Series 4 Episode 1

Keeper, Native Fauna & Ungulates, Monarto Zoo, South Australia

How long have you been working as a zookeeper?

Almost 5 years as a keeper at Monarto Zoo.

I also spent 6 months as a vet nurse in private practise immediately after completing TAFE studies.

How did you get into zookeeping as a profess

Keeper, Native wildlife and Ungulates, Monarto Zoo, South Australia

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

4 years

How did you get into zookeeping as a profession?

I was previously employed for the Monarto Zoo Visitor Services department for

Senior Veterinarian, Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Before coming to Taronga Western Plains Zoo Benn began his veterinary career working with domestic animals for 8 years.

Senior Keeper, Carnivore Unit, Taronga Zoo

What animals do you work with?

I currently work in the Carnivore Unit, working with Lions, Tigers, Bears, Meerkats, Red Pandas, Fennec Foxes etc. In the past I have worked in the Herpetofauna section with all reptiles and amphibians

19 April 2010

In this episode see Happy the hippo’s visit to the dentist with some tusk trouble at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, while sister zoo Taronga waves a sad goodbye to Tizga the Fennec Fox who moves in with his new girlfriend at Adelaide Zoo.

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.

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.