Series 3 Episode 5

in

9th June 2009

When a newborn Francois Langur is found on the ground at Taronga Zoo, keepers must step in. Mum and Dad have rejected her, so now keepers need to work around the clock to help her survive.

Bruiser the nine year old African lion is about to undergo his first ever medical procedure. He has a serious dental problem that needs urgent treatment. But dealing with a lion, is no easy task. Vets need to get this right.

The rare Plains Rats at Taronga Zoo have outgrown their current exhibit. But before home renovations can begin, Keepers Paul and Wendy must catch all seventy of them up. Their new home will give the rats more room to run and mate, but will they all make it back to enjoy the new reno?

At Taronga's Wildlife Hospital vets are faced with an emergency case. A green sea turtle has just arrived with serious flipper wounds. Vets need to X-ray the turtle to find out the full extent of his injuries.

Animal Updates

Langur Birth

'Elke', the young Francois Langur baby which has been hand-reared by dedicated zoo keepers is thriving at Taronga Zoo and has begun to explore the outside world.

At two and a half months of age, the young leaf-eating monkey has graduated from the nursery and started to take her first steps out into the tropical rainforest Francois Langur exhibit for short periods throughout the day.

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Lion Dental Problem

'Bruiser' the African Lion recovered exceptionally well from the dental work on his fractured upper left canine.

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Rat Renovation

The Zoo's 79 Plains Rats have thrived in their newly renovated home at Taronga Zoo's Nocturnal House.

The specially built wheel is definitely getting a work out, with the Plains Rats running up to 25 kilometres through the evening. Plains Rats are nocturnal animals and are most often seen in headlights running at high speed across tracks and away from vehicles.

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Turtle Hook

After a careful operation to remove the fishing hook and four months of rehabilitation 'Jonah' the Green Sea Turtle made a full recovery and returned to the open ocean.

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Keeper Profiles

Dr Larry Vogelnest

How long have you been working as a vet at Taronga Zoo?

I started work at Taronga Zoo in January 1990 - so I have been here nearly 18 years. I graduated in 1984.

How did you get into Veterinary work as a profession?

Growing up in South Africa I was always interested in working with wildlife.

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Gemma Watkinson

What are the animals that you work with?

I have worked as a Nurse in private practice, as well as the zoo, so I guess to summarise, I have worked with a very large range of animals of domestic and exotic origin.

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Louise Ginman

What animals do you work with?

I work with carnivores!

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Louise Grossfeldt

What animals do you work with?

Primates

How long have you been working as a zookeeper?

Almost 16 years.

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Mandy McLellan

What animals do you work with?

I have worked with Ungulates, Carnivores, with the Wildlife clinic and VQC, Primates and Backyard to Bush

How long have you been working as a zookeeper?

I have been working as a zookeeper at Taronga Zoo for 12 years.

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Robert Johnson

What animals do you work with?

I work in Taronga Wildlife Hospital, so all animals!

How long have you been working as a vet?

I have worked in a Clinical veterinary practice  for 31 years and have worked with Taronga Zoo for nearly 3 years

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Wendy Gleen

What animals do you work with?

The Nocturnal House; small native mammals

How long have you been working as a zookeeper?

I have worked as a Keeper for 17 years (eeek!)

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