Zookeepers design wild idea for savannah animals
Browse balls and giant, wobbling fruit and vegetable kebabs are the latest attractions to be developed for the Southern white rhinoceros and their habitat mates at Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Savannah keeper Laura Harbridge said the interactive enrichment items are designed to promote wild behaviours and increase mealtime complexity for wildlife on the Zoo’s 45-hectare savannah habitat.
“The Teeter Pole is a large concrete half-sphere with a pole in the middle,” Ms Harbridge said. “We can thread the pole with a number of items, including hollowed pumpkins, watermelons and some large balls of African browse.
“This inspires the rhinos to forage, move the items to get to food hidden beneath, and problem solve as they try to manoeuvre the high-value items off the poles. The concrete bases also provide a great scratching station for their horns.”
The rhinos at Werribee Open Range Zoo form part of a regional breeding program to maintain a genetically diverse crash that can support the conservation of wild rhino populations.
A Southern white rhino’s horn is comprised of keratin and hair, and is typically used for defence, digging, guiding young and attracting a potential mate. In the wild, rhinos shape and maintain their horns by rubbing against stones, trees and fallen logs.
While the Teeter Pole is designed as an enriching experience for the Zoo’s six robust rhinos, the needs of other potential users also needed to be considered.
“Werribee Open Range Zoo’s lower Savannah is home to 13 different African species, from baby zebras, huge rhinos – weighing in at two-and-a-half tonne – to tall giraffe,” Ms Harbridge said. “Whatever enrichment we offer in this habitat needs to be both effective to stimulate their natural behaviours, while also being safe for everyone.
“We have a passionate community of volunteers across Zoos Victoria who help to construct our enrichment items. Their support allows our zookeeping team to focus on the day-to-day animal husbandry and ensure our animals are healthy.”
Southern white rhinos are under serious threat in the wild from illegal poaching due to demand for rhino horn and habitat destruction. It’s estimated that there are less than 20,000 Southern white rhinos remaining in the wild.
The rhinos at Werribee Open Range Zoo form part of a regional breeding program to maintain a genetically diverse crash that can support the conservation of wild rhino populations.
Zoos Victoria and Werribee Open Range Zoo 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 for entry.