Welcoming these two Tasmanian devils to Auckland!
Welcoming these two Tasmanian devils to Auckland!
Have you been in to spot our latest arrivals? In this video, senior carnivore keeper Nick introduces Tasmanian devil sisters Wiri and Wayana, who are with us as part of the Tasmanian Devil Ambassador Program.
Having these incredible devils at Auckland Zoo means our visitors can connect with this amazing species in their greater backyard, while also learning more about the threats that this critically endangered species faces in the wild. As well as what our friends at the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program are doing to ensure the species is around for generations to come.
This brings our total number of Aussie devils up three – including male devil Nita. Nita lives in an adjacent habitat to these females, allowing them to see, smell, and communicate with each other.
Our heartfelt thanks to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre and the palawa children for gifting us their palawa kani names, Wiri and Wayana.
Watch as this cockatoo duo participate in their own healthcare training!
Watch as this cockatoo duo participate in their own healthcare training!
Bird keeper Rebecca explains the science of care behind why we train red-tailed black cockatoos Dani and Kylie each day.
Being able to train these behaviours means our keepers can carry out low-stress health checks, allowing for a thorough and calm assessment of each bird’s well-being. By incorporating cooperative behaviours like wing stretches and beak presentations, we’re able to minimise stress during these routine checks.
This training approach isn't only for their physical health—it’s also mentally enriching for these intelligent birds. Engaging them in meaningful interactions stimulates their cognitive abilities and creates trust between these Aussie birds and our keepers.
You can visit them in their mixed species habitat at our Australia Bush Track!
Can you see this rhinoceros belly move?
Can you see the rhino calf kicking in mum’s belly? 🦏
Southern white rhino Jamila is now 15 months into her 16-month pregnancy. In this #keepercam from ungulates keeper Vicky, you can actually see her unborn calf moving inside her.
With just one month to go, our team is keeping a close eye on her progress. Daily health checks, made possible through positive reinforcement training and the bond between Jamila and her keepers, ensure that everything is going smoothly. These checks include monitoring her udders and the swelling of her vulva to track how the pregnancy is progressing.
As a gentle and caring mother of two, Jamila is set to welcome her third calf soon. Stay tuned for updates on her journey!
Kiwi digging around at Auckland Zoo
Bring your Kiwi to the Zoo this Save Kiwi Week!
We’re all aware of our iconic namesake, but did you know Aotearoa used to be home to millions of kiwi? Today, only 5% of kiwi chicks that hatch in areas where there is no active predator control will reach breeding age.
The great news is, there are conservationists working hard to preserve kiwi for generations to come. Our Zoo is proud to have hatched and released exactly 427 kiwi (and counting) to predator free areas with Save the Kiwi NZ, the Department of Conservation and regional groups through the Operation Nest Egg (ONE) programme.
ONE hatched in 1994, when researchers noted that while almost all chicks were killed by stoats, adult kiwi were able to survive in greater numbers. Learn more here - www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/news/your-zoo-visits-help-kiwi-through-operation-nest-egg.
You can make a difference by supporting organisations that protect and conserve kiwi, ensuring your dog is on a leash around active bird sites and taking part in predator control efforts.
Stay tuned as we’ll share more about kiwi conservation this week!
#SaveTheKiwiWeek2024
Cahya chasing her tail.
Watch nine-month-old Cahya as she playfully chases her own tail!
Like many tiger cubs, Cahya loves pouncing, chasing, and exploring her surroundings. Play is a really important part of learning and development – which is apparent in humans and young cats like Cahya!
Have you been in to see her these school holidays? We’re open 9.30am – 4.30pm (with last entry at 3.30pm) this weekend!
#Staffcam - Sarah Dixon
The flamingo dance
It takes two to tango - but it takes a flamboyance to dance! 🦩
Like a flash mob, flamingos gather in groups to perform synchronised moves and vocalisations. These displays aren’t just for courtship; they also strengthen connections among flock members, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.
One common move is called ‘head-flagging’, where they turn their heads from side to side, encouraging others to join in. Another involves flashing their wings, a move known as the ‘wing salute’. Flamingos also charge up and down in a move called ‘marching’, with both sexes participating in these lively displays.
Not only is it a sight to behold, but it's also music to the ears! One of the most recognisable sounds produced by flamingos are their trumpeting tunes, ranging from squawks to clucks.
Come and witness the flamboyance in action this weekend!
Conservation Learning at Auckland Zoo
What’s a great way for kids to learn about adaptations? Seeing a giraffe up close, of course!
Experiential learning is at the heart of our conservation learning ethos. Our passionate facilitators connect tamariki with science every day, from ECE to tertiary level – and it’s all linked to the New Zealand curriculum.
Want to understand how the Zoo cares for animals? What native species live in the ngahere? Or what actions you can take in your own backyard for the betterment of wildlife? We have sessions that suit a wide range of topics, centred around wildlife, people and the environment.
“You can set students up for success with our pre-learning resources, and after their Zoo visit they can follow it up with post-learning as well. This is available through our Conservation Learning Online platform and is included in your education session,” explains Patrick, our DOM for conservation learning.
Are you a teacher keen to connect with one of our team? Get in touch here- www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/visit/education.
Meet our volunteers and find out about their mahi!
Meet some of our wonderful volunteers and find out about their mahi!
Our volunteers fulfil a variety of indispensable roles at the Zoo – from welcoming our visitors, to assisting our keeping and vet teams, to cutting fresh grass for animals to enjoy!
It’s the dual nature of volunteering that is so special – not only are our volunteers improving the wellbeing of our kaimahi and visitors, but they’re also creating their own uplifting and supportive community at the Zoo.
We’re extremely fortunate to have volunteers that have been with us for 5, 10, 20+ years. As one of our newest volunteers Rubi says, “I really feel like I found somewhere where I belong. It’s been the best six months of my life!”
Volunteering can fit around your schedule too – with many of our ‘vollies’ committing to one day a week or fortnight. If you’d like to get involved, find out more here – www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/get-involved/volunteer
A huge thank you to our partners at Tip Top Ice Cream who celebrated our volunteers for #MHAWNZ Whakawhetai Friday – shouting them ice creams and ice blocks to enjoy.
Watch as the leopard tortoises devour pūhā in minutes!
Watch as the leopard tortoises devour pūhā in minutes!
While they have no teeth (like all tortoises) their sharp, beak-like mouths make quick work of it, biting and shredding through their food. At Auckland Zoo these herbivores graze on hay each day and enjoy browse and spray-free weeds twice a week.
Leopard tortoises are native to the grasslands of eastern and southern Africa – and are the fourth largest tortoise species in the world! Their beautifully patterned shells, with yellow, tan, and brown rings, resemble leopard spots and give them their striking name.
Next time you’re at the Zoo, see if you can spot these tortoises on our Africa Safari Track!
Keeper Dion cares for this dazzle of zebra!
Let’s follow ungulates keeper Dion as he cares for this dazzle of zebra!
Visitors of our wonderful Zoo will know, this African savannah habitat is shared by zebra, giraffes and ostriches – and each species has its own dietary needs.
Zebra are herbivores that naturally graze on grasses in the wild, occasionally nibbling on bushy leaves and stems. At our Zoo, they’re primarily fed hay, and nutritional pellets. Our amazing ungulates team ensure that each species gets the appropriate diet they need for their optimal health.
Watch the video and let us know what you learnt!
Tīeke bring a unique sound to the forest
Have you cast your vote for Bird of the Year 2024?
In this annual competition Kiwis get to spread awareness for a different manu and rivalries are fierce! This year, we’re proudly supporting the tīeke (saddleback) and its conservation comeback.
There are two species of tīeke endemic to Aotearoa - the North Island tīeke and the South Island tīeke – and both are vulnerable to predation by introduced predators such as rats, feral cats and stoats. In recent decades, the Department of Conservation have successfully translocated both species to predator-free island refuges (as well as mainland sanctuary sites for the North Island tīeke) and brought these birds back from the brink of extinction.
You can back up to five birds in this Forest & Bird campaign - www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/
Cast your vote by 5pm Sunday 15 September! #BOTY2024
Red pandas engage in health care training!
Watch as carnivore keeper Steph works alongside these red panda siblings as part of their cooperative health care training!
To start the session, Steph will call Dalha and Tashi down from the trees individually, and they can decide whether or not they’d like to take part in the day’s voluntary training.
We do this training to ensure future treatments are stress-free and positive for the animals in our care, and means that subcutaneous (under the skin) injections can happen easily and safely!
Did you know that rhino actively shape their iconic horns?
When it rains, Zambezi takes advantage of the wet conditions in his habitat. When he rubs his horn against wet logs or rocks, this creates friction, allowing him to sharpen his horn more effectively. His horn is made of keratin—the same substance found in human hair and nails— and it requires regular maintenance to stay in top condition, as it’s constantly growing.
Rhinos use their horns for various purposes: to protect themselves from predators, establish dominance, and guide their young until they can navigate life on their own. They also use their horns to reshape and dig into wallows before entering. Rhinos enjoy wallowing to cool down, and they might test the mud's thickness with their horns before settling in.
At the Zoo, each of the rhino here sharpens their horn differently, giving them a unique shape.
Did you know there are five species of rhino in the world? The black and white rhinos in Africa both have two horns. In Asia, the Sumatran rhinoceros has two horns, while the Indian and Javan rhinoceroses each have a single horn.
Look out for this rhino herd and their beautiful horns on the African Safari Track next time you visit.
#keepercam ungulates keeper Jess
Watch Eastern barn owl Kehua as he enjoys his kai! 🦉
Barn owls are skilled hunters of small rodents and may occasionally eat small birds (mainly introduced species) often swallowing their prey whole or in large chunks. At Auckland Zoo, we replicate this by feeding them chicks (sourced from the agriculture industry) and mice which are similar in size to their natural prey.
Owls possess three eyelids: an upper lid, a lower lid, and a third transparent membrane that moves sideways across the eye with remarkable speed. This unique adaptation helps protect their eyes while hunting and feeding, which is why owls always close their eyes when eating.
Barn owls are the most widely distributed owl species in the world - found on every continent except Antarctica! In New Zealand, they were granted native status in 2008 when a pair successfully bred in Northland and have become valuable allies in controlling populations of mice and rats in Aotearoa.
Visit Hidden New Zealand at 1pm each day to see a barn owl or ruru in flight and learn more about them from our animal experiences team!
Watch this ruru (morepork) take flight!
Watch as Nova, a six-year-old ruru, takes flight!
Nova joined our animal experiences team just over a year ago, and has been taking part in voluntary positive reinforcement training sessions where she receives important stimulation as well as some tasty kai.
Ruru are native to New Zealand and are known as silent hunters; their soft wing feathers make no sound as they swoop down on their prey. Unlike you and I, their head is able to turn in almost a complete circle. These adaptations, coupled with keen hearing and big eyes, means they can detect even the slightest movement.
Nova is an amazing ambassador for New Zealand's native owl species, giving our wonderful visitors the opportunity to see these beautiful birds up close. Our team are currently building up Nova’s free flight skills so that in the future, you’ll be able to meet her in our Hidden New Zealand keeper talks. Stay tuned for updates!
