Blog Archive

Posts for May 2011

Little Lion Cub

The cub is much more mobile now and being seen out of the den most days, which has the other lionesses intrigued. They can’t access it yet but are certainly interested. It has also been seen from a distance by a lucky few visitors, viewing it from the lion exhibit on their bus tour.

Cheeky Little Monkey

Our Dusky Langur baby is growing up quickly, meaning she has lost the brilliant colouring she was born with, but continues to be a cheeky and confident little monkey.

A keen explorer, she has been spending more time way from her Mum, Flier, who seems happy for her baby to become more independent. On exhibit in the large Moreton Bay Fig in the middle of Adelaide Zoo, be sure to come visit our precocious baby langur soon!

More about Digger

Digger, the Southern White Rhino calf, is now a month old, I know it seems like only yesterday he was fifty kilograms. Mum, Umqali, and he are doing really well. Umqali continues to be an exceptional mother, responding in kind to Digger’s every demand, including being there for him when he kisses the electric fence...for the third time.

Our Hyacinth Macaws

This has all changed however, with the arrival of two spritely, young South American chaps that have taken up permanent residence within our new South American bird aviary. The two beautiful Hyacinth Macaws have finally been cleared to come onto display, and haven’t they made an entrance into the public world! Whilst striking in colour, their very loud, raucous call ensures that I (and perhaps the rest of the creatures nearby) are quickly woken up in the mornings now.

Darting Hyenas

Wow, what an exciting few days in the field! We have spent three nights in camp and so far we have been able to dart one Brown Hyena a night. This is very good odds and we hope our luck will continue. I will never forget these nights, such a highlight in life and career to be able to be so close to such a wild hyena. Amazing experience!

More on our Lion Cub

Monarto Zoo’s new lion cub is already almost two weeks old and growing quickly – although not as rapidly as the rhino calf! Its eyes are open and it has been heard calling should mum wander too far. Kiamba is doing a fantastic job of ensuring the little one has a plump belly. She is also very protective, warding away too many prying eyes.

Lion Cub

More exciting baby news at Monarto Zoo... one of our female lions, Kiamba, gave birth to a cub on Tuesday, 3 May. Mum and baby are doing well, they will be off-exhibit for awhile but stay tuned for regular updates and photos (these two photos were taken when the cub was only one day old!)

African Adventures

Well, I am here is sunny Namibia, Africa, to be a volunteer with The Brown Hyena Project. Participating in this field work is a dream come true for me and I am so excited! Over the next 3 weeks our small team, led by Dr Ingrid Wiesel, will dart and fit GPS collars to Brown Hyenas.

It's a Boy

For some time now staff at Monarto have been eagerly waiting, and waiting, AND……waiting, the birth of a rhino calf.

Monday 25th April put an end to our waiting game with the arrival of a wrinkly, big footed baby rhino. Staff arrived early ANZAC day to find mum resting inside her boma, which is unusual for that time of morning, and upon hearing staff Umqali promptly greeted us revealing a tiny baby hiding behind her.