Taronga Zoo Taronga Zoo News 2025

[Zoofan15]

The cable car is going to have been closed to quite a while by the time that it finally reopens. I expected that the plans would have been fairly advanced by the time that they closed in 2023, which may have been the case and then changes needed to be made to the route and the design, I don't know.

Yeah, according to the article it’s taken an expanded route and will require the removal of 13 trees (no great loss in the whole scheme of things). Aside from the previous infrastructure being at the end of its working life, it’s didn’t meet the requirements of people with disabilities.

 

[Zoofan15]

Saltwater crocodiles arrive:

From socials:

We’re snappy with excitement to introduce you to two juvenile Estuarine Crocodiles. Estuarine, aka, Saltwater Crocs, are apex predators, they play a vital role in their ecosystems – helping to regulate prey populations, support biodiversity, and contribute to nutrient cycling.

These jaw-some new arrivals are making their home at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, where overnight guests might spot them basking during the Sanctuary tour.

 

[Jambo]

Saltwater crocodiles arrive:

From socials:

We’re snappy with excitement to introduce you to two juvenile Estuarine Crocodiles. Estuarine, aka, Saltwater Crocs, are apex predators, they play a vital role in their ecosystems – helping to regulate prey populations, support biodiversity, and contribute to nutrient cycling.

These jaw-some new arrivals are making their home at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, where overnight guests might spot them basking during the Sanctuary tour.

Wow, that's quite unexpected news to have Saltwater Crocodiles return to Taronga.

After Rin-Tin's departure, it was mentioned the previous enclosure was unsuitable for them and it was assumed they wouldn't be returning in a new habitat.

It's a shame their habitat appears to be exclusive to the Wildlife Retreat - where it appears a new enclosure has been built for them there.

 

[Tiger91]

Wow, that's quite unexpected news to have Saltwater Crocodiles return to Taronga.

After Rin-Tin's departure, it was mentioned the previous enclosure was unsuitable for them and it was assumed they wouldn't be returning in a new habitat.

It's a shame their habitat appears to be exclusive to the Wildlife Retreat - where it appears a new enclosure has been built for them there.

Im assuming it's only a small enclosure to bring in two females instead of the usual large male problem croc. Females get a decent size but no ones going oh **** look at that like a large male.

Sooooooooo much for Sydney not being a suitable environment for salties and the need to transfer Rin tin out on welfare grounds.

 

[Zoofan15]

Im assuming it's only a small enclosure to bring in two females instead of the usual large male problem croc. Females get a decent size but no ones going oh **** look at that like a large male.

Sooooooooo much for Sydney not being a suitable environment for salties and the need to transfer Rin tin out on welfare grounds.

Yes, it’s only a small exhibit, part of the Wildlife Retreat.

It’s a shame as Rin Tin Tin was a spectacular male and popular with the general public.

 

[Jambo]

Im assuming it's only a small enclosure to bring in two females instead of the usual large male problem croc. Females get a decent size but no ones going oh **** look at that like a large male.

Sooooooooo much for Sydney not being a suitable environment for salties and the need to transfer Rin tin out on welfare grounds.

Their sexes haven't been confirmed. Although assuming they're siblings, they'd be the same sex anyhow - so either two girls or two boys.

That is part of the reason why I was surprised to see them return when Taronga specifically did state their environment wasn't suitable for the species.

Since the enclosure is rather small (and obviously designed for turtles/eels), I wonder what the long term plans will be for them once they grow. I'd love to see Taronga invest in an on display enclosure for them.

 

[Tiger91]

Their sexes haven't been confirmed. Although assuming they're siblings, they'd be the same sex anyhow - so either two girls or two boys.

That is part of the reason why I was surprised to see them return when Taronga specifically did state their environment wasn't suitable for the species.

Since the enclosure is rather small (and obviously designed for turtles/eels), I wonder what the long term plans will be for them once they grow. I'd love to see Taronga invest in an on display enclosure for them.

Quite rightly, I appear to have had a dyslexic moment and read that they were females.
A large male salt water crocodile should have been a feature of Nura Diya. The Australia section is purposely set for city people and tourists. And nothing compares to a large male salty. Both feather dale and the reptile park display larger specimens without a huge take up of space. It's not like the zoo doesn't have space if we can have sheep now in an old native animal enclosure. It's a missed opportunity for a good Australian display that is engaging to visitors.

It will be interesting to see what happens as they age and grow. Tho in our climate they won't grow fast.

 

[Zoofan15]

Quite rightly, I appear to have had a dyslexic moment and read that they were females.
A large male salt water crocodile should have been a feature of Nura Diya. The Australia section is purposely set for city people and tourists. And nothing compares to a large male salty. Both feather dale and the reptile park display larger specimens without a huge take up of space. It's not like the zoo doesn't have space if we can have sheep now in an old native animal enclosure. It's a missed opportunity for a good Australian display that is engaging to visitors.

It will be interesting to see what happens as they age and grow. Tho in our climate they won't grow fast.

Considering the size of the exhibit and the fact they’ve acquired juveniles, my assumption is that Taronga has a plan to transfer them out once they grow too large for the exhibit. There would have been no shortage of older juveniles, adolescents etc that would have been more visible to visitors if their intention was to hold this size long term.

These juveniles could remain here for a few years and then be replaced by another pair.

 

[Tiger91]

Considering the size of the exhibit and the fact they’ve acquired juveniles, my assumption is that Taronga has a plan to transfer them out once they grow too large for the exhibit. There would have been no shortage of older juveniles, adolescents etc that would have been more visible to visitors if their intention was to hold this size long term.

These juveniles could remain here for a few years and then be replaced by another pair.

Salties don't grow fast down here, essentially they grow for 6 months and then stop. The reptile parks Elvis is a great example. For his age there are much larger males at parks, but it has been said his growth rate has stalled considerably due to the cooler climate. The same for feather dale's male that they have. On the other hand like most reptiles a slow growth pattern can usually mean a better life expectancy.

So unless the juveniles are kept in specific heated exhibits for growth and not just for comfort over the cooler weather. They may be on exhibit and kept for longer due to a slower growth rate. It'd be interesting to soo how big they are, as the word juveniles implies there not small hatchlings or babies. So if there around the 3 or 4 foot mark. Id wager they are banking on slower growth rates to be able to display them for longer.

 

[Zoofan15]

Salties don't grow fast down here, essentially they grow for 6 months and then stop. The reptile parks Elvis is a great example. For his age there are much larger males at parks, but it has been said his growth rate has stalled considerably due to the cooler climate. The same for feather dale's male that they have. On the other hand like most reptiles a slow growth pattern can usually mean a better life expectancy.

So unless the juveniles are kept in specific heated exhibits for growth and not just for comfort over the cooler weather. They may be on exhibit and kept for longer due to a slower growth rate. It'd be interesting to soo how big they are, as the word juveniles implies there not small hatchlings or babies. So if there around the 3 or 4 foot mark. Id wager they are banking on slower growth rates to be able to display them for longer.

Taronga’s juveniles are tiny! There’s a video of them here:

Taronga Zoo on Instagram: "Happy World Croc Day We’re snappy with excitement to introduce you to two juvenile Estuarine Crocodiles. Estuarine, aka, Saltwater Crocs, are apex predators, they play a vital role in their ecosystems – helping to regulate prey populations, support biodiversity, and contribute to nutrient cycling. These jaw-some new arrivals are making their home at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, where overnight guests might spot them basking during the Sanctuary tour. Book your stay at @wildliferetreat at Taronga to meet these little croc stars! Keeper Anderson #ForTheWild"

Yes, bearing in mind their slower growth rate in a cooler climate, it’s a possibility they could be kept in this exhibit for a while.

 

[Tiger91]

Taronga’s juveniles are tiny! There’s a video of them here:

Taronga Zoo on Instagram: "Happy World Croc Day We’re snappy with excitement to introduce you to two juvenile Estuarine Crocodiles. Estuarine, aka, Saltwater Crocs, are apex predators, they play a vital role in their ecosystems – helping to regulate prey populations, support biodiversity, and contribute to nutrient cycling. These jaw-some new arrivals are making their home at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, where overnight guests might spot them basking during the Sanctuary tour. Book your stay at @wildliferetreat at Taronga to meet these little croc stars! Keeper Anderson #ForTheWild"

Yes, bearing in mind their slower growth rate in a cooler climate, it’s a possibility they could be kept in this exhibit for a while.

Im honestly not sure why they didn't just put some freshies in there and be done with it!. They are tiny. At that size do they really garner much attention.

 

[Jambo]

Gorilla Transfer:

Taronga will be sending down two of their female gorillas to Melbourne in the coming months. They should arrive at Melbourne come this September. Presumably the other remaining female will also be transferred out (likely to Mogo), with Taronga essentially becoming a bachelor holding with Kibali and his three sons.

 

[Zorro]

Gorilla Transfer:

Taronga will be sending down two of their female gorillas to Melbourne in the coming months. They should arrive at Melbourne come this September. Presumably the other remaining female will also be transferred out (likely to Mogo), with Taronga essentially becoming a bachelor holding with Kibali and his three sons.

Mogo is my guess for the Melbourne female!

 

[Jambo]

Mogo is my guess for the Melbourne female!

The female I was referencing was the remaining female at Taronga - Taronga are sending two females down to Melbourne, yet they currently have three.

Mogo, as you say, is the likely option due to them being the only other breeding holder regionally.

On Kanzi at Melbourne, I was able to confirm that she will be remaining at least for the foreseeable. Although there is obviously still the option to transfer her out eventually if desired.

 

[Zoofan15]

Gorilla Transfer:

Taronga will be sending down two of their female gorillas to Melbourne in the coming months. They should arrive at Melbourne come this September. Presumably the other remaining female will also be transferred out (likely to Mogo), with Taronga essentially becoming a bachelor holding with Kibali and his three sons.

Mogo is my guess for the Melbourne female!

The obvious move is to send Johari to Mogo Zoo. They have a stable troop where the silverback tolerates G-Anne; and Johari wouldn’t be the only female on the outside, with Kriba and Kipenzi forming the central clique in the troop.

The two mother raised females (Frala and Mbeli) could then go to Melbourne Zoo, with Kibale and his three sons remaining at Taronga as a bachelor troop. Perhaps one day Taronga will return to holding a breeding troop in a new complex, but this will be many years away.

 

[Zorro]

The obvious move is to send Johari to Mogo Zoo. They have a stable troop where the silverback tolerates G-Anne; and Johari wouldn’t be the only female on the outside, with Kriba and Kipenzi forming the central clique in the troop.

The two mother raised females (Frala and Mbeli) could then go to Melbourne Zoo, with Kibale and his three sons remaining at Taronga as a bachelor troop. Perhaps one day Taronga will return to holding a breeding troop in a new complex, but this will be many years away.

I thought when Putra Mas leaves the Perth zoo the elephant area could be a good place to build a Gorilla exhibit if they wanted to it would be a good draw card and another holder in the region is really needed!

 

[Jambo]

The obvious move is to send Johari to Mogo Zoo. They have a stable troop where the silverback tolerates G-Anne; and Johari wouldn’t be the only female on the outside, with Kriba and Kipenzi forming the central clique in the troop.

The two mother raised females (Frala and Mbeli) could then go to Melbourne Zoo, with Kibale and his three sons remaining at Taronga as a bachelor troop. Perhaps one day Taronga will return to holding a breeding troop in a new complex, but this will be many years away.

Johari and G Ann were quite close at Melbourne, so in the event they're reunited I think it will be quite beneficial for both females who are outsiders in their current troops.

Additionally, it would be good for Johari to have an opportunity to breed again. Due to her social background, she'd need a male she's really comfortable with. From all accounts, Kisane is very docile and accepting.

It does look like Taronga's reached a dead end with their Congo complex. No Okapis, and now no Gorilla breeding troop. I'm hoping it will be reconsidered in the long term, but I do agree it does look like they'll remain holding the bachelor group for the foreseeable future at least.

 

[Jambo]

I thought when Putra Mas leaves the Perth zoo the elephant area could be a good place to build a Gorilla exhibit if they wanted to it would be a good draw card and another holder in the region is really needed!

Perth will be extending the African Savannah onto the site of the former elephant complex. Whilst I do agree it would be good for another regional facility to obtain a gorilla troop - it seems as a region, we're reaching cross roads at the moment with gorillas available for import.

 

[Zoofan15]

Johari and G Ann were quite close at Melbourne, so in the event they're reunited I think it will be quite beneficial for both females who are outsiders in their current troops.

Additionally, it would be good for Johari to have an opportunity to breed again. Due to her social background, she'd need a male she's really comfortable with. From all accounts, Kisane is very docile and accepting.

It does look like Taronga's reached a dead end with their Congo complex. No Okapis, and now no Gorilla breeding troop. I'm hoping it will be reconsidered in the long term, but I do agree it does look like they'll remain holding the bachelor group for the foreseeable future at least.

Another thing to consider is that Johari was by all accounts quite fond of Taronga’s adolescent males when they were infants. On my visits last November, she seemed content to be as far away from everyone as possible; but relocating her to Mogo would give her the chance to join a family troop, which I believe would be in her best interests.

In the event Johari did conceive and rejected her offspring, Mogo’s history suggests they’d be open to handraising it until able to rejoin the troop as they did with Kaius.

 

[Jambo]

Another thing to consider is that Johari was by all accounts quite fond of Taronga’s adolescent males when they were infants. On my visits last November, she seemed content to be as far away from everyone as possible; but relocating her to Mogo would give her the chance to join a family troop, which I believe would be in her best interests.

In the event Johari did conceive and rejected her offspring, Mogo’s history suggests they’d be open to handraising it until able to rejoin the troop as they did with Kaius.

Johari never got to witness the raising of an infant herself at Melbourne, so I'm not surprised she was fascinated by the initial males upon their births.

It would have been difficult for her; moving from Melbourne's group where she was quite comfortable, to Taronga's. Her social position on the exterior of the troop due to her inability to breed has had it's obvious repercussions, and it would be good to get her to a facility (like Mogo) where she would at least have some companionship on the exterior (in G Ann).

Although Kriba is essentially raising Kaius (most of the time), it would also give Johari the great opportunity to also assist in raising him too which I'd imagine she might take great interest in. An infant from Johari would be very, very valuable so it's absolutely worth the shot imo.