A RARE frog crushed by a door and two possums drowned in a pot are among freak animal deaths investigated by Zoos Victoria.
The unnatural deaths — which included four species considered “critically endangered” — have left keepers distraught and prompted a revamp of several exhibits at Melbourne Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary.
Of 10 incidents detailed in the latest Zoos Victoria animal welfare review committee report, four involved animals trapped in or crushed by doors.
A rare spotted tree frog hopped into the path of a closing door while a keeper was distracted, and a buff-banded rail was caught in an aviary hinge.
A male coati had to be euthanased after sustaining multiple leg fractures when trapped by a hydraulic slide used to section off its enclosure.
New brake technology has since been fitted.
Zoos Victoria director of wildlife conservation and science Rachel Lowry said most keepers involved in the mishaps required counselling because they were so upset.
“They feel absolutely terrible,” she said.
“When things do go wrong, and sometimes they do, we do everything we can to learn from it.”
The number of incidents was relatively low given Zoos Victoria has about 3200 animals in its care, she said.
The deaths of two mountain pygmy possums and a spotted tree frog had been especially distressing, since they were captive-bred as insurance against extinction in the wild.
The two possums drowned in a water-filled pot holding branches. Sticks have now been placed in the pots so that animals can climb out.
The distance between visitors and gorillas at the main window of the rainforest area has been increased after the violent death in May of gorilla Julia.
An animal welfare specialist continues to closely observe the behaviour of the aggressor, silverback male Otana, seeking clues about what triggered the attack by him.
Other changes after accidents include a ban on obtaining any more bongos — one of the rarest antelope species in the world — after a flighty female ran into a fence and fractured her spinal cord.
Rat poison will also be more closely controlled after a cotton-top tamarin — a critically endangered species — died. Experts suspect it ate a poison-affected mouse or slug.
