The Future of Zoos Victoria 2024 (Speculation/Fantasy)

[Zoofan15]

And Pygmy Hippos spend far more time out of the water than their Nile Hippo counterparts, so if the second enclosure were merged with the Mandril enclosure, they wouldn't need to build another pool. At least not initially. If it were designed that they could be divided, then this would call for a third pool be built, but that could be a down the track renovation.

That’s a good point. It’s a shame to see the Mandrill exhibit has sat empty for so long (with the exception of Zillie’s stay). They should have moved the colobus to this exhibit a long time ago in my opinion; but presumably there’s a plan in place (quite possibly involving the Pygmy hippopotamus).

Due to holding a single bull for so long, I guess there’s been little justification for expanding his facilities beyond the two exhibits until now with the IRA finally approved (something which was never 100% guaranteed until it happened).

 

[dylan downward]

I was literally thinking this why the colobus monkeys are not moved to the old mandrill exhibit I would only need minor upgrades and it be a much better exhibit for them then honestly if a new spider monkey exhibit was built once the elephants move would be really cool then the tree tops monkey walk could get a massive upgrade for the current monkey that currently live there so they get much bigger and better exhibits

 

[Zoofan15]

I was literally thinking this why the colobus monkeys are not moved to the old mandrill exhibit I would only need minor upgrades and it be a much better exhibit for them then honestly if a new spider monkey exhibit was built once the elephants move would be really cool then the tree tops monkey walk could get a massive upgrade for the current monkey that currently live there so they get much bigger and better exhibits

It would have been nice if Melbourne had made more colobus imports like Adelaide have to establish a larger troop. The Mandrill exhibit could easily accomodate 6-8 colobus.

I will note that the troop is usually formed around related females, but unrelated females can be introduced and would be their best option as opposed to trying to build up a troop around the ageing Kipenzi and whatever female she can produce in the future.

 

[dylan downward]

It would have been nice if Melbourne had made more colobus imports like Adelaide have to establish a larger troop. The Mandrill exhibit could easily accomodate 6-8 colobus.

I will note that the troop is usually formed around related females, but unrelated females can be introduced and would be their best option as opposed to trying to build up a troop around the ageing Kipenzi and whatever female she can produce in the future.

If they could upgrade and make the exhibit bigger it make a really good and decent exhibit for them

 

[Zoofan15]

If they could upgrade and make the exhibit bigger it make a really good and decent exhibit for them

Definitely, tying in with the idea of a mixed species exhibit with Pygmy hippopotamus.

The alternative would be to house a small colobus troop in the old Mandrill troop for the next decade, with Werribee’s Vervet monkey exhibit taking on either a split troop (or the expanded troop) a decade from now.

 

[Jambo]

The glass frontage to the old Mandrill exhibit may have been the issue. Every cassowary exhibit I’ve seen has a clearly defined visual barrier that seems, which is known to lessen the chance of a cassowary feeling threatened enough to attack.

While Zillie is a female (males are more notorious for their aggression), perhaps the invisible barrier (glass) made her feel threatened/crowded?

I always felt that Zillie was actually super curious about the guests, she spent most (if not all) of her time right in front of the glass staring back at the visitors. So I wouldn't assume she'd been moved back for that reason; she seemed really comfortable with it.

My initial assumption was that a replacement was planned for her but considering nothings eventuated it's likely they just wanted her to fill up the third half of the GFA which had begun to feel quite empty (especially in that section).

 

[Zoofan15]

My initial assumption was that a replacement was planned for her but considering nothings eventuated it's likely they just wanted her to fill up the third half of the GFA which had begun to feel quite empty (especially in that section).

That’s entirely possible. When I compare the Great Flight Aviary to Taronga’s aviaries (which were teeming with bird life on my visit last month), it was indeed barren of bird life (signage wasn’t great either).

The main appeal of the Great Flight Aviary for me was the architecture and historical significance - it’s an impressive exhibit with huge potential. It’d be nice to see an exotic mammal walk through (primates such as colobus); or some native mammals such as Koala assuming they want to retain it as an Australian exhibit.

 

[Jambo]

The main appeal of the Great Flight Aviary for me was the architecture and historical significance - it’s an impressive exhibit with huge potential. It’d be nice to see an exotic mammal walk through (primates such as colobus); or some native mammals such as Koala assuming they want to retain it as an Australian exhibit.

I see no reason why they can't introduce Koalas as it is! They should be able to coexist well with the species of birds and could theoretically be given access to the first section of the GFA with a few additional trees added to satisfy their climbing needs.

Conversely, I've always dreamt it would fit an African Forest theme too; with African birds (like Grey Parrots), Colobus and Pygmy Hippos having mixed access across the three sections. Ruffed lemurs could also be added in here too.

Wishfully thinking, another idea might be a South American themed area; for the Spider Monkeys, Squirrel Monkeys and even the Tamarins who could inhabit the islands in the center of the aviary. Capybaras could also be added to the mix, and they would utilise the ground and water sections quite well. Perhaps even Brazilian Tapir too!

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I see no reason why they can't introduce Koalas as it is! They should be able to coexist well with the species of birds and could theoretically be given access to the first section of the GFA with a few additional trees added to satisfy their climbing needs.

Conversely, I've always dreamt it would fit an African Forest theme too; with African birds (like Grey Parrots), Colobus and Pygmy Hippos having mixed access across the three sections. Ruffed lemurs could also be added in here too.

Wishfully thinking, another idea might be a South American themed area; for the Spider Monkeys, Squirrel Monkeys and even the Tamarins who could inhabit the islands in the center of the aviary. Capybaras could also be added to the mix, and they would utilise the ground and water sections quite well. Perhaps even Brazilian Tapir too!

If Tree top Monkeys were redeveloped they could build one big elevated walk through exhibit like either of your ideas above!

 

[Zoofan15]

If Tree top Monkeys were redeveloped they could build one big elevated walk through exhibit like either of your ideas above!

I’m hopeful for a South American theme to Treetop monkeys. It feels like this would be a medium priority to redevelop versus the elephant complex etc. but that could tie in with waiting for the imports of Xenarthra species like sloth. They could maintain the elevated theme with species like Brazilian tapir. The Malayan tapir at Adelaide Zoo is viewed by visitors from above without issue; and Hamilton’s tapir were previously viewable from a partly elevated walkway.

The peccaries may only be with us another five years or so, which would offer further opportunity to redevelop their exhibit to support tapir breeding via a second (or third if they move nyala out) by the Rail Gate Entrance.

 

[Jambo]

If Tree top Monkeys were redeveloped they could build one big elevated walk through exhibit like either of your ideas above!

It could go one of the two ways; however it would preferably be a South American precinct imo considering the lack of such a precinct not only at Melbourne, but regionally!

Majority of the Treetops is already full of South American species (Cotton Top Tamarins, Spider Monkeys and Emperor Tamarins). Throw in the Squirrel Monkeys and that's a reasonable mix alongside the chances of potentially importing Sloths, Giant Anteaters and Armadillos. Brazilian Tapir could also be added as a ground dwelling species (with the Giant Anteater). If ground level viewing is prioritised, they could easily add viewing areas at either end of the boardwalk.

 

[Tiger91]

It could go one of the two ways; however it would preferably be a South American precinct imo considering the lack of such a precinct not only at Melbourne, but regionally!

Majority of the Treetops is already full of South American species (Cotton Top Tamarins, Spider Monkeys and Emperor Tamarins). Throw in the Squirrel Monkeys and that's a reasonable mix alongside the chances of potentially importing Sloths, Giant Anteaters and Armadillos. Brazilian Tapir could also be added as a ground dwelling species (with the Giant Anteater). If ground level viewing is prioritised, they could easily add viewing areas at either end of the boardwalk.

This would be a fantastic idea!
Maybe even add in a few small aviarys for south american parrots and done.

 

[Jambo]

This would be a fantastic idea!
Maybe even add in a few small aviarys for south american parrots and done.

They could elect to net the whole area and this could allow South American Birds, like parrots to free roam!

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

They could take inspiration from the Singapore Zoo treetops trails, or even what is in Adelaide zoos master plan. It would be very unique for the region and a drawcard to the zoo. As South America is underrepresented in Australian Zoos.
Species could include
Spider Monkey ( already at the zoo )
Bairds Tapir ( interest in the region already )
Cotton top tamarin ( Already at the zoo )
Squirrel Monkey ( already at the zoo )
Capybara ( easy to source )
Species of tortoise or even caiman ( Singapore use gharial
Possibly species of bird
Sloth and giant anteater ( are these able to be important, if so maybe unlikely )
This could be one of the best south American sections in the world.

 

[Zoofan15]

They could take inspiration from the Singapore Zoo treetops trails, or even what is in Adelaide zoos master plan. It would be very unique for the region and a drawcard to the zoo. As South America is underrepresented in Australian Zoos.
Species could include
Spider Monkey ( already at the zoo )
Bairds Tapir ( interest in the region already )
Cotton top tamarin ( Already at the zoo )
Squirrel Monkey ( already at the zoo )
Capybara ( easy to source )
Species of tortoise or even caiman ( Singapore use gharial
Possibly species of bird
Sloth and giant anteater ( are these able to be important, if so maybe unlikely )
This could be one of the best south American sections in the world.

Steve Robinson advised species agreed to for the region are as follows:

Giant Anteater
Two-toed Sloth [Linne's]
Tamandua
Yellow Armadillo
Three-banded Armadillo

Melbourne has previously had interest in Giant anteater, so I’m hopeful they and two-toed sloths at a minimum will be exhibited at Melbourne in the future.

 

[Tiger91]

They could elect to net the whole area and this could allow South American Birds, like parrots to free roam!

That is some singapore zoo type exhibits. It would be phenomenal to do it. But its a bit out of our zoo planners league!. Id be just impressed if they could get some imports and do a nice south American area.

 

[Jambo]

Melbourne has previously had interest in Giant anteater, so I’m hopeful they and two-toed sloths at a minimum will be exhibited at Melbourne in the future.

They did but it never eventuated as the IRA wasn't passed at that point in time. Hopefully this time around once the IRA is completed they'll still look at importing some.

The former Malayan Tapir enclosure which currently holds Nyala would be a perfect enclosure for them in the meantime before a full refurbishment of the Treetops may be done (as we discussed above). The Nyala could easily be accommodated in the former Bongo enclosure, which is currently sitting empty.

 

[Tiger91]

They did but it never eventuated as the IRA wasn't passed at that point in time. Hopefully this time around once the IRA is completed they'll still look at importing some.

The former Malayan Tapir enclosure which currently holds Nyala would be a perfect enclosure for them in the meantime before a full refurbishment of the Treetops may be done (as we discussed above). The Nyala could easily be accommodated in the former Bongo enclosure, which is currently sitting empty.

Or incorporate them with the giraffes, and send the zebra to werribee if they haven't already. Nyala always look good with giraffe.

 

[Zoofan15]

Or incorporate them with the giraffes, and send the zebra to werribee if they haven't already. Nyala always look good with giraffe.

Melbourne’s zebra (all males) went to Werribee last year. This was in anticipation of Ntombi the giraffe giving birth earlier this year, which sadly didn’t result in a surviving calf.

Integrating the Lowland nyala with the giraffe is definitely a good idea. They could house the cows/calves with the giraffes; and hold a bull seperate in the old bongo exhibit.

 

[Tiger91]

Melbourne’s zebra (all males) went to Werribee last year. This was in anticipation of Ntombi the giraffe giving birth earlier this year, which sadly didn’t result in a surviving calf.

Integrating the Lowland nyala with the giraffe is definitely a good idea. They could house the cows/calves with the giraffes; and hold a bull seperate in the old bongo exhibit.

I thought that was the case but wasn't 100% on it. The bulls are impressive enough to hold there own in there own exhibit. The cows and calves would further enhance the giraffe exhibit.