Auckland Zoo Auckland Zoo News 2022

The South East Asia precinct was a $62 million investment that exceeds all expectation. The innovation in design of features like the tropical dome and the aerial pathways will ensure this is one of the zoo’s best attractions for decades to come.

Auckland Zoo should be extremely proud of what they’ve accomplished. They’ve surely set a standard for the other zoos in the region to aspire to.

 

If only it was bigger, and housed birds and even a small monkey species too; it would've been much better imo. I was rather disappointed with it's size as i'd expected something on the larger scale, but it's not really surprising given the species it holds.

I'm surprised none of the region's zoos have taken up the idea of a Rainforest dome; something which has been replicated in the US and Europe many times. It's a phenomenal idea and could work rather efficiently space wise especially for a city zoo.

 

As @Zoofan15 pointed out in the post above yours they spent $62 Million so there's a limit some where at the end of the day it comes back to money. I believe they have risen the bar for others in the region to follow, lets see how some of our own major zoos stack up if the next few years!

 

The decision to omit birds was a pragmatic one. We can’t import birds and species from South East Asia are limited with New Zealand. Java sparrow are one of the few species available, but aren’t swamp dwelling and therefore don’t fit the theme of the tropical dome. An aviary housing this species would be underwhelming as demonstrated by the Masked lovebird aviary - where visitors ignore the birds in favour of the tortoises and meerkats.

Aquariums are vastly underrepresented across New Zealand’s four main zoos and by exhibiting 13 species across a series of tanks in the tropical dome (including one that holds False gharial), Auckland Zoo have established an exciting point of difference. The species list for the tropical dome is very understated - and one that has so much more impact when you see it in person. It’s highly immersive.

The Sumatran tiger complex is the second largest in the region (just a shade less floor space than Taronga) and while none of the three exhibits alone match the previous pit exhibit in size, they’re modern and innovative - catering for each stage of the cub’s development. The previous litter didn’t debut until 13 weeks, when staff were confident they could navigate the exhibit (which wasn’t suitable for neonates). In this complex, the smallest exhibit (a small, partially screened off grassed exhibit) will allow Zendaya to bring them out from 4-6 weeks of age if she chooses to.

The orangutan exhibit speaks for itself - 2km of aerial pathway. This is unmatched by any zoo in the region.

 

Cool. While I'm sure that most ZC posters aren't particularly excited about a collection of fish species that are available privately, I personally feel this is a great addition when they displayed in large schools. Fish are a group that are largely forgotten by mainstream zoos.

 

Ramah and Zayana have FINALLY arrived!

From socials:

Exciting news - today we’ve welcomed two young Sumatran tigers to Auckland Zoo! These big cats travelled from zoos in the United States as part of an international breeding and advocacy programme for this critically endangered species.

Five-year-old male Ramah from Oklahoma City Zoo and four-year-old female Zayana from Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center (Kansas) have begun their required 30-day quarantine period and will in time be paired with the goal of breeding.

Ramah and Zayana must undertake a week-long international (MPI) quarantine that requires them to remain in their inside care quarters. However, once completed and they are given the ‘all-clear’, Zoo visitors may see them outside in the new South East Asia Jungle Track lowlands habitat, where they’re able to complete the rest of their month-long quarantine.

 

Zoo release book to celebrate centenary year:

From socials:

To celebrate our centenary year (we turn 100 years old on 16 December!) we’ve created a unique and captivating book, jam-packed full of beautiful photography — Auckland Zoo: 100 Years, 100 Stories.

Over these 100 years, the Zoo has evolved from its early days as a ‘living museum’ into a modern zoo that takes an active role in conserving wildlife in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.

This book showcases the Zoo’s rich and colourful history: from fraught origins in Onehunga (with complaints of roaring lions!) to our established home in Western Springs.

 

Zoo farewell last Spotted shag:

From socials:

After spending an incredible 17 years in the care of our wonderful bird and veterinary teams – a record age and above life expectancy in the wild - Austin was euthanised last week as he became suddenly severely unwell and sadly did not respond to emergency treatment. Our veterinary team are awaiting post mortem results which will take a few more weeks.

This bird (named after Austin Powers) arrived at our Zoo in 2006 as a juvenile (less than one year old), after spending a short stint at a local bird rescue. He was initially found emaciated on a North Shore beach, and being a juvenile bird, he became reliant on human care and was unable to be released back to the wild.

In 2011 he was introduced to female spotted shag Boswick (affectionately known as ‘Bossie’), who came to Auckland Zoo from Marineland. Austin and Bossie had an incredible companionship that lasted six years before she passed away in 2016 – they would sit together, preen each other and construct amazing nests, but unfortunately did not produce any fertile eggs.

 

Ramah and Zayana are now on display:

From socials:

Both tigers have now completed the first seven days of their 30-day quarantine period, and after receiving an initial health check from our veterinary team, they were welcomed into their incredible new habitat for the first time yesterday.

Our carnivore team leader Lauren says, “Both tigers are really enjoying this new space, which is custom-built with a diversity of terrains and habitat features – such as high ridges that provide vantage points and a refreshing beach area for cooling off. They’ve both been having a good look around - Ramah is the most relaxed of the two and is taking everything in his stride, while Zayana is taking everything in a little more slowly.”

While Ramah and Zayana are fulfilling the remainder of their 30-day quarantine period, the Zoo’s three tigers will each stay in one of three separate areas of their habitat. These distinct but interconnected areas have been designed so that in the future they can accommodate adult tigers as well as their potential cubs.

 

Welcome news indeed.

 

Once the tigers are out of quarantine, it’ll be great to see them rotating use of the three exhibits. It’ll be hugely enriching for them.

The smallest exhibit, which is largely shielded from public view will allow Zayana to bring her newborn cubs out much earlier than the old tiger pit did. Partly due to the hazards of navigating the terrain, Molek’s cubs didn’t venture out until around 13 weeks of age.

 

Little blue penguin chick now on exhibit:

This is the first successful Little blue penguin chick to hatch at the zoo:

If you’re lucky, you might be seeing this kororā / little penguin chick at The Coast!

Hatching on 13 October, this chick has been hand-reared for the past 42 days of its life by our bird team, and has been developing and growing well.

In a large part because of the disabilities our colony of wild rescues have (such as missing flippers), they have previously not been successful in rearing their own chicks. This breeding season, our bird team decided to step in to help hand rear the chicks to help ensure their survival.

 

How large is their current group? I didn't see any on my last visit - but in the past they've held a very small group.

 

They currently have seven adults and one chick. They began the colony with six adults in 2001, but the colony has never been self sustaining as they haven’t successfully bred until now - with new rescues replacing the penguins that have died.

I rarely see them either, but if I do they’re under the dinghy. Due to their disabilities, they rarely take to the water but the keepers have recently begun a swim school that will encourage them to use the pool.

 

Tropical Dome Information

Video about the zoo’s False gharial:

Auckland Zoo have posted a video on their socials about their False gharial:

In this video our senior ectotherm keeper Julie details freshwater crocodiles Malu and Sumpit’s arrival from Krokodille Zoo in Denmark. Ahead of their arrival, Julie spent time in Denmark with the expert team there, where she was able to learn more about the species and how they are cared for.

Species board:

The photo guide to the species of fauna and flora exhibited in the tropical dome can be viewed here:

https://cdn.aucklandunlimited.com/zoo/assets/media/azoo-seajt-swamp-forest-field-guide-05-online.pdf

 

Here is the link to order the book, with some page excerpts to give potential customers an idea of the layout:

Auckland Zoo: 100 Years, 100 Stories

The zoo does not ship its centenary publication overseas, but Aotearoa Books does if one is willing to pay the significant shipping cost. It's very tempting...

Aotearoa Books | Rakino Publishing - Shopping Cart

 

From what I’ve seen of the book, it’s not a patch on A Tiger by the Tail - A History of Auckland Zoo (1922-1992), which is one of the best books I’ve ever read. It was written by Derek Wood, who was the director from 1960-1988 and aside from undertaking extensive historical research into the years that preceded his employment, he had endless stories about his time at the zoo.

Many examples of content Auckland Zoo has shared from this book are all widely available online - including articles the zoo have posted on their website (how to give a flamingo anaesthesic etc) and offer little real insight.

It’s a difficult situation as little would be achieved by re-writing the 1922-1992 years without simply copying what had already been written - but a comprehensive account of the 1992-2022 years would have been fascinating - species phase outs, new precincts etc.

 

I ordered the new Auckland Zoo centenary book. Done!

As for the Derek Wood book (A Tiger by the Tail: A History of Auckland Zoo 1922-1992), I have been attempting to find that book at a reasonable price for years. Amazon, eBay, Book Depository, AbeBooks, etc., never seem to carry the book for anything less than an eye-watering cost, if it is there at all. The book is highly valued by zoo nerds, even if it is only 171 pages in length, and so I'd love to buy it eventually.

 

Bornean Orangutan/Siamang Introductions

Reported on socials:

Introductions between the two species are going well with keepers reporting the Siamangs have access to the orangutan habitat most days. Intan (male Siamang) is very energetic; while Kera (female Siamang) is more relaxed and has been eating browse in close proximity to the orangutans (a positive sign).

It’ll be great to see them cohabitating and will open up more opportunities for both species with regards to exhibit access in the short term; as well as increasing the likelihood Auckland Zoo will expand their Bornean orangutan colony in the long term.

 

Auckland Zoo create habitats for Arataki Visitor Centre

From socials:

Located at the entrance of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, this centre is a place where visitors can learn about local hiking tracks as well as discover more about nature and the environment.

Our Zoo ectotherm team created distinct habitats for three native species – Elegant gecko (named Ina and Huna), Forest gecko (named Tutu and Tau) and Stick insect as well as providing key facts and information about them.

Each habitat is designed to have everything these animals need to thrive – including appropriate plant species and meeting each animals humidity requirements.