Taronga Zoo Taronga Zoo News 2024

[loganjmuir]

I was at the zoo today for an encounter so I had a brief period of time to look around and have some slight of interest points to relay:
. The former Rhinoceros Iguana(before that Komodo Dragon) exhibit is now signed for Short Beaked Echidna, although none were present in the indoor/outdoor exhibit. Following this, I checked out the other Short Beaked Echidna habitat but I did not see any.
. All 7 Lions were in together, with one of the female cubs sleeping near the main glass viewpoint and the rest of the pride sleeping under their shelter.
. The Zebra were in with the Giraffe, and the Ostrich had the whole sectioned-off area to themselves.
. Also the zoo now has a 'Chips on a Stick' truck stationed near the Savanna gift-shop.

 

[Zoofan15]

JR the Long-beaked echidna:

JR was sighted by @Osedax last month, but now Taronga have officially announced his return on socials:

'JR' the long-beaked echidna is back, splishing and splashing his way into the new year! JR is one of the rarest and most endangered animals we have at Taronga, and is almost 60 years old.

Taronga is possibly the only place to witness a majestic long-beaked echidna. Come and say hello to JR at Taronga's nguwing nura – Nocturnal Country, home to approximately 230 nocturnal animals. Along with JR, you can now witness three different monotremes all in the same space!

 

[Osedax]

I am currently on the train coming back from Taronga. Here are today’s updates.

- Today I did a volunteer-adapted version of the new Wild Asia Tour. Pretty standard; educational talks about elephants, Palm Aviary, tigers, Mary (sun bear), langurs, binturongs, otters, fishing cat and red pandas (and Pygmy hippo and squirrel monkeys even though they are not from Asia), and a visit to the BTS carnivore kitchen, which was interesting. We were told that the tour done by the general public is exactly the same, with the addition of a BTS experience at the elephant barn. We then went back to the institute to do Rainforest Classroom and saw the Pygmy Marmosets (first time I had ever got to go and see them).
- There was some interesting information presented during the tour, like how the zoo recently received a female binturong for a short period. She has now left the zoo again.
- It was confirmed during the tour that there are currently 35 bird species in the Palm Aviary. This is interesting as I only have records of 22 species being in there since 2018, three of which are certainly not in there now.
- There is only one Forest Kingfisher in the Palm Aviary currently.
- Fences have been placed around the pool in the first Pygmy hippo exhibit, unsure why.
- Red panda signage has been removed from Moore Park/Circular Aviary, although Zaya and Daiyu are most certainly still there.
- 4 Magnificent Tree Frogs hatched before Christmas, bred off display in Reptile World. They are now in the education department.
- The Cotton-top Tamarins are once again visible from the main path past the RACC construction site, through windows in the black wall shielding them from construction noise.
- Speaking of the RACC, construction is coming along very well and I estimate the building should be completed by the middle of the year.
- The Swamp Wallaby in the old dingo exhibit in the Taronga Institute has been replaced by a pair of Red-necked Pademelons. The two female Red Kangaroos are still there.
- Spent a very enjoyable 15 minutes in the Semi-Arid Aviary, and saw every species except the Red-headed Honeyeater. The Masked Woodswallows and many Turquoise Parrots have been released into the aviary, but most of the Little Lorikeets and Swift Parrots have been removed. Interestingly, there are now at least two male Variegated Fairy Wrens in the aviary (I have heard that male fairy wrens will kill each other if kept together). But the most exciting news from this aviary is the new arrival of a shy group of around 10 Stubble Quails!
- Matilda the platypus in Nguwing Nura is currently off display, and her exhibit is inhabited by two Murray River Turtles.
- There is indeed an echidna in the old Komodo dragon exhibit.

 

[Zoofan15]

I am currently on the train coming back from Taronga. Here are today’s updates.

- Today I did a volunteer-adapted version of the new Wild Asia Tour. Pretty standard; educational talks about elephants, Palm Aviary, tigers, Mary (sun bear), langurs, binturongs, otters, fishing cat and red pandas (and Pygmy hippo and squirrel monkeys even though they are not from Asia), and a visit to the BTS carnivore kitchen, which was interesting. We were told that the tour done by the general public is exactly the same, with the addition of a BTS experience at the elephant barn. We then went back to the institute to do Rainforest Classroom and saw the Pygmy Marmosets (first time I had ever got to go and see them).
- There was some interesting information presented during the tour, like how the zoo recently received a female binturong for a short period. She has now left the zoo again.
- It was confirmed during the tour that there are currently 35 bird species in the Palm Aviary. This is interesting as I only have records of 22 species being in there since 2018, three of which are certainly not in there now.
- There is only one Forest Kingfisher in the Palm Aviary currently.
- Fences have been placed around the pool in the first Pygmy hippo exhibit, unsure why.
- Red panda signage has been removed from Moore Park/Circular Aviary, although Zaya and Daiyu are most certainly still there.
- 4 Magnificent Tree Frogs hatched before Christmas, bred off display in Reptile World. They are now in the education department.
- The Cotton-top Tamarins are once again visible from the main path past the RACC construction site, through windows in the black wall shielding them from construction noise.
- Speaking of the RACC, construction is coming along very well and I estimate the building should be completed by the middle of the year.
- The Swamp Wallaby in the old dingo exhibit in the Taronga Institute has been replaced by a pair of Red-necked Pademelons. The two female Red Kangaroos are still there.
- Spent a very enjoyable 15 minutes in the Semi-Arid Aviary, and saw every species except the Red-headed Honeyeater. The Masked Woodswallows and many Turquoise Parrots have been released into the aviary, but most of the Little Lorikeets and Swift Parrots have been removed. Interestingly, there are now at least two male Variegated Fairy Wrens in the aviary (I have heard that male fairy wrens will kill each other if kept together). But the most exciting news from this aviary is the new arrival of a shy group of around 10 Stubble Quails!
- Matilda the platypus in Nguwing Nura is currently off display, and her exhibit is inhabited by two Murray River Turtles.
- There is indeed an echidna in the old Komodo dragon exhibit.

Thanks for the update.

I’d be interested to know where Taronga’s female Binturong came from (and where she went). Melbourne have a massive exhibit for their two males and they’re regional founders, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see them acquire a female in time.

I have no idea why there’d be fencing around the Pygmy hippopotamus pool. They mate in the water; and give birth in the water, so it’s of no relevance to breeding plans. In any case, we know Kamina doesn’t have a young calf at foot.

If you (or anyone) has a chance to ask, I’d like to know of Taronga’s interest in continuing with Fishing cat when their elderly cat passes. It wouldn’t surprise me to see them phase this species out.

 

[Tiger91]

While it would be good to see Taronga retain fishing cats, it would also be good for them to go into leopards. With NSW requiring fully enclosed exhibits for them, the fishing cat enclosure would be an ideal enclosure to for clouded leopards and if large enough Sri Lankan leopards.

If they do undertake the Congo precinct and do new pygmy hippo enclosures, it would enable them to move the pygmys out of the old Malayan tapir exhibits which could then be used for a leopard species. As they are basically fully covered/wouldn't take much to renovate to do this. Without the appearance of a cage style exhibit.

 

[JessKimber]

While it would be good to see Taronga retain fishing cats, it would also be good for them to go into leopards. With NSW requiring fully enclosed exhibits for them, the fishing cat enclosure would be an ideal enclosure to for clouded leopards and if large enough Sri Lankan leopards.

If they do undertake the Congo precinct and do new pygmy hippo enclosures, it would enable them to move the pygmys out of the old Malayan tapir exhibits which could then be used for a leopard species. As they are basically fully covered/wouldn't take much to renovate to do this. Without the appearance of a cage style exhibit.

I think the size would be better suited to clouded leopards. What's the status with fishing cats in Australia now, is there any breeding program potential?

 

[Zoofan15]

I think the size would be better suited to clouded leopards. What's the status with fishing cats in Australia now, is there any breeding program potential?

I’ve replied to this in the felids thread.

———————————————————————

Taronga Zoo - Asian small-clawed otter update:

Saati has transferred to Perth Zoo to form a breeding pair with their new female, Squid:

1.0 Saati (2018) Ketut x Pia

This should leave Taronga Zoo with 1.2 otters:

1.0 Ketut (2012) Tuan x Asia
0.1 Pia (2010) Imported 2011 (Germany)

0.1 Bel (2012) Doan x Boo

However, since Bel was housed in a pair with Saati, I’m assuming she’s deceased. If anyone visits Taronga Zoo in the near future, I would appreciate confirmation of this. @Osedax @Abbey @loganjmuir

 

[Abbey]

I’ve replied to this in the felids thread.

———————————————————————

Taronga Zoo - Asian small-clawed otter update:

Saati has transferred to Perth Zoo to form a breeding pair with their new female, Squid:

1.0 Saati (2018) Ketut x Pia

This should leave Taronga Zoo with 1.2 otters:

1.0 Ketut (2012) Tuan x Asia
0.1 Pia (2010) Imported 2011 (Germany)

0.1 Bel (2012) Doan x Boo

However, since Bel was housed in a pair with Saati, I’m assuming she’s deceased. If anyone visits Taronga Zoo in the near future, I would appreciate confirmation of this. @Osedax @Abbey @loganjmuir

Bel is still alive. The intention is to bring in a new male to breed with her, and she and the new male will be housed off-display (in the old sun bear exhibit which used to be at the end of the African Waterhole trail), with Ketut and Pia returning to the on-display exhibit in the Rainforest Trail.

Are Saati and Squid first cousins through their mothers? I knew he was going to Perth and thought that was a bit of a strange pairing, but maybe I was wrong about that. The reason of separating Saati and Bel (I believe) was due to wanting Bel to have more privacy for breeding and hopefully a shake-up with a new male.

 

[Zoofan15]

Bel is still alive. The intention is to bring in a new male to breed with her, and she and the new male will be housed off-display (in the old sun bear exhibit which used to be at the end of the African Waterhole trail), with Ketut and Pia returning to the on-display exhibit in the Rainforest Trail.

Are Saati and Squid first cousins through their mothers? I knew he was going to Perth and thought that was a bit of a strange pairing, but maybe I was wrong about that. The reason of separating Saati and Bel (I believe) was due to wanting Bel to have more privacy for breeding and hopefully a shake-up with a new male.

Thanks @Abbey. That’s really helpful.

Yes, Saati and Squid are first cousins through their respective mothers (Pia and Paula).

I’ll be interested to know who Taronga’s new male is. Cerdik (2014) is certainly a possibility as his sons are transferring to Gorge Wildlife Park, leaving him alone (I had otherwise wondered if he’d died). Paula (2010) is still alive and well at Melbourne, but upon her death, I imagine Odie (2017) will be re-paired. He’s a genetically valuable founder and would be a good match for Bel.

Given Bel will be 12 years old this year, time isn’t on her side. Females have previously bred at 11 and 12 years at Auckland Zoo, but both had recently bred prior to those births.

 

[loganjmuir]

At the zoo again today and I have a few minor points to make and some ideas to speculate over,
. All animals in Nuwing Nura(apologies if spelling is incorrect) were present and active excluding Matilda, who remains backstage
. There are now 2 Echidnas in the former Komodo Dragon exhibit, while the 2 Rhinoceros Iguanas were
indoors
. The Zebras had access to the main yard as well as half of their own, while the Ostriches hid in their boma
. All 7 Lions were out today
. Clarence wasn’t spotted but nothing all too concerning
. There was only 1 Red Panda in both exhibits
. Some minor home improvements have taken place in Fergus’ exhibit but Kambiri wasn’t out on exhibit
. The Francois Leaf Monkeys were out and about following the completion of their exhibit upgrade
. There were only 2 Otters out on exhibit most likely for introductory purposes
. There is now 4(at least) surplus males living in the ex-gibbon enclosure
. Also there IS a platypus in the Bushwalk Aviary, they had amassed a large audience including a few keepers making them hard to see but I did manage.

 

[Osedax]

There was only 1 Red Panda in both exhibits

Yes, there would have been. Zaya and Daiyu are in Moore Park/Circular Aviary, so that just leaves Amala and Pabu in the other two exhibits.

There is now 4(at least) surplus males in the ex-gibbon enclosure

There are six male squirrel monkeys in there, I believe.

Also there IS a platypus in the Bushwalk Aviary, they had amassed a large audience including a few keepers making them hard to see but I did manage.

Glad you got to see her! I have only seen her twice in well over 50 visits.

 

[Abbey]

At the zoo again today and I have a few minor points to make and some ideas to speculate over,
. All animals in Nuwing Nura(apologies if spelling is incorrect) were present and active excluding Matilda, who remains backstage
. There are now 2 Echidnas in the former Komodo Dragon exhibit, while the 2 Rhinoceros Iguanas were
indoors
. The Zebras had access to the main yard as well as half of their own, while the Ostriches hid in their boma
. All 7 Lions were out today
. Clarence wasn’t spotted but nothing all too concerning
. There was only 1 Red Panda in both exhibits
. Some minor home improvements have taken place in Fergus’ exhibit but Kambiri wasn’t out on exhibit
. The Francois Leaf Monkeys were out and about following the completion of their exhibit upgrade
. There were only 2 Otters out on exhibit most likely for introductory purposes
. There is now 4(at least) surplus males living in the ex-gibbon enclosure
. Also there IS a platypus in the Bushwalk Aviary, they had amassed a large audience including a few keepers making them hard to see but I did manage.

The zoo's four otters are split into two pairings. Ketut and Pia (retired breeding pair) are off-display, so you would have seen the other pair who are on display.

The new male at Taronga is Anng (2019) from Dubbo, partnered with Bel, and they are currently in the Wild Asia/Rainforest Trail exhibit.

 

[Zoofan15]

Australian sea lion update:

A brief update on the zoo’s newest male Australian sea lion, Storm:

Last night's episode of Taronga: Who Who's in the Zoo covered the arrival of Australian Sea Lion - Storm Tune in to hear an update from Marine... | By Taronga Zoo Sydney | Facebook

It’s noted he’s been introduced to the zoo’s California sea lions and fur seals, which implies there hasn’t been any breeding introductions to the zoo’s female Australian sea lions at this time.

As of last year, the plan was to breed from Charlie and April, but due to aggression from Charlie, I was interested to see if Storm and April would be paired instead. Storm is unrelated to all four females.

1.0 Charlie
1.0 Storm
0.1 Nala
0.1 April
0.1 Tarni
0.1 Amalie

——————

As a side note, I really like how Taronga Zoo do these updates on Who’s Who at the Zoo episodes, which are usually very out of date by the time they make it to our screens. Many people would otherwise watch the episode and be left wondering how some storylines (particularly regarding pregnancy/births) turned out; and in any case, I remember visiting Auckland Zoo as a child expecting to see newborns like the Serval kitten, which was best part grown due to the age of the footage.

 

[Osedax]

Updates from today’s visit:
- I was told the reason that the new Sky Safari hasn’t started construction yet is because the zoo is having trouble getting approval for the project. This is because the route of the new Sky Safari will actually leave the zoo grounds.
- I was also told the zoo is currently reviewing signage.
- The finch aviary now houses at least 2 male Variegated Fairy Wrens (see my above post for why I found this odd in the Semi-Arid Aviary). There is also a new pair of Stubble Quails in this aviary!
- In the Semi-arid Aviary, the pond has been enlarged, allowing the two pairs of Freckled Ducks more water area.
- I also forgot to mention last time that there is a new beehive in the Semi-arid Aviary. While the other 3 beehives in this aviary house native Sugarbag Bees, this new one has honeybees. The beehives are there to provide food for the Rainbow Bee-eater, and today the bee-eater seemed to be thoroughly enjoying swooping around the aviary, catching bees.
- Something very exciting happened in the ungulate department on Monday!! I do not have permission to reveal any more just yet.

 

[Zoofan15]

I was told the reason that the new Sky Safari hasn’t started construction yet is because the zoo is having trouble getting approval for the project. This is because route of the new Sky Safari will actually leave the zoo grounds.

Wow, that sounds exciting. The re-routing gives me hope serious consideration is being given to orangutans following the departure of the elephants.

Something very exciting happened in the ungulate department on Monday!! I do not have permission to reveal any more just yet.

I look forward to hearing more on this in due course. The giraffes and zebras are non-breeding groups and since there’s no possibility of importing Okapi, I’m gonna hope this refers to the import of Eastern bongo (just a guess you’re in no way obliged to confirm or deny).

 

[loganjmuir]

- Something very exciting happened in the ungulate department on Monday!! I do not have permission to reveal any more just yet.

I look forward to hearing more on this in due course. The giraffes and zebras are non-breeding groups and since there’s no possibility of importing Okapi, I’m gonna hope this refers to the import of Eastern bongo (just a guess you’re in no way obliged to confirm or deny).

You obviously cannot reveal anything until the zoo makes an official statement regarding it, but I have a suspicion it has something to do with Kambiri. I was there on Monday, and I saw the backstage of the Pygmy Hippo open with 3 Keepers inside watching and cleaning. Kambiri was not in her exhibit, nor has she for the last week, so I am hoping my hunch is correct, given the only hope we have of importing Bongo resides in the Congo Precinct.

 

[Jambo]

I was told the reason that the new Sky Safari hasn’t started construction yet is because the zoo is having trouble getting approval for the project. This is because the route of the new Sky Safari will actually leave the zoo grounds.

Interesting to hear. Do you know whereabouts will this be? I'm assuming the re-routing is indeed avoiding the current elephant area, and going out to the side (opposite the tigers).

You obviously cannot reveal anything until the zoo makes an official statement regarding it, but I have a suspicion it has something to do with Kambiri. I was there on Monday, and I saw the backstage of the Pygmy Hippo open with 3 Keepers inside watching and cleaning. Kambiri was not in her exhibit, nor has she for the last week, so I am hoping my hunch is correct, given the only hope we have of importing Bongo resides in the Congo Precinct.

I thought the same when reading @Osedax's comments. Considering there was strong hope she was pregnant and would calf this year, I'm very hopeful she has given birth! The previous calf was announced a week after birth, so we may still have a little while to wait for an official announcement if Kambiri did indeed give birth.

 

[Osedax]

Interesting to hear. Do you know whereabouts will this be? I'm assuming the re-routing is indeed avoiding the current elephant area, and going out to the side (opposite the tigers).

I don't know exactly where the new route will be,

 

[Osedax]

Updates from today’s visit:
- I was told the reason that the new Sky Safari hasn’t started construction yet is because the zoo is having trouble getting approval for the project. This is because the route of the new Sky Safari will actually leave the zoo grounds.
- I was also told the zoo is currently reviewing signage.
- The finch aviary now houses at least 2 male Variegated Fairy Wrens (see my above post for why I found this odd in the Semi-Arid Aviary). There is also a new pair of Stubble Quails in this aviary!
- In the Semi-arid Aviary, the pond has been enlarged, allowing the two pairs of Freckled Ducks more water area.
- I also forgot to mention last time that there is a new beehive in the Semi-arid Aviary. While the other 3 beehives in this aviary house native Sugarbag Bees, this new one has honeybees. The beehives are there to provide food for the Rainbow Bee-eater, and today the bee-eater seemed to be thoroughly enjoying swooping around the aviary, catching bees.
- Something very exciting happened in the ungulate department on Monday!! I do not have permission to reveal any more just yet.

I forgot to mention that the lightbulb-themed Daddy Long Legs terrarium in the Backyard to Bush house has been replaced by a backyard-themed terrarium (with artificial grass and picket fence) for a Net-casting Spider.

 

[Zoofan15]

New Zealand fur seal pup appearing in shows:

Visitors will now have the opportunity to see Kobe, Taronga Zoo’s 13 month old New Zealand fur seal performing in the daily presentations. It’s noted there’s three presentations each day over the school holidays and he’ll be appearing in some of them.

Reported on socials.