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

[Zoofan15]

I think it is likely coati will return to the enclosure and binturong possible moved to forest of wonder, maybe in the squirrel monkey forest harvest enclosure

With only two Squirell Monkeys remaining in that enclosure, I could see this being a possibility.

Keep in mind, the previous Binturong pair used to reside in that enclosure and it was specifically re-designed for them, with the sleeping huts put right at the front of the mesh - allowing for adequate viewing.

The squirrel monkeys do little to enhance Melbourne’s collection (especially in the current exhibit), so I could easily see there being a motivation to phase them out. That exhibit is much better suited to Binturong (with the old coati exhibit having the problem of being three times as big as it needs to be).

Brown coati live in groups of up to 20 consisting of adult females and young (male and female); with adult males usually living independently. Interestingly, unrelated adult females can even be interested and live together, so there’s the possibility of housing a large non-breeding group of females in the original exhibit. We can expect the initial holders (including Darling Downs Zoo) to be the breeding hubs for the foreseeable.

 

[ReturnOfPaddyRick]

I’m anticipating a wave of South American acquisitions, but I’m of the opinion it will be less cohesive in layout (spread across three precincts):

Forests of Wonder:

Brazilian tapir moving into one of the vacant elephant paddocks (most likely the bull paddock, with the pool) seems like a reasonably sure bet; especially with the tapir expected to be imported within the next year (and Melbourne have an empty exhibit).

Gorilla Rainforest:

The Xenarthra IRA will still be at least a couple of years away (assuming similar timeframes to previous IRA’s). What I’m expecting is a minor redevelopment of the Treetops Trail to accomodate species like sloth alongside the small monkeys.

Lion Gorge:

I think we can all agree that replacing Brown coati with Binturong has been a fail. Nobody sees them! In light of the news nine coati are to be imported this year (and taking into account the Binturong Melbourne Zoo imported are middle age), I’m thinking the Binturong were only ever a temporary replacement and Melbourne Zoo aim to have coati back in there within the next five years.

Are you able to provide any more info on the coati import? Haven’t heard about it

 

[Zoofan15]

Are you able to provide any more info on the coati import? Haven’t heard about it

Sure. @Patrick Keegan posted the following in the Darling Downs Zoo news thread in February 2025:

Spoiler: Coati Import (2025)

In regards to upcoming imports,

• A male Pygmy Hippopotamus has been identified and will hopefully be arriving by the end of the year.
• 3 trios of Coati are also hopefully due for import by the end of the year.
• Steve has started negotiations to acquire Brazilian Tapir though this hasn't gotten as far as the former two yet.

So in short, it’s hoped nine coati will be imported by the end of the year.

It’s been speculated the coati will be distributed in trios to three Australian zoos (one obviously being Darling Downs Zoo).

The second and third zoo receiving zoo have been speculated to be any of the following: Mogo/Hunter Valley, Altina and Gorge given Darling Downs Zoo have exchanged nyenekhs

 

[ElephasMaximus]

Sure. @Patrick Keegan posted the following in the Darling Downs Zoo news thread in February 2025:

Spoiler: Coati Import (2025)

In regards to upcoming imports,

• A male Pygmy Hippopotamus has been identified and will hopefully be arriving by the end of the year.
• 3 trios of Coati are also hopefully due for import by the end of the year.
• Steve has started negotiations to acquire Brazilian Tapir though this hasn't gotten as far as the former two yet.

So in short, it’s hoped nine coati will be imported by the end of the year.

It’s been speculated the coati will be distributed in trios to three Australian zoos (one obviously being Darling Downs Zoo).

The second and third zoo receiving zoo have been speculated to be any of the following: Mogo/Hunter Valley, Altina and Gorge given Darling Downs Zoo have exchanged nyenekhs

Given the return (or renewal) of coati to the region, I think it would be good for NZ zoos to get in on the action. They'd be a great complement to existing South American sections. To my knowledge there are no South American carnivoran species in the country, and coati specifically would be relatively easy to house and keep. I know that Auckland Zoo was interested in bush dogs a few years ago, though nothing came of this, probably because as a CITES I species they can't be imported into the region unless a breeding program is set up (on that subject, I wonder if there were loose plans to set up an Australasian breeding programme for bush dogs? Auckland Zoo would've known their CITES status, so they wouldn't have shown interest unless they had reason to think that their import might become feasible in the near future). Coati would be a great alternative.

Coati are included in the recently-completed Carnivora IHS, and although they aren't on the Live Import list, it would only cost around $1650 to have them added. That said, even though they already have an IHS I could still see the New Zealand government denying them entry - they have a number of features that make them at risk of establishing a feral population. IIRC the EU has already banned their keeping in captivity. I'm honestly surprised Australia allows it.

 

[FunnyJamie]

I’m anticipating a wave of South American acquisitions, but I’m of the opinion it will be less cohesive in layout (spread across three precincts):

Forests of Wonder:

Brazilian tapir moving into one of the vacant elephant paddocks (most likely the bull paddock, with the pool) seems like a reasonably sure bet; especially with the tapir expected to be imported within the next year (and Melbourne have an empty exhibit).

Gorilla Rainforest:

The Xenarthra IRA will still be at least a couple of years away (assuming similar timeframes to previous IRA’s). What I’m expecting is a minor redevelopment of the Treetops Trail to accomodate species like sloth alongside the small monkeys.

Lion Gorge:

I think we can all agree that replacing Brown coati with Binturong has been a fail. Nobody sees them! In light of the news nine coati are to be imported this year (and taking into account the Binturong Melbourne Zoo imported are middle age), I’m thinking the Binturong were only ever a temporary replacement and Melbourne Zoo aim to have coati back in there within the next five years.

In the member newspaper that announces the death of the coati, it does say they will be the last coati to be held at melbourne zoo, though they also cite them as some of the last in the region too. So a darling downs import may not be known to them. In any case I doubt they are then planning to get more

 

[Zoofan15]

Given the return (or renewal) of coati to the region, I think it would be good for NZ zoos to get in on the action. They'd be a great complement to existing South American sections. To my knowledge there are no South American carnivoran species in the country, and coati specifically would be relatively easy to house and keep. I know that Auckland Zoo was interested in bush dogs a few years ago, though nothing came of this, probably because as a CITES I species they can't be imported into the region unless a breeding program is set up (on that subject, I wonder if there were loose plans to set up an Australasian breeding programme for bush dogs? Auckland Zoo would've known their CITES status, so they wouldn't have shown interest unless they had reason to think that their import might become feasible in the near future). Coati would be a great alternative.

Coati are included in the recently-completed Carnivora IHS, and although they aren't on the Live Import list, it would only cost around $1650 to have them added. That said, even though they already have an IHS I could still see the New Zealand government denying them entry - they have a number of features that make them at risk of establishing a feral population. IIRC the EU has already banned their keeping in captivity. I'm honestly surprised Australia allows it.

I agree it would be great to see New Zealand zoos acquire coati. Auckland Zoo’s Rainforest sub-precinct opened in 1996 and as it approaches its 30th year, it’s looking very run down compared to the modernised areas of the zoo. It’s undergone no redevelopment and overall feels empty, with the Siamang and Capyabra gone. The Capybara exhibit initially held macaques when the exhibit first opened.

Whether New Zealand zoos would be able to import coati rests on whether they can be added to the live import list like you say. Despite species like meerkat and otters being approved for import (with the latter having escaped from numerous zoos region wide), I’m tempted to say New Zealand would err on the side of caution from a biosecurity perspective.

In the member newspaper that announces the death of the coati, it does say they will be the last coati to be held at melbourne zoo, though they also cite them as some of the last in the region too. So a darling downs import may not be known to them. In any case I doubt they are then planning to get more

Zoos Victoria will undoubtably be aware of the intention to import now, so irregardless of whether they were at the time, it’s a strong possibility they’d return to Melbourne Zoo in my opinion. The initial import of nine coati will hopefully be just the start of a revival of this species in Australian zoos and will give the main zoos incentive to acquire them. They’re a charismatic species and ideal for city zoos. Combined with the renewed interested in South American species (Xenarthrans) and there’s numerous reasons zoos would/should be interested in them.

 

[ElephasMaximus]

I agree it would be great to see New Zealand zoos acquire coati. Auckland Zoo’s Rainforest sub-precinct opened in 1996 and as it approaches its 30th year, it’s looking very run down compared to the modernised areas of the zoo. It’s undergone no redevelopment and overall feels empty, with the Siamang and Capyabra gone. The Capybara exhibit initially held macaques when the exhibit first opened.

Whether New Zealand zoos would be able to import coati rests on whether they can be added to the live import list like you say. Despite species like meerkat and otters being approved for import (with the latter having escaped from numerous zoos region wide), I’m tempted to say New Zealand would err on the side of caution from a biosecurity perspective.


Zoos Victoria will undoubtably be aware of the intention to import now, so irregardless of whether they were at the time, it’s a strong possibility they’d return to Melbourne Zoo in my opinion. The initial import of nine coati will hopefully be just the start of a revival of this species in Australian zoos and will give the main zoos incentive to acquire them. They’re a charismatic species and ideal for city zoos. Combined with the renewed interested in South American species (Xenarthrans) and there’s numerous reasons zoos would/should be interested in them.

I've always had a suspicion that if red pandas, meerkats and Asian small-clawed otters weren't already common in zoos in NZ, the government would probably deny them entry at all

 

[Zoofan15]

I've always had a suspicion that if red pandas, meerkats and Asian small-clawed otters weren't already common in zoos in NZ, the government would probably deny them entry at all

I’d agree with that.

Nepalese red panda are notorious escape artists, with countless escapes reported in the media over the past five decades across our region’s zoos. Red pandas would surely predate on the eggs and fledglings of native birds; but their annual reproductive cycle (fertile 1-2 days a year) with 1-2 surviving cubs (triplets require supplemental feeding in captivity) would severely limit their potential to reproduce.

Otters and meerkats both reproduce readily, though I’ll note that Auckland Zoo’s most well known otter escapee (Jin) was found in poor condition, indicating her chances of survival in the wild long term were poor.

 

[ReturnOfPaddyRick]

Sure. @Patrick Keegan posted the following in the Darling Downs Zoo news thread in February 2025:

Spoiler: Coati Import (2025)

In regards to upcoming imports,

• A male Pygmy Hippopotamus has been identified and will hopefully be arriving by the end of the year.
• 3 trios of Coati are also hopefully due for import by the end of the year.
• Steve has started negotiations to acquire Brazilian Tapir though this hasn't gotten as far as the former two yet.

So in short, it’s hoped nine coati will be imported by the end of the year.

It’s been speculated the coati will be distributed in trios to three Australian zoos (one obviously being Darling Downs Zoo).

The second and third zoo receiving zoo have been speculated to be any of the following: Mogo/Hunter Valley, Altina and Gorge given Darling Downs Zoo have exchanged nyenekhs

Thanks for the info, that’s really encouraging. Hopefully Melbourne can be involved in some way

 

[FunnyJamie]

I agree it would be great to see New Zealand zoos acquire coati. Auckland Zoo’s Rainforest sub-precinct opened in 1996 and as it approaches its 30th year, it’s looking very run down compared to the modernised areas of the zoo. It’s undergone no redevelopment and overall feels empty, with the Siamang and Capyabra gone. The Capybara exhibit initially held macaques when the exhibit first opened.

Whether New Zealand zoos would be able to import coati rests on whether they can be added to the live import list like you say. Despite species like meerkat and otters being approved for import (with the latter having escaped from numerous zoos region wide), I’m tempted to say New Zealand would err on the side of caution from a biosecurity perspective.


Zoos Victoria will undoubtably be aware of the intention to import now, so irregardless of whether they were at the time, it’s a strong possibility they’d return to Melbourne Zoo in my opinion. The initial import of nine coati will hopefully be just the start of a revival of this species in Australian zoos and will give the main zoos incentive to acquire them. They’re a charismatic species and ideal for city zoos. Combined with the renewed interested in South American species (Xenarthrans) and there’s numerous reasons zoos would/should be interested in them.

I certainly hope it does come to pass them returning to Melbourne, I do agree they are a lovely species and I always enjoyed seeing them

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for the info, that’s really encouraging. Hopefully Melbourne can be involved in some way

I certainly hope it does come to pass them returning to Melbourne, I do agree they are a lovely species and I always enjoyed seeing them

Considering the financial outlay of the elephant complex at Werribee, Zoos Victoria will surely be evaluating options for redevelopment at Melbourne Zoo that prioritise cost effectiveness.

The following are all options which could be implemented with comparatively minimal cost:

- Brown-nosed coati in the Binturong/old coati exhibit
- Binturong in the squirrel monkey exhibit
- Brazilian tapir in the bull elephant paddock
- Black and white colobus in the old Mandrill exhibit

In addition to enhancing social groupings of exisiting species:

- New female gorillas
- New female baboon/s (one has recently transferred in)
- Female Pygmy hippopotamus (mate for Felix)

This will avoid detracting significantly from larger scale redevelopments such as (speculated):

- Expansion of the orangtuan exhibit
- Redvelopment of Treetops for Xenarthrans

 

[Jambo]

Down the line, I think we could expect to see Melbourne repurposing the current elephant barn for Komodos. A large indoor display with multiple enclosures facilitating breeding would be great.

I know Adelaide house theirs in a large indoor display and it would be nice if Melbourne could replicate this in their the elephant barn; more lush than Adelaide's exhibit though hopefully!

 

[Zoofan15]

Down the line, I think we could expect to see Melbourne repurposing the current elephant barn for Komodos. A large indoor display with multiple enclosures facilitating breeding would be great.

I know Adelaide house theirs in a large indoor display and it would be nice if Melbourne could replicate this in their the elephant barn; more lush than Adelaide's exhibit though hopefully!

It would be an ideal opportunity for Melbourne Zoo to establish a decent set up to breed and raise Komodo dragons. Following the initial success at the Australian Reptile Park, no further hatchings have been announced within the region, so there could well be a niche for a breeding hub of this species.

I’d like to see an indoor/outdoor flow equipped to raise Komodo’s from egg to adulthood.

These are some photos I took of Adelaide’s set up as an example of what Melbourne could aspire to. The large exhibit space would surely enhance the chances of a successful introduction versus a cramped exhibit, which offers the female no escape route and could make both male and female feel threatened.

 

[I ♥︎ Big Cats]

I'm looking forward to the region's renewed interest in South American species. I know we tend to complain about import restrictions in general, but it does feel like South America in particular represents a gap in our collections where Africa and Asia don't. It feel like we never have quite enough species to form a proper stand-alone South American exhibit.

Given that jaguar aren't an option, I think a good approach for SA exhibits going forward is to focus less on charismatic megafauna and more on biodiversity. Highlight how SA is home to unique species with few or no close relatives from the old word. I'm thinking exhibits heavy on reptiles, fish, and insects, with monkeys overhead and xenarthrans for flavour. The only thing really lacking would be a wide variety of birds, but I guess you can't have everything

I was wondering what makes Jaguars not an option?

 

[Zoofan15]

I was wondering what makes Jaguars not an option?

Jaguar are a CITES I species, which means support is needed on a regional level in order to support them. Unfortunately that level of support is not currently there.

Adelaide’s non-surviving cub (1989) was the last born in the region. Melbourne intended to breed their pair (Maya and Muana) but a medical issue arose soon after Muana’s import in 1997 and she unfortunately had to be speyed.

 

[I ♥︎ Big Cats]

Jaguar are a CITES I species, which means support is needed on a regional level in order to support them. Unfortunately that level of support is not currently there.

Adelaide’s non-surviving cub (1989) was the last born in the region. Melbourne intended to breed their pair (Maya and Muana) but a medical issue arose soon after Muana’s import in 1997 and she unfortunately had to be speyed.

Oh interesting, doesn’t seem like much news will be coming up on that front then Is there any support for other species such as any Indian or African Leopards?

 

[Zoofan15]

Oh interesting, doesn’t seem like much news will be coming up on that front then Is there any support for other species such as any Indian or African Leopards?

We have the Sri Lankan subspecies of leopard in Australasia, which is well supported with five holders as of present. It surely has a bright future within the region.

Spoiler: Australasian Sri Lankan Leopard Population

National Zoo and Aquarium:

1.0 Ankesh (13/08/2016) Imported 2019
0.1 Yakalla (20/05/2011) Imported 2019
1.0 Asanka (24/12/2020) Ankesh x Yakalla
0.1 Kalani (05/04/2022) Ankesh x Yakalla

Darling Downs Zoo:

1.0 Ecko (16/07/2016) Imported 2021
0.1 Maysha (13/03/2017) Imported 2021
0.1 Mila (10/08/2023) Ecko x Maysha

Mogo Wildlife Park:

1.0 Chatura (24/12/2020) Ankesh x Yakalla

Tasmania Zoo:

1.0 Banduka (26/03/2022) Ecko x Maysha

Zambi Wildlife Retreat:

1.0 Phoenix (10/08/2023) Ecko x Maysha

Total regional population: 6.4 leopards

I wouldn’t expect to see a second leopard subspecies supported at this stage.

Historically, the region imported numerous Indian leopards from the wild (with cubs born throughout the early to mid 20th century being either purebred Indian leopards or hybrids of this subspecies). There was also a brief interest in the purebred Persian subspecies in the late 1900’s, with the last remnant of this population dying in 2013.

The only ‘new’ species I could see taking off is Clouded leopard. They’re currently represented by a single holder (WCCC), but the birth of the region’s first Clouded leopard last year was an encouraging sign and there’s hope more births will follow (as well as other holders coming on board).

 

[I ♥︎ Big Cats]

We have the Sri Lankan subspecies of leopard in Australasia, which is well supported with five holders as of present. It surely has a bright future within the region.

Spoiler: Australasian Sri Lankan Leopard Population

National Zoo and Aquarium:

1.0 Ankesh (13/08/2016) Imported 2019
0.1 Yakalla (20/05/2011) Imported 2019
1.0 Asanka (24/12/2020) Ankesh x Yakalla
0.1 Kalani (05/04/2022) Ankesh x Yakalla

Darling Downs Zoo:

1.0 Ecko (16/07/2016) Imported 2021
0.1 Maysha (13/03/2017) Imported 2021
0.1 Mila (10/08/2023) Ecko x Maysha

Mogo Wildlife Park:

1.0 Chatura (24/12/2020) Ankesh x Yakalla

Tasmania Zoo:

1.0 Banduka (26/03/2022) Ecko x Maysha

Zambi Wildlife Retreat:

1.0 Phoenix (10/08/2023) Ecko x Maysha

Total regional population: 6.4 leopards

I wouldn’t expect to see a second leopard subspecies supported at this stage.

Historically, the region imported numerous Indian leopards from the wild (with cubs born throughout the early to mid 20th century being either purebred Indian leopards or hybrids of this subspecies). There was also a brief interest in the purebred Persian subspecies in the late 1900’s, with the last remnant of this population dying in 2013.

The only ‘new’ species I could see taking off is Clouded leopard. They’re currently represented by a single holder (WCCC), but the birth of the region’s first Clouded leopard last year was an encouraging sign and there’s hope more births will follow (as well as other holders coming on board).

Interesting stats, thanks for the detailed response! Hoping to see a well maintained population of both species in the region as time goes on

 

[Zoofan15]

Interesting stats, thanks for the detailed response! Hoping to see a well maintained population of both species in the region as time goes on

I’m very optimistic for the future of Sri Lankan leopard in the region. The two founder pairs each have 2.1 surviving offspring in the region, which present multiple opportunities for second generation pairings.

Tasmania Zoo are hopeful of receiving a female to pair with their male; and Zoo Ostrava made a post last year implying an export from Europe of a Sri Lankan leopard to Australia.

 

[I ♥︎ Big Cats]

I’m very optimistic for the future of Sri Lankan leopard in the region. The two founder pairs each have 2.1 surviving offspring in the region, which present multiple opportunities for second generation pairings.

Tasmania Zoo are hopeful of receiving a female to pair with their male; and Zoo Ostrava made a post last year implying an export from Europe of a Sri Lankan leopard to Australia.

That’s awesome, bright future ahead hopefully . If only Melbourne were in the running for them