Births, Deaths and Marriages

Levi

One of Monarto Zoo’s African Lions, Levi, sadly passed away recently after a week of deteriorating health.

Levi underwent numerous tests and x-rays to try to determine the cause of his lack of appetite and dehydration but the results failed to indicate a direct cause for his ill health. Unable to raise himself one morning, our vets decided urgent action was needed and exploratory surgery was performed. Levi survived the surgery, which uncovered an enlarged spleen that was removed, but despite staff efforts he did not survive the night.

Sumatran Orangutan (Pusung)

25 February 1978 – 15 April 2009

Pusung was born at Perth Zoo on 25th February 1978 and was hand raised from the age of 1. In 1989 he went to Singapore Zoo, where he fathered five young. He returned to Australia and began living at Adelaide Zoo in October 2000, as part of the international breeding program.

Our Baby Siamang

These photos were taken on 30th January 2009. As you can see our baby siamang is thriving! Why not come and see the family in action at Adelaide Zoo?

Lola

August 2007 – November 2008

Lola was a juvenile Victorian Koala that came into our care on 4th January 2008 from Cleland Wildlife Park.

The history of her mother was not known, but she was handed in as an orphan in quite a sorry state.  She was only just furry, dehydrated and very listless. From her weight, we were estimating Lola to be about 6 months old and definitely unable to look after herself.

New Sealions at Adelaide Zoo

Adelaide Zoo now have Sealions on display again. Earlier this week we received a pair from Western Australia which now can be seen in “Sealbay” .

Animal Transfers

Adelaide Zoo has received two new animals from Taronga Zoo in Sydney , both here to start a Family - in fact we sent two animals to Taronga in return with the same aim there.

Baby Bilby twins

Two baby bilbies were born at Adelaide Zoo in November 2008. Bilbies may breed throughout the year, depending on rainfall and the amount of food available. Females have 1-3  young who develop in a backwards facing pouch. After a 14-day gestation period the young are carried in the pouch for 75 days.

Baby Siamang

A baby Siamang was born at Adelaide Zoo on 5th January 2009. First time parents, Irian and Suli, are taking great care of their new baby boy. In particular, Suli has taken to motherhood really well and seems very relaxed about the whole thing. Although a first time mum she is familiar with the whole process, having learnt her mothering skills while growing up with her family group at Mogo Zoo.

Collection Development

Birth, Death and Marriage Blog is dealing with the always changing collection at Adelaide and Monarto Zoo. Adelaide Zoo have around 1850 animals and Monarto Zoo over 500 individuals, so there are always changes. Some animals are born, some animals die and some animals are moved in or out of the zoos for breeding purposes “Marriage”

Let me introduce myself: I'm Gert Skipper. As Curator, Collection Development for Zoos SA I have the overall responsibility for keeping tabs on animal records, animal transfers and collection planning. And in this blog I will keep you updated with the more interesting happenings within our collection. My typical day is a day where nothing is typical , I may be reviewing records, be in a meeting, discussing options for an overseas transfer, meeting with AQIS ( Australian Quarantine Inspection Service) about an import or driving to the airport with a keeper to pick up a new Orang-Utan.

Cotton-top Tamarin twins

Our Cotton-top Tamarins gave birth to twins on the 7th November 2008. Like most tamarins, Cotton-top Tamarins usually gives birth to twins, although single births and triplets do occur.

Regent Honeyeaters

Three Regent Honeyeaters were hatched at Adelaide Zoo on 12 November 2008.

Baby Barbary Sheep

Two female Barbary Sheep were born at Adelaide Zoo on 16th and 21st November 2008. Both lambs are healthy and settling in well with the rest of the herd. They are growing up quickly, becoming more playful and confident as they get older.

Orange-bellied Parrot

A female Orange-bellied Parrot died on 6th November 2008.

Syrian Brown Bear (Eli)

Eli was born at Artis Zoo, Amsterdam on 22 January 1976 and arrived at Adelaide Zoo in 1978. He always had a relaxed manner and rarely showed any signs of aggression. In the morning he often acknowledged his keeper by waving his big paw in the air.