Taronga Zoo Taronga Zoo News 2024

Zoofan15 said:
Weaning age for Pygmy hippopotamus is six to eight months; and the calf (Lololi) is eight months old, so this separation is presumably to assist with the weaning process.

It’ll be interesting to see how long Lololi remains at Taronga; but unrelated matches will become available in the not too distant future for the bulls at Melbourne and Adelaide via the Hippopotamus IRA, which is nearing completion.
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Moving her to Melbourne in the meantime would probably be the best option (rather than rotating her on/off display with her parents). Taronga's BTS facilities aren't that extensive so it would make the most sense to send her to Melbourne where an empty enclosure is present, even if the intention isn't for breeding.

She (or Felix) could easily be transferred elsewhere once the IRA is completed and a new individual can be acquired from overseas.
 
Jambo said:
Moving her to Melbourne in the meantime would probably be the best option (rather than rotating her on/off display with her parents). Taronga's BTS facilities aren't that extensive so it would make the most sense to send her to Melbourne where an empty enclosure is present, even if the intention isn't for breeding.

She (or Felix) could easily be transferred elsewhere once the IRA is completed and a new individual can be acquired from overseas.
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Once the separation of Kambiri and Lololi is complete, that definitely makes sense.

In addition to Melbourne Zoo’s two on display Pygmy hippopotamus exhibits; they have three stalls and two outdoor yards, so are well equipped to manage the acquisition of an additional hippo/hippos.
 
chrisjpl said:
Yeah that's exactly right. One capybara in the pygmy hippo enclosure that is immediately adjacent to the binturong, and then Lololi in the enclosure that is between the otters and the fishing cat. (Hopefully I've described those correctly!)
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Yes, that’s how it’s detailed on the map, with the symbol of an adult and juvenile Pygmy hippopotamus in the exhibit adjacent to the otters (Kambiri/Lololi’s exhibit); and an adult Pygmy hippopotamus (Fergus) adjacent to the Binturong.

It wouldn’t surprise me to see Capybara move into that exhibit long term as it’s on the small side for Pygmy hippopotamus; and there’s apparently plans for a new exhibit for this species. It’s also worth noting the most recent addition to this trail after Capybara is the Bolivian squirrel monkeys opposite. Once the ageing Eastern bongo and Fishing cat pass, it’s an ideal opportunity to bring in two more South American species to create a South American trail.
 
chrisjpl said:
I'm not sure if these updates are already well-known, but a single capybara seemed to be enclosed on its own (adjacent to the binturong), and the pygmy hippo calf was very visible but again enclosed on its own without a parent.
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Osedax said:
Interesting. Which exhibit was he in? I'm guessing it's Rodney.
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Capybara groupings:

It was mentioned on socials today that Pedro, Guillermo and Carlos live together; so since the zoo had previously mentioned them having a fourth brother (Rodney), it would indeed appear he’s the one housed alone.
 
I was at Taronga today. Here are the updates.

- I don’t know if this has already been mentioned, but the old Koala Encounter area that used to be the Bush Birds aviaries (and monkey cages before that) has now been completely demolished, leaving that space empty.
- Not news, but I was working with keepers in the Wildlife Retreat today (which by the way, is absolutely beautiful!) and can give a species list for the two main walkthrough habitats. The upper exhibit contains 4 Tammar Wallabies, 3 Long-nosed Potoroos and 2 Cape Barren Geese; and the lower exhibit has 6 more Tammar Wallabies and 3 Red-necked Pademelons.
- There is now at least one Wompoo Fruit Dove in the Wetlands Aviary, making three aviaries with this species now.
- The fact that Rodney (Capybara) is in the first Pygmy Hippo exhibit, and Kambiri and Lololi (mother and calf Pygmy Hippo) are in the second, and the fact that to my knowledge there is no outdoor off display space for the hippos makes me doubt that Fergus (male Pygmy Hippo) is still at the zoo.
- ARC updates:
- The Elongated Tortoises in the first exhibit are finally signed.
- Some salmon catfish (?) and a second archerfish have now been added to the Merten’s Water Monitor / Mary River Turtle / fish mix.
- The Coastal Taipan is signed again, so maybe the Emerald Tree Monitors won’t be going on official display so soon after all.
- On a personal note, today was the first time I saw the Eastern Pilbara Spiny-tailed Skink and (drumroll)… the Tuatara!!!
- Most of the front terraria in the lower viewing window outside of the ARC have been removed, with only the Goldfields Crevice-skink and some sort of large dragon lizard remaining. This allows for a better view of the many larger terraria behind, where I saw Emerald Tree Monitor, Fijian Crested Iguana, Boyd’s Forest Dragon and Central Netted Dragon.​
- There is still a Red panda in Moore Park / Circular Aviary.
- Two newborn goats in Backyard to Bush.
- The honeybees are back on display in BTB.
- Peaceful Doves and Mulga Parrots have moved into the Semi-Arid Aviary. A second Eastern Yellow Robin has arrived and the two are in a small sectioned-off holding area at the back of the aviary.
- The Spiny Leaf Insects in the former Cunningham Skink terrarium in Blue Mountains Bushwalk have been replaced by Margined-winged Stick Insect.
- Saw an Indian Mynah in the Australian Rainforest Aviary. I’m guessing it’s probably a wild bird that has found its way in.
- Taronga’s physical copy maps are now made of regular paper, rather than the glossy stuff they had before.
 
Osedax said:
There is still a Red panda in Moore Park / Circular Aviary.
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The Red Panda in the Moore Park aviary is I believe Zaya. To my knowledge the move is temporary, and she is just in there to help cope with stress.

Osedax said:
The fact that Rodney (Capybara) is in the first Pygmy Hippo exhibit, and Kambiri and Lololi (mother and calf Pygmy Hippo) are in the second, and the fact that to my knowledge there is no outdoor off display space for the hippos makes me doubt that Fergus (male Pygmy Hippo) is still at the zoo.
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Lololi is starting to eat, and seeing as she is 8 months(around the time they start leaving mum) a move for Lololi should be expected in the near future. As for Rodney, this move is to my knowledge indefinite.
 
Osedax said:
I was at Taronga today. Here are the updates.

- I don’t know if this has already been mentioned, but the old Koala Encounter area that used to be the Bush Birds aviaries (and monkey cages before that) has now been completely demolished, leaving that space empty.
- Not news, but I was working with keepers in the Wildlife Retreat today (which by the way, is absolutely beautiful!) and can give a species list for the two main walkthrough habitats. The upper exhibit contains 4 Tammar Wallabies, 3 Long-nosed Potoroos and 2 Cape Barren Geese; and the lower exhibit has 6 more Tammar Wallabies and 3 Red-necked Pademelons.
- There is now at least one Wompoo Fruit Dove in the Wetlands Aviary, making three aviaries with this species now.
- The fact that Rodney (Capybara) is in the first Pygmy Hippo exhibit, and Kambiri and Lololi (mother and calf Pygmy Hippo) are in the second, and the fact that to my knowledge there is no outdoor off display space for the hippos makes me doubt that Fergus (male Pygmy Hippo) is still at the zoo.
- ARC updates:
- The Elongated Tortoises in the first exhibit are finally signed.
- Some salmon catfish (?) and a second archerfish have now been added to the Merten’s Water Monitor / Mary River Turtle / fish mix.
- The Coastal Taipan is signed again, so maybe the Emerald Tree Monitors won’t be going on official display so soon after all.
- On a personal note, today was the first time I saw the Eastern Pilbara Spiny-tailed Skink and (drumroll)… the Tuatara!!!
- Most of the front terraria in the lower viewing window outside of the ARC have been removed, with only the Goldfields Crevice-skink and some sort of large dragon lizard remaining. This allows for a better view of the many larger terraria behind, where I saw Emerald Tree Monitor, Fijian Crested Iguana, Boyd’s Forest Dragon and Central Netted Dragon.​
- There is still a Red panda in Moore Park / Circular Aviary.
- Two newborn goats in Backyard to Bush.
- The honeybees are back on display in BTB.
- Peaceful Doves and Mulga Parrots have moved into the Semi-Arid Aviary. A second Eastern Yellow Robin has arrived and the two are in a small sectioned-off holding area at the back of the aviary.
- The Spiny Leaf Insects in the former Cunningham Skink terrarium in Blue Mountains Bushwalk have been replaced by Margined-winged Stick Insect.
- Saw an Indian Mynah in the Australian Rainforest Aviary. I’m guessing it’s probably a wild bird that has found its way in.
- Taronga’s physical copy maps are now made of regular paper, rather than the glossy stuff they had before.
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loganjmuir said:
The Red Panda in the Moore Park aviary is I believe Zaya. To my knowledge the move is temporary, and she is just in there to help cope with stress.


Lololi is starting to eat, and seeing as she is 8 months(around the time they start leaving mum) a move for Lololi should be expected in the near future. As for Rodney, this move is to my knowledge indefinite.
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I’m glad you finally saw the Tuatara @Osedax!

Considering it’ll be another 2-4 years before Lololi is of reproductive age, it wouldn’t surprise me to see her transfer to Melbourne Zoo to mature. They may import an unrelated founder once the Hippopotamus IRA is complete; but this will likely be another couple of years away, with an import then taking at least 1-2 years to arrange.

The red panda in the Moore Park Aviary would be Zaya @loganjmuir. She’s been in there for over a year; originally housed with her sister Daiyu.
 
I was at Taronga again today, as was Steve Backshall!! I saw him interviewed and got a selfie with him, and later was in Nguwing Nura just at the right time to see him get to meet JR the Barton's Long-beaked Echidna and Matilda the Platypus.
Other than that, not much to report that I didn't see yesterday, other than the fact that there is a new garden in front of King Nyani (giant bronze gorilla statue).
 
Fergus the Pygmy hippopotamus has died:

Some unfortunate news that Fergus the Pygmy hippopotamus has died at Taronga Zoo, following an illness.

Though Fergus will be much missed, it’s fortunate that he was able to sire one more calf before his death. Fergus is survived by his two offspring, Kamina (2017), now at Darling Downs Zoo; and Lololi (2024), who remains at Taronga Zoo.

My understanding is Kambiri and Lololi will remain at Taronga; though I note Felix at Melbourne is Kambiri’s best genetic match and Melbourne have the capacity to hold a pair/breed. Due to the relatedness of the regional population, it seems more likely that any new pairings will be made via imports following completion of the Hippopotamus IRA.

The death of Fergus reduces the regional Pygmy hippopotamus population to 2.3.
 
Osedax said:
I was at Taronga again today, as was Steve Backshall!! I saw him interviewed and got a selfie with him, and later was in Nguwing Nura just at the right time to see him get to meet JR the Barton's Long-beaked Echidna and Matilda the Platypus.
Other than that, not much to report that I didn't see yesterday, other than the fact that there is a new garden in front of King Nyani (giant bronze gorilla statue).
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OK - I'll bite!

Who is Steve Backshall?
 
Zoofan15 said:
Fergus the Pygmy hippopotamus has died:

Some unfortunate news that Fergus the Pygmy hippopotamus has died at Taronga Zoo, following an illness.

Though Fergus will be much missed, it’s fortunate that he was able to sire one more calf before his death. Fergus is survived by his two offspring, Kamina (2017), now at Darling Downs Zoo; and Lololi (2024), who remains at Taronga Zoo.

My understanding is Kambiri and Lololi will remain at Taronga; though I note Felix at Melbourne is Kambiri’s best genetic match and Melbourne have the capacity to hold a pair/breed. Due to the relatedness of the regional population, it seems more likely that any new pairings will be made via imports following completion of the Hippopotamus IRA.

The death of Fergus reduces the regional Pygmy hippopotamus population to 2.3.
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Unfortunately, available male Pygmy Hippos are very, very hard to find globally.

And our region will need a couple once the Hippo IRA has been completed.
 
Steve Robinson said:
OK - I'll bite!

Who is Steve Backshall?
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Steve Backshall - Wikipedia

Stephen James Backshall MBE (born 21 April 1973) is a British naturalist, explorer, presenter and writer, best known for BBC TV's Deadly 60.
Steve Robinson said:
Unfortunately, available male Pygmy Hippos are very, very hard to find globally.

And our region will need a couple once the Hippo IRA has been completed.
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Im hopeful we’ll see Taronga import a bull should one become available as they’re building a new exhibit.

Melbourne will hopefully be importing a cow (again if one becomes available) to pair with Felix. They have two exhibits, two off display yards and three stalls, so have a reasonable capacity to breed.
 
Sad news re. Fergus, when it was mentioned a few days ago that there was only a Capybara and Lololi on display in the two exhibits, I was surprised considering Taronga's off display facilties aren't that extensive to have two adult hippos there.
Zoofan15 said:
Im hopeful we’ll see Taronga import a bull should one become available as they’re building a new exhibit.

Melbourne will hopefully be importing a cow (again if one becomes available) to pair with Felix. They have two exhibits, two off display yards and three stalls, so have a reasonable capacity to breed.
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Why not transfer Kambiri over to Melbourne now, if the IRA is still a while away. It's the same match genetically. A single calf from them would be adequate in the meantime.

On that note however, I imagine there may be the issue of space ie. facilities like Melbourne and Taronga would be wanting to have the space to import when that opportunity presents. If a further pairing of Felix and Kambiri occurs, this would perhaps limit this, with other holders needing to come on board.
 
Jambo said:
Sad news re. Fergus, when it was mentioned a few days ago that there was only a Capybara and Lololi on display in the two exhibits, I was surprised considering Taronga's off display facilties aren't that extensive to have two adult hippos there.

Why not transfer Kambiri over to Melbourne now, if the IRA is still a while away. It's the same match genetically. A single calf from them would be adequate in the meantime.

On that note however, I imagine there may be the issue of space ie. facilities like Melbourne and Taronga would be wanting to have the space to import when that opportunity presents. If a further pairing of Felix and Kambiri occurs, this would perhaps limit this, with other holders needing to come on board.
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I’m tempted to say they’ll hold off breeding more calves from the Fergus/Felix and Kambiri line with the view of importing new founders when there’s the opportunity to do so; but ultimately a lack of available animals for import could mean further breeding with the stock we have is recommended.

If Kambiri and Lololi are now permanently separated, which it appears they are, then it could be advantageous to transfer Kambiri to Melbourne (irregardless of whether she breeds) so Taronga can get on and build the new exhibit. She could then potentially return depending on whether Taronga wish to hold 1.1 adults or 1.2 adults upon the intended import of a bull.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Im hopeful we’ll see Taronga import a bull should one become available as they’re building a new exhibit.
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Taronga will have to wait for an IRA to import a bull Pygmy Hippo, and they won’t be in a terrible hurry. Given that Lololi is still at the zoo, the plan most likely will be to display Kambiri and Lololi until it is time for Lololi to move to another zoo.

Zoofan15 said:
If Kambiri and Lololi are now permanently separated, which it appears they are, then it could be advantageous to transfer Kambiri to Melbourne (irregardless of whether she breeds) so Taronga can get on and build the new exhibit. She could then potentially return depending on whether Taronga wish to hold 1.1 adults or 1.2 adults upon the intended import of a bull.
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Kambiri and Lololi aren’t seperated, although Lololi is beginning to become independent. The idea of a new exhibit being built is becoming more and more likely, because as far as I am aware, Rodney’s move into the Hippo exhibit is permanent, and the zoo is looking for a female for him. The fight between Rodney and Guillermo(I’m assuming) happened around a year ago but there hasn’t been an empty exhibit until now.
 
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