Autumn 2009 - Perth Zoo

Meerkat Manor
Perth Zoo’s OfficialM agazine | Autumn 2009

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Contents
Exfoliating Bliss for our Elephants 3
AuSSI, AuSSI, AuSSI 4
What’s in a Name? 5
Christmas Baubles for Orang-utans 6
New Female Giraffe 6
New Hope for Rescued Orang-utans 7
Kidz Biz Insert
Happening Works 11
A Day in the Life 12
In the Field 13
Meerkat Manor 14
The Red List 15
Docents Delivering Delights 16
Talking Zoo 16
What’s on at the Zoo? 17
A Frog-hopping 2008 17
Supporting Your Zoo 19
Cover photo:Meerkat family. Photo by Daniel Scarparolo
Above photo:Perth Zoo CEO Susan Hunt with a Little Penguin.
The News Paw s Team
Edito r Julie-Anne Smith
Sub Edito r Debbie Read
Writing & Production Rowena O’Byrne-Bowland,
Daniel Scarparolo
Design Geoff Scales
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
This product is printed on ENVI Carbon Neutral Paper.
Please recycle.
Published 2009 ISSN 1449-227X
newspaw s | Autumn 2009
Message from the CEO
It is with much pride that in this edition of News Paws
we announce that Perth Zoo’s ground-breaking project
to establish an Open Sumatran Orang-utan Sanctuary
at Bukit Tigapuluh National Park in Sumatra, Indonesia,
is now a reality. The sanctuary is now open and has its
first residents.
This achievement would not have been possible without
our conservation partners the Australian Orangutan
Project, the Frankfurt Zoological Society, the Sumatran
Orangutan Conservation Programme and the support of
the Indonesian Government. These partnerships, along
with the great work and commitment of the Zoo team
and the public donations to Perth Zoo’s Wildlife
Conservation Action fundraising program, have made
this project possible.
Our Curator of Exotic Mammals, Leif Cocks, and
Primates Supervisor, Clare Campbell, travelled to
Sumatra in January to assist with the arrival of the first
orang-utans at the sanctuary. The sanctuary will provide
ongoing care in a rainforest setting for ex pet-trade and
orphaned orang-utans that cannot be successfully
introduced to the wild as part of the ongoing Sumatran
Orang-utan re-introduction program at Bukit Tigapuluh.
Perth Zoo staff will continue to play a key role in the
sanctuary, providing advice and expertise, developing
individual management plans for the orang-utans, as
well as husbandry routines, enrichment programs and
care techniques suited to the individual orang-utans.
They will also provide training for sanctuary staff.
Importantly, the sanctuary will also provide a base for law
enforcement surveillance including anti-poaching and
anti-logging surveillance, as well as a conservation
research facility.
Whilst at Bukit Tigapuluh National Park, Leif and Clare
also visited Temara, the Perth Zoo-born orang-utan who
was released into the Park in December 2006. It is
wonderful to know that Temara is thriving in the wild
preparing the way, I hope, for other such re-introduction
programs for critically endangered species.
I hope that you enjoy reading and seeing how your
donations to Perth Zoo’s Wildlife Conservation Action
are making a difference.
Susan Hunt
Chief Executive Officer
Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme
Australian Orangutan Project
Frankfurt Zoological Society
Perth Zoo acknowledges the support of its sponsors:

Exfoliating Bliss
for our Elephants
Perth Zoo’s Asian Elephants are enjoying the health and
skin care benefits of regular mud baths as part of their
new exhibit facilities at the Zoo.
The recently completed $5 million Asian Elephant exhibit
redevelopment has trebled the size of the exhibit and
includes mud wallows, scratching poles, sensor-activated
drinking fountains, a new pool and new barn facilities.
The redevelopment of the 20-year-old elephant exhibit,
funded by the State Government and staged over four
years, provides significant benefits for the elephants and
visitors.
The largest capital works project at Perth Zoo for more
than 15 years, the new exhibit provides more space, new
facilities and new enrichment activities for the elephants.
It also provides new visitor facilities including an
amphitheatre, additional visitor viewing areas overlooking
the female elephants’ mud wallow and pool and a new
conservation interpretation hub.
The new exhibit, opened by Environment Minister Donna
Faragher in January, includes two additional exercise and
display yards for the elephants.
These two additional yards are joined by a gate creating
one large area with a grove of mature rainforest trees for
the female elephants, 52-year-old matriarch Tricia and
20-year-old Permai.
Importantly, these additional areas have freed up the
original elephant yard for the exclusive use of the bull
elephant, 20-year-old Putra Mas, who now also has a
Above: The new amphitheatre. Inset: Permai enjoying a mud bath.
new barn and his own mud wallow.
Mud baths provide very real benefits for the elephants.
They cake themselves in the mud then rub their bodies
against the scratching poles, exfoliating dead skin.
In addition to feeling good and providing protection from
the sun and insects, the mud wallows are also fun and
stimulating for the elephants.
Providing Putra Mas with his own space away from the
females simulates the natural social structure of Asian
Elephants. In the wild, the family unit consists of related
female elephants, their young and an older, more
experienced female elephant known as a matriarch. Tricia
is Perth Zoo’s matriarchal elephant. Male elephants tend
to be solitary and only interact with females to mate.
The elephants have taken well to their new exhibit,
delighting in new behavioural enrichment opportunities.
For the female elephants, access to each of their yards is
varied to provide a stimulating and differing environment.
In addition to the expansion of the exhibit, the
redevelopment project included the creation of Bukit
Station, a themed interpretive centre that educates visitors
about the importance of rainforests and threats to these
precious ecosystems. Here visitors can watch films about
rainforest animals. A life-sized, life-like model of a baby
Asian Elephant provides the perfect photo opportunity
for children.
Daily keeper presentations at the new amphitheatre
provide visitors with the opportunity to learn all about
these gentle giants and ask the keepers questions.
Autumn 2009 | newspaw s
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AuSSI, AuSSI, AuSSI!
Not afraid to get her hands dirty, Perth Zoo Education
Officer Vicki Lenegan has arrived at Perth Zoo to work
toward the goals of the Australian Sustainable Schools
Initiative WA (AuSSI-WA).
Based on the principles of sustainable development,
AuSSI provides a framework and resources to help
schools and their communities develop a whole-school
approach to Education for Sustainability.
The framework is centred on the idea of the ‘ecological
footprint’ that is comprised of five interconnected
components that need to be addressed: Biodiversity,
Purchasing and Waste, Water, Energy and Air.
Perth Zoo is a key partner in this initiative, specifically in
biodiversity, which is one of the Zoo’s core conservation
messages.
Funded by the Department of Education and Training,
Ms Lenegan is responsible for developing and
implementing new education experiences designed for
each of the educational phases of development – early
childhood (Kindergarten to Year 3), middle childhood
(Years 4–7), early adolescence (Years 8–10) and late
adolescence (Years 11 and 12).
The education experiences deliver complex conservation
messages in ways that are understandable to primary and
secondary students, and motivate students to take action.
Lesson in a Lunchbox is for students in Kindergarten
to Year 3 and uses their school lunchbox contents to
illustrate the effects of consumerism on the environment.
One part of this program is the Garbage Garden. Three
garden beds at the Zoo’s Homestead have been filled
with a variety of plastic, paper and food stuffs found in
student lunchboxes. The three beds will be refilled on
rotation every three months so that students can see how
long things take to break down.
newspaw s | Autumn 2009
Ms Lenegan says the Garbage Garden highlights the
impact of landfill and rubbish on our environment and
native wildlife.
“Students will be able to see organic material break down
while the synthetic material remains,” Ms Lenegan said.
“The basic message for students is that it is easy to
contribute to conserving the environment by simply using
less of the Earth’s resources. Choosing products with little
or no packaging is a great starting point. Reducing the
amount of plastic wrapping you use in your lunch might
seem insignificant but if everyone makes an effort we can
see great change.”
For students in Year 4–7, Backyard Safari looks at the
importance of habitat for wildlife survival and how to
create a fauna-friendly garden at home and school.
Bushland Real Estate, directed at Year 8–10 students,
examines the factors threatening the survival of cockatoo
species, particularly habitat destruction. Students are
encouraged to build nest boxes that will help sustain
native wildlife.
The south-western Australia biodiversity hotspot is the
focus of Being Conservative. Human activity is putting
increasing pressure on the species in the region. Students
in Year 11 and 12 are introduced to the Zoo’s Native
Species Breeding Program as well as the effort that goes
into its conservation programs.
For more on how your community or
school can become sustainable, visit
or
contact Vicki Lenegan on 9474 0457.
To make an education booking, visit
the Zoo’s website or call 9474 0365.

What’s in a Name?
Have you ever wondered what the words in italics after
animals’ names mean or wondered where they come
from? These are the scientific names used to help
scientists communicate effectively across countries
and languages about organisms. Called taxonomy, this
process is used to name, describe and classify the earth’s
organisms, from the tiniest bacteria to the world’s largest
mammal.
Taxonomy is an important part of communicating biological
knowledge between scientists around the world. Species
might be known by different common names but they only
have one scientific name, which is universal. For example
the African Painted Dog is also known as the African Wild
Dog, Cape Hunting Dog and Hunting Dog but it only has
one scientific name – Lycaon pictus.
Taxonomists arrange organisms into groups that share
common characteristics such as those relating to their
structure, methods of reproduction, genetic makeup
and evolutionary trends. This helps us understand the
relationships between organisms, their similarities and
differences.
Species are named and classified using the Linnaean
system developed by Swedish botanist and medical
doctor Carl Linnaeus (1707–1778). This is the basic
framework for our contemporary methods of classification.
In this system, all organisms are identified by two-part
scientific names with a genus and a species name,
written in Latin.
The Linnaean system is hierarchical, which means it
categorises animals in several groups and subgroups
depending on how similar or different they are to other
organisms. Organisms are first classified into bigger
groups, with broader shared characteristics and gradually
become more specified the further down the system.
There are generally eight levels of classification. Domains
are the broadest group and include Archaea, Bacteria and
Eukarya. These are followed by Kingdoms comprised of
Monera (bacteria, blue-green algae), Protista (single-cell
organisms and algae), Fungi, Plantae (plants) and Animalia
(animals). Next follows Phylum, Class, Order, Family,
Genus and Species. Further down the levels of classification,
the organisms share more similarities and fewer differences.
When a new organism is discovered, scientists first look to
its anatomical or genetic features for similarities to other
species. The organism is then named, the choice of which
is usually given to the discoverer of the new species.
Taxonomy isn’t just about classifying organisms. It can
help conservation efforts for endangered species. Related
species may have similar ecological requirements such as
habitat, diet or breeding. Understanding these
requirements to help prevent extinction in one species may
help preserve several others. When a species is used to
learn about another, it is called an ‘analogue species’. This
is especially important in captive breeding programs where
successful breeding of one species can help to breed a
related species.
Taxonomy of species is constantly being reviewed because
of scientific debate and as new discoveries come to light.
This science helps us see the level of biodiversity, or the
variation of organisms, in an area as well as the level of
relatedness and difference between these organisms. In
addition to helping classify all living things, it is an
important step in better understanding and therefore
conserving our planet.
Common Name African Painted Dog Dingo Tasmanian Devil Human
CLASSIFICATION
Organism: noun, Any individual life form that is able
to reproduce and grow, eg a plant, animal or microorganism.
Domain Eukarya Eukarya Eukarya Eukarya
Kingdom Animalia Animalia Animalia Animalia
Phylum Chordata Chordata Chordata Chordata
Class Mammalia Mammalia Mammalia Mammalia
Order Carnivora Carnivora Dasyuromorphia Primata
Family Canidae Canidae Dasyuridae Hominidae
Genus Lycaon Canis Sarcophilus Homo
Species pictus dingo harrisii sapien
Scientific Name Lycaon pictus Canis dingo Sarcophilus harrisii Homo sapien
Autumn 2009 | newspaw s
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Christmas Baubles
for Orang-utans
Perth Zoo’s Sumatran Orang-utans
had a very special Christmas when
they received paper maché baubles
filled with treats.
The special baubles were made by
Year 3/4 students at Manning Primary
School as part of an ongoing
Technology and Enterprise project.
The students had previously made
animal-shaped piñatas for the Zoo’s
tigers and cheetah after researching
the animals’ habitat and diet.
Senior Orang-utan Keeper Kylie
Bullo asked the students’ teacher,
Kylie McCarthy, if the students could
make piñata baubles for the orangutans
in time for Christmas.
“It was great doing a purposeful
activity with a conservation focus
where the kids could see an
outcome,” Ms McCarthy, who is
also a volunteer at the Zoo, said.
The orang-utans’ piñatas contained
weetbix, rice crackers, popcorn and
dried fruit and were made to look like
Christmas baubles. The orang-utans
receive various items like this as part
of their behavioural enrichment
program to help stimulate natural
behaviours such as food foraging.
newspaw s | Autumn 2009
Top: Semeru and Sekara with their
Christmas treat.
Above: Manning Primary students with
baubles.
Comprised of non-toxic materials,
the baubles were suspended from
platforms and poles in the orangutans’
exhibits. Tearing into the
baubles with their teeth, the orangutans
extracted the food using their
fingers and turning them upsidedown.
Three-year-old male Semeru
had a lot of fun with his bauble,
wearing it as a hat once mum Sekara
had eaten the majority of the food.
Ms Bullo saíd the baubles were a
very successful treat. “The orangutans
were very intrigued and
curious,” she said.
“It’s always good to give them
something new and they were such
a big hit. Hopefully we’ll do it again
next year.”
New Female
Giraffe
A one-year-old female giraffe has
made the 2,800 km journey from
South Australia to Perth Zoo to
become the latest addition to the
Zoo’s giraffe herd.
The giraffe, named Asali, which
means ‘honey’ in Swahili, left Monarto
Zoo in South Australia on 3 November
and arrived at Perth Zoo at around
6am on 5 November. The 2.8 metre
tall giraffe travelled by road with two
zoo keepers and a veterinarian from
Monarto Zoo, stopping every two
hours along the way.
After arriving at Perth Zoo, keepers
began integrating Asali with the
existing herd of four giraffe – male
Armani, Misha (who has given birth to
five giraffe at Perth Zoo), Marama, a
17-year-old female, and Mapenzi who
was born at Perth Zoo on Christmas
Eve 2007. The introductions included
encouraging Asali into the night
quarters and allowing the other giraffe
to interact with her over the fence in
the adjoining night quarters.
Giraffe are a herd species and are
very accommodating of new female
arrivals. Once the giraffe had tactile
contact, the keepers opened the
gates and let her mingle with the
herd within two days of her arrival.
Once she was on display, she was
quite relaxed in her exhibit and could
be seen frolicking and playing with the
Zoo’s other one-year-old, Mapenzi.
Perth Zoo is part of an Australasian
breeding program for giraffe. Once
Asali reaches sexual maturity at about
five years of age, it is hoped she will
breed with the Zoo’s resident breeding
male, Armani. Since 1995, six giraffe
have been born at Perth Zoo.
Asali and the rest of Perth Zoo’s
giraffe herd can be seen in the African
Savannah with two female zebra,
Missy and Shona.

New Hope for
Rescued Orang-utans
Following the historic release of Perth Zoo-born orangutan
Temara into the protected Bukit Tigapuluh National
Park in Indonesia in November 2006, Perth Zoo has
funded the construction of an open orang-utan
sanctuary at Bukit Tigapuluh.
Bukit Tigapuluh National Park, in Sumatra, is home to
over 100 rescued ex-pet and orphaned Sumatran Orangutans
that have been reintroduced to the wild as part of
international efforts to re-establish a population of these
critically endangered animals in the wild.
However, not all rescued orang-utans are able to adapt to
life in the wild and therefore require specialist care.
The aim of the open orang-utan sanctuary is to provide
ongoing care in a rainforest setting for rescued ex-pet
and orphaned orang-utans that cannot be successfully
reintroduced to Bukit Tigapuluh National Park, with the
aim of releasing their offspring into the park. The sanctuary
opened in February and now has its first residents.
In addition to funding the sanctuary, Perth Zoo – a world
leader in breeding Sumatran Orang-utans – and its staff
have played a key role in providing advice and expertise
for the establishment of the sanctuary including the
development of management plans for the sanctuary’s
new residents.
Perth Zoo staff have been involved in developing
husbandry routines, care techniques suited to individual
orang-utans, forest skills, staff training and enrichment
programs for the orang-utans.
Top: The sanctuary site during construction.
Above: The completed sanctuary.
The orang-utans in the sanctuary are part of an intensive
program, tailored to the animals’ individual needs to help
them develop independence. Each orang-utan is
assessed to see whether they explore their environment
effectively and find enough food to survive. The residents
receive daily care and supplementary food, and have
access to night quarters if required.
Perth Zoo staff will visit the sanctuary twice a year to help
staff, assess the orang-utans’ behaviour, create new
enrichment programs and develop management plans for
new residents.
Employees working with the orang-utans at the sanctuary
will have minimal contact with older infants brought to the
sanctuary to encourage natural behaviours and reduce
their reliance on humans.
It is hoped that the care they receive at the sanctuary will
Autumn 2009 | newspaw s
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New Hope for Rescued Orang-utans
“Local community involvement is a critical
factor in the success of habitat and
wildlife conservation initiatives.”
lead to some orang-utans being able to return to the wild
permanently.
The sanctuary is located in the buffer zone surrounding
Bukit Tigapuluh National Park. The buffer zone is
important to the effectiveness of the park and used for
projects that are complimentary to the outcomes of the
park including sustainable logging and the open sanctuary.
The strategically selected site is significant in terms of
habitat protection, and the permanent presence of
sanctuary staff will provide the added bonus of preventing
illegal exploitation of the land.
The sanctuary also provides a base for law enforcement
surveillance including anti-poaching and anti-logging
surveillance, as well as a conservation research facility.
Perth Zoo Chief Executive Susan Hunt says the sanctuary
is also providing local employment.
“Local community involvement is a critical factor in the
success of habitat and wildlife conservation initiatives,”
Ms Hunt said.
“This project has been possible thanks to the co-operation
and joint efforts of Perth Zoo, the Indonesian Government,
the Frankfurt Zoological Society and the Australian
Orang-utan Project.
“The sanctuary is an important part of Perth Zoo’s in situ
research and field work and supports the Zoo’s mission
to secure long term populations of species in natural
environments, while engaging the community in global
conservation action.
“Bukit Tigapuluh National Park is an extremely important
area of land. Guarded by specially trained anti-logging and
anti-poaching Wildlife Protection Units, it is the only
National Park in Sumatra with a complete representation
of Sumatran mega fauna including Sumatran Tiger,
Sumatran Elephant, Sun Bear, tapir, possibly Sumatran
Rhinoceros and now the re-established population of
Sumatran Orang-utan.”
A released juvenile orang-utan.
newspaw s | Autumn 2009
Top: Sleeping and living quarters. Above: The kitchen.
Over 100 Sumatran Orang-utans have been released into
Bukit Tigapuluh since December 2002 including Perth Zoo
born Temara (see below). The target is to release 200
orang-utans into the park to provide an adequate genetic
base for the population to be self-sustaining in the future.
The national park has the capacity to support up to 1,000
orang-utans.
The Wildlife Protection Units monitor and guard the
reintroduced orang-utans, and have been responsible for
halting logging and poaching activities within the park
boundaries.
Bukit Tigapuluh National Park currently spans 140,000 ha
and it is hoped that this can be expanded to at least
250,000 ha in the near future. There is also discussion
about the park becoming a world heritage site.
Thanks to generous community support, Perth Zoo’s
fundraising program, Wildlife Conservation Action, raised
over $216,000 last year for the conservation of threatened
species in the wild. This included conservation projects in
Bukit Tigapuluh National Park and contributed to the
funding of the orang-utan sanctuary. If you would like to
support the conservation of threatened species in the wild,
please donate to Wildlife Conservation Action. See page
18 for a donation form.
Temara – Two Years On
16 November 2008 marked two years since Temara first
ventured out into her new home in the Sumatran rainforest
at Bukit Tigapuluh National Park. Born and bred at Perth
Zoo, Temara became the world’s first zoo-born orang-utan
to be released into the wild.
Now 16 years old, she is still tracked and monitored daily

and is doing very well in her new home. The following
extracts are from Perth Zoo’s head orang-utan keeper
Kylie Bullo’s diary. They record Temara’s progress over the
past year.
January 2008
Temara has established herself near the River Pengian, in
an area used as a traditional rubber plantation. It contains
a plentiful supply of semi-wild fruit trees. This portion of
the park has been used by many reintroduced orangutans
over the past two years and it is still frequented by
most of them.
February 2008
Perth Zoo Exotics Curator Leif Cocks and Primates
Supervisor Clare Campbell visited Bukit Tigapuluh National
Park on 26 and 27 February to check on Temara’s
progress. Whilst there, Leif and Clare were able to observe
her activities and give her a close physical inspection.
They found that Temara was in good mental health and
that her overall physical condition was good, although she
had low body fat due to a poor fruiting season.
Temara is eating two to three types of fruit per day, though
this might vary depending on what is available. She likes
to eat figs and kedondongs. Temara has also been
receiving supplementary food from her trackers. She never
comes to the ground, makes good nests for sleeping and
wakes up early enough to go foraging. In general, these
are very good developments.
June 2008
Trueman Faulkner (Perth Zoo’s Exotic Mammal Supervisor)
and I visited Bukit Tigapuluh National Park to assess
Temara’s condition and observe her behaviour. We followed
Temara for six consecutive days and gave her a thorough
Top: Temara, Perth Zoo born Sumatran Orang-utan in Bukit
Tigapuluh National Park. Above: Wildlife Protection Unit.
physical check. She was in excellent condition at her ideal
weight of 45 kg and had long, shiny, healthy hair.
Trackers Herman and Perihzal now have a close
relationship with Temara. They are often amused with
some of her habits, like swooshing the milk around in her
mouth to make it last longer. Temara also has a new
tracker named Rian.
We assisted the trackers in relocating Temara to a more
suitable foraging site, north of the Pao Pao River. Temara
does not tend to interact with other orang-utans, preferring
to be solitary. This does not surprise us because adult
female orang-utans often only travel with their offspring,
usually seeking other orang-utans only to mate.
October 2008
Temara has explored her territory well this month, mostly
staying near the Pao Pao River. She has eaten a variety of
wild food (fruit, leaves, flowers and stems). Temara was
seen interacting with young orang-utans Jenggo and
Mona.
Autumn 2009 | newspaw s
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New Hope for Rescued Orang-utans
This month Temara managed to elude
her trackers for six days, which she had
never done before. She impressed
everyone because she made her way
back to the release site at the quarantine
station. This is very positive as it shows
that Temara has a sound knowledge of
her surroundings and can easily
navigate what is now her ‘home range.’
November 2008
A new supplementary feeding regime
was implemented after Trueman and
I checked on Temara in June. Temara does not receive any
tracker-provided food for two days out of the week to
encourage foraging for wild food sources.
Temara arrived in the Park to an abundant supply of fruit
but experienced a very poor fruiting season in 2007/2008.
We hope that this season will be better for her. The true
test of adapting to the wild will be surviving the dry season
by utilising other wild food sources such as termites, stems
and leaves.
The Background
Temara’s inclusion in the reintroduction program at Bukit
Tigapuluh National Park provides the opportunity to
increase the numbers and genetic diversity of the orangutan
population at Bukit Tigapuluh.
Classified as critically endangered, Sumatran Orang-utans
are the slowest reproducing species in the world. Females
have their first infant at around 15 years of age and then
every nine years thereafter.
Temara was chosen for the release program because she
exhibited high intelligence and a curiosity about her
surroundings. It was expected that these behaviours,
coupled with her independent nature, would help her
prosper in the rainforest environment.
At 14 years of age, Temara had reached the natural age of
dispersal (when an animal leaves its mother) for a female
orang-utan. Orang-utans suckle their young for the first five
or six years and female orang-utans stay with their mother
a further six or so years to learn essential mothering skills.
Males usually leave their mother after about eight years.
Ms Bullo spent the first three months after Temara’s release
helping Temara adjust to her new life. Since then, Perth
Zoo-employed Indonesian trackers Perihzal, Herman and
newly appointed Rian have been monitoring and tracking
Temara’s progress with Perth Zoo staff making regular visits.
Monitoring Temara’s Progress
Temara and the other orang-utans that call Bukit Tigapuluh
National Park home are monitored to ensure they remain
healthy. Below are some of the things that the trackers and
Perth Zoo keepers look for when observing Temara.
Ability to Make a Night Nest
Night nests are made out of leaves and twigs and provide
newspaw s | Autumn 2009
Above: Trackers with a released orang-utan.
Below: A river near the sanctuary site.
shelter for orang-utans while they sleep. Temara is very
skilled at making night nests. Though initially she started
by making a hurried night nest just before sunset, Temara
soon learned to build it earlier so she could be settled
before dark.
Arboreal
Orang-utans are arboreal (tree-dwelling) and spend much
of their time moving through the trees in search of food.
An incident with an angry swarm of bees shortly after her
arrival made Temara come to the ground but she is now
completely arboreal.
Navigation of Habitat
Orang-utans may travel long distances in search of food.
They must be able to navigate their way around the
rainforest to survive. Temara has an excellent mind-map,
proven by the fact that she found her way back to the
release station after eluding her trackers for a few days.
Ability to Find Food
The rainforest is ecologically complex. Fruiting patterns are
not always annual and may be plentiful in one area and
almost non-existent in other areas. It will take at least five
or six years for Temara to recognise the rainforest fruiting
pattern.
She must also learn to gorge herself on food when there
is an opportunity, in order to create fat stores to protect
against the poorer fruiting periods and areas. Until then,
her trackers are still supplementing her diet to maintain her
ideal body weight.

Happening Works
Crocodile Smile
for New Exhibit
You’ve heard that you’re not
supposed to smile at a crocodile but
Simmo the Estuarine Crocodile will
forgive you if you smile about the
redevelopment of his exhibit in the
Australian Wetlands.
Work has begun to extend Simmo’s
exhibit with a large outdoor area
which will include a natural pool,
crocodile feeding station and a new
12 metre glass viewing area for visitors.
Australian Fauna Curator John Lemon
says the redevelopment is designed
to simulate the Estuarine Crocodile’s
natural environment.
“The new exhibit will include Pandanus
grass and a rock escarpment frame
from which the keepers will feed
Simmo,” Mr Lemon said. “Estuarine
Crocodiles are capable of launching
half their body length out of the water
in an ambush attack and the public
will be able to see this unique
behaviour.”
Visitors will also be able to see Simmo
bask in the sun which he presently
does in a mostly out-of-sight area. As
ectotherms, crocodiles thermoregulate,
or heat and cool their bodies, to
maintain a temperature of 30–32°C.
Thermoregulation is vital for many
bodily functions including digestion
and movement. When basking in the
sun, they position their bodies to
ensure the maximum surface area is
exposed to the sun’s rays.
They don’t have sweat glands and
prevent overheating by submerging
their bodies in the water, swimming,
or lying with their jaws agape to allow
cool air to circulate over the skin in
their mouth.
You can visit all 500 kg and 4.8
metres of Simmo the Estuarine
Crocodile in the Australian Wetlands –
and yes, he is real.
Otter-ly Exciting!
It has been 15 years since the birth
of Oriental Small-clawed Otters at
Perth Zoo but now, with an exhibit
upgrade and some planned new
arrivals, it is hoped the breeding
program can start again.
The previous home of the Sulawesi
Crested Macaques is being converted
into an exhibit suitable for a new
breeding pair of otters. When finished,
Eco-Loo for Zoo
You requested it and we have listened.
Perth Zoo is planning the addition of
an environmentally-friendly toilet facility
in the south-west corner of the Zoo.
It will be located near the Nocturnal
House and will have male and female
facilities, a dedicated accessible toilet
facility and a state-of-the-art parenting
room nestled in lush, comfortable
surrounds.
Visitor Services Coordinator Nikki
Beynon says there is a need for a
toilet facility in this section of the Zoo.
“The opportunity exists to do
something different to the usual brick
and tile facility,” Ms Beynon said.
the redeveloped exhibit will be able
to house up to 16 otters.
The exhibit will have a pond with
various water features and a water fall.
Jungle trees, shrubs and dappled
light around the stream will create a
rainforest-like environment.
The landscaping will provide nooks
and crannies for the otters to explore
and the exhibit will improve visitor
viewing opportunities and engage -
ment with these playful animals.
The existing otter exhibit and a new
off-display area with ponds and nest
boxes will be used to house otters
that are not part of the breeding group.
Multiple exhibits will allow keepers to
effectively manage the otter breeding
program, as the otters can be divided
into male and female groups, and the
breeding pair can be housed together.
Our current otter group consists of
two male and one female siblings
born on Valentine’s Day in 1994.
© Chindarsi Architects
“We’d like the new toilets to be a
working example of a naturalistic,
sustainable design in keeping with
our conservation messages.”
To make way for the new eco-loo,
some plants will be relocated to other
areas of the Zoo and suitable jungle
species will be cultivated in keeping
with the rainforest theme.
An unusual and unique Plum Pine
(Podocarpus elatus) will be retained
and featured, giving visitors the
opportunity to see a previously
hidden, mature specimen.
Perth Zoo is pleased to be able
to address this visitor service need.
Construction is scheduled to begin
in mid-2009.
Autumn 2009 | newspaw s
11

12
A Day in the Life of…
Josh Laming, Horticulturist
With a passion for the environment,
plants and seeds, Josh is the friendly
face you might see peering from the
gardens on your next visit to the Zoo.
Josh started as a horticulture
apprentice at Perth Zoo in 2005 and
after three years as an apprentice he
was recently offered – and accepted –
a contract as a qualified member of
the horticulture team.
“I’m so grateful that I was given this
opportunity to learn in a place that
has 110 years of botanical history
and to gain knowledge from some
very experienced and passionate
horticulturists,” Josh said.
“Every day I learn something new. The
flora here is so unique. I get to work
with many different types of Australian
native plants, as well as species from
around the world that match the
origins of our animals.”
One of Josh’s highlights working at the
Zoo is being involved in monitoring the
growth and habits of terrestrial orchids
in the Australian Bushwalk and
educating the public about these
orchids, which he describes as WA’s
hidden gems.
And as Josh now knows, there is
more to horticulture than just planting
plants. The team’s plant knowledge
was tested during the development
of the new Sun Bear exhibit for female
Bopha and male Jamran.
“The exhibit had to be landscaped,
which is not just about aesthetics,”
Josh said. “We had to consider the
geography, the function of the plants
in the exhibit and whether any of the
plants would make the Sun Bears sick
if eaten. We also had to make sure the
plants were appropriate for the Asian
theme.
“It was so rewarding to watch the
bears roam in their newly built and
vegetated exhibit for the first time after
we had worked so hard. We have
received great feedback from visitors.”
newspaw s | Autumn 2009
A Day in Josh’s Diary
Starting at 6:30am, my daily duties can range from maintaining the Zoo
gardens (pruning, weeding, mulching, watering and planting), fixing
reticulation problems and collecting fallen tree limbs, propagating plant
species in the nursery, assisting with exhibit design and even research on
plant propagation methods.
We recently developed the vegetation for the new Goodfellow’s Tree
Kangaroo exhibit and its surrounds, to simulate the species’ native Papua
New Guinea habitat. My role included sourcing plant species, preparing the
area with reticulation, positioning the plants in a natural design, and
furnishing the gardens with mulch and ‘fallen’ logs.
We had phenomenal support in completing the project, through the
donation of various plants by the Docents (including some large tree ferns
and birds’ nest ferns) and five priceless tree ferns from Christian Brothers
College after they approached the Zoo to see if we could use them.
Several large logs needed to be moved into the exhibit for the kangaroo to
climb and also into the surrounding gardens. Over a dozen people from
various sections of the Zoo including keepers, Facilities and Environmental
Services and Visitor Services staff helped. They all devoted many hours of
hard labour which shows how dedicated the Zoo community is. It was great
to be a part of such a joint effort.
The process continues with the maintenance of the plants in the exhibit to
make sure they are healthy and thriving.
My day varies quite considerably depending on what is going on in the Zoo
grounds but it’s great to do what I love in such a beautiful environment.

In the Field
Rehabilitating the Outback
3–16 December 2008
Location: Lorna Glen (named Matuwa by the
traditional owners), 1,100 km north-east of Perth
Perth Zoo Field Worker: Cathy Lambert (Senior
Keeper Native Species Breeding Program)
Goals
Australia has had more mammals become
extinct over the past 200 years than any other
continent, with arid regions affected the most.
Operation Rangelands Restoration, an initiative
of the DEC, seeks to rehabilitate the ex-pastoral
lease of Lorna Glen and reintroduce 11
mammal species native to the area by 2020.
The project includes controlling feral species
and monitoring the progress of released native
animals through radio tracking and trapping.
Perth Zoo keepers have assisted with the
development of Lorna Glen on several
occasions. In this instance, I returned as a
volunteer because I really enjoyed my first
experience, am passionate about conservation
and believe in the importance of this project.
Initially, only Bilbies and Brushtail Possums are
being reintroduced because they are best
adapted to coping with small numbers of feral
predators. The project will progress to other
species such as Numbats, Chuditch and
bandicoots if they do well.
Highlights
The homestead where we were based is beside
a creek, which means the tall river red gums
provide shade and luscious vegetation that
attract many different mammal, reptile and bird
species. At the end of a hot day, there is nothing
like relaxing with a cold drink, discussing the
day’s events while being immersed in the wildlife.
Yellow-spotted Monitors were constant visitors
– we even had the rare opportunity of watching
a pair mate. I also had a Yellow-spotted Monitor,
a possum and a few bats visit me inside the
homestead, although they were quick to depart
when they realised they weren’t alone.
Challenges
The heat was the main thing – most days
hovered around 40°C. There are bugs
everywhere too. I slept with a mosquito net
because I prefer to have my sleeping bag free
of wildlife, though some people bravely slept on
the veranda without protection. You have to
keep your eyes open, carry a torch and wear
Perth Zoo and its staff are committed to the conservation of
species in their natural habitats. Field work is an important part of
any conservation project working with animals in the wild. Many of
the projects in Western Australia that Zoo staff participate in are
run by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).
Here is a case file through the eyes of one of our staff members.
shoes at night, and be wary of
Stimson’s Pythons wrapping
themselves around the toilet
cistern (though that’s part of
the charm of this area).
Our objective was to get a location on each
radio-collared animal every day, which might
involve walking for a kilometre or two or driving
along tracks and putting the radio-mast up on
the back of the ute to see how close to the
signal we were. This can prove difficult if they
move longer distances, so occasionally a plane
would be called in to locate them from the air.
This process is especially important if one of
the animals has died. The transmitted signal
changes if the collar has been still for a long
period of time. When we find a dead animal we
have to try and work out why it died – perhaps
from environmental factors, or native or feral
predators. Our ‘forensic’ efforts included taking
photos, investigating stomach contents, looking
for footprints, scratch marks on the body and
predator attack patterns. Ascertaining cause of
death helps the DEC determine and address
the problems that may be associated with
reintroducing native species.
Benefits
It’s great to do hands on in situ (on location)
work beyond the Zoo grounds because it
extends my knowledge and ability to do my
job well. I can apply my improved under -
standing of native species behaviours
acquired at Lorna Glen to better simulate
natural habitat and meet the husbandry
needs of species at the Zoo. It’s very
satisfying when you can see the progress of
the reintroduced animals and know you’re
making a direct contribution to conservation.
Other Notes
Restoring the biodiversity and the ecology of
this vibrant, idyllic area is an important step in
conservation. Caretakers appointed by the DEC
look after Lorna Glen year round by erecting
fences, controlling camels and getting involved
in cat baiting programs. The DEC pays for the
travel, accommodation and food of volunteers
so there are no ‘out of pocket’ expenses for
any of us. Lorna Glen is also open to public
camping, so you can see this unique part of
Australia for yourself.
Lorna Glen
Cathy Lambert about
to release a Bilby
Bilby
Autumn 2009 | newspaw s
13

Photos: Derek Smith and Daniel Scarparolo
14
Meerkat Manor
The meerkat manor at Perth Zoo is
abuzz with activity following the
arrival of three new additions – the
first meerkats born at Perth Zoo in
nearly eight years.
Born on 27 November, the meerkat
kits spent their first few weeks
venturing in and out of their nest box
to explore their home in the Zoo’s
African Savannah – only to be
promptly carried back in mum or
dad’s mouth.
Their eyes opened ten days after
birth, already bearing the trademark
black rings around their eyes. The
meerkats’ excellent vision is in part
due to these dark rings of fur as they
reduce glare from the sun.
The three youngsters began weaning
and had their first solids, consisting
of a snack of meal worms, after one
month.
Their parents have been very
protective, taking turns at sentry
duty looking out for threats while the
young kits play and learn meerkat
behaviours such as how to forage
and be sentries.
In the wild, the meerkat on sentry
duty is very important as he or she
keeps a look out for predators while
other group members forage for
food. The sentries stand on their
hind legs to get a good view of aerial
predators like hawks or ground
predators such as jackals. Once a
threat is spotted, the sentries let out
an alarm call and the group dives
into its burrow.
It is very important that the young
newspaw s | Autumn 2009
kits learn to recognise the alarm call
and mimic the adult meerkats as
they scurry away and hide from
potential threats.
The alarm call is just one of at least
ten vocalisations made by meerkats.
One of these vocalisations includes a
rhythmic low-pitched peeping noise
made by the sentry to let the other
group members know they are still
on guard.
Meerkats are members of the
Mongoose family and are extremely
social animals, living in groups of up
to thirty individuals. They are very
territorial and fiercely defend their
home from other meerkat groups.
Meerkats live in complex burrows
which have a number of entrances
and tunnels. Their elaborate living
arrangements provide alternative
exits or escape routes if an intruder
invades their home. They are
particularly sensitive to the cold and
sleep huddled together for warmth.
Foraging during the day, meerkats
are agile hunters, feeding on insects,
spiders, other small animals, roots
and bulbs. They do not have any fat
stores, so they must forage for food
every day. Meerkats are particularly
adept at catching scorpions. They
quickly bite off the tail to avoid being
stung and then eat the arachnid.
The Meerkat family can be seen in
their exhibit next to the Radiated
Tortoises in the African Savannah.

theredlist
Red List Status: Critically Endangered
Secretive and solitary in nature, Long-beaked Echidnas
have proven a challenge for researchers to locate and
study in New Guinea. Three Long-beaked Echidna species
were recently recognised by the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and listed as critically
endangered on the 2008 Red List of Threatened Species.
Little is known about the ecology of Long-beaked Echidnas,
especially their reproductive habits, though they are
thought to be similar to their close cousin the Shortbeaked
Echidna.
Long-beaked Echidnas are found only in New Guinea
while the Short-beaked Echidna is found in Australia,
New Guinea and some off-shore islands.
Long-beaked Echidnas are the largest monotremes (egglaying
mammals) on earth, with the Eastern Long-beaked
Echidna the largest.
Long-beaked Echidnas can be distinguished from the
Short-beaked Echidna by their larger body size and their
long, tubular snout which accounts for two-thirds of their
head size.
They usually have thick fur which varies from shades of
light brown to black and may have white markings on
their face, paws and rump. Unlike the Short-beaked
Echidna whose spines are visible, Long-beaked Echidnas’
spines are usually only visible above the fur on their back,
flanks and tail.
Their diet consists predominantly of earthworms which
they forage for by creating ‘nose pokes’ in the soft earth.
The echidnas then extract the worms using their long
tongue which is uniquely adapted with sharp spines that
latch onto the earthworm. Instead of teeth, echidnas have
horny plates located at the rear of the mouth that grind
the food for easy digestion.
Thought to be nocturnal and spending the day sheltered
in shallow burrows or hollow logs, Long-beaked Echidnas
are found in a variety of predominantly high-altitude,
remote habitats. The Western Long-beaked Echidna
prefers humid, alpine highland forests while the Eastern
Long-beaked Echidna ranges from tropical hill forests to
sub-alpine forests, grasslands and scrub. Attenborough’s
Long-beaked Echidna is found in the tropical montane
moss forests of the Cyclops Mountains.
These New Guinea natives were reclassified based on
the geographic separation of the populations, number
of claws on their digits, differences in their pelt and
variations in their skull structure. The western species
(Z. bruijnii) tends to have three claws, with the first and
fifth missing from its digits whereas the eastern species
(Z. attenboroughi and Z. bartoni) usually have five claws
on each foot.
Long-beaked Echidna
pawprints
Western Long-beaked Echidna Zaglossus bruijnii
Eastern Long-beaked Echidna Zaglossus bartoni
Attenborough’s Long-beaked Echidna Zaglossus attenboroughi
Long-beaked Echidnas are threatened due to habitat lost
from logging, mining and farming, as well as being hunted
for food by the local people. Further on-ground research
into their ecology needs to be undertaken and hunting
regulations put in place to aid conservation efforts with
these species.
Perth Zoo Australian Fauna Supervisor Arthur Ferguson
believes that the reclassification of Long-beaked Echidnas
from one species to three is very important for their
conservation.
“The Long-beaked Echidnas’ official recognition as three
distinct species highlights how little is known about these
creatures. While they were listed under one scientific
name they appeared to have a greater distribution. Now,
the separate population distributions reflect the
seriousness of their situation,” Mr Ferguson said.
Perth Zoo has one of the few successful breeding
programs of Short-beaked Echidnas, with the birth of
three echidnas since 2007. It is hoped that newly acquired
knowledge of the echidnas’ reproductive biology,
behaviour and social structure could be applied to assist
future conservation efforts with the three species of Longbeaked
Echidna which have never been bred in captivity.
While Perth Zoo does not have Long-beaked Echidnas,
you can find our Short-beaked Echidnas in the Australian
Bushwalk. Perth Zoo’s echidna exhibit is proudly
sponsored by Termimesh.
Did You Know?
Attenborough’s Long-beaked Echidna was named after
Sir David Attenborough, renowned naturalist and
zoologist, from a sole specimen discovered by Dutch
botanist Van Royan in 1961. Once believed to be extinct,
its survival has since been confirmed by local accounts.
The Red List website records the conservation status of thousands of mammal and bird species. Check it out at .
Autumn 2009 | newspaw s
Photo: Janie Goodyer / Taronga Zoo
15

16
Docents Delivering Delights
Perth Zoo Docents are best known
as Zoo guides, helping visitors
around the Zoo grounds, but their
contribution to the Zoo is much
broader than that. Some of the
Docents are involved in our Zoo to
You speakers’ program and some
help create behavioural enrichment
items for our animals.
Docents involved in the Zoo to You
program present a variety of
interesting, exciting and informative
talks off-site to community groups,
lifestyle villages and conservation
organisations.
The program is free and provides
people who might not have ready
access to the Zoo the opportunity to
learn about the Zoo’s conservation
and breeding programs, new animal
arrivals, latest initiatives and to learn
about the behind the scenes aspects
of running a Zoo.
Subjects include ‘The Long, the
Short and the Tall’, ‘Breeding WA
Endangered Species’, ‘Living Wild
in Captivity’ and ‘Predators of the
Savannah’.
Zoo to You presenter and volunteer
Lesley Wall says it’s an absolute
privilege to be able to present to
people and see their faces light up.
“The talks often stimulate memories
and sometimes we even learn a
thing or two ourselves. I was talking
to a group in Wanneroo once and
one of the ladies had a black and
white photo of a goat cart with a little
girl at the Zoo. We have the same
photo in our archives and it turns out
she was the little girl!” Ms Wall said.
newspaw s | Autumn 2009
The animals at Perth Zoo also
benefit greatly from the contribution
of Docents who help create
behavioural enrichment items.
These special items are designed to
physically and mentally stimulate the
animals and to encourage natural
behaviours such as foraging.
The ‘surprise boxes’ – five boxes
sitting within each other – are the
primate equivalent of pass-theparcel.
These are given to the Lesser
Primates and Sumatran Orangutans.
Each layer contains a variety
of edible treats including popcorn,
straw, sultanas and nuts.
The orang-utans also receive special
iceblocks made of three separately
frozen layers. Diluted fruit juice forms
the inner and outer layers while the
central layer contains an apple, pear
and nut mix.
Resident Sun Bears Jamran, Bopha
and cub Maly receive bamboo
shakers filled with unsalted popcorn
and sultanas. A fig is used to plug
the hole so the bears must manipulate
the shaker to retrieve the treats.
Tokoloshe the Cheetah enjoys
hessian sacks filled with herbs such
as rosemary and lavender. The
different smells stimulate her senses.
Docent Behavioural Enrichment
Coordinator Tricia Watson says that
approximately 3,000 hessian sacks
and 5,000 boxes of various sizes
were used in 2008 to make
enrichment items.
“It is a huge commitment to under -
take but also immensely rewarding
knowing that you are aiding in the
well-being of our wonderful Zoo
animals,” Ms Watson said.
All behavioural enrichment items
are approved by the keepers and
veterinary staff to ensure they are
suitable for the species, non-toxic
and are incorporated into the
species’ dietary requirements. The
items designated for each type of
animal change on a regular basis
to keep them intrigued.
You might be lucky enough to see
some of our animals receiving their
special treats on your next visit to
the Zoo.
Left: Ring-tailed Lemur with surprise box.
Above: Docents Terry Goodman (lt) and Eveline
Read (rt) make a bamboo ladder for the baboons.
Talking Zoo
Perth Zoo is happy to announce that it
is making available ‘Talking Zoo’ audio
files FREE on its website to enhance
your Zoo experience.
Originally provided as an in-Zoo iPod
based service, Talking Zoo has
evolved into a FREE online service
where visitors can download hours of
animal information onto their iPod,
MP3 player, mobile phone or PDA.
Thirty-six animal fact files, featuring
some of Perth Zoo’s most popular
species, can be incorporated into
formal education experiences in the
Zoo by teachers and students or
downloaded by those with print or
learning disabilities as an alternative
method of receiving the conservation
information.
Perth Zoo acknowledges the kind
support of its partner in the project,
Lodingo.com, for making the files
available for download free to users.
To access the files, go to the Talking
Zoo page located at
.
Docent intake
The Perth Zoo Docent Association
is looking for people interested in
becoming a Docent as part of the
annual Docent recruitment intake.
If you can offer two-days-a-month to
help the Zoo and you have as much
passion for people as you do for
animals, then the Docent Association
would like to hear from you.
More information and downloadable
application forms are available at
or leave your details on (08) 9474 0401.

What’s on at the Zoo?
14–29 March City of South Perth Fiesta
The City of South Perth Fiesta is sure to be a treat for all ages
and includes the Como IGA and Karalee on Preston Free
Opening Concert featuring Aussie rock icon Ian Moss, the
Mends Street Carnivale, art exhibitions and many more
exciting events.
Visit for a downloadable copy
of the program.
20 March Teacher Zoo Snoozzz
This teacher-only sleepover is a unique after hours and
behind-the-scenes opportunity for educators to learn more
about Perth Zoo. Workshop sessions provide curriculum-linked
ideas for preparing students, structuring Zoo experiences and
designing follow-up activities to ensure maximum benefit is
gained by students from their Zoo experiences.
Time: 4:30pm–10:00am the following day
Cost: $80 (GST inclusive)
To book your place or for more information call our Education
Team on (08) 9474 0365.
22 March Totally Best Family Day Ever
Organised by the City of South Perth, this free event at James
Miller Oval offers fun for the whole family with face painting,
fire engine rides, performances and demonstrations. Come
and see the Zoo’s stall and say hello to our staff.
Time: 10:00am–2:00pm
28 March–5 April Conservation Week 2009
Conservation Week is the largest community focused
environment event in Western Australia that connects the
community and the environment and celebrates the work of
conservation organisations, community groups and individuals
all across the state.
Organised annually by the Conservation Council of WA,
Conservation Week celebrates Western Australia’s unique
environment with a number of special activities including the
Biodiversity in our Backyard Photography Competition, Citizen
Science Project and the 2009 Conservation Awards.
Photography competition finalists will be on display at Perth
Zoo during Conservation Week.
To find out more about Conservation Week or how you can get
involved visit or contact the
Conservation Council on 9420 7266.
A Frog-hopping 2008
Last year, along with many other
zoos and conservation organisations,
Perth Zoo hopped in to help out our
amphibian friends.
2008 Year of the Frog supported
by Water Corporation at Perth Zoo
was aimed at raising community
awareness about amphibians and
the extinction crisis.
Perth Zoo contributed $17,900 to
frog conservation through Wildlife
Conservation Action.
28 March Geography, Environmental and
Earth Sciences Day (GEES Day)
GEES Day offers Year 10 students who are interested in a
career in geography, earth sciences and environmental sciences
the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities and listen
to a series of presentations by specialists in these fields.
Time: Morning 9:30am–11:40am OR Afternoon 12:15am–2:30pm
Cost: $8 for students (for Zoo entry); one adult admitted free
per 10 students (additional adults $18)
Where: Perth Zoo
If your school is interested in attending, fax your details to
Dr Jennifer Pearson on (08) 9370 6044. Alternatively, phone
(08) 9370 6726 or email .
11–26 April Rapt in Reptiles School Holiday Activities
Come on an adventure of a scaly kind at Perth Zoo. Children
can learn more about the world of reptiles as they enjoy free
reptile themed school holiday activities. Normal Zoo admission
prices apply.
29 March Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Perth Zoo is celebrating the first birthday of its female Sun
Bear cub Maly with a Teddy Bears’ picnic and everyone is
invited – especially your teddy bear. The Teddy Bears’ Picnic
will be jam-packed with lots of extra fun activities. Kids aged
4–15 years enter for just $2 (under 4s are free). More
information available on Perth Zoo’s website.
10 May Mother’s Day
FREE entry for mums on Mother’s Day!
Every Wednesday A to Zoo
Teacher and student education
programs and special events were
held throughout the year.
Year of the Frog has ended but that
doesn’t mean we should forget
about frogs. Perth Zoo is continuing
its frog research breeding program,
but what can you do?
Create a frog-friendly garden
Don’t litter, avoid using harmful
chemicals and conserve water.
Fundraise or make a donation to
Wildlife Conservation Action.
Don’t forget!
Half price entry for adults
on Wednesdays (except
school holidays and
public holidays).
A to Zoo is a new, fun and factual hands-on
program specially designed to cater for under fives
at Perth Zoo. Each week children will be introduced to a
different animal through craft, movement and music and take
a journey through the Zoo grounds to ‘explore’ the animal.
Time: 11am every Wednesday through school term
Cost: Gold coin donation per child (excluding Zoo
admission) – adult supervision is required
Where: Perth Zoo; places are limited
Register at the Information Centre on the day. For more
information contact Perth Zoo Education on (08) 9474 0365.
Grab a Coffee,
Help
Wildlife
Purchase a Grinders Coffee at Sisters
Supa IGA Grinders Coffee bar,
Lakeside Joondalup Shopping City,
and 50c will go to Perth Zoo’s Wildlife
Conservation Action supporting
threatened species in the wild.
Valid until 30 June 2009.
Autumn 2009 | newspaw s
17

18
Conservation
status: Vulnerable
Help save Sun Bears and other
threatened species from extinction.
YES! I wish to m ake a donation to Wildlife Conservation Action
Please find enclosed my donation of (please tick): $100 $50 $30 $20 Other $
I wish to pay by:
Credit card – please fill in details below or call (08) 9474 0350
Cheque/money order – make payable to Perth Zoo’s Wildlife Conservation Action
Return this coupon with your donation to:
Perth Zoo, PO Box 489, South Perth WA 6951
newspaw s | Autumn 2009
What your donation
can do:
$10
$30
$76
$100
$200
$300
Credit card details: Visa Mastercard Bankcard AMEX
Card No __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ Expiry Date
Name on card Signature
Address Suburb Postcode
Telephone Email
Please tick if you require a receipt All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible within Australia.
can provide one rescued orang-utan
with food for one week
can buy a pair of boots for a
member of an anti-poaching unit
in Sumatra or Africa
can contribute to life saving
veterinary supplies
can help purchase vital wildlife
monitoring equipment
can help buy an anti-snare and radio
collar for an African Painted Dog
can help fund critical research into
the deadly Chytrid fungus in our
native amphibians

Looking for alternative gifts
to chocolate this Easter?
Kids’ books and soft toys
There is a huge range of kids’ books and soft
toys available from Zoonique, Perth Zoo’s shop.
You don’t have to visit the Zoo to go wild in
Zoonique, just ask for your ‘Zoo Shopper Pass’
at the main entrance.
Perth Zoo supports international fair trade,
recycled, Australian-made and environmentally
friendly products.
OPEN 7 DAYS 9am–5pm
For a
limited time
SAVE $40
Perth Zoo Animal Paw Prints
For the animal lover in all of us, make an impression with a
Perth Zoo animal paw print. Professionally framed and lifesized,
there are over 25 native and exotic animal paw prints
in the range.
Discounted prices start from $85 and support Perth Zoo’s
vital breeding and conservation programs.
(Limited stock available. No further discounts apply.)
Visit to see
the complete range of prints available.
Zoo Friends discount
Remember Zoo Friends receive a 10% discount at Zoonique, Perth Zoo’s shop.
Not a Zoo Friend? Visit our website and join today.
Become a Zoo Parent
Adopting an animal is a fun way to support
Perth Zoo’s vital breeding and conservation
programs, and is a thoughtful gift for friends
and family of all ages.
Any of Perth Zoo’s animals are available for
adoption and comes with
a personalised adoption
certificate with a picture of
the chosen animal, as well
as a one-year subscription
to Perth Zoo’s quarterly
magazine, News Paws.
Prices start from $50.
Visit
for more information.
Autumn 2009 | newspaw s
19

Teddy
Join Free the Bears and Perth
Bears’
Zoo in our first
Picnic Sunday
29 March
A jam-packed day with lots
of fun extra activities…
Help celebrate our Sun Bear cub
Maly’s 1st birthday
Kids$2 entry
(ages 4–15)
School holiday fun
11–26 April
Come and see
our scaly friends
FREE
kids’ activities
For more information visit www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au
under 4 FREE