Summer 2009 - Perth Zoo

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10 While standing on the new feeding platform, keepers can now feed Simmo in full view of visitors and watch as he propels his body out of the water to catch his meal. Crocodiles use this behaviour to launch a surprise attack on their prey. Taking advantage of our warm summer, Simmo can also be seen basking in the sunlight, which he used to do in an out-of-sight area. Crocodiles bask in the sun to heat and cool their bodies to maintain a steady temperature of 30–32°C. The process, which is common to ectotherms (a group of animals that includes reptiles and amphibians), is known as thermoregulation. Simmo also thermoregulates in his new outdoor billabong. It holds 90,000 litres of water that is warmed to 28°C. It is 1.7 m deep at the lowest point and the water is exchanged and filtered every 24 hours to keep Simmo healthy and the pool clean. So how did the new exhibit come together, and what was involved? Building zoo exhibits takes into account everything from animal husbandry and welfare, visitor safety, occupational health and safety for staff and interpretation and education. This requires collaboration from many different areas across the Zoo including zoo keepers, horticulturalists, educators, graphic designers and maintenance staff. Of course, builders are also needed for the bigger works, such as pool construction and fencing. The main idea behind the look and feel of the exhibit is to replicate the Kimberley region, one of the Estuarine Crocodile’s natural habitats. To achieve this, a lot of planning went into the choice of plants and trees for the gardens by the Zoo’s horticulture team. Perth Zoo horticulturist Tanya Taylor says that the role of the horticulturist goes far beyond simply planting the flora species. “During the planning process for exhibits we have to research the plants endemic to the animal’s distribution in order to replicate their natural habitat,” Ms Taylor says. newspaw s | Summer 2009/10 “Often there is up to a year’s worth of preparation to grow and source stock that coordinates with the rest of the project, especially if you want the surrounding gardens to look more established. “It’s amazing working on such a huge project like this because it can involve anything from small seedlings to huge 200 litre trees. Though it’s hard work it’s very rewarding to see the finished product with everything working together.” Species planted include Pandanus Grasses (Pandanus spiralis), Gymaea Lilies (Doryanthus excelsa), Pennywort (Centella asiatica), several species of Melaleucas (also known as Paperbarks) and a selection of rushes, which resemble grasses. By seeing Simmo swimming and out in the open, visitors get a real understanding of this powerful and ancient predator. Another feature of the Kimberley region is the red rocky outcrops which feature so prominently in this part of Western Australia. Of course, we had to have the same at Perth Zoo. A rock escarpment backdrop was added to the back of the exhibit as well as along the footpath, and around the viewing window, billabong and feeding platform. Concept Design Management Studio (CDM) co-designed and completed this rock facade, using a mould of natural cliff faces. Mesh-covered steel frames in the shape of the Can you find the 25 Cane Toads and two very realistic Olive Python models hidden in the gardens surrounding Simmo’s new exhibit? Unfortunately Cane Toads are now starting to enter into northern Western Australia from the Northern Territory. Many people and organisations are working hard to stop them from becoming a major menace in Western Australia.
cliffs were placed around the exhibit. A cement mixture, which was pre-tinted with terracotta oxide and milled fibreglass for added strength, was then poured over the frames and allowed to dry. Rock-covered areas on the feeding platform, escarpment and around the billabong were rubberised to protect Simmo’s soft underbelly and snout. Other aspects of the project included where to put the billabong and how to shape it; installation of the viewing glass and fences; connecting electricity, sewerage and water; laying (and mowing) the grass; installing reticulation and putting down mulch; and writing, designing and installing interpretative panels. Australian Fauna Curator John Lemon says the finished exhibit not only showcases the apex predator of the Kimberley escarpment but it also enables visitors to delve into Simmo’s world. “Simmo came to Perth Zoo in 1998 from Darwin and has held a fascination for our visitors since, especially children,” Mr Lemon said. “The redevelopment affords visitors the opportunity to see Simmo’s distinct behaviours. By seeing Simmo swimming and out in the open, visitors get a real under - standing of this powerful and ancient predator; and I’m certain visitors will get a thrill seeing Simmo launching out of the water to grab his Sunday feed during summer. “Hopefully people will now trust us when we say, ‘Yes, he is real’.” Our crocodile’s statistics Age: Between 50 and 70 years old Length: 4.7 m Weight: About 500 kg Relationship status: Single. Simmo can’t be housed with female crocodiles as he’s killed two in the past before he came to Perth Zoo …Now that’s a heavyweight! Spotlight on the Plants of the Kimberley Rushes and Sedges Rushes are small grass-like shrubs that are angiosperms (flowering plants). They are often found in dry conditions where there is little water or nutrients in the soil. Sedges are similar in appearance to rushes. Both types of plant serve as ground cover in the exhibit. Pandanus Grass Pandanus spiralis Also known as a Screw Spine this shrub can grow up to 10 m high and is common in the far north of Australia. Its spined leaves form a spiral and can be used for weaving baskets and mats. Gymea Lily Doryanthus excelsa This stunning plant has clusters of crimson flowers that grow on stems reaching up to six metres high and long sword-like leaves. Gotu Kola or Pennywort Centella asiatica Known as Gotu Kola in Sri Lanka, this plant is native to the far north of Australia as well as India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and other parts of Asia. It has round, heart-shaped leaves similar to a native violet. Melaleucas or Paperbarks Melaleucas are small to large shrubs and trees that are quite hardy and well-adapted to saline-rich and nutrientdeficient soils. They have bright, attractive flowers that are usually white, yellow, pink or red. Gotu Kola or Pennywort Centella asiatica Sword Sedge Lepidispermum sp. Above photos: Rowena O’Byrne-Bowland/Perth Zoo Loose Flower Rush Juncus pauciflorus Thanks Tiwest Night Stalkers Well done to all 2009 Tiwest Night Stalkers for getting out into nature and spotting native and feral animal species. For more information visit . Thank you Tiwest for your continued support for this important community conservation event. Summer 2009/10 | newspaw s 11
Page 1 and 2: Puteri’s Princess Perth Zoo’s O
Page 3 and 4: Ultrasounding Perth Zoo’s Botanic
Page 5 and 6: Rough terrain in which the field wo
Page 7 and 8: New Quokka Breeding Program Quokkas
Page 9: Photo by Phil England How to Build
Page 13 and 14: A Day in the Life of… Cassandra B
Page 15 and 16: New Ghostly Arrivals Born on 27 Oct
Page 17 and 18: What’s on Go to ‘what’s on’
Page 19 and 20: Assorted soft toys. Prices vary. Th

Summer 2009 - Perth Zoo

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