Jonathan Harry
Well-Known Member
Yes, that's right, but it's worth a try. Because bringing back roan antelope and addax is much more costly than designing underwater viewing for otters.
Wishes for Indonesian zoos & aquariums (Fantasy)
- Thread starter Caribbean Flamingo
- Start date
Yes, that's right, but it's worth a try. Because bringing back roan antelope and addax is much more costly than designing underwater viewing for otters.
Caribbean Flamingo
Well-Known Member
Jonathan Harry
Well-Known Member
I have an idea for the fountain across from the binturong and anoa enclosure to be dismantled and redesigned into an enclosure for the Tonkean macaque (Macaca tonkeana). For birds, brown booby (Sula leucogaster) and Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) can be placed in the main aviary that contains a Javan myna, green peafowl, Eclectus parrot, Oriental magpie-robin, Sunda collared dove, common myna, and black-naped oriole because I see that the size is still large. In fact, the size of the Solo Safari aviary dome is bigger than the Gembira Loka Zoo lory aviary which contains many types of birds. Incidentally, after leaving the bird zone, there is still empty land there, maybe it could be used as a cage for a crested goshawk (Lophospiza trivirgata).
After passing the primate island, there is an empty land near the camel enclosure. The place can be made into an enclosure for southern red muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak). Actually, if I remember again, the muntjac is already in the Asian Panorama enclosure. And across from it (before the African savannah enclosure), there is still empty land, which could be used to make a mini-exhibit for black giant squirrel (Ratufa bicolor). I remember the first time I went to Solo Safari, the old enclosure for hippos was still there at that time. Maybe it can be redesigned to be suitable for the Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas).
Actually, I also have another wishlist for this Solo Safari. So, in the indoor observation of the Komodo dragon, there is something that should be changed. When entering the "observation cave" there is an inward cave on the left side of the entrance. Later that inward will be changed into an enclosure for reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus). At the front end of this cave, there is a Komodo dragon statue which should be dismantled and redesigned into an enclosure for an Asian water monitor (Varanus salvator). Instead, two small terrariums containing pythons and monitors will be replaced with native reptiles of Java such as the Javan mudsnake (Xenodermus javanicus) and chameleon forest dragon (Gonocephalus chamaeleontinus), of course, all these small terrariums will be replaced with bigger and better box terrariums for enrichment. In the middle of this cave, there is rocky ground with a cart, it would be better to redesign it into a mixed-species enclosure for Malayan snail-eating turtle (Malayemys macrocephala), yellow-spotted river turtle (Podocnemis unifilis), Halmahera sailfin dragon (Hydrosaurus weberi), and green iguana (Iguana iguana). Incidentally, these four animals were once sold by Galuh Christianto via YouTube content.
At the entrance there is that large fountain on the left, I think it could be redesigned as a megatank for red-tailed catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus), Padang gourami (Osphronemus goramy var. Padang), albino iridescent shark catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus), and barred catfish (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum). Considering that there are already many hobbyists who make outdoor aquariums and some of their aquariums have big sizes. It just depends on how high the glass is to adjust to the roof's starter shingle in the lobby. In the aviary dome, I actually wanted to add some more birds that can be found in Java like the blue-crowned hanging parrot (Loriculus galgulus), pink-headed fruit dove (Ptilinopus porphyreus), and Asian fairy-bluebird (Irena puella). Of course, with the condition that there must be additional trees or shelter for the birds.
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Mossman Joe
Well-Known Member
Instead of an Asian Water Monitor, why not the Quince Monitor, which apparently is already on-show?
Javan Mudsnakes are notoriously very sensitive animals and with how much the outdoor temperatures fluctuate in Solo, it would be difficult to keep them alive even with a larger terrarium on top of them being very shy. There's a reason why no Indonesian institution houses them, the closest was Museum Komodo which included one in their refurbishment plans. I'd replace it with Puff-faced Water Snake (Homalopsis buccata), Solomon Ground Boa (Candoia paulsoni) or, appropriately, Cave Dwelling Ratsnakes (Elaphe taeniura ridleyi)
Mossman Joe
Well-Known Member
I feel with housing Tonkean Macaques or any primate so close to the entrance is that it will go against Solo Safari's main aesthetic (that is, no barred or wired cages, instead prioritizing open-top enclosures as to distinguish itself from its past as Jurug Zoo). Though I do wish Tonkean macaques would return to Solo Safari, if they do it would probably be in an area further down the trail and using glass walls.
I don't recall seeing Muntjac in the Asian Panorama, but I could have missed it since they have so many deer. However, the staff do tell guests that there are only 3 species of deer in the Asian Panorama (Chital, Bawean and Timor), and the Muntjacs are not signed.
Caribbean Flamingo
Well-Known Member
How many total exhibits of nile hippo in TSI Bogor’s safari journey?
Rizz Carlton
Well-Known Member
Four smaller exhibits, one larger exhibits behind the smaller exhibits, and the free-roaming group in the African Panorama. So, in total, around six exhibits.
Jonathan Harry
Well-Known Member
I have a wishlist for The Hill Resort Sibolangit because it is related to animal welfare in Medan Zoo. The animals from Medan Zoo should be evacuated to The Hill Resort because Medan Zoo has not been given another chance. So there will be a lot of renovations in The Hill Resort Sibolangit. The final result could be rebranding, such as changing the name to The Hill Resort & Zoo Sibolangit. Supported by the resort area of around 26 hectares, there is a lot of potential that can be developed (actually the total is 40 hectares because the rest will be used for a lobby area or something else).
The albino Bennett's wallaby (Notamacropus rufogriseus) enclosure is wide and can be mixed with Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) and sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) from Medan Zoo, so this enclosure is designed like the Asian Panorama at Solo Safari. For African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) in the wallaby enclosure, they can be moved to the large lovebird aviary which is located across from the cockatoo aviary. Something similar is also being done in the enclosure for chital (Axis axis) which will be mixed with Javan rusa (Rusa timorensis).
On the other side of the small river, there is a row of large aviaries filled by rhinoceros hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros), green peafowl (Pavo muticus), Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) with another morph variation, and black-headed ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus). Because the area where these animals are kept will be used as an enclosure for the Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) from Medan Zoo, it would be better if these animals were moved to the giant aviary next door, which is occupied by the Victoria crowned pigeon (Goura victoria), oriental pied hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris), Asian forest tortoise (Manouria emys), and albino peafowl. It remains to be seen how this aviary will be redesigned to be similar to the bird park at Royal Safari Garden so that visitors can walk comfortably in the aviary area (such as reducing the size of each bird cage to accommodate more species). The nearby lar gibbon (Hylobates lar) enclosure will also be redesigned to have a larger enclosure size by moving the rabbit cage to an area near the ponies and alpacas.
Not far from the aviary, there is a small playground on the edge of a small river, which is often a quiet playground area. It would be better if the playground was moved near the hotel area and this area would later be redesigned into an enclosure for Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) from Medan Zoo. There is an empty grass area near the marmoset and cassowary enclosure, this area can be used to build an enclosure for the siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus). Of course, the size of this siamang enclosure will not be in direct contact with the public park pond nearby. So the plan is to move the siamang from the old cage to this enclosure because this enclosure will be modeled after a primate island.
In the bamboo forest area, an enclosure can be made for a southern pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina) and sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) from Medan Zoo, because the size of this animal is not too big, so it maintains the existence of the bamboo forest without having to be cut down to make these enclosures. Across from the pony pen, an enclosure for Medan Zoo's horses could be built. The original idea was actually a lion enclosure LOL but for the sake of keeping the ponies safe, horses (Equus ferus caballus) are the right choice. Later, there will be a redesign for the red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) enclosure and because of the large size of its enclosures, it will have a Japanese theme, such as an observation viewing in the form of a Japanese house, a pond was made for the cranes and cherry blossoms were planted in the enclosure.
There is also a redesign for the European eagle-owl (Bubo bubo bubo), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), Steller's sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus), snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus), and Siberian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo yenisseensis) cage. So I want it to be made according to the theme like installing Northwest Coast totem poles and Siberian shigir idols near the viewing area. But of course, the main thing is to put various taiga vegetation into the cage, or in some cages a mini-waterfall is made, so it looks like its natural habitat. Near the large aviary containing cockatoos are rows of cages for parrots (like galah, Illiger's macaw, Patagonian conure, Major Mitchell's cockatoo, etc.). It would be better if each cage were equipped with a vertical garden or stone carving to match the bird's natural habitat. In front of this row of aviaries, there is an empty green area (although there are several small cages for birds) where a reptile house can be built to accommodate the reptiles of Medan Zoo.
For the remaining 14 hectares, one of the parts has a Chinese-style villa with a tiger enclosure next to it, and near the area, there is also an enclosure for a jaguar (Panthera onca). Indeed, this area can still be developed so that an enclosure can be made for a lion (Panthera leo), a Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), and small mammals and primate species from Medan Zoo.
The albino Bennett's wallaby (Notamacropus rufogriseus) enclosure is wide and can be mixed with Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) and sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) from Medan Zoo, so this enclosure is designed like the Asian Panorama at Solo Safari. For African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) in the wallaby enclosure, they can be moved to the large lovebird aviary which is located across from the cockatoo aviary. Something similar is also being done in the enclosure for chital (Axis axis) which will be mixed with Javan rusa (Rusa timorensis).
On the other side of the small river, there is a row of large aviaries filled by rhinoceros hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros), green peafowl (Pavo muticus), Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) with another morph variation, and black-headed ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus). Because the area where these animals are kept will be used as an enclosure for the Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) from Medan Zoo, it would be better if these animals were moved to the giant aviary next door, which is occupied by the Victoria crowned pigeon (Goura victoria), oriental pied hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris), Asian forest tortoise (Manouria emys), and albino peafowl. It remains to be seen how this aviary will be redesigned to be similar to the bird park at Royal Safari Garden so that visitors can walk comfortably in the aviary area (such as reducing the size of each bird cage to accommodate more species). The nearby lar gibbon (Hylobates lar) enclosure will also be redesigned to have a larger enclosure size by moving the rabbit cage to an area near the ponies and alpacas.
Not far from the aviary, there is a small playground on the edge of a small river, which is often a quiet playground area. It would be better if the playground was moved near the hotel area and this area would later be redesigned into an enclosure for Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) from Medan Zoo. There is an empty grass area near the marmoset and cassowary enclosure, this area can be used to build an enclosure for the siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus). Of course, the size of this siamang enclosure will not be in direct contact with the public park pond nearby. So the plan is to move the siamang from the old cage to this enclosure because this enclosure will be modeled after a primate island.
In the bamboo forest area, an enclosure can be made for a southern pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina) and sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) from Medan Zoo, because the size of this animal is not too big, so it maintains the existence of the bamboo forest without having to be cut down to make these enclosures. Across from the pony pen, an enclosure for Medan Zoo's horses could be built. The original idea was actually a lion enclosure LOL but for the sake of keeping the ponies safe, horses (Equus ferus caballus) are the right choice. Later, there will be a redesign for the red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) enclosure and because of the large size of its enclosures, it will have a Japanese theme, such as an observation viewing in the form of a Japanese house, a pond was made for the cranes and cherry blossoms were planted in the enclosure.
There is also a redesign for the European eagle-owl (Bubo bubo bubo), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), Steller's sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus), snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus), and Siberian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo yenisseensis) cage. So I want it to be made according to the theme like installing Northwest Coast totem poles and Siberian shigir idols near the viewing area. But of course, the main thing is to put various taiga vegetation into the cage, or in some cages a mini-waterfall is made, so it looks like its natural habitat. Near the large aviary containing cockatoos are rows of cages for parrots (like galah, Illiger's macaw, Patagonian conure, Major Mitchell's cockatoo, etc.). It would be better if each cage were equipped with a vertical garden or stone carving to match the bird's natural habitat. In front of this row of aviaries, there is an empty green area (although there are several small cages for birds) where a reptile house can be built to accommodate the reptiles of Medan Zoo.
For the remaining 14 hectares, one of the parts has a Chinese-style villa with a tiger enclosure next to it, and near the area, there is also an enclosure for a jaguar (Panthera onca). Indeed, this area can still be developed so that an enclosure can be made for a lion (Panthera leo), a Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), and small mammals and primate species from Medan Zoo.
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Jonathan Harry
Well-Known Member
I have a wishlist for Maharani Zoo and Goa, which is mainly an expansion of the 3-hectare area in the southern part which is the rice field area. The reason for this expansion is to build more adequate animal enclosures that do not seem cramped so that later animals such as primates will be moved to larger enclosures and set up according to their natural habitat.
Some primates will be moved to larger enclosures and some enclosures will be made into island models, including the common brown lemur (Eulemur fulvus), Bornean white-bearded gibbon (Hylobates albibarbis) that has 2 enclosures, silvery gibbon (Hylobates moloch), De Brazza's monkey (Cercopithecus neglectus) that has 2 enclosures in the row of primate cages, Celebes crested macaque (Macaca nigra), agile gibbon (Hylobates agilis), southern pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina) that has 2 enclosures, and Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata). The animals were moved to a better place because their previous enclosure had many shortcomings, such as peeling wall paint and a lack of vegetation. So later cages like this will be fitted out to have a glass/acrylic roof so that the sun can enter and various vegetation will be planted in the cage so that the animals can feel at nature inside. Because some primates are relocated, the old cages that have been remodeled will be filled with nocturnal animals or small mammals from Africa such as the Malayan civet (Viverra tangalunga), Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), common genet (Genetta genetta), small-toothed palm civet (Arctogalidia trivirgata), Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus), Sunda slow loris (Nycticebus coucang), tailless tenrec (Tenrec ecaudatus), small Indian civet (Viverricula indica), black giant squirrel (Ratufa bicolor), Javan ferret-badger (Melogale orientalis), and Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica). By the way, there is a meerkat cage next to the row of tamarin cages. It would be better to replace the meerkats there with banded mongoose (Mungos mungo) because there is already a meerkat enclosure elsewhere and it is larger.
The expansion of the zoo area will also bring back animals that were previously at Maharani Zoo & Goa, such as the southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) because this animal requires a larger enclosure. In addition, an animal hospital will also be built so that the animals here are kept healthy, don't let it happen like the incident where I saw an albino raccoon limping at the Exotic Albino Cafe. Apart from that, a Herpetarium will also be created which will contain reptiles found on the island of Java (because this area will be decorated with Javanese masks and several puppets). The paths will be divided according to animal taxonomy, such as:
Some primates will be moved to larger enclosures and some enclosures will be made into island models, including the common brown lemur (Eulemur fulvus), Bornean white-bearded gibbon (Hylobates albibarbis) that has 2 enclosures, silvery gibbon (Hylobates moloch), De Brazza's monkey (Cercopithecus neglectus) that has 2 enclosures in the row of primate cages, Celebes crested macaque (Macaca nigra), agile gibbon (Hylobates agilis), southern pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina) that has 2 enclosures, and Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata). The animals were moved to a better place because their previous enclosure had many shortcomings, such as peeling wall paint and a lack of vegetation. So later cages like this will be fitted out to have a glass/acrylic roof so that the sun can enter and various vegetation will be planted in the cage so that the animals can feel at nature inside. Because some primates are relocated, the old cages that have been remodeled will be filled with nocturnal animals or small mammals from Africa such as the Malayan civet (Viverra tangalunga), Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), common genet (Genetta genetta), small-toothed palm civet (Arctogalidia trivirgata), Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus), Sunda slow loris (Nycticebus coucang), tailless tenrec (Tenrec ecaudatus), small Indian civet (Viverricula indica), black giant squirrel (Ratufa bicolor), Javan ferret-badger (Melogale orientalis), and Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica). By the way, there is a meerkat cage next to the row of tamarin cages. It would be better to replace the meerkats there with banded mongoose (Mungos mungo) because there is already a meerkat enclosure elsewhere and it is larger.
The expansion of the zoo area will also bring back animals that were previously at Maharani Zoo & Goa, such as the southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) because this animal requires a larger enclosure. In addition, an animal hospital will also be built so that the animals here are kept healthy, don't let it happen like the incident where I saw an albino raccoon limping at the Exotic Albino Cafe. Apart from that, a Herpetarium will also be created which will contain reptiles found on the island of Java (because this area will be decorated with Javanese masks and several puppets). The paths will be divided according to animal taxonomy, such as:
- Snake Pavilion will be occupied by the red-tailed pit viper (Trimeresurus insularis), red-tailed racer (Gonyosoma oxycephalum), Asian vine snake (Ahaetulla prasina), Javan spitting cobra (Naja sputatrix), mangrove snake (Boiga dendrophila), common bronzeback (Dendrelaphis pictus), Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus), sunbeam snake (Xenopeltis unicolor), rainbow water snake (Enhydris enhydris), red-tailed pipe snake (Cylindrophis ruffus), Oriental rat snake (Ptyas mucosa), Chinese rat snake (Ptyas korros), dull bamboo snake (Pseudoxenodon inornatus), common wolf snake (Lycodon capucinus), Malayan banded wolf snake (Lycodon subcinctus), dog-toothed cat snake (Boiga cynodon), white-spotted cat snake (Boiga drapiezii), and elephant trunk snake (Acrochordus javanicus).
- Lizard Pavilion will be occupied by the chameleon forest dragon (Gonocephalus chamaeleontinus), lesser tree agamid (Pseudocalotes tympanistriga), maned forest lizard (Bronchocela jubata), long-tailed grass lizard (Takydromus sexlineatus), Kuhl's anglehead lizard (Gonocephalus kuhlii), rough-scaled sun skink (Eutropis rugifera), marbled bow-fingered gecko (Cyrtodactylus marmoratus), Semiadi's bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus semiadii), Java forest skink (Sphenomorphus sanctus), large forest gecko (Gekko smithii), and common sun skink (Eutropis multifasciata).
Mossman Joe
Well-Known Member
About time I put my hat in the ring. This is what I'd change/add for Solo Safari, without phasing out any species currently housed there:
Entrance
- Create an enclosure next to the bar area close to the entrance for Green Iguanas (from next to the Komodo enclosure) and Red-footed Tortoise (New Addition)
- Move the Asian Palm Civet and use the space to extend the Anoa enclosure
Komodo Viewing Cave
- Extend the Komodo viewing cave to allow more spacious herptile enclosures
- Create a suitable planted enclosure for the resident Corn Snake, Reticulated Python and Quince Monitor
- Repurpose the "gravel pit" in the middle of the cave into an open-top enclosure for the juvenile Sulcata Tortoises, making sure to add drainage and a smaller cave with a heat lamp in case of rain
- Repurpose the platform next to the entrance into an enclosure for Cave Dwelling Ratsnakes (New Addition)
- Add a few smaller vertical vivariums to fill out the cave housing Asian Grass Lizards (New Addition), Wagler's Pit Viper (New Addition) and Muller's Narrowmouthed Frogs (New Addition)
Asian Panorama
- Add a large tree just outside the Sun Bear enclosure to give the bears some shade.
- Reintroduce Red Muntjacs if not already present
- Move Cassowaries to another area of the zoo
Primate Islands
- Move the Javan Lutung to another area of the zoo and replace with a group of Sunda Porcupines (New Addition). As well, take down the glass and replace with bamboo post fencing, turning the exhibit into an open-top
Aviary
- Introduce more ground-dwelling bird species (not familiar with birds, so I'll leave this as is)
Makunde Restaurant
- Add a second floor to Makunde restaurant, allowing guests to view the African Savannah, the Lion enclosure and the rest of the zoo from above, accessible by stairs or lift.
- Add a glass enclosure for Common Dwarf Mongoose (New Addition) on the proposed second floor
- Improve the awning over the Sunda Leopard Cat enclosure to prevent glare. Add branches and appropriately sized arboreal hide boxes for the cats.
Tiger & Serval Enclosure
- Add awning over the outdoor viewing window of the Tiger enclosure
- Find a way to make the Serval enclosure wider
New Enclosures
- A new enclosure for Cassowaries located in the old Hippo habitat
New Complex: "Javan Treetops"
- Somewhere between the African Savannah and the gift shop, I propose the creation of a new two storied enclosure for the zoo's Javan Lutung, with the hope of keeping a full troupe of these animals
- The Javan Lutung enclosure will be viewable ftom two areas: (1) A glass viewing window from the ground floor on the side of the building (2) A balcony located on the second floor of the building with a glass window that puts you at eye level to the monkeys
- To reach the balcony, visitors will go through a mini nocturnal house with a few Javan forest dwellers including:
Other changes:
- Have more informative/accurate signage, showing at least the animal's scientific name
- Have at least one more music track to cycle through, just ambient jungle noises would help alleviate the monotony of Safari's repetitive jingle. Better yet, a contemplative instrumental piece (see Planet Zoo's "Two Flamingos") would help contrast with the energetic jingle.
Entrance
- Create an enclosure next to the bar area close to the entrance for Green Iguanas (from next to the Komodo enclosure) and Red-footed Tortoise (New Addition)
- Move the Asian Palm Civet and use the space to extend the Anoa enclosure
Komodo Viewing Cave
- Extend the Komodo viewing cave to allow more spacious herptile enclosures
- Create a suitable planted enclosure for the resident Corn Snake, Reticulated Python and Quince Monitor
- Repurpose the "gravel pit" in the middle of the cave into an open-top enclosure for the juvenile Sulcata Tortoises, making sure to add drainage and a smaller cave with a heat lamp in case of rain
- Repurpose the platform next to the entrance into an enclosure for Cave Dwelling Ratsnakes (New Addition)
- Add a few smaller vertical vivariums to fill out the cave housing Asian Grass Lizards (New Addition), Wagler's Pit Viper (New Addition) and Muller's Narrowmouthed Frogs (New Addition)
Asian Panorama
- Add a large tree just outside the Sun Bear enclosure to give the bears some shade.
- Reintroduce Red Muntjacs if not already present
- Move Cassowaries to another area of the zoo
Primate Islands
- Move the Javan Lutung to another area of the zoo and replace with a group of Sunda Porcupines (New Addition). As well, take down the glass and replace with bamboo post fencing, turning the exhibit into an open-top
Aviary
- Introduce more ground-dwelling bird species (not familiar with birds, so I'll leave this as is)
Makunde Restaurant
- Add a second floor to Makunde restaurant, allowing guests to view the African Savannah, the Lion enclosure and the rest of the zoo from above, accessible by stairs or lift.
- Add a glass enclosure for Common Dwarf Mongoose (New Addition) on the proposed second floor
- Improve the awning over the Sunda Leopard Cat enclosure to prevent glare. Add branches and appropriately sized arboreal hide boxes for the cats.
Tiger & Serval Enclosure
- Add awning over the outdoor viewing window of the Tiger enclosure
- Find a way to make the Serval enclosure wider
New Enclosures
- A new enclosure for Cassowaries located in the old Hippo habitat
New Complex: "Javan Treetops"
- Somewhere between the African Savannah and the gift shop, I propose the creation of a new two storied enclosure for the zoo's Javan Lutung, with the hope of keeping a full troupe of these animals
- The Javan Lutung enclosure will be viewable ftom two areas: (1) A glass viewing window from the ground floor on the side of the building (2) A balcony located on the second floor of the building with a glass window that puts you at eye level to the monkeys
- To reach the balcony, visitors will go through a mini nocturnal house with a few Javan forest dwellers including:
- Javan Mousedeer (New Addition) housed with Malayan Flying Foxes (New Addition)
- Asian Palm Civets, from the entrance
- Javanese Flying Squirrels (New Addition)
- Asian Horned Frog (New Addition)
- Malayan Ground Pit Viper (New Addition)
- The Lutung enclosure itself would be highly decorated with trees and platforms to rest in, taking inspiration from Melbourne Zoo's Siamang enclosure.- Asian Palm Civets, from the entrance
- Javanese Flying Squirrels (New Addition)
- Asian Horned Frog (New Addition)
- Malayan Ground Pit Viper (New Addition)
Other changes:
- Have more informative/accurate signage, showing at least the animal's scientific name
- Have at least one more music track to cycle through, just ambient jungle noises would help alleviate the monotony of Safari's repetitive jingle. Better yet, a contemplative instrumental piece (see Planet Zoo's "Two Flamingos") would help contrast with the energetic jingle.
Jonathan Harry
Well-Known Member
Maybe the Treetops of Java area (this term is better than Javan Treetops because it correlates with the slogan of Solo "Spirit of Java") can be placed in the lakeside area near the Bengawan Resto. Or more optimally it should be in the former restaurant and swimming pool area because it is a dead area and almost no visitors capture the moment or content the area.
Mossman Joe
Well-Known Member
That's actually a pretty good idea, even I forgot the swimming pool area, I never understood why they didn't demolish the place during the revitalization. With an area that large, you could probably fit a few more species, possibly another primate
kevin moses santosa
New Member
I see a lot of people have submitted their ideas on how our zoos can be better (particularly solo safari and Jakarta Aquarium and safari)
Some of which I really love, and most of them have addressed the issues I had with both facilities
however, I still wanna put my own spin on the subject
So here are the changes that I would make for solo safari (JAQS will come in later)
Note: do feel free to give your pov's and feedback on my changes
Disclaimer: the changes I will make will also not phase out the current existing members of the zoo
entrance :
- switch the Asian palm civet with the Asian leopard cat "Prionailurus bengalensis " (of course with a change of enclosure design)
- Asian palm civet will be moved to the nocturnal house
Komodo viewing cave :
- instead of having two cave shelves with Komodo statues, I'd rather use it as an enclosure for macklot's python (liasis mackloti) and the other for cave dwelling rat snakes (orthriophis taeniura grabowskyi)
(why not Retics you ask, well i personally already had enough of zoo's using retics as their obligatory snake so for this scenario, i am opting to use an underrated species of python that is also endemic to Indonesia and also occurred in the same area with the komodo dragon and it also didn't grow as big as retics)
- I'd change the gravel pit into an enclosure for forstenii tortoise "Indotestudo forstenii" and blue tongue skinks (Tiliqua gigas)
- there will be extra planted terrariums inside the cave for a blue insularis (trimeresurus insularis), peacock monitor (varanus auffenbergi),and roti island snake necked turtle (Chelodina mccordi)
- the photo booth in front of the cave will be used as an interaction booth for reptiles (the animals that are going to be used in the booth will be rotated each week)
Asian panorama :
- add large trees to provide more shades
- move the cassowary and wallabies into another area (I am thinking of having a Papuan zone)
- in the wallaby's place is the Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas)
primate island :
- the Javan lutung can be moved to another zone of the zoo
aviary :
- add more trees so that the birds can perch on it
- add more ground-dwelling birds
Makunde resto :
- since the Asian leopard cat is not there, the meerkat enclosure can be expanded
- 2nd option would be to refurbish it for the serval (honestly, I have no problem with the serval enclosure but if we can replace it why not)
Jungle river :
- no changes from me
tiger enclosure :
- no changes from me
New Exhibits :
Nusantara herpetarium :
as its name suggests, it will be our reptile house that focuses on native Indonesian reptiles (and probably south-east asian)
there will be 6 zones :
strange wonders :
- earless monitor (Lanthanotus borneensis
- javan mud snake (Xenodermus javanicus)
- javan caecilian (Ichthyophis javanicus)
- javan horned frog (Megophrys Montana)
- kuhli flying gecko (Ptychozoon kuhli)
etc.
island giants :
- Asian forest tortoise (Manouria emys)
- rough-necked monitor (varanus rudicollis)
- reticulated python (malayopython reticulatus)
- painted terrapin (Batagur borneoensis)
- great keeled rat snake (ptyas carinatta)
etc
jewels of the forest :
- emerald tree skink (lamprolepis smaragdina)
- pearly tree frog (Nyctixalus margaritifer)
- Royal tree snake (gonyophis margaritatum)
- blood phyton (Python brongersmai)
- Indonesian bubble nest tree frog (philautus vittiger)
etc
toxic terors :
- king cobra (ophiophagus hannah)
- malayan pit viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma)
- banded krait (bungarus candidus)
- coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus)
- ikaheka snake (Micropechis ikaheca)
etc
the stream :
- sailfin dragon (hydrosaurus weberi)
- sulawesi forest turtle (Leucocephalon Yuwonoi)
- asian water monitor (varanus salvator)
- elephant trunk snake (Acrochordus granulatus)
- fly river turtle (Carettochelys insculpta)
etc
there will be a walkthrough enclosure that cohabit the sailfin dragons and the sulawesi forest turtle and fly river turtle
cloud forest :
- angle-headed forest dragon (hypsilurus magnus)
- crocodile skinks (tribolonotus gracilis)
- boelen's python (simalia boeleni)
- blue tree monitor (varanus macraei)
- pappuan tree boa (candoiia carinatta)
etc
the reptile house will accommodate approximately 60 species of reptiles and amphibians
night stalkers :
as its name suggests this will be our night house where the Asian palm civet will be moved
species highlight :
asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus)
javan porcupine (Hystrix javanica)
javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus)
pygmy tarsier (Tarsius pumilus)
javan pangolin (manis javanica)
etc.
Papuan zone :
this will be where the wallabies be moved to as well as the cassowarry
as it name suggest this is the zone where we will have the papuan marsupials
Some of which I really love, and most of them have addressed the issues I had with both facilities
however, I still wanna put my own spin on the subject
So here are the changes that I would make for solo safari (JAQS will come in later)
Note: do feel free to give your pov's and feedback on my changes
Disclaimer: the changes I will make will also not phase out the current existing members of the zoo
entrance :
- switch the Asian palm civet with the Asian leopard cat "Prionailurus bengalensis " (of course with a change of enclosure design)
- Asian palm civet will be moved to the nocturnal house
Komodo viewing cave :
- instead of having two cave shelves with Komodo statues, I'd rather use it as an enclosure for macklot's python (liasis mackloti) and the other for cave dwelling rat snakes (orthriophis taeniura grabowskyi)
(why not Retics you ask, well i personally already had enough of zoo's using retics as their obligatory snake so for this scenario, i am opting to use an underrated species of python that is also endemic to Indonesia and also occurred in the same area with the komodo dragon and it also didn't grow as big as retics)
- I'd change the gravel pit into an enclosure for forstenii tortoise "Indotestudo forstenii" and blue tongue skinks (Tiliqua gigas)
- there will be extra planted terrariums inside the cave for a blue insularis (trimeresurus insularis), peacock monitor (varanus auffenbergi),and roti island snake necked turtle (Chelodina mccordi)
- the photo booth in front of the cave will be used as an interaction booth for reptiles (the animals that are going to be used in the booth will be rotated each week)
Asian panorama :
- add large trees to provide more shades
- move the cassowary and wallabies into another area (I am thinking of having a Papuan zone)
- in the wallaby's place is the Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas)
primate island :
- the Javan lutung can be moved to another zone of the zoo
aviary :
- add more trees so that the birds can perch on it
- add more ground-dwelling birds
Makunde resto :
- since the Asian leopard cat is not there, the meerkat enclosure can be expanded
- 2nd option would be to refurbish it for the serval (honestly, I have no problem with the serval enclosure but if we can replace it why not)
Jungle river :
- no changes from me
tiger enclosure :
- no changes from me
New Exhibits :
Nusantara herpetarium :
as its name suggests, it will be our reptile house that focuses on native Indonesian reptiles (and probably south-east asian)
there will be 6 zones :
strange wonders :
- earless monitor (Lanthanotus borneensis
- javan mud snake (Xenodermus javanicus)
- javan caecilian (Ichthyophis javanicus)
- javan horned frog (Megophrys Montana)
- kuhli flying gecko (Ptychozoon kuhli)
etc.
island giants :
- Asian forest tortoise (Manouria emys)
- rough-necked monitor (varanus rudicollis)
- reticulated python (malayopython reticulatus)
- painted terrapin (Batagur borneoensis)
- great keeled rat snake (ptyas carinatta)
etc
jewels of the forest :
- emerald tree skink (lamprolepis smaragdina)
- pearly tree frog (Nyctixalus margaritifer)
- Royal tree snake (gonyophis margaritatum)
- blood phyton (Python brongersmai)
- Indonesian bubble nest tree frog (philautus vittiger)
etc
toxic terors :
- king cobra (ophiophagus hannah)
- malayan pit viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma)
- banded krait (bungarus candidus)
- coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus)
- ikaheka snake (Micropechis ikaheca)
etc
the stream :
- sailfin dragon (hydrosaurus weberi)
- sulawesi forest turtle (Leucocephalon Yuwonoi)
- asian water monitor (varanus salvator)
- elephant trunk snake (Acrochordus granulatus)
- fly river turtle (Carettochelys insculpta)
etc
there will be a walkthrough enclosure that cohabit the sailfin dragons and the sulawesi forest turtle and fly river turtle
cloud forest :
- angle-headed forest dragon (hypsilurus magnus)
- crocodile skinks (tribolonotus gracilis)
- boelen's python (simalia boeleni)
- blue tree monitor (varanus macraei)
- pappuan tree boa (candoiia carinatta)
etc
the reptile house will accommodate approximately 60 species of reptiles and amphibians
night stalkers :
as its name suggests this will be our night house where the Asian palm civet will be moved
species highlight :
asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus)
javan porcupine (Hystrix javanica)
javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus)
pygmy tarsier (Tarsius pumilus)
javan pangolin (manis javanica)
etc.
Papuan zone :
this will be where the wallabies be moved to as well as the cassowarry
as it name suggest this is the zone where we will have the papuan marsupials
Mossman Joe
Well-Known Member
To accommodate a Leopard, you'd need to significantly change the enclosure for Wallabies to be a glass-walled complex like with the serval and tigers, which somewhat breaks the open aesthetic of the first area of the zoo. Though I wouldn't mind it if it was placed alongside the tiger and the serval.
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kevin moses santosa
New Member
Ahh noted
Then would it be more feasible if the cassowary was the one who gor switch with the wallabies
Jonathan Harry
Well-Known Member
Yes, actually I also hope that Solo Safari has its own herpetarium because Gembira Loka Zoo even held an exhibition at The Park Mall Solo, where Gembira Loka Zoo has its own herpetarium. I just heard that the next development is the Gesang Museum (according to information on Instagram), so it is very difficult to find empty land for the herpetarium.
Rizz Carlton
Well-Known Member
I feel like the biggest issue would be the lack of space (Which had been addressed before in this thread), but still a rather nice scenario.
My comment and feedbacks are:
- The leopard cats in Indonesia would "Prionailurus javanensis" instead of the mainland Asia bengalensis. Solo already have an p. j. javanensis on display. I feel like I would prefer incorporating the Asian palm exhibit to the anoa exhibit to give more space to the bovine (Due to just how weirdly small it was for the anoa) and have the cats in the nocturnal house.
- I feel like we sadly have to use the barrer and create terrariums (Similar to the Komodo Island terrariums in Cisarua) in the Komodo cave due to lack of space. So, the Roti Island snake-necked turtle is not viable. The plus would be somewhat larger space and natural substrate (Instead of the red plastic bedding), I really like the idea of the mixed Forsten's tortoise and Indonesian blue-tongued skink exhibit.
- Like @Mossman Joe said, the wallaby exhibit in term of size would be too small to house the leopard.
- My issue with the aviary would be the lack of shading/cover with the trees, making it look quite barren. I think we should also address the lack of birds as well (They didn't have Bali mynas, a staple in aviaries and eks situ conservation).
- The current Javan leopard cat exhibit is very small for even an serval (Which is why I often disagree of the idea that Solo had really planned to house an actual bobcat there).
- For the Jungle River, my issue would be the hippos and how under-utilized some of the exhibits. I feel like it should've been possible to add underwater viewing to the pygmy hippo and saltwater crocodile since you can view them from a different pathway just across the ostrich exhibit. For the hippos, due to the lack of space, my issue would be maintenance and how probably unlikely it will be for Solo to be able breed them (Even if they had that in mind).
- For the tigers, worth noting that (Possibly) all "Bengal" tigers in Indonesian facilities aren't originated from India, so these aren't pure Bengal tigers and instead are hybrid farm-bred tigers. Getting Sumatran tigers would be more preferable.
- Honestly it would be very unlikely for them to not add the reticulated python lol, though it would still be acceptable if they're not the farm-bred morphs (An issue even with Jagat Satwa Nusantara). Worth noting that Solo Safari have had and quince monitor during my visit back in June this year, so I can see them having it in here. I would like the Nusantara Herpetarium to be modelled after Batu Secret Zoo Reptile Garden with multiple terrariums and paludariums scattered around, but with heavy scaping and native herps similar to Jagat Satwa Nusantara.
- For the Night Stalker, it would nice for it to be modelled similar to the small mammal house of Ragunan but indoor, like a circular indoor exhibit where guests go around the entire exhibit. I would also really love to see the night house to entirely house native small mammals, though preferably the Sunda porcupines could be housed together with the binturongs.
- Love the Papua exhibit idea. Again due to how small Solo Safari is, it would probably be around the same size as Kampung Papua in Cisarua and realisticly it would also served as Solo's Australian exhibit, so we got any Australasian-based exhibit.
The small space and lack of shelter for the cassowary would be a issue.
kevin moses santosa
New Member
right, honestly, why don't they just copy Bali Safari's method of combining the Gesang Museum with their gift shop
Caribbean Flamingo
Well-Known Member
Recently visited BX Sea, here are some things in BX Sea that are need to be fixed (in my opinion):
- Phased-out giant pacific octopus from their exhibit and replaced it with day octopus.
- Phased-out spiny lobsters from their exhibit and replaced it with zebra mantis shrimps.
- Phased-out japanese spider crabs from their exhibit and replaced it with blue king crabs + atlantic brown crabs.
- Move the giant humphead wrasse from raja ampat aquarium to the main tank.
- Phased-out the aligator snapping turtle, mata-mata, green iguana, forsten's tortoise, and chinese giant salamander from the reptile corner, and these animals will be occupying their exhibit:
- aligator snapping turtle → black-webbed tree frog
- mata-mata → vietnamese mossy frog
- green iguana → crested gecko
- forsten's tortoise → mexican black kingsnake
- chinese giant salamander → chinese fire belly newt
- Phased-out the light green coloured cranwell's horned frog from the pacman frog exhibit.
- Convert back the prehistoric fishes aquarium into a discus aquarium, housing:
- variant species of discus
- neon tetra
- black tetra
- bronze corydoras
- Convert the mixed predatory aquarium (the 3rd freshwater aquarium) into a south-east asian fishes aquarium, housing:
- asian arowana (golden red)
- tinfoil bar
- bala shark
- kissing gourami
- bronze featherback
- broadhead catfish
- Convert the false gharial/sailfin lizard exhibit into forsten's tortoise and central bearded dragon exhibit.
- Phased-out some of albino iridescent sharks and aligator gars in the king of river exhibit. Here's my species list for BX Sea's king of river exhibit:
- pirarucu
- tambaqui
- redtail catfish
- giant gourami
- piraputanga
- iridescent shark
- goliath tigerfish
- xingu peacock bass
- aligator gar
- jullien's golden carp
- girrafe catfish
- bigtooth river stingray
- Phased-out the hybrid grouper from the main tank, and also add some fishes to the main tank. Here are my species list for BX Sea's main tank.
- blacktip reef shark
- whitetip reef shark
- grey reef shark
- zebra shark
- tawny nurse shark
- yellowfin surgeonfish
- potato grouper
- mangrove jack
- common bluestripe snapper
- giant trevally
- golden trevally
- dusky batfish
- camouflage grouper
- great barracuda
- humphead wrasse
- jenkins' whipray
- reticulate whipray
- round ribbontail ray
- cowtail stingray
- ocellated eagle ray
- bowmouth guitarfish
- white-spotted guitarfish
- common shovelnose ray
- live sharksucker
- greater amberjack
- map puffer
- painted sweetlips
- snubnose pompano
- unicorn leatherjacket
- roving coral grouper
Mossman Joe
Well-Known Member
Is there a reason for these phase-outs and replacements? IMO the original inhabitants seem to be fine and not overused in aquaria
This is an odd mix, Bearded Dragons are scrubland/desert animals, while Forstens are forest dwellers. I suggest changing one of the inhabitants to suit the habitat needs of the other.