|
You Dont Have Flash. Click here to download Flash Player
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
Wildlife Displays
Wallaby WalkWander through this display and see a variety of macropods (Greek for ‘long foot) including Parma Wallabies, Agile Wallabies, Red-Legged Pademelons and the larger Red Kangaroo. The best viewing times are early in the morning and later in the afternoon. Macropods have a specialised digestive system that includes high numbers of bacteria to enable the digestion of tough plant material. 
WombatsThere are both Common and Southern Hairy-nosed wombats at the Zoo. The Wombat are the world’s largest burrowing mammal and is capable of land speeds of over 40kmh. Wombats feature a large cartilage plate on their rump that is used for protection against predators. They also have a backwards facing pouch to prevent foreign objects from entering and, potentially, causing the death of a joey, by suffocation, whilst its mother is digging. A wombat is the only marsupial with continuously growing teeth. 
Squirrel GlidersThis attractive, nocturnal, marsupial is the third smallest of the glider species in Australia. They are arboreal, nesting in tree hollows and living in family groups. A membrane of skin, extending from the wrist to ankle, allows them to glide distances up to 60 metres. Squirrel gliders feed on small invertebrates, sap from certain eucalypts and acacias, plus pollen and nectar. 
Nepalese Red PandasAlso known as Fire Fox, Fire Cat or Lesser Panda, this species is considered endangered, although not much is known about wild populations. Largely herbivorous, the pandas feed mainly on bamboo, but are known occasionally to eat small mammals and birds. They are endemic from the sub-tropical to alpine areas of the Himalayas, China, India, Laos, Nepal and Burma. Natural predators include the Snow Leopard and Yellow throated Marten, whilst other threats are deforestation and poaching. Red Pandas regularly scent mark territory. 
Cotton-top TamarinsThe cute Tamarins are native to Costa Rica and Columbia. A listed endangered species, there are now more in captivity than in the wild (1800:1000). Decline has largely been due to the deforestation of over 75% of the Tamarins’ original habitat. Other threats include the illegal pet trade and scientific research. Their diet consists of fruits, nectar, gum from certain trees, invertebrates, small rodents, frogs and birds. The father carries the young and transfers them to their mother during feeding time. Watch out for their tongues - it's believed that this is either a sign of aggression or curiosity! These active little animal are on the Koala Café deck. 
Ring-tailed LemursThink of the cheeky character dancing to “I like to move it, move it” and you’ve pictured the lemur. Endemic to Madagascar the Ring-tail is the most terrestrial of all lemurs. Look of for the lemurs in the lotus or sun-worshipping position, which they frequently adopt while sunning themselves. A group of lemurs is called a troupe. 
DingoesAustralia’s naturally timid native dogs howl, rather than bark. In the wild the Dingo eats waterfowl, native rats and small wallabies. Dingoes arrived in Australia around 3,500-4,000 years ago, transported from mainland Asia and other parts of the Pacific region by seafarers during their voyages. Listed as a vulnerable species, they are fully protected only in Federal National Parks, World Heritage areas, Aboriginal reserves, and the Australian Capital Territory. 
EchidnasThe Short Beaked Echidna, or spiny ant eater, is exhibited at the Zoo. These native Australian porcupines are monotremes (mammals that lay eggs). There are only three species of monotreme in the world - the platypus and two species of echidna, one of which is restricted to the New Guinea highlands. Echidnas are 30 cm to 45 cm in length and weigh between 2 kg and 5 kg. Its body, apart from the underside, face and legs, is covered with cream coloured spines which reach 50 mm in length. If disturbed, echidnas will usually lower the head and, with vigorous digging, sink rapidly into the ground leaving only the spines exposed. 
Kangaroo EnclosureSpend time in our kangaroo area. Around 60 tame Eastern Grey kangaroos spend their day meeting visitors, eating from your hand and lazing in the heat of the day. Kangaroos are another iconic Australian. There are many species of Kangaroo or ‘Macropod’ (literal translation ‘big foot’) from the tiny potoroo to the huge Red Kangaroo that can grow up to 2 metres tall. Many are on display at Cairns Tropical Zoo.
Walk Through AviaryThis aviary houses tropical and subtropical birds - Eclectus Parrots, Metallic Starlings, Torres Strait Pigeons and Satin Bowerbirds to name a few. The male Bowerbird creates a unique bower which he decorates with blue objects he finds to attract a female. Each day, the brightly coloured Lorikeets are fed nectar in the aviary. 
Birds of Prey AviaryA bird of prey is defined as any that actively seeks other live animals or insects as a part of their diet. Housed inside this aviary are Laughing Kookaburras, Blue Winged Kookaburras, Bush thick-knee (Curlew), Masked Owls, Lesser Sooty Owls, Southern Boobook Owls and Papuan Frogmouths. Walk through slowly and try to spot them all - some are masters of disguise. 
CassowariesThe endangered Southern Cassowary is the second largest bird in the world in terms of weight and feeds largely on fruit but will pick at small mammals, birds, lizards, invertebrates and fungi. Statistically, Cassowaries have caused more human fatalities than any other bird; attacking with a knife-like claw. This rainforest dwelling species is gravely threatened by dog attacks and car strikes, habitat degradation, habitat fragmentation and wild pigs in competition for food. The function of the unusual ‘casque’ on the birds head is unknown, but theories include that it picks up vibrations of other Cassowary vocalisations (very low-frequency sounds) in dense forests, or that the casque is used to part vegetation while the birds are running (Cassowaries can run up to 50km/hr!). Cassowaries are necessary for the bio diversity of the rainforests of our region. 
Free-flight Bird ShowWatch Australia’s largest raptor, the Wedge-tailed Eagle, whose range extends across all of Australia and the White-bellied Sea Eagle that is common in Northern Australia. Both eagles are capable of achieving a closing pressure under their talons of some 750psi. See the Barn Owl, the World’s most easily recognisable bird of prey found on every continent except for Antarctica and capable of hearing the heartbeat of a mouse from 10 metres away, and taking out 20 mice in a single night. Meet the Cockatoos - Major Mitchell, Sulphur Crested, and Red-tailed Black. 
Forest BirdsThese exhibits contain several vulnerable species of bird – Sacred Kingfisher, Forest Kingfisher, Wompoo Fruit Dove, Superb Fruit Dove, Noisy Pitta and Rose-crowned Fruit Dove. Watch closely to see the Kingfishers popping in and out of the termite mound. 
Black Cockatoo AviaryRed-tailed Black Cockatoos are one of the larger species of cockatoo in Australia. Like other cockatoos, this species uses a tree hollow to nest in. They feed on seeds, buds and blossoms of native trees and shrubs. They have also adapted to feeding on cultivated cereal crops and grains. They are joined is this exhibit by Galahs and Curlews.
AlligatorsThere are two species of Alligators around the World, the American (Alligator mississippiensis) & the Chinese (Alligator sinensis). At the Zoo you will see the American Alligator. The Alligator has said to have evolved from a freshwater ancestor and commonly resides in freshwater swamps & lagoons. The alligator can grow to 4 metres but this is considered quite large. Males are larger than the females and, during the mating season, they display some dominant behaviour. The alligator generally does not consider humans as a food source, although some fatalities have been recorded. These animals mainly eat small prey items like turtles, fish & crustaceans. 
CrocodilesEasy viewing enclosures afford close and safe observation of these spectacular reptiles, with excellent photographic opportunities. The Zoo displays both the Estuarine and Freshwater crocodiles and our wildlife keepers provide informative presentations daily. An average Estuarine male crocodile is BIG. The largest displayed here Is ‘Sarge’ measuring 5.1metres and weighing in at approximately 300kg. Females rarely reach over 3.5 metres. Their lifespan in the wild is unknown but they are expected to live for 50 years. As with all native wildlife, the crocodile is protected in the wild.
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Koalas
Tropical Water Birds
The Reptile House
