1 - Hamilton Zoo Map (Pre-2000)

Hamilton Zoo Map

I just thought I would upload some old maps of Hamilton Zoo as there are none in the gallery or on the zoo\'s website. It is also the best way to show the changes in the zoo, which has undergone massive changes and expansion in the past decade, more so than any other NZ zoo, although the rate has definitely declined recently.

This is the oldest map of Hamilton Zoo that I own, and it is probably from 1998/99. Most interesting are the number of hoofstock (especially antelope) species, most of which (I think) came from Auckland Zoo when they downsized their hoofstock collection. Many of these species are no longer in NZ, or are very much on their way out.

The upper part of the zoo (near entrance) has changed relatively little, although some species (otters, leopard cat and Asiatic golden cat) have gone. There are three main areas here: Parrot Court, Rainforest, and the Freeflight Aviary. At this time these were all great complexes, with the Parrot Court and Freeflight aviary only just built (and still great today). The exhibit with zebra and blackbuck was also very new, built for the soon to arrive white rhino.

The lower part of the zoo, with mostly hoofstock, was quite basic, mostly a number of fenced paddocks. This area has undergone significant change, with none of the species shown (except Kune Kune pigs) still in the same enclosures. The Waikato Wetlands complex had also just opened, and was really great, its plantings have matured over the years, but it is in need now of renovation; it looks rather old and sad.

Earlier than this map, there are two species I remember being displayed. These were lions (in the oryx exhibit) and capybara (just across the path from the emus).

I've done some more research:
You're right about the antelope, with the springbok being an ex-Orana bachelor herd. The bison and waterbuck are likely ex-Auckland though, and the llama and oryx were definitely ex-Auckland. The nilgai arrived from Lincoln University, and bulls were born in 1995 (possibly these are the two remaining animals). The blackbuck and sitatunga came from Wellington Zoo. Not sure where the zebras originally came from. The camel was on loan from Wellington Zoo, although she never returned, and was the last camel in NZ I think, unless Orana had them post-2003?

The tapirs, Mr and Mrs Branco, have sadly never bred, but not for want of trying. They are periodically separated and re-introduced to stimulate mating. The male is from Western Plains Zoo and was born in 1990, the female from Adelaide Zoo, born 1991. Thus they are getting on in age a bit, but aren't too old to breed (captive longevity = 30 years, max. = 35 years). I don't know if AI has been done in tapirs, but it has worked in rhinos, so maybe that is an option?

I visited Hamilton Zoo in November last year. Overall, I felt it was a great place; the chimp, rhino and Sumatran Tiger exhibits and free-flight aviary being stand-out attractions (IMO).
The Waikato Wetlands is looking a bit daggy though

Those are definitely the stand out exhibits, although I also love the spider monkey & tapir enclosure.

While Waikato Wetlands used to be superb, they haven't maintained it very well, and I think it has silted up quite a bit. I wonder if they will keep it going long-term, as the Zoo has been increasing its ties with a large native wetland just across the road, and this duplication of "exhibits" might be unnecessary.