18 / The Zoological Parks Board of NSW Annual Report 2006 OUr , Plants and Physical Assets

PRINCIPAL AREAS OF ACTIVITY GOALS

• Collection Management and Display Collection • Animal Records and Identification To ensure that our animals receive the very best care and are displayed to • Veterinary Services provide stimulating experiences that • Wildlife Rehabilitation promote learning and empathy with • Australian Registry of Wildlife Health wildlife and the environment. • Collection-based Research • Animal Watch and Behavioural Physical Assets Enrichment To achieve the highest design, construction and maintenance • Asset Management standards in order to enhance visitor • Capital Works and Planning experiences and safeguard the • Contract Maintenance wellbeing of animals, visitors and staff. • Horticulture Horticulture

To develop the Zoos’ landscapes and botanic displays, interpreting ecological relationships between plants and animals and contributing to the conservation of plants. / 19

Taronga Zoo celebrated the historic first birth of two Snow Leopard cubs in October. ‘Kamala’ and ‘Sabu’ were born to parents ‘Leon’ and ‘Samarra’, both first-time parents. The parents were brought to Taronga Zoo in 2003 in the hope of breeding this .

Photo courtesy james alcock

OBJECTIVES PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Animal Collection Physical Assets 05 06 • To maintain best-practice in animal • To achieve exhibit design excellence care and husbandry and world best-practice in animal Collection species which presentation and welfare as well as are classified as threatened • To present the world’s premier display visitor and staff amenities and safety 26% 25.6% of Australian native fauna Taronga Zoo • To ensure a holistic and consistent Western Plains Zoo 41% 43.9% • To display a stimulating and diverse approach to overall site design, representation of wildlife that is also Threatened species in exhibits and logistics for visitors used as a conservation resource conservation programs • To implement best practice in 48% 46% • To apply the World Zoo Conservation Taronga Zoo asset procurement, operation and Strategy and the ZPB Mission Western Plains Zoo 44% 47% maintenance Statement Collection in conservation • To informatively and thoughtfully Horticulture programs present the animals to visitors • To provide a stimulating and diverse Taronga Zoo 13% 12% botanic experience in line with exhibits • To cooperate with other conservation, Western Plains Zoo 18% 20% that showcase bio-geographic regions education and research organisations • To conserve and restore plant communities

• To help provide dietary and enrichment browse for the animals 20 / The Zoological Parks Board of NSW Annual Report 2006 OUr Animals, Plants and Physical Assets

Life Sciences Activities tadpole-to-frog stage when they are most was in news reports from Cairns to at Taronga Zoo vulnerable to the fungus. Adelaide to London. This year saw the unfortunate deaths of Herpetofauna The most recent acquisition is a Wedge- two of the largest reptiles at Taronga – tail Eagle called Gabby. She is 17 years The reptile and amphibian keeping staff a 190 kg female Aldabran Tortoise died old and a former show bird from at Taronga see their daily Keeper Talk to from egg peritonitis, and the Zoo’s Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria. She Zoo visitors as important as their core 250kg, four-metre Saltwater Crocodile is probably the largest eagle on display work – the animal displays. Through died suddenly from pneumonia. in , weighing in at 5kg. these daily interactions, visitors learn more about these fascinating animals Animal Presentation In July, the Bird Show team joined the and are able to change many of the ‘Backyard to Bush’ and Herpetofauna Bird Show teams to present an Aboriginal-themed misconceptions they have. The Bird Show is bigger, brighter and show to celebrate NAIDOC week. The This year, Taronga has become an noisier than ever thanks to the addition show was a huge success and, for the active member of the ‘Corroboree Frog of six Sulphur-crested Cockatoos first time, incorporated animals other Recovery Group’ and in May opened the which make a spectacular ending to than birds. Corroboree Frog Facility at the entrance each presentation. Since the show to Reptile World. This tiny, colourful, was launched in 1997, more birds and Marine frog has been rapidly disappearing from numerous educational and entertaining The Marine Mammals team is eagerly the Kosciusko high country due to a routines have been added each year. awaiting the opening of the new Great combination of global warming and the An Andean Condor called Leslie – now Southern Oceans exhibit and Seal arrival of the killer chytrid frog fungus. two years old and with a three metre Theatre. Major efforts are being made to Taronga will be holding and ultimately wing span – will shortly make her develop a new and exciting show and releasing hundreds of Corroboree Frogs show debut. On 28 February, media closer encounters with marine mammals each year in an effort to bolster wild attended a training session with Leslie for Zoo visitors. In preparation, the seals populations by ‘head-starting’ frogs in the at Clifton Gardens. Over 20 cameras are regularly swimming in the ‘Wild Asia’ refrigerated display. Eggs collected from were present, jostling for prime elephant moat and taking walks with the the Snowy Mountains will be hatched and positions, along with the condor’s keepers in the Zoo grounds. The new reared in this new facility and frogs will be local fan club of Mosman residents. encounters and show will be a unique released at two and three years of age, Fortunately, she took it all in her stride experience that will also educate and after they have passed through the (or flight!) and performed brilliantly. She inspire visitors about marine conservation. / 21

The current show has been evolving at Seal Theatre over the last year and training has included more “wow” behaviours displaying the seals’ natural abilities. Several seals can now execute aerial behaviours such as high bows where they jump three metres above the water and do impressive, quick double back flips.

The Marine Mammals Department has also been training the and the fur seals as part of a research program the Australian Marine Research Centre (AMMRC) is conducting on the Foraging Behaviour of Southern .

Birds The Rainforest Aviary is now home to 123 individual rainforest gems of 23 species ranging from common Sydney species such as the King Parrot to the beautiful Noisy Pitta and spectacular Paradise Riflebird (an Australian Bird of Paradise). Additionally, a number of achievement was the opening of of intensive management aimed at Taronga-bred Regent Bowerbirds were ‘Wild Asia’, which involved one of the integrating the Zoo’s resident pair of added to the exhibit, including one male largest translocations of animals ever animals. The cubs created a huge level that has moulted into his magnificent undertaken in the Zoo. of interest through very positive media adult plumage of bright yellow and coverage for the Zoo. ‘Wild Asia’ displays a number of species black velvet. never before presented to visitors, in The sudden death of a female Squirrel Last year’s spring breeding season saw world-class facilities that create the Monkey required the hand-rearing of 50 Wandering Whistling Ducks hatched feel of a South-east Asian rainforest her orphaned infant. The baby, ‘Loki’, in the Wetlands exhibit. The ducklings right in the heart of Sydney. Important continues to thrive under the watchful and their parents will be displayed in the species that support regional and eye of Primate Unit staff during his ‘Platypus Pools’ until the youngsters are global conservation initiatives, like the integration back into the group. big enough to return to the Wetlands. Francois Langur and Silvery Gibbon, as He currently lives with two surrogate Exotic Red Lories and Luzon Bleeding- well some of the world’s most stunning “aunties” who are teaching him the heart Pigeons were bred and transferred birds, such as the Golden Pheasant and necessary Squirrel Monkey etiquette. to ‘Wild Asia’ for the walk-through aviary. rare Green Peafowl, can now be seen in Eastern Whipbirds, Sun Conures, Top- ‘Wild Asia’. Spotted Deer have proved knot Pigeons, Noisy Pittas and Regent to be an extremely effective display Bowerbirds continue to produce young, under the historic fig trees and the ever- Opposite: Keepers at Taronga’s QBE Free which are distributed to various aviaries popular Oriental Small-clawed , Flight Bird Show commenced training this year at Taronga and to other Australian Zoos. not seen at Taronga for a while, have with ‘Leslie’ the two year old Andean Condor. made a welcome return. With an impressive three-metre wing-span, Some of the Zoo’s oldest residents, the ‘Leslie’ is sure to be a highlight of the show. Chilean Flamingos, have been moved to A newly arrived pair of Asiatic or Photo Courtesy Robert Pearce – The Sydney Morning Herald the ‘African Waterhole’ to make way for Wild , captive-bred in Cambodia, the Asian Dhole exhibit. will form part of the basis for a regional Above: Australian ‘Miya’ shows management program for these visitors some of her natural abilities by leaping up to three meters out of the water. In the threatened Asian canids. Exotic Animals wild, seals have been known to exhibit such The past 12 months has presented a The most significant individual high jumping behaviours during play and when avoiding a predator like a Killer Whale. number of exciting challenges for the breeding event was the birth of twin Photo Courtesy Jeff Darmanin – Exotic Animals team. The greatest Snow Leopards, following two years The Daily Telegraph 22 / The Zoological Parks Board of NSW Annual Report 2006 OUr Animals, Plants and Physical Assets

older male, has moved to Australia Zoo, Life Sciences Activities Queensland. A newly arrived, captive- at Western Plains Zoo bred male from Healesville Sanctuary Major animal news at Western Plains has been paired with the latest female Zoo included: offspring in an attempt to breed an all- important, second-generation, young. • release of 38 Malleefowl chicks to Nombinnie Nature Reserve, in The Nocturnal Unit has again had a conjunction with the Department of productive year, proving the staff’s Environment and Conservation and ability to satisfy complex husbandry Charles Sturt University (Griffith). requirements of vulnerable species, 12 chicks were radio-tracked for whilst providing aesthetically pleasing up to two months, displays. A new pair of Black-footed Tree Rats has produced two offspring and the • arrival of two male Sumatran Tigers, Ghost bats, Brush-tailed Bettongs and ‘Sendiri’ and ‘Dumai’ from Taronga Yellow-bellied Gliders have also bred. Zoo on temporary loan prior to transfer to New Zealand as part of the Staff have been busy with numerous global captive management plan for animal transportations, including the Sumatran Tigers, relocation of two female Koalas to Los Angeles Zoo, participation in the Northern • birth of a male Brazilian Tapir ‘Arturo’ Hairy-nosed Wombat population surveys in April – the first tapir birth for eight at Epping Forest and lecturing for TAFE, years and a valuable addition to the university and local community groups. region’s tapir population, The Australian Mammals Division also • birth of a male Southern White hosted a visiting delegation of Thai Rhinoceros ‘Kei’ to dam ‘Umqali’ Australian Mammals veterinarians and keeping staff from in February – her second calf since Highlights this year include yet another Chiang Mai Night Safari and Chiang Mai arriving from South Africa in 2003, the offspring being produced by the Platypus Zoo during October and November. first male calf for the group and the in the ‘Platypus Pools’. A young male These Thai zoo personnel worked first male calf sired by ‘Khulu’, emerged from the burrow in February, alongside Taronga and Western Plains • transfer of a female Cheetah ‘Kifani’ following two previous sets of twins in Zoos’ staff to study and practise the to Victoria Open Range Zoo as part of the last three years. Taronga’s success husbandry of Australian fauna, especially a regional breeding recommendation, with this species is unparalleled and that of Koalas and macropods. has enabled the Zoo to send Platypus • transfer of four Przewalski’s Horse to other institutions, thus forming the ‘Backyard to Bush’ to Altina Wildlife Park, Griffith to assist with the regional species foundations of a future regional breeding ‘Backyard to Bush’ played a significant management program, program. Already one of the first-born role in delivering the ZPB educational females has been relocated to Healesville messages through school workshops, • transfer of female Zebra foal ‘Shani’ Sanctuary in Victoria and a male from keeper presentations, Zoo Adventures to Taronga Zoo in March, the second breeding, along with an school holiday program, Youth at the • export of six Common Wombats to Zoo and the new ‘Fearless at Taronga’ Duisburg Zoo, Germany in October program. Workshop attendance numbers to enhance the European wombat Above: Chris Hibbard, Exotic Species showed a significant increase on last year. population and their breeding program, Manager, Taronga Zoo New exhibits were developed for “Involvement in the development of ‘Wild Asia’ • a male Bongo ‘Ekundu’ born in has been one of the highlights of my career reptiles, including the Red-bellied Black November, with the Zoo. It’s brought together such an Snake, Bearded Dragon and Diamond exciting collection of plants and animals while Python. The invertebrate focus in • death of nine-year-old femaie Dingo creating exciting opportunities for our team of ‘Backyard to Bush’ continues to be ‘Narra’ due to age-related illness, dedicated staff”. enhanced through new signage and • unfortunate deaths of two Scimitar Opposite: Western Plains Zoo’s most vocal displays such as a Golden Orb-weaving Horned Oryx when a four year old couple, Siamang apes ‘Puteri’ and ‘Saudara’, became parents for the fourth time with the Spider and Australian native land snails. female was fatally injured by the adult arrival of ‘Chanee’. Breeding and display of male and a seven month old male A trial amalgamation with the Education animals like the Siamang Ape helps raise died during a veterinary procedure, visitor awareness of the issues facing this Centre keepers and animals has provided species in the wild. an opportunity for a consistent approach • birth of a male Giraffe, ‘Jimiyu’, Photo Courtesy Marilyn Chenault to husbandry for all education animals. in February, / 23

• expansion of the elephant conditioning program to include the Asian Elephants ‘Heman’ and ‘Burma’ – ‘Heman’ has made excellent progress, has proved to be an eager and responsive student and he is reaping continual benefits from this training and conditioning, • installation of a mechanised cloth “lure” in the Cheetah exhibit which provides a swift target for the Cheetah cubs, born last year, on which to practice their hunting and capture skills, • unfortunate death of six , who died when a storm collapsed a section of their tunnel, • transfer of a male Ring-tailed Lemur to Mogo Zoo to form a new breeding pair, • arrival of two male Regent Honeyeaters from Taronga Zoo in July as part of the Australasian breeding program, • birth of Siamang ‘Chanee’ to development of this important software. This high standard is achieved and ‘Saudara’ and ‘Puteri’ in July – the ZIMS’ significant improvements include: maintained by continuing education and Zoo’s third successful Siamang birth, training of Zoo staff, as well as drawing • increased functionality, analysis and • two female Patagonian Cavy were on the expertise of local and international reporting of data, sent to Adelaide in early December to veterinary and medical specialists. join a breeding program, and • incorporation of a wider range of animal This year specialist assistance helped collection types including aquariums, • death of Onager ‘Dolly’ in March, bring about successful outcomes in museums and scientific materials, aged 24 years – Dolly originally came a number of significant cases. These to the Zoo in May 1982 with three • enhancement and integration of the included: other Onager, and produced eight veterinary management of zoological • Snow Leopard cubs with congenital offspring in her lifetime, with three still collections, malformations of their upper eyelids at Western Plains Zoo. • use of global instead of national were surgically repaired by veterinary standards, ophthalmologist, Dr Jeff Smith, Animal Records and Identification • use of the most up to date • Dr Jeff Smith also assisted with an technology, and Since 1985, Taronga and Western Australian that had a severe Plains Zoos’ animal collection • access to the global sharing of real- ocular infection, requiring removal of the eye and replacement with records have been maintained on time, web-based animal collection a prosthesis, an internationally available computer information, in a single database system. database known as Animal Records • attempted artificial insemination of a Keeping System (ARKS), which is Veterinary Services at Taronga Zoo Giraffe using an endoscope passed administered by the International Taronga Zoo’s Veterinary and Quarantine into her uterus via the cervix carried Species Information System (ISIS). Centre (VQC) prides itself on providing out by Dr Warwick Lamb, a veterinary internal medicine specialist and From 2000, zoos worldwide have been the highest standard of health care Dr Justine O’Brien, a reproductive working towards replacing ARKS with to the Zoo’s collection animals. This biologist, a new web-based application, the is accomplished through a stringent, Zoological Information Management preventative medicine program, • an old Kodiak with chronic System (ZIMS) which will be available humane, efficient and effective restraint inflammation of her eyelids in 2007. Several staff members from and immobilisation, reproductive was investigated by veterinary the ZPB have been involved in the management and clinical medicine. ophthalmologist, Dr Cameron Whitaker, 24 / The Zoological Parks Board of NSW Annual Report 2006 OUr Animals, Plants and Physical Assets

• monitoring of the Jenolan Caves captive and remnant population of Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies – Dept. of Environment and Conservation and Jenolan Caves Trust; and

• investigation of the immune responses, epidemiology and pathogenesis of chlamydial disease in free-ranging and captive Koalas – University of Sydney investigation.

Veterinary Services at Western Plains Zoo Western Plains Zoo’s animal collection presented diverse clinical challenges this year, including a bone growth abnormality in a Cheetah and a testicular tumour in a Black Rhinoceros. Both of these problems required surgical solutions which were applied with successful outcomes.

Interesting medical challenges included the management of an outbreak of • a , Dhole and a As specialists ourselves, we provide aspergillosis in the Malleefowl group and had root canal therapy performed by consultancies in the form of veterinary an unusual type of anaemia in a group veterinary dentist, Dr David Clarke, expertise and training to other of pups. organisations such as Sydney Aquarium, • a New Zealand Fur Seal with chronic The Veterinary and Quarantine Centre Manly Oceanworld, Australia Zoo, blood in her urine was investigated via staff also contributed significantly to NSW Department of Environment and ultrasound conducted by veterinary the social management of the Zoo’s Conservation, Department of Primary sonologist, Dr Karon Hoffman, and animals, particularly with considerable Industries, Water and Environment cystoscopy by internal medicine involvement in the integration of a hand- (Tasmania), Macquarie University, specialist, Dr Liz Dill-Macky, reared White Rhinoceros calf, ‘Amira’, Centennial Parklands, Sydney Olympic to the rhino group. • an aged Orang-utan with persistent Park Authority, University of Sydney, and heavy menstruation caused Waratah Park Earth Sanctuary, University The contribution of Western Plains Zoo’s by a uterine fibroid, underwent an of NSW, Department of Agriculture (WA), Reproductive Laboratory to wildlife ovariohysterectomy performed by Department of Primary Industries (NSW), reproductive management and research obstetrician and gynaecologist, Sea World (Gold Coast) and Canley in the Australasian region continued to Professor Ian Fraser, and Heights Veterinary Clinic. grow. This year the laboratory initiated • assistance was provided by avian Collaborating with researchers is a vital a commercial service offering access to medicine specialists, Drs Bob VQC role and significant collaborative specialised hormone monitoring assays Doneley and David Phalen, in the research projects this year included: to the region’s zoo and wildlife workers. investigation of birds infected with Significant achievements included Psittacid herpesvirus. • Telomeres (repeated DNA sequences the implementation of an elephant found at the ends of linear All of this work is provided pro bono for luteinising hormone (LH) assay, which chromosomes) as a possible estimator which we are extremely grateful. was used by Perth Zoo in their planning of age in wombats – Monash University, for Australasia’s first elephant artificial The activities of the VQC extend well • Devil Facial Tumour Disease: insemination attempt. beyond providing a service to the Zoo. Cytogenetic Clues to Transmission There is extensive collaboration through Captive elephant reproduction will and Development – Australian consultancies and research with other become a significant area of focus for National University, agencies such as universities, wildlife the region’s zoos over the next few and agriculture authorities, other zoos • investigation of the health and years and will require considerable and fauna parks and private veterinary ecology of Common Brushtail input from zoo veterinarians. Fertility practitioners. Possums – Macquarie University, testing of Western Plains Zoo’s Asian / 25

elephant ‘Heman’ was undertaken this Community involvement in wildlife year which revealed that ‘Heman’ is a rescue and release continued with potential semen donor for a regional increased public focus on the Little elephant artificial insemination program. Penguin colony at Manly and the Long- nosed Bandicoot population at North Wildlife Rehabilitation Head. Twenty-eight Little Penguins were The Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic at treated and rehabilitated at Taronga Zoo Taronga Zoo treated in excess of 800 during the past twelve months. native animals, providing a vital service to the community, wildlife groups and Australian Registry of Wildlife Health the NSW Department of Environment The Australian Registry of Wildlife and Conservation. Health, which contributes to the field In conjunction with the Australian Bird of wildlife health surveillance for the and Bat Banding Scheme and the benefit of human health, domestic animal Federal Department of Environment health, the agro-economy, biodiversity and Heritage, birds were permanently conservation and wildlife welfare and identified with metal bands to provide management in Australia, has celebrated data on survival and movement of its 20th anniversary this year. rehabilitated birds. Adjustments were made to the Wildlife Rehabilitation The Registry is a resource centre Database to further facilitate information containing information relating to healthy gathering and provide information to and diseased native fauna and zoo the Department of Environment and animals. It is also a diagnostic centre, Conservation Threatened Species Unit investigating outbreaks of sudden death and other wildlife agencies. – on-going investigation of or disease on behalf of wildlife managers, Angiostrongylus cantonensis Media covered the treatment of many conservation departments, threatened infection in Tawny Frogmouths wildlife cases such as the endangered species programs, wildlife rehabilitation in the Sydney region, Wandering Albatross release at sea, groups, the RSPCA and zoos. Australasian Gannets and Southern – investigation of an outbreak of Giant Petrels. Achievements of the Registry over the concurrent chlamydiosis, circovirus last year include: infection, and possible polyomavirus Other threatened species treated infection in Sulphur-crested Cockatoos included three Powerful Owls and • an additional print run of 300 copies of from the western NSW region, two Yellow-bellied Gliders. Fifteen the Wildlife Health Investigation Manual endangered sea turtles were treated, for wildlife carers, veterinarians, wildlife – investigation into the outbreak including nine Green Turtles, two managers and bulk orders for the of sudden deaths of Pelicans Hawksbill Turtles, two Flatback Turtles field veterinarians of many of the state and a Black Swan from Sydney’s and one Loggerhead Turtle. agriculture departments. The reprint Centennial Park, The Unit Supervisor umpired and was funded through the financial – investigation into the paralysis of reported on an Oiled Wildlife Exercise support of the Commonwealth five Sacred Ibis from the Southern at Airlie Beach, Queensland at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries Sydney Region, request of the Great Barrier Reef Marine and Forestry, Park Authority. Queensland Parks and • digitisation of the Registry’s 35 mm Wildlife rangers were trained and their Opposite: Taronga Zoo’s Wildlife Clinic treated photographic archive for access and preparedness tested for a major oil and rehabilitated 28 Little Penguins during the linking to the related case information year. The penguins were released on beaches spill in Australian waters in conjunction close to where they were rescued. with the National Plan to Combat in the Registry’s archival software. Photo courtesy Helen Pantenburg Pollution of the Sea by Oil. Involvement This was funded through the financial in other oiled wildlife issues included support of the Commonwealth Above: Evelyn Weston, Unit Supervisor, presentations at the National Plan Department of Agriculture, Fisheries Nocturnal Unit, Australian Fauna Precinct Workshop in Perth, and Forestry. “I feel very privileged to be working with and maintenance of the veterinary such wonderful Australian animals and to be • disease investigations included: involved in the Platypus breeding program. component of the Oiled Wildlife Hopefully we will be successful in breeding the Emergency Kit funded by the Australian – on-going investigations into snake second generation of platypus at Taronga Zoo Maritime Safety Authority. viral diseases, in the near future. A world first! Very exciting!” 26 / The Zoological Parks Board of NSW Annual Report 2006 OUr Animals, Plants and Physical Assets

Left: The Chital Deer family can be seen by visitors to Taronga in their new home in ‘Wild Asia’, underneath the large Morton Bay Figs. Photo courtesy James Alcock

Opposite: Taronga Zoo’s Chimpanzees receive regular enrichment treats including a carved-out pumpkin on Halloween. Photo courtesy Mark Baker – AP

– investigation into the mass triggers for the initiation of a disease experience volunteers in behavioural mortality of Magpies, Currawongs, investigation, contact details for enrichment activities has increased Ravens, a smaller number of disease notification and methods to the impact of enrichment on exotic other species (between February collect appropriate information and mammals. and April), predominantly along samples to aid an investigation. The Significant projects undertaken this the Central Coast and greater document is being employed by the year include: Sydney region of NSW and other Registry, the Florida Department possible related cases occurred in of Fish and Game, and the United • post-occupancy studies of activity, Healesville – Victoria, Byron Bay, Nations Food and Agriculture enclosure use and visitor reactions were carried out from August to Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Bateman’s Organisation. (See Appendix 10) Bay, and southern Queensland, October for seven mammal species Animal Watch and Behavioural including the François Langur, Silvery – assisting Department of Primary Gibbon, Fishing Cat, Oriental Small- Enrichment Program Industries Water and Environment, clawed , Binturong, Malayan Tapir Tasmania, with the investigation This program aims to monitor and and Spotted Deer, as they settled into of high nestling mortality among maintain psychological well-being in the ‘Wild Asia’. The François Langur study captive Orange-bellied Parrots, Zoos’ animal collection by collecting was carried out by a Sydney University – assisting the Department of behavioural data and implementing a zoo- post graduate student, Lydia Gaskell. wide environmental enrichment program. Environment and Heritage in the • the monitoring of Platypus breeding investigation of the presence of viral The highlights this year include in the ‘Platypus Pools’ culminated pathogens in a group of confiscated monitoring the move of the Asian in a third successful birth, this time Conures and Ruppell’s Parrots; and Elephants to Western Plains Zoo, the a single male. Successful breeding two years in succession in a captive – attempting to confirm the presence completion of a post-occupancy study environment is a first. The juvenile of polyoma virus infection among of seven mammal species moving into was left in the ‘Platypus Pools’ finches and other species, using ‘Wild Asia’ and involvement in the third with his mother for a month after molecular diagnostic techniques. successful captive-breeding of Platypus, only a year after the previous success. emergence, increasing knowledge • Preparation of a Sick and Dead of maternal and juvenile activity and Bird Health Surveillance Protocol The increased use of monthly interactions. One scientific paper has to assist in occupational health and enrichment schedules by keeping staff been completed from the data and a safety relating to handling sick birds, and the continued employment of work second is currently being written. / 27

• two stages of monitoring the effects of • an extended project has been the major capital works projects are drawn the move of two Asian Elephants from reintroduction of a hand-raised from the NSW Contractor Best Practice Taronga Zoo to Western Plains have Squirrel Monkey juvenile to the group Scheme. The ZPB was supported by been completed and the third stage after the death of his mother; and the Department of Commerce as part will be carried out by the Western of procurement risk management and • the Behavioural Biologist presented Plains Zoo volunteers. The elephants in March, the ZPB was invited to join a talk on “Environmental Enrichment were successfully introduced and are the NSW Government Construction for Australian Mammals” at the now exhibited together during the Procurement Reference Group. 7th International Conference on day. A formal training and conditioning Environmental Enrichment in New Major projects undertaken in this year program has been initiated, York in August and was invited to include: • a captive-bred male Platypus from coordinate an enrichment workshop, Healesville Sanctuary, Victoria was “There is much more to feeding ‘Wild Asia’ introduced to two Taronga females, than just food”, at the International The $38 million ‘Wild Asia’ was opened one of which was Taronga-bred. Their Conference of Zookeeping in May. in July following a 30 month construction introduction in the exhibit tank and and commissioning period. This themed their on-going activity and interactions CAPITAL WORKS AND habitat comprises 10 individual exhibits are being monitored by Animal Watch. INFRASTRUCTURE (CWI) and support facilities to care for and The two captive-bred animals will be display a wide range of animals. The introduced to the ‘Platypus Pools’ Capital Works and Planning new Hillside Link Building adjacent to during 2006 as our future breeding pair, at Taronga Zoo ‘Wild Asia’ accommodates the water Capital works continued to be undertaken treatment equipment and services for • the relocation of all the seals from the in accordance with Taronga Zoo’s Master ‘Wild Asia’ and is an essential part of the lower pools to the main seal pool and Plan Implementation Strategy and the access route between the lower and the theatre area involved Animal Watch NSW Government Procurement Policy upper areas of the Zoo. The construction observers in an on-going series of Reform. The Zoological Parks Board has of this project by the contractor won the projects, initially monitoring the effects been accredited by the Treasury to carry 2005 Excellence in Construction Award of the move and continuing with the out planning activities. In the construction in environmental management by the monitoring of introductions, procurement, contractors working on Master Builders Association of NSW. 28 / The Zoological Parks Board of NSW Annual Report 2006 OUr Animals, Plants and Physical Assets

Taronga Food Market Capital Works and Planning In October, the Taronga Food Market at Western Plains Zoo project contractor was awarded the The majority of the Capital Works 2005 Excellence in Construction Program at Western Plains Zoo this year Award in ‘Best use of Timber’ and in focussed on the planning of the Greater ‘Hospitality Buildings’ by the Master One-horned Rhinoceros exhibit and Builders Association of NSW. the plans to expand the area to include an off display breeding facility. This will High Voltage Network Upgrade complement the existing, successful The implementation of the many Master Black Rhinoceros and White Rhinoceros Plan projects has resulted in the need breeding facilities and programs running for an upgrade of the 11kV high voltage at Western Plains Zoo. The project electricity supply at Taronga Zoo. included the re-fitting of the existing Most of the planning and the network night den to include larger roof structure switchgear work were completed this and rubberised floor in the anticipation year. The remaining work relating to the of it being used as a birthing and rest relocation of the main switch room will area in the future. A new night den will be completed in late 2006 when the then be built as part of the expansion. high voltage cabling work in Mosman With ‘Dora’, the Greater One-horned region is expected to be ready. Rhino, being off-display during the re-fit of Taronga Zoo Upper and Lower the night yard, the opportunity was taken to carry out soil and turf maintenance Entrance Precincts and Car Park and remediation, with the assistance of Consent for the Development labour provided by the Yetta Dhinnakkal ‘Great Southern Oceans’ Application (DA) for the Lower Entrance Correctional Centre. The whole exhibit Precinct was granted in 2005. The The construction of the ‘Great Southern was given new turf and substrate. planning and design of the upper Oceans’ exhibit and research facility entrance precinct and the car park has commenced in July. This $54 million Asset Maintenance Services progressed substantially this year, but exhibit contains numerous enclosures In line with the NSW Government the final determination of the DA for the for marine animals including seals and Total Asset Management Policy, the upper entrance precinct and the car penguins, a new seal theatre, marine ZPB continued to develop the Asset park is expected in the near future. life support systems for the animals and Maintenance Strategic Plan with the Australian Marine Mammal Research Koala Browse Plantations the assistance of the Department of Centre building. Completion is planned Commerce and a specialist consultant. Forestry Rights Agreements on two for late 2007. Substantial planning is The plan, with full asset register plantation sites were made with being undertaken for the seal theatre and routine maintenance prioritised University of Western Sydney (UWS) fit out, which will allow for a seated according to risk exposure, will be in late 2005. The scheme provides submitted to Treasury in late 2006. audience of up to 900 visitors. part of the Koala browse feed for the Zoo’s Koalas, macropods and Giraffes, Asset maintenance works to the value and is also part of the UWS Sydney of $3.4M were completed this year. The Hawkesbury Campus Water Recycling work was categorised into animal welfare, Scheme and the Sydney Water’s occupational health and safety, routine Richmond Water Re-use Project. services, visitor facilities enhancement and other miscellaneous maintenance. Above: Over 6,000 eucalyptus seedlings Another plantation site at John Moroney were planted in June at the John Morony Correctional Centre (JMCC) has been Projects completed at Taronga Zoo Correctional Centre. This specially-developed negotiated with the Department of included: eucalypt plantation will help provide a reliable browse resource for the Zoo’s koalas. Corrective Services. The JMCC inmates • repair and upgrade of directional Photo Courtesy Danielle McGill will undertake various plant care activities and interpretive signage, with technical guidance provided by Opposite: Taronga Zoo’s fifth Master Plan the ZPB. In June, the Local Member for • upgrade of selected roadwork project, the $38 million ‘Wild Asia’, opened to Londonderry, Allan Shearan MP, held a and paths, the public in August. One of the new exhibits in ‘Wild Asia’ is home to the charismatic Koala browse plantation inauguration to • exhibit maintenance including the Oriental Small-clawed Otter family. commemorate the joint initiative between Saltwater Crocodile exhibit, and the Photo courtesy James Alcock the ZPB and the JMCC. Leopard Seal pool, / 29

• facilities repair and maintenance, including the VQC dens, lower Sky Safari terminal roof, the Harbour Foreshore walking track, the old Elephant Temple and the Taronga Centre, • structured maintenance at ‘Wild Asia’ and the Taronga Food Market, • various OHS&E maintenance, • review of closed circuit television system, • routine service contracts for various machinery and appliances; and • preparation of Heritage Asset Management Plan. Projects completed at Western Plain Zoo included: • ‘African Savannah’ shade structures, • ‘South America’ moat repairs, • exhibit maintenance, • main toilet block repair and upgrade, • irrigation upgrade and maintenance; Major heritage projects completed this with projects around the Zoo. These and year include the restoration works to the volunteers included several corporate • repairs and renewal of sections of the Elephant Temple, the heritage perimeter groups and personnel from HMAS circuit road. walls, the sandstone seats at Taronga Kuttabul. Zoo and a schedule of maintenance The collection and development of Heritage Management works to heritage assets. browse for animal food and enrichment As a site of cultural significance, a Heritage Asset Management Strategy HORTICULTURE is a major undertaking. The on-going (HAMS) was prepared by the Capital need to have a sustainable supply The Horticultural group in the CWI Division Works and Infrastructure (CWI) Division has been addressed by developing met the challenges related to the drought in January, for the Taronga Zoo site two additional browse plantations; and water restrictions throughout the in accordance with the Heritage Act one at UWS Richmond and the Sydney area by looking at alternative 1977 requirement for NSW government second at JMCC at Windsor under ways to maintain Taronga’s gardens. agencies. This report provides the ZPB the Capital Works program. These with a strategy to integrate its cultural With new exhibits being developed new arrangements will increase the management initiatives into the existing at Taronga Zoo, the Horticulture plantation size to approximately 9 ha maintenance systems and has been group has worked closely with other with an additional 10000 eucalypt trees endorsed by Heritage Council of NSW. divisions to ensure the presentation and including Eucalyptus punctata and Eucalyptus tereticornis. As an urban zoo dating from 1916, environments have been maintained to meet the needs of visitors and animals. Taronga is recognised as a cultural At Western Plains Zoo, horticultural landscape, evidenced in the site’s unique The Horticulture group is also involved work undertaken included: layout, natural landforms, the composition in the bush regeneration program in • various landscape works around the of gardens, mature trees, the circulation conjunction with the local Mosman Ibis Room, Zoofari Lodge and the system, pathways, staircases, seating, its community. This work ensures that the Sanctuary, world-famous harbour vistas, the buildings area vested in the ZPB is maintained and animal enclosures, archaeological properly and the Sydney Harbour • extensive weed control on Zoo property resources, Aboriginal sites and items of foreshore areas have the natural ‘Cootha’, along the river and in and moveable heritage, archives and records. habitats restored. around the browse plantation; and The HAMS provides the framework within which the Zoo will manage, conserve and This year the Horticultural group had • upgrade around the nursery and maintain its heritage portfolio. assistance of several volunteer groups throughout Zoo grounds.