Into the Lair of the Thylacine: WhistlingKite24 does Tasmania

[WhistlingKite24]

Australia’s island state - Tasmania - is the southern frontier of the country and possesses incredible natural riches often being the last refuge for several species once found on the mainland. Visiting the state across the Bass Strait had long been in the works but a few weather-related delays with visiting north Queensland meant that Tasmania was bumped up the list and increasingly became more appealing due to its mild weather in the summer and relative accessibility to a wide range of new exciting species that I don’t have in subtropical south-east Queensland. Most of my travels would be based around Launceston as a slightly closer Tasmanian city with a really fantastic set of natural spaces that are situated within and around the city. From chitons to rosellas, there were several target species that I had mapped out with very specific locations in mind. Some were easier to find than others. Zoos, of course, would be a focus hand in hand with wildlife with extensive visits to both Tasmania Zoo and Zoodoo Zoo squeezed into the trip. Both facilities possess rapidly evolving identities and continue to develop, making for very pleasing visits and growing species lists. This trip will have the following layout giving you a quick taster of what’s to come.

Day 1 – Part 1 - The Turbo Chook Roundup
Day 1 – Part 2 – Wildlife Blooms
Day 1 – Part 3 – Snow Monkeys and Fire Birds
Day 2 – Part 1 – Prickly Encounters
Day 2 – Part 2 – Tasmania Zoo
Day 2 - Part 3 – Tasmania Zoo
Day 2 – Part 4 – Tasmania Zoo
Day 3 – Part 1 – Zoodoo Zoo
Day 3 – Part 2 – Zoodoo Zoo
Day 3 – Part 4 – Creatures in the Capital

Tasmanian Devil

 

[WhistlingKite24]

Day 1 – Part 1 – The Turbo Chook Roundup:

Target Species: Tasmanian Native-Hen

Awakened by the melodious calls of Eurasian Blackbirds and Welcome Swallows, I quickly embarked on my first day that commenced at the Punchbowl Reserve just slightly south of Launceston. Tasmania’s second largest city, Launceston is a river city in northern Tasmania which is situated within the Tamar Valley, possessing steep ridges and scenic views with the geographical heart of the city being a magnificent river gorge that sits right in the middle, keeping wildlife visible and ever present. Through a winding road of remnant bushland, this particular reserve opens up to green parkland that paints a very vivid picture of Launceston’s urban wildlife. My main target was the endemic Tasmanian Native-Hen or the affectionately named ‘turbo chook’ by the locals. These flightless rails can run at fast speeds and have a complex repertoire of calls ranging from grunts to rasps. I quickly saw about 40 individuals congregate around the grassy verge of the small water body. They were foraging quickly out in the open and this particular population were very habituated to humans and would approach regularly. They are much larger than I was expecting; they are over a kilogram and have very strong legs and a stocky frame.

Tasmanian Native-Hens

Among the adults, were several dullish juveniles as well that often stay with the adults for a few years in a complex social system. They were also a new batch of freshly-hatched black chicks that juveniles support rearing as well. The turbo chooks were suddenly all alarmed by something and congregated tightly. They all began an incredible noise that travelled very far; a screeching chorus of sound as they threw their heads back. My first wild Red-bellied Pademelon suddenly emerged from the scrub momentarily as well before heading into the thicket once again. Quite an odd experience to see a pademelon in an urban park as I find my local pademelons – Red-legged and Red-necked Pademelons - exclusively in upland rainforest but the Tassie pademelons are abundant all across the island in habitat with grassy clearings alongside undergrowth for shelter well into agricultural areas. It was only intended to be a brief stop for really good views of turbo chooks before I made my way elsewhere so the only other species of note were Superb Fairywrens, Silvereyes and Grey Fantails – all of the respective Tasmanian subspecies.

Tasmanian Native-Hen with chick

On my way to the next location, there were many sobering reminders that something like 32 individual animals are killed on Tasmanian roads every hour. The roadkill around the highway around Launceston is particularly noticeable and the volume of dead animals was high. The bulk of these I saw were wallabies, pademelons and possums followed by the occasional flattened echidna and even a small quoll at one stage. Birds didn’t fare much better with many ravens mainly but also a single harrier out towards Hobart. But the one that really stuck with me was an intact large Tasmanian Wombat – it looked fresh and recent. A real shame. Fortunately, the next location lifted spirits as I continued onto a new site.

Tasmanian Wombat

 

[Coelacanth18]

Looking forward to more travel content from you! Tasmania is one of several places in Australia I've wanted to look at for a trip someday.

I've heard and read before that Tasmania is one of the biggest roadkill spots in the world... anybody here have a good idea as to why? Is it just a combination of high mammal populations and a lot of well-used rural roads?

 

[WhistlingKite24]

Looking forward to more travel content from you! Tasmania is one of several places in Australia I've wanted to look at for a trip someday.

I've heard and read before that Tasmania is one of the biggest roadkill spots in the world... anybody here have a good idea as to why? Is it just a combination of high mammal populations and a lot of well-used rural roads?

There are a multitude of factors for Tasmania in particular - a very high density of macropods and possums due to large patches of intact habitat and a relative absence of foxes, declining dasyurid populations to keep numbers in check, high road speeds, hilly angled roads with undergrowth close to highways with no escape routes, lots of fencing etc.

 

[WhistlingKite24]

Day 1 – Part 2 – Wildlife Blooms:

Target Species: Hoary-headed Grebe, White-fronted Chat, Buff-tailed Bumble Bee

The Bridestowe Lavender Estate is the southern hemisphere’s largest lavender farm and is a well-renowned tourist attraction. Around the summer period, the fields of lavender are a dense purple carpet that stretch across the horizon and visitor flocks from far and wide to see such a spectacle. The land itself is mixed habitat; there are the open fields with bushland surrounding the back portion of the lavender along with a reedy dam, pine forest and a temperate garden at the front near the giftshop and parking area. My main target species for this site was the monochromatic White-fronted Chat. It has a short slender bill, long spindly legs, and rounded wings, and is commonly seen perched on shrubs or hopping along the ground. The male’s plumage is more striking than the females, who are browner and lack the sharper contrast in plumage. A distinctive ‘tang, tang’ is used as a contact call. It is found across the southern half of Australia, where it has a widespread distribution, but is in decline across much of its range. Closer to home, this species used to be found in coastal saltmarshes in south-east Queensland but is believed to be locally extinct from the Moreton Bay region with the last sightings in the 1960s. After a lengthy search up and down the corridors of the lavender, I finally spotted a couple from a distance. They weaved through the lavender swiftly but one stayed in view long enough. It was fantastic to see them here. The lavender fields were home to two other species of small birds that feasted on all the insects with the chats. There were Australian Pipits and a handful of flighty Eurasian Skylarks which was a lifer for me. Tasmania’s only corvid – very large and loud Forest Ravens – were common here and largely remained in the neighbouring cattle farms, patrolling regularly. This species is widespread in Tasmania but there is also a relict population in the New England Tableland within northern New South Wales and a few pockets in Victoria. Another common species – Australian Magpie – has many subspecies across the country and the Tasmanian ones have white backs unlike the ones in Brisbane.

White-fronted Chat

My other target species was far easier to find than the chat. The Buff-tailed Bumble Bee is an introduced black-and-yellow bumble bee from Europe. As an apparent accidental introduction from New Zealand in 1992 via a ship, this is the only bumble bee species currently in Australia and is confined to Tasmania currently. Since then, populations have exploded across the state and the species is now classified as a pest. However, where they nest and what resources they rely on are not well understood. There is some concern that they will soon reach the mainland and potentially displace the large bees that visually look similar to bumble bees like Blue-banded, Teddy Bear and Great Carpenter Bees. The bumble bees were abundant throughout and gorged themselves on lavender. While they certainly shouldn’t be here in Australia, they are certainly fascinating bees and I look forward to seeing them one day in their native range. Continuing the theme of introduced European lifers, flocks of yellowy birds continued flying over and reaching the pine trees that tower above the lavender. Several flocks of European Goldfinches were feeding in the wide-open farmland. Introduced into Australia in the 1800s, this species has spread from urban areas to wider spaces in the southern half of the country, not reaching Queensland.

Buff-tailed Bumble Bee

The insect diversity was interesting to observe across the lavender fields with the dominant butterfly species being hordes of striking Australian Painted Ladies feeding across the field along with Cabbage Whites. Then there were bee-like Common Drone Flies among the flowers as well. My most exciting find was the Common Brown – a butterfly species that is abundant in southern Australia but doesn’t often reach the subtropical areas and one I had never seen before. They are a relatively drab creature but they are one of my favourites with rich tones of brown and orange. The Common Brown seems to be a weak flier and regularly rests on leaf litter, wings outspread. I was intrigued to see lots of cicadas as well – Golden Twangers – fed on the nectar. Australian cicadas I must say have some of the best common names out there with names like Floury Baker, Silver Princess, Brown Bunyip, Black Prince, Clanger and Razor Grinder. The main dragonflies were also a very nice lifer – lots of Yellow-striped Hunters – throughout.

Golden Twanger

Out near the dam while I was unsuccessfully searching for Hoary-headed Grebe and any interesting duck flyovers, I was thrilled to pinpoint two Tasmanian Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos land on the pine trees that encircled parts of the dam. They are a different subspecies to my local black cockatoos, and on a whole, I saw a lot more black cockatoos across Tasmania than I ever would in Queensland. Their ‘creaking door’ calls filled the skies of the state but they weren’t always seen and this was the best view I got of the black cockatoos in Tasmania as they fed quietly among goldfinches. There were also Sulphur-crested Cockatoos that joined them later. A really lovely place to visit I must say and it was more productive than I was expecting.

Tasmanian Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo

 

[WhistlingKite24]

Day 1 – Part 3 – Snow Monkeys and Fire Birds:

Target Species: Japanese Macaque, Yellow Wattlebird, Green Rosella, Tasmanian Scrubwren

After a morning with oversized chooks and the heady scent of lavender lingering, I made my way into City Park, within the heart of Launceston. It was the first of two sites I would be exploring for the afternoon within Launceston. My main aim was simply to get a feel for the city wildlife of Launceston and this very formal city park was a great spot to start searching for a few parkland species. There were lots of dirt common birds like sparrows, blackbirds, silver gulls etc. but two points of interest. There was a small group of brown birds that were high in the trees that were later confirmed to be the Tasmanian subspecies of Brown Thornbills. I was further thrilled to see my first Yellow Wattlebird – the largest honeyeater and Tasmania’s state bird. They are curiously attractive half-metre-long birds, with a white face and black-streaked crown. The upperparts are grey to dusky brown, and their breasts are a streaked grey-white. There is also a yellow abdominal patch. Their wattles, the stand-out feature, become brighter during the breeding season. Not only is the wattlebird noted from its curious appearance but it also has a raucous, guttural call, which is a familiar sound of the Tasmanian suburbs. Unlike most Tasmanian bird songs, it is not pleasant to the ear. It is described like “someone vomiting” which is a description I would concur with. Memorable sound and bird. No rosellas yet after searching wide and far through the leafy canopy of each tree.

Yellow Wattlebird – the barf bird

One very unique addition to the city park in its furthest corner are monkeys. I’ve always thought this as of one of those weird ‘of course only in Tassie’ traditions but captive animals have long been a continuing theme of the park. The park has been home to Rhesus Macaques in the past, a brown bear, wallabies, deer, birds and even thylacines. The last of the original macaques died in 1979 and the council decided to continue the long tradition of exhibiting animals. The following year ten Japanese Macaques were imported from the Japanese Monkey Centre with support from Launceston’s sister city, Ikeda. Ten wallabies were sent in return. In 2002, the enclosure was redeveloped mainly due to herpes transmission concerns to manage them safely. Their currently exhibit is a complex rocky open-air habitat with several points for shelter and shade. The macaques have some great vantage points where they can sit at and above eye level, survey their surroundings and look out towards the view.

Japanese Macaque enclosure

I had a good chat with one of the workers that care for the macaques. The City Park currently have 24 Japanese Macaques in total. There are three young macaques in the troop currently – a one-year-old, a four-month-old and a two-month-old. They are actively breeding macaques and trying to carefully manage which female should conceive for social dynamics. However, one of the infants born this year was unexpected and from a very low-ranking female so the team working with the macaques are currently monitoring the female who is definitely an individual that sits on the periphery constantly in the furthest corner as she tightly holds onto her young infant. I watched the troop for far too long; a large group of over twenty primates is very much a rarity in zoos here but is one of the most engaging things to observe. The species itself is magnificent with their bright glowing faces as if they had stayed in the Australian sun for far too long and large penetrating eyes. They were able to hold my attention far longer than most primates can.

Japanese Macaques

A couple minutes upland is the geographical wonder of the Cataract Gorge that has been a popular place for locals and visitors alike since the 1880s. This is true urban wildness – a five-kilometre stretch of forested river reserve wrapped around a dramatic gorge, just a stroll from Launceston’s city centre. There are several distinctive sections including Victorian-era gardens, a cliff boardwalk with a bridge across dramatic landscapes, and a few dirt tracks with native bushland and dense vegetation. The gorge is the easiest place to see Red-bellied Pademelons locally and I saw them throughout the several loops and walks. They were quite habituated to humans and fed out in the open. There were a few females with pouch young as well. I was surprised not to see any Bennett’s Wallabies for they are just as abundant apparently. The gorge is also home to a large population of Indian Peafowl that have been self-sustaining themselves for many years and I saw several chicks.

Red-bellied Pademelon – Tassie teddy bears

The birds were dominated by introduced species with blackbirds and goldfinches mainly but a few of the bushier tracks were productive with patience. The absolute highlight of the gorge was seeing a Beautiful Firetail for a fleeting few seconds which is Tasmania’s only estrildid finch. They are striking plump little birds with a black superhero mask, fine barring, a red bill and an eye-popping deep red rump. Both Beautiful and Red-eared Firetails are notoriously difficult to maintain and breed in captivity and numbers are low in Australian aviculture so this sighting was extra special. The single firetail I saw darted across the path and melded into the undergrowth with Superb Fairywrens and Silvereyes.

Beautiful Firetail

There were another group of birds that remained in some vine thicket and would dart about from branch to branch. They sounded like White-browed Scrubwrens on the mainland but were the endemic Tasmanian Scrubwren. In the flesh, they are indeed quite distinctive – much darker birds with less contrast. Finally, a few Eastern Spinebills were also feeding with some of the abundant Silvereyes and now active Grey Fantails. I also caught a quick glimpse of a skink sunning on a rock but while I was fumbling with my camera, it disappeared. It was probably something really nice of course but a few Metallic Shield Bugs made up for the miss. As their name implies, they are a jewel bug with shiny greens and yellow accents. The gorge is an excellent site to visit and I only wish I managed a second lap to complete a few of the longer bushland tracks. Launceston is very lucky to have such a rich site within the heart of the city that would be the envy for any urban naturalist.

Tasmanian Scrubwren

 

[Dr. Loxodonta]

Some very good pictures of these animals! Can’t wait to hear what’s next…

 

[WhistlingKite24]

Day 2 – Part 1 – Prickly Encounters:

Target Species: Scarlet Robin, Green Rosella, Pallid Cuckoo, Short-beaked Echidna

Today’s adventure started with a quick loop of the Car Villa Flora Reserve – a small slice of bushland that sits adjacent to a cemetery in the south of Launceston city. I was really hoping to find a Scarlet Robin or two here but unfortunately, I just couldn’t pinpoint any. The site was relatively easy to follow and there were a few productive fence lines where quite a bit of wildlife gathered in the bright early morning light. The Red-bellied Pademelons were out in force with literally dozens of macropods; they were everywhere. The pademelons were easy to find as they usually stomp – a warning – before you see them and then either do a short hop or a slow tail walk to thicker coverage. It was a good opportunity to observe that the adult males are about twice the size of the females. There were lots of signs of wild echidnas here – broken ant mounds and a few distinctive tracks. They were definitely around at this reserve.

Red-bellied Pademelon

One of my favourite finds at this particular place were a pair of falcon-like Pallid Cuckoos. They are rare spring visitors in my local area and seem to be a lot commoner here in Tasmania and fortunately I simply followed a loud cuckoo call and there they were. Quite odd creatures and in flight they very much looked like a swift raptor. In the undergrowth were Eastern Spinebills, Silvereyes and Superb Fairywrens feeding in dense bushes. There were also more of those curious Yellow Wattlebirds now in the open bushland. There were two lifers in quick succession afterwards – a single Grey Currawong and a chatty pair of Green Rosellas which are uniquely Tasmanian. Juveniles are far more greener than the adults.

Green Rosella

I was also looking from some of the southern bull ants that don’t occur in Queensland often. I quickly saw a huge Inchman Ant – the most venomous of the bull ants apparently. This species is most abundant around the Australian Alps at higher altitudes but is also found in the lowlands around Melbourne and Tasmania. They are large and very alert ants with characteristic large eyes and elongated, slender mandibles and a venom-loaded sting that could potentially cause anaphylaxis in some cases. I later saw the more aggressive Jack Jumper at the zoo later in the day which jumps when agitated. The genus Myrmecia of which both species are members of is among the most primitive of all known ants and are considered specialist predators.

Inchman Ant

As the story goes, as I was walking towards the exit I spotted a darkish blob on the side of the road, nestled in the grass. It was tucked deeply in the grass and occasionally moved. It was definitely mammal and as I approached it was confirmed to be my first ever echidna in the wild – a Tasmanian Short-beaked Echidna. I was taken aback by how different this subspecies actually looks in person. It was an echidna with a receding hairline yet with a lot more hair than the mainland ones. Thick hair covered its back mainly with a sparser number of spines generally. The echidna was active and stuck around as it lumbered along the roadside, poking its snout into the ground. I decided to wait to ensure it crossed the road safely as it bumbled about. After a couple of minutes, my pincushion friend moved across the road and into a bundle of grass. And just like that when you see one, you see another. I saw a second echidna on my way to Tasmania Zoo in a field but that wouldn’t even be my last wild echidna for the day…

Why did the echidna cross the road? To prove he wasn’t spineless.

 

[snowleopard]

This is shaping up to be an interesting thread, especially with the fantastic images that are interspersed throughout. I'm particularly intrigued to read your detailed reviews of Tasmania Zoo and Zoodoo Zoo, but the inclusion of local wildlife reports is also fascinating. As for the Japanese Macaques, their exhibit in a park in Launceston is downright bizarre but at the same time it almost seems as if one could count that single enclosure as a 'zoo' if there was more to see. As things stand now, the monkeys appear to be more of a tourist attraction than anything else and I'm surprised that there hasn't been the addition of a few more exhibits. Maybe some aviaries, or a small macropod paddock...

 

[WhistlingKite24]

Day 2 – Part 2 – Tasmania Zoo:

Housing the state’s largest collection of animals, the Tasmania Zoo is surprisingly quite a recent venture compared to some of the historical Australian heavyweight institutions. Opened in 2003, this privately-run zoo commenced with a small range of native mammals and birds but gradually grew to now house about 100 species of animals and Australia’s largest collection of primates. As with the growing cohort of smaller zoos throughout Australia, the zoo has a continually good track record with supporting exotic mammal programmes in particular and not being afraid of an import or two for the sake of the overall species regionally. The zoo itself is located about twenty minutes outside of Launceston among the picturesque scenery of the Tamar Valley. It possesses a very straightforward, flat layout and the map roughly labels each exhibit which corresponds with a number on each enclosure. The zoo has no specific theme regarding how it arranges its exhibits so it’s one of those places with a surprise around every corner.

I arrived just before opening at 10am and reached a pleasant entrance with hordes of wild native-hens running around. It seemed to be a large spacious site from the outside and well-maintained overall. Past a very reasonable $37.50, the zoo begins with a long line of aviaries that sit among some excellent gardens. The aviaries were all of a pretty similar fashion – basic structures with corrugated iron bases with meshed fronts, complete protected from the elements. Some of the aviaries along this long row had been opened up, allowing the birds to have double the space. It was however very clear that the occupants were mostly (if not all) birds that stemmed from the private trade or had some complex stories. The first aviary contained a few Canaries followed by an aviary for a few scruffy Gang-gang Cockatoos with the female having a bad feather plucking problem unfortunately. Aviary three had a pleasant mix of Princess Parrot with some lively Zebra Finches – the pet shop variety with some black-fronted mutations. This was then followed by some animated conures; Green-cheeked Conure was signed but not seen. Fortunately, the Sun Conure was seen along with a magnificent Nanday Parakeet which really have every colour in their plumage. Next-door was a pair of Yellow-crowned Amazons which were very engaging animals to watch but clearly had a story to tell with their feather condition. A pair of Jenday Conures were nearby as well one with a luridly-coloured pair of blue Indian Ringneck Parakeets. Completely my own opinion, but I think more thought could go into this area to have more clarity and purpose. There were some really nice birds here but a few too many mutations and single randoms for my liking housed here so far. However, I do also have to remember that the list of birds that can be kept in Tasmania is shorter than the mainland with extra biosecurity hurdles and procedures every time a new species enters the state. So perhaps it’s a case of what they can get is what they can get.

Aviaries

Nanday Parakeet

An Eastern Rosella with a misshapen bill was housed next followed by aviaries for Crimson-winged Parrot and Rainbow Lorikeet. Next up were my two favourite species of the lot; an aviary with Moustached Parakeets which are a very entertaining group of birds to watch followed by some noisy mini-macaws – Hahn’s Macaws. The whole suite of mini macaws available in Australia I think are a good option for a small zoo like this with limited space to house but are rarely kept. Attractive little parrots with plenty of the attention-grabbing qualities expected of the large parrots. There were two final aviaries that were larger; one for a pair of preening Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos and a mix of unsigned blue Red-rumped Parrots and bright yellow and pied mutation Red-fronted Kakarikis that were hopping in and out of nestboxes. There was plenty of space for the little parrots in this final aviary I must say. The next two wooden-backed aviaries were signposted for quolls on the map but seemed to be empty currently.

Hahn’s Macaw

An Australian zoo wouldn’t be an Australian zoo without black cockatoos and Tasmania Zoo is no different. There were two more open aviaries for a pair each of Yellow-tailed and Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos. The birds had plenty of shelter with a big repurposed silo-looking structure and a wooden platform that sat on top which seemed to be their preferred spot, above eye-level. For captive cockatoos, I always look at what can they chew and they had plenty of wooden branches and natural browse to destroy at their own leisure. Probably some of the nicest cockatoo aviaries I have seen simply due to the complexity of furnishings and natural resources the cockatoos have access to rather than space. Their neighbours were some Swift Parrots. The critically endangered status of this species has made them an increasingly desirable addition for southern zoos and are arguably one of the prettiest Australian psittacines out there. Their compact size and constant activity are additional benefits. The zoo’s group are housed in a suspended flight aviary which was spacious for them and would be easy to clean. Such tiny things.

Black Cockatoo aviaries

Next was a very large aviary-style exhibit for their newer pairing of Northern White-cheeked Gibbons – a male from Toledo, USA who lived at Melbourne previously and a female from Branfere, France that arrived last year. Both are unrepresented founders and were mating throughout the morning. Fingers crossed. Their exhibit was tall, provided opportunities for extended brachiation and had resting places of varying heights and materials. What I particularly liked about the exhibit was the diagonal log that was wrapped round by ropes, allowing the gibbons to push off the side to gain momentum at varying heights of their choice. A good example of a meshed gibbon exhibit to give them maximum three-dimensional space.

White-cheeked gibbon enclosure

Up next, there was a large island for hardy Black-capped Capuchins with thicker furcoats than any Queensland ones I had seen. It looked a bit bare from the front but then I walked the perimeter of the island I realised there was some superb tree systems towards the back with great coverage and complexity in canopy. I really liked this exhibit and enjoyed watching the capuchins moving as a group from area to area. There were a few ropes and wooden platforms but the vegetation had clearly withstood against the capuchin antics and had established. No easy feat. There was also a small building with a short curtained walkway with glass viewing for the state’s only Greater Bilbies. There was plenty of space for the bilbies which was good to see instead of the usual cramped corner in a nocturnal house. There was a new enclosure under construction with an indoor portion with a pool and an outdoor pool – it was signposted for a crocodilian. Two water-loving mammals were up next side-by-side. One side was an excellent rocky exhibit for three Asian Small-clawed Otters imported from Singapore. The exhibit wouldn’t look out of place at a government zoo with some very nice landscaping. Otters are a returning species for the zoo after many years of trying to reacquire the species. Next-door there was the exhibit for Capybara with a deep side area for water.

Capuchin island

Otter enclosure

Retracing my steps back towards the aviaries, I was watching snoozing African Wild Dogs, when I heard very loud yelps coming from the neighbouring dingo enclosure so I went to investigate. The dingoes were very alert and started snapping at something in the bushes - a wild echidna had entered the dingo enclosure! The echidna began waddling around the exhibit barging its way through the morning feed for the dingoes. The dingoes started a game of chase with the echidna but the echidna quickly anchored down in the grass, with its spines angled up and snout protected. One of the dingoes tried to bite it again but yelped and retreated. I got the attention of a keeper by the otters and they seemed really calm about (as if it’s not the first time) and tried to get the echidna out but it was anchored down into a lomandra bush by now. She called for backup but the other keeper was equally unfazed. “As long as it’s not in the Tassie devil enclosure”, they said to each other in passing. It was eventually placed in a bucket and carried out. These pesky Tasmanian echidnas – what a hassle they must be for locals.

Zoo dingo sniffing wild echidna

Wild Echidna

 

[MRJ]

This is shaping up to be an interesting thread, especially with the fantastic images that are interspersed throughout. I'm particularly intrigued to read your detailed reviews of Tasmania Zoo and Zoodoo Zoo, but the inclusion of local wildlife reports is also fascinating. As for the Japanese Macaques, their exhibit in a park in Launceston is downright bizarre but at the same time it almost seems as if one could count that single enclosure as a 'zoo' if there was more to see. As things stand now, the monkeys appear to be more of a tourist attraction than anything else and I'm surprised that there hasn't been the addition of a few more exhibits. Maybe some aviaries, or a small macropod paddock...

Dating back to the 19th Century, Launceston, like many other smaller Australian cities and towns, had a collection of animals in their main park. Usually what animals could be caught locally, the most exotic usually being some monkeys. Some of these mini-zoos survive but most have disappeared, and all the animals (except monkeys) had disappeared from Launceston by 1990. The park originally had rhesus macaques, however the Japanese marquees were a gift from Ikeda, Launceston's Japanese sister city. The article I read implied that the exhibit was built by Ikeda as well. Given the history, I doubt there will be any more exhibits in the future.

 

[WhistlingKite24]

Day 2 - Part 3 – Tasmania Zoo:

Apologies for the delay folks. I have been feeling very ill (with a trip to hospital) but I am feeling better now so I should slowly be able to continue the thread. Next up, were a quartet of meshed primate exhibits situated in pairs. These looked like older exhibits but were perfectly acceptable for their occupants. They were tall, well-furnished areas with the primates having full access to their den areas throughout the day as well. The first pair of exhibits had a lively group of young Ring-tailed Lemurs on one side and at least three Long-tailed Macaques on the other. The second set had two single primates in each exhibit; a lone Siamang that has been at the zoo for several years ago. Originally bred at Melbourne Zoo in 2005, he spent a few years at the Cairns Wildlife Reserve and eventually made his way to Tasmania in 2013 with a male sibling. He remains unpaired presumably for a good reason or a lack of surplus females. He is certainly an interactive animal and came right up to the mesh to inspect each and every visitor. Next door to the gibbon was a real treat – my first Mandrill. Quite an old scruffy-looking female but equally like the siamang would inspect each passing guest intensely. Only a handful of these incredibly charismatic primates remain in Australia and it would be incredibly disappointing to not see this species receive a revival in some sort of capacity. The first lap of the zoo only provided a quick peep as she headed into her den but on my second walk pass, she was foraging for food in full view.

Siamang enclosure

Mandrill

The current stars of the zoo are Tasmania’s first giraffe which proved to be a very popular attraction. The zoo currently have three males – three young ones all of which I watched grow up in Queensland zoos at Australia Zoo and Darling Downs Zoo respectively so it was really nice to see them all together in another state. The giraffe exhibit is basically two sections of grassy paddocks with a rocky barrier in front with low fencing, providing excellent and relatively unobstructed views of the giraffes at close proximity. There were a few well-protected trees that towered over the giraffes but it won’t be long until the juveniles can reach the canopy. The trio were clearly well-adjusted with this area as they were grazing grass and even lied down together for a while on my second lap. Also, it’s one of the more scenic giraffe exhibits I have seen with fantastic views of the hilly backdrop and the water. There were large flocks of wild waterfowl that sat towards the back of the giraffe holding area and I picked up two lifers with some large Australian Shelducks waddling around and a single shoveler – love zoo birding!

Giraffe enclosure (half)

Grazing giraffe

There were a few native displays nearby – a simple but large walkthrough exhibit with Eastern Grey Kangaroo and Bennett’s Wallaby. The macropods had plenty of space to venture away from the public, and unlike the traditional looped or straight pathways in a walkthrough exhibit, there was only a small area at the front that visitors were allowed to stand in front of a large roped off area. There was also a small shaded structure with a meshed front for their breeding colony of Little Penguins. It was a simple sandy display with rocky crevices and burrows and a small pool that was of an acceptable size. There were some very interesting enrichment items out – balls, baby toys and some crumpled newspaper filled with treats. Australian zoos generally invest a lot of money into flash little penguin displays so it was good to see a humbler exhibit for them that equally meets all their needs. The zoo is clearly successful with them as one of the recent chicks popped its head out quickly and returned to its burrow. There were large well-furnished pens for Tasmanian Devil and Tasmanian Wombat more towards the centre of the zoo as well. The wombat enclosures were impressively well-vegetated for these destructive bulldozers. There were also a few small meshed enclosures for Brushtail Possums additionally in a neat row.

Macropod Walkthrough

Wombat enclosure

One of the newer additions at the zoo is a pair of Javan Binturongs that were imported in 2022 as a shipment of four individuals from Hamerton Zoo, UK, continuing a close relationship that Hamerton and some of the smaller Australian regional zoos possess. The pair of binturongs have a very impressive exhibit with a large tall feature tree that they have full access with a good understorey of logs and branches. Next door, there was a very large exhibit under construction for a new addition coming soon which was followed by a spacious exhibit for the zoo’s only Sumatran Tiger – Cinta, an old female bred at Auckland. My favourite feature of the exhibit was the pool; a large deep water body fringed by vegetation. It’s a great tiger facility with tall trees, roped climbing poles and a good amount of coverage with some small plantings that will fill out the space further.

Javan Binturong enclosure

Sumatran Tiger enclosure

Next to the tiger were the zoo’s second breeding pair of Northern White-cheeked Gibbons – a pair from Adelaide Zoo and Perth Zoo respectively - with a young offspring now. It was a large exhibit as well with a complex of ropes and netting. The trio spent most of their time in their den area, peeping out every so often. In a quiet corner of the zoo was their exhibit for Snow Leopard – a young male from Melbourne. Well suited for Tasmania’s climate, he had a rocky dry enclosure with a decent boulder pile in the middle of the exhibit. There were also good hiding opportunities behind the rock where could remain completely out of view from the public. It looks smaller in the image below, but it was ample room. Finishing off the big cats, there was a very large exhibit for three male White Lions done in a similar fashion to the tiger enclosure.

Snow Leopard enclosure

Sumatran Tiger

 

[Zorro]

Great review and wonderful photos. Hope you're feeling better soon.

 

[Abbey]

Day 2 - Part 3 – Tasmania Zoo:

Apologies for the delay folks. I have been feeling very ill (with a trip to hospital) but I am feeling better now so I should slowly be able to continue the thread. Next up, were a quartet of meshed primate exhibits situated in pairs. These looked like older exhibits but were perfectly acceptable for their occupants. They were tall, well-furnished areas with the primates having full access to their den areas throughout the day as well. The first pair of exhibits had a lively group of young Ring-tailed Lemurs on one side and at least three Long-tailed Macaques on the other. The second set had two single primates in each exhibit; a lone Siamang that has been at the zoo for several years ago. Originally bred at Melbourne Zoo in 2005, he spent a few years at the Cairns Wildlife Reserve and eventually made his way to Tasmania in 2013 with a male sibling. He remains unpaired presumably for a good reason or a lack of surplus females. He is certainly an interactive animal and came right up to the mesh to inspect each and every visitor. Next door to the gibbon was a real treat – my first Mandrill. Quite an old scruffy-looking female but equally like the siamang would inspect each passing guest intensely. Only a handful of these incredibly charismatic primates remain in Australia and it would be incredibly disappointing to not see this species receive a revival in some sort of capacity. The first lap of the zoo only provided a quick peep as she headed into her den but on my second walk pass, she was foraging for food in full view.

Siamang enclosure

Mandrill

The current stars of the zoo are Tasmania’s first giraffe which proved to be a very popular attraction. The zoo currently have three males – three young ones all of which I watched grow up in Queensland zoos at Australia Zoo and Darling Downs Zoo respectively so it was really nice to see them all together in another state. The giraffe exhibit is basically two sections of grassy paddocks with a rocky barrier in front with low fencing, providing excellent and relatively unobstructed views of the giraffes at close proximity. There were a few well-protected trees that towered over the giraffes but it won’t be long until the juveniles can reach the canopy. The trio were clearly well-adjusted with this area as they were grazing grass and even lied down together for a while on my second lap. Also, it’s one of the more scenic giraffe exhibits I have seen with fantastic views of the hilly backdrop and the water. There were large flocks of wild waterfowl that sat towards the back of the giraffe holding area and I picked up two lifers with some large Australian Shelducks waddling around and a single shoveler – love zoo birding!

Giraffe enclosure (half)

Grazing giraffe

There were a few native displays nearby – a simple but large walkthrough exhibit with Eastern Grey Kangaroo and Bennett’s Wallaby. The macropods had plenty of space to venture away from the public, and unlike the traditional looped or straight pathways in a walkthrough exhibit, there was only a small area at the front that visitors were allowed to stand in front of a large roped off area. There was also a small shaded structure with a meshed front for their breeding colony of Little Penguins. It was a simple sandy display with rocky crevices and burrows and a small pool that was of an acceptable size. There were some very interesting enrichment items out – balls, baby toys and some crumpled newspaper filled with treats. Australian zoos generally invest a lot of money into flash little penguin displays so it was good to see a humbler exhibit for them that equally meets all their needs. The zoo is clearly successful with them as one of the recent chicks popped its head out quickly and returned to its burrow. There were large well-furnished pens for Tasmanian Devil and Tasmanian Wombat more towards the centre of the zoo as well. The wombat enclosures were impressively well-vegetated for these destructive bulldozers. There were also a few small meshed enclosures for Brushtail Possums additionally in a neat row.

Macropod Walkthrough

Wombat enclosure

One of the newer additions at the zoo is a pair of Javan Binturongs that were imported in 2022 as a shipment of four individuals from Hamerton Zoo, UK, continuing a close relationship that Hamerton and some of the smaller Australian regional zoos possess. The pair of binturongs have a very impressive exhibit with a large tall feature tree that they have full access with a good understorey of logs and branches. Next door, there was a very large exhibit under construction for a new addition coming soon which was followed by a spacious exhibit for the zoo’s only Sumatran Tiger – Cinta, an old female bred at Auckland. My favourite feature of the exhibit was the pool; a large deep water body fringed by vegetation. It’s a great tiger facility with tall trees, roped climbing poles and a good amount of coverage with some small plantings that will fill out the space further.

Javan Binturong enclosure

Sumatran Tiger enclosure

Next to the tiger were the zoo’s second breeding pair of Northern White-cheeked Gibbons – a pair from Adelaide Zoo and Perth Zoo respectively - with a young offspring now. It was a large exhibit as well with a complex of ropes and netting. The trio spent most of their time in their den area, peeping out every so often. In a quiet corner of the zoo was their exhibit for Snow Leopard – a young male from Melbourne. Well suited for Tasmania’s climate, he had a rocky dry enclosure with a decent boulder pile in the middle of the exhibit. There were also good hiding opportunities behind the rock where could remain completely out of view from the public. It looks smaller in the image below, but it was ample room. Finishing off the big cats, there was a very large exhibit for three male White Lions done in a similar fashion to the tiger enclosure.

Snow Leopard enclosure

Sumatran Tiger

So sorry to hear you've been quite unwell, and relieved to hear you're on the mend. Thank you for this great review and lovely photos, especially of the newer exhibits at Tasmania Zoo.

 

[Lafone]

Hope you’re feeling a lot better. Another interesting review and also how nice to see the Hamerton Binturong in their tree!

 

[WhistlingKite24]

Day 2 – Part 4 – Tasmania Zoo:

There were then a series of small little aviaries with an odd-looking Crimson Rosella, unseen Eclectus Parrot and a mix of Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Little Corella and Long-billed Corella. There was also a much nicer circular aviary with a good amount of vegetation and shade for Superb Parrots and Bush Stone-Curlews. A lot of the bird species on the zoo’s website weren't seen so there is every chance I missed a set of aviaries somewhere. Continuing along the main was a large aviary-style enclosure for Serval followed by a similar exhibit for Caracal. These were decent densely-grassed displays and it was interesting to observe both species side by side. The zoo was one of the first holders of caracal in recent times following an import straight from South Africa and I am glad more zoos continue to show interest for these impressive felids. They always surprise me by how large they are – really African lynxes. Next to the caracals was a real privilege to see the last Sulawesi Crested Macaque in Australia. A lone female is all that remains from Perth’s former breeding colony that was established a few decades ago. A really stunning animal and I am glad I made it in time to see her.

Superb Parrot/Bush Stone-Curlew aviary

Sulawesi Crested Macaque – the last in Australia

There was a nearby exhibit for Common Marmoset followed by a pathway leading to several additional, rather exciting, primates. The first exhibit was a simple enclosure with plenty of sunlight and height for Australia’s only De Brazza’s Monkeys that have made a return to the country following an importation from Texas last year. The young pair will eventually move closer to home to Darling Downs Zoo but I made the most of seeing these active monkeys while in Tasmania at their temporary home. They are a species that was once common in Australian zoos but their numbers dwindled until the last one died at the National Zoo and Aquarium in 2019. A striking African primate with an orange-red crescent shaped patch on their brow with a white muzzle which extends into a long, white beard. There was also a small bamboo-filled exhibit with Pygmy Marmoset as well connected to the building.

Pygmy Marmoset enclosure

DeBrazza’s Monkey – one of two in the country currently

Tasmania Zoo’s third and newest gibbon species was nearby as well – a recently-bonded pair of Javan Gibbons were housed in a large aviary-style exhibit with plenty of height, structure and choice. The female came from Mogo a few years ago but the male is a recent import straight from Greensboro Science Centre in the United States. The pair are related but there is admittedly only a small gene pool within the managed zoo population of Javans. There was a mishmash of exhibits surrounding the gibbons; a small enclosure for Sugar Gliders with an adjoining nursery enclosure for additional holding space for natives, an exhibit for Short-beaked Echidna as if the wild ones on zoo grounds weren’t enough and a few domestics mixed with Emus. There were also large open enclosures for unseen Cheetah and Maned Wolf.

Javan Gibbon

Javan Gibbon enclosure

Heading towards the café area were a concentration of small primates with some fantastic displays with a whole assortment of species – Emperor Tamarins had the lushest exhibit with large clear viewing windows, Red-handed Tamarins in a tall and pleasing display, Golden Lion Tamarins including the new breeding female from Halls Gap and two exhibits built into the eating area with an exhibit each for Cottontop Tamarins and a second group of Common Marmosets. The marmosets had a small box-like structure they could access that provided them with greater exposure to the elements. Like Darling Downs Zoo, they have all six species of callitrichid in Australia on-display. Lots of colour, movement and variation that these mini monkeys always and so reliably provide. A large display for Bolivian Squirrel Monkeys was also good to see, finishing off the South American monkeys which are increasingly popular regionally.

Red-handed Tamarin enclosure

Emperor Tamarin enclosure

Nearby were more popular mammals with two exhibits for Meerkats with two recent pups venturing out with the adults. Across a lawn are a set of two open-topped enclosures close to the lion tamarins. There were for Red Pandas which are a good climatic choice for Tasmania. The zoo currently has two females in one larger exhibit and a single male in a narrower exhibit. Both had spaces for the pandas to shelter well and retreat from bright sunlight. The females had a large dense tree with lots of coverage and shade. I almost forgot to mention there was a small section near the tamarins with some snakes – Boa Constrictor, Spotted Python and Stimson’s Python – along with a display for thylacine. Reptiles are a noticeable gap currently and a few choice exotic species (if they can be transferred across the mainland) would create a better balance among a diverse but top-heavy selection of mammals.

Red panda enclosure – females

Red Panda – male Tenzing

Overall, Tasmania Zoo was an top-notch country facility with a wide range of species, some very unique and memorable ones. The exhibits were humble yet perfectly acceptable often but there were bright spots among the giraffes, South American primates and the big cats. Being located in a more isolated area away from the mainland with more biosecurity restrictions and geographical limitations than most, the zoo has done very well to be involved and engage with many exciting projects and developments, supporting exotic diversity for the region’s zoos in particular. I look forward to seeing what’s ahead for this zoo with a bright future and clear vision for growth and development.

 

[Osedax]

Day 2 – Part 4 – Tasmania Zoo:

There were then a series of small little aviaries with an odd-looking Crimson Rosella, unseen Eclectus Parrot and a mix of Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Little Corella and Long-billed Corella. There was also a much nicer circular aviary with a good amount of vegetation and shade for Superb Parrots and Bush Stone-Curlews. A lot of the bird species on the zoo’s website weren't seen so there is every chance I missed a set of aviaries somewhere. Continuing along the main was a large aviary-style enclosure for Serval followed by a similar exhibit for Caracal. These were decent densely-grassed displays and it was interesting to observe both species side by side. The zoo was one of the first holders of caracal in recent times following an import straight from South Africa and I am glad more zoos continue to show interest for these impressive felids. They always surprise me by how large they are – really African lynxes. Next to the caracals was a real privilege to see the last Sulawesi Crested Macaque in Australia. A lone female is all that remains from Perth’s former breeding colony that was established a few decades ago. A really stunning animal and I am glad I made it in time to see her.

Superb Parrot/Bush Stone-Curlew aviary

Sulawesi Crested Macaque – the last in Australia

There was a nearby exhibit for Common Marmoset followed by a pathway leading to several additional, rather exciting, primates. The first exhibit was a simple enclosure with plenty of sunlight and height for Australia’s only De Brazza’s Monkeys that have made a return to the country following an importation from Texas last year. The young pair will eventually move closer to home to Darling Downs Zoo but I made the most of seeing these active monkeys while in Tasmania at their temporary home. They are a species that was once common in Australian zoos but their numbers dwindled until the last one died at the National Zoo and Aquarium in 2019. A striking African primate with an orange-red crescent shaped patch on their brow with a white muzzle which extends into a long, white beard. There was also a small bamboo-filled exhibit with Pygmy Marmoset as well connected to the building.

Pygmy Marmoset enclosure

DeBrazza’s Monkey – one of two in the country currently

Tasmania Zoo’s third and newest gibbon species was nearby as well – a recently-bonded pair of Javan Gibbons were housed in a large aviary-style exhibit with plenty of height, structure and choice. The female came from Mogo a few years ago but the male is a recent import straight from Greensboro Science Centre in the United States. The pair are related but there is admittedly only a small gene pool within the managed zoo population of Javans. There was a mishmash of exhibits surrounding the gibbons; a small enclosure for Sugar Gliders with an adjoining nursery enclosure for additional holding space for natives, an exhibit for Short-beaked Echidna as if the wild ones on zoo grounds weren’t enough and a few domestics mixed with Emus. There were also large open enclosures for unseen Cheetah and Maned Wolf.

Javan Gibbon

Javan Gibbon enclosure

Heading towards the café area were a concentration of small primates with some fantastic displays with a whole assortment of species – Emperor Tamarins had the lushest exhibit with large clear viewing windows, Red-handed Tamarins in a tall and pleasing display, Golden Lion Tamarins including the new breeding female from Halls Gap and two exhibits built into the eating area with an exhibit each for Cottontop Tamarins and a second group of Common Marmosets. The marmosets had a small box-like structure they could access that provided them with greater exposure to the elements. Like Darling Downs Zoo, they have all six species of callitrichid in Australia on-display. Lots of colour, movement and variation that these mini monkeys always and so reliably provide. A large display for Bolivian Squirrel Monkeys was also good to see, finishing off the South American monkeys which are increasingly popular regionally.

Red-handed Tamarin enclosure

Emperor Tamarin enclosure

Nearby were more popular mammals with two exhibits for Meerkats with two recent pups venturing out with the adults. Across a lawn are a set of two open-topped enclosures close to the lion tamarins. There were for Red Pandas which are a good climatic choice for Tasmania. The zoo currently has two females in one larger exhibit and a single male in a narrower exhibit. Both had spaces for the pandas to shelter well and retreat from bright sunlight. The females had a large dense tree with lots of coverage and shade. I almost forgot to mention there was a small section near the tamarins with some snakes – Boa Constrictor, Spotted Python and Stimson’s Python – along with a display for thylacine. Reptiles are a noticeable gap currently and a few choice exotic species (if they can be transferred across the mainland) would create a better balance among a diverse but top-heavy selection of mammals.

Red panda enclosure – females

Red Panda – male Tenzing

Overall, Tasmania Zoo was an top-notch country facility with a wide range of species, some very unique and memorable ones. The exhibits were humble yet perfectly acceptable often but there were bright spots among the giraffes, South American primates and the big cats. Being located in a more isolated area away from the mainland with more biosecurity restrictions and geographical limitations than most, the zoo has done very well to be involved and engage with many exciting projects and developments, supporting exotic diversity for the region’s zoos in particular. I look forward to seeing what’s ahead for this zoo with a bright future and clear vision for growth and development.

I am now regretting even more the fact that I went to ZooDoo and not Tasmania Zoo when I went to Tasmania in December 2019/January 2020!

 

[WhistlingKite24]

Day 3 – Part 1 – Zoodoo Zoo:

The Zoodoo Zoo, which I must admit is such a silly name, is located more towards Tasmania’s capital Hobart along the sweeping horizons and hilly landscapes of Tasmania in the southern part of the state. It sort of just pops up in the middle of nowhere as Aussie rural zoos tend to do among a patchwork of farmland. It’s one of the few zoos in Australia where I have seen images of animals among snow notably. Opened in 1999, this facility has a smaller collection than Tasmania Zoo but has a few exotic mammals and birds among a range of natives. Recent ZAA accreditation has also opened up access to new species for the zoo. The large entrance was clean and well-developed. There was a play area, gift shop, eatery, lots of seating area and access to the first animal exhibit. It was a small walkthrough bird aviary with a quick loop that seemingly could only be reached from this indoor entrance area. There was a large mix of species with the two highlights being seeing little Talpacoti Doves fill the aviary – the only South American columbid available in Australia – and a single European Greenfinch was another oddity despite being relatively common in the state’s orchards and gardens. Peaceful Doves were rampant in the aviary and have bred to extreme numbers and several pairs had batches of chicks. They have clearly churned them out. As have the Bar-shouldered Doves – a hardy staple for any Aussie walkthrough aviary. Other columbids included a quartet of albino Barbary Doves, Crested Pigeons and beautiful Wonga Pigeons and Common Bronzewings that filled the ground floor as they sunbathed. While we have Nicobars, I always feel these native pigeons fill in that ‘wow look at that big bird on the path’ factor that crowned pigeons would have overseas with all their pulling power.

Walkthrough aviary

Talpacoti Dove

A few parrots of course as well. I enjoyed good views of an eye-popping Scarlet-chested Parrot which I find are surprisingly lacking in many zoos with arid displays. More colour was provided by wild-type Budgerigars, Princess Parrots, Superb Parrots and a smattering of Cockatiel mutations. Bourke’s Parrot, Luzon Bleeding-heart Dove, Zebra Finch and Star Finch were signed but not seen. There was also an aviary built into the walkthrough with Little Corella and Tawny Frogmouth mixed together. Past the aviary there were Meerkats, a very pleasant open-topped exhibit for a resting Tasmanian Devil followed by a hodgepodge mix of waterfowl in a small enclosure – Australian Shelduck, Australian Wood-Duck, Black Swan, domestic ducks and Indian Peafowl. A neat little aviary was tucked in a corner nearby for a fun mix of Common Waxbills and a pair of Stubble Quail. A big tick in my book with a finch aviary as a feature piece.

Scarlet-chested Parrot

Common Waxbill/Stubble Quail aviary

A hedged walkway revealed a pleasant complex for primates. The first tall exhibit with mesh below and large glass viewing windows along the side for Cottontop Tamarins. Opposite the tamarins was an old exhibit for Black-capped Capuchins. The monkeys have access to seemingly what had originally been two exhibits – a tall narrow one and a long darkish exhibit - so plenty of space for the small active troop. It was a similar story for their new Bolivian Squirrel Monkeys. Their troop of males from Melbourne Zoo had access to two exhibits, and as always, make effective display animals. The most well-established primate enclosure sat opposite the squirrel monkeys and capuchins – a large roomy enclosure for Common Marmosets complete with a decent aerial walkway and spacious glass-fronted viewing opportunities and meshed section allowing for the pungent aroma of marmoset to perfume the walkway. There was also an aviary for a large flock of Masked Lovebirds with a single hyperactive Chukar that was another highlight.

Bolivian Squirrel Monkey

Common Marmoset enclosure

Cottontop Tamarin enclosure

Zoodoo has a small education facility complete with a good exhibit for geriatric Meerkats mixed with Cape Porcupine which are another recent addition. The exhibit can be sectioned off with a sliding door to allowed the porcupines to be away from the meerkats if required. Inside, there were walls plastered with environmental-friendly messaging, jumping from palm oil to the fur industry and everything in between, along with a side room with nocturnal marsupials on one side – Sugar Glider and Common Brushtail Possum in decent exhibits – and reptiles on the other – a Jungle Carpet Python and Black-headed Python in generously-sized exhibits richly decorated with furnishings. There was also a tank to represent invasive species with White-cloud Mountain-Minnows and Swordtails.

Nocturnal + reptile room

Continuing onwards, is a very impressive lion facility. It seemed to once be two separate exhibits but has now been opened up to create a single large exhibit. The weeds and grasses have been left to grow out in full, allowing thick coverage and vegetation to fill the display, contrasting the usual straight-lined manicured enclosures. It felt very organic and I really enjoyed watching the lions among the tall grasses. The viewing area was sheltered with several large viewing windows and interpretive signage with some interesting take home messages. The zoo currently have a pair - a male white lion imported from South Africa in 2010 and a tawny female bred at Darling Downs Zoo in 2011. Both were very active and the female pounced at the glass while keepers were cleaning the windows. Fun to watch. The complex has a large and thickly-planted enclosure for Serval in front of the lions. A pair of males imported from South Africa in 2018. There was also a large aviary nearby for Blue and Gold Macaw, domestic Budgerigars and Lady Amherst’s Pheasant.

Lion enclosure

Malika

Nearby was a fantastic enclosure – one of the best I’ve seen – for a single Southern Koala that came from Ballarat Wildlife Park. A large open exhibit planted with native grasses and flowers with a central shaded area. There were several large tall branches that provided a range of choice and it was very spacious for a single male. Down the hill heading back towards the front, there was a circular aviary that was halved into two spaces; one half had Blue and Gold Macaw, Little Corella, Indian Ringneck and Laughing Kookaburra and the other side had Green Rosella, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo and Luzon Bleeding-heart Dove. I had to wonder what housing kookaburras with macaws together is managed. There were two large exhibits; one housed a mix of unseen Long-nosed Potoroo and a very active Tasmanian Echidna and the other some squabbling Tasmanian Devils. The other side of the echidna exhibit had some great viewing windows and visitors are virtually able to see echidna at eye level as it is raised. Opposite the echidna were two enclosures side by side for Eastern and Tiger Quoll. The latter had some nice vegetation. Nearby were several native displays – Tasmanian Wombats with a joey, Common Ringtail Possums, more Tasmanian Devils and a large aviary for Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, Little Corella and unseen Eastern Rosella.

Koala enclosure

Circular aviaries

Tasmanian Wombat

There were also a few standalone exhibits – another newish enclosure for Common Marmosets and a fantastic display for Swift Parrots including a few juveniles in a small aviary. There was a nice piece of swift parrot artwork and some of the best signage I have ever seen including a clear guide to compare similar species, how to report sightings and good information about this little parrot’s decline. Retracing my steps up the hill were a large range of domestics housed in and around a neat barn area – sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, alpacas, donkeys, ponies, chickens and a paddock for Ostrich, Cape Barren Goose, Domestic Chinese Goose and a trio of speckled British White Cattle which are a rare breed in Australia. There were additional paddocks for Dromedary, Emu and their Grant’s Zebras imported from the United States. A safari tour can be completed to get closer to the animals but they are visible from a rocky dead-end pathway. Finally, there was a very large walkthrough enclosure with sweeping views of the nearby farmland for Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Bennett’s Wallaby and Fallow Deer. There was also a newish modern enclosure for a Southern Cassowary with some good tree coverage. I was also surprised to see the old cassowary mixed with a Tasmanian Pademelon. A pleasant little zoo I thought overall. All the exhibits were of a high standard and it only took an hour or so to wander around and see everything. The zoo has a very clear plan in place for development and has been gradually adding some popular species.

Swift Parrot enclosure

Cassowary/Tasmanian Pademelon Enclosure

Macropod walkthrough

 

[Osedax]

Day 3 – Part 1 – Zoodoo Zoo:

The Zoodoo Zoo, which I must admit is such a silly name, is located more towards Tasmania’s capital Hobart along the sweeping horizons and hilly landscapes of Tasmania in the southern part of the state. It sort of just pops up in the middle of nowhere as Aussie rural zoos tend to do among a patchwork of farmland. It’s one of the few zoos in Australia where I have seen images of animals among snow notably. Opened in 1999, this facility has a smaller collection than Tasmania Zoo but has a few exotic mammals and birds among a range of natives. Recent ZAA accreditation has also opened up access to new species for the zoo. The large entrance was clean and well-developed. There was a play area, gift shop, eatery, lots of seating area and access to the first animal exhibit. It was a small walkthrough bird aviary with a quick loop that seemingly could only be reached from this indoor entrance area. There was a large mix of species with the two highlights being seeing little Talpacoti Doves fill the aviary – the only South American columbid available in Australia – and a single European Greenfinch was another oddity despite being relatively common in the state’s orchards and gardens. Peaceful Doves were rampant in the aviary and have bred to extreme numbers and several pairs had batches of chicks. They have clearly churned them out. As have the Bar-shouldered Doves – a hardy staple for any Aussie walkthrough aviary. Other columbids included a quartet of albino Barbary Doves, Crested Pigeons and beautiful Wonga Pigeons and Common Bronzewings that filled the ground floor as they sunbathed. While we have Nicobars, I always feel these native pigeons fill in that ‘wow look at that big bird on the path’ factor that crowned pigeons would have overseas with all their pulling power.

Walkthrough aviary

Talpacoti Dove

A few parrots of course as well. I enjoyed good views of an eye-popping Scarlet-chested Parrot which I find are surprisingly lacking in many zoos with arid displays. More colour was provided by wild-type Budgerigars, Princess Parrots, Superb Parrots and a smattering of Cockatiel mutations. Bourke’s Parrot, Luzon Bleeding-heart Dove, Zebra Finch and Star Finch were signed but not seen. There was also an aviary built into the walkthrough with Little Corella and Tawny Frogmouth mixed together. Past the aviary there were Meerkats, a very pleasant open-topped exhibit for a resting Tasmanian Devil followed by a hodgepodge mix of waterfowl in a small enclosure – Australian Shelduck, Australian Wood-Duck, Black Swan, domestic ducks and Indian Peafowl. A neat little aviary was tucked in a corner nearby for a fun mix of Common Waxbills and a pair of Stubble Quail. A big tick in my book with a finch aviary as a feature piece.

Scarlet-chested Parrot

Common Waxbill/Stubble Quail aviary

A hedged walkway revealed a pleasant complex for primates. The first tall exhibit with mesh below and large glass viewing windows along the side for Cottontop Tamarins. Opposite the tamarins was an old exhibit for Black-capped Capuchins. The monkeys have access to seemingly what had originally been two exhibits – a tall narrow one and a long darkish exhibit - so plenty of space for the small active troop. It was a similar story for their new Bolivian Squirrel Monkeys. Their troop of males from Melbourne Zoo had access to two exhibits, and as always, make effective display animals. The most well-established primate enclosure sat opposite the squirrel monkeys and capuchins – a large roomy enclosure for Common Marmosets complete with a decent aerial walkway and spacious glass-fronted viewing opportunities and meshed section allowing for the pungent aroma of marmoset to perfume the walkway. There was also an aviary for a large flock of Masked Lovebirds with a single hyperactive Chukar that was another highlight.

Bolivian Squirrel Monkey

Common Marmoset enclosure

Cottontop Tamarin enclosure

Zoodoo has a small education facility complete with a good exhibit for geriatric Meerkats mixed with Cape Porcupine which are another recent addition. The exhibit can be sectioned off with a sliding door to allowed the porcupines to be away from the meerkats if required. Inside, there were walls plastered with environmental-friendly messaging, jumping from palm oil to the fur industry and everything in between, along with a side room with nocturnal marsupials on one side – Sugar Glider and Common Brushtail Possum in decent exhibits – and reptiles on the other – a Jungle Carpet Python and Black-headed Python in generously-sized exhibits richly decorated with furnishings. There was also a tank to represent invasive species with White-cloud Mountain-Minnows and Swordtails.

Nocturnal + reptile room

Continuing onwards, is a very impressive lion facility. It seemed to once be two separate exhibits but has now been opened up to create a single large exhibit. The weeds and grasses have been left to grow out in full, allowing thick coverage and vegetation to fill the display, contrasting the usual straight-lined manicured enclosures. It felt very organic and I really enjoyed watching the lions among the tall grasses. The viewing area was sheltered with several large viewing windows and interpretive signage with some interesting take home messages. The zoo currently have a pair - a male white lion imported from South Africa in 2010 and a tawny female bred at Darling Downs Zoo in 2011. Both were very active and the female pounced at the glass while keepers were cleaning the windows. Fun to watch. The complex has a large and thickly-planted enclosure for Serval in front of the lions. A pair of males imported from South Africa in 2018. There was also a large aviary nearby for Blue and Gold Macaw, domestic Budgerigars and Lady Amherst’s Pheasant.

Lion enclosure

Malika

Nearby was a fantastic enclosure – one of the best I’ve seen – for a single Southern Koala that came from Ballarat Wildlife Park. A large open exhibit planted with native grasses and flowers with a central shaded area. There were several large tall branches that provided a range of choice and it was very spacious for a single male. Down the hill heading back towards the front, there was a circular aviary that was halved into two spaces; one half had Blue and Gold Macaw, Little Corella, Indian Ringneck and Laughing Kookaburra and the other side had Green Rosella, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo and Luzon Bleeding-heart Dove. I had to wonder what housing kookaburras with macaws together is managed. There were two large exhibits; one housed a mix of unseen Long-nosed Potoroo and a very active Tasmanian Echidna and the other some squabbling Tasmanian Devils. The other side of the echidna exhibit had some great viewing windows and visitors are virtually able to see echidna at eye level as it is raised. Opposite the echidna were two enclosures side by side for Eastern and Tiger Quoll. The latter had some nice vegetation. Nearby were several native displays – Tasmanian Wombats with a joey, Common Ringtail Possums, more Tasmanian Devils and a large aviary for Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, Little Corella and unseen Eastern Rosella.

Koala enclosure

Circular aviaries

Tasmanian Wombat

There were also a few standalone exhibits – another newish enclosure for Common Marmosets and a fantastic display for Swift Parrots including a few juveniles in a small aviary. There was a nice piece of swift parrot artwork and some of the best signage I have ever seen including a clear guide to compare similar species, how to report sightings and good information about this little parrot’s decline. Retracing my steps up the hill were a large range of domestics housed in and around a neat barn area – sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, alpacas, donkeys, ponies, chickens and a paddock for Ostrich, Cape Barren Goose, Domestic Chinese Goose and a trio of speckled British White Cattle which are a rare breed in Australia. There were additional paddocks for Dromedary, Emu and their Grant’s Zebras imported from the United States. A safari tour can be completed to get closer to the animals but they are visible from a rocky dead-end pathway. Finally, there was a very large walkthrough enclosure with sweeping views of the nearby farmland for Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Bennett’s Wallaby and Fallow Deer. There was also a newish modern enclosure for a Southern Cassowary with some good tree coverage. I was also surprised to see the old cassowary mixed with a Tasmanian Pademelon. A pleasant little zoo I thought overall. All the exhibits were of a high standard and it only took an hour or so to wander around and see everything. The zoo has a very clear plan in place for development and has been gradually adding some popular species.

Swift Parrot enclosure

Cassowary/Tasmanian Pademelon Enclosure

Macropod walkthrough

ZooDoo has improved so much since 2020!