The African Lion can run up to 60km/hr and leap up to 12 metres. To conserve their energy, they often sleep up to 22 hours a day.
Taronga Blog
Devils Settle In (28/7/2010)
We couldn't be happier with the way our Tasmanian devils have settled in to their new exhibit. Bunyip and Devitt, brother and sister joeys born last year, love their wallaby "road kill" feature and are displaying many natural feeding, foraging and climbing behaviours.
Gorillas Rounded Bellies (28/7/2010)
One of the most common questions we get asked after our Keeper Talk is: “Is that gorilla pregnant?”. The majority of the time the answer is no, “but why do their bellies look so big?”.
Barinya Soars Closer to Free Flight Bird Show (26/7/2010)
Once found weak and unable to fly, Barinya the White Bellied Sea Eagle has slowly graduated to short flights over the amphitheatre at the QBE Free Flight Bird Show which she now calls home.
Zoo Veterinarian Dr Larry Vogelnest talks about a changing world (23/7/2010)
Come along and listen to guest speaker Dr Larry Vogelnest, Senior Veterinarian at Taronga Zoo, speak about Climate Change at the Animal in Art forum titled A Changing World, Thursday 5 August 2010at 7pm at the Western Plains Cultural Centre.
Let's groove at Zoo Grooves (22/7/2010)
Mental as Anything will headline Zoo Grooves this October long weekend, Saturday 2 October 2010 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
Penrith Platypus Shows Just How Tough These Egg-Laying Mammals Are (21/7/2010)
We Zoo keepers weren't at all surprised to see the recent story on the platypus surviving being accidentally caught in a treatment plant in Western Sydney.
A Whisker into Leopard Seal Life (19/7/2010)
As the only two Leopard Seals to be cared for by a Zoo anywhere in the world, Casey and Sabine, Taronga Zoos’ Leopard Seals are providing researchers with a unique opportunity to study and learn about one of the Antarctic's top order predators.
Winter Joeys At Taronga's Wild Australia (15/7/2010)
New koala and kangaroo joeys at Taronga Zoo’s Wild Australia are just beginning to poke their noses out into the winter chill from their mothers’ pouches.
Lace Monitors First Glimpse at Life (14/7/2010)
A baby Lace Monitor got its first glimpse of life thanks to the efforts of Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s Wildlife Hospital.
Taronga Celebrates NAIDOC (9/7/2010)
Hi, I am Natasha, Aboriginal Education Officer at Taronga Zoo. Since recently starting at the zoo I've been caught up in school holiday fever with all the NAIDOC celebrations that are going on in the Zoo. NAIDOC week recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and their contributions to the Australian community.
Gung Also Celebrating (7/7/2010)
Taronga’s bull elephant, Gung, is also celebrating a birthday this month following his son’s, Luk Chai, first birthday last Sunday.
Little Penguin Trio Return Home To The Open Ocean (6/7/2010)
Taronga Zoo, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Little Penguin, Taronga Wildlife Hospital
Luk Chai Celebrates His First Birthday (4/7/2010)
There was a feeling of anticipation at Taronga Zoo’s elephant exhibit today as the keepers prepared special treats for the elephants to celebrate the first birthday of Luk Chai – the first elephant calf born in Australia.
Researching wild Dugongs in Moreton Bay (1/7/2010)
In June, with 17 other researchers, I helped catch 20 wild dugongs in Moreton Bay, off Brisbane in Queensland to check their health and reproductive status.
Keeping warm in the cold weather (30/6/2010)
As Dubbo’s temperature plunge there’s been a number of frosty starts to the mornings, so some of the animals are finding ways to beat the winter chills and stay warm.
Echidnas Get Busy (25/6/2010)
Generally seen strolling along the ground or half buried in soil for a sleep in the wild, the Echidnas at Taronga’s Education Centre which meet students and visitors have been given a new exercise regime.
Helping to Save the Sumatran Rhino (25/6/2010)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo and its visitors have helped raise over $1200 at Rhino May Day last month to help save the critically endangered Sumatran Rhino.
Rhinos the Winners at Establishment for Taronga Foundation (24/6/2010)
The annual Taronga Foundation Dinner at The Establishment in Sydney set a new record last night, raising $300,000 for wildlife.
Kufara is growing up fast (24/6/2010)
Over the past few weeks, our new Black Rhino calf Kufara has grown in confidence as well as size. We estimate that she would now weigh at least four times her birth weight and be around 120 kilograms.
Tarongas Fiordland Penguin Steps Out for Conservation (23/6/2010)
Yesterday 650 school students got up close to the only Fiordland Crested Penguin to be cared for by a zoo anywhere in the world! Taronga’s cheeky Mr. Munro waddled down to the Zoo’s Bird Show Amphitheatre much to the excitement of local school students who have been learning about penguins for over a month as part of ‘Project Penguin'.
Old Chimps Get Top Care at Taronga (22/6/2010)
Taronga Zoo is proud to care for some of the oldest chimpanzees in the world, and this year three of our 'old girls' are celebrating168 years between them.
Four calves and more possibly on the way (22/6/2010)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo has welcomed its fourth Eland calf in the past three months. Born on Friday 11 June 2010 this male calf is now coming out from its hiding place and mingling with the herd including the three other calves. Once born female Eland will hide their offspring because in the wild they would be easy prey for animals such as Lions.
Hippos enjoy a change of scenery (22/6/2010)
While the Hippo Lake and Beach area undergoes some maintenance, the Hippos are enjoying a change of scenery in their temporary home.
Warming Up On A Brisk Monday Morning (21/6/2010)
Taronga's popular Meerkats have hardly noticed the colder weather, warming up under heat lamps in their exhibit if they feel chilly.
Looking Out For the Little Penguin (16/6/2010)
Education staff from Taronga Zoo and Little Penguin specialists have been out in the Manly area with local school students recently for the next stage of Project Penguin.
A Fearless Success (15/6/2010)
The last two ‘Fearless at Taronga’ programs in April were another great success. ‘Fearless at Taronga' is a short course which aims to address fears and phobias of spiders, reptiles and amphibians, through education and increased awareness.
Snow Leopards Settle In (11/6/2010)
The carnivore moves continue with Taronga's two stunning Snow Leopard youngsters moving from Snow Leopard Mountain to the old Sun Bear exhibit.
Three Months On And Going From Strength To Strength (10/6/2010)
At three months of age today our second elephant calf Pathi Harn now clocks in at a whopping 226kgs and is a healthy bundle of fun, energy and noise. He’s a really great calf with so much to learn. And learning is something that he’s doing a lot of by constantly mimicking mother Porntip, the aunts and companion, Luk Chai. Things such as watching them drink from the moat, eating pineapple tops or seeing Luk Chai balance on a log is what Pathi Harn attempts to do only moments after watching the behaviours himself.
Flying Back Lighter Into The WIld (10/6/2010)
Yesterday Taronga Wildlife Hospital nurse Gemma successfully released the now healthy Kookaburra that only weeks ago was too fat to fly.
Koala Proofing at Taronga (9/6/2010)
Australian Fauna has a lot happening with koalas including renovations to Koala Walkabout and the need to rehouse the four resident koalas during this time. After some thought and planning we decided to move them into the Echidna Yard.
Seeing and supporting Indian Rhinos in the wild (9/6/2010)
Earlier this year I travelled to Assam in north-eastern India to visit Manas and Kaziranga National Parks on the three week trip for the Asian Rhino Project and the International Rhino Foundation to inspect work on two conservation projects the Taronga Conservation Society Australia (TCSA) is helping to fund.
Elke Tests The Water With Bobo (7/6/2010)
There has been a lot of action amongst our Francois Langur community at Taronga. Our hand-raised female Elke has moved up to join our two new Langurs from Beijing. The pair was bought to Taronga to complete the typical harem society of Francois Langurs in the wild.
Rare Visitors Blow in to Taronga Zoo (4/6/2010)
Taronga’s Wildlife Hospital has come to the rescue of some very rare seabirds that have experienced the worst of Sydney’s recent wild weather.
Kookaburra Lightening The Load (4/6/2010)
I’m feeling really happy with the progress of the overweight kookaburra. Today I weighed her, and she has dropped another 2 grams!! This puts her at a weight of 478g, which means that I am close to releasing her!!
Make a difference this World Environment Day (4/6/2010)
World Environment Day is an important day on the calendar as it promotes environmental awareness. This Saturday is World Environment Day and aims to build awareness of the environment and encourage people to take action.
Zoo research helping to manage wild populations (2/6/2010)
The Wildlife Reproductive Centre (WRC), based at Taronga Western Plains Zoo applies innovative research techniques and data obtained from zoo-based populations to better understand factors contributing to population viability of key species. This includes determining population numbers and dynamics, reproductive health and well-being of individuals and populations.
Gorilla Anniversaries (31/5/2010)
It has been a very exciting week for our gorilla family with two of the male gorillas celebrating their birthdays only a day apart. Kibabu, our silverback, celebrated his 33rd birthday (25th May) while his son, Fataki, celebrated his 7th birthday (24th May).
Critically Endangered Regent Honeyeaters at Home in the Wild (28/5/2010)
Just three weeks after the zoo-bred Regent Honeyeaters were released into the wild, reports from the field have confirmed the birds are adapting well to their new life.
Wombat recovering well after being hit by car (28/5/2010)
In early April, a member of the public brought in a wombat which had been hit by a car. The wombat had head injuries and couldn’t use his legs correctly.
Rainstorm the Perfect Time for A Warm Elephant Dip (27/5/2010)
Right in the middle of yesterday’s rainstorm, the herd headed for the moat. It’s not uncommon for them to take a dip on rainy days as their moat is actually quite warm.
Little Trotters Keeping Warm (26/5/2010)
Miniature piglets at Backyard to Bush’s farmyard are keeping their little trotters warm. The eight tiny piglets were born almost two weeks ago and are staying dry in their parents’ straw-filled shelter.
Cheetah gets a health check (26/5/2010)
Today Ushindi, one of our hand-raised Cheetah born in 2008, had his annual health check. We were keen to check his development and to ensure he was fit and well.
Taronga's Elephants Get Special Buddhist Visit (25/5/2010)
As pineapple tops were scattered throughout the paddock, Taronga’s female elephant herd along with Luk Chai and Pathi Harn had some very special onlookers.
Carnivores Make a Move (19/5/2010)
If you walk past the Kodiak Bear exhibit and see something black and shiny climbing the trees, don’t be too alarmed. Today was moving day for our Sun Bears, Victoria and Mr. Hobbs.
A Successful Release (18/5/2010)
Keepers packed up early Friday morning and made the journey home from Chiltern.
Keepers Saddened by Little Langur's Passing (17/5/2010)
Early this morning we discovered that our female Francois Langur, Saigon, wasn't carrying her infant, Ganju. Unfortunately, while searching the exhibit, we found Ganju on the ground showing no signs of life. He was rushed to our Wildlife Hospital, however, our veterinarians confirmed the langur had died early today.
Penguin Project Kicks Off (17/5/2010)
Taronga Zoo's Project Penguin 2010 kicked off today! The first half of the Primary School Students from around Manly visited the Zoo to begin learning all about their locally endangered Little Penguin colony.
Three Weeks And Going Strong (14/5/2010)
Time has flown by as keepers try to keep up with baby Francois Langur, Ganju’s amazing progress. Yesterday, he celebrated his three week birthday, a big milestone in any infants life.
Regents Explore the Bush (14/5/2010)
Volunteers and keepers spent yesterday afternoon and today tracking the 43 Regents that we have sent out into the wild.
Breeding time for White Rhinos (14/5/2010)
Our White Rhinoceros herd is doing well with Nadira the last calf born at the Zoo recently turning two. She’s getting closer to being the same size as her mother.
Kufara's horn starts to grow (14/5/2010)
Rhinos are born without horns - for obvious reasons! The first horn begins to grow within a week or two, followed by the rear horn developing at around three months of age.
Zoo supports Rhino May Day (14/5/2010)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is supporting Rhino May Day to help raise awareness for the plight of the five Rhino species in the wild.
More Regents Take Flight (13/5/2010)
Monday's Qantas flight to Albury carrying the second group of 21 Regents was delayed due to thick fog, with the temperature plunging down to 1.5C!! Glad I was there last week!!
Amala - Big and Beautiful (11/5/2010)
Amala, the Greater One -Horned Rhinoceros arrived at Taronga Western Plains Zoo last year from Los Angeles. She is a future breeding partner for Dora, our adult male Greater One-Horned Rhino. Amala is only four years old and weighs approx 1200kgs. We will consider introducing this pair when Amala is a little older and approaching 1600kgs. Amala has settled into her new home quite well and is becoming comfortable with her daily routine.
Wombat Road Accident Victim (10/5/2010)
Today we had a very sad reminder of just how vulnerable our precious native wildlife is. A male Common Wombat was bought to Taronga’s Wildlife Hospital late yesetrday after being hit by a car.
More Regents Take to the Sky (10/5/2010)
We released the second group of Regent Honeyeaters on Saturday morning. This group took a little longer to leave the tents, with the last bird not flying away until around 3pm.
Taronga celebrates the dedication of its volunteers during National Volunteer Week (10/5/2010)
Taronga celebrates the dedication of its volunteers during National Volunteer Week. Check out the video and learn more about the Zoos’ quiet achievers
Regents Fly Free (7/5/2010)
This morning our local volunteers came out to help and then we opened the tent zippers on two tents. One group of Regents flew out in about five minutes and the second group left gradually, with the last two birds really taking their time and flying off after about two hours.
COCKROACH AND CRICKET SNACKS (7/5/2010)
Not many people realise what it takes to make sure all of the animals at Taronga Zoo are fed the appropriate diet. With many species, this needs to include live vertebrates, or insects. That doesn’t mean a fly here and there or a cricket or two. We are talking in the tens of thousands and tens of kilos.
Mum's the word at the Zoo (7/5/2010)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo has a number of reasons to celebrate Mother’s Day this year with an abundance of first time mothers giving birth over the past few months!
Mbeli Moves to Melbourne (6/5/2010)
It was a sad day for primate keepers when our eldest juvenile female gorilla, Mbeli, departed for Melbourne Zoo last Tuesday. Our keepers have been working very closely with her over the past few months training her for this big day. Mbeli came to be understand basic cues like target, stay and hold. This enabled our keepers to move her calmly away from the gorilla group leading to a perfect separation when all was ready for her to go to Melbourne.
Regents Arrive in Victoria (6/5/2010)
The first group of Regent Honeyeaters arrived in their transport boxes on a Qantas flight at Albury airport yesterday morning. They then made the journey with keepers to the Chiltern release site.
A morning walk elephant style (6/5/2010)
This morning our two female African Elephants, Yum Yum, (41) and Cuddles (38), enjoyed another early morning walk around the zoo. The mornings are getting cooler now and so they are keen to get out and get the blood pumping.
Chiltern Gets Ready For The Regents (4/5/2010)
We arrived in Chiltern late yesterday and have spent today setting up the temporary housing for the Regents. This involved putting up the tents, putting tarps over the tents and constructing branches for perching inside the tents. It is essential that everything is securely in place, as we have heard we might have gale force winds coming our way!!
Dust Bath and Tyre Tricks (3/5/2010)
Youngest calf Pathi Harn spent the time after his bath today making sure that he added a nice dusting of dirt over all that clean skin. This is something all elephants do and often thought to add a nice protective barrier against sun and insects for the rest of the day.
Regent Honeyeaters and Keepers Stocking Up for Release (30/4/2010)
The Regents are all getting on well and are eating from native flowers just as they should be!
Celebrating World Tapir Day (30/4/2010)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo has celebrated World Tapir Day with a daily keeper talk this week. Hundreds of people across during the week came to learn about Tapirs which are the frequently misidentified species.
Swimming in the Rain (30/4/2010)
As the rain fell this morning over Taronga, our female elephant herd chose to take to their moats and waterfalls.
Bison Leotie heads south of the border (29/4/2010)
Born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in 2008 to Shoshone and Cherokee Bob, Leotie, has been a popular animal in the herd during her time at the Zoo, but now it is time for her to move out of home away from mum and dad. to a new herd.
Baby Rhino named Kufara (29/4/2010)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s bouncing new Black Rhino calf has now been named Kufara, meaning "happiness” in the African Shona language.
Indah the Sumatran Tiger makes public debut (28/4/2010)
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Frank Sartor today visited Taronga Western Plains Zoo to announce the official public debut of Indah the Sumatran Tiger.
Tiquie Typifies Tapirs on World Tapir Day 27 April 2010 (27/4/2010)
World Tapir Day is a great time to see one of the world's most elusive creatures. Ordinarily they're really hard to see in the wild but here in the Zoo they're actually one of the animals that enjoys interactions with keepers the most.
Mbelis Moving On (23/4/2010)
ver the last few months we’ve been training and conditioning our gorilla group to prepare for our eldest female juvenile, Mbeli, to travel to Melbourne to join the international breeding program for this endangered species.
Update on Gung from Zoo Communications Department (23/4/2010)
Ten-year old male elephant Gung seemed to really enjoy his play session with the keepers today.
Help name our Black Rhino (21/4/2010)
Grant Denyer from Sunrise today visited Taronga Western Plains Zoo to launch the naming competition for the female Black Rhino calf, which was born on Wednesday 17 February 2010.
We have been nominated for an award! (21/4/2010)
We are excited! Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s Zoofari Lodge has been nominated for the 2010 Australian Gourmet Traveller Travel Awards for the Getaway Best Family Experience.
Help name our Black Rhino calf (21/4/2010)
Grant Denyer from Sunrise today visited Taronga Western Plains Zoo to launch the naming competition for our new female Black Rhino calf, which was born on Wednesday 17 February 2010.
Adelaide Regents Meet the Zoos (20/4/2010)
We introduced the Regent Honeyeaters from Adelaide to our Regents and now they are all living together.
Mahali Grows in Confidence (16/4/2010)
Over the past few weeks we’ve noticed a big change in our youngest infant Mahali. He has started to branch away from his mum more and more, leaving her on one side of the exhibit while he’s off exploring his surroundings on the other side.
You may not be aware but weeds are a problem in Sydney (16/4/2010)
You may not be aware but weeds are a problem in Sydney. Why is it such a problem? Weeds are plants that are not native to the Australian bushland and are known to decrease the biodiversity of native flora and fauna. Weeds disrupt the growth of native plants and in turn remove the niches of our precious native animals.
Eco Fair 2010 (15/4/2010)
Teenagers took over Taronga’s Backyard to Bush environmental exhibit today when it showcased its innovative Boral Youth at the Zoo (YATZ) program, at the annual Eco Fair.
Farewell and Hello Nike! (14/4/2010)
The other day I went out of the zoo to fly my female Peregrine Falcon, Nike. I’ve been training Nike since October now and everyday she’s becoming a more and more competent flier.
Black Rhino calf makes public debut (13/4/2010)
Today was an exciting day with the Black Rhino calf making her public debut, much to the delight of visitors in the Zoo. The calf, which we have affectionately nicknamed Effie, continues to go from strength to strength.
Pathi Harn now weighs in at 156 kilos (12/4/2010)
He is participating in the baths sessions with mum and actually likes getting scrubbed by the keepers
Birthdays and Politics in the Chimp World (8/4/2010)
A two year old's birthday, Easter time, a female catches the eye of three males and internal politics makes for interesting times in Taronga's world renowned Chimp group.
Rare Display of Power (8/4/2010)
It’s recently come to the attention of the Bird Show crew that there is a wild Powerful Owl hanging out in the Zoo grounds. Powerful Owls are a vulnerable species often found in wooded areas, along the east coast of Australia, so to have one in the Sydney CBD area is amazing!
Regents Get Ready to Fly Free (7/4/2010)
Taronga is preparing to release 44 Regent Honeyeaters into the wild to help save the tiny yellow and black woodland bird from extinction.
One of our Tasmanian Devils needs a name (7/4/2010)
Can you help us name one of our Tasmanian Devils?
Pathi Harn's Milk Teeth Start to Show (6/4/2010)
Pathi Harn has now managed to get all four of his legs up and over the edge of his paddling pool and is enjoying splashing around and playing with his beach ball.
Greetings From the Primates (31/3/2010)
One of the very best things about returning to work after a break on the Primate Department is the greeting you get from the Primates, especially the Chimps.
3 Weeks Old Today (30/3/2010)
Over the last couple of days during morning bath times, we get out the baby pool for Pathi Harn. He doesn't get all the way in yet, but puts first one foot and then another into the water. He likes to swish it around with his trunk. We've brought Luk Chai into the barn to show Pathi Harn how much fun he can have in the bath. Luk Chai loves his bath.
Meet the 'Darling' of Taronga's Waterhole, 'Tiquie' the Brazilian Tapir. (29/3/2010)
‘Tiquie’ our Brazilian Tapir, the usually timid creatures of South American rainforests has stolen our hearts with her endearing and affectionate personality.
Black Rhino calf takes to the mud (26/3/2010)
As the weather sits at a warm 30 degrees in Dubbo, Bakhita and her five week old calf have been cooling off with a roll in the mud wallow in their off display exhibit. Whilst at first the calf only wanted to walk through the mud and splash about, after seeing mum take a roll in the wallow, she to thought it would be a good thing to do. After a good five minutes of frolicking in the mud with mum the little calf decided it was time for a well earned rest, plonking herself down by mum for a little morning snooze.
Catch me if you can (26/3/2010)
Playing chases is a pretty regular occurrence on the Cheetah exhibit at present with the four cubs full of energy, especially in the morning.
Taronga's New Calf Enjoys Play with Luk Chai (23/3/2010)
Luk Chai, Australia's first elephant calf is getting to know his new younger herdmate.
Rare Cheetah Cubs come out to play (22/3/2010)
In October 2009 Taronga Western Plains Zoo welcomed four rare Cheetah cubs which are now out on exhibit for visitors to see. Two of the cubs have been identified as the rare King Cheetah, which is a colour variation of Cheetah.
A special birth for a Black Rhino (22/3/2010)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo has welcomed the arrival of a female calf born in the early hours of Wednesday 17 February 2010 to first-time mother Bakhita.
Leading the Elephant Walk (19/3/2010)
Porntip and Pak Boon took a walk around the elephant paddock this morning with us Keepers. We were quite surprised as the calf decided to be the leader, rather than following alongside mum. He was right out in front of them and was pretty confident.
Today for the first time Taronga is celebrating Sustainable Seafood Day! (19/3/2010)
We’re trying to encourage people to eat seafood that is caught in a sustainable manner.
Elephant Calf Still Finding His Feet (18/3/2010)
The young calf has been busy playing with Luk Chai in the top paddock. They push each other about and have a playful wrestle.
Water Play for the Calf (16/3/2010)
The calf, mother Porntip and Pak Boon just went for a dip in the bottom paddock’s shallow pool. The little calf walked right in and was excited to be shoulder deep in water.
Protective Aunts Look After the Calf (15/3/2010)
For the first time yesterday the new calf got to properly meet the other two aunts and eight month old Luk Chai. The six of them hung out in the paddock together and Luk Chai was very excited and interested.
Tarongas Calf Is A Climber (14/3/2010)
The new calf took a walk down to the waterfall today, mostly tucked in tight under his mother, Porntip.
Lots of Exploring for the Elephant Calf (12/3/2010)
Today the calf got to spend a few hours with his mother’s closest elephant friend Pak Boon. Pak Boon is very curious about the calf. She follows him about and watches him closely. Every now and then she touches him gently with her trunk.
Arna and Gigi settle in (11/3/2010)
It has been a little over two years since Arna and Gigi, the ex-circus Asian Elephants arrived at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Both girls are doing very well and have settled into their permanent home.
New Arrival weighs in at 116 kilos (11/3/2010)
Today we weighed the calf with Porntip's help . The mother and calf hopped up onto the scales together and we then encouraged Porntip off so we could get a reading on his weight – 116 kilos! We knew he was a stocky little calf, but that’s an extra 20 kilos on Luk Chai’s birth weight.
Calfs Up And About (11/3/2010)
We’re really pleased with the calf’s progress overnight. He is looking stronger and following his mum, Porntip, everywhere. He’s walking unassisted and suckling a lot from Porntip.
Little Quokkas Rule the Roost with the Newcomers (9/3/2010)
Two kangaroo joeys are learning the ropes at Education’s encounter yard where school children can learn about our native animals.
Making Friends with Barry (4/3/2010)
Barry the Pacific Baza is a stunning addition to our bird show.
Gorilla Youngsters Test the Boundaries (4/3/2010)
Our gorilla family of nine’s always up to antics especially our juveniles and infants.
Zoo Tiger Gets A Mardi Gras Roar (3/3/2010)
With some in body paint and others in crisply pressed uniforms I joined 85 of my Taronga staff mates for a memorable night, marching in Sydney’s 32nd annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
How to be a responsible pet owner? (3/3/2010)
This month you can read our guide on caring responsibly for your own animals at home and do your bit for biodiversity by protecting native wildlife. A dog or cat can be your best friend, but it takes a bit of work, lots of love and some patience.
Cuddles shows off her new skills (2/3/2010)
It is often said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks however at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Cuddles the African Elephant who is 39 years old, is proving this theory wrong having learnt how to kick and pass a football.
Bulldogs meet Dubbo's exotic locals at the Zoo (1/3/2010)
Whilst in Dubbo for a trial match against the Canberra Raiders, the Canterbury Bulldogs took time out from training to visit Taronga Western Plains Zoo. The team came face to face with some of the Zoo’s most iconic animals including the Giraffe, African Elephants and Sumatran Tigers.
Luk Chai Explores At Night (26/2/2010)
Luk Chai has started exploring the lower elephant paddock at night with his Mum and aunties and making the most of the beautiful Sydney evenings.
Rumbin the Hippo turns 24 (25/2/2010)
Celebrations were in order this week for one of our Nile Hippos – Rumbin, who turned 24!
Welcome Back (25/2/2010)
One of the very best things about returning to work after a break on the Primate Department is the greeting you get, especially from the Chimps. While we do not impose ourselves on their world, we, as Primate Keepers, are definitely part of that world and recognition and subsequent greeting is by far the greatest privilege that we get.
An Aussie Name for an Elusive Aussie Bird (25/2/2010)
Sydney is about as far south as you’ll see a Pacific Baza but these ooddly named birds still come through Taronga’s Wildlife Hospital from time to time.
Taronga Marches For Tigers (23/2/2010)
To celebrate Chinese Lunar Year of the Tiger, Taronga Zoo has been working tirelessly to create a five meter long Sumatran Tiger using traditional Chinese lantern techniques to raise awareness for the Sumatran Tiger and the Don’t Palm us off, Palm Oil Campaign.
One, Two, Three Giraffe Calves (19/2/2010)
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Taronga Western Plains Zoo is having a baby boom! Three Giraffe calves in three months is very rare and definitely an adorable sight.
Zoos' Devil Program Produces 22 Joeys (18/2/2010)
Taronga and Taronga Western Plains Zoos’ Tasmanian Devil breeding program has now produced 22 Devil joeys since late 2008.
Love blossoms this Valentine's Day for Viktor (12/2/2010)
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Viktor the Przewalski’s Horse stallion has received an early Valentine’s Day gift with two females being introduced to him in his off display paddock.
Breeding commences for Tasmanian Devils (10/2/2010)
The third breeding season for the Tasmanian Devil insurance population at Taronga Western Plains Zoo is in full swing with a number of pairs already together.
Lace Monitor heads back into the wild (5/2/2010)
A Lace Monitor that was brought into the Taronga Western Plains Zoo Wildlife Hospital in late 2009 after being hit by a car has received his final check up and been released back into the wild.
Rare foal finds his feet in the herd (5/2/2010)
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Now almost a month old, young Bataar, the male Przewalski’s Horse foal, is starting to mingle with the herd more however he still doesn’t venture too far from his mum’s side.
A Star is Born (5/2/2010)
After a couple of months of training, Ripley the Barking Owl starred in her first free flight bird show this week.
International Year of Biodiversity 2010 (3/2/2010)
A welcome message from the United Nations: The United Nations declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity. It is a celebration of life on earth and of the value of biodiversity for our lives. The world is invited to take action in 2010 to safeguard the variety of life on earth: biodiversity.
Lets go fly a Kite.. (29/1/2010)
The crazy ups and downs of the weather lately have made for some interesting flying for Dixie the Whistling Kite. On the hot, still days she has done more sitting than flying but the constantly changing temperatures and wind directions have meant that on other days she’s done some spectacular flying. Southerly breezes bring the best flying conditions to the bird show and those are the days that I feel truly lucky to be doing this job!
Conservation Year of the Gorilla is Not Over Yet (29/1/2010)
As 2009 and the Year of the Gorilla came to an end, the efforts to conserve these majestic animals are still ongoing with conservation and research, education awareness and our campaign “They’re calling on you” for recycling of mobile phones. We’ve all made a difference but we must keep on making a difference, so log onto the icon for our campaign and get involved.
Time for a Telegraph from Queen for Bethyl the beautiful Old Kodiak Bear? (22/1/2010)
Taronga’s giant Kodiak Bear ‘Bethyl’ is celebrated her 33rd birthday this week making her one of the oldest of her species in the world!
Nikes First Free Flight (18/1/2010)
Lately we have been doing quite a bit of work with falcons at Bird Show, rehabilitating Clarkie, lure flying Khan and recently we’ve been training Nike. Nike is a female Peregrine Falcon named after the Greek goddess of Victory. When we lure fly our falcons, the falcons always win. I thought the name was very appropriate.
Pelicans Strolls to Stardom (1) (15/1/2010)
Our three male pelicans in our marine precinct Great Southern Oceans are preparing to show off their amazing wild behaviours in the daily Seal Shows. As part of their training we take them on short stroll from their coastal home and walk them over to the Seal Theatre most mornings.
Hot Weather Calls for Wallowing in Mud! (14/1/2010)
During the recent hot weather the elephant herd have been spending some extra time in their cool mud wallow.
Orphaned Dusty Moorhen growing fast (8/1/2010)
Orphaned animals are regularly brought to Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s Wildlife Hospital however; it is not very often that they are a baby Dusty Moorhen. This young Dusty Moorhen was brought to the Zoo by a member of the public after being found on its own at the Narromine weir.
Tarongas Most Successful Penguin Breeding Season (7/1/2010)
This breeding season has been one of Taronga’s most successful. In the last few months 16 Little Penguin chicks have hatched and there are 10 more on the way!
Lace Montior gets back on his feet (6/1/2010)
A Lace Monitor (often referred to as a Goanna) was brought into Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s Wildlife Hospital in early December by a member of the public after it was hit by a car.
Super Size Chickens (6/1/2010)
The Red Jungle Fowl chicks have quadrupled in size! They were just 30 grams and now at just over 20 days old they’re 147 grams. That’s a lot of growth.
Luk Chai Enjoys a Wash Down Like Everyone Else (5/1/2010)
Luk Chai continues to love his daily bath time, but given that he now weighs over 288 kilos he makes quite a splash!
Tarongas Chimpanzees Ready for 2010 (31/12/2009)
As we’re coming to the end of the year and decade one last Chimpanzee update seems appropriate. Overall they’re enjoying their new surrounds, in particular, the cool of the den areas.
Clarkie decides to go on Christmas Eve (30/12/2009)
After weeks of intensive effort put in by trainer Erin Stone, with our Peregrine Falcon Clarkie, decided he was ready to be released last Wednesday. Originally we wanted to release Clarkie in January but with it being a very windy day on Xmas Eve, the falcon decided it was time to go.
Ripley Takes The Plunge (29/12/2009)
Ripley is on her way at being one of the newest stars of Taronga’s Free Flight Bird Show but, part of her training includes flying out of tricky situations.
Tarongas Otters Enjoyed an Unusual Christmas Feast (25/12/2009)
The Oriental Small Clawed Otters got into the spirit of the season with a Christmas feast of an unusual kind.
Amani and Thembi enjoy their new home (24/12/2009)
On a recent trip to Werribee Zoo we headed out onto the African Savannah exhibit to catch up with male Giraffe boys Amani and Thembi, who were transferred to Werribee Zoo from Taronga Western Plains Zoo in May this year.
Wapiti calf an early Christmas present for the Zoo (24/12/2009)
Christmas has come early at the Zoo in Dubbo with the birth of a Wapiti calf…could this be one of Santa's potential new recruits?
Zoo sees double with Giraffe births (23/12/2009)
Over the past month we have welcomed two new babies calves to the Giraffe herd.
Bite Sized Treats (18/12/2009)
All I can hear as I type this is ‘cheep, cheep, cheep’, because … we have some new chicks. We have four and they are Red Jungle Fowl. It is from this species that many common chickens are descended. They are the original recipe! They are so tiny, very fluffy and extremely cute and only weighed 30 grams when they arrived. 30 grams!
Ripley Takes Flight! (15/12/2009)
Ripley the Barking Owl is now 12 weeks old and has already started free fly training for the QBE Free Flight Bird Show. Watch the video diary and see her in action.
Bunjil and Mojin the Dingoes Move to Dubbo (11/12/2009)
I was lucky enough to work with and gain our highly intelligent young dingoes’ trust. It took time, effort and training, but I got there and it was amazing. Working with Bunjil and Mojin, Taronga’s two year old dingoes, was fantastic because no matter what my day held they were always able to make me smile. Mojin, the female, always greeted me with excitement as she loved a morning scratch, pat and cuddle. Bunjil, the young male, at times played it a lot smoother, choosing to ignore my morning offer of attention, but in his own way he would show me he cared.
Fuzu the Gorilla Turns Two (9/12/2009)
Taronga Zoo’s second youngest gorilla, Fuzu, celebrated his 2nd birthday on December 8 and for a special treat the group was given iceblocks.
Training New Recruit Shows Progress (9/12/2009)
We’ve been taking Clarkie, one of the newest members of Bird Show, off site for some training.
Tarongas Chimps and Their Keepers Settle In by Senior Primate Keeper Allan (7/12/2009)
It has been an interesting few weeks in the Orang-utan house since the Chimps moved in.
Falcons, Trainers and Automobiles (4/12/2009)
Khan, our Peregrine Falcon, took free-flying to t a new level last Monday. We went off-site to fly him down at Balmoral Oval at 10 am and recovered him later that day at 3:50 pm, just in time to knock-off work. After a day off to recuperate, we jumped straight back into routine this morning, with very interesting results.
Female Greater One-Horned Rhino arrives (2/12/2009)
Earlier this year Taronga Western Plains Zoo brought a three year old female Greater One-Horned Rhino named Amala from Los Angeles Zoo in the USA. Amala travelled 36 hours by air and road to join Dora our resident male Greater One-Horned Rhino.
Problem Solving Chimp Kuma Caught in Action (1/12/2009)
We've been talking about how chimps are intelligent problem solvers.
Luk Chais Antics Just like Dads (1/12/2009)
Luk Chai’s father Gung loves to play with a hanging tyre. Gung tests out his balance regularly by poking his back leg in the middle of a suspended tyre and balancing on his other three legs.
Two is Company for Zoos Orang utan (30/11/2009)
Orang-utans are solitary by nature and especially adult males often prefer to live alone. However, sometimes they enjoy a bit of company too.
Learning Elephant Manners (27/11/2009)
Luk Chai’s now over five months old and he’s beginning to learn some elephant manners. We’re starting to teach him some basic words and now that he’s beginning to get a little more interested in the adults' food, he's more inclined to listen to what us keeper have to say.
School students celebrate Taronga's elephant birth with banners (27/11/2009)
Taronga’s Education Officers have NSW school students to use art to raise awareness of conservation plight of Asian Elephants. In celebration of the birth of Taronga Zoo’s first baby elephant the Education Department asked students to create a banner featuring the Zoo’s new Asian Elephant calf, Luk Chai, which was born on July 04 and the winners were announce today..
Billy Walks the Walk (26/11/2009)
Today, Erin and I took our female brolga Billy for a walk around the zoo. She has been in our QBE Free Flight Bird Show for nearly as long as it has been running. Going for a walk is something a little different for Billy and allows her to investigate different areas.
Devils in Tasmania (25/11/2009)
A better location couldn’t have been picked than Mole Creek, Tasmania to host a Tasmanian devil management course. Becky and I headed off to the nearby Trowunna Wildlife Park very keen and excited along with 10 other keepers from zoos around Australia and America.
Buller's Albatross released at sea (25/11/2009)
A Buller’s Albatross fledging was released into the wild today after being nursed to back to health at Taronga’s Wildlife Hospital. The albatross was rescued during a research expedition off the coast of Wollongong when with original intensions of tagging and releasing sea birds, researchers came back with one extra passenger after discovering the bird’s unhealthy condition.
Backyard to Bush Babies (1) (24/11/2009)
There has been a recent spate of births at Backyard to Bush keeping everyone very busy.
Gentle Giants of the Jungle (23/11/2009)
In Year of the Gorilla Taronga Zoo has been helping these gentle giants of the jungle with a campaign called “They’re calling on you”.
Zoo's African Elephants cool off in the pool (19/11/2009)
As the temperature in Dubbo hovers above 35 degrees everyday this week the African Elephants decided to take full advantage of the hot weather by going for a swim in their pool.
Tex is the devils dad! (19/11/2009)
Tasmanian Devil paternity results are in at Taronga confirming that Tex is the dad of Martha’s joeys
7pm Project - Gorillas 2009 (17/11/2009)
Channel 10's James Mathison visited Taronga today to learn about Western Lowland Gorillas and the impact that Coltan mining is having on their natural habitat in Africa During his visit James met Taronga's Senior primate Keeper, Lou Grossfeldt, who told him about the impact of deforestation, Coltan mining and the bushmeat trade is having on the wild gorilla populations.
Porntip Prepares for Her Own Calf (16/11/2009)
Even before Luk Chai was born, auntie Tang Mo played an important role in preparing the mother-to-be, Thong Dee . When Thong Dee was in labour Tang Mo gave her a gentle rub on the back wiith her trunk to reassure and give her comfort. When Luk Chai arrived it took a little longer for the older elephants to get used to the newest member of the herd, but we’ve certainly noticed that they’ve now well and truly taken the boisterous young calf to heart as well as under their bellies.
Taronga's Involvement in Year of the Gorilla (16/11/2009)
We have nine Western Lowland Gorillas at Taronga Zoo. In every gorilla society there is a dominant male called the silverback and our silverback is the very impressive Kibabu who weighs over 200 kg. Also in his family are his three females, Moulia, Kriba and Frala, and then we have our juveniles Mbeli, Fataki and Kimya not to mention our two newest family members Fuzu and Mahale, (both very cute and both very different in personality). Over the coming weeks I will try and update you on our family group and what they have been up to.
Warm weather sees birth of Bison calf (13/11/2009)
In the early hours of the morning on Tuesday this week, the Zoo welcomed a male Bison calf into the world.
Handraising three bundles of joy is hard work (12/11/2009)
Currently two male Eastern Grey joeys and a male Swamp Wallaby are in my care being hand raised.
Juvenile Barking Owl gets a helping hand (11/11/2009)
Currently we are caring for a young Barking Owl who was brought into the Taronga Western Plains Zoo Wildlife Hospital by a WIRES carer.
Willa the Swamp Wallaby has a New Mum (11/11/2009)
Willa is a 7 month old Swamp Wallaby and cute as a button. Up until now Willa has been cared for by Inspector Skye Adams at the RSPCA. Her life is now beginning at the zoo and when she is big enough she will be introduced to the other wallabies in our Australian Walk Through exhibit.
Tang Mo Waddles During the Morning Walks (9/11/2009)
In the mornings we take the girls for a walk around the paddocks to keep them fit and active. They link together like a chain, head to tail.
Taronga's Wild Support for International Day of Climate Change (6/11/2009)
Taronga's remarkable animals and dedicated staff took action against global warming by getting involved in International Day of Climate Action on October 24.
Ripley is a Girl! (6/11/2009)
Although we’ve previously been referring to Ripley as a boy, as it turns out, he is actually a she! We found out only a few days ago.
Dotting the i's and crossing the t's (5/11/2009)
Well, we are definitely getting down to the sharp end of things here in the Orang house in order to receive our Chimpanzees, and pretty much all the “ï’s” have been dotted and all the “t’s” crossed on the various plans and procedures that we have developed for the move.
Status and Presence Chimpanzee Style (3/11/2009)
Last week was a fairly quiet week in social terms within our community. This is most likely down to the weather. It has not been the most pleasant and Chimpanzees, just like humans, tend to hunker down and ride out the more miserable conditions.
Swimming with the Elephants (3/11/2009)
It was really hot today so instead of the elephants’ usual bath in the barn we decided to give them their wash down under the waterfall in the lower paddock. This was the first time we’ve been swimming with Luk Chai and he had a ball ducking under the water and dog paddling alongside Tang Mo and Thong Dee in the moat.
Reluctant Lincoln prepares for his independence (3/11/2009)
Lincoln is just adorable and still one of the highlights of my day even though he’s still spending most of the time sleeping and eating.
Luk Chai Burst His New Ball (2/11/2009)
Over the weekend we gave Luk Chai another new ball to roll about with. This time we chose a yellow fitness ball filled with air because he loves to squash things with his belly.
Ripley the Owl Rides the Cable Car (2/11/2009)
Ripley is nearly fully grown now and spending every day at Bird Show. She does require a little more attention though as she can fly well and is flying all over the place!
Update on Luk Chai's Father, Gung (30/10/2009)
It's been six months since our male elephant, Gung moved into his own exhibit after leaving the female herd, so here's an update on what's happening with him now.
Its Not Only Birds we Train at the Bird Show (30/10/2009)
Whenever somebody new starts we like to give them a project to ease them into the animal training world. For Merryn her first is an agouti rat called Oberon that she has decided, against my better judgement, to rename Cupcakes.
Devils First Health Check (28/10/2009)
Our four squirmy Devil joeys have just had their first health check and our vets took the chance to get samples for a paternity check as well.
Reconciliation between Lubutu and Chimbuka (23/10/2009)
There have been fantastic developments (for us keepers) within the male politics of Taronga’s Chimpanzee community. This week we saw an apparent reconciliation between Lubutu and Chimbuka. Both males were engaged in intense mutual grooming.
A wallowing good time! (22/10/2009)
When we freshened up the elephants' paddock with organic topsoil two weeks ago, the mud wallow had to be filled in. Yesterday, we created a new watery, muddy mess for the elephants to play in again.
Piglets Latest in Backyard to Bush Baby Boom (20/10/2009)
Springtime at Backyard to Bush has arrived along with bouncing baby animals, from tiny fluffy chicks to cute goat kids.
Zoo's oldest Giraffe celebrates a birthday (20/10/2009)
Today is a special day at Taronga Western Plains Zoo as our oldest Giraffe, Andrea turns 24. Andrea is the oldest of three generations of Giraffe which are all on exhibit together at the Zoo.
Andrea Giraffe turns 24 (19/10/2009)
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Today is a special day at Taronga Western Plains Zoo as our oldest Giraffe, Andrea turns 24. Andrea is the oldest of three generations of Giraffe which are all on exhibit together at the Zoo.
Red Kangaroo Joey gets a helping hand (16/10/2009)
Freddie the Red Kangaroo Joey came into the Zoo's Wildlife Hospital at about 11 months of age.
Chimpanzee Politics in the Pecking Order (16/10/2009)
The big move by our Chimpanzee community to the renovated Orang- Utan house has been shunted back a few weeks to put the finishing touches to everything.
Rolling Around in the Paddock (16/10/2009)
The elephants are still excited with the new soil we put in the paddocks, especially Thong Dee and Tang Mo. They still can’t get enough of it and it’s been almost two weeks!
King of the Elephant Paddock (14/10/2009)
We weighed Luk Chai on Sunday and he’s doubled his birth weight. In only three months, he now tips the scales at 206 kilos.
Back to School for Korridge Cup (14/10/2009)
Korridge-Cup, the Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo that took a flight through suburban Mosman last week, has also been lacking a little bit of a confidence in his training sessions at Bird Show.
New Toys for Ripley (13/10/2009)
Ripley’s starting to look more and more like an adult Barking Owl. He’s now completely covered in feathers, making him look less like a fuzz ball.
Challenges to Lubutu's Leadership (12/10/2009)
This week has been a great reminder for all of us who work with Chimpanzees.
Fly-Off Shenanigans! (9/10/2009)
Yesterday was an extremely windy day for us at the zoo, with gusts up to 60 km/hr! On days like these we modify our show as some birds struggle in those winds, but even those that have proved themselves before can find it a bit tough.
Luk Chai's Bath Time Fun (8/10/2009)
Luk Chai’s got a new toy and it looks like it’s a winner! Previously we gave him a shaggy blue coloured ball, but that was so yesterday. Nowadays he’s much more interested in his new plaything - a textured purple ball which he loves mucking around with during bath time.
Fun in the Elephant Paddock (7/10/2009)
We’ve freshened up the elephants’ paddocks with an additional layer of organic top soil and there was great excitement in the herd when they realised there was something new to sprinkle on their backs.
A Stripy Arrival (7/10/2009)
We are all very excited by the arrival of a little filly Zebra foal. The foal has been named Zahra which means flower in Swahili.
His Name is Ripley! (6/10/2009)
Our Barking Owl chick has been with us just over a week now and is growing quickly! He is now 500 grams and that’s a lot of growth for a little owl, especially when you consider at full size they only weigh around 700 grams. We’ve also named him Ripley! Although we won’t know its sex for a while yet, but in the meantime we’re calling it a he.
Not Long Now (2/10/2009)
Planning for the move is continuing at an increasingly frantic pace. Plans for which groups will move house together and in what order are pretty much finalised in our minds. What the Chimps think about all this we will see later on!
Sharing Ice Treats with Mum (2/10/2009)
Yesterday Luk Chai enjoyed a massive iceblock in the barn with mum Thong Dee. The bucket-sized iceblock filled with treats was like a massive paddle pop with a bamboo stick poking out the end for Thong Dee to pick up with her trunk.
Big Lady Makes a Splash! (2/10/2009)
Today we released the 100 kilogram Green Turtle, ‘Big Lady’ that we have been looking after at the Wildlife Hospital.
A Splish Splash in the Bath! (30/9/2009)
Luk Chai was busy splashing around during bath time today. He sat down in the bath and used his trunk to create a commotion. He’d lift his trunk high up in the air and suddenly drop it in to the water tub, splashing water all over himself.
Koala Joeys Make their Debut Out of the Pouch (30/9/2009)
Meet Allambie and Lilli Pilli, our two Koala joeys which have just made their debut out of the pouch. The pair are between 10 to 12 months of age and are becoming more independent as they grow. Allambie is a bit shy and is not to fond of the keepers while Lilli Pilli is the opposite and often enjoys some leaves held up by the keeper for her to munch.
Taronga Has Barbary Birth Boom Too (28/9/2009)
We’ve had two of our female Barbary sheep become mothers, with a set of twins for one female and a single female lamb for the other.
A Rascal again (25/9/2009)
Luk Chai has been busy playing with the bunch of small tyres again. We hung the tyres out in the paddock on a tree branch and he does a little mock charge at them. He likes to do a bit of a run up and bump them with his head.
Baby Owls... They Grow Up So Fast! (25/9/2009)
This morning a Barking Owl chick arrived to be raised by zookeeper Erin and then trained for the QBE Free Flight Bird Show.
Spring Has Sprung with The First Babies at the Zoo (25/9/2009)
Keepers today started their usual morning rounds only to find three tiny Barbary Sheep lambs had been born overnight. The mothers and their lambs are all doing well and we've already seen the young ones suckling from mum which is a great sign. The babies are very cute and are hiding in the rocky areas on the exhibit with mum keeping a close eye but over coming days they will start to get a bit more adventurous.
Year of the Gorilla (25/9/2009)
Hi everyone just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Lisa and I'm a primate keeper. This year is ‘Year of the Gorilla’ and to raise awareness about the plight of this species we’re supporting a mobile phone recycling program because a rare mineral called coltan is used in manufacturing of mobile phones.
Moving House Chimp Style (24/9/2009)
Our two Orang-utans have moved out. In a big step in the renovation of the Chimpanzee exhibit, they’ve gone to their new off-exhibit home so work modifying the side of the Orang House can go at full speed.
Pineapple Tops (24/9/2009)
Luk Chai is learning the art of eating pineapple tops as he gradually discovers that they’re not playthings but something to eat.
Tasmanian Devil Joeys Becoming Explorers (23/9/2009)
The Tasmanian Devil joeys at Taronga Western Plains Zoo are becoming more independent as each day passes. All four joeys are still tending to be more nocturnal, only coming out from hiding in the late afternoon. They're very curious characters and are starting to explore their area at night on their own. Mum's pretty happy to watch them from a safe distance, letting them get into all kinds of mischief.
Turtle Gets Picky on Titbits (22/9/2009)
A 100 kilogram Green Turtle at the Taronga Wildlife Hospital is proving to be a fussy eater, knocking back her vegetables in favour of juicy fish.
First Real Trumpet (21/9/2009)
We’ve all come to recognise Luk Chai’s little noises. When he’s excited he does a little snort-snuffle and when he’s playing with one of his favourite toys or running towards the adults he makes a high pitched “grrrr” noise.
Another Siesta in the Paddock (18/9/2009)
Luk Chai had another nap in the paddock this morning. He fell asleep in the middle of sampling a pineapple leaf. Mum and the aunts love pineapple tops and he’s been having a nibble too. Mid-chew he shut his eyes for a nap and the pineapple leaf hung out of his mouth whilst he rested.
Eve the Goat has Twins! (18/9/2009)
Spring is certainly here at the Backyard to Bush where Amy the goat gave birth to three kids late last month and her friend Eve had twins yesterday!
Condors Choose Private Hatching (18/9/2009)
Our plan to study the hatching of a new Andean Condor chick using cameras in the nest boxes came unravelled today.
Napping in the Elephant Paddock (17/9/2009)
Luk Chai has a favourite snoozing spot out in the middle of the main elephant paddock, next to the large log where he likes to crash for a nap. It’s very cute watching him. He’ll be running around outside and then all of a sudden he stops next to the log, tumbles to the ground, sliding forward on his legs to a comfy sleeping position. I’ve been calling it his ‘crash nap’!
Endangered Foursome Growing Up Fast (16/9/2009)
Meet our four African Wild Dog pups which are growing up fast!
Condors Do Mating Dance (16/9/2009)
We’re getting ready for what may be an interesting time down at Bird Show where Bruce and Connie, our resident pair of Andean Condors, have started showing signs they are attempting to breed.
Swinging Tyres (16/9/2009)
The bunch of small rubber tyres we’ve hung at Luk Chai's level in the barn continues to be one of his favourite toys.
Introducing the Chimpanzee Family at Taronga! (14/9/2009)
My name is Allan and I am a Senior Keeper working in the Primate section here at Taronga Zoo. Even with all the amazing things that I have seen, I can honestly say that the continuing highlight of my career has been caring for the Chimpanzee community here at Taronga Zoo. Most people know that Taronga has Chimpanzees but few realise just how special our group is. And it's not just numbers, although having 19 Chimpanzees is something that many Zoos would aspire to. It’s the fact that Taronga’s Chimpanzees live as close as it is possible to the way Chimpanzees live in the wild, in a large, complex community. I often think that our Chimpanzees could make one of the best-ever soap operas!
Sumatran Tiger Satu Gets A Visit From The Dentist (14/9/2009)
Our male Sumatran tiger ‘Satu’ recently broke one of his molar teeth. It’s quite common in the wild, but at the Zoo we usually only see this once in a while.
Sharing Peanuts (11/9/2009)
Peanuts are a real treat for the elephants, so at lunch time we scattered peanuts around their paddock as part of their enrichment activities. It’s a case of first in gets the peanut and the girls quickly scout around the yard searching out the treats. Luk Chai hasn’t quite got the hang of finding the peanuts but while watching the girls he occasionally stumbles over one.
New Games for Luk Chai! (8/9/2009)
Luk Chai has been delighting us with his playful antics with Pak Boon in the mud wallow yesterday. Pak Boon was having the greatest time rolling on her back in the mud, while Luk Chai was busy with his own game. He’d run full pelt towards her before joining in the commotion as they splashed around in the mud. Luk Chai would then hop out of the wallow to start all over again and each time Pak Boon would get all excited as he’d run towards her.
Luk Chai Two Months Old Today! (4/9/2009)
Luk Chai is two months old today! He spent the afternoon in the dust bath with the girls as they coated themselves in dirt. He’s been mimicking mum and the aunts, trying to spray dirt on himself with his trunk. He wasn’t very successful, but he got plastered in dirt anyway. He stood under their bellies and the extra soil fell on to his back - he loved it!
A Zippy Bouncy Bundle of June (2/9/2009)
Meet June (named after legendary songstress June Carter), our first new addition to the Red-necked Wallaby collection here at Taronga Zoo for this year. She was born in January to mum Emmy-Lou and dad Jed.
Young Calf Enjoys Ice Treats! (2/9/2009)
Luk Chai got his first taste of ice recently! With the spring-like weather we gave each of the females a massive ice treat filled with fruit and peanuts. The girls stood on the ice blocks with their feet to break the ice into small pieces and Luk Chai was close by to watch the goings on.
Pig In Mud (1/9/2009)
Luk Chai has been having lots of fun in the mud wallow! For the past few days he’s been in it everyday with the girls as they cool off in the mud. He’s like a pig in mud the way he rolls about.
Lure Flying Khan (31/8/2009)
I’m currently learning how to lure fly our Peregrine Falcon Khan. We have a leather lure that we swing around and send out to Khan as he flies by. If he catches it, he wins. And Khan always wins!
Spring Brings Koala Joey Out of the Pouch (28/8/2009)
Spring-like weather has given sharp-eyed Taronga visitors a chance to glimpse Lincoln, a six month old koala joey which has just started to spend most of his time outside of his mother’s pouch.
Owls, Eagles & Worms (27/8/2009)
The Conservatorium High School paid us a visit today. They came behind the scenes after spending the night at the zoo.
Soccer Ball Fun (18/8/2009)
Luk Chai discovered a new toy today – a large soccer ball which the girls in the herd like to play with. He head-butted it around the yard and eventually worked out how to kick it with his foot. Luk Chai kicked the ball so hard it went flying down to their lower paddock. He stood there for a few minutes trying to work out where his ball went and I raced down to retrieve it for him. When I returned he’d already discovered a new game. The little rascal was chasing one the girls around the paddock in a game of tag.
Knee Deep in Mud (17/8/2009)
The whole herd decided to play in the mud wallow this morning. This is the first time the Luk Chai has tried out the deeper wallow and found himself knee deep in the mud as a result. Pak Boon was particularly happy to wallow in the mud and Luk Chai seeing an opportunity to gain higher ground attempted to climb her. He wasn’t very successful as she’s one of the larger girls, but that didn’t stop him trying.
Luk Chai is Blessed! (15/8/2009)
Our little Luk Chai received a traditional Thai blessing today from eight Monks followed by an ecumenical cermony to celebrate his birth. The herd enjoyed their morning feed in the paddock while watching the traditional blessing ceremony which involved chanting and prayers. Luk Chai seemed quite unaware of anything unusual. He was more interested in the bamboo shoots mum was eating and seeing what mum and the aunties where up to. At the end of the ceremony Luk Chai, Thong Dee and chief aunty, Tang Mo, followed us Keepers into the barn for the final part of the ceremony. The Monks sprinkled water on Luk Chai’s head to bless him and wish him good health and success. Luk Chai was very interested in the Monks, saying hello and checking them out with his trunk. The Monks offered Luk Chai some bananas, but of course he’s not quite ready to eat them yet. Tang Mo and Thong Dee were only too happy to look after them!
A Special Visit (14/8/2009)
A very special event today - Thong Dee and Tang Mo's former owners flew in from Thailand to attend a blessing ceremony this weekend where Luk Chai will be blessed by Buddhist monks. Tang Mo and Thong Dee had not seen their former Thai mahout for three years. The mahout, Mau, had grown up with these elephants and spent two years working alongside the Taronga team in Thailand before the elephants were imported to Australia. The elephants were at first very surprised to see him, and then affectionately surrounded him, smelling him and inspecting with their trunks. Mau spoke to them in Thai and they immediately responded, doing anything he asked. Clearly they're still very fluent in Thai! Mau said all the elephants looked incredibly healthy and he was happy for them. They introduced him to Luk Chai and Mau gave the calf a big hug, declaring him 'perfect'.
Elliott Makes a Nest (14/8/2009)
Today we gave our flock of Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos a phone book to play with. We hung it up on the side of their aviary and at first they weren’t too sure about it.
The Calf Plays Ball Games (10/8/2009)
The calf has found a new game! We rolled an inflatable ball towards Luk Chai. After a few goes he got the hang of it and kicked the ball right back to us using his feet and trunk. Aunty Pak Boon was very interested in his new game. She kept an eye on us and wanted to have a go too, but she’s too big to play soccer with the calf just yet.
Climbing Aunty Tang Mo (9/8/2009)
Now that Luk Chai and conquered climbing rocks, logs and a tyre, today he tried the biggest mountain of all. Mum and Tang Mo were lying on their dirt mound in the paddock and he thought it would be great fun to clamber over them. Tang Mo loved the attention. She helped him climb right over using her trunk and the calf came off her back like a slippery dip. Once he was back on the dirt mound he rushed back around to her belly to start all over again.
Moving Logs (7/8/2009)
Luk Chai has been playing grown-ups again. During the play session, mum was tugging a huge log with her trunk and Luk Chai decided he’d have a go too. He’s been watching the other elephants push the logs around. Luk Chai tried to push the log with his trunk and feet, but of course it didn’t budge!
Leslie the Condor Soars High (7/8/2009)
This was a very exciting week for us! Leslie, our beautiful Andean Condor, went for a huge fly above the bird show amphitheatre ‘wowing’ our visitors.
Luk Chai Interrupts Aunty Pak Boon (5/8/2009)
We weighed Luk Chai this afternoon and he’s now 132 kilos!
Luk Chai Has Unexpected Swim (3/8/2009)
Luk Chai, the elphant calf, took a sudden swim in the main moat today while he has drinking. He was using his trunk to put water in his mouth when he bent down on his knees to get closer to the water and over -balanced. There was a splash as he fell right in. Mum, Thong Dee, and aunt, Tang Mo were right there with one of the keepers. Thong Dee started to step in but the keeper helped by guiding Luk Chai's trunk to steer him in the right direction towards the steps. Luk Chai struck out strongly, climbed up the steps and out of the water. Then he thought he'd try it again but decided against it at the last minute.
Luk Chai Has Stubble (31/7/2009)
I just stroked Luk Chai on his back to say hello and noticed he’s a little prickly! He’s loves spending time underneath mum and the auntie’s bellies. He’s there so often that he’s lost a few baby hairs from rubbing his back across their tummies.
New Tasmanian Devil Conservation Centre Opens (30/7/2009)
The next chapter of Taronga Zoo’s involvement in helping save the Tasmanian Devil is here. We’ve just opened a state-of-the-art centre to breed Tasmanian Devils and show zoo visitors the plight of this endangered species.
Calf Enjoys Water Games (30/7/2009)
Luk Chai shared mum’s drink of water this morning. Thong Dee was having a drink of water from the hose and Luk Chai thought it was a great game. He got really excited by the big drops of water falling onto his trunk and stood right under her chin to catch the drips. There was more water games later in the morning. After the warm baths in the barn he then had fun deliberately skating across the rubberised floor.
Now 122 Kilos! (29/7/2009)
Our little Luk Chai is putting on the kilos! We weighed him again today and in seven days he’s put on another seven kilos. He knows exactly what to do at the scales now. Tang Mo hopped on and Luk Chai waited patiently for his turn. Without help, he climbed on and got off to give mum a turn. He spent most of the day practicing his climbing abilities. Now that he can climb the logs and rocks he’s been focusing his attention on a tractor tyre. Today he had success and got all four legs in to the middle of the tyre. He’s learnt the technique of climbing this awkward shape so he can now climb in and out of the tyre fairly quickly.
NAIDOC Show Season Finishing Up (28/7/2009)
It’s been an exhilarating time. Thirty-three NAIDOC shows have been presented in the past month.
Elephant calf named Luk Chai! (27/7/2009)
Thong Dee’s little calf has a name! We’ve named him “Luk Chai”. After going through over 30,000 entires that you all put forward in the naming competition, us keepers decided to go with “Luk Chai”. It’s pronounced Look- Chai.
A Little Prince (26/7/2009)
The calf’s been busy climbing again and has mastered the art of getting over the rocks in the paddock. He’d been practicing last week and now he's got the hang of climbing over them.
A Little Rascal (23/7/2009)
The calf's been busy trying to climb the rocks in the paddock. He's mastered getting on top of the logs and now he's trying the rocks which are as tall as him.
Tipping the Scales At 116 Kilos! (22/7/2009)
We weighed the calf and he's now 116 kilos. So he's putting on around a kilo a day!
Calf Having a Ball (21/7/2009)
Our little water baby took the plunge this morning! He went for a swim in the top paddock’s moat for the first time.
Elephant Calf's Waterfall Adventure (20/7/2009)
Thong Dee’s little calf is becoming more active everyday and we’re all a little surprised at how quickly he’s developing!
Blowing Bubbles on His Own (17/7/2009)
The calf's getting more and more independent and is starting to spend time on his own in the top paddock.
Elephant Calf Enjoys His Toys at Bathtime (16/7/2009)
He's loving his custom made baby elephant pool, which was cut down from a big plastic tank.
On the Scales (15/7/2009)
He was weighed again today after a little hike in the lower paddock with his mum and Aunty Tang Mo, keeping up really well.
Calf Brings Joy During Endless Play (14/7/2009)
The calf's already been out exploring both paddocks and it seems his favourite thing to do is play in the dirt.
Calf Learns Elephant Manners (13/7/2009)
Our little calf is becoming more adventurous every day and is spending lots of time in the top paddock now.
Calf Plays Tug o-War (12/7/2009)
We weighed the calf again today and he's now 100 kilos. That?s four kilos he's put on in under a week!
Exploring the Top Paddock for the First Time (11/7/2009)
The calf, mum and aunty Tang Mo explored the top paddock for the first time with us keepers this morning.
Demolishing Dirt Mounds with Aunty Tang Mo (10/7/2009)
This morning we took the calf out for another walk in the lower paddock.
Sharing a Bath with Mum (10/7/2009)
Thong Dee is having a bath, so the calf is having a bath by default too!
Calf Plays Grownups (9/7/2009)
Thong Dee had her first long sleep since the baby’s arrival last night. Tang Mo played baby watcher as Thong Dee slept for five hours straight.
Calf Tries the Mud Wallow (9/7/2009)
We took them outside for a walk just now and the adventurous calf ran towards to Aunty Porntip who accidentally bumped the little fellow, making him fall over.
Exploring the Lower Paddock (9/7/2009)
When the sun came out after lunch we went for another walk to the Lower Paddock.
Enjoying a Warm Bath (8/7/2009)
ur little calf enjoyed his first real bath with mum and aunty Tang Mo inside the barn.
Calf Spends Time With Aunty Pak Boon (8/7/2009)
All three aunties and Thong Dee spent the afternoon in the lower paddock with the calf.
Taronga’s Elephant Calf Discovers Puddles (8/7/2009)
He just went for a short walk with all the aunties this morning in the lower paddock.
Learning to use his trunk (7/7/2009)
He has just used his little trunk to pick up a pineapple top for the first time! He'd been trying to do this during in mum's morning feed, poking the pineapple tops with his trunk, but now he's already learnt how to pick it up.
Thong Dee gets her first proper nap (7/7/2009)
We watched Thong Dee have her first proper nap lying down last night. It was beautiful. The calf lay between her front legs with Tang Mo just next door.
More time outside and calf got his first toy (7/7/2009)
We took the calf for its third walk today. Mum Thong Dee decided to try climbing a hill and the calf tried to follow. He made a really good attempt but had a little stumble. Thong Dee turned straight back and continued on flat ground.
It has been a big morning (6/7/2009)
We introduced the calf to the matriarch of the herd Porntip. She was a little nervous as the calf walked up to check her out. The calf then met Pak Boon, another aunty, who was more confident about saying hello, but she too didn't quite know what to make of the new calf.
Third walk (6/7/2009)
Thong Dee was happier about leaving the security of the barn with her calf at her side. Us keepers and Tang Mo helped Thong Dee walk the calf right down to the lower paddock. When we got there Thong Dee and Tang Mo ate some hay and the calf stayed close to the two girls.
Introduced the calf to Tang Mo (5/7/2009)
This morning we introduced the calf to one of the aunties, Thong Dee’s best friend, Tang Mo. The introduction went really really well. Tang Mo is being very protective of the calf already.
First walk outside (5/7/2009)
We helped the calf go for his first walk outside this afternoon with mother Thong Dee and Aunty Tang Mo. He was very strong and kept up with mum and Tang Mo, but Thong Dee was reluctant to leave the security of the barn, so they were outside only very briefly. After that he went back into the warm barn were he is spending most of the time.
It's a boy ! (4/7/2009)
Mum and the baby are doing well. Thong Dee's maternal instincts are kicking in and she's being very protective of the newborn.
Just Like His Father (4/7/2009)
The little calf has just done a little backwards moonwalk exactly like his father, Gung does sometimes. We certainly know who his Dad is!
Thong Dee gives newborn first dust bath (4/7/2009)
This afternoon the calf has got really use to suckling from Thong Dee. Once the calf got the hang of it he fed on and off for the rest of the day.
Thong Dee bathtime (1/7/2009)
Thong Dee is treated to a warm bath at Taronga Zoo while keepers get ready for her impending birth.
The waiting game continues (25/6/2009)
We're still playing the waiting game here at the Elephant Barn, and while most things have remained the same with the rest of the herd we have noticed Thong Dee behaving a little differently.
Thong Dee trades-up her food (24/6/2009)
Pregnant Asian elephant Thong Dee trades-up her food. Thong Dee passes a pineapple top to her keeper in exchange for vegetable food treats such as sweet potato. http://taronga.org.au/elephants
Getting ready for the big day (17/6/2009)
After years of planning and around 22 months’ gestation, our Asian Elephant Thong Dee is almost ready to give birth to her first calf. Find out what Taronga’s vets and keepers have been doing to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Daily hormone tests (4/5/2009)
Today we started doing daily hormone tests with Thong Dee to monitor a particular hormone which will help us predict when she's getting close to giving birth.
Biggest birth yet (28/4/2009)
I'm one of ten keepers that look after our five Asian Elephants at Taronga Zoo. We have four females and one bull elephant which we care for. Three of the females are pregnant, with one of the girls, Thong Dee, expecting any time now. Elephants have the longest gestation period of all mammals (22 months) so it's been a long time coming for Thong Dee and we're sure that she'll be relieved when it's over.
Matari the Wombat Dropped Off at Taronga's Doorstep (22/1/2009)
I became Matari’s surrogate mum in early January when he was only about six months old. He was under-weight, stressed and had lost patches of fur.
Pygmy Hippo Baby Fascinates Keepers (19/12/2008)
Monifa means 'I am lucky' in Nigerian. She was born in the early hours of October 15 to first-time mother, 'Petre' and father 'Timmy'. However after a difficult breach birth, the Zoo's dedicated keepers made the decision to intervene and hand-raise the precious female calf.
Lucky Seal Survivor Now Calls Taronga Home (19/12/2008)
A rare juvenile New Zealand Fur Seal which was attacked by a shark has survived against all odds to find a new home at Taronga Zoo's Great Southern Oceans exhibit.
Gorilla Baby Update (19/12/2008)
Taronga Zoo's Western Lowland Gorilla group welcomed a brand new addition to their family, a tiny male infant which was born to proud mother, 'Mouila'.
Zoos mercy mission for Devils (19/12/2008)
The Tasmanian Devil is the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world and is found in the wild only in Tasmania.
