Date: 2007-04-02
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Two female Southern White Rhinoceros set out this morning on the long, cross-country journey from Perth to Sydney and then on to Christchurch, New Zealand - all in pursuit of breeding. Environment Minister David Templeman said Perth Zoo’s successful breeding program meant it was able to send Katala and Tamu to take part in the Australasian Regional Breeding program in New Zealand’s Orana Wildlife Park.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Two female Southern White Rhinoceros set out this morning on the long, cross-country journey from Perth to Sydney and then on to Christchurch, New Zealand - all in pursuit of breeding.
Environment Minister David Templeman said Perth Zoo’s successful breeding program meant it was able to send Katala and Tamu to take part in the Australasian Regional Breeding program in New Zealand’s Orana Wildlife Park.
“I am told that Rhinoceros can be difficult to breed in captivity, but Perth Zoo has been very successful in breeding these majestic creatures since two females arrived from Africa's Kruger National Park in 1999 as a part of the ‘Mate for Memphis’ campaign,” Mr Templeman said.
“Since then, two baby rhinos have been born - one in 2002 and another in 2005.”
The trip across Australia and then on to New Zealand is a lengthy journey, which involves non-stop travel across the Nullabor Plain to minimise the impact on the animals.
Two experienced zoo keepers and a Perth Zoo veterinarian are accompanying Katala and Tamu on their journey.
The Minister said the people of Perth had embraced the Mate for Memphis program.
“That campaign, like the recent ‘Project Sun Bear’, has had enormous support from the people of Perth,” he said.
“It is testament to that invaluable support that Perth Zoo is now a major contributor to the captive breeding program and the understanding of animal species under threat in the wild.”
It is hoped that Katala and Tamu will successfully breed at their new home at Orana Wildlife Park and make their own special contribution to the Australasian regional breeding program to perpetuate this species.
Three rhinoceros will remain at the zoo and continue to enthral visitors - the original ‘Memphis’, his mate Sabie and their young offspring, Bakari.
Minister's office - 9220 5050