Have you noticed all of the bird babies around the Park lately? Our team have seen a huge increase in the survival rate of the offspring of native waterfowl and wading birds around the Park. Our site wide pest control programme along with an increase in riparian planting this season has had a massive impact on their survival rates.
In our last bird survey there were 17* different native or endemic bird species seen around the Park grounds including; Australian coot (🎥), sacred kingfisher, scaup and paradise shelduck.
Next time you visit the Park, bring your binoculars and see how many you can spot!
You can help protect these precious species as well, consider joining a trapping group, plant native stems and create safe spaces in your garden for birds, invertebrates and reptiles. For more information visit our website https://www.oranawildlifepark.co.nz/conservation/conservation-at-home/
*This number varies throughout the year, the 2024 survey was completed in January.
Thank you to our wonderful visitors who came out to the Park and celebrated Christmas Eve with our team and amazing animals today.
If you didn’t make it, here’s a snapshot of the day 🎥
How did you stay cool today? It was a hot 30°C in Christchurch today 🏖
Berani has been testing her arm strength, under the watchful eye of Mum, who is quick to grab her when she gets a little too close to the edge.
Berani is certainly living up to her name meaning (daring or fearless)as there is a two metre drop under the platform they are on 😱
Siamang gibbons are built for swinging, their arm span can be up to 1.5m! These extra long arms enables them to cover up your 3m in a single swing. Their arms are also used for balance when walking along tree branches and ropes/vines.
❓FUN FACT FRIDAY❓ Ostriches are the largest birds in the world, males can be up to 2.8 meters tall and weigh up to 145 kg.
Resident ostrich’s Mojo Jojo(in the video), Blossom, Buttercup and Bubbles moved habitats recently and seem to be enjoying their new habitat. You can find them opposite The Great Ape Centre.
Happy Halloween 👻 There were a few tricks and treats happening around the Park today and a lot of pumpkins sniffed, chomped and played with.
Today is International Gibbon Day! So we thought we would share a video of our youngest resident gibbon Berani 🥰 As you can see Mum Basuki is very patient while being used as a jungle gym!
There are 20 different species of gibbon and sadly all of them are regarded as threatened on the IUCN Red List. Our resident gibbon family are siamang gibbons, they are the largest of the species.
To help gibbons and other animals in the wild please ensure you don’t purchase souvenirs made from animal products.
When you are so excited to see your best friend that you almost crash into them 🤣
🎥: 🦏 Tamu charging down the hill to Katala
A massive thank you to those who headed along to the gender reveal for our beautiful siamang baby.
As so many people have been asking what baby is and their name we decided to do a public reveal at the Park this afternoon.
We are delighted to announce the baby is a girl and she has been named Berani, which means bold, brave, fearless or courageous in Malay. She is definitely all of those things when she clings on to Mum while she flies across the ropes at speed!
🦏🦎🦒October 4 marks a very special day: International Zookeeper Day and World Animal Day, making it one of the most important dates in the zoo calendar!
🐾Today, we celebrate our incredible animal keepers who care for all of the precious animals we are privileged to hold at Orana. Their hard work goes far beyond feeding and cleaning; they are passionate advocates for wildlife conservation and play a vital role in educating the public about the plight of these species and inspiring us all to take action for the animals that share our world 🐾
🪺🪶Zookeeping is not glamourous, it is hard work, it is smelly and dirty, however it is also incredibly rewarding. Please take a moment to show your appreciation for our amazing team below ⬇️
This wee munchkin is getting bigger and stronger every day, they’ve been trying to stand on their own, can climb all over poor Mum and has now been trying to climb over Dad, however Basuki (Mum)will quickly grab baby back!
Catch a glimpse of baby over the holidays with our half price kids special*.
*Four kids visit for half price with each full paying adult T&C’s apply, see website for details https://www.oranawildlifepark.co.nz/plan-your-visit/events/
The walkthrough aviary is a relaxing space to sit in nature, listen to the birdsong, or just take a moment to reflect.
Studies have shown that spending time in green space, bringing nature into your everyday life and being around animals has a positive impact on mental wellbeing.
Make sure you take some time not just during Mental Health Awareness Week but every week to spend time in nature, connect with animals and spend time with those you love.
