She explained that although zoos kept many animals on the endangered list, they cannot just breed to increase numbers as there are restrictions on places available in zoos, and animals can’t always be released into the wild as many of their habitats are no longer available or suitable, which is often why they are endangered in the first place.

Hannelie told members that Mogo Zoo is awaiting the arrival of two orang-utans, who will be housed in the current gorilla enclosure. The gorillas are to be moved to the adjacent new facilities (when completed) via a specially constructed temporary raceway. The new gorilla enclosure has a mote along the viewing edge to enable better vision. Gorillas can’t swim as their body mass prevents them floating.

There are strict controls and protocols in place worldwide which have to be satisfied before any zoo can house animals. The Zoo Information Management System has information on all animals in captivity, which includes microchip numbers, genetics and breeding programs. One of Mogo zoos female gibbons is about to be sent to Germany to be included in their breeding program to introduce new genes to their gibbon group.

Hannelie has worked in many zoos/parks worldwide and has recently been in Indonesia and Kruger National Park in Africa.

Hannelie left members with a sobering thought – Australia has lost more animal species than any other country in the world.

GARDEN VISIT

Members enjoyed a relaxing visit to (fellow member) Sandra Martin’s garden at picturesque Nelligen on April 20.

Table Exhibits

The display tables were well supplied in April with some pretty blooms and very nice floral art exhibits.

The next club meeting will be held on Thursday, May 31 at 2:00pm in the Anglican Church Hall, with any interested person invited to join in and see if they enjoy themselves.