Winter 2012

News
Paws
PERTH ZOO’S OFFICIAL MAGAZINE
WINTER 2012
The Little Penguins are Back
Jury Duty
It’s Cold Outside
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Wedd
Perth Zoo is undoubtedly
one of Western Australia’s
most extraordinary venues.
The perfect setting for
those looking for
something extra special.
We offer you a choice of
stunning locations and
function rooms for your
wedding ceremony,
photographs or reception.
For more information contact
[email protected]
or call (08) 9474 0444.
Photo by Merge Photography.
Cover photo: Little Penguins
Perth Zoo acknowledges the support of its sponsors:
News Paws
Editor Claire Wright
Sub Editor Daniel Scarparolo
Writing & Production James Allbeury, Kirsty Duncan
Design Geoff Scales, Tanya Perer
Printing and prepress Quality Press
All content © copyright Perth Zoo except where noted.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without
prior written permission from the copyright holders.
Published by Perth Zoo, 20 Labouchere Road,
South Perth, Western Australia 6151.
Phone: 61 8 9474 0444 Web: perthzoo.com.au
Published 2012 ISSN 1449-227X
Mosman Park
Please Recycle
N ews
Paws
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CONTENTS
NEWS PAWS WINTER 2012
13
8
14
17
19
Message from the CEO
4
Zoo Scene
5
What’s Hot
6
Zoo-ssentials
6
What’s On
7
Jury Duty
8
Kidz Biz
The Red List
12
It’s Cold Outside
13
The Difference Your Donation Makes
14
Discover
16
Fast Facts
16
Perth Zoo Top 5
17
It’s Personal
18
Papara-zoo!
19
From the CEO
Perth Zoo’s Docents (volunteers) have been an important part of the
Zoo for 30 years. This year we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of
the foundation of the Docent Association and our successful
collaboration.
Since 1982, Docents have made and continue to make a significant
difference to Perth Zoo and our visitors’ experience. On behalf of the
Zoo, I thank all Docents, past and present, for their great support.
Reflecting on those three decades, Perth Zoo has changed
enormously over that time. In 1982, we had a very different mix of
animal species and didn’t have the regional breeding programs or
conservation and research programs that we have today. The species
you find in modern Australian zoos are quite different with our focus
now on species for conservation and regional priorities.
In 1982, Perth Zoo had Syrian Bears. Today, we have Sun Bears from
South-East Asia and are part of a regional breeding program for this
threatened species. We support organisations like Free the Bears in
their work to protect and conserve bears in Laos, Cambodia and
Vietnam and have partnerships with organisations all around the world
to conserve wildlife and habitat.
Australian animals too are an important part of Perth Zoo both for our
visitors and also behind the scenes where we breed threatened native
species for release into the wild.
The demolition of the old polar bear enclosure in 1982 signaled the
start of the change to focusing on species that could thrive in the
Australian climate. Our enclosure designs, which are built with natural
animal behaviours in mind, reflect this change.
Our focus as a 21st century zoo is on providing the highest levels of
animal care; conservation breeding programs; breeding for release
into the wild; research to build knowledge about conserving wildlife;
supporting on-the-ground conservation projects; and delivering ways
in which people can become involved and active in saving wildlife.
Zoos have changed enormously over the past 30 years and I believe
absolutely for the better.
Susan Hunt PSM
Chief Executive Officer
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News Paws |
Winter 2012
Paws for Thought… A Conservation Banner Project
During 2011, Perth Zoo worked with Free the Bears and the
Freeland Foundation to run an international conservation art
program to generate student awareness. The Sun Bear was the
focus for WA students while students in Thailand focused on the
Numbat and Chuditch (both threatened WA species). With 192
entries from six schools, the winners were Abby in Year 4,
Rosalie Primary School (1st prize), Sophia in Year 4, Currambine
Primary School (2nd Prize) and Madison in Year 4, Currambine
Primary School (3rd Prize). The winning
entries were converted into
sensational banners and
are currently displayed
at the Sun Bear
exhibit at Perth Zoo.
Zoo Scene
They’re back! Perth Zoo’s Little
Penguins have returned and their
home is looking better than ever
following a major renovation of
the Australian Wetlands and
Penguin Plunge exhibits.
We thank you for your
patience during this time
and we hope that you’ll
come visit them soon.
Dont forget they’re fed
every day at 11 am.
The year’s first critically endangered Western Swamp Tortoise hatched on 1 March.
More tortoises continued to hatch over the following months with a total of 36 for this
season so far. The hatchlings will stay at Perth Zoo for at least three years until they’re
big enough to be released to help rebuild numbers in the wild.
Nepalese Red Panda
Tiamat gave birth to two
cubs on 20 December
2011. The cubs, named
Ketan and Alaka, spent the
first four months of their
lives tucked away in their
nest box. They emerged in
April, fully weaned and ready
to explore their exhibit. The
recent births bring the total
number of Red Pandas
successfully born at Perth
Zoo since 1997 to 16.
Black-capped Capuchin Lola gave birth to her sixth
infant on Australia Day. For the first few months of life
the youngster travelled around on mum’s back,
however, now it can be seen chasing after its older
siblings in their exhibit. Perth Zoo is part of a regional
breeding program for this South American species,
which can be seen in the Lesser Primates area.
Winter 2012
| News Paws
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What’s Zoo-ssentials
Ho t
Souvenir Book
Commemorate your
visit to Perth Zoo with
the new Perth Zoo
Souvenir Book.
Featuring over 50 pages of your favourite Perth Zoo
animal species in a range of stunning photography,
Available at Zoonique, Perth Zoo’s shop – reserve
your copy today. Call 9474 0367.
this winter
It’s raining lions, tigers and Sun Bears at Perth Zoo this winter. But
don’t fret, Zoonique, Perth Zoo’s shop can help. You can still enjoy your
visit to the Zoo with the zoo-ssentials guide to everything you need to
stay warm and dry during the months ahead.
Stay Dry
Keep Warm
Pull on your rain boots, pop up your umbrella and put
your raincoat on with Kidorables’ range of irresistibly
stylish children’s rain-wear that’s sure to keep your kids
dry and drizzle-free. Kidorable is available in a fantastic
range of trendy colours and styles for boys and girls.
What better way to warm the heart and feed the soul
than with your own hot, tasty beverage fresh from one
of Cheeki’s ultra-cool stainless steel insulated flasks?
Keeping your drink hot for up to 12 hours, these flasks
are perfect for your next trip to Perth Zoo on a crisp
winter’s morning.
3.
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2.
Kidorable, Butterfly/Bumble-bee Umbrella
$23.95
Kidorable, Butterfly/Bumble-bee Rain Coat
$65.00
Kidorable, Butterfly/Bumble-bee Rain Boots
$39.95
5.
5
6
6.
Cheeki, Stainless Steel Insulated Flask – 450ml,
$24.95 (purple)
Cheeki, Stainless Steel Insulated Flask – 750ml,
$30.95 (blue)
Cheeki, Stainless Steel Coffee Mug – 350ml,
$31.95
Crocodile Paw
Prints
For a limited time only,
you can get a print of the
world’s largest living
reptile, the Estuarine
Crocodile, taken from
Perth Zoo’s resident croc
Simmo. Call 9474 0359
to order your print.
1
Feed A Giraffe
Want to experience the best
view at Perth Zoo and have
the opportunity to feed a
giraffe? Book your tickets for
the Savannah Outlook Tower
experience today.
Call 9474 0402 (Mon–Fri)
or 9474 0350 (Sat–Sun).
2
Functions and
Events Open Day
Looking to organise a
conference or corporate
event with a difference?
On 21 June, Perth Zoo
will open its doors to
showcase a range of spectacular function and
conference areas to suit your next meeting or event.
To find out more or book a session time for the open
day, visit perthzoo.com.au.
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News Paws |
Winter 2012
3
Zoonique, the Perth Zoo Shop, sells a great range of products to help make your day at Perth Zoo
special. If you forget to bring something with you, when you arrive at the Zoo, drop in and check out
what we have to offer. Remember, Zoo Friends receive a 10% discount.
Open 7 days, 9 am–5 pm every day of the year. Phone (08) 9474 0367.
What’s On
this winter
Visit the What’s On section of Perth Zoo’s website at perthzoo.com.au
for all the latest information about upcoming events.
9 to 20 July
Winter Trails
1 August
Night Stalk Teacher PL
So you think there’s nothing to do when it’s
raining outside? Well, bring your wellies,
raincoat and umbrella to Perth Zoo during the
July school holidays and go on a FREE
escorted adventure around the Zoo. Your guide
will tell fun animal stories along the way while
you splish and splash through the Zoo
grounds.
Teachers of all phases of development, find out
how you and your students can become
involved in Night Stalk, an annual wildlife
spotlighting survey that runs from 1 September
to 16 October. Night Stalk is proudly sponsored
by Tronox and makes a great class or school
camp activity.
Time: 4:00 pm–6:30 pm
Cost: Free
Bookings: Download a registration form from
our website or call Perth Zoo Discovery and
Learning on 9474 0365
Time: 10:00 am–11:00 am (excludes
weekends)
Cost: Free. Normal Zoo Admission prices apply
9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 July
Zoo Crew
Looking for something WILD to do in the
school holidays. Join Perth Zoo’s Zoo Crew
for a full day of Zoo Adventures.
Kids aged 8–13 will:
• have encounters with Zoo animals
14 August
Biology Day
18 and 19 July
Wild About Animals
• take part in animal themed craft and
games.
A half-day program for students between 10
and 14 years old who just love animals. Join
Perth Zoo and the RSPCA for a fun-filled day
finding out how to care for animals. Take some
tips home to bring a little bit of zoo into the
lives of your family pets.
Cost: $65 per child, per day (GST inclusive)
Time: 9:00 am–1:00 pm
Time: 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Cost: $50 per person or $45 for Zoo Friends
To find out more or to download a booking
form, visit perthzoo.com.au and click on
“What’s On” or call 9474 0365.
Bookings: Download a registration form from
our website or call Perth Zoo Discovery and
Learning on 9474 0365.
• visit areas of the Zoo not normally open
to the public
• make special treats for animals
A one-day conservation conference for senior
secondary students that focuses on current
conservation issues relating to Western
Australia and the different control strategies
being implemented. Biology Day is part of
National Science Week.
Time: 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Cost: $35 per student
Bookings: Download a registration form from
our website or call Perth Zoo Discovery and
Learning on 9474 0365.
Follow us on:
www.facebook.com/PerthZoo
TM
www.twitter.com/PerthZoo
www.youtube.com/PerthZoo
Meet Your Wild
Neighbours!
Join a group of fellow night stalkers for a night of wildlife
adventure. Night Stalk is proudly sponsored by Tronox.
1 September –16 October
www.perthzoo.com.au/nightstalk
ng
Discovery & Learni
Jury Duty
Perth Zoo’s Javan Gibbon family
(from left to right) Nakula, Hecla
with Sunda, and Jury.
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News Paws |
Winter 2012
Did you know Type-2 diabetes affects 85–90% of people? Did you also know
it can appear in animals too? In April 2010, Jury, one of Perth Zoo’s Javan
Gibbons, was diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes. Just as with humans, it can
be managed with insulin. But how do you get a gibbon to take his medicine?
Perth Zoo is one of only six institutions in the world
successfully breeding Javan Gibbons. The three
Javan Gibbons born at the Zoo since 2005 were
all sired by 26-year-old Jury. Being a gibbon, Jury
is usually very active, swinging from branch to
branch and rope to rope around his island home.
However, when he started to show lethargy in
2010, combined with weight loss and excessive
water drinking, keepers became concerned. Blood
and urine tests later confirmed he had Type-2
diabetes.
Type-2 diabetes is a chronic condition that is often
the result of genetic and/or lifestyle factors. Our
bodies need to convert glucose (sugar) from food
into energy to work properly. The way we do this is
with insulin which our bodies produce naturally.
Insulin helps convert the glucose into energy.
People with diabetes are unable to produce
enough insulin – or sometimes any at all – for this
to happen. The result of this is that glucose is
carried in the blood and patients require regular
insulin injections as well as careful diet
management to stay healthy.
Leaving Jury’s diabetes untreated could have
resulted in him going into a diabetic coma with
fatal consequences so keepers needed to find a
way to administer insulin on a regular basis. While
people who suffer from diabetes can inject insulin
themselves, giving insulin to Jury was a much
more involved process; one that took two years to
perfect.
Initially Jury was given oral medication but despite
the efforts of keepers and veterinary staff, it wasn’t
as successful as hoped and Jury’s glucose and
ketone levels (ketone is produced from fat as an
alternative fuel source when glucose isn’t
available) didn’t lower enough. That meant moving
on to plan B and preparing Jury for routine insulin
injections.
Keepers often train animals to present certain
parts of their bodies for them to examine. It
reduces the need for general anaesthetic and
gives the keepers a chance to check the animal’s
health and body condition. To do this they use
positive reinforcement. This means every time the
animal completes the correct behaviour, they’re
Perth Zoo Veterinarian Simone Vitali with Jury during his health check at the veterinary department.
“
The dedication of the staff to the training
regime and Jury’s adoption of his new treatment
delivered the result they were hoping for.
Winter 2012
”
| News Paws
9
Jury Duty
rewarded with a food treat thereby ‘positively
reinforcing’ the behaviour. This method has
been used with many animals in the Zoo
including wombats, Sun Bears, Red Pandas and
gibbons.
Jury was kept on oral medication while keepers
trained him to receive injections. His training
began in October 2010. Jury required insulin
administered via injections into his upper thigh.
He would have to have one injection every day,
so this training was important for his continued
wellbeing. Keepers conducted four short,
positive sessions a day. They encouraged Jury
into the night quarters where he sat with his
thigh against the mesh. Here the keepers could
reach certain parts of his body while giving him
food to keep him in position.
It was important to take the training slowly. At
first all the keepers wanted Jury to do was
perch on a bar and position his thigh correctly.
From there they would touch his thigh with
their finger and a blunt syringe before moving
on to administer the injection. Detailed records
were kept of every session including the length
and success of each, showing them at what
point they could progress to the next level. This
was also important for consistency amongst
trainers. Finally, in July 2011, Jury was ready
for his first insulin injection, which went
perfectly.
Keepers and veterinary staff were elated by the
success of Jury’s training. The dedication of the
staff to the training regime and Jury’s adoption
of his new treatment delivered the result they
were hoping for.
In January 2012, Jury underwent a health
check at the Zoo’s veterinary department while
under a general anaesthetic. This revealed his
diabetes was under control. His blood glucose
readings were in a normal range, he’d gained
weight and his overall condition had improved.
Staff couldn’t have hoped for a better result.
Jury’s urine is still tested regularly and daily
insulin injections continue to be a part of his life
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News Paws |
Winter 2012
but the improvements to his health have been
exceptional.
but it hadn’t fully manifested yet and showed
fewer symptoms.
While Jury’s story might sound unusual, he’s
not the only animal at the Zoo to undergo
regular treatment for Type-2 diabetes. Hsing
Hsing, one of Perth Zoo’s adult male
orangutans, also has the condition. Hsing Hsing
was diagnosed in 1996 when high sugar levels
were detected in his blood and urine. It is
thought Hsing Hsing developed diabetes before
his arrival at Perth Zoo in 1983.
Whereas Jury was lethargic, lost weight and
drank lots of water, the physical signs of Hsing
Hsing’s diabetes were limited to a slower
appetite and a lean body condition. He weighed
81 kg, whereas most adult male Sumatran
Orangutans can weigh over 100 kg.
Prior to diagnosis, Hsing Hsing’s diet at Perth
Zoo was a mixture of fruits and vegetables,
eggs, bread, primate pellets and browse. While
this diet works well with the other orangutans
at Perth Zoo, the total caloric and sugar content
of the diet wasn’t suitable for Hsing Hsing and
his diet was adjusted. The quantity of browse
and vegetables was increased and certain fruits
as well as foods used for enrichment purposes,
including sultanas, peanut butter and jam, were
eliminated from his diet (except for diet jams).
After two weeks on the new diet, staff were
disappointed to see there were no changes to
the glucose levels in Hsing Hsing’s urine. A
number of tests were conducted with results
considered by diabetologists. He was found to
have slowly-evolving, Type-2 diabetes, which
meant that diabetes was present in his system
Although a favourite treat for
humans, chocolate contains a
substance that can be toxic to
animals. If fed to animals they
may experience seizures,
internal bleeding, heart
attacks or death.
Such reactions are not limited
to the animals of Perth Zoo –
chocolate is also dangerous to
domestic pets such as cats
and dogs.
Keepers began treating Hsing Hsing with oral
medication three times a day. Overall, Hsing
Hsing responded well to this treatment until
1999. Staff then trained Hsing Hsing to allow
them to test his blood glucose levels by doing a
finger prick test like a human diabetic would to
monitor their blood glucose levels. When these
readings were showing consistently high blood
glucose levels, veterinary staff decided that
Hsing Hsing needed to have insulin injections to
help control his condition.
Keepers started Hsing Hsing on a training
schedule, getting him to present his shoulder to
them while he was given suitable treats to
reinforce the behaviour. Hsing Hsing responded
very well to the insulin treatment and within a
matter of months, his activity and alertness
increased, as did his appetite. In a little over a
year his weight went from a low of 81 kg to 95
kg. His blood glucose levels went down and he
currently weighs a healthy 100 kg. Hsing Hsing
now receives insulin injections twice a day and
keepers monitor him. Keepers and veterinary
staff are very happy with his condition. He has
also sired five female offspring at Perth Zoo
including our latest arrival Lestari so his
diabetes is not holding him back.
Thanks to the dedicated keepers and veterinary
staff at Perth Zoo who conduct ongoing
management, care and treatment of diabetes in
animals such as Jury the Javan Gibbon and
Hsing Hsing the Sumatran Orangutan, these
animals have the opportunity to enjoy healthy
lives.
Photo by Dave Morgan
the redlist
Red List Status: Data Deficient
Zoo
Tip!
Balston’s Pygmy Perch
When you think of Australian animals you usually think of kangaroos
and koalas. Very few of us would spare a thought for the freshwater
fish that swim through our waterways. But did you know WA is home
to a high number of threatened fish species found nowhere else? And
the most threatened is Balston’s Pygmy Perch Nannatherina balstoni.
Learn about WA’s native
freshwater fish. Visit the
freshwater fish display
at Perth Zoo or check
out the Freshwater Fish
Group website at
www.freshwaterfishgroup.com
The IUCN Red List classifies the Balston’s Pygmy
Perch as Data Deficient and requiring a more
up-to-date assessment. However, government
environmental departments closer to home put
the small fish well and truly on the threatened
species lists, both at a federal and state level.
It’s easy to overlook this species. Found in
isolated river systems in south-west Western
Australia, it inhabits acidic freshwater pools,
streams and lakes. Its brown and grey colouring
and miniature size – it only grows to 9 cm long
– help to camouflage it in the tannin-stained
water.
Balston’s Pygmy Perch usually live for one year,
dying soon after they’ve spawned. They breed in
winter when water levels are high. Females
produce between 500 and 1600 eggs each. The
hatched larvae take advantage of increased
number of zooplankton, the diet of larval perch,
when water levels are high. Once they reach
adulthood, they eat terrestrial insects and
arachnids.
The Balston's Pygmy Perch’s short lifespan and
once-a-year breeding make things hard for the
species’ survival, especially when competing for
food sources with aggressive and hardy exotic
species like Rainbow and Brown Trout and
Redfin Perch. These introduced species also prey
on native fish too.
Habitat alteration is also a problem for Balston’s
Pygmy Perch. They once ranged from Moore
River in the north to Two Peoples Bay in the
south and the Collie River to the east. But over
time their distribution has been reduced to an
area from Margaret River to Two Peoples Bay
with the centre of its present distribution in the
peat flats of the Doggerup, Gardner and
Shannon River watersheds.
This is a result of widespread urban and rural
development, increased salinisation, agricultural
and forestry practices and other changes to the
environment. Many of WA’s other endemic
freshwater fish suffer these threats.
Actions currently in place to conserve the
Balston’s Pygmy Perch include population
monitoring in its known distribution, removing
exotic species and habitat restoration projects
including reducing salinity in waterways.
Want to find out more about the world’s threatened
animal and plant species? Visit the IUCN Red List
website at www.iucnredlist.org.
What can you do?
• If you have exotic fish species like goldfish, never release them into waterways.
• Stock your pond with native fish instead of introduced species like Gambusia
or goldfish. Even Australian fish species native to eastern Australia should
not be released into the wild. You can purchase native fish from aquariums.
They’re good at mosquito control too.
• Caught an introduced fish species? Don’t throw it back in the water.
Dispose of them humanely. Contact FISHWATCH on 1800 815 507
and let them know where you found it.
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News Paws |
Winter 2012
It’s Cold Outside
Winter in WA is usually mild with a few cold days that make us reach for a scarf and wrap our hands around
a mug of hot chocolate. So when the temperature drops, how does Perth Zoo keep its animals warm?
Many of our animals are adapted for living in
this climate so there’s little need for special
treatment. Our Alpine Dingos are especially
used to the colder weather so during winter
they develop a woolly winter coat to keep
warm. Kangaroos and wallabies do the same so
you’ll see them with thicker fur than normal.
In the Nocturnal House, where day is night and
night is day, keepers reduce the hours of
daylight to mimic what happens outside. Many
animals in the Nocturnal House enjoy soaking
up the sun on cold winter days so they’re given
heat lamps to bask under. These animals
include the Chuditch, Northern Quoll, Red-tailed
Phascogale, Fat-tailed Dunnart and Dibbler.
spend the cooler part of the day in their
burrows, coming out to soak up the midday sun
and feed on termites.
For those exotic animals that require it, there
are a variety of options during winter to keep
them warm. Heating their environment is one
way with many night quarters fitted with heat
lamps but their behavioural enrichment is also
given the special touch.
The Lesser Primates – lemurs, marmosets and
capuchins – receive extra sacks to snuggle
In winter, heat mats and lamps in exhibits in
the Reptile Encounter are turned on for animals
found in warm habitats like the Reticulated
Python and the Olive Python. And our biggest
reptile, Simmo the Estuarine Crocodile, enjoys
time in his heated pool, set at 26°C.
In the Native Species Breeding Program area,
some animals are housed outside, like Western
Swamp Tortoises and Numbats, while others
are in temperature-controlled buildings like
Dibblers and frogs. The Western Swamp
Tortoise and the Numbat are local WA species
and so they don’t need anything extra to keep
them warm. Winter is the busiest time for
Western Swamp Tortoises as they feed on
invertebrates and mate, meanwhile Numbats
inside of and warm stewed fruit to feed on. In
summer, this is often in the form of ice blocks
but now that the days are cooler, apples, pears
and bananas are heated and smeared on
branches or hidden in tubes and logs for the
animals to forage.
The orangutans enjoy similar treatment. They’re
given blankets and wood wool to make their
nests cozier and warm herbal tea put into metal
tubes which they soak up using pieces of cloth.
Their food is also warmed and put in puzzle
feeders. This includes such things as oat-andprune balls or a rice and vegetable mix that are
put in brown paper bags, egg cartons or boxes
to encourage them to forage for food and keep
them mentally and physically active.
What about animals like elephants, otters and
lions? The elephants are fairly tolerant of the
temperature changes but if the mercury does
dip below 10°C, the barn’s heaters are turned
on. They’re also given baths with warm water.
“
The Reptile Encounter
is often the warmest
place to be at
Perth Zoo in winter.
”
Our two 18-year-old otters are given heated
plastic plates to curl up and sleep on in their
nestboxes. And the lions have specially heated
rocks in their exhibit so you will often see them
sleeping on them in front of the exhibit glass.
So that’s how Perth Zoo cares for just some of
its animals during the colder months. Do you
do anything special for your pets at home? An
extra blanket? A place in front of the fire? Or is
your own warm lap all the comfort they need?
Winter 2012
| News Paws
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News Paws |
Winter 2012
1. Bukit Tigapuluh National Park. Photo by FZS.
2. Western Ground Parrot. Photo by Alan Danks.
3. Sumatran Rhinoceros. Photo by Dedi.
4. Greater Stick-nest Rat. Photo by AWC/Wayne Lawler.
5. Sumatran Orangutan in the wild. Photo by FZS/Norbert Guthier.
6. Bukit Tigapuluh National Park. Photo by FZS/Norbert Guthier.
7. African Painted Dog anti-poaching unit in Zambia. Photo by PDC Inc.
Making a donation to Perth Zoo’s Wildlife
Conservation Action fundraising program
has far-reaching benefits. Nearly $250,000
raised through WCA in 2010-11 was
distributed to support the conservation of
threatened species around the world. Read
where your donation went.
Sunbear. Photo by Free the Bears.
Perth Zoo has an ongoing commitment to the
conservation of the Bukit Tigapuluh ecosystem in
Sumatra, Indonesia. Its partners, Frankfurt
Zoological Society and The Orangutan Project,
coordinate programs that conserve critically
endangered Sumatran Orangutans, Sumatran
Tigers and Sumatran Elephants. More than
$145,000 was provided to support the
reintroduction of orangutans into the wild, a
human-elephant conflict mitigation program, a
mobile education unit and Wildlife Protection Units
which patrol the rainforest and protect it from
illegal logging and poaching. More about Perth
Zoo’s work in Bukit Tigapuluh can be found on our
website.
Free the Bears received $20,000 for surveys on
the distribution, ecology and conservation status
of Malayan Sun Bears and Asiatic Black Bears in
Laos. The South-East Asian country is considered
a global stronghold for these two bear species.
However, the bears are still threatened with
habitat loss and poaching for their paws and bile.
Population and ecological data are severely
lacking so gaining this information is a top priority.
Once known, the results can be used to highlight
areas of Laos that need conservation action to
protect these bears.
Silvery Gibbon Project was awarded $20,000 to
employ an Indonesian-based project coordinator to
implement the objectives of the Javan Gibbon
Global Cooperative Management Program (GCMP).
The GCMP brings together the Indonesian
Government, zoos around the globe holding Javan
Gibbons and not-for-profit groups to manage all
Javan Gibbons, whether they are in zoos or in
rehabilitation centres, as one megapopulation for
the maximum benefit of the conservation of this
species.
The GCMP Project Coordinator will be responsible
for implementing recommended actions in
Indonesia. Activities include establishing Gibbon
Protection Units working in national parks,
identifying suitable gibbons for release into the
wild, and the ongoing development of the GCMP.
To learn more about the GCMP, visit
perthzoo.com.au/gcmp.
Asian Rhino Project received nearly $10,000 for
work with the critically endangered Sumatran
Rhinoceros in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park
and Way Kambas National Park in Indonesia. The
number of rhinoceroses is not clearly known
which hampers conservation planning. There is
also a concern the rhinoceroses are not breeding
in Bukit Barisan Selatan, a worrying thought for a
species that may have fewer than 200 adults
remaining.
Dung samples are being collected in the national
parks and analysed to determine the genetic
profiles and sex of individual rhinoceroses. The
results will allow an estimate of the population
size to be formed as well as a sex ratio. This
information will allow investigations of the possible
causes and threats to the declining trend of the
species in the wild and assist in population
management which is critical for its survival.
As part of ongoing support for tree kangaroo
conservation in the Toricelli Mountain Range in
Papua New Guinea, Perth Zoo provided $10,000
to Tenkile Conservation Alliance (TCA) for
monitoring of the critically endangered Weimang,
or Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroo. Tree kangaroos
are traditionally hunted for their meat, however,
TCA works with local communities to establish
alternative sources of protein as well as determine
population sizes of the Weimang and another
threatened tree kangaroo, the Tenkile.
In Africa, Perth Zoo has once again supported the
conservation of the African Painted Dog by
providing nearly $25,000 for an anti-poaching unit
and an education outreach program in South
Luangwa National Park in Zambia. The antipoaching unit removes snare wire traps and
apprehends suspected poachers in the national
park, as well as rescuing trapped dogs and other
wildlife. The education outreach program is
operated by the Chipembele Wildlife Education
Trust to engage local pupils in learning about the
conservation situation in the national park and the
value of wildlife, including African Painted Dogs, in
the context of their lives.
Back home, Perth Zoo is funding two projects with
native species. The first includes more than
$9,500 for work with the critically endangered
Western Ground Parrot. There are believed to be
fewer than 140 Western Ground Parrots left in the
wild in Cape Arid and Fitzgerald River National
Parks in Western Australia.
In 2009, a small number of Western Ground
Parrots was brought into captivity to determine the
likely requirements of a breeding program. To
assist in management of the birds, funds will be
used to microchip the parrots as well as carry out
health checks. Microchips will help with identifying
individual birds during day-to-day management.
Perth Zoo staff are also involved with other
conservation activities for the Western Ground
Parrot.
The second project in Western Australia is the
provision of about $8,500 to Australian Wildlife
Conservancy for the translocation of Greater Sticknest Rats from Mt Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary to
Faure Island Sanctuary in WA. Greater Stick-nest
Rats became extinct on mainland Australia in the
1930s and were confined to the Franklin Islands
in South Australia.
The species was successfully reintroduced to the
Mt Gibson Sanctuary in WA in 2011. The Greater
Stick-nest Rats have bred successfully and once
the population reaches a suitable size, 50 Greater
Stick-nest Rats will be translocated to Faure Island
to establish a new population. This move will also
assist in managing the Mt Gibson population so it
does not exceed the sanctuary’s capacity and is a
positive outcome for rebuilding populations of
Australia’s threatened fauna.
To make a donation to Wildlife Conservation Action
and support threatened species in the wild, visit
perthzoo.com.au/wca.
Winter 2012
| News Paws
15
Discover
Did you know?
What type of tree
causes a sticky
situation for anything
that gets too close?
Qa
The Catchbird tree
(Pisonia umbellifera)
Believe it or not, this attractive tree actually has the ability to do what its name suggests – a
feature that is not appreciated by everyone. The Catchbird tree, or Bird Lime Tree as it is also
known in Australia, produces a fruit which secretes a very sticky substance that often traps
small creatures. Unfortunately this means that any bird, lizard or insect that wanders too close
may meet a sticky end.
The fruit also immediately fastens to anything it comes into contact with. This may be pets,
farm animals, clothing, shoes, skin or even hair. Ouch! So it is important to think twice
about where you plant it to avoid future problems. But did you know, even though the
fruit is sticky to the touch, it does not leave behind a sticky film on your fingers?
The Catchbird tree can be found naturally in Australia in Queensland and New
South Wales, as well as in Madagascar, South-East Asia and the Pacific
Islands. Its flowers are very fragrant and it is thought that the leaves, stem
and bark of this species may have medicinal properties.
With some plants, a sticky fruit is the plants’ way of helping the spread of its
species and ensuring long term survival. Other plants may develop a
characteristic like a sticky surface as a defence mechanism to deter animals
from eating it. What do you think?
Perth Zoo has a few variegated and plain-leaved Catchbird trees situated in a
garden bed near our Docent Lodge. What other plants do you have to be careful with?
Fast Facts
1
Frogs use their eyeballs to push food down their throat. What other weird and wonderful
things can you learn about frogs at Perth Zoo?
2
Just like your fingerprints, the coat patterns of many animals are one-of-a-kind. This
includes Numbats, African Painted Dogs and giraffe. What other animals have unique
markings?
3
Fifty-eight palm species can be found in Perth Zoo. How many can you spot?
4
They might look like dogs but dingos have a few distinct differences. They don’t bark, only
breed once a year and don’t have that ‘doggy’ smell.
5
Male Ring-tailed Lemurs use their tails in ‘stink fights’ to determine who has higher rank
among males.
16
News Paws |
Winter 2012
Jelly-beans
and Orangutans
Top 5
LIGHTEST
Frog: White-bellied Frog
Of all the animals weighed at the Zoo, the
White-bellied Frog is the lightest with adults
weighing just 2 grams. Young frogs
(metamorphs) barely register on scales and
are no bigger than the point on a pencil.
1
Reptile: Lancelin Island Skink
At Perth Zoo we love to hear stories of people getting involved
in conservation action, whether they’re raising funds or raising
awareness for the world’s threatened species.
Seven-year-old Lorian Marshall wanted to do
something to help Sumatran Orangutans after
hearing about the destruction of their rainforest
homes in Indonesia. With a jar-full of jelly beans
as a prize, she organised a raffle at her school
which raised $265 and donated the money to
Perth Zoo’s Wildlife Conservation Action.
The donation will go to helping Sumatran
Orangutans in the Bukit Tigapuluh ecosystem in
Calling All Young Adventurers
Here’s your ticket to some wild, outdoor
adventures. Nature Play WA’s Passport for an
Amazing Childhood is a free booklet for children
aged between 6 and 12. It’s full of pages of
activities and great places to go and do things
outdoors. Ask for a passport from the Information
Centre at Perth Zoo, register online and start
your first mission. There are ten missions to
complete (with stickers for each one) and a heap
of places to visit, all designed to get kids active
and enjoying the outdoors.
Visit www.natureplaywa.org.au/passport
for more information.
Adult Lancelin Island Skinks weigh only 10
grams but that doesn’t mean they’re
unnoticeable. This threatened species has
beautiful markings with orange legs and
feet.
2
3
Bird: Splendid Fairy Wren
Sumatra. Thank you to Lorian and her
classmates at The Quintillian School for your
generous contribution.
Not quite as light as a feather, the Splendid
Fairy Wren weighs only 10 grams too.
Do you have a fundraising story?
Let us know at [email protected].
Australian Mammal:
Feathertail Glider
4
Fleet of foot, the Feathertail Glider weighs
just 15 grams. Their light weight helps them
flit through branches searching for food.
Exotic Mammal:
Pygmy Marmoset
5
It’s no surprise that our smallest exotic
animal is also our lightest. Pygmy
Marmosets fit into the palm of a human
hand and weigh less than 200 grams.
It’s Personal
At Perth Zoo
Peter Pratje
This issue we catch up with Peter Pratje, Project Director of the
Sumatran Orangutan reintroduction program run by Frankfurt
Zoological Society in Bukit Tigapuluh in Sumatra, Indonesia. Two of
Perth Zoo’s orangutans have joined the program and been released
into the protected rainforest to assist in re-establishing a new
population of orangutans in the area. The reintroduction program is
part of larger efforts to protect the habitat and the wildlife within Bukit
Tigapuluh which also includes Sumatran Tiger and Sumatran Elephant.
What started you on the path to working in conservation and orangutans in particular?
I studied biology in Hanover before moving to Munich to study wild animals, with an emphasis on
applied conservation work in national parks. Then I went to Borneo for three months to study several
orangutan conservation programs before I applied for a job with Frankfurt Zoological Society who
were hoping to release orangutans back into the wild. I got the job and in 1998 moved to Indonesia.
What was it that made you move to Sumatra?
The motivation that pushes me is to be able to make a difference. I started the orangutan release
project single-handedly ten years ago and I am still the only foreigner here. However, now we have
two orangutan release stations, our own Wildlife Protection Units and a mobile education unit. The
project is continually growing. With a clear vision and strong motivation, anything is possible.
How is the orangutan reintroduction program going?
So far we have released 140 orangutans, most of which are either ex-pet or orphaned orangutans.
When the orangutans are released, we track them to monitor their adjustment to life in the wild. We
used to only be able to track orangutans for a few months before they moved out of range. We are
now using radio transmitters to track them for up to a year and a half which gives us a better picture
of their survival in the wild. [Note: Perth Zoo’s released orangutans Temara and Semeru are tracked
for longer. Temara was tracked for three years while Semeru is planned to be tracked for a minimum
of two.]
What else is happening in Bukit Tigapuluh?
The orangutan reintroduction program is part of the broader Bukit Tigapuluh Wildlife and Ecosystem
Protection project. We operate Wildlife Protection Units which patrol the rainforest and protect it from
illegal logging and poaching, a Mobile Education Unit, habitat and wildlife monitoring, a HumanElephant Conflict mitigation program and community development programs.
We are now working to get a license for three forest blocks that surround Bukit Tigapuluh National
Park. These blocks are part of old logging concessions and by taking on these concessions we can
expand the national park to protect the habitat. In Sumatra, almost 80% of the original forests have
already disappeared. The lowland rainforest in Bukit Tigapuluh is very important for industrial
purposes, mainly palm oil plantations, but it is also the home of the species we are trying to protect.
The elephant, tiger and orangutan all live in this forest.
How important is the support of Perth Zoo?
Perth Zoo is one of the three major donors for these programs. It’s a unique collaboration between an
in situ conservation program and a zoo. Not only has the money been of great use, it’s also
worthwhile getting Zoo staff into the area to provide training and veterinary support. Zoo staff also get
the opportunity to see how the animals live in the wild and gain new knowledge. It is an extremely
productive and supportive partnership.
Do you have any advice you would like to share?
The most important thing is the first step. It’s not that bigger goal that’s always far away, it is
important to just get up and start doing something.
18
News Paws |
Winter 2012
Papara-Zoo
Snapped at the Zoo
Were you recently snapped at a Perth Zoo event?
See if you’ve made it to Perth Zoo’s social page.
18 March
Teddy Bears’ Picnic
$2 entry for kids and a heap of fun
activities were too much to resist for a
a massive crowd at the annual
Teddy Bears’ Picnic.
Photo by istockphoto.com/kyoshino
1 April
IGA Easter Treasure Hunt
The IGA Easter Treasure Hunt was
another successful event with
children – and adults – exploring
the Zoo with the aid of their trusty
treasure map.
Winter Trails
These School Holidays
Bring your wellies, raincoat and umbrella to Perth Zoo and go on
a free* escorted adventure. Your guide will tell fun animal stories
while you splish and splash through the zoo grounds!
* Standand admission prices still apply.
Visit perthzoo.com.au for more information.
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Win a
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Priz
Are you a Zoo Friend member who loves your unlimited
Zoo entry and would like to share the experience with friends?
Then refer a friend to become a member and you could
both win an Apple prize pack.*
WIN
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*Visit perthzoo.com.au for terms and conditions.