Very true. It’s fortuitous that Indian rhinoceros are partly aquatic versus the African rhinos which wouldn’t utilise the water facilities of Taronga’s exhibit. It’ll be interesting to see what the long term plans are for the bull exhibit. I’m rather hopeful the camels are a temporary addition as they don’t make for the most inspiring display. A better link to the heritage listed temple would be appreciated.
In regards to the camels I’ve talked to multiple keepers on this subject and whilst no plans for the area have been made the camels are most certainly not a permanent use for the space
The Camels are for the meantime an inexpensive filler that takes advantage of the space currently providing, giving the zoo a bit of breathing space, which is never a bad thing. The hope is a new precinct for a headline species, or a replacement for the Hippos seeing as breeding has been effective, but given the planned acquisition of Rhino, Buffalo for the Elephants, I unfortunately feel as if Taronga will shift their focus less in favour of ungulates. In my opinion, a local wildlife HQ or a breeding facility for natives is more likely. That being said though, the unused Barn at the back of the exhibit will ultimately decide the fate of it.
Whilst the enclosure is quite large I don’t believe it’s enough for a precinct to be built there without feeling to cluttered so a stand alone enclosure, or as you say conservation facilities would be more likely and in my opinion none of these options are a bad use of the space
I am happy the zoo is doing something decent to replace the elephants. But of all the species the zoo has held over the years, a feral animal from northern Australia, is going to be seen as a feral animal from northern Australia. May as well get some brumbies for backyard to bush. I realise they are a good match for the rhino as companions and make up a nice mixed species exhibit. But as an exhibit on there own, the zoo already has camels, lets be real they dont need another feral domestic taking up space. Especially when space for animals is at an all time low.
The exhibit would have been nicely converted to bongo, which are a popular species over camels. I realise imports take time and money, but its also taronga, they have the time, money and people power to make an import happen. And an exhibit holding bongo would be far better then camels.
It would've required quite extensive redevelopment though, and if Taronga don't intend to hold Bongo in the long term I don't see any reason why they'd go through with this.
True, it is however space that they could have looked at and kept bongo instead of designated them a phase out. It is where I imagine they were going to put okapi. The elephant house is heritage listed, so while they can/have changed the inside to a degree. It isnt able to be knocked down. It is a nice piece of history for the zoo. The yard is decent sized and flat. It's held giraffe, camels and elephant. A larger ungulate would be suited to it, with only exhibit redesign of planting etc needed. Personally I think it would be a good site to redevelop into a pygmy hippo set of enclosures with how flat it is.
I think it’s safe to say Ekundu will be the last Bongo at Taronga for another few years. Taronga have confirmed breeding of the species will occur exclusively at the Dubbo site, leaving Ekundu to enjoy his lonely retirement, as would most likely happen in the wild to infertile males. The way I see it, the exhibit will be used as a surplus exhibit for Rhino or Buffalo should breeding happen.
Eastern bongo have a reasonable history at the zoo going back to 1996, but it’s understandable they’d want to accomodate them at Dubbo. An increasing emphasis is being placed on the housing of animals in larger groups and while even the open range zoos won’t be housing large herds of bongo for the foreseeable, there’s greater scope to accomodate multiple breeding females should future imports follow. Our region’s bongo population has been vulnerable to dying out from the beginning due to the small founder size and various unfortunate events.
I'm late, but fantastic news! I congratulate Taronga on immediately announcing a replacement for their elephants, easily the most exciting option of the four! Comparing the elephant phase-outs and their replacements - Taronga - Indian Rhinoceros / Asian Waterbuffalo Perth - Expanded Savanna Auckland - Expanded Savanna Melbourne - Unannounced I hope Melbourne is cooking up something else other than just developing what will be the largest habitat in the world for just three orangutans. I know Adelaide plans on continuing with both Brazilian Tapirs and Sun bears so I hope Melbourne can get on board with an import of either. Personally, a Sloth bear, Brazilian Tapir combo would be my wish. I also wonder if Melbourne or Perth asked about acquiring Hari only to be shut down by Taronga. Makes sense why Perth floated the idea, before finding out Taronga would be keeping him to fill their own elephant gap. If I were to wager, Taronga will probably never be used for rhino breeding, It's just too small. Hari wouldn't even be able to work up to a full gallop with both areas opened up. Likewise, the waterbuffalo will probably only be kept on-site if they integrate well with Hari, otherwise, Taronga will most likely palm them off to TWPZ. Axis deer could also work well and would be better able to evade Hari in a tight space. Still, though it's exciting and I could see an excess rhino at Taronga indefinitely as an ambassador for what hopefully turns into quite a successful breeding program at TWPZ. Personally, I'd like to see the bull exhibit be dedicated to pygmy hippo and divided into 4 areas, one within the barn and 3 externally. Two deep pools already exist there and that way Taronga could have a comprehensive pygmy hippo breeding program of 4-5 hippos on site, in a 1.2 + (maturing offspring) arrangement. I feel the region needs a pygmy hippo breeding hub to prevent stagnation and Taronga could easily facilitate that. Otherwise, I think Sri Lankan leopard could suit the area, especially the temple. However, that would require a more costly renovation, and the fact that our major zoos seem to despise the idea of housing Sir Lankan leopard.
Both great ideas. It’d be nice to see Taronga acquire Sri Lankan leopards and would surely be a popular move with the public who appreciate seeing big cats. There seems to be an expectation from the public that the main zoos hold lions and tigers (those that lack either often mention it as being top of their public wish lists); but holding Sri Lankan leopard is going the extra mile for want of a better word. Like you say, the exhibit renovations in this area would be costly and extensive, so I guess it’s whether Taronga consider something else a more viable alternative that would prove just as popular. Taronga Zoo have held and bred Pygmy hippopotamus since the 1950’s and bred many calves over the years, so I was pleased to hear reports recently that they plan to continue with the species by building a new exhibit. I too hope it will increase their holding capacity as it would indeed be nice to see Taronga establish themselves as a breeding hub. Otherwise, Melbourne have two exhibits and can accomodate additional hippopotami off display, so they might be a contender for this role long term.
Hot take - why not just do bachelor holding of elephants in Gung's old yard, and expand into one of the event lawns? Alternatively, the pygmy hippo idea also works and can even link up to the existing gorilla yards, which could also be expanded over to that space with an overpass.
Expanding into the event lawns would be a very popular suggestion amongst ZooChatters and likely the general public given the infrequency of concerts/comparative use of the space. Regarding bull holdings at Taronga. I’d never say never (especially considering Sydney Zoo hold them); but it’s not a huge space by today’s standards and is unlikely imo. If that was the plan, I feel like the cow paddocks would be renovated for bulls.
It is indeed good news, It is a win win for Taronga Zoo its likely they wanted to move Hari out of TWPZ as his presence there is surplus and at the same time fill an already existing (and expensive) exhibit at TZ with a large impressive looking species with little to no cost for the current exhibit that could be unitised, A very sensible decision. I do like your idea regarding the Pygmy Hippos, I had hoped decades ago that TZ would of taken up the roll of becoming the centre for Pygmy Hippo breeding in our region but unfortunately it became one of the species that had slipped down between the cracks with stagnation setting in. It was only in more resent times that someone had a light bulb idea of bringing together what was left of a small and languishing population.
Taronga no longer has Caledonian giant gecko: Their Caledonian giant gecko has transferred to the National Zoo and Aquarium.
I disagree that they are lacklustre, their size and appearance is remarkable imo. Just because they can be domesticated doesn’t make them any less of an attraction
The majority of Sydney siders will know them as feral domestics from the Northern Territory. Water buffalo do have impressive horns, and in a mixed exhibit will look good. But, that doesn't change the fact the majority of people will know as feral animals. Which unfortunately a lot of Indian subcontinent ungulates fall into that category. Sambar deer would have been a nice species to mix with them but again I can find them feral in Sydney. Domesticated/feral animals don't make good zoo animals. When you have a facility that prides itself on exhibiting endangered animals and a conservation centre. When there are feral animal campaigns to wipe them out and TV shows showing them being actively removed from kakado as a pest species. The two messages dont bode well together.
Even keeping a solo bull elephant in the current elephant exhibit would have been doable. However western plains needs an attraction so id say they are going with elephants.
