Zoo Alive - Autumn 2014

ISSUe # 6 | AUTUMN 201

aucklandzoo.co.nzaucklandzoo.co.nz

ISSUe # 6 | AUTUMN 201

aucklandzoo.co.nzaucklandzoo.co.nzaucklandzoo.co.nz

Caring for kkp

Otter pupsalmost outboom

World-first for bats

Baby

Bruce, Auckland Zoo keeper

We work hard to provide exceptional care for the animals at Auckland Zoo. But we need your help to secure their future.

We need to act now.Get involved donate online at www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/donate

*International Union for the Conservation of nature

A third of all known mammals, birds, reptiles and

amphibians are threatened with

extinction (IUCN*).

ZooAlive Autumn 2014 3

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ContentsFrom the editorAuckland Zoo has celebrated many new precious animal arrivals over summer.These have included the breeding of bats, flamingo, red panda cubs, otter pups and, from across the Tasman, the arrival of the very loveable and endearing Tasmanian devil.

Our vets and keepers have also been particularly active out in the field, including on Codfish and Little Barrier islands where our world-famous kakapo has bred. A chick that hatched on Little Barrier and needed some specialist help is currently with us at the Zoo.

You can read all about these arrivals and our efforts for New Zealand native wildlife in this latest issue which also happens to be our last.

While its the end of an era, its also the start of an exciting new development. We are evolving Zoo Alive to an online format that will not only be more eco-friendly, but will enable us to share our news with you more regularly and in a much more dynamic way.

Come Spring, when we launch this new digital zoo community, you can expect more breaking news, more fabulous photos, more amazing videos, more from our keepers - just more! Stay connected with us on our website and Facebook page for updates.

Auckland Zoo thanks its valuable partners for their generous support:

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Auckland Zoo is a member of the World Association of Zoos & Aquaria, and the Australasian organisation Zoo Aquarium Association

4 I The FeedOur all-you-can-eat update! 8 I New ArrivalsDevils, otters, red pandas and more... 10 I Bats Breeding and rearing a New Zealand micro-bat 14 I Team effort for KkpOut in the field and at the Zoo17 I Worldview Road safety for rhinos 19 I Our People 5 questions with Odin Neil 20 I K is for KidsRr is for red panda 22 I ConnectExperience emarkable reptiles 23 I Friends of the Zoo Wednesday walks and an art competition

Contents cannot be reproduced in whole or part without permission of the publisher.

Editor: Jane Healy Address all enquiries to the editor:Design: Rainger&Rolfe [email protected] Phone: 09 360 3804

www.aucklandzoo.co.nz

Jane Healy EditorJane Healy Editor

4 ZooAlive Autumn 2014

Auckland Zoo has made history by successfully breeding and hand-rearing lesser short-tailed bats (pekapeka) an endangered micro-bat species and one of New Zealands only two terrestrial mammals.1

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The Zoo QuizWhich three species of mammal at Auckland Zoo have all produced twins in recent months?

Name the world-famous primatologist and conservationist coming to New Zealand for a fundraising speaking tour in June this year.

In to which Northland marine reserve did Kelly Tarltons SeA LIFe Aquarium and Auckland Zoo recently release a rehabilitated green sea turtle?

What is the term for a group of adult alligators?

Which large mammal species in southern Africa lost over 1,000 animals to illegal poaching in 2013?

How fast can New Zealands lesser short-tailed bat fly 35km, 50km or 60km per hour?

Name the two bird species (giving both their Maori and english names) that will be translocated from Little barrier (Hauturu o Toi) onto Rotoroa Island in May by Auckland Zoo and the Rotoroa Island Trust?

How many kkpo chicks have been successfully bred this season? And what is the name of the kkp chick that is currently being cared for at Auckland Zoo?

On which predator-free island in Aucklands Hauraki Gulf is Auckland Zoo releasing 150 wt punga at the beginning of May?

Which Australian animal has the Zoo just welcomed and opened a major new exhibit for?

Twin bat pups, nick-named Bruce and Wayne, were born last November, each weighing just 4 grams (the size of 20 cent coin).

While it is rare for this species to produce twins, their mother previously gave birth to a set in 2012, but they did not survive. This time, Zoo staff separated Bruce to be hand-reared at two days to give his mother the very best chance to raise Wayne (later confirmed to be female). However at two-weeks, due to her failure to thrive, Wayne also had to be separated to be hand-reared.

This is the first time these bats have ever been bred and hand-reared in a zoo. Its provided an amazing opportunity to gain specialist husbandry skills and invaluable knowledge about bat breeding biology and pup development to share with bat conservationists, says curator Richard Gibson.

Bruce and Wayne are progressing well, and are due to go on display in Te Wao Nuis The Night area in May. (See bat feature, pages 10 and 11).

BreakthroughBat1. Nepalese red panda, lesser

short-tailed bat, and Asian

small-clawed otter; 2. Jane

Goodall; 3. Poor Knights Marine

Reserve; 4. A Congregation;

5. The rhinoceros; 6. 60kmph;

7. Teke (saddleback) and

ppokotea (whitehead); 8. 6

kakapo chicks, and chick Heather

One is being cared for at the Zoo.

9. Tiritiri Matangi Island; 10. The

Tasmanian devil.

The Zoo is the only national facility to hold and display the lesser short-tailed bat.


It was a moment Michael batty had been waiting for since raising and transporting the Zoos flamingo flock to New Zealand from the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in Slimbridge, england in 2001.

Sadly, the first chicks health deteriorated dramatically in February and we had to make the difficult decision to euthanase him - a huge blow for the Zoo and all of us involved in caring for him. However, our younger chick is continuing to thrive, and its wonderful to see that we have achieved this circle of life, a world-first and the start of a second generation, says Michael.

Now in the role of head of capital works and infrastructure at the Zoo, Michael rejoined the Pridelands team and shared his specialist bird skills to help rear the chicks.

When found, Kikorangi was missing almost her entire left flipper (likely the result of being hit by a boat propeller) and was seriously underweight and dehydrated.

This feisty young bird, which required surgery to remove the remaining exposed bone from her severed flipper, is back to a healthy weight, and has mastered swimming with just one flipper like two other rescued one-flippered penguins in our colony have also done.

You can help: Call 0800 HOT dOC (0800 362 468) to report sick or injured wildlife. But be aware, a scruffy-looking penguin is probably moulting, not sick, and is best left alone to hide away from dogs, cats, ferrets and stoats. In addition, keep your cats and dogs in at night, and your dog on a leash at the beach, and if in a boat, turn off your engine if you spot little penguins nearby.

Auckland Zoo celebrated the hatching of two greater flamingo chicks in late December and early January the first time a zoo has ever successfully bred from an entirely hand-reared flock anywhere in the world.

A little penguin rescued by kayakers off Waiheke Islands Onetangi beach in January and brought to Auckland Zoo has recently joined our penguincolony at The Coast.

Pulling and artificially incubating the eggs gave the chicks the best chance of survival. For me, it was fantastic to be involved again with these special birds. Newly-hatched chicks grow so fast. They start out short and stocky with straight bills, but within three months grow tall and slender and their bills curve and transform into that classic flamingo shape, says Michael.

The bird-lover says flamingos can live to be over 60 years, and that the most successful pairs in England have proven to lay their best eggs at around 40 years old, which makes him optimistic for the future of the Zoos adult flock (13-year-olds) and this latest youngster.

Pridelands team leader Nat Sullivan says little chick is continuing to progress well.

Visit Auckland Zoos youtube channel to watch a flamingo chick video.

flamingoflockfirst

Michael Batty, former exotic birds team leader and now head of capital works and infrastructure, with some of the Zoos flamingo flock he hand-reared in England in 2001.

Little chick (sex to be confirmed) has grown from 89 grams at hatch in January to 3 kg, and is slowly being integrated with the Zoos 16-strong flock.

Blue throughpulls


When found, Kikorangi was missing almost her entire left flipper (likely the result of being hit by a boat propeller) and was seriously

This feisty young bird, which required surgery to remove the remaining exposed bone from her severed flipper, is back to a healthy weight, and has mastered swimming with just one flipper like two other rescued one-flippered penguins in our colony have also done.

to report sick or injured wildlife. But be aware, a scruffy-looking penguin is probably moulting, not sick, and is best left alone to hide away from dogs, cats, ferrets and stoats. In addition, keep your cats and dogs in at night, and your dog on a leash at the beach, and if in a boat, turn off your

A little penguin rescued by kayakers off Waiheke Islands Onetangi beach in January and brought to

through

Intense blue eyes earned this little penguin the name Kikorangi, which in Maori means blue.


Three green sea turtles rescued off Northlands west coast and successfully rehabilitated by Kelly Tarltons SEA LIFE Aquarium and Auckland Zoo were recently returned to the wild.

A female nick-named Stacey discovered at Ripiro beach near Dargarville last September - weak, underweight and with poor muscle tone, was released into the Poor Knights Marine Reserve.

Luke and Isla, two others found by locals at Ahipara beach last August suffering weight loss, weakness and a gut impaction from ingesting plastic, were returned to Ninety-mile beach. They were also fitted with satellite tracking tags so that more information can be gained about their habits and migration.

The worlds most famous primatologist and conservationist, Dr Jane Goodall, will visit Auckland in late June for a public talk as part of a New Zealand tour. Auckland Zoo is helping co-ordinate the evening talk - a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see and hear this inspirational 80-year-old.

Janes 80th birthday wish is to give a further 100 orphaned or rescued chimpanzees sanctuary at the centre she has established in Gombe, Tanzania. The Auckland talk will be a fundraiser to help achieve this. Full event details including date, venue and ticket price, will be posted on the Zoos website from May.

World-leading orangutan expert and conservationist, Dr Ian Singleton, will also visit this year. He is director of the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP), a project that the Zoos conservation fund has supported

Rescued turtles

Audience with worlds top

the wildreturn toWere delighted to have partnered with the great team at Kelly Tarltons and Massey Universitys marine turtle expert Dan Godoy. Our goal is to further improve the specialist care we can give to injured marine mammals such as these to ensure they get a second chance at life, says the Zoos veterinary services manager, Craig Pritchard.

Sea turtles are generally found in warmer tropical waters, but can be washed onto our shores during colder periods if weak and suffering from injury or illness.

Zoo vets provide the initial emergency treatment and health support for such turtles, and pre-release health-screening, while Kelly Tarltons provides the ongoing care and rehabilitation.

for over 10 years. The doctor has devoted his life to saving this critically endangered great ape and is active in many orangutan conservation projects.

As co-founder of Earth 4 Orangutans, Dr Singleton is working to raise funds for the establishment of the Orangutan Haven and Wildlife Conservation Education Centre in North Sumatra. His talk in late August will be fundraising for this project.

Dont miss this unique opportunity to get the latest news from an expert working directly in the field to help ensure a future for this remarkable great ape. Full details of Dr Singletons public talk will be available online from June.

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wildlife warriors


The move follows extensive monitoring and pest eradication programmes by the Zoo and Rotoroa Island Trust, who in 2012 formed a partnership to create a world-class wildlife sanctuary on Rotoroa.

Introducing these two endemic birds is a hugely exciting milestone for everyone involved as it marks the beginning of our five-year programme to greatly increase the diversity of native fauna on the island, says Zoo director, Jonathan Wilcken.

Since February, 141 Long Bay College students have been using their woodwork technology skills to help build 520 nest and roost boxes for the 40 saddlebacks (teke) moving to Rotoroa Island.

Under the leadership of the schools woodwork technology head, Jeff Evans, the Year 9-13 students have clocked up an astounding 900 hours to get the job done.

The Zoos field conservation manager Ian Fraser says the large quantity of boxes is to cater for future breeding, and also give these birds plenty of roosting and nesting site choices.

One of the students most passionate about the project has been 16-year-old Edward Ring, who helped Mr Evans build the initial prototypes.

Students forsaddlebacks

Plans are well advanced for 40 saddleback (teke) and 40 whitehead (ppokotea) to be translocated from little Barrier (Hauturu o Toi) to Rotoroa Island in May. The birds will be the first wildlife species being introduced onto this sanctuary in the making.

Kiwi, duvaucels gecko and moko skinks are among other wildlife planned for release onto the island later this year.

Its through these, and other wildlife that will make their home here in the coming years, that we can start fulfilling the islands potential both as a centre for environmental education and a venue to demonstrate intensive wildlife management, says Mr Wilcken.

The Zoos field conservation manager Ian Fraser says the saddleback and whitehead will be released into the north east of the island where there is good established forest habitat for them.

The two endemic bird species are being moved from Little Barrier with the support of several iwi groups including Ngati Manuhiri, Ngai Tai ki Tamaki and numerous other parties including the Department of Conservation.

Birdcall

The noisy, gregarious saddleback cant survive in the presence of rats, making it a strong indicator species. Like the whitehead (pictured below) it thrives on pest-free sanctuary islands.

Long Bay Colleges Jeff Evans and his students have built 400 roost boxes and 120 nest boxes for the saddleback (teke) that will make their home on Rotora Island.

The woodwork enthusiast has used every woodwork and study period to help make the specially designed plywood boxes. This has included assisting other students including those from the schools Sustainability Action Group (SAG), who have also been fired up about the project.

Ive done woodwork since Year 10 and I love it. Weve built boxes for a few different bird species.

This time, Ive especially enjoyed being involved helping get the prototypes just right. Plus, its definitely given me a better perspective into just what goes into helping conserve the birds, says Edward, who is looking forward to seeing teke for the first time when he and other students visit Rotoroa in May with Mr Evans.

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NEWarrivals The worlds largest carnivorous marsupial has moved into Auckland Zoo to take up residence in a new purpose-built exhibit that offers visitors a wonderful walkthrough experience.

Ott erlyadorable

One female and three male devils have relocated from Australias Healesville Sanctuary as part of the global Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, set up to prevent this animals extinction.

Were delighted to be welcoming these devils. Theyre part of an insurance population for their species, which has been hit hard by the contagious cancer, Devil Facial Tumour Disease. Having them here helps free up valuable space for breeding in Australian facilities and offers fantastic opportunities to both raise their profile and engage with visitors about just how cool they are, says mammal collection development manager, Bruce Murdock.

Bruce says these smart and endearing marsupials are likely to be pretty shy and timid until they get used to their new home.

Just be patient they will eventually emerge! Devils are particularly active at night, but once they become more comfortable its likely youll see them out sunbaking during the day, and they will become more social, he says.

Tassiesarrivals

Fast Facts

The Zoos Asian small-clawed otter pair Jeta and Juno became proud parents to twins in February.

Now eight weeks old, they tip the scales at over 600 grams, and their glossy fur coats are almost fully water-proofed, which means theyll soon be getting their first swimming lessons.

Acting carnivore team leader Lauren Booth says the raising of the pups is a team effort

from first-mum Jeta and second-time dad Juno and both are doing a great job.

Jeta and Juno will likely start to bring them outside for very brief periods sometime in the coming weeks to teach them to swim and guide them in exploring their outdoor home.

The pups first vet check in late April will confirm their sex which will in turn enable them to be named.

be sure to get along to the Zoos TasMania April holidays experience from 18 April 4 May.

The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest of the worlds 13 otter species, with an adult weight range of 1 - 5 kg

Perfectly adapted to life on land and water with streamlined bodies, two layers of fur (for water-proofing and insulation), webbed feet and blunt short claws for catching prey

new possie

Photo

: Emma Pe

arce

Our otter twins at seven weeks old.


The Zoo High Country in Te Wao Nui is now home to a small population of jewelled gecko one of our most beautiful endemic green geckos.

This stunningly patterned South Island gem, most prevalent on Banks and Otago peninsulas, is a threatened species due to habitat loss, and the impact of mammalian predators.

These geckos are also highly prized by gecko enthusiasts, which has led to illegal gecko smuggling. Some localised populations of geckos are sadly so small that illegal collection of just a few animals can pose a serious risk, says the Zoos curator of ectotherms and birds, Richard Gibson.

We feel very privileged to be able to establish a small but important captive population to help conservationists learn more about this geckos behaviour and biology, and are pleased to report our breeding pair have recently bred, says Richard.

New Zealand

DePARTUReS

Auckland Zoo celebrated the New Year with the birth of Nepalese red panda twins on 3 January, a male and female who have just earned themselves the lovely Nepalese names, Sundar and Kesari.

The two offspring of second-time parents mum, Bo and dad, Sagar are extremely valuable additions to the international breeding programme for this species whose population is in decline due to deforestation and illegal poaching.

Sagar in particular is something of a stud. He came to us from Darjeeling Zoo in India in 2010, so he contributes a very valuable bloodline to the Australasian region, says acting carnivore team leader, Lauren Booth.

Meet KesariandSundar

Three-month old twins male Sundar, meaning handsome, and female Kesari, Nepalese for like the colour of saffron.

Lauren says red panda cubs are slow to develop, which is why at over three months of age, they are only now just starting to venture outside into their enclosure with mum.

Bos a fantastic mum and naturally very protective, which is exactly how she needs to be. At the moment, when she does bring them out, its mostly early morning and late afternoon.

Visit Auckland Zoos youtube channel to watch a short video of Bo and her cubs.

The Zoos unprecedented success in breeding and rearing wt punga saw 150 of these nationally endangered giant weta released onto Motuora Island in early April.

A further 150 of these stunning invertebrate heavyweights (one of the worlds heaviest insects that can weigh as much as a sparrow!) are being moved to Tiritiri Matangi Island in early May. Another 200 will be released into the wild later this year.

A group of adults will also remain at the Zoo in our temperature-controlled wt workshop facility, so we can help breed up a second generation for future releases.

All offspring have been bred from six male and six female wt punga,translocated to the Zoo in 2012 from Little Barrier Island the only place they are naturally found, as part of the Department of Conservations wt punga breeding recovery programme. Visit the Zoos website for more about our wt punga.

jewel

Giantsleave wt workshop

The jewelled gecko is an expert climber with long clawed toes and a prehensile tail that it uses to hang from.

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Photo: Emma Pearce


The five-month-old alien-looking beauties were re-integrated with their parents in February. They have mastered flying, are maintaining their weights (13-14grams) and will soon leave home to move into The Night in Te Wao Nui.

Their nine-year-old parents are descendants of a small remnant population from the Tararua Ranges part of a group moved to the Zoo in 2007 from Kapiti Island by the Department of Conservation (DOC) after they contracted a fungal ear infection.

While its rare for these bats to produce twins, the mum did so last year. We knew she wouldnt cope with raising both so we separated Bruce at two days. After a further fortnight we also had to remove Wayne as he was failing to thrive, says Zoo veterinary services clinical coordinator Mikayle Wilson.

Playing mumWith experience in hand-rearing bats in Australia, Mikayle set up a programme. This included training bird keeper Debs Searchfield to share the intensive parenting role that for many weeks included four-hourly feeding and lots of sleepless nights!

A portable incubator set at 28 degrees celsius closely mimicked a wild nursery roost and served as a bat-mobile for transporting the babies home for night duties. The pups quickly gained the secret identity nicknames Bruce and Wayne from Debs children, as initially it appeared both were the same sex.

I felt like a new mum all over again, worrying about and caring for these incredibly vulnerable and endearing creatures. Its been an amazing opportunity to learn about bat breeding biology and pup development, says Debs, whos been particularly impressed at the ease with which these terrestrial mammals can run both backwards and forwards!

The keeper says among the biggest challenges initially were feeding around the clock and handling creatures weighing just a few grams.

It was tricky at first, but with practice I got quite dextrous at handling them. We fed their milk formula through a tiny syringe. Fortunately they caught on pretty quickly to taking it this way. For their first solids - before they grew teeth and could eat by themselves, we squeezed out the intestines of mealworms a great source of protein for them, says Debs.

startBats offto a flyingBats offto a flyingBats offAuckland zoos lesser short-tailed bat twins, male Bruce and female wayne are the first of their species to be bred and hand-reared in a zoo.

the first 86 daysBat diary

Day 01 NOV. Twin bat pups born, each weighs four grams.

Day 219 NOV. Male pup bruce removed to be hand-reared to allow mother to focus on second pup. bruces round-the-clock milk feeds start.

Day 102 NOV. bruce takes first squeezed guts of mealworm, and intake gradually increases.

Day 18 DeC. Female pup Wayne* pulled from mum after failing to thrive. Placed in a separate incubator.

Day 239 DeC. bruce and Wayne put together in same incubator.

Day 2916 DeC. Fur starts growing.

*In mid-March, tests confirmed wayne to be female


New Zealands unique lesser short-tailed bat Mystacina tuberculata, is classified by DOC as nationally endangered. It is an ancient micro-bat species that diverged from other species early in the evolution of bats, 60 million years ago!

Adapted to hunting on the forest floor, this bat folds up its wings to use as front limbs to scramble around, and catches its prey by echolocation; it sends out pulses of high-frequency sound and listens for the returning echoes that bounce off objects

Can fly at 60kmph and up to 50km a night. While flying, its heart rate reaches 800 beats per minute! At rest it reduces to 250-450 beats

The short-tailed and long-tailed bat are New Zealands only terrestrial native mammals.

Find out more!Find out more!

Day 3926 DeC. Teeth growing through.

Day 4229 DeC. Milk feeds stop. Pups stretch, flap wings, make short jumps.

Day 50 Day 60 Day 70 Day 866 JAN. Hand-feeding stops. Pups self-feed on live and dead insects. Incubator moved to large cage in parents enclosure.

16 JAN. Pups removed from incubator into large cage.

26 JAN. Pups fly for the first time in their cage.

10 Feb. Cage door left open. Pups fly around enclosure and interact with parents.

Sharing new knowledgeA Forest & Bird national bat conference in Marlborough in mid-March provided the opportunity for Debs to present a paper about the Zoos bat breeding and rearing.

It was fantastic to share what wed learned, and also learn from others. What became very clear was that without regular pest control, particularly in response to the mast seeding of native plants, these already endangered bat populations will be lost forever. Trappings not enough either, the best tool we have is 1080 pesticide.

One way Auckland Zoo is helping bats in the wild is by supplying bat poo to DOC rangers in the central North Island to help familiarise tracking dogs with bat scents. This assists the dogs to find bat roosts in the forest, so that DOC can in turn work to protect these populations.

Bat facts

Above: Keeper Debs Searchfield gets bat pup Bruce ready for a milk feed, which is given via a tiny syringe.

To learn more about our native bats, visit: www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/native-animals/bats/

Or check out our youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/aucklandzoo

aucklandzoo.co.nz

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Team effortkkp

Five of the chicks hatched on Codfish Island (Whenua Hou) and one on Little Barrier (Hauturu o Toi). The latter is considered remarkable, given that nine kkp were only just reintroduced back to this Hauraki Gulf island in 2012.

As suppliers of veterinary services to the Department of Conservations (DOC) Kkp Recovery Programme (KRP), the Zoos vet team has been among those assisting the specialist team over summer.

This has involved Zoo and DOC staff working together on both islands, and as it turns out, also at the Zoo. Cyclone Lusis effect on Heather and her chick Heather One, at their Little Barrier nest site, meant this chick had a very hard start to life. At 10 days old she had to be helicoptered to Auckland for treatment and ongoing care, and remains with us.

New Zealands world-famous flightless parrot, the critically endangered kkp, has taken its cue from the fruiting of rimu this season and successfully bred six chicks, increasing its population to 129 birds.

Codfish assignmentsZoo vet nurse Mikayle Wilson spent three weeks on Whenua Hou assisting the KRP chick management team with both day and night-time nest monitoring, and helped with the rearing of Lisa One the first kkp chick to hatch since 2011.

DOC staff found the egg Lisa One (belonging to mum Lisa) crushed in Lisas nest, so kkp ranger Jo Leddington did this incredible No 8 wire job using tape and glue to repair the egg so it could successfully hatch, which it did in an incubator.

I helped with around-the-clock two-hourly, then three-hourly feeds for six days while it was on antibiotic treatment a precautionary measure to prevent any infection that might have entered its cracked shell, explains Mikaylie.

Team effortk

Team effortk

Team effortfor

Auckland Zoo vets (at left and far right) James Chatterton and Richard Jakob-Hoff with DOC kkp ranger Hayley Richardo and Sanjay Thakur from DOCs Te Anau biodiversity team with adult male kkp, Bonus on Whenua Hou.

CONSERVATION


kkp count

While Ive treated sick kkp at the Zoo, this was my first time on Whenua Hou, and the whole experience just blew me away. Whether youre out day or night monitoring the nests or helping with hand-rearing, everything about managing kkp is intense, and the knowledge and expertise of the KRP team is just incredible, she says.

Check-ups on adult kkp and monitoring chicks on nests was the brief for Zoo vets James Chatterton and Richard Jakob-Hoff, who followed Mikaylie to Whenua Hou.

Six adult kkp were health checked for a range of minor injuries or previous conditions, with all found to be in general good health.

While Richard is handing over the coordination of day-to-day vet services for kkp to James Chatterton so he can focus on kkp research, the long-time visitor to Whenua Hou was without fail, wowed by his time on the island.

It was hugely thrilling and satisfying to see two female kkp, Rakiura and Pounamu, looking so well. Weve treated both birds at the Zoo for cloacitis or crusty bum a serious condition into which were doing a lot of research.

Rakiura came to the Zoo several times for treatment and has produced two chicks this season and is helping to foster chick Heather Two. Being able to see her on the nest with a chick was a huge buzz, says Richard.

Invaluable experienceFor vet James Chatterton, a recent arrival from England, his first time on Whenua Hou an island he describes as an untouched ancient forest teeming with bird life, was both exhilarating and exhausting. Caring for kkp can involve walking up to seven hours a day!

I helped perform health-checks on adult birds during the daytime and on chicks at nest sites in the evenings, as well as learning about the hand-rearing process it is a privilege to work with such an enigmatic species

Working with the KPP staff was invaluable experience, including the intensive hands-on assistance we gave to several chicks. This has helped enormously in our management of Heather One, who were delighted to say is now doing great, says James.

Heather One (a temporary name until she is formally named) arrived at the Zoo on 22 March, as a 10-day-old chick, underweight and critically ill.

Little Barrier kkp ranger Leigh Joyce and Zoo vet Bethany Jackson, who was on the island at the time, managed her through the first difficult days of her life before her flight to Auckland.

Zoo bird and ectotherm keepers Michelle Whybrow and Lou Parker, who have previous experience in kkp chick rearing have joined DOCs Leigh Joyce, Ruth Cole and the vet team including Mikayle Wilson, Richard Jakob-Hoff and James Chatterton, to intensively care for and rear the chick.

Heather One is being cared for in the surgery room at the New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine which has been converted into a temporary nursery.

In a few weeks time, at the NZCCM viewing gallery, Zoo visitors will be able to view into the surgery room where Heather One is being cared for. (Like us on Facebook for comfirmation of when this commences).

KRP head Deidre Vercoe, says that later in May, Heather One will likely move to Invercargill to join one or more other chicks, reducing the chances of her identifying too closely with her human carers.

In the meantime, were delighted this feisty chick is now doing so well. And its fantastic that visitors will get to see and learn more about this extraordinary bird that were working hard to ensure has a healthy future, says Deidre.

Six kkp chicks hatched this season. Total kkp population is now 129 birds

On little Barrier, female Heather had one infertile egg, and two fertile eggs; these successfully hatched, producing Heather One and Heather Two (the latter sent to Whenua Hou to hatch)

On whenua Hou, seven birds laid 15 eggs. Four of these chicks successfully hatched, and are continuing to thrive

Heather OneHelping

Zoo vet James Chatterton carries out a health check on elderly male kkp, Jimmy.

At the Zoos NZCCM surgery room, Little Barrier DOC kkp ranger Leigh Joyce feeds Heather One, whose weight has increased to over 700 grams.


WORLDVIEW

New tools tomanage

New tools toNew tools tomanagemanage

wildlifediseaseOne of the ways this can be seen is through the increasing number of diseases transferred between people and animals. Since the 1940s, over 300 new infectious disease events affecting people have occurred, and about 75 percent of these diseases have an animal origin, many of them from wildlife.

New diseases are also driving wildlife species towards extinction (e.g. Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) in Tasmanian devils, and chytrid fungal infections in frogs and other amphibians). To help protect wildlife and, ultimately, human health as well, we need to understand how these diseases emerge and spread.

How do we do it? Over the past four years, Auckland Zoos conservation science and research manager, Dr Richard Jakob-Hoff, has led 22 international experts in authoring two world-first publications on this topic.

Now available online at http://web.oie.int/boutique/index.php?lang=en these documents have been produced for worldwide distribution by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Organisation

for Animal Health (OIE) with input from conservation, veterinary and environmental management experts.

Guidelines for Wildlife Disease Risk Analysis (DRA) explains the value of using DRA for policy and decision makers. The Manual of Procedures for Wildlife Disease Risk Analysis is the practical tool for people implementing DRA in the field.

Just for conservation science geeks like Richard, you ask? Not so. These are practical resources designed to help everyone working in disease prevention from conservation managers to public health practitioners and biosecurity agents.

Think CSI a crime scene or conservation science investigation were gathering evidence to understand what the disease threats are to work out exactly how to deal with them.

How a disease gets transferred between a wild animal and a human or domestic animal species can be pretty complicated, which is why we need these tools, says Richard.

With over seven billion people on Earth, our connection with other species is becoming harder to ignore.

A disease example is the introduction of possums to new zealand.

When first introduced, we had no idea of the effect possums would have. We now know that not only do they damage our forests and kill our wildlife, they also harbour Tuberculosis (TB). This serious and potentially fatal lung disease can affect cattle and also people, and can be transferred as simply as by coughing or sneezing.

Possums here were originally exposed to bacteria that cause TB by infected cows. Now they are passing the disease back to cows, making its eradication much harder. Naturally curious, cows will approach infected possums that can behave strangely - sometimes walking into paddocks during the day. By sniffing them, cows can get infected. People in close contact with possums can get the disease the same way, or by drinking unpasteurised milk from an infected cow, says Richard.

The DRA approach helps us understand these

types of situations and plan actions

to safeguard the health of people, domestic animal and wildlife.

Dr Richard Jakob-Hoff says Disease Risk Analysis (DRA) is being used to help understand and address a newly-discovered skin disease that can be potentially fatal to tuatara.


rhinos

mission

Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund (AZCF) recently approved ongoing financial support to Zimbabwes Lowveld Rhino Trust to purchase much-needed new tyres for its purpose-built rhinoceros translocation truck.

The specialised rhino mover is equipped with heavy duty cranes and translocation crates big and strong enough to pick up, hold and transport a 3000kg beast.

Translocating rhinos is a critical part of conservation of this species, involving moving them to establish new breeding populations or reinforce existing ones. Its also required in emergency situations; to protect animals from poaching or help the injured or sick.

2013 saw a record number of rhino poached, with over 1000 animals in southern Africa

A mission to Maud Island in the Marlborough Sounds to set up a safety-net population of the rare Cook Strait striped gecko mightnt be everyones idea of a break.

But to Zoo curator of ectotherms and birds, Richard Gibson, who spent the week before Christmas on such a mission, it felt like holiday heaven.

Present only on Stephens and Maud Islands, this delicately-marked and highly cryptic gecko may be under imminent threat on Maud due to the recent arrival of mice.

By winter, mice will be in their greatest numbers, get increasingly hungry and turn to alternative food sources like these geckos, and other island rarities like the Maud Island frog and Cook Strait giant weta.

My job was to set up a captive facility to hold around 20 adult geckos a short-term insurance population while a mice eradication programme takes place.

slaughtered for the illegal horn trade over 5 per cent of the overall population disappearing to poaching alone.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of our colleagues at the Lowveld Rhino Trust, poaching has reduced considerably in Zimbabwe, where about 400 (10 per cent) of the approximately 4000 remaining black rhino live, says ACF programmes coordinator, Peter Fraser

By providing tyres, Auckland Zoo has helped the Trust to clock up over 170 translocations from moving rhinos to safe areas to rescuing bullet-injured animals. Many of these road trips have to be done urgently, and in areas with rough or no proper roads. Were really proud to be playing a part in this very important and worthwhile project, says Peter.

During the day I spent my time building and landscaping cages and writing a husbandry manual for the Department of Conservation, and by night, hunting elusive geckos.

It was a busy schedule, and we were successful in establishing 17 healthy adults in their new accommodation just in time for Christmas, says Richard.

Richard says highlights included seeing bucket loads of giant weta, countless common geckos, takah and chicks, and dear old kkpo Sirrocco.

He came crashing out of the undergrowth like a misdirected bowling ball and proceeded to treat each of us in turn like a personal climbing frame before following us home and trying to break into the house. Priceless!

Road safety for

Maud Island

AFRICA

new zeAlAnd

Auckland Zoos curator of ectotherms and birds, Richard Gibson.

Lowveld Rhino Trust staff preparing two rhinos for translocation.

Phot

o: R

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OURPEOPLE MelTrickett

what inspired you to become a vet nurse?I grew up in Cornwall and always loved, and had, pet animals especially horses and I helped out a lot on my aunts farm. It just seemed a natural progression that animals would be central to my career.

How did you get so crazy about birds?I got a lot of opportunity to work with them, and that kept fuelling my fascination. Early jobs included working in a practice that treated farm animals as well as birds and reptiles from nearby Newquay Zoo. Another serviced the Screech Owl Sanctuary home to many owl species. I was then incredibly lucky to work with

Neil Forbes, a renowned specialist in avian medicine surgery. It was bird heaven! We worked with everything from parrots to falcons and eagles.

what weird nz birds are you most wowed by?The kkpo and takah are both so pre-historic. A major highlight since working here has been helping treat sick and injured kkpo. They have real attitude, and are so unusual. They dont fly, theyre really big, have amazing camouflage abilities, and are super noisy. With whiskers around their eyes, they also remind me of little old men; I want to put spectacles on them! The takah is just as vibrant and opinionated. Once I was taking blood samples from this female takah, Cheesecake, on Tiritiri Matangi and her mate was nearby, just screeching at the top of his lungs because we were interfering with his Mrs. His bizarre and high-pitched squealing amazed me.

Other memorable experiences?Putting my arm down the mouth of our female lion Sheeka, to intubate before a surgical procedure, and getting covered

in lion slobber awesome! Also up there; helping keepers scrub down elephants Kashin and Burma soon after I arrived my first time up close to these beautiful beasts.

Scary moments? Having to feed locusts to some of our animal inpatients. Id happily wrestle a Stella eagle but insects scare me. Wearing gloves has helped me conquer this fear to some degree!

Best thing about your job?The incredible variety of animals, the challenges we sometimes need to overcome in treating them, and just how much I learn in the process.

Mel Trickett joined Auckland Zoos veterinary services team in 2007, shortly after moving to New Zealand from England. The 35-year-old vet nurse thinks all animals are amazing, but is especially fascinated by birds and reptiles and says she was lured Down Under by all the weird birds we have!

Getting to know


Odin Neil

did you always want a career working with animals?Yeah. I loved growing up on Poppas farm with my mum and dad. I had every kind of pet you can imagine; including a hawk, dogs, fish, and even pest animals! When I left school I worked there as a sharemilker and helped build our new family home. Then I took a labouring job at New Zealand Steel to fund myself to do the UNITEC Certificate in Animal Management an essential qualification for zoo keeping.

How did you get your lucky break to work at Auckland zoo?In 2008, I got an awesome opportunity to volunteer for a week on the Elephant, Carnivore and Pridelands sections. I got to help scrub down elephants Kashin and Burma and watch the keepers work with the seals and sea lions. I so appreciated how the teams worked together, the connection they had with their animals, and how much effort they put into them. After UNITEC, I got a casual keeper position on the Elephant section, which eventually led to a full-time position.

Toads, spiders and snakes were among the animals that first fascinated Australian-born Odin Neil before he moved to New Zealand as a four-year-old to live on his poppas farm in Waiuku. Fast-forward 20 years and the 24-year-old Auckland Zoo keeper is living his dream.

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questions with

what do you most love about working with Burma?Burmas a really mischievous and playful elephant, so shes very exciting, fun and challenging to work with. As she gets to know you and youve spent time training with her, you build up a real cool relationship and become part of her family. Her intelligence just amazes me, and I love it when she roars. Burma inspires me to want to get involved in elephant conservation overseas.

Have you always been interested in marine animals?Im a surfer. Ive always loved the sea and appreciated marine life. I see fur seals out surfing and its just automatic for me to pick up rubbish at the beach. I work closely with our sub-Antarctic fur seal Orua. Hes got a pretty short attention span, which is challenging, but thats also what makes working with him so rewarding. Im currently teaching him to climb our large rock stack. I also love our Californian sea lion Scuttles Im training him to swim into a fish net underwater to show visitors how dangerous nets and other plastic pollution are to our marine life.

what land and sea animals would you most love to be? Im pretty laid back, but also active. On land, I reckon Id be a lion. In the sea, a great white shark theyre amazing!


Rr pandared

What do you put on when you feel cold? Red pandas dont put on anything they already have thick red fur.What other colours is the red pandas fur?A red panda foot is called a paw. It has sharp claws for climbing trees and is furry, like a warm slipper.

whiskers

fur

paw

claw

tail

z ook id zdo you eat the same food as a red panda? They like eating fruit, eggs, bamboo and insects too.

A baby red panda is called a cub. Cubs drink milk.

This red panda is hungry. Can you help it choose some healthy food?

21

QA It was chasing a boomerang!

Why did the dog cross the road twice?

Spot theSome pets can live a long timeLook at the rainbow lorikeet (bottom) and eastern rosella. Have you had one or both of them in your garden?

These introduced Australian birds are beautiful, but bad news for New Zealand birds like kk, kkriki, tui and bellbirds. They eat the same food and compete for nesting places. Plus, they hang out in big flocks, and our birds dont.

Visit Auckland Zoos website for cool enrichment ideas to make your pets life healthier and happier.

difference

KIDSCARE

FORHaving a pet is heaps of fun, but its also a big responsibility. Good pet owners dont just love their animals. They keep them safe and clean, and give them the right food and fresh water every day.

Pets also need daily exercise for their body and brain just like the animals at Auckland Zoo. Some pets live so long that you might have to ask your grandchildren to look after them, so choose pets wisely!

Keeper Ashleigh says...

Mouse1 year

Guinea Pig5 years

dog12 yearsRabbit12 years

Cat18 years

Turtle50 years

Cockatoo80 years

Goldfish10 years

Rainbow lorikeets have tongues that are like brushes, for licking nectar and pollen from flowers. The Zoos lorikeet, Buddy, eats flowers like dandelions and pohutakawa, as well as grapes, corn, peas and other fruit.

Buddy is already 24 years old. If kept as a pet, rainbow lorikeets need company; they could need your care for as many as 30 years! Even budgies and cockatiels can live to 20.

PETSKIDSCAREKIDSCAREKIDSFORCAREFORCAREHaving a pet is heaps of fun, but its also a big responsibility. Good pet owners dont just love their animals. They keep them safe and clean, and give them the right food and fresh water every day.

Pets also need daily exercise for their body and brain just

FORPETSPETS

See your map for details on how to enter. For terms and conditions visit aucklandzoo.co.nz

8 June 28 JulyVisit aucklandzoo.co.nz for more information and terms and conditions.

get snapping at auckland zoo and

BE IN TO WIN

2nd Prize Nikon COOLPIX P520 worth $649 3rd Prize Nikon COOLPIX L320 worth $328

Nikon D3200 Kit including 18-105mm VR Zoom Lens worth $1,699 plus a special Auckland Zoo behind-the-scenes experience for two people with renowned travel photographer Chris McLennan

as your personal photography guide.

1st Prize

AZOO0143 Nikon Snaps A0 Poster.indd 1 31/05/13 2:55 PM


getsnaphappy

Meeting New Zealands tuatara up-close is like stepping back in time over 225 million years! This ancient reptiles lineage stretches back to the age of the dinosaurs. The tuatara is the only surviving member of the order called sphenodontia, and is unique to Aotearoa.

Its just one of a number of remarkable reptiles you can meet up close during our behind-the-scenes Reptile Experience. Cold-blooded creatures you will also learn about include other New Zealand reptiles (geckos and skinks), as well as exotic species like the gigantic Galapagos tortoise.

Open to both adults and children, the Reptile Experience runs every Sunday at 11.45am until the end of May (the animals rest during winter) and then re-starts in September. It is limited to four people and also includes full-day entry and photos of your experience. Children must be six years or older, and all children under 15 years need to be accompanied by a paying adult.

For further details and to book, visit our website or phone 09 360 4700.

If you love animals and photography, take pictures at Auckland Zoo and you could be in-to-win with Nikon! Whether shot with camera, phone or other mobile device, simply post your favourite animal photos from your visit to our Facebook page and caption Nikon Zoo Snaps.

Every month this year, well be picking our favourite photo to win a nikon Coolpix camera. Full competition details and terms are on our Facebook page and website. Happy snapping!

Auckland Zoo is now offering photography workshops on-site. Your subjects will be everything from plants, birds and reptiles, to big cats, rhino and hippo.

The three classes cater for beginners, young photographers, and intermediates. Half or full-day individual tuition is also available on request, and can be tailored to suit individual needs.

Learn how to use your digital camera like a pro and practice what youve learned out in the Zoo with tutors on hand for guidance and tips.

For all workshops, youll need to come with a basic knowledge of your digital camera (we recommend a DSLR), a fully charged battery and any other accessories you might have. We also recommend you wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and dress for the weather!

Workshops begin in late April. For dates and details visit aucklandzoo.co.nz or phone 09 360 4700.

Take pictures like a pro!

Full-day Beginners (16 years+): $195* (20% discount if book Beginners AND Intermediate)

Full-day Young Photographers (10-15yrs): $95*(10% discount if book more than one child)

Full-day Intermediate (16 years+): $195*

*Includes Zoo admission, morning tea and course notes

Experience remarkablereptiles


of the Zoofriends news and offers for our members

If youre free during the week, why not come and join us on our Wednesday walks. These animal-themed Friends strolls through the Zoo are fun and informative, perfect for a morning out with your toddlers or any home-schooled kids, and a great opportunity to meet other Friends.

We meet outside Darwins Caf at 9:50am for a 10:00am start. No need to register, just show up!

As Friends, we also offer you other exclusives. These can range from animal encounters to talks by Zoo staff, activities like making behavioural enrichments for our animals, or checking out new facilities. Keep an eye out on our website and in the Friends e-newsletter for these special offers. Well also let you know whether you need to pre-book.

Coming up: Wednesday Walk 30 April: Watch a training session with Brazilian agouti, Pico.

Thanks to our friends at Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum, Friends of the Zoo can now receive a 20% discount on Voyager Live harbour sailing tickets (adults and children). Choose from a short 15-minute trip on the SS Puke to a two-and-a-half hour sailing on the Waka Haunui or an adventurous full-day Breeze Gulf Experience.

When booking, simply mention youre a Friends of the Zoo member and present your membership card to enjoy another great benefit of being a part of our family.

In celebration of our Tasmanian devils arriving, were inviting young Friends to send us some Tasmanian devil Tas Art and be in to win!

Explore your artistic side through this special Australian animal. Be as creative as you like, using any appropriate materials; paint, pencils, clay, crayons, felt pens, fabric, glitter or a combination of these you choose. It just needs to fit on an A4 page.

This competition is open to any Friends of the Zoo aged up to 15 years. Two winners will be chosen by the Zoos Tassie devil expert, Bruce Murdock. First place receives an $80 voucher to spend at the Zoos Watering Hole caf, and the runner-up a Tasmanian devil soft toy from WildZone. Winning entries and others will be displayed at WildZone.

Competition closes Saturday 31 May. Drop your entries into the Zoos Information Centre or post to: Zoo Alive art competition, Auckland Zoo, Private Bag 78700, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1245.

Wednesday Walks

Sailaway

10am - 11am

Friends Martine Robertson and daughter Sophia (two-and-a-half) of Titirangi meet kunekune pig Neena and her keeper Hayley Paul following a training session. devilishly

gooddevilishlygooddevilishly

competitionart

Seminars are held at the Zoos Grasslands theatre. Students $5, General Entry $10. No bookings required.

For full details about upcoming talks visit: www.zoologicalsociety.co.nz

world environment day - Raise your voice, not the sea5 June / 9.30am 5.00pmJoin Auckland Zoo in celebrating World Environment Day. Therell be fun activities and opportunities for you and the family to discover more about what you can do to help reduce your impact on our natural world. If youre coming by car, why not reduce your carbon footprint by carpooling with other family or friends.

elephant weekend7 8 June / 9.30am 5.00pmWith our friends from ASB, were celebrating all thats awesome about the elephant one of our worlds most intelligent and beautiful animals. You can get along to elephant encounters, special elephant-themed story time sessions. Plus, therell be face-painting for the kids and lots of other fun activities.

world Gira e day21 June / 9.30am 5.00pmRound up the kids and come and spend your Saturday discovering more about the worlds tallest land animal at this inaugural global

Autumn

Normal Zoo admission prices apply. Friends of the Zoo free to events unless speci ed. Last entry is .1pm for daytime events at Auckland Zoo.

Visit aucklandzoo.co.nz for full details on all these events.

TasMania April Holidays18 April 4 May / .30am 5.30pmJoin the TasMania at Auckland Zoo these April holidays; were celebrating Tasmanian devils and Australia.

Come and say gday to the recent Tasmanian devil arrivals and explore their new home. There will be daily encounters, lots of games, puzzles and activities. Kids youll receive a free Tasmanian devil mask with an activity booklet to become an o cial Auckland Zoo TasManiac. Dont miss the fun. By crikey, its gonna be a corker!

Mothers day Baby loves disco11 May / 9.30am 5.30pmAuckland Zoo will be celebrating all mums this Mothers Day human and animal alike! Show your mum the love by bringing her into the Zoo for a fabulous day that includes Baby Loves Disco from 10am 1pm. This daytime dance party is guaranteed to get you and your litt le ones moving!

zoological Society of Auckland Seminars1 & 22 May, 12 June, and 17 July 6.30pm 8.00pmThe Zoological Society o ers great monthly seminars on conservation-related topics. Subjects being covered in upcoming talks include veterinary care Tongan-style, primatology and anthropology lessons from the eld, and hands-on with big cats.

celebration. Hear all about gira es from our keepers at our gira e encounter and compare how tall you are to a baby gira e!

July School Holidays5 20 July / 9.30am 5.00pmBring the kids along to the Zoo for some exciting July holidays activities. Visit our website from mid-June for full details.

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Zoo Alive - Autumn 2014

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