He may be cute and cuddly but make no mistake about it, he IS the worlds worst worker 🥱🤣
We think the fame may have gone to his head so now he just thinks he runs the show 🤦
#discoveryourwildside
How cool is this!? 🥳💚 Keeper Alicia got up close and personal with our meerkat family during their "sentry duties"! 🕵️♂️✨ These little guardians stand tall to keep an eye out for any potential dangers—an instinct that’s as sharp as ever, even in their safe, cozy environment.
We love seeing their natural instincts in action and do everything we can to encourage it! From building habitats that mirror their wild savanna home 🌾 to providing enrichment that sparks their natural foraging behaviors 🍂, we’re all about helping our meerkats thrive.
Check out some of the ways we keep their wild side alive:
Creating naturalistic enclosures with sandy substrates, rocks, and burrows
Keeping them in social groups that reflect their natural family dynamics
Hiding food and using puzzle feeders to mimic their wild foraging
Tailoring enrichment activities based on their unique responses
Celebrate the wild side with us! 💚
#DiscoverYourWildSide
Did you see Dinkum munching away last week?
Ever wondered what our superstar absolutely loves to eat? 🍽️
Keeper Gabbi breaks it all down! 💚 💚
Can you guess which is his favourite? 🤔
#Discoveryourwildside #ASMR #Dinkum #Wombat #Zoo #Wildlife
Here’s your midweek pick-me-up. Introducing Dinkums ASMR! 🐾 🔊
Seriously though… How adorable is it when he uses his little hands to grab his food? 😍
#Discoveryourwildside #ASMR #Dinkum #Wombat #Zoo #Wildlife
Meet Dolly & Chester! 🐾
Come hang out with Keeper Amy and our two favourite farmyard dachshunds.
#Discoveryourwildside #Farmyard
FAQ about our star Dinkum the wombat:
1️⃣ 🧠 Are they intelligent? ✅ Yes, wombats are intelligent creatures, but they are also known for being very stubborn. They have strong instincts and are adept at problem-solving in their natural habitat.
2️⃣ 👨👩👧 Do they live in groups? ❌ Not typically. Here at the zoo, Dinkum lives with another adult female wombat. However, in the wild, wombats are solitary animals. They typically live alone and do not form social groups or packs like some other animals do. Each wombat usually has its own burrow system, and they are generally territorial, marking their territory with scent glands to deter other wombats from entering. However, their burrow systems can sometimes overlap or connect with those of other wombats, especially in areas with high population densities or limited suitable burrowing sites. This occasional overlap can give the impression of social behavior, but wombats do not actively seek out the company of others except during mating season or when mothers are caring for their young.
3️⃣ 🫳 Can you have them as pets or approach them like we do here at the Zoo? ❌ No, wombats should not be kept as pets or approached like we do here at the Zoo. In the wild, wombats can be aggressive and territorial. They have strong teeth capable of delivering a powerful bite if they feel threatened. Additionally, their hindquarters are incredibly strong, designed for digging burrows and defending themselves against predators. Approaching a wild wombat can be dangerous for both the animal and humans.
#Discoveryourwildside #Wombat #Zoo #Wildlife #Australia
🍫🐐 Our adorable baby girl goat needs a name, and we're keeping it chocolate or lolly themed! 🍬✨
Drop your delicious suggestions in the comments below - we can't wait to see what you come up with! 🌟
And make sure you pop down to farm yard this weekend to say 'hello' 👋
#Discoveryourwildside #Farmyard
Venemous Snake Bites
🐍 Today we're talking about VENOMOUS snake bites! What should you do?
Tip 1: Remember to treat all snake bites as venomous!
Tip 2: Try to stay relaxed—moving around increases your heart rate and can push venom faster through your body.
Tip 3: Ensure you bandage the bite to restrict blood flow.
Tip 4: Get to the closest hospital or call emergency services ASAP.
Bonus tip: DO NOT REMOVE the bandage until anti-venom is ready.
Remember, most snake bites occur due to fear, not aggression. Respect our wildlife and avoid handling them unless trained.
#discoveryourwildside #australia #snakebites
Let's talk about snake bites! 🐍 Have you ever been bitten by a non-venomous snake?
Here are a few important takeaways:
Always treat a snake bite as potentially venomous. It can be hard to tell the difference, so it's safest to assume the worst.
Using antiseptic on the bite is crucial to reduce the risk of infection. Snakes, like any animal, carry bacteria in their mouths. Treating it like you would any other wound is important.
Seek medical attention promptly and err on the side of caution. It's better to be safe than sorry!
And remember, snakes usually bite out of fear, not aggression. Respecting wildlife and giving them space is key.
Australia isn't as scary as it's made out to be! 😁🕷️🐍🦈
#discoveryourwildside #zoo #snake #wildlife
"IM A BIG SCARY WOMBAT!!!"
*Dinkum says with the cutest little noises EVER* 🤣
We felt the Dinkum love! Stay tuned and follow for more videos this week 💚
#discoveryourwildside #wombat #zoo
HOW TO PUT A WOMBAT TO SLEEP 😴 🐾 🤣
Keeper Gabbi, (the Wombat Whisperer) shows us how she gets Dinkum ready for a big nap!
Disclaimer: Keeper Gabbi is a trained professional who has raised Dinkum since he was young, we share these videos to showcase the incredible animals and personalities on display here at the Shoalhaven Zoo. We DO NOT recommend performing these actions with wild wombats, as they can be aggressive and territorial. Always respect our wildlife! 💚
#discoveryourwildside #wombat #wildlife #zoo
🐐 Can you guess the theme in our goat names? All our goats adore feeding time and meeting our guests! 🌟 If you want to hang out with your favorite characters, swing by the farmyard where they're eagerly waiting for you! 💚 #discoveryourswildside #farmyard
Meet Keeper Amy's top 3 contenders for the title of cutest farmyard animals! 😍
Which one steals your heart? 💚
#discoveryourwildside #farmyard
Crafty black-capped capuchin cracking open macadamias with ease! 💚🐒🥜 #discoveryourwildside #zoo #wildlife
Shoalhaven Zoo hairstyling services? 💇♀️🤣
#discoveryourwildside #zoo
3 Reasons To Walk Your Wombat On A Harness:
1️⃣ SAFETY FIRST: Wombats, like our beloved Dinkum, are curious explorers and LOVE venturing down holes! Harnessing ensures that he stays out of harm's way, preventing any unexpected escapades into risky territories.
2️⃣ ENRICHING ADVENTURES: Dinkum thrives on social interaction and exploration. Our walks offer him enriching experiences in our lush South Coast environment, fostering his well-being and happiness.
3️⃣ VISITOR SAFETY: While Dinkum loves meeting our visitors, safety is paramount. There's nothing cooler than seeing the surprise on our visitors' faces when they notice a 30kg bundle of joy strolling past them 🤣. Sometimes, we even have time to stop for pats and scratches! Harnessing ensures our keepers maintain full control, ensuring everyone enjoys their encounter without any unwanted cuddles.
💚💚💚
#discoveryourwildside #wombat #zoo #wildlife
COME FEED OUR MANED WOLVES WITH US 💚🐺 (It's chicken day)
A little reminder that we've been thinking about opening up this feeding experience to the public, so if getting this close to some Maned Wolves interests you be sure to let us know with a DM!
#discoveryourwildside #manedwolf #zoo #wildlife
Never gets old! Big John takes flight in pursuit of his next treat! 🐊
#discoveryourwildside #crocodile
LAWSONNN!! 💚
Lawson is a SUPER chill guy, be like Lawson 😎
#discoveryourwildside #zoo #KOALA #australia #wildlife
Do you think Lawson enjoys his scratches and cuddles in the sun? 💚🌞😴
Lawson is a super-cool, friendly and loveable fellow that we have here at the Zoo.
Whenever we do off-site work Lawson is our go-to man because he's just soo great with people! 💕
He loves getting cuddles from Keeper Bell and is just an all-round great animal with an amazing personality.
Stay tuned for new content featuring this guy coming soon 🔜👀
#discoveryourwildside #koala #zoo #wildlife
