The Future of Zoos Victoria 2024 (Speculation/Fantasy)

[Zoofan15]

Inspired to write this from the recent post of @Zoofan15 's review of MZ - the Aldabra tortoise should all be down at the Reptiles. I'd even say dismantle and rebuild the related buildings in Growing Wild - I don't mind the tortoise shell builds, just feel they should all be in the one area, and near the Reptile House.

This would open up the current space for something exciting to come soon!

I also think a modern extension of the Reptile House should be built, building a more permanent Frog/Amphibian section, creating a bigger space for their breeding program, with internal spaces for visitors.

I agree. The tortoise exhibit is massive, even for the one adult/six subadults that now occupy it. Depending what gender the subadults are, Melbourne could consider transferring four to Werribee and focussing breeding attempts on the five left at Melbourne. Breeding from the adults would surely be the priority considering they won’t be around as long. From here, they could swap out under-performers for their Werribee counterparts.

Growing Wild could definitely benefit from a redevelopment. I appreciate I only visited the precinct twice, which is hardly representative of a 365 day year, but engagement with the target demographic seemed minimal.

 

[Jambo]

I also think a modern extension of the Reptile House should be built, building a more permanent Frog/Amphibian section, creating a bigger space for their breeding program, with internal spaces for visitors.

I certainly agree with this, there's plenty of space especially behind the reptile house but I do imagine Melbourne would prefer retaining this lawn area as a lot of Melbourne's lawn space has been used with recent projects.

In saying that, a multi story Reptile/Amphibian House similar to what Taronga is building might be the best direction going forward. No additional space would need to be occupied, and additional space could be created for additional species and multi story displays would also be a sight to see for some of the larger reptiles.

 

[Jambo]

I agree. The tortoise exhibit is massive, even for the one adult/six subadults that now occupy it. Depending what gender the subadults are, Melbourne could consider transferring four to Werribee and focussing breeding attempts on the five left at Melbourne. Breeding from the adults would surely be the priority considering they won’t be around as long. From here, they could swap out under-performers for their Werribee counterparts.

I believe they have two males and four females.

The two older males (Little John and Wilbur) who recently moved down to Growing Wild would be the obvious pair if such a move was to ever occur.

Having another habitat at Werribee would also act as a contingency long term if Melbourne's breeding program reaches adept success.

 

[Zoofan15]

In saying that, a multi story Reptile/Amphibian House similar to what Taronga is building might be the best direction going forward. No additional space would need to be occupied, and additional space could be created for additional species and multi story displays would also be a sight to see for some of the larger reptiles.

It would be great to see Zoos Victoria construct a large reptile and amphibian centre considering the extensive work they do with native reptiles and amphibians. This could either be done on a huge scale at Werribee (following completion of higher priority projects); or as a multi-storey building at Melbourne Zoo like you suggest.

Going forward, I think there’s a reasonable chance Melbourne Zoo will phase out Hamadryas baboon. Perth and Wellington have phased out baboons; and Auckland and Adelaide plan to. From a welfare perspective, a strong emphasis is placed on allowing continuous (or at least regular) breeding and even zoos with larger exhibits such as Melbourne’s are struggling to facilitate this. With that in mind, a reasonably large space could open up for redevelopment at Melbourne Zoo within the next 5-10 years.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I certainly agree with this, there's plenty of space especially behind the reptile house but I do imagine Melbourne would prefer retaining this lawn area as a lot of Melbourne's lawn space has been used with recent projects.

In saying that, a multi story Reptile/Amphibian House similar to what Taronga is building might be the best direction going forward. No additional space would need to be occupied, and additional space could be created for additional species and multi story displays would also be a sight to see for some of the larger reptiles.

That lawn area already has a large frog breeding building standing on it.

I like the idea of an upward extension, but would not want the existing building gone. I'd like it to remain as a heritage building.

 

[Zoofan15]

That lawn area already has a large frog breeding building standing on it.

I like the idea of an upward extension, but would not want the existing building gone. I'd like it to remain as a heritage building.

I’m certainly in favour of keeping the reptile house (which was built in 1969 and is an iconic building); but establishing a modern facility to compliment its operations (perhaps with a greater focus on exotic and native endangered reptiles/amphibians) would serve them well.

The peccary/tapir row; and the baboon exhibit are two potential areas adjacent to the reptile house/lawns that could be of use.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I’m certainly in favour of keeping the reptile house (which was built in 1969 and is an iconic building); but establishing a modern facility to compliment its operations (perhaps with a greater focus on exotic and native endangered reptiles/amphibians) would serve them well.

The peccary/tapir row; and the baboon exhibit are two potential areas adjacent to the reptile house/lawns that could be of use.

I would prefer building in the location of the The Amphibian Bushfire Recovery Centre which is directly behind the Reptile House. A new larger, more permanent Amphibian centre could continue its current work, as well as having a level or two for other exotic species, and be given public access to see exhibits, and have viewing into the Recovery Centre.

Of course, this would be a longterm potential project, as TOTE, and Peccary/Tapirs would be higher in priority

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I believe they have two males and four females.

The two older males (Little John and Wilbur) who recently moved down to Growing Wild would be the obvious pair if such a move was to ever occur.

Having another habitat at Werribee would also act as a contingency long term if Melbourne's breeding program reaches adept success.

Are there still a lot of juveniles? I remember seeing something like a dozen up in Growing Wild in early half of 2023.

 

[Zoofan15]

Are there still a lot of juveniles? I remember seeing something like a dozen up in Growing Wild in early half of 2023.

A total of eight subadult Aldabra tortoises were imported from Mauritius in 2021.

Following quarantine, six of them moved into the Growing Wild exhibit; and two of them moved into the Reptile House.

A Huge Melbourne Zoo Welcome For Some Little Giants

 

[Jambo]

A total of eight subadult Aldabra tortoises were imported from Mauritius in 2021.

Following quarantine, six of them moved into the Growing Wild exhibit; and two of them moved into the Reptile House.

A Huge Melbourne Zoo Welcome For Some Little Giants

Interesting you mention that. I forgot about the two that were in the Reptile House. I don't believe I saw them the last time I visited so it seems they have been transferred elsewhere.

It would make sense if the other two were always destined for another facility; only remaining in the Reptile House temporarily before leaving.

 

[Zoofan15]

Interesting you mention that. I forgot about the two that were in the Reptile House. I don't believe I saw them the last time I visited so it seems they have been transferred elsewhere.

It would make sense if the other two were always destined for another facility; only remaining in the Reptile House temporarily before leaving.

Yeah I didn’t see them when I visited in November-December 2023, so I believe they’ve already left the building.

A number of facilities hold them across Australia, so I’d agree they were likely imported as part of a group import, with two going elsewhere.

 

[Zoofan15]

Correct, Melbourne really need to be careful as they already have a large number of vacant exhibits and exhibits that need a renovation. Now they are losing there star attraction, they are going to need to get replacements in quickly and that can hopefully match the callable and exited ment that elephants provide to visitors

The only zoo animal that can could match elephants in terms of visitor appeal is Giant pandas.

I would tentatively place the hierarchy as follows:

1. Elephant/Giant panda
2. Polar bear
3. Lion, tiger, Snow leopard, all other bears, gorilla
4. Orangutan, chimpanzee
5. Rhino, hippo, all other medium/large cats
6. Giraffe, baboon

Bearing in mind the cost of Giant pandas; the difficulties in sourcing and housing Polar bears; and the fact the zoo already has African lion, Sumatran tiger, Snow leopard and Western lowland gorilla; then acquiring a bear species would appear the most visitor appealing option.

It’s a moot point as it’s been all but confirmed that the redevelopment of TOTE will include an expansion of the orangutan facilities; but I doubt I’m the only one who would have loved to have seen a world class exhibit for Sloth bears or similar.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

Yes, I think polars bears and giant pandas can be ruled out. I still think Indian Rhino, Blackbuck and Orang-utan expansion will be the most suitable, because Melbourne will want to get something into the 3 vacant elephant exhibits quickly. This import of more Orangutans should be forfront of mind as there are only 2 currently, even putting white cheeked gibbons or siamangs could help also.

 

[Jambo]

Yes, the exhibit was renovated for the tamarins when the white cheeked gibbon previous pair passed, in honesty the whole tree top apes could do with an overhaul, it is starting to look dated compared to other sections of the zoo. Not only it is nearly impossible to view the Gibbons and Colobus with the privacy mesh glass. Whilst this is to to with privacy it makes the viewing experience poor

Also Kemala new mate was brought in around the start of June, Siamangs can take a while to form a connection and mate, there gestation period is around 7 and a half month so she still could be near birth today perhaps if she mated in November

It wouldn't be hard to accommodate the current monkey species in the treetop trail elsewhere in the zoo if a whole overhaul was to take place.

The White Cheeked Gibbons could move across to the Japanese Island, with the Siamang pair sent back to the Orangutan Sanctuary where there is space for them. Li Lian might actually might benefit from the privacy of the island enclosure as well.

The no brainer would be for Colobus's to replace the Mandrills, so moving Kipenzi over there would kill two birds with one stone. That just leaves the Spider Monkeys and the Emperor Tamarins. Both species could easily be held off display.

 

[Zoofan15]

Yes, I think polars bears and giant pandas can be ruled out. I still think Indian Rhino, Blackbuck and Orang-utan expansion will be the most suitable, because Melbourne will want to get something into the 3 vacant elephant exhibits quickly. This import of more Orangutans should be forfront of mind as there are only 2 currently, even putting white cheeked gibbons or siamangs could help also.

Yes, the cost of loaning a pair of Giant pandas would preclude them from even being considered as a viable option. Polar bears would require a temperature controlled exhibit to thrive and sourcing them would be difficult. Both species are non-starters in that regard.

Indian rhinoceros would have made a lot of sense given the infrastructure for elephants isn’t wildly different; but I’m undecided how much of a visitor appeal they’d have. I guess Taronga Zoo will be the Guinea pig.

Orangutans are popular, so a world class facility building upon what is already a decent albeit slightly dated exhibit is by no means a bad outcome; just a little underwhelming considering they already have the species.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Yes, the cost of loaning a pair of Giant pandas would preclude them from even being considered as a viable option. Polar bears would require a temperature controlled exhibit to thrive and sourcing them would be difficult. Both species are non-starters in that regard.

Indian rhinoceros would have made a lot of sense given the infrastructure for elephants isn’t wildly different; but I’m undecided how much of a visitor appeal they’d have. I guess Taronga Zoo will be the Guinea pig.

Orangutans are popular, so a world class facility building upon what is already a decent albeit slightly dated exhibit is by no means a bad outcome; just a little underwhelming considering they already have the species.

An orangutan expansion would take up very little of the space available in TOTE.
I still think that a second on display exhibit for tigers should be included, alongside an orangutan expansion, which would still leave 60-70% of the space available for something else. I'd move Indrah back to TOTE, and free her exhibit for African leopard, or a bear species.

 

[Zoofan15]

An orangutan expansion would take up very little of the space available in TOTE.
I still think that a second on display exhibit for tigers should be included, alongside an orangutan expansion, which would still leave 60-70% of the space available for something else. I'd move Indrah back to TOTE, and free her exhibit for African leopard, or a bear species.

That’s a good idea; though Sri Lankan leopard are a more feasible option than African leopard.

It’s a shame bears are not featured in the existing Carnivores precinct, despite discussions around Malayan sun bears being a possibility. The death of the last Syrian bear and the concurrent poor reproductive performance of the Malayan sun bear in Australasian zoos really cemented this. Since establishing a viable regional population of sun bears will be a challenge, I really think this is the beginning of the end for them. Sloth bears breed readily in captivity and are the best alternative imo.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

That’s a good idea; though Sri Lankan leopard are a more feasible option than African leopard.

It’s a shame bears are not featured in the existing Carnivores precinct, despite discussions around Malayan sun bears being a possibility. The death of the last Syrian bear and the concurrent poor reproductive performance of the Malayan sun bear in Australasian zoos really cemented this. Since establishing a viable regional population of sun bears will be a challenge, I really think this is the beginning of the end for them. Sloth bears breed readily in captivity and are the best alternative imo.

*Cough* Syrian Brown *cough* bring back Syrian Brown *cough*

Sri Lankan leopard would be a better choice, agreed

 

[Zoofan15]

*Cough* Syrian Brown *cough* bring back Syrian Brown *cough*

Sri Lankan leopard would be a better choice, agreed

Syrian brown bears bred well in Australian zoos. Melbourne’s last litter (born 1993) were as a result of an unplanned pregnancy; and Adelaide Zoo bred them into the 1980’s, with a male born 1985 the father of the aforementioned 1993 Melbourne litter.

It’s interesting reading about the ursid holdings of the region’s main zoos throughout the 20th century, including how they all held Polar bears (even Perth); and the inclusion of North American species across the various collections.

 

[Jambo]

With Nyala moving into the former Tapir exhibit, I can't help but notice this would create an extension of the small African themed zone Melbourne has, following the Giraffes and Baboons.

Whilst the peccaries could still have years ahead of them, it's got me thinking; what African species would be a feasible replacement for them. The one that springs to mind is African Crested Porcupine, who aren't yet held at Zoos Victoria and should be a species of interest. They would fit the current Peccary enclosures quite well with minimal renovations required; and would follow align with the African theming, forming a more consistent trail. Additionally, the multiple exhibits would allow for breeding if that was to be considered.