Nelson died from pneumonia: https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/wa/a/31324319/perth-zoo-mourns-loss-of-nelson-the-lion/
A green sea turtle found at Rottnest Island has had surgery to remove lesions on its neck: https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/wa/a/31449806/green-sea-turtle-undergoes-surgery-at-perth-zoo/
Article on the successful breeding recovery program of the western swamp tortoise, and the lack of suitable protected areas to release them into: Western Swamp Tortoise faces slow recovery despite Perth Zoo breeding success - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Orangutan, Nyaru is off to Sumatra next week https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/w...utan-to-be-released-into-the-wild-in-sumatra/
Female Rothschild's giraffe Misha (born at Orana Wildlife Park in 1990) has sadly been euthanized after suffering from chronic osteoarthritis: Perth Zoo Farewells ‘The Kiss’ Giraffe | Perth Zoo
A male white-cheeked gibbon, named Jin Huan, has arrived from Toledo Zoo, USA and has been introduced to female Lily (b. 2007 Perth).
Perth Zoo posted this photo on their Facebook page showing Sumatran orangutan Puan with her daughter Puspa (now at Adelaide) way back in 1975! https://www.facebook.com/PerthZoo/p...07556431714/10153864623166715/?type=3&theater
A male Tree Kangaroo has been born https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/wa/a/31897305/zoo-s-tree-roo-truly-a-species-breakthrough/
This is a bit of interesting news. The Sumatran orangutans are being allowed access to a mature fig tree for two weeks at a time: Tree change – Orangutan style | Perth Zoo
How do the Orangutans access the tree- via rope walkways from their exhibits to a cordoned -off area with the tree, or is it in a permanent exhibit that is only used occassionally to prevent too much damage to the tree?
Great change. Such example should follow other zoos. I would not mind if trees are damaged, because they can grown again (or new trees should be planted). Animals needs are in first place, and trees are essential for orangutan who is browser and also arboreal animal. Not one tree, they should have access (or to ilive in enclosure with) of a lot of live growing trees.
It is not as easy as that. Too much use by Orangutans of a single or small group of trees in a zoo setting will denude all the leaves/smaller branches and often eventually kill the tree. Before that other branches will die off-making them easier to snap and unsafe for the animals' weight to use- unlike fresh foliage in the jungle which is supple and pliant. Planting new trees is no answer either- to reach the stage where they are big enough for Orangutans to use would take decades. This is why zoos are still stuck in the main with using artificial materials for climbing in orangutan exhibits.
Oh yes, thank you. I didn't went in a deeper analysis and thinking. It may be a plan, however, for example planting 6 trees every year, and growing them let say 10 years, and then sacrifice them for orangutans, three times per year (2 trees/4 months), and the next year, the next for sacrificing will be bigger 6 trees planted before 10 years, and so on. It wont be expensive neither difficult task. While growing in the enclosure, they would be protected by fence. ? And some testing for falling branches, and trimming sharp projections, before leaving the orangutans brachiating in them, won't be bad idea, as part of security for animals eliminating any possible hazard. (Hazard identifiaction and analysis and eliminating hazards, plan )
This tree is a large Morton Bay Fig which was moved to behind the orang exhibits in the late 90s when the staff buildings at the back of the zoo were constructed. No idea how old or big but it was a well established mature tree when it was moved let alone now. The primate staff were always keen to somehow allow the orangs access to the tree, so finally it is a reality.
Melbourne used to (may well have continued to do so) fence off an area of their gorilla exhibit to allow plants to flourish without being constantly grazed, then take the fence down for instant gorilla enrichment. I think your ideas have merit but your time scale is not very practical. If you have a large exhibit with the ability to fence off portions and grow quick growing herbaceous shrubs it can work. I believe that Chester did something similar with their chimps but with a view to encourage some natural planting being established.
