Summer 2009 - Perth Zoo

More documents

Recommendations

Info

2 Contents Ultrasounding Perth Zoo’s Botanic Heritage 3 In the Field 4 An Otter Romance 6 New Quokka Breeding Program 7 Thank You, Water Corporation 7 Puteri’s Princess 8 Don’t Palm Us Off Campaign 8 How to Build a Crocodile-friendly Garden 9 2010 Perth Zoo Calendar Insert Thanks Tiwest Night Stalkers 11 Perth Zoo’s Puggles 12 A Day in the Life 13 Scene at Perth Zoo 14 New Ghostly Arrivals 15 The Red List 16 What’s On 17 Taking a Step for Sustainability: REmida 18 Supporting Your Zoo 19 Main cover photo:Sumatran Orangutan Puteri with baby Photo: Derek Smith Above photo:Male Lion in the African Savannah. The News Paw s Team Edito r Julie-Anne Smith Sub Edito r Daniel Scarparolo Writing & Production Rowena O’Byrne-Bowland Design Geoff Scales, Michelle Fleming Printing and prepress Quality Press Advertising enquiries Julie-Anne Smith (08) 9474 0444 julie-anne.smith@perthzoo.wa.gov.au All content © copyright Perth Zoo except where noted. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the copyright holders. Published by Perth Zoo, 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth, Western Australia 6151. Phone: 61 8 9474 0444 Web: www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au Published 2009 ISSN 1449-227X F G R E E N H O U S E R I E N Y D L newspaw s | Summer 2009/10 Message from the CEO One of the roles of zoos is to build awareness about conservation and wildlife, particularly the protection of biodiversity. 2008 was the Year of the Frog, which was a global education campaign. In addition to the awareness programs at Perth Zoo, we commenced a research and breeding program for a local amphibian, the threatened White-bellied Frog (Geocrinia alba). For 2009 Year of the Gorilla we have worked with other zoos on a mobile phone recycling campaign. Now, to coincide with the birth of a critically endangered Sumatran Orangutan at the Zoo, we are increasing our effort with the Don’t Palm Us Off campaign, which highlights the loss of wildlife and habitat as a result of palm oil farming in South-east Asia. Perth Zoo has joined with Zoos Victoria, Zoos South Australia, Taronga Conservation Society of Australia and Auckland Zoo in this campaign to request that food stuffs which contain palm oil be labelled so that we can all be aware of a product’s content. The aims of the campaign are to increase public involvement in abating the threats to orangutan and other wildlife in South-east Asia; raise awareness about the impact of consumer decisions on the environment; and call for food producers to ensure they use sustainable sources. People can show their support for the campaign by registering their details on our website or by filling in a Don’t Palm Us Off postcard when they visit the Zoo. See the article in this edition of News Paws for more information about this campaign. Another article in this News Paws acknowledges one of Perth Zoo’s much valued partners, the Water Corporation. With sustainable management of the earth’s resources a shared objective the Water Corporation and Perth Zoo have developed a strong relationship over many years. Their latest contribution, the Perth Zoo Conservation Calendar, in conjunction with print media sponsor The Sunday Times, is yet another great partnership project. We could not continue our work without long-term partners such as the Water Corporation and, on behalf of the whole Zoo, we sincerely appreciate their support. Susan Hunt Chief Executive Officer Perth Zoo acknowledges the support of its sponsors:
Ultrasounding Perth Zoo’s Botanic Heritage You’ve heard of ultrasounding pregnant women to make sure their unborn child is healthy, but have you heard of ultrasounding trees? Perth Zoo has kept many plant species which were originally planted under the guidance of the Zoo’s head gardener, Harry Steadman, from 1899–1929. In order to keep these and other trees healthy, a lot of work needs to be done by our present-day horticulturists. Perth Zoo horticulturists examine trees for signs of decay or distress such as poorly tapered branches, buckling, loose bark or cracks. This is especially important when you’re looking at trees that are over 100 years old and have seen many seasons, storms and changes. Internal problems are obviously more difficult than external ones but that doesn’t mean they should be overlooked. This is where ultrasound comes in. The PiCus ® machine is just one of the tools that arborists – or tree surgeons – use to assess the tree’s health and whether there is any internal decay or damage. Likened to an ultrasound machine, it provides a non-invasive way to detect poor health in trees. Sound waves are transmitted through a degraded section of the branch or trunk and a sectioned image, or tomogram, is produced. The image is colour-coded and shows healthy, altered and decayed woods, allowing the arborist to determine whether the tree poses any risk. The limb or section of the tree is removed if necessary. “Perth Zoo is probably the healthiest park or plant collection I have ever come across in my 35 years in the industry,” says Perth Zoo Horticulture Curator Andrew Blake. “I can see two reasons for this: great plant diversity and the presence of animals. These are also the reasons for the good health found in undisturbed bush areas. “This means our botanic collection is in such good health that the trees Above: Bowden Tree Consultancy tomogram generated using the PiCus ® . machine. Right: Bowden Tree Consultant using the PiCus ® . machine. Photos courtesy of Bowden Tree Consultancy. live longer than in many other parks and gardens. Just like elderly people or animals, old trees can have trouble with strength in their limbs or being affected by extremes such as storms and being knocked so they require careful management. Tomograms are another tool in helping us keep the Zoo’s botanic collection healthy.” If a branch needs to be removed, that doesn’t mean it’s no longer useful. Perth Zoo keepers are always on the hunt for branches that can be used in exhibits as behavioural enrichment, to help stimulate climbing, curiosity and other natural behaviours in their animals. “Whenever we’re pruning and have to remove a limb we need to be careful not to cut it up too quickly. The keepers are always looking for ‘exhibit furniture’ and often need a branch that is shaped ‘just so’,” says Mr Blake. So what is the result of our horticulturists’ hard work? The great ambiance and feeling of immersion you experience when you walk into one of the Zoo’s geographical zones and see plants that reflect the native vegetation of an African savannah, native Australian bushland or Asian rainforest, as well as some very healthy animals. Summer 2009/10 | newspaw s 3
Page 1: Puteri’s Princess Perth Zoo’s O
Page 5 and 6: Rough terrain in which the field wo
Page 7 and 8: New Quokka Breeding Program Quokkas
Page 9 and 10: Photo by Phil England How to Build
Page 11 and 12: cliffs were placed around the exhib
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

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?