Today I had my first zoo elective with the natives at Monarto Zoo, there is four YATZ in total within this elective. When we arrived, we were sent out to collect salt bush for the suck nest rats. Once we were done that, we helped out with some dishes and food preparation. We also helped organize food for the bilbeys, us YATZ went in and raked/cleaned the four pens. While I was cleaning, I learnt that bilbeys can hiss, when I placed fresh water and food the bilbey came out, it was nice to have the opportunity to work with these animals.

After lunch we headed out to build new enclosures for the pygmy blue tongue lizards. Once we built one we put in in the back of the ute and headed over to catch and ID one of the lizards. Catching one was difficult as it was cold, but I managed to catch one and also successfully ID it. Once the new enclosure was installed we then placed the lizards and handed in the forms to the keeper.

Overall the day was great, and I got to work with food people and learnt a lot.

Tyson, YATZ