Osedax
Well-Known Member
We'll just have to see whether WCCC imports a female (preferably at least one other breeding pair as well). If they do, and they have reasonable breeding success, then the species might yet be saved in the region.
Taronga Zoo Taronga Zoo News 2024
- Thread starter loganjmuir
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Yes, it would be advantageous to have a facility like the WCCC act as a breeding hub for Fishing cat considering they can provide the cats with the privacy they need. This was essentially Melbourne Zoo’s role during the 1990’s, breeding multiple litters which were then dispersed to other zoos within the region (most as non-breeding display animals). They did a damn good job with Temminck’s golden cat too using the same method.
Im really hoping they replace them with another cat species, the exhibit would be good for clouded leopards. Netting like what the tigers and lions have over the open top (if not already there) would work to close the enclosure in. Im not sure how big the Sri Lankan leopard enclosures need to be. But fishing cat and clouded leopard are close in size.
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The enclosures too small so would theoretically require an extension which isn't manageable without alterations to the exhibits surrounding the enclosure.
I've suggested the Bongo enclosure might be suitable for leopards going forward, with a few renovations around the enclosure to allow for better viewing and of course keeping them contained.
I’m predicting Clouded leopard to replace Fishing cat at Taronga Zoo. They’re a mysterious species, sure to intrigue the visitors (when they can see them); and are clearly a species of interest within the region - with the WCCC holding two pairs; and Hamilton Zoo planning to acquire them.
Clouded leopard are a bit larger than Fishing cat, so a total redevelopment of the trail would be ideal; tying in with the phase out of bongo etc. and the construction of a new Pygmy hippopotamus exhibit. There’s no apex predators on this trail, so location wise, it’s ideal.
loganjmuir
Well-Known Member
If Clouded Leopards were to replace Taronga's resident female, the exhibit would certainly require an expansion of sort. I would think as has been mentioned, that Ekundu's enclosure would be suitable for such a species, and even demolishing the current Fishing Cat exhibit to make room for a Hippo expansion would be quite feasible. It is almost adamant that Lololi will be moved to another facility, if Taronga don't end up building a further precinct for them. With the current setup, there is no real need for such an idea, as Kambiri and Fergus can breed for quite some time, moving calves to other facilities when the time comes. With that being said however, Kambiri has proven to be a successful breeder thus far(excluding post-birth of course), so Taronga could potentially hold two pairs, should a Hippo IRA come to fruition, and then of course a new Precinct would be certainly needed and justified.
It would be great to see Taronga hold two pairs of Pygmy hippopotamus, with a second pair imported after the IRA is complete. The new pair could either breed with each other to supply the region with mates for their hippopotami from an unrelated bloodline; or be paired with Kambiri and Fergus respectively to create more genetically diverse pairings.
The Common hippopotamus population needs bulls in the practical sense; but I hope the import of Pygmy hippopotamus is considered for the sake of genetic diversity, rather then continuing to inbreed the closely related hippos we have. It makes me wonder where Taronga will send Lololi, as unless a new holder arises, it sounds like she could end up at Melbourne (paired with her uncle), which would be a shame when the IRA will likely be compete by the time she’s mature (three or so years from now).
Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo - Season 5
As Season 4 comes to a close, Taronga have announced via their socials that filming for Season 5 has just begun. No doubt the Pygmy hippopotamus calf will be the star of the show.
Taronga have asked what we’d like to see in Season 5? I’m thinking a comprehensive overview and discussion of the zoo’s masterplan (with reference to plans pertaining to importing hippopotami and bovids as per the relevant IRA’s) would really hit the spot.
As Season 4 comes to a close, Taronga have announced via their socials that filming for Season 5 has just begun. No doubt the Pygmy hippopotamus calf will be the star of the show.
Taronga have asked what we’d like to see in Season 5? I’m thinking a comprehensive overview and discussion of the zoo’s masterplan (with reference to plans pertaining to importing hippopotami and bovids as per the relevant IRA’s) would really hit the spot.
loganjmuir
Well-Known Member
Amazing news, I think we’d all like to know a little more about the master plan. Interestingly enough, the Congo was as good as gone, but the old Koala encounter has been partly demolished. Wonder what it’ll mean. Also there are no longer Red Pandas in the Moore Park Aviary, Matilda is back in her enclosure in Nywing Nura, and there are 2 Binturongs, along with their possum friend.Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo - Season 5
As Season 4 comes to a close, Taronga have announced via their socials that filming for Season 5 has just begun. No doubt the Pygmy hippopotamus calf will be the star of the show.
Taronga have asked what we’d like to see in Season 5? I’m thinking a comprehensive overview and discussion of the zoo’s masterplan (with reference to plans pertaining to importing hippopotami and bovids as per the relevant IRA’s) would really hit the spot.
The Koala encounters weren’t even that old too.
Interesting to hear the Red Panda siblings have moved out. Potentially a home may have been found for them elsewhere already.
Are the Binturong in the Moore Park Aviary now?
The masterplan is more intriguing than ever because while we were aware of plans two years to transfer their elephants to Dubbo five or so years down the line, an unexpected opportunity has presented itself to bring this forward several years by sending them (or another two from Dubbo) to Monarto.
Taronga have scrapped the Congo precinct and may even be phasing out gorillas, so it leaves countless unanswered questions about what will fill these gaps.
Aside from the usual storylines of wildlife rescue and who eats what, I’m anticipating the chimpanzees to be a feature of Season 5. They’re a positive news story with two infants in the community; and a further two females planned to breed this year.
loganjmuir
Well-Known Member
No, they’re both in the Rainforest Trail surprisingly.
I also wouldn’t be surprised if the Ostrich and Zebra featured, as well as the Lions. I should expect Nura Diya to have some time in the spotlight as well, given the season ended upon its completion.
The usual mix seems to be a mixture between goings on around the zoo, conservation work and wildlife rescue. I usually find the latter pretty repetitive - turtles with fishing hooks, orphaned joeys and dehydrated seals. I mean if they’re gonna keep the seal, sure let’s see it come in; but otherwise, it’s nothing we haven’t seen before.
The New Zealand fur seal pup will likely feature (pregnancy/birth and swimming lessons); and it’d be good to see the lions as you say, since there's been lots of changes within the pride. I’d hope the recent otter transfer is covered too. It’s always good to see the small mammals. I understand the last episode covered the transfer out of the male gibbon, so the squirrel monkeys moving into that exhibit would probably be covered.
Are they actually that different in size ? From what I remember when looking through them. I would put the fishing cats enclosure as the bigger area. The current bongo exhibit wasn't even built for exhibiting purpose. So its size is quite small, I remember when it was brand new and it had a fake leopard in the tree and fake deer. That they eventual brought deer in for then got rid of due to its small size.
In saying that, I dont know the actual area size, just what I have thought when looking at the exhibits.
Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo - Season 5
As Season 4 comes to a close, Taronga have announced via their socials that filming for Season 5 has just begun. No doubt the Pygmy hippopotamus calf will be the star of the show.
Taronga have asked what we’d like to see in Season 5? I’m thinking a comprehensive overview and discussion of the zoo’s masterplan (with reference to plans pertaining to importing hippopotami and bovids as per the relevant IRA’s) would really hit the spot.
Taronga hasn't been that forthright in a long time. Especially not with the current director.
He would be able to tell you about new cafes planned, doubtful anything about animals.
The Fishing Cat is certainly far smaller than the Bongo enclosure; probably more like half the size.
The Bongo enclosure was initially intended for Babirusa, and then housed deer for a few years. I don't think they left because of the exhibit size. Also the fake leopard is still there surprisingly, creating a nice little predator/prey design. Would be far more impressive if it was real though!
It was a joke @Tiger91.
I’m not necessarily criticising the series. They’re pitching it at the level of their target audience and the target audience is the general public (including kids), who are clearly quite happy with the content.
We represent a niche market that falls outside of their target audience, but nonetheless would be fascinated to see more depth to these episodes and content regarding future developments (which seem to interest a number of us on here). If they could combine that with an episode where they take a figurative journey through the records office, it would make said niche very happy indeed.
The Fishing Cat is certainly far smaller than the Bongo enclosure; probably more like half the size.
The Bongo enclosure was initially intended for Babirusa, and then housed deer for a few years. I don't think they left because of the exhibit size. Also the fake leopard is still there surprisingly, creating a nice little predator/prey design. Would be far more impressive if it was real though!
Yes! a real one would be much preferable!.
I remember then I was at uni for animals science/zoology around 2011 or so. We visited taronga a few times and one of the keepers mentioning the deer where being moved as the exhibit was realistically to small for them. Im surprised they put the bongo in there.
strait over my head like a plane flying by!not necessarily criticising the series. They’re pitching it at the level of their target audience and the target audience is the general public (including kids), who are clearly quite happy with the content.
We represent a niche market that falls outside of their target audience, but nonetheless would be fascinated to see more depth to these episodes and content regarding future developments (which seem to interest a number of us on here). If they could combine that with an episode where they take a figurative journey through the records office, it would make said niche very happy indeed.
I agree sometimes it would be good to see episodes dedicated to zoo fans and not just the general public mixed in!.
Taronga have held a single bongo for several years now, which is a better fit space wise compared to a herd of deer. They used to breed bongo on site, but it was inevitable from the beginning that they’d transfer to Dubbo, which is better placed to manage a herd.
I’m glad Taronga have invested the space and resources into holding a breeding pride of lions and multiple tigers considering the popularity of big cats. Since they’re a city zoo with limited space, Sri Lankan leopard would be a good addition going forward. There’s plenty of opportunities given the redevelopments taking place over the next decade.