Sombaar the Nepalese red panda has died:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DOx0szckShg/?igsh=aWJmNTFmajhxNm11
Sombaar was born 20/12/2012 at Hamilton Zoo and was notable for being a triplet.
From socials:
Friends, we wanted to let you know we’ve said a sad goodbye to beautiful Nepalese Red Panda, Sombaar.
Over the past months, Sombaar had been receiving veterinary care to support him through neurological issues that were impacting his balance and mobility. He was being very closely cared for, but at a recent check-up, we found his health had deteriorated and the time had come to say goodbye. We were heartbroken, but know it’s the best decision for Sombaar’s welfare.
Many of you would know this gorgeous red panda, whether you’ve seen his cheeky face on social media or met him during our Red Panda Close Encounter. His carers say he was a gentle, trusting soul who stole the hearts of all who met him.
Sombaar inspired countless people to fall in love with his endangered species, and he helped us raise awareness for the plight of pandas in the wild. In 2019, he even sired a pair of red panda cubs through our role in the collaborative regional breeding program.
He was absolutely adored by his carers and will be deeply missed. Thankfully, their camera rolls are full to the brim with special memories of him being adorable. To all of our staff involved in Sombaar’s care, thank you for giving him your all. He’s left a big furry pawprint on the hearts of so many!
https://www.instagram.com/p/DOx0szckShg/?igsh=aWJmNTFmajhxNm11
Sombaar was born 20/12/2012 at Hamilton Zoo and was notable for being a triplet.
From socials:
Friends, we wanted to let you know we’ve said a sad goodbye to beautiful Nepalese Red Panda, Sombaar.
Over the past months, Sombaar had been receiving veterinary care to support him through neurological issues that were impacting his balance and mobility. He was being very closely cared for, but at a recent check-up, we found his health had deteriorated and the time had come to say goodbye. We were heartbroken, but know it’s the best decision for Sombaar’s welfare.
Many of you would know this gorgeous red panda, whether you’ve seen his cheeky face on social media or met him during our Red Panda Close Encounter. His carers say he was a gentle, trusting soul who stole the hearts of all who met him.
Sombaar inspired countless people to fall in love with his endangered species, and he helped us raise awareness for the plight of pandas in the wild. In 2019, he even sired a pair of red panda cubs through our role in the collaborative regional breeding program.
He was absolutely adored by his carers and will be deeply missed. Thankfully, their camera rolls are full to the brim with special memories of him being adorable. To all of our staff involved in Sombaar’s care, thank you for giving him your all. He’s left a big furry pawprint on the hearts of so many!
Oh rest in peace Sombaar, that's sad. Thanks for sharing the news though. Guess with almost 13 years of life, he did pretty well for a red panda longevity wise.
Johnpaul21
Well-Known Member
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
39 Western Swamp Turtles have hatched.
All these hatchlings are maintained off-show.
Perth Zoo on Instagram: "Those first wobbly steps This video was snapped earlier in the year when this season’s cohort of critically endangered Western Swamp Tortoises started hatching. At this stage of life, they are no bigger than a 10-cent coin! This little swampie was one of 39 hatched behind-the-scenes in our Native Species Breeding Program this seaon. Stay tuned for more updates to come! Perth Zoo Science Intern Hannah"
All these hatchlings are maintained off-show.
Perth Zoo on Instagram: "Those first wobbly steps This video was snapped earlier in the year when this season’s cohort of critically endangered Western Swamp Tortoises started hatching. At this stage of life, they are no bigger than a 10-cent coin! This little swampie was one of 39 hatched behind-the-scenes in our Native Species Breeding Program this seaon. Stay tuned for more updates to come! Perth Zoo Science Intern Hannah"
Johnpaul21
Well-Known Member
Ruffed Lemur Info:
Perth Zoo has 8 Ruffed Lemur all up....
6 Males 2 Females
Both females are partnered with one male on display at the primate trail and amazonia,
Gidro & Ravina in Amazonia. Matsiro & Alina in Primate Trail
The 4 remaining males were housed off public display back of house since the main lake underwent construction.
As of recent with the White Cheeked Gibbons moving to the lake the 4 males housed off display are now on display in the old gibbon enclosure opposite Putra Mas (Bull Elephant)
So now they are all on display with 3 different enclosures at separate spots.
Photos below: Ravina, new enclosure and male, oldest male ruffed lemur who is now on display.
Perth Zoo has 8 Ruffed Lemur all up....
6 Males 2 Females
Both females are partnered with one male on display at the primate trail and amazonia,
Gidro & Ravina in Amazonia. Matsiro & Alina in Primate Trail
The 4 remaining males were housed off public display back of house since the main lake underwent construction.
As of recent with the White Cheeked Gibbons moving to the lake the 4 males housed off display are now on display in the old gibbon enclosure opposite Putra Mas (Bull Elephant)
So now they are all on display with 3 different enclosures at separate spots.
Photos below: Ravina, new enclosure and male, oldest male ruffed lemur who is now on display.
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Johnpaul21
Well-Known Member
Ruffed Lemur Info:
Perth Zoo has 8 Ruffed Lemur all up....
6 Males 2 Females
Both females are partnered with one male on display at the primate trail and amazonia,
Gidro & Ravina in Amazonia. Matsiro & Alina in Primate Trail
The 4 remaining males were housed off public display back of house since the main lake underwent construction.
As of recent with the White Cheeked Gibbons moving to the lake the 4 males housed off display are now on display in the old gibbon enclosure opposite Putra Mas (Bull Elephant)
So now they are all on display with 3 different enclosures at separate spots.
Photos below: Ravina, new enclosure and male, oldest male ruffed lemur who is now on display.
It was mentioned on socials today that the four
Black and white ruffed lemurs in the bachelor troop are named Marco, Maphuti, Ramy and Toliara:
Black-and-White Ruffed Lemurs Marco, Maphuti, Ramy and Toliara have swung into a new space Big thanks to our primate team, led by Keeper Teagan, who prepped the bachelor group for weeks with crate training. Thanks to this training and their trusting relationships, the lemurs chose to jump into their crates for transport, ensuring this move was a stress-free, swinging success This habitat will encourage positive natural behaviours from our bachelor group, meaning more running, jumping, and hanging for this tree-loving species!
Kigana the Spotted hyena has died:
From socials:
At nearly 25-years-old, Kigana was an older boy and was being supported through some health issues and sporadic fainting spells. Heartbreakingly, despite our teams best efforts, he passed away.
One of his longest standing carers Becky Thomasson, has penned some thoughts: "I’ve known Kigana for the past 14 years, and in that time, he taught me so much. He had the gentlest nature and loved spending time with his keepers, and made sure all the attention was on him. Some of my favourite memories are of him snoozing in the sun on the soft green grass or cooling off in his pool on hot days, his love of salmon and cream cheese, and watching him licking tahini with his tongue going wild, always gave us so many laughs.
Our carers are now focused on supporting our other hyaena Sabi through this change. He's been enjoying plenty of undivided attention and tasty roast chicken.”
From socials:
At nearly 25-years-old, Kigana was an older boy and was being supported through some health issues and sporadic fainting spells. Heartbreakingly, despite our teams best efforts, he passed away.
One of his longest standing carers Becky Thomasson, has penned some thoughts: "I’ve known Kigana for the past 14 years, and in that time, he taught me so much. He had the gentlest nature and loved spending time with his keepers, and made sure all the attention was on him. Some of my favourite memories are of him snoozing in the sun on the soft green grass or cooling off in his pool on hot days, his love of salmon and cream cheese, and watching him licking tahini with his tongue going wild, always gave us so many laughs.
Our carers are now focused on supporting our other hyaena Sabi through this change. He's been enjoying plenty of undivided attention and tasty roast chicken.”
Johnpaul21
Well-Known Member
So sad, what an amazing hyena, it explains why they were taken off display recently
Only recently got a great photo of him… I wonder what the future holds for Sabi, from what I’ve heard he may return to monarto as he is now a single hyena in his exhibit, and they will upgrade the hyena enclosure when Sabi leaves…. Rip Kigana 
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That's really sad about Kigana, he seemed like he was a really lovely fella, and full of personality. Glad at least he had 25 good years of life, a testament to his keepers care of him on top of his own inner strength hey.
RE Hairy marrons at the zoo: Figured most of you who follow the zoo on social would have seen already and saw mention of the marron breeding success (thanks Zoofan', WhistlingKite' and KB and others for posting about their breeding program on here before); thought was really cool seeing the zoo post about how the discovery that mother marrons actually showed a lot more maternal behaviour/instincts than was previously believed or observed.
RE Hairy marrons at the zoo: Figured most of you who follow the zoo on social would have seen already and saw mention of the marron breeding success (thanks Zoofan', WhistlingKite' and KB and others for posting about their breeding program on here before); thought was really cool seeing the zoo post about how the discovery that mother marrons actually showed a lot more maternal behaviour/instincts than was previously believed or observed.
Johnpaul21
Well-Known Member
Perth Zoo Tufted Capuchins:
The group of Tufted Capuchins were
transferred out of Perth Zoo, with three
males moving to Hamilton Zoo and
two females moving to Sydney Zoo. In
accordance with Perth Zoo’s Species Plan,
Tufted Capuchins have been phased out
of the population. Perth Zoo’s primate team
consulted with management and receiving
zoos to provide expertise and assist with
transition into the new environment. This
included a detailed knowledge exchange
with the receiving zoos to maintain good
welfare for the individuals.
The group of Tufted Capuchins were
transferred out of Perth Zoo, with three
males moving to Hamilton Zoo and
two females moving to Sydney Zoo. In
accordance with Perth Zoo’s Species Plan,
Tufted Capuchins have been phased out
of the population. Perth Zoo’s primate team
consulted with management and receiving
zoos to provide expertise and assist with
transition into the new environment. This
included a detailed knowledge exchange
with the receiving zoos to maintain good
welfare for the individuals.
Additional points of interest from the annual report 2024-2025 in addition to the loss of the capuchins:
Annual report: https://perthzoo.wa.gov.au/PerthZooWebsite/media/PerthZoo/All PDFs/PZ_Annual-Report_25_digital.pdf
Annual report: https://perthzoo.wa.gov.au/PerthZooWebsite/media/PerthZoo/All PDFs/PZ_Annual-Report_25_digital.pdf
- Pied Stilts bred with three chicks. The dam and one of the chicks died as a result of wild birds outside the aviary. The remaining two chicks were transferred out to Ipswich Nature Centre.
- Two Baudin’s Black Cockatoos were transferred to Kaarakin.
- a Black-headed Python and a Darwin Carpet Python were transferred to Armadale Reptile Centre.
- two Sun Conures have hatched from a transfer of five parrots joining an existing parrot.
- both female Western Ground Parrots laid eggs but they didn’t hatch. This is the first time they have both attempted an egg lay. One of the females even laid a clutch of five eggs.
- 120 White-bellied Frogs, 13 Numbats and 20 Western Swamp Turtles were all released throughout the year. Hairy Marron were bred for the third consecutive year.
- 436 wild black cockatoos were treated at the zoo.
- Masterplan update: a new case was proposed for the aging Asian Rainforest Precinct into a more general Rainforest Ecosystem biome with new tiger habitats along with orang upgrades.
ramsayi
Well-Known Member
For M. s. variegata, they can also be called Northwestern Carpet Python as the annual report names them.
Johnpaul21
Well-Known Member
Goodbye Putra Mas-
As we near his departure date (early november) I had my final visit for him at Perth Zoo
With the crate prepped and ready and the elephant pool now completely filled in with soil and trees, the end of an era is near....
I thought I'd share some younger photo's of Putra Mas in the elephant pool and him on my final visit...
It's going to feel very weird after years of Tricia, Teduh, Permai and Putra Mas all coming to an end.
I hope that the trip is safe and successful
As we near his departure date (early november) I had my final visit for him at Perth Zoo
With the crate prepped and ready and the elephant pool now completely filled in with soil and trees, the end of an era is near....
I thought I'd share some younger photo's of Putra Mas in the elephant pool and him on my final visit...
It's going to feel very weird after years of Tricia, Teduh, Permai and Putra Mas all coming to an end.
I hope that the trip is safe and successful
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Goodbye Putra Mas-
As we near his departure date (early november) I had my final visit for him at Perth Zoo
With the crate prepped and ready and the elephant pool now completely filled in with soil and trees, the end of an era is near....
I thought I'd share some younger photo's of Putra Mas in the elephant pool and him on my final visit...
It's going to feel very weird after years of Tricia, Teduh, Permai and Putra Mas all coming to an end.
I hope that the trip is safe and successful
View attachment 836382View attachment 836382
........... as do we all.
My own memories go way back to the days of Lee Sambrook as head elephant keeper.
It is not often that you can see a keeper call elephant calves out of a pond, where they were having a great time, just by voice alone. Such was his rapport with them.
I also recall waiting for a show and watching the keepers set up all of the props. While they were doing so, Silup stole the show - doing all of his behaviours by himself with no human bidding.
Great days of great interactions between gifted humans and happy animals.
Jaya, Perth Zoo’s only Sumatran Tiger has been euthanised. He was born at the zoo in 2008 - reported on their FB page.
Johnpaul21
Well-Known Member
End of an era:
As Jaya passes it's a sad end of a long running Sumatran Tiger family at Perth Zoo...
From Calang and Malu-Setia-Satri (died at birth) Jaya, Melati, Sali.... Its not going to feel the same after years of tigers in that same enclosure.
I have heard the current priority list for redevelopment is......
1. Elephant enclosure to African Savanah expoansion
2. Hyena enclosure expansion/ redevelopment
3. Orangutan enclosure redevelopment (this will take a looooong time)
4. Complete Asian rain forest redevelopment-Orangutans will be done at a separate time
As Jaya passes it's a sad end of a long running Sumatran Tiger family at Perth Zoo...
From Calang and Malu-Setia-Satri (died at birth) Jaya, Melati, Sali.... Its not going to feel the same after years of tigers in that same enclosure.
I have heard the current priority list for redevelopment is......
1. Elephant enclosure to African Savanah expoansion
2. Hyena enclosure expansion/ redevelopment
3. Orangutan enclosure redevelopment (this will take a looooong time)
4. Complete Asian rain forest redevelopment-Orangutans will be done at a separate time
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The end of an era indeed. As @steveroberts mentioned, it’s also the first time the Big Cat complex as a whole is without bit cats.
I agree it was nice to see Perth Zoo continue their dynasty with three generations of Sumatran tigers living in this complex. They’re one of handful of zoos in the region to have bred from two or more consecutive generations of Sumatran tigers - with Taronga and Hamilton being the others; and Melbourne breeding from the grandson of their previous breeding pair.
It’s a shame the orangutan redevelopment is so far away. I was advised no breeding would take place until this is complete, so with the other Australian zoos all non-breeding holders of this species, it seems they’ll be no Sumatran orangutans born in Austalia for many years.