Episode 6

Solitary for most of the year, Leopard Seals find each other through song. Males sing for months, while females sing only when they are ready to mate. They sing a duet, which allows the female to choose the perfect partner.

Episode 6

Meerkat introductions

Click on images and keeper profiles

A completely new group of female Meerkats had been brought to the zoo to ensure that the zoo population of Meerkats is genetically diverse. The males and females were kept apart for some time while keepers observed their behaviours. Gradually, the groups could see and interact with each other through mesh. Finally keepers made the decision to proceed with the introduction. After a bit of posturing, the introduction went extremely well and the group now all live together. Taronga is hoping for the pitter-patter of tiny Meerkat feet some time in the future.

Victoria, the Sun Bear

Victoria and her den-mate Mr Hobbs are Malayan Sun Bears. Both were rescued by an Australian businessman from outside a Cambodian restaurant some years ago and the zoo was able to give them a permanent home. Victoria had a broken tooth which needed to be treated by a Carnivore Specialist Dentist. Keepers have worked closely with both the Sun Bears, gradually getting them accustomed to presenting their teeth to enable dental inspections. This process is entirely voluntary and based on trust and positive reinforcement. Victoria was anaesthetised and her tooth was repaired. She is now busily exploring her exhibit and enjoying special fruit treats. Sun Bears are endangered and suffer from extreme habitat loss, as well as being exploited for bear products including bear bile used in traditional medicine.

Janey the orphaned Swamp Wallaby

Janey had been brought to the zoo's wildlife clinic after her mother had been killed on the road. Janey was cared for by keeper Natacha Richards, including nightly feeds and carrying Janey to work each day in a pouch. Janey had some early stomach upsets but recovered well under Natacha's expert care. After months of care, Janey finally got to spend her first night at the zoo and keepers from the Australian Fauna section made sure she had a specially fitted out bedroom with plenty of warm pouches to choose from. Janey now lives at the zoo's Education Centre along with Dubbo, an Emu, and Cobar, a Western Grey Kangaroo . Natacha still gets to visit her.

Greater One-horned Rhinoceros Dora

Dora had an infection around his eye and needed to be treated by the Western Plains Zoo vets as soon as possible. The concept of a visit to the doctor becomes a bit more complicated with a two tonne rhinoceros, so Dora was anaesthetised for his treatment. Dr Benn Bryant cared for Dora and he was soon up and around in no time. Dora originally was bred in a Japanese zoo and his name is associated with a Dragon. Greater One-horned rhinos are endangered and there are less than 2,400 left in the wild.