Would it require the support of the region ? the leopards only had the support of two zoo's. By joining an established species program the zoo becomes an extension of that program. I don't actively think a zoo like taronga needs to actively have the support of the region. I con't quite remember but I think the francious leaf monkeys are also cities 1. And that was a well and truly solo import.
Taronga Zoo Taronga Zoo News 2025
- Thread starter Osedax
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Would it require the support of the region ? the leopards only had the support of two zoo's. By joining an established species program the zoo becomes an extension of that program. I don't actively think a zoo like taronga needs to actively have the support of the region. I con't quite remember but I think the francious leaf monkeys are also cities 1. And that was a well and truly solo import.
As @Trua mentioned it still would. Considering the expenses ect. surrounding operating an extension program a considerable distance across the world, it would require strong support!
I believe Francois Langur are a CITES II species. But to be fair I think a few other zoos (such as Adelaide and Melbourne) also had interest in Francois Langurs. Neither have acquired them due to a variety of reasons but it's important to remember that initially (when Taronga imported them), they did.
Either way, if taronga truly wanted to create a Congo precinct they could swing mandril. It would probably be at the cost of a great deal of paper work and time. But that wouldn't be any greater then that of getting the new reptile house built etc. Which is why black and white colobus would be a much better substitute. Gorilla, pygmy hippo, colobus and bongo would make such a good display. Throw in some bird aviary to fill some spots and done.
austrlain zoo gower
Well-Known Member
Taronga Zoo Elephant Update
"Our mammoth move of Asian Elephants Tang Mo and Pak Boon to Monarto Safari Park is set for late March 2025. Moving an elephant is no small feat, especially when asking them to voluntarily walk into a transport crate and use a seatbelt! Our dedicated Elephant Keepers have been hard at work training and conditioning Tang Mo and Pak Boon ahead of the big move. With the help of some positive words of encouragement, some favourtite food items, and the choice to enter, exit, and test the transport crates and their seatbelts, our Ele girls have been taking it in their strides. In the coming months, we will ensure the community has the opportunity to celebrate Tang Mo and Pak Boon, thank the dedicated keepers and reminisce on memories with Taronga Zoo Sydney's rich elephant history "
Link to Video Below
"Our mammoth move of Asian Elephants Tang Mo and Pak Boon to Monarto Safari Park is set for late March 2025. Moving an elephant is no small feat, especially when asking them to voluntarily walk into a transport crate and use a seatbelt! Our dedicated Elephant Keepers have been hard at work training and conditioning Tang Mo and Pak Boon ahead of the big move. With the help of some positive words of encouragement, some favourtite food items, and the choice to enter, exit, and test the transport crates and their seatbelts, our Ele girls have been taking it in their strides. In the coming months, we will ensure the community has the opportunity to celebrate Tang Mo and Pak Boon, thank the dedicated keepers and reminisce on memories with Taronga Zoo Sydney's rich elephant history "
Link to Video Below
With a date set for the elephants moving, further details have been revealed on their replacements - three Water Buffalo will be arriving from Taronga Western Plains Zoo alongside Hari the Indian Rhino.
The plan is to initially keep the two species apart (in the two separate paddocks), and introduce them once they're both on site.
The plan is to initially keep the two species apart (in the two separate paddocks), and introduce them once they're both on site.
I’m really looking forward to seeing the interactions between Hari the Indian rhinoceros and the water buffalo once they’re introduced.
Water buffalo acted as companion animals for Hari’s father Dora at Taronga Western Plains Zoo prior to the arrival of the female.
I can live with that ..., and it may actually work (allthough I do not know myself examples overseas from Australia where this has happened over time successfully)!
Hopefully, now there is a bigger chance to expand the Indian rhino program and include more of the ... either city or open range zoos for the species!
It’s possible the water buffalo are only there on a temporary basis, with the long term plan being to import a female to pair with Hari down the line. With a decent sized exhibit (including two paddocks), there’s sufficient room to breed the species, with any offspring then transferring out (either to Dubbo or another zoo).
It would be preferable for a second founder pair of Indian rhinoceros to be established as oppose to importing a mate at each generation (in this case Hari being first generation); but even one additional founder to pair with him is progress for a population that is far from sustainable in the current state.
Jaiden
Well-Known Member
I can see the Water buffalo in with Hari every once in while and when they aren’t on display with Hari there is a possibility that they could be held in the former Camel exhibit since right now the former Camel exhibit is currently being used as a pit stop lawn and the Taronga zoo might import a female from either the USA or Asia for breeding and send offspring to other zoos around Oceania like Monarto Safari park,Perth zoo or Melbourne zoo and the One horned Rhinoceros could be the replacements for lager animals Such as Asian Elephants or giraffes letting City zoos face out bigger Animals letting zoos Focus on smaller animals.
The current complex Taronga will have them in will give them the opportunity to separate the Water Buffalos from Hari when desired.
Initially, it's been advised the two species will be kept separately before introductions commence with the goal being to have them as a mixed species display down the line.
In the long term, Taronga do have the facilities to breed as has been mentioned. In the event that occurs, the Water Bufallo could easily be sent back to Dubbo.
If additional zoos don't end up coming on board regionally; the best option would indeed be to utilise Taronga's facilities for an additional breeding pair imo.
Luke899
Well-Known Member
From socials:
Join us for a traditional Thai ele-bration at Taronga!
This Sunday, 9 March, we're inviting you to be part of a very special and meaningful day at Taronga Zoo Sydney. We'll be joined by the Thai community and Buddhist monks as they offer a traditional blessing and water ritual ceremony for well-being and safe travels for our beloved Asian elephants, Tang Mo and Pak Boon.
When? Sunday, 9 March – arrive at 9:30am for the 10am ceremony
Where? Taronga Zoo Sydney's Elephant habitat
We can't wait to come together to show our deep appreciation to the Thai community and to celebrate these two very special elephants who've had an incredible impact on our zoo family
Come for the ceremony, stay for the memories
This Sunday, 9 March, we're inviting you to be part of a very special and meaningful day at Taronga Zoo Sydney. We'll be joined by the Thai community and Buddhist monks as they offer a traditional blessing and water ritual ceremony for well-being and safe travels for our beloved Asian elephants, Tang Mo and Pak Boon.
We can't wait to come together to show our deep appreciation to the Thai community and to celebrate these two very special elephants who've had an incredible impact on our zoo family
Come for the ceremony, stay for the memories
Attachments
From socials:
Join us for a traditional Thai ele-bration at Taronga!
This Sunday, 9 March, we're inviting you to be part of a very special and meaningful day at Taronga Zoo Sydney. We'll be joined by the Thai community and Buddhist monks as they offer a traditional blessing and water ritual ceremony for well-being and safe travels for our beloved Asian elephants, Tang Mo and Pak Boon.
When? Sunday, 9 March – arrive at 9:30am for the 10am ceremony
Where? Taronga Zoo Sydney's Elephant habitat
We can't wait to come together to show our deep appreciation to the Thai community and to celebrate these two very special elephants who've had an incredible impact on our zoo family
Come for the ceremony, stay for the memories
View attachment 775065
I’ve been really impressed with how Taronga Zoo are handling the impending departure of their elephants (less than 24 days away now).
Elephants have been held at Taronga Zoo since it opened in 1916 and these two cows have been there just over 18 years. They mean a lot to Sydney and I’m sure many people will appreciate the ample opportunity they’ve had to visit them before they go and share their memories of the elephants.
Osedax
Well-Known Member
I went today to see the elephants before they leave. Only had a couple of hours in the afternoon so I wasn't there for the Thai ceremony unfortunately, but I still saw Pak Boon and Tang Mo for what may be the last time at Taronga. There were quite a few people gathered to farewell the girls, taking selfies and discussing the upcoming move to Monarto.
There is currently a large amount of signage about the elephants around the zoo and especially in front of the elephant exhibit, featuring important moments in the herd's history (such as the births of Luk Chai and Tukta). There is a board in the shape of an elephant that is covered in messages.
There is also quite a lot of signage discussing Hari (GOHR)'s imminent arrival, and the "Wildlife Witness" signage has been replaced by signage about the Greater One-horned Rhino. It does make me wonder whether they will retain the prominent Thai and elephant theming around the exhibit; it would be a shame to see all that go.
I also have some non-elephant updates:
- Mary (Sun Bear) is currently off display.
- A new young Boa Constrictor has been acquired and is now on display in the mixed boa/tortoise exhibit in the ARC.
- Central Netted Dragons are no longer on display inside the ARC.
There is currently a large amount of signage about the elephants around the zoo and especially in front of the elephant exhibit, featuring important moments in the herd's history (such as the births of Luk Chai and Tukta). There is a board in the shape of an elephant that is covered in messages.
There is also quite a lot of signage discussing Hari (GOHR)'s imminent arrival, and the "Wildlife Witness" signage has been replaced by signage about the Greater One-horned Rhino. It does make me wonder whether they will retain the prominent Thai and elephant theming around the exhibit; it would be a shame to see all that go.
I also have some non-elephant updates:
- Mary (Sun Bear) is currently off display.
- A new young Boa Constrictor has been acquired and is now on display in the mixed boa/tortoise exhibit in the ARC.
- Central Netted Dragons are no longer on display inside the ARC.
Thanks for the update. I’m glad you got a chance to see the elephants before their transfer (especially if this turns out to be your last opportunity to see them).
Taronga pride themselves on their animal statues (I was amazed how many of these were throughout the zoo on my visit); but if I’m not mistaken, the leopard in the tree and the dolphin by the aquarium are the only statues of species no longer at the zoo? With that in mind, I’d be surprised if the elephant statues (and theming) was retained. If for no other reason, it’d emphasise the absence of elephants from the collection, which the zoo will be wanting to downplay. Conversely, I feel like the arrival of an Indian rhinoceros statue is imminent.
Osedax
Well-Known Member
The elephant statues might go, yes, but I was mostly wondering about the Thai theming that is so prevalent in that area. This will soon be out of place as Indian rhinos are obviously not native to Thailand.Taronga pride themselves on their animal statues (I was amazed how many of these were throughout the zoo on my visit); but if I’m not mistaken, the leopard in the tree and the dolphin by the aquarium are the only statues of species no longer at the zoo? With that in mind, I’d be surprised if the elephant statues (and theming) was retained. If for no other reason, it’d emphasise the absence of elephants from the collection, which the zoo will be wanting to downplay. Conversely, I feel like the arrival of an Indian rhinoceros statue is imminent.
Yes, I would assume that will go as it will lose its relevance with the departure of the rhinos.
Indian rhinoceros have a deep cultural significance in India (as symbol of strength, power and good fortune). They’ve been revered for thousands of years and are considered sacred in Hinduism, so themeage that pays homage to their culture significance seems a strong probability. Taronga have always been very mindful of honouring the cultural heritage of their species - with visits from Buddhist monks dating back to at least the arrival of the first Snow leopards. They conferred blessing on the exhibit hoped to bring the Snow leopards fertility and prosperity.
Short answer, generic. The original founders were wild born chimpanzees, including Suzie, who was a purebred Central chimpanzee; and Lulu, who was a purebred Western chimpanzee. Based on the information we have available, Fifi (from whom most of the current community descend) was likely a Central chimpanzee.
Wellington’s early founders appear to have been Western chimpanzees, which if so means Snowy (sent to Taronga) was a Western chimpanzee. He sired Lubutu (among other offspring), who sired six offspring to females believed to be of Central descent.
The latest additions to the community are females Ceres and Naomi from Europe. They’re generic chimpanzees.
thanks for that very prompt reply - unfortunate, but it certainly seems to be a very well managed group