Perth Zoo Perth Zoo News 2016

Male lion Nelson has sadly died:

A very tough day for us with the loss of our 'handsome' boy, 'Nelson', the African Lion. Despite the best medical care, our beloved big cat had been unwell for some time with a serious infection and a poor prognosis meant the hard decision had to be made to end any suffering. Nelson was a very much loved part of the Perth Zoo family and his loss is being felt right across our Zoo.
Click to expand...
 
Twin emperor tamarins born:

No Cookies | Perth Now

THEY’RE too young to sport the impressive moustaches of their parents, but if you look closely you might spot a little stubble.

Eemmee the emperor tamarin gave birth to twins four weeks ago after a successful matchmaking mission that spanned Australia.

Two-year-old Eemee made the journey from Mogo Zoo in NSW to WA in October be introduced to Perth Zoo bachelor Javier.

Shortly after the pair were introduced, the primates were seen snuggling up together in their nest box and grooming each other.

Their offspring are the first emperor tamarins to be born at Perth Zoo since 1988.

The twins, whose sex has yet to be determined, are still so tiny that keepers are taking a hands-off approach to allow the family to settle.

Male emperor tamarins take on the primary caring role of young and by the afternoon of their first day in the world the twins were being carried by their father and seen clinging to the back of his neck.

The species, found in the south-west Amazon Basin, are named for their resemblance to the German Emperor Wilhelm II.
Click to expand...
 
A male white-cheeked gibbon, named Jin Huan, has arrived from Toledo Zoo, USA and has been introduced to female Lily (b. 2007 Perth).
 
Jabiru96 said:
This is a bit of interesting news. The Sumatran orangutans are being allowed access to a mature fig tree for two weeks at a time: Tree change – Orangutan style | Perth Zoo
Click to expand...

Great change. Such example should follow other zoos. I would not mind if trees are damaged, because they can grown again (or new trees should be planted). Animals needs are in first place, and trees are essential for orangutan who is browser and also arboreal animal. Not one tree, they should have access (or to ilive in enclosure with) of a lot of live growing trees.
 
Nikola Chavkosk said:
Such example should follow other zoos. I would not mind if trees are damaged, because they can grown again (or new trees should be planted).
Click to expand...

It is not as easy as that. Too much use by Orangutans of a single or small group of trees in a zoo setting will denude all the leaves/smaller branches and often eventually kill the tree. Before that other branches will die off-making them easier to snap and unsafe for the animals' weight to use- unlike fresh foliage in the jungle which is supple and pliant.

Planting new trees is no answer either- to reach the stage where they are big enough for Orangutans to use would take decades. This is why zoos are still stuck in the main with using artificial materials for climbing in orangutan exhibits.
 
Pertinax said:
It is not as easy as that. Too much use by Orangutans of a single or small group of trees in a zoo setting will denude all the leaves/smaller branches and often eventually kill the tree. Before that other branches will die off-making them easier to snap and unsafe for the animals' weight to use- unlike fresh foliage in the jungle which is supple and pliant.

Planting new trees is no answer either- to reach the stage where they are big enough for Orangutans to use would take decades. This is why zoos are still stuck in the main with using artificial materials for climbing in orangutan exhibits.
Click to expand...

Oh yes, thank you. I didn't went in a deeper analysis and thinking.
It may be a plan, however, for example planting 6 trees every year, and growing them let say 10 years, and then sacrifice them for orangutans, three times per year (2 trees/4 months), and the next year, the next for sacrificing will be bigger 6 trees planted before 10 years, and so on. It wont be expensive neither difficult task. While growing in the enclosure, they would be protected by fence. ?
And some testing for falling branches, and trimming sharp projections, before leaving the orangutans brachiating in them, won't be bad idea, as part of security for animals eliminating any possible hazard. (Hazard identifiaction and analysis and eliminating hazards, plan :) )
 
This tree is a large Morton Bay Fig which was moved to behind the orang exhibits in the late 90s when the staff buildings at the back of the zoo were constructed. No idea how old or big but it was a well established mature tree when it was moved let alone now. The primate staff were always keen to somehow allow the orangs access to the tree, so finally it is a reality.
 
Nikola Chavkosk said:
Oh yes, thank you. I didn't went in a deeper analysis and thinking.
It may be a plan, however, for example planting 6 trees every year, and growing them let say 10 years, and then sacrifice them for orangutans, three times per year (2 trees/4 months), and the next year, the next for sacrificing will be bigger 6 trees planted before 10 years, and so on. It wont be expensive neither difficult task. While growing in the enclosure, they would be protected by fence. ?
And some testing for falling branches, and trimming sharp projections, before leaving the orangutans brachiating in them, won't be bad idea, as part of security for animals eliminating any possible hazard. (Hazard identifiaction and analysis and eliminating hazards, plan :) )
Click to expand...

Melbourne used to (may well have continued to do so) fence off an area of their gorilla exhibit to allow plants to flourish without being constantly grazed, then take the fence down for instant gorilla enrichment. I think your ideas have merit but your time scale is not very practical. If you have a large exhibit with the ability to fence off portions and grow quick growing herbaceous shrubs it can work. I believe that Chester did something similar with their chimps but with a view to encourage some natural planting being established.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top