Animal Updates

Happy the Common Hippo

Happy, our Common Hippo recovered from his tusk trimming procedure quite quickly and is doing well back in his lake.

His tusks no longer bother him like they use to when they were long which is a relief not only for Happy but for his dedicated zoo keepers as well.

These animals have approximately 38-40 teeth and their lower canines grow into long tusks, which are used as weapons, so every now and again it is imperative to file down Happy’s tusks which also makes it easier for him to feed.

Tizga the Fennec Fox

Tizga settled in well to his new home at Adelaide Zoo and he really enjoys the company of his female house mate Kira. His health has been great and keepers are looking into training him in some cooperative behaviors to assist in the day to day care of the Fennec Foxes.

Chimp Move

Since the big move all chimpanzees have settled in to their new home and, are still enjoying exploring their new environment. Lubutu, affectionately known to the keepers as ‘Boots’ is still occupying the role of alpha male and, is spending a lot more time with Chimbuka the up and coming male.

Cheetah Cubs

At nearly six months old the four cheetah cubs are doing extremely well and are very energetic!

The four, two of which are rare King Cheetahs, love to run around the exhibit playing amongst the many trees, logs and rocks, chasing each other. King cheetah are characterised by their distinct striped fur pattern that runs down their back.

Przewalski’s Horse

Przewalski’s Horse Naylah successfully gave birth her first foal, Bataar, four months ago. Since then Bataar has been doing extremely well under the watchful eye of mum. He never likes to venture to far but is settling in to the herd well and bonding with one year old foal, Orlitiza. They both love to play around but Orlitiza still likes to be the boss.

Peregrine Falcon

A juvenile male Peregrine Falcon which we named ‘Clarkie’ was delivered to Taronga’s Wildlife Hospial with a badly broken right wing. This extraordinary powerful and beautiful bird was treated by one of our veterinarians using an innovative technique to aid a speedy recovery with the aim to rehabilitate and release the bird as soon as possible.

Green Turtle Release

A 24 kg turtle was bought to Taronga Zoo’s Wildlife Hospital at the end of January after being found by local residents tangled in an anchor rope more than eight metres under the water. Although still very active, the turtle which was thought to be female also had a length of fishing line hanging out of its mouth and wrapped around its right front flipper.

Little Penguin

The Little Penguin, also known as the Blue or Fairy Penguin, is the only penguin native to Australia.

Although once fairly common in the Sydney area, numbers have diminished through a combination of reasons including coastal development, pollution, the presence of more people and attacks by domestic pets.

The hardy little birds were once very common in Sydney an

Black Rhino Calf

Mum Bakhita the Black Rhinoceros gave birth without any problems in the early hours of the morning. Bakhita is being a great first time mum and she is bonding well with her calf.

The calf has been named Kufara meaning “happiness” in the African Shona language. Kufara is extreemly confident and now even takes bananas from keepers hands.

Giant Panda's

They are both doing so well. Fu Ni is such a little princess and we have such a great relationship. She is such a character and loves to play!

Wang Wang is such a special guy as well. What a sweetheart.