Insi e: The great Platypus comeback Our fight against the Illegal Wildlife trade How you can help save the Great Barrier Reef Say hello to ...
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ISSUED BY TARONGA CONSERVATION SOCIETY AUSTRALIA April 2021 Insi�e: The great Platypus comeback Our fight against the Illegal Wildlife trade How you can help save the Great Barrier Reef Say hello to Taronga’s newest little babies
2 April 2021
Giving them back their future
You heard about Taronga’s breaking these facilities
vision to build a world- will be for Platypus
first Platypus refuge conservation and
facility and how we ensuring their future.
urgently need your help
The facilities will be
to kick start these centres.
leading centres for
And your response was Platypus research, and
amazing, thank you! With the first-ever facilities to
your generous support we breed Platypus for release
can now begin the work into the wild. That means
to give the Platypus a we’ll be able to restore
safe future. wild populations, which is
absolutely incredible and
Because of you we have
a world-first endeavour.
been able to start the
long road of making an It’s very exciting,
extraordinary difference and some good news
I’m sure you were as Platypus which sadly saw to these one of a kind for native species
heartbroken as we them disappearing from animals. Your support has conservation in Australia.
were to hear about the our rivers, creeks and aided us in commencing We can’t thank you
issues plaguing our little ponds at an alarming rate. the design on these enough for supporting
Aussie Platypus. world-first facilities and this first of its kind,
We reached out to you
work on the important ground-breaking project,
They were the silent recently to let you know
planning of the life- thank you!
victims of last year’s how our unique Platypus
changing platypus
devastating bushfires need protection and Because of your
environments within
and drought. These the tragic truth that at thoughtful support
the centre.
catastrophic weather this rate they are set to we can get this iconic
events took their toll on decline by at least 50% I can’t over-state how Aussie species off the
the already vulnerable over the next 50 years. urgent and ground- path to extinction.
“This is a quick note of heartfelt thanks. Platypus are
on a trajectory towards extinction. The devastating
droughts across the country have had a critical impact
on this iconic mammal.
With the decline of Koalas ringing out as a warning bell of
what can happen if we don’t act with urgency, your generosity
has provided this unique species with a lifeline.
The refuge habitats, breeding facilities and research centre we
are working towards are the only of their kind in the world. With
these developments we will take a significant step towards
arresting the extinction of our beloved Platypus. We could not
do this without your generosity and support – Thank you!”
- Nick Boyle, Director of Welfare, Conservation & Science
April 2021 3
“I would like to
personally thank you
for your generous
contribution to help us
combat illegal wildlife
trade in Australia.
Your support has allowed us to purchase
the Olympus Vanta XRF, a is crucial piece
of technology in the development of our
new forensic tool.
It has allowed the Taronga forensics
team to scan over 100 target species
including freshwater turtles, Blue-tongue
lizards and Shingleback lizards – the most
heavily trafficked species out of Australia.
Photo by Paul Fahy Recent data suggests the illegal trade
of reptiles out of Australia is increasing
and approximately 90% of traded reptile
Shining a light
species are captured from the wild, causing
huge biodiversity losses.
Because of your generous support we are
on � Illegal
able to continue to scan rescued animals
using the XRF and the data will help us
determine where these animals have come
from. From the reptiles and the Taronga
Wildlife Trade
Last Spring, we Echidna has become a
Forensics Team. – Thank you!”
- Phoebe, Wildlife Conservation Officer
your response was swift, technology which has
introduced you to growing target for wildlife thank you! in turn allowed the
Dr Phoebe Meagher, traffickers. This unique Taronga team to scan
With your support we
a Taronga Wildlife species, that can only be over 100 targeted species.
found in three countries have been able to further
Conservation Officer,
in the world – Australia, develop the WildEnforce That’s an amazing
who has witnessed first-
Papua New Guinea tool. It’s the forensic tool achievement that could
hand the devastating
and Indonesia (Papua), that analyses keratin with not have been reached
impact of the illegal
has become a victim to a quick, non-invasive scan, without you, our
wildlife trade in Australia.
the trade and is being telling custom officials wonderful and supportive
She told us about illegally taken from the if the animal has been donors, thank you!
distressed animals that wild and sadly passed off captive-bred or illegally
You are an important
have been bound-up in as captive-bred. taken from the wild.
part of the fight against
masking tape and shoved
Back in September we Your generous support the illegal wildlife trade.
inside water bottles and
reached out to you about has enabled us to Your thoughtful support
socks so they can be
this horrid practice and continue with this has made a world of
posted out of Australia.
asked if you could help game-changing project. difference for not only
Heartbreakingly, she told us in the fight against We have been able to Australian wildlife but
us the iconic short-beaked the illegal trade and purchase crucial pieces of wildlife around the globe.
4 April 2021
An Aussie ic�n
How Zoo Parent adoptions are helping to save the adorable Koala
Koalas are one of
Australia’s most unique
and precious animals
and are a favourite
part of the family here
at Taronga.
Taronga is home to
22 Koalas. Their favourite
activity is eating and
sleeping and who can
blame them! Koalas are
expert sleepers and can
Photo by Paul Fahy
spend up to 19 hours a
day catching Zzz's. This
and heatwaves, climate That’s why, thanks to If you are already a
is due to the processing
change, predation by the incredible support Zoo Parent to our
of all the eucalyptus
non-native species, and of Zoo Parents, Taronga amazing Koalas, thank
leaves they consume, of
urban growth. is prioritising the you so much!
which they eat about a
kilogram worth each day. Estimates suggest Koalas conservation of Koalas. Your caring and
are on a trajectory to Restoring their vital compassionate
An Australia without habitat and protecting
the cute and cuddly extinction by 2050 – adoption is helping to
a situation made worse bushland is critically save the iconic Koala,
looking Koala would be
by recent bushfires. important to their future. ensuring they thrive for
unimaginable. Sadly
though, this is becoming Your thoughtful adoption generations to come.
The devastating
a reality for Australia’s bushfires of 2019/2020 today will help Taronga’s Visit taronga.org.au/
beloved icon. destroyed huge areas long-term strategy of Zooparent or scan the
Koalas in the wild face a of Koala habitat, and restoring Koala habitats, QR Code from your
number of threats to their put enormous pressure assist with health research phone’s camera to find
survival with habitat loss on already declining to combat disease and our more. Your adoptive
remaining their greatest populations. It is help establish a breeding animal is waiting and
threat. They are also estimated 10,000 Koalas program to rebuild Koala you can help a species
facing disease, droughts perished in the fires. populations. in need today!
This Mother’s Day, spoil mum with
an adorable KOALA ADOPTION!
Your gift will protect and nurture
Koalas in the wild – just like mum
has always looked after you.
Visit taronga.org.au/Zooparent
Scan here
April 2021 5
As a Wildlife �efender,
y�u are doing something
amazing for her
Taronga Wildlife there are fewer than
Defenders are our 80 Sumatran Rhinos
group of supporters left in the wild. The sad
who choose to commit reality is that Rhinos are
to a monthly regular facing extinction.
gift to support our work Sumatran Rhino has been born at the Zoo since
Taronga supports rhino
to protect endangered poached from the Way these programs began,
conservation efforts
and vulnerable species Kambas National Park in with a White Rhino
throughout Africa and
in Australia and around more than 6 years, and named Meeka – born in
Asia. We are doing every-
the globe. no Javan Rhino poached August 2019. Through
thing we can to save
Your commitment them from this fate, but in 11 years. Amazing! dedicated supporters,
to helping our most we can’t do this alone. rhino conservation has
These fantastic results
vulnerable and seen some spectacular
As a Taronga Wildlife could not have been
threatened species is successes over the years.
Defender, you play a vital achieved without the
truly inspirational and support of our Taronga But with the majority of
role in protecting these
admirable – thank you. Wildlife Defenders. Your rhino species remaining
precious species. Your
One of those species is regular gifts fund habitat support, particularly this critically endangered,
the critically endangered protection, support anti- last year when it was and numbers continuing
Black Rhino and sadly, poaching units, and aid so challenging during the to fall, we need you now
it’s not the only one. rhino health programs. pandemic, is especially more than ever.
All five rhino species – gratefully received. Thank As a Taronga Wildlife
In countries such as
Black, White, Sumatran, you for helping to protect Defender, you have
Zimbabwe, Wildlife
Javan and Greater One- these precious rhino played a critical role in
Defenders are supporting
Horned Rhinos – are populations. Because the global flight to
programs which have
facing growing threats to of you rhinos stand a save precious rhino
virtually eliminated
their survival. chance of survival. species from extinction.
poaching, and helped the
They face dangers from Black Rhino population At Taronga, we are Thank you!
habitat loss and poaching turn their population delighted that 15 Black Interested in finding out
and have been so severely decline around. And in Rhino and 17 White how you can become
impacted, that today Indonesia, not a single Rhino calves have been a Taronga Wildlife
Defender? Simply go to
taronga.org.au/wildlife-
It’s a girl!! defender or scan the QR
code from your phone’s
camera to find out more.
We are happy to announce the very special birth
of a critically endangered Black Rhino calf at
Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo.
She was born in the early hours of Wednesday 24th
February 2021 to mum Bakhita. This amazing calf
is not only carrying the legacy of her late father
Kwanzaa who sadly passed away in 2020, but also
gives hope to her species for generations to come.
Scan here
6 April 2021
Reef Rec�very
Did you know Taronga We can also fill crucial
is a global leader knowledge gaps including
in cryopreservation what makes a coral
technology and more resilient to climate
operates two secure change and optimal
CryoDiversity Banks – timings and conditions to
one at each of its zoos – transplant coral spawned
which house specimens from thawed sperm back
of corals and a range of into the reef.
other fauna species?
Once a year since 2011,
In fact, Taronga holds timed to the full moon,
the largest bank of Taronga scientists head
frozen coral sperm cells to the Great Barrier
anywhere in the world. Reef for the mass coral Despite considerable • samples from 3
If that sounds peculiar spawning event to restrictions associated additional species were
to you, we do this so we collect coral reproductive with COVID-19, added to the bank.
can learn more about cells. Working with our Taronga’s biologists
The Taronga CryoDiversity
coral biology and ensure partners, we bank as were granted special
Bank now includes cells
we have genetically much as possible, with entry into Queensland
from 29 species of coral,
diverse coral cells for each trip targeting in December 2020 – an
representing the northern,
use in the repair and a variety of resilient acknowledgement of the
central and southern
preservation of the hard-coral species from important priority of the
regions of the reef,
Great Barrier Reef. different parts of the reef. conservation work saving
frozen and stored
the unique reef before
with cryopreservation
it’s too late.
technologies.
During six spawning
Visit taronga.org.au/
nights the team banked:
reefrecovery or scan the
• samples from 45 QR Code from your
individual colonies of phone’s camera to find
9 different species; our more.
• of those, 22 colonies
from 3 species were
from a previously
unsampled region of
the northern Great
Barrier Reef which had
survived the bleaching
Scan here
events in the summers
of 2016 and 2017;
April 2021 7
The Future � Fr�gs
It is never too early to species. Jacob has been to understand the
start your philanthropy fascinated by reptiles and difference he could make
journey. amphibians for many through a donation.
years and is the proud
Fifteen-year-old Jacob After learning about
owner of a number of
has a keen interest in Taronga’s ambition to
slithering pets.
some of the less cute breed the previously
and fluffy, but just as After learning about believed extinct, now
vitally important native the many critically critically endangered Jacob recently
endangered Australian Yellow-Spotted Bell joined Taronga's
native species, Jacob Frog, he is generously Bridgit Allingham
decided he wanted to contributing to support and Herpetofauna
find a way to safeguard the 'breed for release' Supervisor Michael
their survival in the wild program for the species McFadden at the
for future generations. for the next three years. unveiling of his name
Guided by the The program will enable plaque in the Taronga
philanthropic spirit a brighter future for the Institute of Science &
of his parents, Jacob frogs and the healthy Learning in recognition
reached out to Taronga ecology of their habitat. of his generous support.
Supporting � next Generation � Conservationists
As previous Chairman support of Taronga’s The Bleasel Leadership commence the program
of the Taronga people by funding a Program is an 18-month in March 2021.
Conservation Society scholarship program, program providing
Australia (1996-2015), providing Taronga We are delighted that
Taronga employees
Mr Len Bleasel AM employees with Mr Len Bleasel is leading
with the opportunity
oversaw huge opportunities to the way in philanthropy,
to complete a Diploma
transformations within study, learn and gain there are many ways to
of Leadership &
the organisation – an experiences. get involved and support
Management at the
inspiring and dedicated the work of Taronga.
Recently, Mr Bleasel University of Technology
leader, he recognised Sydney. This is the first If you would like to
has also committed to
the importance of learn more about how
funding a new Leadership time a program of this
investing in people. to support Taronga’s
Program to support kind has been offered
In 2016 Mr Bleasel the next generation at Taronga. The first work please contact
continued his generous of conservationists. scholarship recipients supporter@taronga.org.au
“Taronga is demonstrating a commitment to help shape the future
for zoo-based conservation organisations for many years to come.
Whilst our teams are often recognised as technical experts, the
opportunity to develop our leadership and management skill-set
through a formally recognised university course is an exceptional
opportunity to more effectively deliver conservation and welfare
initiatives into the future. Thank you!”
– Claire Ford, Manager, Population Development & Welfare
8 April 2021
Meet one of Taronga’s recent fun�raising
superstars – Lachlan!
Lachlan is passionate his own Christmas tree
about all wildlife, he decorations which he sold
especially LOVES marine to family and friends to
turtles! raise funds for Taronga
to ensure a safe future for
When Lachlan learnt
Marine Turtles.
that Taronga’s Wildlife
Hospital in Sydney Through his inspiring
frequently treats critically online donation page
injured Marine Turtles Lachlan encouraged his
that have been washed friends and family to
up on beaches or found donate to the turtles.
floating in the ocean Lachlan raised over
unable to dive, he was $1,000!
determined to help give
Lachlan’s support will
these majestic creatures
help Taronga continue
a second chance at life.
it’s vital work in Marine
As a very creative and Turtle conservation;
confident eight-year- particularly through our
old he used his French rescue, rehabilitation
knitting skills to design and release programs.
Every contribution helps to ensure a safe future for wildlife and people
Did you know that research and support show your support of • Hold a cake stall
you can show your support vital animal conservation Taronga’s conservation • Fundraise in memory
for Taronga’s animal programs locally and programs, and we’ll of a loved one
conservation programs across the globe. ensure you have a great
by becoming a member time while you do it! • Choose your own new
Whether you are an and exciting idea!!
of Team Taronga?
individual, group, business, We have a range of Register you interest
Thanks to the efforts of school or community resources and unique at taronga.org.au/
fundraisers, Taronga can group wanting to make a incentives to help you donate/fundraising
breed threatened species, difference, there are many meet your goals. Here or scan the QR Code,
carry on scientific ways to get involved to are some of the top and we’ll support you
ideas for our community every step of the way to
of fundraisers: ensure your fundraiser
• Give in celebration! is a success.
Ask your friends to
donate to your special
occasion in lieu of
receiving gifts
• Host a physical or
virtual event
Scan here
• Complete a fun run
or sporting challenge
April 2021 9
Changes
� �ur
Future
At Taronga we are and are always working At Taronga we believe in partnership with Red
extremely proud and sustainability objectives the power of choice when Energy's Zoo Month.
excited to announce into everything we do, it comes to caring for and
protecting wildlife and So splash out and
that we have partnered Red Energy is the perfect
wild places. bring your nearest and
with Red Energy, an fit for us!
dearest along to
Australian energy Whether it’s reducing
Our long time running see our flippered friends
retailer, owned by your plastic footprint,
and popular Seals for and have a seal-iously
Snowy Hydro, a leader choosing MSC when
the Wild show is now good time!
in renewable energy. purchasing seafood or
amazingly powered by Red
As we are committed Energy, aiding us in working supporting renewable
to reducing the impact towards our ongoing energy – you can be a
of our zoos operations sustainability goals. champion for the wild.
This April, we will be
We recently celebrated the Maritime celebrating the new
Stewardship Council (MSC) sustainable
seafood week. Taronga Keeper trains with our seals
Photo by Jonathan Dear
Taronga is committed to sustainability for
the protection of our oceans which we call
"Fish for Good".
You too can help
by simply choosing
MSC labelled
seafood next time
you are at the
shops – just look for
the MSC blue tick!
10 April 2021
Welc�me, our Frien�s �� Future
chosen to leave a gift in getting up close and
their Will to Taronga, in personal with our
a COVID-safe way. special guests; this
The stars of the show is one of many
relished the early enrichment activities
morning limelight, the keepers use to keep
showing off the positive our seals stimulated
training techniques from day-to-day.
employed to enable Everyone agreed it
Taronga’s Marine was worth the early
Mammal keepers to start, especially those
Cameron Kerr welcoming carry out routine and who took up the
our Friends of the Future diagnostic health exclusive Friends of
procedures without the Future offer at
stress to the animals.
Christmas Breakfast
the Taronga Wildlife
Big boy, Murphy even Retreat the night
came out for a walk, before the event.
with � Seals
Aside from the feel- In keeping with the rest
good factor that of 2020, last year’s Friends
comes from knowing of the Future Christmas
your legacy will live celebration looked a bit
on, caring for and different to usual.
protecting wildlife,
one of the best things Having ‘Breakfast
about being a with the Seals’ meant
Taronga Friend of the that we were able to
Future is the annual celebrate the wonderful
Christmas event. supporters who have
Heartfelt thanks � � f�llowing Supporters
We pay our respects and are These wonderful people are • The late Gretchen Dechert
deeply grateful to the following remembered for their love of • The late Helen Molesworth
supporters who chose to leave animals and their legacy is forever
• The late Stanley Johanson
a gift in their Will to Taronga. in caring for wildlife and working
towards a shared future for • The late Susan Bateman
animals and people. • The late David BennettApril 2021 11
In memory � Helen M�lesworth
We were saddened
to farewell one of our
long-standing Taronga
supporters, Helen
Molesworth, who passed
away in December at
the impressive age of 97.
Helen lived a very full
and interesting life, and
her legacy will live on at
Taronga. Helen’s support
enabled us to build a
special Sea Lion Breeding
Facility, which was named
in her honour, and which
saw the pitter-patter (or
pitter-splatter) of several
sets of tiny flippers! Helen
has also left a gift in a Tasmanian Devil
her Will to Taronga - a joey Mephistopheles!).
very meaningful way to
ensure your legacy can Taronga Chief Executive
carry on well beyond your Cameron Kerr and some
life-time. of the Taronga Team
were honoured to join
We will miss Helen's sharp family and friends in
wit and huge smile farewelling Helen and
(and her skill at naming reflecting on her colourful
animals – she once named and wildlife-infused life.
WHY I SUPPORT TARONGA
“Ever since I was a young girl, I have been passionate about animals
of all sorts.
In my adult years, as a biology teacher, I came to appreciate how
important the survival of animal species and the welfare of animals
all around the world truly is. Taronga’s work, in partnership with so
many other like-minded organisations, clearly demonstrates their
commitment to do all they can to ensure the survival of species that
find themselves on the brink of extinction.
I feel it a privilege, that by leaving a gift to the Taronga Foundation
in my Will, I may one day be part of making this world a little better
for all creatures that call it home.”
– Claudia Ford12 April 2021
News from Farewell to our beloved
Mr Hobbs
THE Zoo Sadly, in late January we
had to say goodbye to
one of Taronga’s beloved
Taronga plays a leading residents Mr Hobbs, the
role across various He was eventually
Malayan Sun Bear.
conservation projects relocated to Australia in
working towards a He was a very sweet 1997 where he lived a full
shared future for wildlife natured and charismatic rich life at Taronga, cared
and people. bear who relished the for deeply by a dedicated
company of his keepers. team of keepers.
We also care for some
5,000 species across both Mr Hobbs was rescued by A true ambassador for
our zoos in Sydney and an expatriate business his threatened species,
Dubbo. Here we share with man and taken to he will be deeply missed
you the latest updates the ‘Free the Bears’ and leaves a meaningful
from around the zoo. sanctuary in Phonm Penh. and long-lasting legacy.
Birth Announcements
At Taronga we are mum Kwikila’s pouch.
happy to announce
And last but not least we
the arrival of the pitter
welcome the cute and
patter of some tiny new
cuddly little Humphrey!
paws! We were joined by:
Humphrey is an eight
A cute little chimp born month old Koala joey
Let's meet...
to Naomi in October. born to mum Willow.
The baby was born at He is the first-born joey
11am to the delight of at Taronga since the
watching guests! devastating bushfires ...our new residents Ras and Storm
that severely impacted
the Koala population A big welcome to and Ras is 16 years old.
a year ago. His birth is two of our newest
So far, we've learned
invaluable to future of residents, Dromedary
that they like sitting
Koala populations. camels Ras and Storm.
on and rolling in sand,
You can come and get They arrived to Taronga after which they love a
a glimpse of Humphry Zoo Sydney from Dubbo good brushing!
at Taronga today! in October. They have
A gorgeous tiny little Come and welcome
Goodfellow’s Tree settled in well to their
our newest residents.
Kangaroo joey! The male new home and are
joey, is about 4-5 months growing in confidence. Book online at
old but has only recently www.taronga.org.au/
Storm is 19 years old,
started popping his head buy-tickets
the darker of the two,
and shoulders out of
Taronga Conservation Society Australia
A Bradleys Head Road (PO Box 20), Mosman NSW 2088
T 1300 369 116 E supporter@taronga.org.au W taronga.org.au
ABN 41 733 619 876You can also read
