To start off the year, a new "Amazonia" precinct has opened featuring golden lion tamarin (1.1 from Melbourne Zoo), Bolivian squirrel monkey (2.0) and South American coati (6.0 from Melbourne Zoo in 2015): – Perth Now
Well that has taken some time to finally open! Three species isn't exactly a mindblowing start for a brand new area, also given there were macaws, amazons and conures housed in this area (the old 'World of Birds' which has been demolished for some time). Have these been moved? Hopefully they will give it a real push and encourage a nice range of species in a forgotten part of the zoo.
With Tricia aging and a space in the female herd free since the death of Teduh in 2007, Perth Zoo will hopefully be looking to import at least one young female. With Permai now too old to breed, this will be their only option if they wish to breed onsite. Of course, Putra Mas is soon to become a father to the calf due at Melbourne Zoo in a few months.
A Radiated Tortoise has been stolen from Perth Zoo. Two were also stolen in 2011. Story here: Endangered tortoise stolen from Australian zoo | Stuff.co.nz
The stolen radiated tortoise has been found: Rare radiated tortoise stolen from Perth Zoo found, handed in to WA Police
Article on the great success Perth Zoo has had in breeding native species: Zoo’s Native Species Breeding Program is saving wildlife! | Perth Zoo
1.1 red panda cubs have been born. Video about the birth: https://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunrise/video/watch/30842824/endangered-red-panda-cubs-born/#page1
Male lion Mandela has had a tooth extraction: Perth Zoo lion Mandela has tooth removed - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Animatronic dinosaurs are beginning to go on display at Perth Zoo: Robotic dinosaurs make Perth Zoo their home - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
I just saw a couple of articles about that come up on the sidelines. I haven't been to Perth Zoo since 2011. Where do they have room to display the dinosaurs? There will be 19 of them, the largest being an 18 metre long Argentinosaurus. Edit: I just did some more reading and found out from the zoo's website the dinosaurs will be spread through the zoo rather than all in one place: http://perthzoo.wa.gov.au/zoorassic/
Interesting to see that they are doing dinos again (first time was 97 or 98). I assume that because they have commissioned the Chinese company to make them they will be either a semi-permanent fixture or wheeled out every couple of years. I know that the previous ones which were rented looked pretty worn out from the wear + tear of a scorching Perth summer. While I don't mind the models, it is a pity they are not in a central location rather than spread over half the zoo distracting from the live displays. Looking at the PZ map I noticed: No cheetah. I assume the last one died or sent away. I wonder if PZ has decided to go out of cheetah full-time. Instead there looks like a guinea-fowl image...? Also in the Savannah there is an image of a snake. Any ideas on species? I think it must be the small pen/cave between hyena and meerkats.
A Baudin's black cockatoo has been successfully rehabilitated after being treated for gunshot wounds: No Cookies | Perth Now
According to this press release by Perth Zoo, she is in fact a Carnaby's black cockatoo: Sweetie the Cockatoo soars in the wild | Perth Zoo