Series 3 Episode 6

16 July 2009

In this week's episode of THE ZOO, a red panda is about to become a first-time mum; an electrical storm leaves a flying fox orphaned; an orangutan faces a cancer scare; and a breeding program hopes to increase numbers of the critically endangered mallee fowl.

Chicks are going great, and have grown heaps. The plan will be to determine if they are male or female, and then move them up to Monarto to be placed into breeding situations.

It didn't take long for Harry to leave the safety of the specialised bat release cage and find his own way in the world.

Now almost seven months old, 'Pemba' is doing exceptionally well and is the size of a young healthy male adult Red Panda.

Pemba shares his lush outdoor exhibit with is mother, 'Wanmei' weher he enjoys bamboo and fruit feeds, although grapes and pear remain his favourite.

'Pusung' recovered well from his stomach problem and was improving steadily. Unfortunately sometime later he came down with a cold, which became a serious chest infection and despite expert veterinary attention and undivided love and care from his dedicated keepers he was unable to fight off this infection and peacefully passed away.

Section/animals worked with

Bird Department for 8 years, a few months on ungulates and Children Zoo

How long have you been working as a zookeeper/vet/vet nurse?

Since December 2000

Section/animals worked with

Education Centre

How long have you been working as a zookeeper/vet/vet nurse?

I have been working at Taronga as an Education Officer for five years. I am a trained teacher with a degree in Primary School education.

Section/animals worked with:

Primate and Native mammal section supervisor, however have worked on most areas in the zoo.

How long have you been working as a zookeeper/vet/vet nurse?

Approximately 13 years at Adelaide Zoo.

Section/animals worked with

Primate Department, predominately with orangutans and siamangs

How long have you been working as a zookeeper/vet/vet nurse?

I started working as a zookeeper in 2000 and started at Adelaide Zoo in 2006 on the primate department.

Which animals do you work with?

Carnivores.

How long have you been working as a zookeeper?

I started working on the Australian Mammal division at Taronga Conservation Society in 2002 and moved to the Carnivore Unit in 2006.