Join our zoo community

Darling Downs Zoo white lions at Toowoomba

Discussion in 'Australia' started by jay, 18 Feb 2010.

  1. Steve Robinson

    Steve Robinson Well-Known Member 15+ year member

    Joined:
    27 Jun 2007
    Posts:
    1,863
    Location:
    Pilton Queensland Austr
    I hope that you are right.

    We would love to make these spaces available for Snow Leopards, Sumatran Tigers and the like. But that isn't going to happen any time soon.

    Even IF we do ever achieve ZAA membership, we have been told that we would have to wait between 7 to 10 years to get Sumatrans surplus to the breeding programme. Heaven help us, I could be dead by then! And I haven't been game to ask about Snow Leopards.

    So we are learning how to make things happen for ourselves.
     
  2. jay

    jay Well-Known Member 20+ year member

    Joined:
    8 Jan 2004
    Posts:
    1,920
    Location:
    brisbane, qld, australia
    Hi Steve
    I hope that you are getting a similar increase in visits to youractual zoo as well as to your website.
    So long to wait for surplus tigers! Even longer to have breeding tigers I assume.
     
  3. Steve Robinson

    Steve Robinson Well-Known Member 15+ year member

    Joined:
    27 Jun 2007
    Posts:
    1,863
    Location:
    Pilton Queensland Austr
    G'day jay,

    After a patchy January, we have just recorded our best ever February business - thanks to the cubs.

    Your assumption about breeding tigers is correct - even though some ZAA zoos are hybridising their Sumatrans with generics. I guess you just have to be on the "in" crowd. There is one comparative ZAA newcomer, who has never held tigers or any big cats before, who is getting non-breeding Sumatrans this year. Another member of long standing, who holds both lions and tigers, has yet to be considered for Sumatrans.
     
  4. boof

    boof Well-Known Member 15+ year member

    Joined:
    16 Jan 2005
    Posts:
    1,385
    Location:
    Nyngan,nsw,australia
    Symbio?
    It's not far from me, about a ten minute drive. I will probably have a look when they get them. It's not a place i visit often.
     
  5. Jarkari

    Jarkari Well-Known Member 15+ year member

    Joined:
    24 Aug 2006
    Posts:
    1,510
    Location:
    Orange, NSW
    I was a bit peeved when I read this one. To hold a species you need to be able to show experience in similar species. What experience do they have with any large carnivores? Compared to a zoo like Darling Downs which has a combined experience of more than many in the industry!
     
  6. Steve Robinson

    Steve Robinson Well-Known Member 15+ year member

    Joined:
    27 Jun 2007
    Posts:
    1,863
    Location:
    Pilton Queensland Austr
    Firstly - I didn't mention any names.

    Secondly - the ZOO doesn't need show previous expertise or experience.

    It does need to show that it has the STAFF with the expertise and experience.
     
  7. Jarkari

    Jarkari Well-Known Member 15+ year member

    Joined:
    24 Aug 2006
    Posts:
    1,510
    Location:
    Orange, NSW
    I was under the impression ARAZPA (not DII) preferred animals to go to institutes that could show experience in caring for similar species.


    Happily corrected.
     
  8. Steve Robinson

    Steve Robinson Well-Known Member 15+ year member

    Joined:
    27 Jun 2007
    Posts:
    1,863
    Location:
    Pilton Queensland Austr
    That's a different ball game!! LOL
     
  9. Jarkari

    Jarkari Well-Known Member 15+ year member

    Joined:
    24 Aug 2006
    Posts:
    1,510
    Location:
    Orange, NSW
    From the photos I've seen they are very nice cats though. Glad they are having the desired effect. ya'll deserve it!
     
  10. MARK

    MARK Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    7 May 2005
    Posts:
    3,433
    Location:
    Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
    With the number on Sumatran Tigers being born in the region in resent times (plus the imports) I am surprised any zoo in the country would have to wait that long?
     
  11. jay

    jay Well-Known Member 20+ year member

    Joined:
    8 Jan 2004
    Posts:
    1,920
    Location:
    brisbane, qld, australia
    Good point Mark. there are still a few at Dreamwod, the ones just born at Melbourne.