Global Species Conservation Programmes
White rhino are the second-largest land mammal after blue whales, and their name comes from the Afrikaans word “wyd” which means wide and refers to the animal’s wide mouth. They lack front teeth and use their large lips like a lawnmower to pluck short grass.
The majority (98%) of the southern white rhinos occur in just four countries: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. Southern white rhinos were thought to be extinct in the late 19th century, but in 1895 a small population of fewer than 100 individuals were discovered in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. After more than a century of protection and management, they are now classified as Near Threatened and around 18,000 animals exist in protected areas and private game reserves. They are the only one of the five rhino species that are not endangered.
White rhino have complex social structures and groups, of sometimes a dozen cows and calves, may form. Adult bulls defend territories that they scent mark with sprayed urine and dung piles. Cows and calves move freely through bulls’ territories. Bulls competing for a cow may engage in serious conflict that is accompanied by snorting calls and using both their horns and massive size when fighting. Rhino love to wallow in a muddy pool, often for hours. Wallowing is cooling in the heat and covers their body in mud that, when dry, is then rubbed off on rubbing posts removes external parasites such as ticks. Mud also assists with camouflage and acts as a sunscreen.
Brought back from the brink of extinction once before in 1900, now poaching for their horns now threatens the species again. Horns are believed in some Asian countries to have medicinal benefits and they are carved to create expensive dagger handles sold in the Middle East. Figures of 500 or more rhinos being poached each year are not unusual.
Rhino contribute significantly to economic growth and sustainable development through the tourism industry, which creates job opportunities and provides significant tangible benefits to local communities living alongside the rhino. Supportive community members often report poaching threats to law enforcement agencies. The key focus is on protecting remaining wild populations through monitoring, anti-poaching, and the removal of horns. An armed war against poachers is being fought daily by brave rangers, often with trained detection dogs.
Every year rhino are moved from safe breeding populations to establish new populations in private and government reserves where their security can be guaranteed.
Zoos globally provide significant funding and research for rhino conservation programmes for all five rhino species. In addition, zoos have provided animals for release in several countries where they have become extinct e.g., Uganda and Rwanda.
Red pandas, like giant pandas, are bamboo eater’s native to Asia’s high forests. Despite these similarities and their shared name, the two species are not closely related. Red pandas are much smaller than giant pandas and are the only living member of their taxonomic family. Genetic studies show that red pandas are an ancient species amongst the carnivores and are probably most closely related to the group that includes skunks, raccoons and weasels.
Red pandas can be easily identified by their unique red coat colour, which acts like camouflage within the canopy of fir trees where branches are covered with clumps of reddish-brown moss and white lichens. Red pandas live in high-altitude, temperate forests with bamboo understories in the Himalayas and other high mountains including mountains in Burma and parts of China.
Red Panda populations have decreased by half in recent years, and they are now classified as endangered. Zoos internationally have formed a global species breeding programme for the species and our red pandas belong to this breeding programme. As with many species half of all red pandas borne are males but only one individual male is required to breed and ensure their genetics are represented in the global population. To enable this some zoos must agree to hold excess males only and this is the role we play in the breeding programme.
Our red pandas play a valuable role as ambassadors for their species and during the ever-popular encounters our visitors learn a lot more about red pandas and hopefully fall in love with them and wildlife generally.
The Red Panda Network is committed to the conservation of wild red pandas and their habitat through the education and empowerment of local communities in Nepal and are funded by international agencies including the zoo network.
The planet’s fastest land animal is built for super speed, rather than stamina. A cheetah chase usually only lasts a minute and covers about 300 metres. At full speed, cheetah take three strides a second, covering seven metres per stride with the long tail acting as a rudder. A highly flexible spine allows their body to twist and turn with ease even at high speed. Their prey usually consists of smaller antelope and mammals but on occasion they will even catch ostrich. One tenth of their prey is stolen by lions or hyaenas so they hunt during the day to reduce this impact. The distinctive black ‘tear marks’ running from its eyes are thought to help reflect the glare of the sun.
Cheetahs communicate in many ways. Some of these are through vocalizations such as purrs, bleats, barks, growls, hisses, and a high-pitched chirping sound. Another way they communicate is through scent marking and males will mark their territory by spraying urine or by cheek and chin rubbing against a tree trunk or bush. In the last 100 years, the world has lost 90% of the wild cheetah population, cheetah are now found in just 9% of their historic range with the global population is estimated at less than 8,000. The Asian cheetah population now numbers just 50 or so animals, in one isolated pocked of Iran. A reintroduction programme was initiated in India in 2022.
Cheetah kill prey daily and on private land this puts in them in conflict with stock farmers. In addition, the loss of open grasslands in Africa to thick bush due to a lack of regular fire has greatly reduced their natural habitat. The key focus is on protecting remaining wild populations through:
- Educating rural communities and farmers.
- Capture and translocation of problem animals.
- Guard dog programmes in which dogs are raised and live amongst livestock and protect them from cheetah and other predators.
Guard dog programmes have extended to several countries and conservation programmes and areas including little blue penguins being protected from cats and foxes in Victoria. Guard dogs are often not accompanied by a shepherd with all responsibility for the flock delegated to the dog. Similarly, donkeys are used to guard cattle calves from leopards.
Our Cheetahs are part of the regional zoological breeding programme. They are also a part of a global studbook held to assist manage the genetics of the global captive population. Zoos globally provide significant funding and resources for cheetah conservation programmes.
Naturally they occur in the canopies of dense humid forests in Brazil where they drink much of their water from bromeliad plants in the canopy. These tamarins are territorial and defend their area with scent markings and high-pitched squeals. Aggression includes an open mouth, an arched back, and staring. Food includes fruits, nectar, and insects but any smaller animal may be potential food. They use their long, slender fingers and hands to probe into crevices, bark, and other hiding places for insects.
They live in groups of two to eight family members consisting of a breeding pair, offspring of one or two litters and other relatives. After a gestation of about four and a half months, the female usually gives birth to twins. They cling to their mother’s fur for the first few weeks, but all members of the group will carry and care for the infants. Grooming and huddling together forms an important social function with males responsible for 70% of the grooming interactions.
Critically endangered and down to 150 individuals in the wild in 1970, intensive conservation efforts have helped the population recover. Now classified endangered species, there are about 2,500 in the wild — about a third of which are descendants of animals released from the international zoological breeding programme.
The key concern is habitat loss with only 2% of their habitat remaining in Brazil. The selective removal of large trees reduces the available roosting hollows has left them exposed to predators. A human yellow fever outbreak in 2018 infected and reduced the tamarin population by 30% in places. Scientists introduced a successful vaccination programme in 2020.
Several new populations have been re-established using tamarins bred by zoos and animals moved from unprotected wild areas. The survival rate of re-introduced animals has been encouraging, but destruction of unprotected habitat continues. Zoos globally continue to provide significant resources for the golden lion tamarin conservation programme. Our tamarins are part of the international breeding programme.
A non-for-profit has been established to help fund the conservation of the species.
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Running low on personal space after these school holidays? (Our Redneck Wallaby mum knows how you feel) Hop on in to the zoo today to let the kids run off some steam so they sleep well and are ready for the new school year. The weather is going to be perfect to see all the animals out and about.
📸 Keeper Sherrin
#grampians #grampiansvictoria #grampiansnationalpark #schoolholidays #schoolholidaysmelbourne #hallsgap #hallsgapzoo #hallsgapvictoria
Bristles would like to let everyone know we are open everyday this long weekend from 10am-5pm. Bring the kids for a nice day out before school is back. We have keeper talks planned, encounters will be running and our food van will be open for coffees, drinks and hot food. We can’t wait to see all of you . #hallsgapzoo #grampians #visitmelbourne #victoria #visitvictoria #redpanda
We would like to introduce our new babies. Firstly we have 2 baby elk calves that you might be lucky enough to get a glimpse of. Mum will usually keep the babies in the thick bush for the first few weeks to keep them safe and as they get older they start venturing out more, they are born with spots and without a scent so they don’t attract any predators.
We also have a beautiful baby Quokka keepers named Ember she is not on display just yet but be sure to keep an eye out on socials on when she will make her debut. #hallsgapzoo #grampians #visitmelbourne #victoria #visitvictoria #quokka #elk
Come and enjoy some up close encounters with our animals and while our keepers talk to you about facts and individual personalities you can:
😍Have a Red Panda walk across your lap,
😱Pat a rhino,
😄Hold a lizard,
🤭Feed a cheetah,
🤗Get kisses from the dingoes,
😮Feel small standing next to our giraffe
🥰Hold an otters hand
🤪Deal with the craziness of our meerkat mob
🤗Or walk our baby wombat
If you’ve had encounters what has been your favourite?
Check out the link below for more information and it is always best to pre book as some encounters are limited to only 2 people a day.
https://hallsgapzoo.com.au/encounters/
WE ARE OPEN!!!!
From Tuesday the 7th of January at 10am we officially reopen to visitors. It has been a long 17 days of being closed so our animals are so excited to see you all. Encounters will be up and running so please call to book or arrive early to avoid disappointment.
#hallsgapzoo #grampians #visitmelbourne
🎄✨ Merry Christmas from our zoo family to yours! 🎅🏼🐾
We’d like to thank you all for your amazing support throughout the year—your love for the animals and our work means the world to us!
Just a friendly reminder, the zoo is closed today.
Wishing you a joyful day filled with love, laughter, and a little wild magic. 🌟🦒🐆
- The Halls Gap Zoo Team
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As you may know, Halls Gap Zoo (Grampians VIC, Australia) has always been a cherished part of our community, providing a home for hundreds of animals and offering unforgettable experiences for visitors from near and far. However, like many other local businesses, we’ve been devastated by the recent bushfires that forced us to close our doors during our busiest season- a critical time for us to generate revenue and ensure the wellbeing of our animals.
These fires not only caused damage to the surrounding environment but also severely impacted our ability to operate and care for our beloved animals. Despite the challenges, we have remained committed to their care, but the financial strain has been overwhelming. The closure has made it incredibly difficult for us to meet our daily operating costs, and without support, we risk losing the progress we’ve made.
How Your Support Will Help:
Animal Care: The costs of feeding, vet visits, and maintaining the animals’ habitats remain constant, even when the zoo is closed.
Every donation, big or small, makes a difference in helping us get back on our feet and continue our important work. We’re asking for your support now so that we can continue to care for our animals and provide a unique, educational experience for future generations.
Thank you for standing by us during this challenging time. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to us and to the animals that call Halls Gap Zoo their home.
https://gofund.me/f0539bc9
🌅 After an intense few days, this is the view we woke up to this morning.🌅
We’re so grateful for the stunning beauty that surrounds us here at Halls Gap Zoo, especially after the challenges of the past week. Our team has been working tirelessly, and we are happy to report that all animals are safe and being cared for daily by our dedicated keepers.
A huge thank you to the CFA (Country Fire Authority) and Forest Fire Management Victoria for their relentless efforts in keeping the zoo and surrounding areas safe during these challenging times.
We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our supporters for your patience, understanding, and kindness as we navigate this difficult period.
Our team has set up a GoFundMe page to help alleviate the costs of caring for a zoo as large as ours. You can visit the link https://gofund.me/09c777da to donate.
As per the VIC Emergency website, Halls Gap town is still not safe for return, and as such, we remain closed until further notice. Please continue to check the VIC Emergency site- https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/ for the latest updates on the situation in the area.
Stay safe and keep an eye on our social media for more updates as we work through this. Your support means the world to us.
Hot days means snow enrichment for our panda boys. 🧊
In the wild, red pandas are found throughout the cold Himalayas. This means on hot days, we go the extra mile for our cold loving friends and provide them lots of frozen treats.
📸 Keeper Steph
#redpanda #enrichment #hallsgapzoo #grampians #victoria
🎉 Happy 1st Birthday, Polo! 🐒
Our cheeky little black-capped capuchin is officially a whole year old today! Polo has grown into such a playful and curious young monkey, keeping his family (and keepers!) on their toes every single day.
Even though we’re still closed due to the bushfires, we couldn’t let Polo’s big day pass without a celebration. The team put together a special birthday party with all of Polo’s favourite treats and enrichment activities, and he had an absolute blast exploring his birthday goodies.
Thank you for all your support during this challenging time. We’re looking forward to reopening as soon as it’s safe and sharing moments like these with you in person again. Stay safe, everyone!
📸: Keeper Sherrin
#BlackCappedCapuchin #hallsgapzoo
It doesn’t get much more majestic than a cheetah 🐆 How handsome is Duma!
📸 Keeper Steph
#cheetah #bigcat #hallsgapzoo #melbourne #grampians
Our keepers having been photographing Romeo the elk every day to keep track of his impressive antlers!
How beautiful is this photo taken in the early morning light by Keeper Sherrin 📸😍
#antlers #elk #hoofstock #hallsgapzoo #grampians
Sprout the wombat meets the otter girls.
What was Sprout thinking? 🤔
📸 Keeper Steph
#otter #asiansmallclawedotter #wombat #joey #hallsgapzoo #grampians
