Feeding and training large mammals seems like it would be all fun and games, but senior mammal keeper Tim Davis showed us how his time devoted to these animals plays a large part in the Zoo’s conservation efforts. Mr. Davis has an established relationship with each of the animals we visited, and they seemed to recognize his voice and keys as we approached. As part of caring for the elephants, kiwis, and camels (the EKC) at the Zoo, Mr. Davis’ day begins at six o’clock every morning. This early rising time allows him to tend to each of his animals daily, ensuring their healthy appearance and all around well being. I was fascinated to find that the majority of the EKC animals receive special enrichment daily. By scattering treats throughout enclosures, the animals are challenged to find the hidden objects, and as a reward, are able to eat them. Along with keeping the animals alert and happy, enrichment sessions promote the animals’ conservation. When the animals are up and moving, visitors of the Zoo will spend more time at an exhibit. Taking an interest in a specific animal helps people to feel more connected and encourages them to become involved in the preservation of that species.

I thought I was going to be pretty comfortable around the camels. After all, I figured the worst they could do was spit. However, I learned that was most likely not going to happen because camels only spit when they’re upset or provoked. But when I was first standing next to this quite large animal, I realized that I still felt a little vulnerable, which was a suprise to me, being such an animal fan. I felt better as we fed the camels some food pellets and experienced their slimy lips. Mr. Davis pointed out that one of the camels was in a separate enclosure. He was the new male brought in for breeding purposes.

New animals to the Zoo are quarantined for at least 30 days before being placed in an enclosure. This is to ensure that the health of the animals is up to par and there are no other issues with them. Keeping these animals separate avoids possible medical conditions from spreading throughout an entire enclosure. Imagine how devastating it would be if an animal was introduced into an enclosure without being examined when it could possibly spread a disease among the entire group. This could put the breeding program for that species at risk.

(Note: the camel was not quarantined, he was in a “next door” enclosure to the females as part of the introduction process.)

When I visited the Zoo in the past, I always assumed the few koalas on display were the only ones there. However, as we traveled behind-the-scenes, I quickly noticed that I was mistaken. There were many more koalas perched peacefully on branches in enclosures. Chris Hamlin, marsupial team area lead, informed us that koalas are very picky eucalyptus eaters. I was amazed to hear that the Zoo provides them with four different types of eucalyptus leaves daily in hopes that they will be interested in one of them that day. In addition, the Zoo keeps a refrigerated room full of eucalyptus plants to keep it fresh for the koalas.

There is a program within zoos of the United States in which koalas are loaned for educational and conservation awareness purposes. In the Koala Loan Program, a koala and a keeper travel to a different zoo in the States to give people in that community a connection to koalas. This exhibit attracts people to the partnering zoo and raises their awareness for the need of koala conservation. Profits accumulated from this program are sent directly to Australia for research on koalas in their natural habitat. I think this program is a great success because everyone benefits, especially the koalas.

As our first day out exploring the Zoo with a presenter, I was overwhelmed with all the new information I learned. From the visitors’ perspective, everything seems orderly and simple. Little do you know all the hard work and dedication that goes into keeping the animals mentally and physically healthy.

Contributed by Shelby - Zoo InternQuest Conservation Team

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