Monarto Safari Park Monarto Safari Park News 2020

I am not sure that a tropical rainforest species that is quite often solitary like bongo really do congegrate in herds of up to 50 individuals. You might have the bongo confused with another Tragelaphus species?

i’ve certainly seen photos of 20 or more congregating. And usually one would expect that number again being outside of frame. Some of those Bai’s get pretty busy.
 
Oh and I remember reading that wildebeest won't happen because they can carry some nasty disease which puts them on the banned list alongside any wild cattle, sheep or goat species. Unfortunately because I think they would suit the open-plains zoos well too.
That is Malignant Catarrhal Fever, and yes wildebeest are specifically excluded from the risk analysis.
 
i’ve certainly seen photos of 20 or more congregating. And usually one would expect that number again being outside of frame. Some of those Bai’s get pretty busy.
Bai's are the marshy open spaces where they may congegrate in numbers. Just well into their forest habitat herds of bongo in the forest are very much smaller.

For instance, the same can be said of gorillas on Bai's. But this does not mean that gorilla troupes include 50 members (as in their usual social structures).
 
Last edited:
Yes, that is all basically correct.

Antelope can currently be imported to Australia from New Zealand (most recently the Nyala group and the female Bongo).

The draft for the new risk analysis for importing zoo bovids from other countries was completed last year and released for submissions. The actual legislation is not finalised yet - but note that this is nothing to do with the zoos or the ZAA, it is in the hands of the government department, so it will be ready when it is ready. Sometimes these things take well over a year.

Any new species a zoo is interested in can be applied for to add to the approved list of importable species. (But, again, it is a lengthy process). Anything already on the list of approved species can be imported once the legislation is in place.
@Chlidonias, Has a date been set for the Bill to be put before Parliament? Or how is the procedure moving forward from the above?
 
Last edited:
@Chlidonias, Has a date been set for the Bill to be put before Parliament?
That's not how that works. The risk analysis draft was completed in early 2019 and released for public submission (i.e. for a period of several months anybody can read it on the department site and make comments). The risk analysis is then finalised with due consideration of any issues raised in submissions. Basically it is done, but there is no time frame for when it is released as a final product (e.g. there is no "it will come into effect on X date") - the department generally takes a long time to finish anything. So it is just a matter of waiting until they have finished. It could be tomorrow, or it could be in another six months.
 
That's not how that works. The risk analysis draft was completed in early 2019 and released for public submission (i.e. for a period of several months anybody can read it on the department site and make comments). The risk analysis is then finalised with due consideration of any issues raised in submissions. Basically it is done, but there is no time frame for when it is released as a final product (e.g. there is no "it will come into effect on X date") - the department generally takes a long time to finish anything. So it is just a matter of waiting until they have finished. It could be tomorrow, or it could be in another six months.
Thanks for clarifying.

As I understand it is basically more like a public engagement procedure not much unlike say new building plans or large plans being planned for an area being advertised for comments on-line or in paper as we get over here (usually our ways this is 6 weeks and then it is promulgated as plan accepted). Curious though that the Department itself remains so slow .. on it!
 
The giraffe calf born to female Myeisha earlier in the month has died. Unfortunately this is the second giraffe calf that has died this year at Monarto.
Everyone, we wanted to let you know that the giraffe calf born to Myeisha earlier this month has sadly passed away.
An investigation is currently under way and our veterinary team are awaiting further test results before fully establishing the cause of death. Preliminary findings suggest that unfortunately the relationship between Myeisha and her calf was not fully established.
Although the giraffe was seen attempting to feed from its mother on many occasions, it is thought that Myeisha was producing insufficient milk. To supplement this, our keepers offered additional feeds to the calf and attempted to stimulate increased lactation in Myeisha.
As we’re sure you understand, while our vets are dedicated to all the animals at our sites and will do their utmost to establish a cause, results could take some time.
Many of you have been interested in the development of the little one since its birth so rather than wait for full results, we wanted to let you know now. Keepers are monitoring Myeisha and we’re pleased to report that both mum and the rest of the herd appear well.
This is a sad time for our ungulate team and, indeed, all at Monarto Safari Park, and we greatly appreciate your support and kindness at this time.
Log into Facebook | Facebook
 
Saadani, one of their male Cheetahs has died at the age of nine. He was imported from Safari Park Beekse Bergen, Netherlands in 2014 along with his brother Mikumi and sired a litter in 2018. From their Facebook page:
Vale Saadani.
It is with great sadness that we let you know of the passing of cheetah Saadani, who died on Friday 27 November.
The nine-year-old male had only recently had a health check to assess some mild deterioration in his ocular health, but was otherwise deemed to be generally healthy. A thorough post mortem has been conducted and no clear cause of death was found, however, the veterinary team are awaiting the results of an extensive array of samples collected.
Keeper Michelle, who works closely with our cheetah group, has some special words about Sadaani’s passing:
“Saadani had not long had his 9th birthday. Arriving at Monarto Safari Park with his brother six years ago from the Netherlands, we were so pleased when he finally was able to sire a litter of one male and three female cubs born in 2018 to female Kesho.
Saadani was always so full of life with eyes that burned through to your soul and a bounding run that took your breath away. We are devastated at this loss. He will be sorely missed by all.”
Please leave any messages for our keepers in the comments below.
Log into Facebook | Facebook
 
Last edited:
Saadani, one of their male Cheetahs has died at the age of nine. He was imported from Safari Park Beekse Bergen, Netherlands in 2014 along with his brother Mikumi and sired a litter in 2018. From their Facebook page:

Log into Facebook | Facebook

That's sad news. I remember how pleased they were to have Sadani's genes represented when he sired a litter.

I hadn't heard of his brother, Mikumi, so looked him up. Apparently he died the year he arrived (26/12/2014), after suffering an injury from an exhibit mate - either Sadani; or a female during an introduction.
 
Article on Rhino History/Update on Centre

We're celebrating 20 years of Southern White Rhino conservation

On 9 December, 2000, female Southern White Rhino Uhura arrived from Singapore, marking the first of her species to call South Australia home.

Since then, Monarto Safari Park is proud to have bred seven calves and is now home to six individuals: three adult females, two adult males and little calf Eshe who was born earlier this year.

Our Anthony Taylor Rhino Quarantine and Management Centre is almost complete, which brings us one step closer to being able to house an insurance population of up to 40 Southern White Rhinos here at the park where they’ll be safe from poaching.

Click link for full article.
 
Article on Rhino History/Update on Centre

We're celebrating 20 years of Southern White Rhino conservation

On 9 December, 2000, female Southern White Rhino Uhura arrived from Singapore, marking the first of her species to call South Australia home.

Since then, Monarto Safari Park is proud to have bred seven calves and is now home to six individuals: three adult females, two adult males and little calf Eshe who was born earlier this year.

Our Anthony Taylor Rhino Quarantine and Management Centre is almost complete, which brings us one step closer to being able to house an insurance population of up to 40 Southern White Rhinos here at the park where they’ll be safe from poaching.

Click link for full article.
It sounds like the numbers of Rhino to be imported from Africa has dropped from the first numbers quoted of 80. It was stated a few years ago they wanted to import a batch per year.
 
But then the plans for Monarto itself suggest that they will be housing the thirty initially planned— unless ‘up to forty’ is now a very long term goal.
 
I hope that in time Monarto zoo could import the Stunning Addra gazelle, I believe under the massive open range conditions of their new Afrcan exhibit and hot dry climate these highly endangered antelope should thrive. Pearl coast zoo was and I believe the only place that have held them within our region!
 
I hope that in time Monarto zoo could import the Stunning Addra gazelle, I believe under the massive open range conditions of their new Afrcan exhibit and hot dry climate these highly endangered antelope should thrive. Pearl coast zoo was and I believe the only place that have held them within our region!
They were also at Orana Wildlife Park, NZ until the last one died in 2011. It's a shame this wonderful species isn't around anymore in the region; it have could really complemented a lot of the current open-range zoo collections. From the former mammals in New Zealand Zoos thread:

"*Addra Gazelle (Nanger dama)

Five animals were imported from the USA by Orana Park in 1990; one pair was sent on to Australia (to the Pearl Coast Zoo) and three remained at Orana Park. They bred at the park but the group eventually petered out. The last one, a male housed off-display for many years, probably died of old age in 2011."
 
They were also at Orana Wildlife Park, NZ until the last one died in 2011. It's a shame this wonderful species isn't around anymore in the region; it have could really complemented a lot of the current open-range zoo collections. From the former mammals in New Zealand Zoos thread:

"*Addra Gazelle (Nanger dama)

Five animals were imported from the USA by Orana Park in 1990; one pair was sent on to Australia (to the Pearl Coast Zoo) and three remained at Orana Park. They bred at the park but the group eventually petered out. The last one, a male housed off-display for many years, probably died of old age in 2011."
Thanks thats good to know. I feel importing just a few of a species like this its no surprise that they did dwindle down to none, I believe at least double this number would of been a better move!
 
I wonder if this species is a potential candidate species for importing in (hypothetical post-bovid certification) future, given that it was kept in Australia relatively recently. Would fit savanna displays and has good conservation value. Is there a good source for stock? I expect US has loads.
 
Another cheetah death unfortunately for Monarto. Leo (formerly Lion) arrived recently from Symbio Wildlife Park and died due to chronic renal compromise and gastritis. He was originally born at Orana Wildlife Park, NZ in 2013 along with his brother Boo (2013-2018).
It is with sadness that we must tell you of the passing of male Cheetah Leo, who only recently arrived at Monarto Safari Park
Leo, or Lion as he was formerly known at Symbio Wildlife Park, was a stunning Cheetah who although only with us for a short time had already endeared himself to the carnivore team as well as to other staff, volunteers, members and visitors.
1f43e.png
Over the last few weeks, our team had noticed a significant change in Leo’s health and our expert veterinary team detected issues which were very quick to advance. A diagnosis by our veterinary team pointed to chronic renal compromise and gastritis, ailments which are sadly common in this species. We firmly believe that while Leo’s time with Monarto Safari Park was too short, we would like to celebrate his life and recognize how, over the seven years of his life, he has helped to raise awareness of the plight of the Cheetah species, which is vulnerable to extinction. In honour of Leo and his keepers at both Monarto Safari Park and Symbio Wildlife Park, we would love it if you could share any thoughts and facts you've learnt about Cheetahs and Cheetah conservation in the comments below.
1f43e.png
1f64f.png
Log into Facebook | Facebook
 
Last edited:
Another cheetah death unfortunately for Monarto. Leo (formerly Lion) arrived recently from Symbio Wildlife Park and died due to chronic renal compromise and gastritis.

Log into Facebook | Facebook

That's sad news; especially considering his brother, Boo, died prematurely too at the age of four. Lion and Boo were born at Orana Wildlife Park in November 2013 and were the only survivors of a litter of four. They were the first surviving offspring of their mother, who gave birth to her first litter (five cubs) that died shortly after birth earlier in the year.

Lion's grandmother, Kura, died at the age of five; his great grandmother, Yatima, died at the age of six; and Yatima's sister, Kaskazi, died at the aged of seven - all of renal issues. It's sad that such a successful breeding line, is also so affected by this condition. While it's not uncommon in this species, the region has seen many other cheetah reach their mid teens.
 
Back
Top