The weather might be wintery, but there is a definite feel of spring in the air at Monarto Safari Park with the pitter-patter of feet and hooves across the plains.
In the Land of the Lemurs, 14-year-old Spindles, the Ring-tailed Lemur, has given birth to a little pup.
Senior Keeper of Primates, Laura Hanley said: “It’s a lovely story – Spindles is the alpha female of our now 17 individuals in that group. Due to health issues she had an ovary removed and her breeding future was unknown, this little pup is a very welcome addition to the troop.”
Joining the arrival of the tiny pup is a male Nyala calf born on June 2 to mum Thandi and three Eland born over the last month. Nyala and Eland are both spiral-horned antelope. While Nyala are native to Southern Africa, the Eland is found in East and Southern Africa.
“Monarto Safari Park is home to nearly 40 Eland that form several herds in the park,” said keeper Vaughan Wilson.
In the wild, Eland form herds of up to 500 animals that roam a variety of habitats but avoid dense forests. Eland are known to be able to jump up to 2.5m from standing!
“Another addition made its trotting entrance on June 19. Born to mum Cecile and dad Storm, a little Plains Zebra foal, has joined the herd. The Plains Zebra is a near-threatened species with a decline in its population across Africa. Trade in the skin of the Plains Zebra is still particularly prevalent in Eastern Africa,” finished Vaughan.
The Plains Zebra, Eland and Ring-tailed Lemur are just three of over 100 Zoos and Aquariums Association ( ZAA) managed species. As an accredited member of the ZAA, Zoos SA staff are recognised for their captive breeding experience and skills. Staff across our curatorial, animal management and animal health teams have expertise in species management, animal welfare and wildlife health.
Visitors to Monarto Safari Park can explore the park by bus, walking trails or a mixture of both. Winter is a great time to take to the walking trails with over 12km of track with stop offs along the way to see the different species.
For more information about Monarto Safari Park, please visit monartosafari.com.au.
