Animal Diaries Archive

Wetland Fun!

25 July 2008

G’day and welcome to another week in the Birds Department. This week we are going to have a close look at our wetlands section and find out what it’s all about.

A wetland is an area that holds a body of water, it can be either a permanent or a temporary structure. They can be both natural and man made. Wetlands contain a plethora of flora. Some of the varieties found are She-oaks, Pandaus, Ligum, Paper Barks, Palms, Ferns, Mosses and Lillies.

Wetlands also contain an abundance of Fauna. You can find birds, snakes, frogs, Swamp Wallabies, crocodiles, dragonflies and countless species of smaller insects.

Here at Australia Zoo we have tried to mimic this habitat as closely as possible. We have planted many of the native wetland plants and have an array of wetlands fauna. This mostly consists of birds. We have quit a few birds, some of which include Jabiru’s, Brolgas, Black Swan and a Magpie Goose. We also have many of the native birds drop in to say hi, including Night Herons, Spoon Bills, Greater Egrets and the ever present Sacred Ibis; they love our Zoo made habitat and use it to their full advantage. You will see plenty of native birds using our wetlands as a roosting sight as well as trying to score a free meal in the mornings and afternoons. There is plenty of natural food to be found and they don’t have to worry about predators either.

There is always plenty to see and do in the wetlands- so keep your eyes peeled. Next time you are in at Australia Zoo head down to the Wetlands and take a nice casual stroll through and see what species of animals you can find.

Until next week-Birds Rule!