Natureland hatched seven Tuatara back in November of last year. Full article: Seven baby tuatara surprise Natureland
New Masterplan for Natureland Zoo Nelson’s Natureland Zoo is looking to the future with a bold “master plan” which could see what it says would be the first zoo in the world to adapt for climate change. These adaptations include the possibility of constructing raised buildings, and even “floating” animal enclosures to protect against tidal events. It is seeking $300,000 in seed funding from the city council. Full article and photos of the master plan here: Natureland present vision for bold climate change 'master plan'
A few updates from Natureland's social media: *1.1 Kaka recently moved to Invercargill. Natureland currently have 2.2 remaining kaka with the hope to produce more offspring for the breed-for-release programme: "Recently we said goodbye to Rata and Betty - one of our three pairs of breeding kākā. We’re happy to see them doing well, and intergrating down in the aviaries in Invercargill. Breed for release programmes require a lot of cooperation, and conservation organisations are always working together for the best outcomes for the species involved. Two pairs of kākā remain in our conservation aviaries, with the hope of breeding offspring that will be released into the Abel Tasman National Park." *Four Yellow-fronted Kakariki were recently released: "We're proud to support the conservation of our local fauna! In supporting @projectjanszoon, we successfully bred four yellow crowned kākāriki, who have been released into Puangiangi island in the Marlborough Sounds. Our kākāriki were amongst 45 birds released over the last few weeks, and we're happy to see the birds thriving in their release site, being active and foraging for native fruits and berries. Come visit Conservation Corner to meet some other breed-for-release birds who may have wild offspring in the future."
Construction on the new butterfly enclosure is well underway. From their social media: "Have you seen the mysterious new construction happening in our back paddocks? We have an exciting new project underway that will see a few more butterflies both inside and outside the new enclosure very shortly. Built with help from our handy volunteer, Mike. We have been grateful to receive support from sponsors including HTL Group (timber), and Bay Landscapes and Garden Centre (fish compost) who have helped us overcome material supply issues. Thank you! Stay tuned."
Spoiler: Domestic News On May 1st, 2022, the zoo announced that their (0.3) Damara sheep named Ziggy, Zoe, and Zola were transferred to a local farm. Natureland Wildlife Trust On May 14th, the zoo announced they acquired (0.0.2) domestic rabbits (breed(s) not specified) named Beebee and Snoopy. Natureland Wildlife Trust On September 16th, the zoo announced they acquired (0.3) Nigerian dwarf goats. They were later named Tujuka, Ijemma, and Orisa. Natureland Wildlife Trust Natureland Wildlife Trust On December 6th, the zoo announced they acquired (2.0) domestic yaks which were later named Koshi and Momo. Natureland Wildlife Trust Natureland Wildlife Trust On January 10th, 2023, the zoo announced that (2.1) Nigerian dwarf goats were born and later named George, Pickle, and Mavis. Natureland Wildlife Trust Natureland Wildlife Trust Natureland Wildlife Trust On February 11th, 2022, the zoo announced that (0.0.280) Monarch butterflies were released inside the facility. Since Monday over 280 Monarch butterflies have been released around the park, including a small number in our Native Bird Aviary! Come for a visit and... | By Natureland Wildlife Trust | Facebook On February 24th, the zoo announced that their (1.0) New Zealand scaup named Pippi passed away at ~16 years of age. Natureland Wildlife Trust On June 1st, the zoo announced they named their (0.0.2) Brazillian agouti Davi and Aurora. Natureland Wildlife Trust On October 27th, it was reported that the zoo experienced several break-ins in the prior 3 weeks which includes multiple enclosures breached and animals released, and (1.1) eastern water dragons named Scauldron and Marge were stolen. On November 20th, the zoo announced they reacquired Scauldron after he was found sitting on a fence. On January 3rd, 2023, the zoo announced they reacquired Marge after she was found within the grounds of the facility. Water dragons stolen from wildlife trust in baffling series of break-ins Natureland Wildlife Trust Natureland Wildlife Trust On February 2nd, the zoo announced that a (0.1) Indian peafowl named Ginny passed away at age 14. Natureland Wildlife Trust
On March 25th, the zoo announced that they are building a new pond exhibit for their turtles. You may have noticed our turtle pond is get a makeover! Phoenix, Rua and Hazel are getting a much more spacious pond thanks to Bryce from Nelson Carbon... | By Natureland Wildlife Trust | Facebook On May 9th, the zoo announced that they acquired a new species, jeweled geckos, which are now on exhibit near the front entrance. Natureland Wildlife Trust
Spoiler: Domestic News On June 8th, the zoo announced that (2.0) domestic yaks named Koshi and Momo were transferred to an unspecified farm. Natureland Wildlife Trust On June 13th, the zoo announced they acquired a (0.1) Indian peafowl named Rhonda from the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch. Natureland Wildlife Trust
Natureland plan to construct a new walkthrough aviary for Tui, Red-crowned Kakariki, New Zealand Pigeon and Brown Teal. They are currently seeking expressions of interest from structural engineers to assist them with the project - reported on FB page.
Five Meerkat pups have been born to new pairing Jooby and Gamba. Apparently they are the only current breeding pair of Meerkats in New Zealand - reported on their FB page.
Auckland and Hamilton’s meerkat populations have each dwindled to two males. Auckland are looking at bringing in more and breeding them I believe. They have two exhibits, with one previously shared with Cape porcupine.
On February 13th, 2024, the zoo announced they renamed (1.1) brown teals to Tere and Hau. Yesterday, Natureland Wildlife Trust had the pleasure of hosting a visit from our Ngāti Kuia Trust friends. Here to catch a glimpse of our most elusive... | By Natureland Wildlife TrustFacebook On March 2nd, the zoo announced that (0.0.3) slender-tailed meerkats were born. Natureland Wildlife Trust
