Wooden logs are no match for Sanctuary’s mighty strong echidnas
While even the suggestion of termites is enough to make a homeowner squirm, the creepy crawlies are a cause for celebration among the resident echidnas at Healesville Sanctuary.
Despite their small size, echidnas are surprisingly strong, which comes in handy when a potential meal of termites is nestled in a log.
Healesville Sanctuary Mammal Keeper Craig McQueen said the Sanctuary’s echidnas love termite logs and it's always interesting to watch their 18-centimetre-long tongues at work.
“Echidnas are incredibly strong, and they have sturdy claws,” Mr McQueen said. “They are really great at tearing apart termite mounds and rotting logs to find ants and termites inside.
“Giving an echidna a rotting log full of termites encourages them to use their natural foraging behaviours, utilising their strength and, of course, putting their sticky, long tongues to work.”
Healesville Sanctuary is home to nine Short-beaked echidnas that visitors can see along the Koala Forest-Kangaroo Country track.
The echidnas do love a sleep in and are generally more active in the afternoon. During the winter months, echidnas enter a hibernation-like state known as torpor, sleeping for days or weeks.
Echidnas and Platypus are part of the monotreme family, which means they are part of a unique group of egg-laying mammals.
Although echidnas are not endangered, they are at risk from dog attacks, natural disasters and motor vehicles. Wild echidnas are among the more than 2,000 sick and injured native animals treated each year at Healesville Sanctuary’s Australian Wildlife Health Centre.
Zoos Victoria and Healesville Sanctuary visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online at zoo.org.au. Zoos Victoria Members no longer need to book but are required to scan their Membership card to gain entry.