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

[Zoofan15]

@Zoofan15
I found the article
Rare gibbon survives at Perth Zoo
She was raised by hand, abandoned by her mother. This may explain difficulty breeding. This may also by why she has strong opinions on different keepers, she either likes you or she doesn't the keeper told me.

Thank you, that absolutely makes sense and explains her affinity for humans (which is common in hand-raised primates - with interests in keepers with specific features e.g. men with beards).

Auckland Zoo had a male Siamang that was initially hand-raised, then reintroduced to his family by two years. He was able to be introduced to a female, but no bond formed and he associated more with keepers/humans on the other side of the glass.

 

[Tiger91]

It’s a great opportunity to expand the Sumatran orangutan facilities to support breeding. It would elevate the species from being an exhibit people stop to look at and then move on to being a draw card in its own right.

Ideally the new orangutan/s sourced would be of sufficient genetic value to ensure they were recommended for transfer to other zoos; but even a less valuable pair in an expanded exhibit could have offspring at 7-8 year intervals, with those offspring then retained.

If done right, and the zoo sits down and plans out a really nice design. It could be another aesthetically pleasing exhibit area that would give them extra holding spaces for gibbons and orangs. With enough of each species with the right exhibits it would be engaging enough to be a good filler to replace the elephants.

 

[Zoofan15]

If done right, and the zoo sits down and plans out a really nice design. It could be another aesthetically pleasing exhibit area that would give them extra holding spaces for gibbons and orangs. With enough of each species with the right exhibits it would be engaging enough to be a good filler to replace the elephants.

I fully agree. Terrestrial rotational exhibits have previously been proposed in the region for apex predators etc. which could find it stimulating to explore exhibits inhabited by other species. This was evident in Taronga’s tiger complex (albeit with a single species), where tigers were smelling where others had previously been.

Aerial lines essentially bring the rotational concept to aboreal species and while the general public enjoy seeing an ape brachiating above their heads, the primates clearly revel in essentially leaving their exhibit, observing the goings on across the zoo. Auckland’s male orangutan enjoys loitering on the aerial line to antagonise the Siamang.

 

[steveroberts]

@Zoofan15
I found the article
Rare gibbon survives at Perth Zoo
She was raised by hand, abandoned by her mother. This may explain difficulty breeding. This may also by why she has strong opinions on different keepers, she either likes you or she doesn't the keeper told me.

Great article find man

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

@steveroberts. Thanks

 

[austrlain zoo gower]

MZ Space
After looking on google earth it has come to my attention about the wasted space at MZ. I calculated about 14,000m2. I will insert some photos below. Personally I would love to see a small expansion into royal park. Royal park is a pretty boring park. Possibly using this small under-utilised part of it could be good for creating a South American trail!

Wasted space

Behind the Snow Leapsrd and to the right of the binturong is an area where the public cannot see. This could possibly be used for a small cat species, something like the clouded leopard or serval

The water waste treatment plant and garden takes up valuable space which used to house bison and other species of antelope

The main grass area. Behind the baboons is some random grass area with nothing.

the large lawn area has little purpose to. Apart from some zoo events, I believe this area could be better utilised.

I believe space in hindering MZ expansion.

Photos below

possibly royal park expansion
Wasted area - baboons and tapir
Large lawn area
Area behind snow leopards
Water treatment plant

 

[Jambo]

The area behind the Snow Leopards is probably the only space that I can foresee being used. It used to be home to a few Wombat enclosures at the forefront where the path used to run down towards the Amazon Aviary.

An expansion outside of the zoos current boundaries is very unlikely for countless reasons. I would say the same for the lawns which are heavily utilised for events such as the concerts in the summer. Melbourne's already expanded a fair amount into the lawn space they used to have at the Railgate end. I would be surprised if they did anymore.

The Water Treatment plan is also incredibly crucial to Melbourne and its operations so there's no way they'd replace it anytime soon.

 

[dylan downward]

MZ Space
After looking on google earth it has come to my attention about the wasted space at MZ. I calculated about 14,000m2. I will insert some photos below. Personally I would love to see a small expansion into royal park. Royal park is a pretty boring park. Possibly using this small under-utilised part of it could be good for creating a South American trail!

Wasted space

Behind the Snow Leapsrd and to the right of the binturong is an area where the public cannot see. This could possibly be used for a small cat species, something like the clouded leopard or serval

The water waste treatment plant and garden takes up valuable space which used to house bison and other species of antelope

The main grass area. Behind the baboons is some random grass area with nothing.

the large lawn area has little purpose to. Apart from some zoo events, I believe this area could be better utilised.

I believe space in hindering MZ expansion.

Photos below

possibly royal park expansion
Wasted area - baboons and tapir
Large lawn area
Area behind snow leopards
Water treatment plant


View attachment 768305 View attachment 768306 View attachment 768307 View attachment 768308 View attachment 768309

I definitely agree there is a lot of wasted space at mz that be good if it was used I highly doubt they expand out of the walls of the zoo as much as id like to see it. I would love to definitely see a small cat area made as it be a good thing needed as I feel like the zoo lacks cat species
I would also think I’d love to see the walking trail around growing wild reopened that makes it a small loop with several small animal species introduced

as much as I’m not big fan of the lawn on the main trail i think it’s important that they keep that as is as it provides people with a place to sit and relax and to have lunch etc it would be good if they did put in more seats and shade in that area though

 

[dylan downward]

The area behind the Snow Leopards is probably the only space that I can foresee being used. It used to be home to a few Wombat enclosures at the forefront where the path used to run down towards the Amazon Aviary.

An expansion outside of the zoos current boundaries is very unlikely for countless reasons. I would say the same for the lawns which are heavily utilised for events such as the concerts in the summer. Melbourne's already expanded a fair amount into the lawn space they used to have at the Railgate end. I would be surprised if they did anymore.

The Water Treatment plan is also incredibly crucial to Melbourne and its operations so there's no way they'd replace it anytime soon.

Correct me if I’m wrong but I remember down the side of the current lion exhibit there was a row for small cats

 

[Jambo]

Correct me if I’m wrong but I remember down the side of the current lion exhibit there was a row for small cats

Yeah, it's around where the current Lion exhibit roughly is today. And just underneath it; the current habitat sort of intersects it as it widens depth wise near the viewing window..

Their BOH facilities however are located at the end of what was the row.

 

[Zoofan15]

I definitely agree there is a lot of wasted space at mz that be good if it was used I highly doubt they expand out of the walls of the zoo as much as id like to see it. I would love to definitely see a small cat area made as it be a good thing needed as I feel like the zoo lacks cat species
I would also think I’d love to see the walking trail around growing wild reopened that makes it a small loop with several small animal species introduced

as much as I’m not big fan of the lawn on the main trail i think it’s important that they keep that as is as it provides people with a place to sit and relax and to have lunch etc it would be good if they did put in more seats and shade in that area though

Correct me if I’m wrong but I remember down the side of the current lion exhibit there was a row for small cats

Yes, that’s correct. Melbourne Zoo used to have Temminck’s golden cat, Leopard cat, Ocelot etc in this row.

It’d be fantastic to see small felids return to Melbourne Zoo. Placement would be crucial though since small cats don’t make good exhibit animals when housed next to apex predators.

 

[dylan downward]

Yes, that’s correct. Melbourne Zoo used to have Temminck’s golden cat, Leopard cat, Ocelot etc in this row.

It’d be fantastic to see small felids return to Melbourne Zoo. Placement would be crucial though since small cats don’t make good exhibit animals when housed next to apex predators.

They could be added to make a new loop up in the growing wild section

 

[Zoofan15]

They could be added to make a new loop up in the growing wild section

I’d be strongly in favour of a total redevelopment of the Growing Wild precinct. The Komodo dragon will greatly enhance it, but it’s not a long term exhibit given they’re intended to be housed outside of this precinct long term.

At a minimum, Tasmanian devil should be housed here; with their exhibit in Carnivores freed up. If Dingo could join them, even better.

 

[OzZooJoy]

As someone who has taken multiple school excursion to Melbourne Zoo, the large amount of lawn is an absolute godsend. On school days, it is used by so many groups and allows for a bit more freedom. I have taken groups to the Melbourne Aquarium, and the closed nature of the how it is laid out, and the lack of space to just relax, leads to a pretty poor experience for the kids and lots of stress for the adults.
There is also a long-standing culture in the area of using to space for picnics and catch ups, so many similar venues don't allow the freedom to bring your own food in. For so many families it is an ideal and low-pressure spot to have a day out.

 

[Jambo]

At a minimum, Tasmanian devil should be housed here; with their exhibit in Carnivores freed up. If Dingo could join them, even better.

I'd rather them move back to the Australian trail. There's quite a bit of space around there to build a small complex on the same scale as the one in the Carnivores precinct. Dingoes seem to be at best, just a fill in.

 

[Zoofan15]

I'd rather them move back to the Australian trail. There's quite a bit of space around there to build a small complex on the same scale as the one in the Carnivores precinct. Dingoes seem to be at best, just a fill in.

That’s fine with me too. Dingo have proved a poor replacement for African wild dog and seemed to be generating very little visitor interest on my last visits.

Though it would require a massive reconfiguration of space, Spotted hyena would have been a much better choice for the precinct - a perfect compliment to African lions. A bachelor pair could be held at Melbourne; with a larger (breeding pack) held at Werribee.

 

[Jambo]

That’s fine with me too. Dingo have proved a poor replacement for African wild dog and seemed to be generating very little visitor interest on my last visits.

Though it would require a massive reconfiguration of space, Spotted hyena would have been a much better choice for the precinct - a perfect compliment to African lions. A bachelor pair could be held at Melbourne; with a larger (breeding pack) held at Werribee.

There is also lot of space where the former Lemur Islands were that I feel like is quite under utilised.

If the Tasmanian Devils are sent away they could theoretically use that area to expand the current Dingo enclosure for Spotted Hyena!

 

[Zoofan15]

There is also lot of space where the former Lemur Islands were that I feel like is quite under utilised.

If the Tasmanian Devils are sent away they could theoretically use that area to expand the current Dingo enclosure for Spotted Hyena!

That’s a great idea. Thanks to the Lion King, lions and hyena are never more popular with visitors and from a zoological/education perspective, it’s a good chance to educate the visitors on the relationship between these species in the wild.

Carnivores is one of Melbourne’s most popular precincts, surely edging ahead of Forests of Wonder (now the elephants are about to depart) to rival Gorilla Rainforest. They would be wise to capitalise on this popularity by expanding it.

 

[Jambo]

South american precint with tapir, anteater and sloth. Im calling it now ahaha.

ETA': Id rather the orang exapansion. But a new precinct with new species, especially if they throw in some macaws and other SA birds, capybara etc would be different and a crowd puller.

Still think that would be better suited to Growing Wild, but I am sure you are right.

I'm still of the opinion if there was to be any mini South American precinct, the current Treetops precinct would be best suited to it. This could be achieved with the whole boardwalk turned into a walkthrough aviary. All they would need to do is install netting around the whole thing.

There would obviously be the different sides of the boardwalk that could hold different species on either side like Anteater and Sloth on one side with Brazilian Tapir on the other and then allow the monkey species like Squirrel Monkeys, Spider Monkeys and Tamarins to have the ability to free roam alongside bird species like Macaws. Just food for thought.

It would involve very little modifications to the current exhibits barring replacement of the entire netting and would be a very cost effective exercise in creating another drawcard to that specific area of the zoo which is beginning to fall behind redevelopment wise.

 

[Tiger91]

I'm still of the opinion if there was to be any mini South American precinct, the current Treetops precinct would be best suited to it. This could be achieved with the whole boardwalk turned into a walkthrough aviary. All they would need to do is install netting around the whole thing.

There would obviously be the different sides of the boardwalk that could hold different species on either side like Anteater and Sloth on one side with Brazilian Tapir on the other and then allow the monkey species like Squirrel Monkeys, Spider Monkeys and Tamarins to have the ability to free roam alongside bird species like Macaws. Just food for thought.

It would involve very little modifications to the current exhibits barring replacement of the entire netting and would be a very cost effective exercise in creating another drawcard to that specific area of the zoo which is beginning to fall behind redevelopment wise.

That would be an amazing exhibit. And while we do love a good precinct here in our zoos. We don't seem to like multispecies cohab exhibits. Which is can see being a reason thay they wouldn't do this. Plus if they can't fit a cafe in there is it really worth doing