ZooNooz is for every Zoo Friend

JUNE 2009

» Not just a mere cat

Cute, funny and amazingly affectionate, Meerkats are the favourites for many visitors to the zoo.

» First born

All babies are special but little Elke is more special than most. She is the first François Langur to be born in any zoo in Australasia.

» Strictly for the birds

One of Taronga Zoo's special treasures will celebrate its twelfth anniversary next September

DECEMBER 2008

» Rats in the ranks

Black Rat or Bush Rat. Which is the stronger?

» Smart little devils

The devil insurance policy starts to pay off.

» Born to run

Two baby cheetahs, born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo recently, are thriving under the care of their keepers

SEPTEMBER 2008

» Self management -
Chimpanzee style

Not many people realise just how special our Chimpanzee group really is!

» The woman who
redefined man

On the eve of her visit to Australia, STEVE McAULEY recaps Dr Jane Goodall's unique career and reports on what she is up to now.

» Marking meerkats

How do you tell the members of a huddle of nine little Meerkats apart?

JUNE 2008

» Survivor - Persia

Onagers - the true survivors of Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

» E(lephant) News

Both species of elephant have been in the news lately. The facts.

» Carnivores with
charisma

Binturong - an unusual name for an unusual animal.

March 2008

» A trio with potential

Taronga has acquired two new Leopard-seals, both washed up in the same week of August last year but in different locations on our Sydney coastline.

» Cyril's surprise

On September 13, 1978, a badly injured Australian Pelican was brought to Taronga Zoo by a member of the public.

» Just a hop away from
extinction

If eight species of Australian bird or mammal disappeared
without a trace, it would be considered a national tragedy.

December 2007

» A moving marine experience

A chance to meet some of the animals from the new Great Southern Oceans precinct.

» Saving the Sumatran Tiger

How zoos world-wide are cooperating to save the Sumatran Tiger from extinction.

» With a little help

The dhole family and the carnivore keepers work together to ensure pup welfare.

September 2007

» Meerkats on the move

As families progress through the years, the dynamics often change: children grow up and move out, some even move back in ... Meerkat families are no exception to some of these changes ...

» Now we are three

On April Fools' Day, Taronga keepers were able to watch on video the birth of one of the cutest baby animals born in the zoo so far this year.

» On the comeback trail

Peter Harlow reports on the fluctuating fortunes of one of the smaller members of the kangaroo family.

March 2007

» Dr Do-a-lot

Managing the health of
the 3000 animals from some 350
species that populate Taronga Zoo is a big job.

» Soaring to new heights

It's almost graduation day at Flight School and Leslie is
looking forward to spreading her wings, literally.

» Looking after leaf-eaters

In March 2006, Mandy McLellan travelled to Vietnam to work with endangered primates – all courtesy of a Zoo Friends Fellowship.

September 2006

» Elephant update

It's backbreaking. Every day the work is there to be done. There is no distinction between weekday or weekend.

» A lot of TLC

The aviaries, ponds, nests and hot boxes in Taronga Zoo's Wildlife Clinic contain animals from near and far - all with unique stories and all needing individual, specialised veterinary and rehabilitation care.

» Redhead wanted

"Mature panda seeks breeding female. Must be well travelled, carnivorous and a redhead!"

June 2006

» The Secret life of zoos

Debate about the relevance of zoos is nothing new.

» Focus on Fairy-wrens

Fairy-wrens are cheeky, inquisitive birds, most often seen darting through the undergrowth or perched on a branch with tail flicking.

March 2006

» Bringing up babies

Born last October and growing up quickly, we report on the progress of Taronga's Snow Leopard cubs.

» Focus on Dhole

Learn more about this little known member of the dog family, residing in the jungles of Asia.

» Cockroaches - friend or foe

Most of us think of cockroaches as pests - lurking in our kitchens, scuttling away when we turn on the lights, and almost impossible to get rid of.

» Growing up giants

Tall oaks from little acorns grow. PETER HARLOW, Manager of the Herpetofauna division, reports on some newly acquired little snakes at Taronga that will grow to be giants of the snake world.

» Colourful corroborees

Frog numbers world wide are declining and one colourful Australian is among them.

December 2005

» Hanging around

Is that a bear high up in that tree? Maybe it's a type of cat with really long white whiskers? Actually, it's a bit like that Red Panda, only black. I have to admit, I really can't tell what it is.

» Focus on Addax

Crepuscular is not a word you hear often, but to the Addax, it's not just a word, it's a way of life! Learn More about the Addax.

» Phobia busters

There's a new self-help gang in town, writes DAVID HARRIS.

» Hello, is that the reptile
section?

The Phone Calls start in October and continue to early autumn, "Hello, is that the reptile section at Taronga Zoo? I have a snake in my backyard, can you come and remove it."

» Killer eyelashes

In a corner of the Reptile House, the green background is suddenly transformed by a splash of bright yellow.

» What's the buzz?

SWAT! With so many flies about during the summer, have you ever wondered why Taronga bothers breeding these annoying creatures?

» The road to recovery

The Helmeted Honeyeater, one of Victoria's best known animals, is a striking yellow, green and black bird with a yellow crown and ear tufts that stand out against the black sides of the head.

September 2005

» A rainforest at their feet

An exciting journey of discovery into a lush rainforest awaits visitors to Taronga's new Wild Asia.

» Focus on: Chital

Chital, or Spotted Deer stand up to one metre tall at the shoulder and are the stars of this months Focus on.

» Phantastic pheasants

Flashes of colour in the undergrowth make the new rainforest a vibrant place to visit, writes DARCY SHEDDEN.

June 2005

» Success is a black and white
affair

Taronga Western Plains Zoo's Rhinoceros Breeding Programs keep coming up with success after success. Both Black and White Rhinoceros calves were born early this year.

» A special friend

Zoo Friends took the opportunity of Sir David's visit to show its appreciation.

» Focus on: Superb Lyrebird

This months focus on follows the Superb Lyrebird.

» More monkey business

Many people know that there are different types of monkeys, but would look at you blankly if you asked them what a langur is, writes NICK de GRAAFF.

» Do bird-eating spiders really
eat birds?

The idea of spiders catching and eating small birds has entertained scientists for over three hundred years.

March 2005

» Bear care

Ageing bodies need a little bit more care and attention, that's just what the Kodiak Bears, some of Taronga's oldest residents, are receiving.

» Focus on: Mandarin Duck

In full plumage, Mandarin Ducks are one of the most colourful waterbirds, learn more about them in this months Focus on.

» Big, bold and beautiful

Macaws are the giants of the parrot world in more ways
than one, writes MAGGIE CRUTCHER.

» Stocking the pantry

Barbequed chickens for the Snow Leopards. Japanese mustard spinach for the Francois Leaf Monkeys.

December 2004

» What big ears you have!

Large ears are just one of the many ways Fennec Foxes adapt to the harsh desert environment.

» A tangled web

Why do Redback Spiders like to hang out in our suburban backyards?

» The mating game

Conserving threatened and endangered species and promoting sustainability calls for a cooperative regional approach, explains JANE MUNDY.

» Focus on Blackbuck

At Taronga Western Plains Zoo there are now over 50 Blackbuck, including five young calves, on a large open-range exhibit shared with around 35 Chital Deer (also known as Axis Deer).

» Not happy, Mary!

Like the famed movie queen Greta Garbo, Mary, Taronga's 40-year old Bornean Gibbon, "vants to be alone", and has always resisted any attempts by keepers to find her a companion.

» Avian architects

The two male Satin Bower Birds in Taronga's Streets Creatures of the Wollemi exhibit have been busy building and decorating their new season's bowers.

September 2004

» Don't count your chickens

Making the transition from first 'pip' to final 'pop' can be fraught with danger for a brand-new chick.

» Focus on Silvery Gibbon

Silvery Gibbons are small apes, about the size of a domestic cat, and weighing around 8kg.

» On the nose

The mere thought of the faeces of tapirs, zebras, elephants and camels is enough to turn a human's stomach, but to Taronga's Binturongs, the prospect of sniffing, tasting and even rolling in them is sheer heaven.

» Giant reptile weigh-in

Each year, the Herpetofauna staff at Taronga Zoo have the colossal task of weighing some of the world's largest reptiles.

June 2004

» Birds of different feathers...
sometimes flock together

Making the transition from first 'pip' to final 'pop' can be fraught with danger for a brand-new chick.

March 2004

» Dragons of Komodo

They have razor-sharp teeth and can eat up to 80 percent of their body weight in a single meal.

» Things that go bump in the
night

Is that scratching in the roof a feral mouse or a harmless native antechinus?

» Alpaca

Alpacas are one of four members of the camel family that are native to South America.

» Ant-thropomorphising nature

Did you know that meat ants farm butterflies just like a shepherd herds and protects his flock?

December 2003

» Dux of the Class

Smart and eager to learn, Water-rats make starm pupils.

» Mating Marathon

Consummation capers for Northern Quolls can last all day.

» War and Peace

Understanding the husbandry requirements of African Wild Dogs is essential to maintaining and successfully breeding these gregarious but ferocious pack
hunters.

» Frilled Lizard

Frilled Lizards are one of Australia's most popular and widely recognised reptile species.

September 2003

» Three of a kind

Aren't all rhinoceroses big, grey, prehistoric-looking animals with horns on their noses?

» Rock Stars

Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies and Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies are prototypes for the modern zoo's role in helping to save endangered native fauna.

» Back-&-White Ruffed Lemur

Lemurs are prosimians - primates which are thought to have evolved before monkeys, apes and humans.

» Seeing sound

Do Leopard Seals use echolocation to find their way around their icy underwater world?

March 2003

» Southern Hairy-nosed
Wombat

Australia is home to all three species of wombat..

December 2002

» Wapiti

One of the largest species of deer, the Wapiti or American Elk.

» Managing the menagerie

In a world where species are disappearing at an alarming rate, sound management of captive populations is becoming more important than ever.

September 2002

» Barbary Sheep

Barbary Sheep are the only sheep native to Africa. They are also known as Aoudad the name used by a North African tribe, the Berbers.

» Phasmids of the imagination

Have you ever seen a phasmid in the wild?

» Operation VQC

Taronga's Veterinary and Quarantine Centre has undergone major surgery.

June 2002

» Cracking the whip

Helping captive Eastern Whipbirds to sing correctly could be the answer to boosting their reproductive success.

» A home among the gum trees

They sometimes smell and occasionally bite, and have been known to leave their mark on unlucky politicians.

» The spice of life

Keeping captive Chimpanzees active and entertained is a high priority for zoo staff.

March 2002

» Following the Leopard seals

Below my feet the moving ice floe dances with the swell.

December 2001

» Saltwater Crocodile

When does an endangered species cease to be classed as endangered? When a recovery program is successful!

September 2001

» Leadbeater's Possum

It is 1961 in central Victoria. Leadbeater's possums are presumed extinct, having not been seen in over 40 years.

March 2001

» Mary, Mary, wild and hairy

From high up in a huge fig tree, below Seal Theatre and just along from the elephants, comes a hypnotic hooting call.

» Jabiru

The elegant, leggy bird we know as the Jabiru (sometimes called the black-necked stork) is the only member of the stork family native to Australia.

December 2000

» Himalayan Tahr

From the mountain tops of the Himalayas comes an amazing athlete, the Himalayan tahr.

September 2000

» Black-Handed spider monkey

Black-handed spider monkeys are one of the most charismatic and attractive of the South American primates.

June 2000

» Banteng Cattle

Banteng, which means "old bull" in Indonesian, are wild cattle.

» Koala Cuisine

Everyone knows koalas eat gum leaves! However, they sometimes eat non-eucalypt leaves at well,
including wattles, tea trees and paperbarks.

December 1999

» Gila Monster

The Gila monster stalked his prey with infinite patience.

September 1999

» The Silent Army

The creepy-crawlies of the animal world are everywhere.

» Black-Breasted Button-Quail

Sometimes being the shy and retiring type is not such a good idea because it means you may be overlooked or even forgotten.

March 1999

» Cotton-Top Tamarins

Cotton-top is just the right name for this species of tamarin.

December 1998

» Raising Devils

Quarrelsome, amusing, with fearsome teeth and a powerful smell.