Melbourne Zoo The Future of Zoos Victoria 2025 (Speculation/Fantasy)

[Zoofan15]

I believe all the zoos in the Australian region should do more to house South American species, Melbourne especially, they use to have one of the best collections. However as much as I would love to see growing wild redeveloped, it seems highly unlikely. For starters the precinct is quite new, and the zoos uses it educational facilities on the daily to teach younger children.
For me there are 2 places where a South American area could be developed.

Gorilla Rainforest or Forest of wonder
Calling the precinct forest of wonders, makes me hopeful that it will features more than just animals from Asia.

They could redevelop the Elephant enclosures into a mini amazon precinct, this would be costly, but could the the most rewarding. The species that could take centre stage being Baird tapir, sloth , capybara and a variety of monkeys species . Some animals could have separated enclosure and other joined togeather.

They could use the treetop apes and monkeys ares, it would be smaller, but would be more affordable.

What I see happening is possibly Tapir, capybara and spider monkey in the enclosures this could mean they would make minimal changes, they would then once they have the money overhaul the area

In the current state, Treetops seems the most likely given it lends itself to arboreal species like sloths, which will hopefully soon be available to the zoo. With renovations, it wouldn’t be hard to integrate Brazilian tapir and other terrestrial species into these plans; though I remain of the belief the old Malayan tapir exhibit would be the best place for them (with the nyala either housed with the giraffes; or in the adjacent old bongo exhibit).

Multiple exhibits for tapir (at a minimum two to house a male and female seperate) would be beneficial for breeding; so long term, they could look at housing them in the adjacent Collared peccary exhibit (in addition to the old Malayan tapir exhibit).

Alternatively, the peccaries could move out and the whole row could be redeveloped for two Brazilian tapir exhibits (plus BOH).

Collared peccaries could go:

A) Ground dwelling in Treetops

B) Old Eastern bongo exhibit

C) Werribee - simple exhibit that could easily be redeveloped when they pass on

 

[Trua]

I seem to see a link between this proposed brazilian tapir import and the elephants leaving....read between the lines maybe

 

[Zoofan15]

I seem to see a link between this proposed brazilian tapir import and the elephants leaving....read between the lines maybe

The bull paddock in particular is made for tapir. I can just imagine them cooling off in this pool on hot days given tapir are excellent swimmers.

 

[Jambo]

I seem to see a link between this proposed brazilian tapir import and the elephants leaving....read between the lines maybe

I have been! It would be fabulous if true.

I wouldn't see them being in all three habitats; maybe two at most as we've previously discussed in this thread. Given their size I also wouldn't be surprised if they were mixed in with some other species too like Capybara.

 

[FunnyJamie]

If the old Mandrill enclosure isn't incorporated into being a third Pygmy Hippo enclosure, could be a good location for an African Golden Cat exhibit, if fully netted.

I believe you mean the Asian Golden cat? African golden cat is only held at one place in the world (which also kind of happens to be associated loosely with smuggling I believe)

 

[Zoofan15]

I believe you mean the Asian Golden cat? African golden cat is only held at one place in the world (which also kind of happens to be associated loosely with smuggling I believe)

I believe @The Sleepy Hippo was only suggesting it theoretically as like you say, it’s only held in one captive facility.

Unfortunately the Temminck’s golden cat is no more likely to make a return to the region. It was phased out for a number of reasons, including lack of visitor engagement and the challenges around breeding. Pairs in the region would only breed when housed off display; females were killed by males during introductions (and in one case, within an established pair); and mortality rate of kittens was reasonable high. As reported in the media, Auckland Zoo’s female cannabilised her third litter; and her second litter (a single kitten) has to be removed for hand-raising after his mother caused a wound to his neck from repeatedly carrying him. This was despite the zoo housing them off display to maximise privacy.

 

[FunnyJamie]

I believe @The Sleepy Hippo was only suggesting it theoretically as like you say, it’s only held in one captive facility.

Unfortunately the Temminck’s golden cat is no more likely to make a return to the region. It was phased out for a number of reasons, including lack of visitor engagement and the challenges around breeding. Pairs in the region would only breed when housed off display; females were killed by males during introductions (and in one case, within an established pair); and mortality rate of kittens was reasonable high. As reported in the media, Auckland Zoo’s female cannabilised her third litter; and her second litter (a single kitten) has to be removed for hand-raising after his mother caused a wound to his neck from repeatedly carrying him. This was despite the zoo housing them off display to maximise privacy.

yeah the position with the Temminck's is very sad. They are a beautiful species, but so rare globally

 

[Zoofan15]

yeah the position with the Temminck's is very sad. They are a beautiful species, but so rare globally

They’re one of my favourite felids and along with Jaguar, one of the species I’d most like to see return to the region. They were once held across several North American zoos (some of Melbourne Zoo’s founders came from the US), but they’ve long been phased out of that region also.

Australasia peaked at five holders in the 2000’s (Melbourne, Taronga, Adelaide, Auckland and Hamilton); with only Melbourne and Auckland successfully breeding them.

Globally, I see Europe are down to two holders (Heidelberg and Berlin); and Asia, four holders.

 

[Jambo]

Where was this information? Im just interested.

Sun Bears were optimistic in the region, however another species of bear could be more viable for the region. What about sloth bear, or asiatic black bear could suit the region well. They could put the species of bear in either forest of wonder or Lion Gorge

It’s been discussed numerous times in the speculation thread, but this article references plans for sun bears etc where the current tiger exhibit now sits:

Predators in the classroom? Only at Melbourne Zoo

The best bear alternatives would be either:

Spectacled bear: This species is held by 18 North American facilities; and 22 European facilities.

Sloth bear: The Indian subspecies would be preferable given the Sri Lankan subspecies is only held in one North American facility (and no European facilities). Indian sloth bear are held by eight European facilities; eight North American facilities; and the Singapore Zoo Night Safari.

I recall the precinct being advertised initially as housing 'Snow Leopards, Bears and Komodos' in zoo newsletters.

The specific bear species was never stated there but former CEO Jenny Gray did mention in an interview that she would love to have Sun Bears at Melbourne eventually. They were also described as being the eventual bear species replacement for Honey who at this point in time hadn't passed yet.

In the end, neither species could be acquired due to availability but it's good to see that now Melbourne have finally managed to acquire a Komodo, following ARP's success in breeding them.

 

[Zoofan15]

I recall the precinct being advertised initially as housing 'Snow Leopards, Bears and Komodos' in zoo newsletters.

The specific bear species was never stated there but former CEO Jenny Gray did mention in an interview that she would love to have Sun Bears at Melbourne eventually. They were also described as being the eventual bear species replacement for Honey who at this point in time hadn't passed yet.

In the end, neither species could be acquired due to availability but it's good to see that now Melbourne have finally managed to acquire a Komodo, following ARP's success in breeding them.

Sun bears are the only regionally supported bear species (and have been for decades), with the elderly Syrians a remnant of a once reasonable population within the region, so they’re definitely a safe bet. Especially factoring in the breeding success the enjoyed in 2006-2010, with two Australian zoos breeding them for the first time and things looked hopeful for a brief moment.

Though 21 years old and past her reproductive prime, the loss of Chomel at Wellington Zoo in 2009 was a major blow to the breeding programme. A mother raised bear, she successfully bred with two males (one of which she had five litters with until his death). Another cub from her (a male this time) would have been invaluable to the breeding programme as a mate to Maly (2008).

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

(I'd still prefer the return of Syrian Brown Bears, myself... though not realistic... A man can dream )

 

[Zoofan15]

I maintain that some renovations be done, and the Lion and Dingo exhibits be connected via a bridge - Now the lions can look over humans from a caged bridge!!! Make Predator Precinct "Lion Park" again!

I’ve wanted this for years. The Dingo add little to the precinct and in any case, we have Tasmanian devil representing Australia (regarding geographic diversity).

Building a second lion exhibit would enable Melbourne Zoo to hold a a breeding pride, even if they repeated Taronga’s formula of breeding once and then housing those cubs into adulthood. Alternatively the import of 1.1 founders from overseas would ensure the first couple of litters flew off the shelves as other zoos throughout the region receive unrelated lions for their prides.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I’ve wanted this for years. The Dingo add little to the precinct and in any case, we have Tasmanian devil representing Australia (regarding geographic diversity).

Building a second lion exhibit would enable Melbourne Zoo to hold a a breeding pride, even if they repeated Taronga’s formula of breeding once and then housing those cubs into adulthood. Alternatively the import of 1.1 founders from overseas would ensure the first couple of litters flew off the shelves as other zoos throughout the region receive unrelated lions for their prides.

As I've mentioned in the past, my preference would be Asiatic Lions
And in the TOTE redevelopment, build a second on display Tiger enclosure (I still think up against the lake with a hidden barrier), and then Predators tiger enclosure could take a species of bear.
Move Tassie Devils to Australian Bush (there's a design plan for this commissioned by the Zoo a few years back having them in a ferny gorge straight after GFA, and turn the Devil's enclosures into a space for Komodo Dragon (though I could see them having a home in renovated TOTE as well - my preference would be in Predators).

Seeing as there's not really much space for them near the lemurs, the Binturong enclosure could be used for Fossa. (They are active in the day and like climbing)

 

[Zoofan15]

As I've mentioned in the past, my preference would be Asiatic Lions
And in the TOTE redevelopment, build a second on display Tiger enclosure (I still think up against the lake with a hidden barrier), and then Predators tiger enclosure could take a species of bear.
Move Tassie Devils to Australian Bush (there's a design plan for this commissioned by the Zoo a few years back having them in a ferny gorge straight after GFA, and turn the Devil's enclosures into a space for Komodo Dragon (though I could see them having a home in renovated TOTE as well - my preference would be in Predators).

Seeing as there's not really much space for them near the lemurs, the Binturong enclosure could be used for Fossa.

Adding a second tiger to TOTE and from there, building Sri Lankan leopard complex would make for an exciting replacement for the elephants. From there, they could expand the orangutan facilities via overhead lines and a second exhibit to balance out the two apex predators.

The over-arching them would be The Islands, with Komodo dragons later joining this precinct.

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Adding a second tiger to TOTE and from there, building Sri Lankan leopard complex would make for an exciting replacement for the elephants. From there, they could expand the orangutan facilities via overhead lines and a second exhibit to balance out the two apex predators.

The over-arching them would be The Islands, with Komodo dragons later joining this precinct.

The Islands of Wonder

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

Adding a second tiger to TOTE and from there, building Sri Lankan leopard complex would make for an exciting replacement for the elephants. From there, they could expand the orangutan facilities via overhead lines and a second exhibit to balance out the two apex predators.

The over-arching them would be The Islands, with Komodo dragons later joining this precinct.

I think the building of another tiger exhibit would be expensive and underwhelming. The zoo already has 2. Melbourne need to decide whether they want to be a breeder in the region or hold non breeding animals. I think using the current Tiger enclosures at TOTE would be the best option however the one at Lion Gorge, would also suit a species of Bear.

I think it is unlikely that Melbourne would want to build all new Tiger enclosure and Sri Lankan leopard in the current elephant area. It would be a heck of a lot of work, for little gain. I think what is more likely is this

I think Melbourne will do a small changes to the elephants and make them suitable to a number of species.

South American Route

Brazilian Tapir - Utilising the 1st and 3rd Elephant Enclosure. The fence is suitable. Re planting the are to make it feel a bit more like a rainforest.
Making a Mini South American Area. Possibly the incorporation of Capybara and a species of monkey Possibly spider from ttaam.
They could also expand the Orangutang Sanctuary out either to either the island in the river or one of the elephant enclosures.

@The Sleepy Hippo, I love the name!

If they wanted to retain the South Asian theme, which they already have they could...

Asian Small clawed otter ( retain )
Sumatran Tiger ( retain )
Binturong
Orangutan
Siamang
Malayan Tapir or Brazilian Tapir as a species.
Blackbuck or Water Buffalo
Banteng - Housed at Taronga Western Plains
Species of Monkey/ Ape, Gibbon.

They could market this is Indonesia, Which is one of the most biodiverse in the world. They could even similar to the banana crops that used to be with the elephants at tote. I mini rice field, talking about how Banteng are used to fame rice.

Regards to the Malayan Tapir

The old Malayan Tapir enclosure was pretty lousy. It has no foliage, and shade sales. whilst shade sales to help provide shade, it doest not prevent the glare. When an enclosures it properly made then the animals will not have issues. If we look at Malayan Tapir enclosure around they world there are a few things that stand out

Foliage creating a canopy, that prevents sun
Large inside areas

When done right the species can be look after.

They may also want to find a space for Khan as I grows old the enclosure will no longer be suitable. They could house him either in Tote. Possibly expanding on of the aviary to make it much larger, or building an enclosure. They could also put him in the Tasmanian Devil enclosure

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

I think the building of another tiger exhibit would be expensive and underwhelming. The zoo already has 2. Melbourne need to decide whether they want to be a breeder in the region or hold non breeding animals. I think using the current Tiger enclosures at TOTE would be the best option however the one at Lion Gorge, would also suit a species of Bear.

I think it is unlikely that Melbourne would want to build all new Tiger enclosure and Sri Lankan leopard in the current elephant area. It would be a heck of a lot of work, for little gain. I think what is more likely is this

I think Melbourne will do a small changes to the elephants and make them suitable to a number of species.

South American Route

Brazilian Tapir - Utilising the 1st and 3rd Elephant Enclosure. The fence is suitable. Re planting the are to make it feel a bit more like a rainforest.
Making a Mini South American Area. Possibly the incorporation of Capybara and a species of monkey Possibly spider from ttaam.
They could also expand the Orangutang Sanctuary out either to either the island in the river or one of the elephant enclosures.

@The Sleepy Hippo, I love the name!

If they wanted to retain the South Asian theme, which they already have they could...

Asian Small clawed otter ( retain )
Sumatran Tiger ( retain )
Binturong
Orangutan
Siamang
Malayan Tapir or Brazilian Tapir as a species.
Blackbuck or Water Buffalo
Banteng - Housed at Taronga Western Plains
Species of Monkey/ Ape, Gibbon.

They could market this is Indonesia, Which is one of the most biodiverse in the world. They could even similar to the banana crops that used to be with the elephants at tote. I mini rice field, talking about how Banteng are used to fame rice.

Regards to the Malayan Tapir

The old Malayan Tapir enclosure was pretty lousy. It has no foliage, and shade sales. whilst shade sales to help provide shade, it doest not prevent the glare. When an enclosures it properly made then the animals will not have issues. If we look at Malayan Tapir enclosure around they world there are a few things that stand out

Foliage creating a canopy, that prevents sun
Large inside areas

When done right the species can be look after.

They may also want to find a space for Khan as I grows old the enclosure will no longer be suitable. They could house him either in Tote. Possibly expanding on of the aviary to make it much larger, or building an enclosure. They could also put him in the Tasmanian Devil enclosure

I disagree that a second Tiger enclosure would be underwhelming. MZ has an impressive BoH for tigers designed for breeding, and would be better off with Tigers confined to one precinct rather than two. TOTE is massive and could easily accommodate a second Tiger on display enclosure, which would allow for breeding, displaying cubs and parents, and would allow for rotating exhibits for both tigers in a way they can't do now.

I do like the idea of using the remaining space for an Asian theme long-term.

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

If they take tiger out of Lion Gorge, Then yes, Having a breeding program at MZ would be great. But they would also have to have a new species at forest of wonder. I think the Zoo may not be willing to build another enclosure for a species. I think the average person would be expecting a new high profile species or either an amazing multi species enclosures.
If they Zoo said to visitors that they were replacing there elephants with a tiger enclosure, and organutan expansion. I think the average consumer would be kind of disappointed. Certainly I would. If they balance the trail out, possibly an expansion to. number of enclosures. And then a new species then it may be a good idea

 

[Zoofan15]

I disagree that a second Tiger enclosure would be underwhelming. MZ has an impressive BoH for tigers designed for breeding, and would be better off with Tigers confined to one precinct rather than two. TOTE is massive and could easily accommodate a second Tiger on display enclosure, which would allow for breeding, displaying cubs and parents, and would allow for rotating exhibits for both tigers in a way they can't do now.

I do like the idea of using the remaining space for an Asian theme long-term.

Big cats, bears and great apes are popular with the general public - always have been; always will be.

My view on zoos having three or more exhibits of Sumatran tigers etc has changed after visiting Auckland Zoo and Taronga Zoo, which both have large complexes. The benefit here is you see something at every point and turn - especially Taronga, which has six Sumatran lions tigers in four groups rotating through their complex.

The added benefit is breeding recommendations are more forthcoming with increased capacity.

In TOTE, there’s ample space to build additional exhibits for Sri Lankan leopard and Sumatran orangutan. An entire precinct devoted to these three species alone would be more popular than a large variety of small and minute species (insects being an example of the latter).

 

[Zoofan15]

I'd love them to catch a few feral Asian water buffalo that run rampant in Kakadu, and house a small herd near the Waterhole cafe. Indian Rhino may be too much to ask, but water buffalo could be possible. They could even "stand in" for Cape Buffalo like how the elephants "stand in" for African Elephants

This would also be able to double up as an educational opportunity about the breadth of feral animals in Australia

Asian water buffalo are housed at Orana Wildlife in a terrace of primarily African species - Ostrich, Plains zebra, North American bison (only other geographical outlier), Giraffe, Southern white rhinoceros and Waterbuck. Most people assume they’re an African species.

If Werribee really wanted to go to town, a precinct on introduced species could be an option:

Dromedary camel
Sambar deer
European fallow deer
Red deer
Javan rusa
Banteng
Asian water buffalo

In all honesty, it probably wouldn’t be the most exciting precinct from the perspective of the general public; and the Cheetah breeding complex, Spotted hyena exhibits etc. would be a better investment.