura, to provide a realistic soundscape without using as much electricity.
- The same soundtrack played by hidden speakers in Nguwing Nura is now also played in Buru Nura (the macropod walkthrough in Nura Diya).
- There are once again tadpoles in Blue Mountains Bushwalk (in the small pond located on the short path directly to the right of the entrance).
- A pair of Little Lorikeets are nesting in a Wollemi Pine in BMB.
- The Grey-crowned Babbler signage in BMB has been removed. Of course, this may not mean much; half the species in there are unsigned! Even when it was signed, this is a species I had never seen in this aviary in at least 30-40 visits (but then I had never seen the Little Lorikeets until today either, and they have also been signed for years!).


- I can confirm it is Zaya and Daiyu. One of them was asleep, but the other one was extremely active, coming right up to the mesh many times before climbing right up to the top of the exhibit. It was a 35 degree day today, so they had their sprinkler on, and she shook water all over me twice!

- In the indoor portion of GSO, there are now hidden speakers like in Nura Diya, as well as moving blue lights made to look like the ocean projected onto the floor. It really creates an effect, making you feel like you really are underwater.

More updates coming on Thursday.

I always forget something!

The former anaconda exhibit now has signage for Plumed Basilisk, but there is a sign inside the exhibit that says “Animals have been temporarily removed”. The other basilisk exhibit now has a male and female, so hopefully they will be breeding the species!

- Today there were 1.2 basilisks in the old anaconda exhibit, as well as the 1.1 in the other basilisk exhibit.

 

[WhistlingKite24]

A few updates from the 2022-2023 report:

Link: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/t...al Parks Board) Annual Report 2022-23 (1).PDF

• a new masterplan is currently under development that will inform the zoo towards 2050.

• the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre is still scheduled to be opened in 2024.

• construction for the new wildlife hospital will start in early 2024 and will be completed by late 2025. This will include core treatment rooms, laboratories, wildlife rehab facilities [focus on marine wildlife] which will be visible to the public, and a public plaza/meeting place.

• the Platypus Refuge and Rehabilitation, Sydney will continue its second stage of construction. The first facility was completed in May 2022 with a holding capacity of ten individuals. The second facility was in the design phase at the time of writing and will serve a research/breeding facility which is all to be completed next year.

• no mention of Congo for future capital projects.

• a new off-display breeding facility was opened for the Bellinger River Turtles. The recent 2023 breeding season was successful with 43 hatchlings and a total of 203 turtles at Taronga – this equals the predicted size of the wild population now.

• an additional 148 Northern Corroboree Frog eggs were collected to support genetic diversity of the insurance colony.

• following the release of 640 Booroolong Frogs, there are still about 110 frogs at Taronga that are carefully managed.

• 425 Taronga-bred Christmas Island Blue-tailed Skinks have been released to date.

• Taronga is participating in the first breed-for-release programme for koalas in a site at Port Macquarie. The acquisition of founders is ongoing as the facility nears completion.

• Sky Safari is to reopen in 2026.

 

[Jambo]

Re. the Lions, I saw a video on socials from a few days ago showing all of the lions together in the main enclosure. It seems to me that they're probably rotated between social groupings ie. one day they might be all together and the next in different, smaller groupings. It will be interesting to see if this is effective long term; but would be really awesome if Taronga were able to achieve this.

 

[Zoofan15]

Re. the Lions, I saw a video on socials from a few days ago showing all of the lions together in the main enclosure. It seems to me that they're probably rotated between social groupings ie. one day they might be all together and the next in different, smaller groupings. It will be interesting to see if this is effective long term; but would be really awesome if Taronga were able to achieve this.

That was my understanding. A fission-fusion management style isn’t typically applied in the region; but few have the luxury of Taronga’s facilities which are equipped to manage this. It could potentially ease tensions which would arise from all seven lions sharing an exhibit space 24/7.

As well as Taronga’s previous pride, Paradise Valley Springs have managed a handful of males that have grown to maturity and remained in the pride; though this is dependent on individual personalities and some combinations (male and female) required lions to be transferred out to reduce fighting.