1 00:00:01,523 --> 00:00:02,803 (rooster crows) 2 00:00:05,363 --> 00:00:08,883 NARRATOR: Running a zoo of Taronga's size and animal diversity 3 00:00:08,963 --> 00:00:11,883 takes hundreds of people working around the clock. 4 00:00:12,883 --> 00:00:15,563 Some animals are active during the day, 5 00:00:16,003 --> 00:00:17,443 others are awake at night, 6 00:00:17,883 --> 00:00:20,883 and it's a never-ending job keeping all of them fed. 7 00:00:22,963 --> 00:00:24,443 And for the marine team, 8 00:00:24,523 --> 00:00:27,563 that means starting every day at 6 A.M. 9 00:00:29,763 --> 00:00:31,003 KRYSTAL: We're arriving at our office 10 00:00:31,083 --> 00:00:33,523 to get all of our gear ready to start our day, 11 00:00:33,603 --> 00:00:36,123 grab all our boots, radios, and gear, 12 00:00:36,203 --> 00:00:37,803 get ready to check the diary 13 00:00:37,883 --> 00:00:39,763 to see if there's any updates for us 14 00:00:39,843 --> 00:00:41,483 and head over towards our fish kitchen 15 00:00:41,563 --> 00:00:43,763 where we're going to prepare all the food for today 16 00:00:43,843 --> 00:00:44,843 for our marine mammals. 17 00:00:48,963 --> 00:00:50,843 NARRATOR: For every animal at Taronga, 18 00:00:50,923 --> 00:00:54,203 the food is always of the highest quality. 19 00:00:54,803 --> 00:00:57,803 KRYSTAL: We separate all of our fish and seafood into species, 20 00:00:57,883 --> 00:01:00,683 and we basically have thawed it out overnight, 21 00:01:00,763 --> 00:01:03,203 but this just allows it to get a little bit more defrosted 22 00:01:03,283 --> 00:01:04,523 for us to work with. 23 00:01:04,603 --> 00:01:06,363 Most of this fish is used for the seals 24 00:01:06,443 --> 00:01:09,523 but also some for our pelicans and penguins. 25 00:01:10,043 --> 00:01:12,403 NARRATOR: But there's more to keeping animals healthy 26 00:01:12,483 --> 00:01:14,683 than just giving them the right food. 27 00:01:15,803 --> 00:01:16,803 MEL: Now what I'm doing 28 00:01:16,883 --> 00:01:19,843 is actually preparing to put the vitamins for all the animals 29 00:01:19,923 --> 00:01:20,963 into their fish. 30 00:01:21,043 --> 00:01:23,603 So these ones are for our marine birds. 31 00:01:23,683 --> 00:01:26,003 So penguins and pelicans get these small ones, 32 00:01:26,083 --> 00:01:28,003 and these larger ones are made for our seals, 33 00:01:28,083 --> 00:01:29,603 and they're just a multi-vitamin. 34 00:01:29,683 --> 00:01:30,483 Then all we do 35 00:01:30,563 --> 00:01:34,243 is we just slide the vitamin in underneath the gill of the fish 36 00:01:34,643 --> 00:01:36,723 so that the fish doesn't look like anything's different, 37 00:01:36,803 --> 00:01:37,963 and then we just put it to the side 38 00:01:38,043 --> 00:01:40,203 so that we know that that's for those animals. 39 00:01:40,283 --> 00:01:41,283 KRYSTAL: Let's do it. 40 00:01:41,363 --> 00:01:42,603 MEL: Alright, we'll be back. 41 00:01:47,083 --> 00:01:48,963 Yeah, so this is just half of the buckets 42 00:01:49,043 --> 00:01:50,443 that we're delivering today. 43 00:01:50,523 --> 00:01:52,643 These are all going up to our seal theater, 44 00:01:52,723 --> 00:01:54,043 and we have other buckets to deliver 45 00:01:54,123 --> 00:01:55,523 around the section later on. 46 00:01:58,923 --> 00:02:02,563 NARRATOR: Prepping the food is just the first part of a busy day. 47 00:02:03,803 --> 00:02:05,003 KRYSTAL: Good morning, buddy. 48 00:02:06,643 --> 00:02:09,683 NARRATOR: With more than 20 keepers in the marine department, 49 00:02:09,763 --> 00:02:12,883 making sure everyone knows their role each day 50 00:02:12,963 --> 00:02:14,123 is crucial. 51 00:02:14,443 --> 00:02:16,003 KEEPER: We've got no Josie, our volly today. 52 00:02:16,083 --> 00:02:18,843 She's still off with that feral cat bite. 53 00:02:19,323 --> 00:02:20,243 KEEPER: Feral cat bite? 54 00:02:20,323 --> 00:02:21,203 KEEPER: Yeah. 55 00:02:21,923 --> 00:02:24,003 Jo and Mel stores time. 56 00:02:24,403 --> 00:02:25,883 I wrote down 11:30. 57 00:02:26,883 --> 00:02:29,683 Dubbo keepers are coming for a behind-the-scenes 58 00:02:29,763 --> 00:02:31,123 between 11 and 12. 59 00:02:31,203 --> 00:02:34,563 Krystal, little penguin burrow checks this morning. 60 00:02:34,643 --> 00:02:35,843 You guys are on top of that. 61 00:02:35,923 --> 00:02:37,603 That's it. All good. 62 00:02:40,363 --> 00:02:43,843 KRYSTAL: Okay, so let's head on up and check the burrows. 63 00:02:43,923 --> 00:02:44,723 LINDSAY: Yay! 64 00:02:44,803 --> 00:02:47,683 NARRATOR: Today, keeper Krystal is learning how to check 65 00:02:47,763 --> 00:02:50,083 the little penguin burrows for eggs. 66 00:02:50,843 --> 00:02:51,923 LINDSAY: Hi, guys. 67 00:02:52,643 --> 00:02:54,443 So we have minimal disturbance, 68 00:02:54,523 --> 00:02:58,443 we'll get Parni and Liv to feed the majority of the group 69 00:02:58,523 --> 00:02:59,603 while we do the burrow checks. 70 00:02:59,683 --> 00:03:02,643 That means there should be at least one parent out of the boxes 71 00:03:02,723 --> 00:03:04,083 so that there's less disturbance. 72 00:03:04,163 --> 00:03:06,563 They don't know what we're doing while they're eating. 73 00:03:06,643 --> 00:03:07,963 (bell tinkling) 74 00:03:08,043 --> 00:03:09,883 NARRATOR: Taronga breeds little penguins 75 00:03:09,963 --> 00:03:12,243 to share them with other facilities, 76 00:03:12,323 --> 00:03:14,843 ensuring captive penguin populations 77 00:03:14,923 --> 00:03:16,483 are genetically diverse. 78 00:03:16,563 --> 00:03:17,843 LINDSAY: Hey, let's head on in. 79 00:03:20,923 --> 00:03:23,563 We have to be really careful when we're doing the burrow checks. 80 00:03:23,643 --> 00:03:26,643 They're very flighty little birds. 81 00:03:26,723 --> 00:03:28,443 If they feel threatened at all, 82 00:03:28,523 --> 00:03:29,843 they're just going to leave their burrows, 83 00:03:29,923 --> 00:03:32,163 and we obviously don't want them to abandon their eggs, 84 00:03:32,243 --> 00:03:34,843 so we want to give minimal disturbance. 85 00:03:35,563 --> 00:03:37,923 NARRATOR: So far, the penguin breeding season 86 00:03:38,003 --> 00:03:40,243 hasn't produced many eggs. 87 00:03:40,843 --> 00:03:43,043 LINDSAY: Okay, so we'll check burrow two. 88 00:03:43,563 --> 00:03:46,163 NARRATOR: Lindsay is hoping Krystal brings a bit of luck 89 00:03:46,243 --> 00:03:47,603 to this nest check. 90 00:03:47,683 --> 00:03:49,083 LINDSAY: We've got a parent there. 91 00:03:49,163 --> 00:03:51,283 Let's have a little look underneath. 92 00:03:55,243 --> 00:03:58,003 NARRATOR: Away from the gorillas, sea lions, 93 00:03:58,083 --> 00:04:00,763 giraffes, and other high-profile animals, 94 00:04:00,843 --> 00:04:03,483 keeper Paul has spent 30 years 95 00:04:03,563 --> 00:04:07,443 working on one of Taronga's more peculiar collections. 96 00:04:07,523 --> 00:04:08,523 PAUL: This is one of the areas 97 00:04:08,603 --> 00:04:11,003 where we keep all of our off-display invertebrates 98 00:04:11,083 --> 00:04:13,643 or what most people probably think of as bugs. 99 00:04:13,723 --> 00:04:16,483 But the real sort of, I guess definition of it, 100 00:04:16,563 --> 00:04:18,683 is an animal that doesn't have a backbone. 101 00:04:19,003 --> 00:04:20,843 We've got far more species of invertebrate 102 00:04:20,923 --> 00:04:22,483 than there are anything else on the planet, 103 00:04:22,563 --> 00:04:24,363 and in here we've got all sorts of different animals. 104 00:04:24,443 --> 00:04:27,283 We've got some redback spiders, we've got plenty of huntsman spiders, 105 00:04:27,363 --> 00:04:28,163 they're great. 106 00:04:28,243 --> 00:04:29,683 Love having huntsman spiders around the house. 107 00:04:29,763 --> 00:04:30,843 They're fantastic. 108 00:04:31,243 --> 00:04:33,563 Then around here we've got our baby phasmids, 109 00:04:33,643 --> 00:04:35,523 or what people think of as stick insects. 110 00:04:35,963 --> 00:04:37,243 So what we do is we hatch them out here, 111 00:04:37,323 --> 00:04:39,323 grow them up so they're a bit bigger, 112 00:04:39,403 --> 00:04:40,963 and then we can put them on display. 113 00:04:41,323 --> 00:04:42,443 Very cool indeed. 114 00:04:42,523 --> 00:04:44,723 Got a lot of growing left to do on this little one. 115 00:04:44,803 --> 00:04:48,203 NARRATOR: But where some people see squashable creepy crawlies... 116 00:04:48,283 --> 00:04:50,123 PAUL: This is what I really love. 117 00:04:50,203 --> 00:04:51,323 So wait for this. 118 00:04:52,803 --> 00:04:53,883 Check this out. 119 00:04:53,963 --> 00:04:57,483 NARRATOR: Paul only sees beautiful creatures. 120 00:04:57,563 --> 00:04:59,323 PAUL: Have a look at this little beauty. 121 00:04:59,403 --> 00:05:01,083 These are giant burrowing cockroaches. 122 00:05:01,163 --> 00:05:03,083 This one's a male, and I can tell he's a male 123 00:05:03,163 --> 00:05:05,243 because he's got this little tiny sort of scoop there 124 00:05:05,323 --> 00:05:06,883 on top of his carapace there. 125 00:05:06,963 --> 00:05:09,123 These cockroaches give birth to live young. 126 00:05:09,203 --> 00:05:10,563 They only give birth once a year. 127 00:05:10,643 --> 00:05:13,003 And the female will actually look after the young 128 00:05:13,083 --> 00:05:14,483 for up to about a year. 129 00:05:14,843 --> 00:05:17,083 So it's a cockroach that actually has a motherly instinct. 130 00:05:17,523 --> 00:05:20,563 NARRATOR: But the prize invertebrate in his collection 131 00:05:20,643 --> 00:05:22,643 is the Sydney funnel-web. 132 00:05:25,523 --> 00:05:28,283 PAUL: Funnel-webs are definitely an animal that sort of get me in 133 00:05:28,363 --> 00:05:29,723 because a lot of invertebrates 134 00:05:29,803 --> 00:05:32,563 have this real sort of negative association 135 00:05:32,643 --> 00:05:33,603 for a lot of people, 136 00:05:33,683 --> 00:05:35,163 but I'd never pick one up in my hand 137 00:05:35,243 --> 00:05:36,443 because, well, to be perfectly honest with you, 138 00:05:36,523 --> 00:05:37,683 that's just stupid. 139 00:05:37,763 --> 00:05:41,403 I'm aware of the danger there, but rather than fear for me, 140 00:05:41,483 --> 00:05:43,123 I'd say it's probably more a healthy respect for them. 141 00:05:43,203 --> 00:05:44,443 That's probably a better way to put it. 142 00:05:44,523 --> 00:05:46,803 NARRATOR: And like all animals at Taronga, 143 00:05:46,883 --> 00:05:50,283 invertebrates are also entitled to health care, 144 00:05:50,363 --> 00:05:52,643 and Paul has noticed that one of his new arrivals 145 00:05:52,723 --> 00:05:54,643 isn't looking so good. 146 00:05:54,723 --> 00:05:56,083 PAUL: She's going to be uncooperative. 147 00:05:56,163 --> 00:05:57,403 NARRATOR: The question is, 148 00:05:57,483 --> 00:06:00,803 how do you treat a sick funnel-web spider? 149 00:06:05,443 --> 00:06:09,603 Australia has some of the most distinct wildlife on Earth. 150 00:06:09,683 --> 00:06:12,443 KEEPER: You can see he's really starting on the leaves now nicely, 151 00:06:12,523 --> 00:06:13,883 really tackling the big ones. 152 00:06:14,443 --> 00:06:18,003 NARRATOR: Without doubt, one of the most unique is the platypus. 153 00:06:21,443 --> 00:06:25,083 Platypus are native to the east coast rivers of Australia, 154 00:06:25,603 --> 00:06:28,123 and while they're common in Australian zoos, 155 00:06:28,203 --> 00:06:32,283 not one platypus exists outside of Australia. 156 00:06:32,363 --> 00:06:34,763 But that may soon change. 157 00:06:34,843 --> 00:06:39,203 Taronga is planning to send a male and female platypus overseas. 158 00:06:39,563 --> 00:06:43,763 If the pair successfully breed, they'd be creating history. 159 00:06:44,683 --> 00:06:46,843 LARRY: They have historically been very, very tricky animals 160 00:06:46,923 --> 00:06:48,723 to work with and transport. 161 00:06:48,803 --> 00:06:51,083 There's an interesting story where during the Second World War, 162 00:06:51,163 --> 00:06:54,763 actually, Winston Churchill requested a platypus be sent to the UK. 163 00:06:54,843 --> 00:06:56,683 It died before it actually got there, 164 00:06:56,763 --> 00:06:59,523 so there is a bit of anxiety. 165 00:06:59,963 --> 00:07:03,723 For us to be involved with this is very significant. 166 00:07:04,243 --> 00:07:07,603 NARRATOR: And the lucky recipients of two of Taronga's platypus 167 00:07:07,683 --> 00:07:11,203 will be the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. 168 00:07:11,283 --> 00:07:13,883 SAVANNA: We've been working on this project for quite a long time, 169 00:07:13,963 --> 00:07:17,283 and we just have been anticipating this for so long. 170 00:07:17,803 --> 00:07:21,603 NARRATOR: Keepers Lori and Savanna have just arrived from San Diego 171 00:07:21,683 --> 00:07:24,963 to learn all they can about this Aussie icon. 172 00:07:25,603 --> 00:07:27,043 SAVANNA: We're very excited to be here 173 00:07:27,123 --> 00:07:30,283 and can't wait to actually be able to transport him 174 00:07:30,363 --> 00:07:31,763 to his new home. 175 00:07:31,843 --> 00:07:33,603 NARRATOR: They won't have to wait too long, 176 00:07:33,683 --> 00:07:34,723 because the platypus 177 00:07:34,803 --> 00:07:37,283 are scheduled to leave for the United States 178 00:07:37,363 --> 00:07:38,963 in just two weeks. 179 00:07:39,043 --> 00:07:40,083 ROBERT: Well, at the moment over here 180 00:07:40,163 --> 00:07:42,723 we've got two on display and two off display. 181 00:07:42,803 --> 00:07:43,603 SAVANNA: Okay. 182 00:07:43,683 --> 00:07:45,283 NARRATOR: And there's a lot of learning to be done 183 00:07:45,363 --> 00:07:46,443 in that time. 184 00:07:47,603 --> 00:07:50,323 ROBERT: Okay, so in here we have our female. 185 00:07:50,723 --> 00:07:51,883 Come on up. 186 00:07:51,963 --> 00:07:53,883 LORI: We've, you know, done everything we can 187 00:07:53,963 --> 00:07:55,403 on the other side of the world 188 00:07:55,483 --> 00:07:57,443 as far as reading and researching, 189 00:07:57,523 --> 00:08:00,443 but there's nothing that comes close to being here in person 190 00:08:00,523 --> 00:08:02,003 and being able to work with the keepers 191 00:08:02,083 --> 00:08:04,043 that know so much about them. 192 00:08:04,123 --> 00:08:07,123 ROBERT: You would never handle any other platypus like this. 193 00:08:07,883 --> 00:08:09,803 A, she's a girl, so she doesn't have the spur, 194 00:08:09,883 --> 00:08:11,243 but she is somewhat special. 195 00:08:11,323 --> 00:08:13,203 She was hand-raised. 196 00:08:13,523 --> 00:08:16,123 She came in after a really rough start to life. 197 00:08:16,843 --> 00:08:19,523 She was attacked by a dog when she was a baby 198 00:08:19,603 --> 00:08:22,603 and came into the zoo as an orphan 199 00:08:22,683 --> 00:08:24,963 and was the first platypus ever hand-raised, 200 00:08:25,043 --> 00:08:25,883 to my knowledge. 201 00:08:25,963 --> 00:08:27,923 So we had no idea what we were doing. 202 00:08:28,003 --> 00:08:30,683 But you are fed up with being held at the moment, aren't you? 203 00:08:30,763 --> 00:08:32,563 So we'll put you back down here, 204 00:08:34,083 --> 00:08:37,003 and we'll open this door so you can go to work. 205 00:08:37,083 --> 00:08:38,123 Off you go, little one. 206 00:08:39,363 --> 00:08:40,163 Come on up. 207 00:08:40,243 --> 00:08:41,403 LORI AND SAVANNA: Okay. 208 00:08:41,483 --> 00:08:44,563 NARRATOR: The male platypus the San Diego Zoo is receiving 209 00:08:44,643 --> 00:08:46,203 is young Bira. 210 00:08:46,283 --> 00:08:48,603 ROBERT: So, we've got Bira in here, 211 00:08:48,683 --> 00:08:51,243 and he's a really feisty little platypus. 212 00:08:51,323 --> 00:08:53,563 You can see the way he's wriggling around in here. 213 00:08:53,643 --> 00:08:55,563 He is an excitable little brat. 214 00:08:55,643 --> 00:08:58,523 NARRATOR: But males have venomous spurs on their heels, 215 00:08:58,603 --> 00:09:01,923 and one mistake could mean a world of pain for the handler. 216 00:09:02,003 --> 00:09:03,763 ROBERT: Like anything that you're working with 217 00:09:03,843 --> 00:09:06,043 that has the potential to do you harm, 218 00:09:06,123 --> 00:09:07,963 there are good ways of learning and bad ways, 219 00:09:08,043 --> 00:09:10,323 and make sure you don't get spurred. 220 00:09:13,843 --> 00:09:16,123 Okay, one platypus. 221 00:09:16,203 --> 00:09:18,203 So I'll show you quickly before we bag him, 222 00:09:18,283 --> 00:09:21,443 you can see the spurs on the inside of the back legs there. 223 00:09:21,523 --> 00:09:23,523 They're folded up against the femur. 224 00:09:23,883 --> 00:09:26,083 That's the bit you're really watching out for. 225 00:09:26,923 --> 00:09:29,923 Let that slide a little bit more. That's it, a nice deep pocket, 226 00:09:30,003 --> 00:09:31,723 and straight into the bag. 227 00:09:31,803 --> 00:09:32,803 SAVANNA: Beautiful. 228 00:09:32,883 --> 00:09:34,043 ROBERT: We now have one safely contained platypus. 229 00:09:34,123 --> 00:09:35,123 SAVANNA: Okay. 230 00:09:35,203 --> 00:09:37,243 You've been here for quite a while? 231 00:09:37,323 --> 00:09:39,843 - Twenty five years tomorrow. - Oh, my goodness! 232 00:09:39,923 --> 00:09:41,483 - Happy anniversary! - Ta. 233 00:09:41,563 --> 00:09:45,203 Yeah, I wish I could absorb all of your knowledge and experience 234 00:09:45,283 --> 00:09:46,403 working with the platypus. 235 00:09:46,483 --> 00:09:50,123 NARRATOR: Rob's decades of experience make it look easy. 236 00:09:50,203 --> 00:09:51,923 ROBERT: Whoops, there he is. 237 00:09:52,003 --> 00:09:57,083 NARRATOR: But Lori and Savanna have just two weeks to master his secrets. 238 00:10:03,403 --> 00:10:06,483 NARRATOR: It's breeding season at Taronga for the little penguins, 239 00:10:06,883 --> 00:10:08,763 and keeper Krystal is joining Lindsay 240 00:10:08,843 --> 00:10:11,883 to learn how to check their burrows for newborns. 241 00:10:11,963 --> 00:10:14,843 LINDSAY: Okay, so we're checking for chicks in this one. 242 00:10:14,923 --> 00:10:16,923 NARRATOR: After a slow start to the season 243 00:10:17,003 --> 00:10:20,443 they're hoping that today, they finally find some eggs. 244 00:10:20,523 --> 00:10:22,203 LINDSAY: We'll check burrow two. 245 00:10:23,643 --> 00:10:25,963 I don't think there's any activity in this. 246 00:10:26,883 --> 00:10:28,963 Okay, there's a nest in there, 247 00:10:29,403 --> 00:10:31,923 but, uh, yeah, no penguins. 248 00:10:32,003 --> 00:10:34,483 NARRATOR: It's not the start that they were hoping for, 249 00:10:34,563 --> 00:10:37,043 but with 14 other nesting boxes, 250 00:10:37,123 --> 00:10:40,203 there's still plenty of chances for success. 251 00:10:40,283 --> 00:10:43,003 LINDSAY: No, a bit of poo, but no nest. 252 00:10:45,403 --> 00:10:47,803 So what was happening in this last week? 253 00:10:47,883 --> 00:10:49,403 KRYSTAL: So, um.. just a really good nest. 254 00:10:49,483 --> 00:10:51,683 We know that there is a pair in there, Chomp and Drill. 255 00:10:51,763 --> 00:10:53,043 LINDSAY: Chomp and Drill. 256 00:10:53,123 --> 00:10:54,963 KRYSTAL: But no eggs have been sighted as of yet. 257 00:10:55,043 --> 00:10:57,163 Okay, so there's potential for eggs in this one 258 00:10:57,243 --> 00:10:58,403 'cause we've got a pairing, 259 00:10:58,483 --> 00:11:00,923 um, so we'll duck in and have a look. 260 00:11:07,443 --> 00:11:10,323 Whoop, no, so no one in there. That's a great nest. 261 00:11:10,723 --> 00:11:13,963 Um, but yep, no parents, no eggs. 262 00:11:14,523 --> 00:11:15,683 NARRATOR: For the keepers... 263 00:11:15,763 --> 00:11:18,123 KRYSTAL: Somebody is obviously living there, 264 00:11:18,203 --> 00:11:20,323 but it might just be a single female. 265 00:11:20,403 --> 00:11:24,203 NARRATOR: ...today has been one disappointment after another. 266 00:11:26,203 --> 00:11:28,403 LINDSAY: Okay, we've got two parents here. 267 00:11:28,963 --> 00:11:31,963 So we just need to have a little look. 268 00:11:32,323 --> 00:11:33,443 NARRATOR: But finally... 269 00:11:33,523 --> 00:11:35,963 LINDSAY: We've got two eggs. Did you see those? 270 00:11:36,043 --> 00:11:37,363 NARRATOR: ...some good news. 271 00:11:37,443 --> 00:11:39,363 LINDSAY: Okay, so now number ten. 272 00:11:40,283 --> 00:11:41,803 Fingers crossed. 273 00:11:41,883 --> 00:11:43,883 NARRATOR: After a slow start... 274 00:11:43,963 --> 00:11:46,123 LINDSAY: Okay, so we've got a parent there. 275 00:11:46,883 --> 00:11:48,683 Let's have a little look underneath. 276 00:11:48,763 --> 00:11:52,563 NARRATOR: ...the rest of the nesting boxes produce some great results. 277 00:11:52,643 --> 00:11:54,403 LINDSAY: We've still got an egg. 278 00:11:54,483 --> 00:11:55,723 Sorry, matey. 279 00:11:56,243 --> 00:11:57,203 Two eggs. 280 00:11:57,283 --> 00:12:01,603 NARRATOR: But it's the next burrow that gives keepers an unexpected surprise. 281 00:12:01,683 --> 00:12:03,083 LINDSAY: A tricky one to get to. 282 00:12:05,083 --> 00:12:07,243 Okay, so we have... 283 00:12:07,323 --> 00:12:12,043 whoop, very, very protective parent and two little chicks. 284 00:12:12,123 --> 00:12:13,163 Aw. 285 00:12:16,083 --> 00:12:16,963 Okay. 286 00:12:17,043 --> 00:12:18,603 We have 15 burrows. 287 00:12:18,683 --> 00:12:20,443 We have a population of 43 birds, 288 00:12:20,523 --> 00:12:22,843 and to have majority of those burrows filled 289 00:12:22,923 --> 00:12:24,763 with partners and eggs, 290 00:12:24,843 --> 00:12:26,843 not to mention the chicks that are already hatching, 291 00:12:26,923 --> 00:12:29,083 that's a really successful start to our breeding season. 292 00:12:29,803 --> 00:12:32,763 NARRATOR: While there's now plenty of eggs and some new chicks, 293 00:12:33,163 --> 00:12:36,883 there's one nest box that has the keepers concerned. 294 00:12:41,763 --> 00:12:44,883 Two platypus are being sent to an overseas zoo. 295 00:12:45,483 --> 00:12:47,563 It's an ambitious undertaking. 296 00:12:47,643 --> 00:12:50,283 NICK: Platypus don't jump, but they certainly are good climbers. 297 00:12:50,363 --> 00:12:53,123 NARRATOR: One that requires a huge transfer of information 298 00:12:53,203 --> 00:12:55,843 between Taronga and the receiving zoo. 299 00:12:55,923 --> 00:12:57,483 NICK: Before we open up the nest box, 300 00:12:57,563 --> 00:13:00,083 one thing that we want to do is just slowly open it 301 00:13:00,163 --> 00:13:01,963 to ensure that the plat isn't up high. 302 00:13:02,043 --> 00:13:03,483 NARRATOR: For the past two weeks, 303 00:13:03,563 --> 00:13:05,923 two keepers from the San Diego Zoo 304 00:13:06,003 --> 00:13:09,243 have been at Taronga Zoo to learn as much as they can 305 00:13:09,323 --> 00:13:11,683 in the remaining days that they're in Sydney. 306 00:13:11,763 --> 00:13:13,203 NICK: And then we just locate, 307 00:13:13,563 --> 00:13:15,883 locate where the animal is within these chambers. 308 00:13:15,963 --> 00:13:17,563 So it looks like she's down here. 309 00:13:17,643 --> 00:13:20,243 LORI: Restraining a male platypus has some inherent risks, 310 00:13:20,323 --> 00:13:23,603 so it's pretty important that we absorb everything that we can 311 00:13:23,683 --> 00:13:26,763 so that we can adequately train our staff once we return to the States. 312 00:13:26,843 --> 00:13:29,643 NICK: We want to try and grab hold of it quite quickly. 313 00:13:29,723 --> 00:13:31,443 You don't want to second guess yourself. 314 00:13:31,523 --> 00:13:34,643 NARRATOR: While Lori and Savanna are put through their paces... 315 00:13:35,043 --> 00:13:35,843 NICK: There we go. 316 00:13:35,923 --> 00:13:37,963 NARRATOR: ...up at the wildlife hospital... 317 00:13:38,043 --> 00:13:40,763 LARRY: Going to let you do most of this today, Meredith, 318 00:13:40,843 --> 00:13:41,963 'cause you've got to... 319 00:13:42,043 --> 00:13:42,923 MEREDITH: Got to know how to do it when we... 320 00:13:43,003 --> 00:13:44,203 - LARRY: Train. - MEREDITH: Yeah. 321 00:13:44,283 --> 00:13:46,963 NARRATOR: Vet Meredith, also from San Diego, 322 00:13:47,043 --> 00:13:49,843 is starting her intensive training on Eve, 323 00:13:49,923 --> 00:13:51,963 one of the platypus she'll be looking after 324 00:13:52,043 --> 00:13:53,323 back in the States. 325 00:13:53,403 --> 00:13:54,603 MEREDITH: Here's the head. 326 00:13:54,923 --> 00:13:55,923 LARRY: Sleepy enough? 327 00:13:56,003 --> 00:13:57,283 - LARRY: Ooh, she's still pretty active. - MEREDITH: She's still pretty active. 328 00:13:57,363 --> 00:13:58,363 LARRY: Just get her head out 329 00:13:58,443 --> 00:14:02,683 and just pop that little bill in the, um... that's the way. 330 00:14:03,083 --> 00:14:04,523 NARRATOR: But unlike the keepers, 331 00:14:04,603 --> 00:14:07,923 Meredith only has one week to learn everything she can 332 00:14:08,003 --> 00:14:10,283 about this most unusual animal. 333 00:14:10,363 --> 00:14:12,803 MEREDITH: Getting a platypus isn't just like getting a new tiger 334 00:14:12,883 --> 00:14:14,923 from another zoo or shipping a bongo. 335 00:14:15,003 --> 00:14:17,883 A platypus is a totally unique creature. 336 00:14:18,323 --> 00:14:19,723 140 heart rate. 337 00:14:20,123 --> 00:14:22,643 A platypus lays eggs but is a mammal, 338 00:14:23,483 --> 00:14:25,683 has this bird-like bill, 339 00:14:25,763 --> 00:14:28,203 which it uses to actually see underwater. 340 00:14:28,283 --> 00:14:29,883 And this is where a lot of the little pores are 341 00:14:29,963 --> 00:14:31,443 for their sensing, right? 342 00:14:31,523 --> 00:14:33,403 LARRY: And along the edge as well. 343 00:14:33,483 --> 00:14:35,243 That's a very sensitive area. 344 00:14:35,323 --> 00:14:37,443 I mean, you know, they are really just a cross 345 00:14:37,523 --> 00:14:39,883 between a beaver and a duck, really, so... 346 00:14:39,963 --> 00:14:42,283 MEREDITH: With some lizard thrown in for good show, yeah. 347 00:14:42,363 --> 00:14:44,923 You don't learn about platypus veterinary medicine 348 00:14:45,003 --> 00:14:46,443 when you're in university. 349 00:14:46,523 --> 00:14:47,963 It's something that we can only really learn 350 00:14:48,043 --> 00:14:49,763 from those who have learned before us. 351 00:14:50,523 --> 00:14:52,723 LARRY: So, see how she's got food in her pharynx there? 352 00:14:52,803 --> 00:14:53,763 MEREDITH: Yes, and that's-- 353 00:14:53,843 --> 00:14:55,483 LARRY: So that's, you know, quite normal 354 00:14:55,563 --> 00:14:58,643 that they'll store some food in their cheek pouches. 355 00:14:58,723 --> 00:15:01,923 NARRATOR: There's plenty of pressure on Meredith to take it all in. 356 00:15:02,003 --> 00:15:03,923 MEREDITH: Okay, good saliva. 357 00:15:04,003 --> 00:15:05,043 NARRATOR: Once back in the U.S., 358 00:15:05,123 --> 00:15:08,283 she'll be the only Taronga-trained platypus vet 359 00:15:08,363 --> 00:15:10,443 in the Northern Hemisphere. 360 00:15:11,083 --> 00:15:14,483 LARRY: It's quite a big milestone to send platypus outside Australia, 361 00:15:14,563 --> 00:15:16,443 which is a big event in its own right. 362 00:15:18,003 --> 00:15:19,243 And actually Meredith did a lot of homework 363 00:15:19,323 --> 00:15:20,843 before she even got here, 364 00:15:20,923 --> 00:15:24,083 which is fantastic in terms of her preparation for this, 365 00:15:24,163 --> 00:15:26,723 and, of course, she's absorbing as much as she can 366 00:15:26,803 --> 00:15:28,123 while she's here with us. 367 00:15:28,203 --> 00:15:30,083 MEREDITH: So the eyes are really quite small, 368 00:15:30,163 --> 00:15:31,123 really, considering. 369 00:15:31,203 --> 00:15:32,763 LARRY: Yeah, tiny little eyes, very tiny eyes. 370 00:15:32,843 --> 00:15:34,443 So they don't use vision at all 371 00:15:34,523 --> 00:15:38,163 to navigate or detect their food underwater. 372 00:15:38,243 --> 00:15:41,163 That's all done through the electro and mechanoreceptors 373 00:15:41,243 --> 00:15:42,043 in the bill. 374 00:15:42,123 --> 00:15:44,443 NARRATOR: It's a solid start to her education. 375 00:15:44,523 --> 00:15:46,203 LARRY: It will be interesting to see her nails. 376 00:15:46,283 --> 00:15:48,323 MEREDITH: They're the best platypus nails I've seen all week. 377 00:15:48,403 --> 00:15:50,363 Quite a lot of excitement and quite a lot of work 378 00:15:50,443 --> 00:15:51,723 and a bit of stress 379 00:15:51,803 --> 00:15:55,403 to make sure that these animals are going to thrive 380 00:15:55,483 --> 00:15:57,563 and do great under our care. 381 00:15:57,643 --> 00:15:58,803 NARRATOR: And not surprisingly, 382 00:15:58,883 --> 00:16:01,603 the enormity of this project is sinking in. 383 00:16:01,683 --> 00:16:03,443 LARRY: Alright, there you go. 384 00:16:10,843 --> 00:16:13,083 NARRATOR: Keeper Paul has a problem. 385 00:16:13,163 --> 00:16:15,563 A new edition to his invertebrate collection, 386 00:16:15,643 --> 00:16:18,763 a female Sydney funnel-web, is unwell. 387 00:16:18,843 --> 00:16:21,643 PAUL: She's got these little tiny cream sort of colored spots on her. 388 00:16:21,723 --> 00:16:24,043 These are little mites that we quite often see 389 00:16:24,123 --> 00:16:25,763 with the wild funnel-webs that get brought in. 390 00:16:25,843 --> 00:16:27,483 NARRATOR: So it's up to vet Kimberly 391 00:16:27,563 --> 00:16:31,203 to give this very venomous spider a once-over. 392 00:16:31,283 --> 00:16:32,443 - KIMBERLY: Hey, Paul. - PAUL: Hey, Kimberly. 393 00:16:32,523 --> 00:16:34,723 KIMBERLY: As vets, we work with all of the animals in the zoo, 394 00:16:34,803 --> 00:16:38,363 from the big elephants all the way down to the invertebrates. 395 00:16:38,443 --> 00:16:40,043 So that includes the spiders. 396 00:16:40,723 --> 00:16:43,163 - That is a big funnel-web. - PAUL: It's not a bad size. 397 00:16:43,523 --> 00:16:46,443 KIMBERLY: And anytime we get a new funnel-web spider 398 00:16:46,523 --> 00:16:48,243 or any spider into the zoo, 399 00:16:48,323 --> 00:16:50,843 we examine it before we add it to our collection. 400 00:16:52,043 --> 00:16:55,123 NARRATOR: Extra care is needed when examining this spider. 401 00:16:55,523 --> 00:16:58,803 She has a bite that can kill a human within 30 minutes 402 00:16:58,883 --> 00:17:00,403 if left untreated. 403 00:17:00,483 --> 00:17:03,083 KIMBERLY: I'm not afraid of spiders. I completely respect them. 404 00:17:03,523 --> 00:17:06,843 But he's really good at handling these venomous spiders 405 00:17:06,923 --> 00:17:08,483 so they're not going to hurt me. 406 00:17:08,923 --> 00:17:10,643 PAUL: As you can see, she's got these mites on her, 407 00:17:10,723 --> 00:17:13,723 which we find fairly common with the wild funnel-webs that come in. 408 00:17:13,803 --> 00:17:15,723 KIMBERLY: Yeah, she's got a lot of mites on her, 409 00:17:15,803 --> 00:17:17,483 more than we typically see. 410 00:17:17,563 --> 00:17:19,283 Yeah, a few more than we normally see for sure. 411 00:17:19,363 --> 00:17:22,723 KIMBERLY: Okay. She's got all of her legs. Can you have her stand up a little bit? 412 00:17:22,803 --> 00:17:24,523 PAUL: Yeah, try and get her to... There we go. 413 00:17:25,163 --> 00:17:27,163 KIMBERLY: She's definitely got her fangs, doesn't she? 414 00:17:27,243 --> 00:17:29,603 PAUL: She's actually been quite relaxed, all things considered. 415 00:17:29,683 --> 00:17:32,203 KIMBERLY: Well you're so good at handling them. I'm glad you're here. 416 00:17:33,763 --> 00:17:35,243 I don't put my hands in there. 417 00:17:35,323 --> 00:17:36,723 PAUL: No, and why would you? 418 00:17:36,803 --> 00:17:38,723 KIMBERLY: So from a veterinary perspective, 419 00:17:38,803 --> 00:17:43,883 I'm looking if the spider looks robust, in good condition, 420 00:17:43,963 --> 00:17:45,483 if it's got all of its legs. 421 00:17:46,683 --> 00:17:48,443 But what's going on with her abdomen? 422 00:17:48,523 --> 00:17:50,723 PAUL: Oh she's got... looks like a bit of a blister there. 423 00:17:50,803 --> 00:17:53,203 KIMBERLY: She does. It's a bit white on the left side. 424 00:17:53,283 --> 00:17:55,043 We don't know what causes that in these guys. 425 00:17:55,123 --> 00:17:56,643 PAUL: We have a theory. 426 00:17:56,723 --> 00:18:00,363 Just over time, it seems to be stress-related. 427 00:18:00,443 --> 00:18:01,483 KIMBERLY: Oh, yeah. 428 00:18:01,563 --> 00:18:03,283 So you think you're seeing these blisters 429 00:18:03,363 --> 00:18:05,923 come up from spiders that are handled too often? 430 00:18:06,003 --> 00:18:07,283 - PAUL: Yeah, yeah. - KIMBERLY: Okay. 431 00:18:07,363 --> 00:18:09,123 Be good to aspirate her, 432 00:18:09,203 --> 00:18:11,283 and we can look for viruses, look for bacteria. 433 00:18:11,363 --> 00:18:12,363 PAUL: Okay. 434 00:18:12,443 --> 00:18:13,923 KIMBERLY: But for now I'm going to leave her in your hands 435 00:18:14,003 --> 00:18:16,043 to take care of the mites, 436 00:18:16,483 --> 00:18:18,603 and let's keep her in a quarantine situation 437 00:18:18,683 --> 00:18:19,683 until we're happy with her. 438 00:18:19,763 --> 00:18:21,723 - PAUL: Not a problem, can do. - KIMBERLY: Alright. 439 00:18:21,803 --> 00:18:24,843 Paul has his little task of brushing off the mites, 440 00:18:24,923 --> 00:18:27,163 making sure that they're all off of the spider. 441 00:18:27,243 --> 00:18:31,163 So we can't really use any kind of insect control 442 00:18:31,243 --> 00:18:33,003 because we don't want to kill the spiders as well. 443 00:18:33,083 --> 00:18:34,083 Well, I'll leave you to it. 444 00:18:34,163 --> 00:18:35,603 - PAUL: Thanks, Kimberly. - KIMBERLY: Thanks, Paul. 445 00:18:35,683 --> 00:18:39,803 No, I'd be happy to do that, but, yeah, that's Paul's job. 446 00:18:39,883 --> 00:18:41,363 (laughs) 447 00:18:41,883 --> 00:18:44,563 I'm going to go off and look at some other animals in the zoo. 448 00:18:51,123 --> 00:18:54,283 NARRATOR: Keepers Lindsay and Krystal have reached a nesting box 449 00:18:54,363 --> 00:18:57,843 that they know from previous checks contains eggs, 450 00:18:57,923 --> 00:18:59,603 but they may not be fertile. 451 00:18:59,683 --> 00:19:01,683 LINDSAY: Okay, so these ones are overdue hatching, 452 00:19:01,763 --> 00:19:05,363 so if they haven't hatched now, I'll take them. 453 00:19:06,043 --> 00:19:08,403 NARRATOR: Penguins who sit on unfertile eggs 454 00:19:08,483 --> 00:19:09,723 won't breed again, 455 00:19:09,803 --> 00:19:11,763 so Lindsay needs to intervene. 456 00:19:11,843 --> 00:19:14,683 LINDSAY: Both parents, beautiful nest. 457 00:19:15,203 --> 00:19:16,483 Sorry, guys. 458 00:19:17,763 --> 00:19:20,363 Yeah, so I'm going to take the egg. 459 00:19:24,603 --> 00:19:27,843 Oh, gosh, they're normally more protective than that. 460 00:19:27,923 --> 00:19:29,763 KRYSTAL: I guess maybe they know 461 00:19:29,843 --> 00:19:31,283 that something's not quite right. 462 00:19:31,363 --> 00:19:32,883 LINDSAY: Yeah, I'd say it's not fertile. 463 00:19:32,963 --> 00:19:35,923 Um, but we'll check it downstairs. - KRYSTAL: Yep. 464 00:19:37,763 --> 00:19:40,163 These eggs, they are way overdue hatching. 465 00:19:40,243 --> 00:19:41,243 Same with these ones. 466 00:19:41,323 --> 00:19:44,683 We give them a little bit longer to see if they might hatch, 467 00:19:44,763 --> 00:19:47,323 but then we take them because they're just going to keep sitting 468 00:19:47,403 --> 00:19:48,963 and nothing will happen. 469 00:19:49,043 --> 00:19:50,963 NARRATOR: To be absolutely sure, 470 00:19:51,043 --> 00:19:53,763 Lindsay conducts a light test on the egg. 471 00:19:54,323 --> 00:19:56,003 Okay, so have a look at this one, 472 00:19:57,243 --> 00:19:58,483 and, yeah, it's as I expected. 473 00:19:58,563 --> 00:20:00,283 There's a yolk and a bit of egg there, 474 00:20:00,363 --> 00:20:01,683 but there's no development. 475 00:20:01,763 --> 00:20:04,243 You're looking for membranes and sort of red vessels 476 00:20:04,323 --> 00:20:05,563 and things like that, 477 00:20:05,643 --> 00:20:09,723 but there's nothing there, so, yeah, infertile unfortunately. 478 00:20:09,803 --> 00:20:11,123 Look at the others. 479 00:20:13,163 --> 00:20:14,883 Yeah, so same there again. 480 00:20:16,403 --> 00:20:19,363 Hopefully by removing those eggs, they'll mate again 481 00:20:19,443 --> 00:20:21,083 and then produce some more eggs. 482 00:20:21,163 --> 00:20:23,723 It's still early enough in the season for them to have another clutch 483 00:20:23,803 --> 00:20:25,283 so we'll give them another go. 484 00:20:25,363 --> 00:20:26,803 It's not unusual. 485 00:20:26,883 --> 00:20:29,963 They are new pairings as well, so sometimes it can take them a season 486 00:20:30,043 --> 00:20:32,723 to kind of work things out with each other. 487 00:20:32,803 --> 00:20:36,163 Um, so even if they're not successful this breeding season, 488 00:20:36,243 --> 00:20:37,803 it's likely they'll pair again next season, 489 00:20:37,883 --> 00:20:39,403 and hopefully we'll get chicks then. 490 00:20:40,203 --> 00:20:42,683 (penguin cooing) 491 00:20:49,043 --> 00:20:50,883 NARRATOR: A new arrival at the zoo, 492 00:20:50,963 --> 00:20:53,963 a Sydney funnel-web, has a mite problem. 493 00:20:55,963 --> 00:21:01,083 And it's keeper Paul who has to remove the tiny mites by hand. 494 00:21:01,683 --> 00:21:03,003 PAUL: Okay, what I'm going to do now 495 00:21:03,083 --> 00:21:06,083 is I'm going to get the spider out here onto the bench 496 00:21:06,163 --> 00:21:08,043 so I can start getting some of these mites off. 497 00:21:08,123 --> 00:21:09,843 Being a spider, of course, 498 00:21:09,923 --> 00:21:11,923 they're not necessarily always that cooperative. 499 00:21:12,003 --> 00:21:15,403 So what I'll do is once I get her out, she should just sit there like that, 500 00:21:15,483 --> 00:21:17,963 and if she decides to move, what I can do is just annoy her like this. 501 00:21:18,043 --> 00:21:19,483 And when she feels threatened, she's going to sit up 502 00:21:19,563 --> 00:21:20,643 and she should just stay like that. 503 00:21:20,723 --> 00:21:23,963 NARRATOR: But no matter how comfortable Paul may be with funnel-webs, 504 00:21:24,043 --> 00:21:26,963 he still leaves nothing to chance. 505 00:21:27,043 --> 00:21:30,523 PAUL: The reason I'm doing this on a nice clean bench like this, 506 00:21:30,603 --> 00:21:34,523 you got a nice big white bench, which means I can see what's going on. 507 00:21:34,843 --> 00:21:36,603 She's got nowhere to run and hide, 508 00:21:36,683 --> 00:21:38,843 the bench is nice and slippery, which makes it a little bit harder 509 00:21:38,923 --> 00:21:41,163 for her to get any sort of traction to get any real speed up, 510 00:21:41,243 --> 00:21:43,323 so it's a lot safer for her and me. 511 00:21:45,323 --> 00:21:47,043 So what I'm doing here, 512 00:21:47,123 --> 00:21:49,923 I just get a little bit of water on my paint brush 513 00:21:50,763 --> 00:21:51,963 and brush her. 514 00:21:54,043 --> 00:21:55,163 And what happens is 515 00:21:55,243 --> 00:21:57,483 these little mites get caught in the water droplet there, 516 00:21:58,203 --> 00:22:00,523 and I can literally just wash them off her like that. 517 00:22:05,883 --> 00:22:08,163 She's being quite relaxed, 518 00:22:08,563 --> 00:22:12,083 which is a little bit of a surprise considering what's going on here. 519 00:22:12,643 --> 00:22:16,523 These mites, I've been led to believe, are not necessarily parasitic, 520 00:22:16,603 --> 00:22:18,443 but one way or another, it's got to be a little uncomfortable 521 00:22:18,523 --> 00:22:20,963 for her to have all these things climbing around on her. 522 00:22:21,283 --> 00:22:23,603 It's really hard to see exactly how many are on there. 523 00:22:23,683 --> 00:22:26,683 A bit of a rough guess, I'll say there have to be at least a hundred. 524 00:22:26,763 --> 00:22:28,043 Having all these things crawling around on you, 525 00:22:28,123 --> 00:22:29,363 it's got to be annoying. 526 00:22:29,443 --> 00:22:31,643 But now I've pretty much got all the mites off 527 00:22:31,723 --> 00:22:33,523 that I can get for the moment anyway. 528 00:22:33,603 --> 00:22:36,523 So what I'm going to do is I'm preparing a home for her... 529 00:22:38,723 --> 00:22:40,963 with some fresh peat moss here. 530 00:22:41,043 --> 00:22:43,643 I'm just going to get this bit of paper towel in here, 531 00:22:43,723 --> 00:22:45,123 make it nice and damp for her. 532 00:22:45,203 --> 00:22:47,843 They need to stay cool and damp in order to survive. 533 00:22:48,643 --> 00:22:50,763 So it just means that having the paper towel in there, 534 00:22:50,843 --> 00:22:52,123 she'll make a bit of a home under it. 535 00:22:52,643 --> 00:22:54,883 So if I do need to check her out or anything like that, 536 00:22:54,963 --> 00:22:57,603 I can do it with as minimal disturbance to her as possible. 537 00:22:57,923 --> 00:22:58,723 And there you go. 538 00:22:58,803 --> 00:23:01,203 She's all ready to go back and join our collection. 539 00:23:01,563 --> 00:23:04,923 Unfortunately she still has some on her, so it's going to take at least another go 540 00:23:05,003 --> 00:23:06,403 to try and get the rest of them off, 541 00:23:06,483 --> 00:23:08,883 but if nothing else, she's going to be a lot more comfortable. 542 00:23:08,963 --> 00:23:11,523 She's definitely going to be a lot happier now that they're gone. 543 00:23:15,963 --> 00:23:17,483 NARRATOR: In less than a week, 544 00:23:17,563 --> 00:23:19,483 Taronga is going to make history 545 00:23:19,563 --> 00:23:23,763 by sending the first breeding pair of platypus overseas. 546 00:23:25,243 --> 00:23:26,443 Keepers Lori and Savanna 547 00:23:26,523 --> 00:23:29,203 have been at Taronga for the past two weeks, 548 00:23:29,283 --> 00:23:33,243 learning how to handle this cute but dangerous animal. 549 00:23:33,323 --> 00:23:34,643 SAVANNA: A great experience. 550 00:23:34,723 --> 00:23:37,963 Yeah, so this is our last training session with the platypus. 551 00:23:38,043 --> 00:23:40,403 KEEPER: Do you want to just check that he's in the box first? 552 00:23:40,483 --> 00:23:43,443 And then we can grab our equipment to do a weigh. 553 00:23:43,843 --> 00:23:45,443 SAVANNA: And he is inside. 554 00:23:45,523 --> 00:23:48,283 We are now getting ready to head off to the United States. 555 00:23:48,363 --> 00:23:49,763 We're heading home, 556 00:23:49,843 --> 00:23:52,243 and then eventually they will be joining us. 557 00:23:52,843 --> 00:23:56,283 So I'm picking him up, and I'm switching positions. 558 00:23:56,763 --> 00:23:58,683 I'm removing this towel. 559 00:23:58,763 --> 00:24:02,483 I'm keeping the spurs away from my mate's face, 560 00:24:02,563 --> 00:24:03,683 and I am... 561 00:24:03,763 --> 00:24:05,283 KEEPER: Bag over the box. SAVANNA: Bagging. 562 00:24:06,363 --> 00:24:07,163 KEEPER: Perfect. 563 00:24:07,243 --> 00:24:10,723 SAVANNA: Alright, we're twisting the top of the bag, 564 00:24:11,363 --> 00:24:13,363 securing it with a rubber band. 565 00:24:13,683 --> 00:24:15,363 LORI: And holding him away from my body. 566 00:24:15,443 --> 00:24:16,963 KEEPER: Yep, excellent. 567 00:24:17,043 --> 00:24:18,483 So that is a platypus in a bag, 568 00:24:18,563 --> 00:24:21,123 ready to be weighed or transported. 569 00:24:21,203 --> 00:24:22,923 SAVANNA: And we're aware of where his head is 570 00:24:23,003 --> 00:24:24,163 from the movement. 571 00:24:24,243 --> 00:24:28,083 So when I replace this platypus into the nest box, 572 00:24:28,163 --> 00:24:30,443 I'm going to make sure that he has an easy exit 573 00:24:30,523 --> 00:24:31,763 so that he's comfortable. 574 00:24:31,843 --> 00:24:33,243 KEEPER: Yep, so the face will be pointing away 575 00:24:33,323 --> 00:24:34,603 and towards the opening. 576 00:24:35,403 --> 00:24:37,843 SAVANNA: And I am removing 577 00:24:38,523 --> 00:24:40,363 the pillow case gently. 578 00:24:42,083 --> 00:24:44,683 KEEPER: Perfect. Nothing else left to teach you. 579 00:24:44,763 --> 00:24:47,483 (laughing) 580 00:24:47,563 --> 00:24:50,843 SAVANNA: Yes, yes. We passed platypus boot camp. 581 00:24:50,923 --> 00:24:52,683 (laughing) 582 00:24:52,763 --> 00:24:54,483 KEEPER: I think our platypus are in very capable hands. 583 00:24:54,923 --> 00:24:57,043 SAVANNA: We're very grateful for the collaboration 584 00:24:57,123 --> 00:24:59,003 and the camaraderie that we've gained 585 00:24:59,083 --> 00:25:00,683 while we've been here at Taronga. 586 00:25:00,763 --> 00:25:02,763 LORI: Yeah, we just can't wait to see them in San Diego 587 00:25:02,843 --> 00:25:05,043 and to see them in their new exhibit, their new facility. 588 00:25:05,123 --> 00:25:06,403 We hope that they're going to love it, 589 00:25:06,483 --> 00:25:08,323 and now that we know them as individuals, 590 00:25:08,403 --> 00:25:10,483 we feel pretty confident that they're going to be happy 591 00:25:10,563 --> 00:25:12,523 - over there with us in the States. - Yeah. 592 00:25:22,163 --> 00:25:23,643 NARRATOR: Eastern Australia 593 00:25:23,723 --> 00:25:26,843 is experiencing one of the longest droughts on record, 594 00:25:26,923 --> 00:25:31,083 with temperatures regularly breaking 40 degrees Celsius. 595 00:25:31,603 --> 00:25:33,363 And at Taronga's Western Plains Zoo, 596 00:25:33,443 --> 00:25:36,843 keeping the animals comfortable in such brutal heat 597 00:25:36,923 --> 00:25:38,643 is a huge challenge. 598 00:25:42,883 --> 00:25:45,803 While the three female Asian elephants and their calf 599 00:25:45,883 --> 00:25:47,323 cool down with a swim, 600 00:25:47,963 --> 00:25:50,243 zookeepers Christina and Stephanie 601 00:25:50,323 --> 00:25:54,003 have another heat-beating surprise for the two young bulls. 602 00:25:55,563 --> 00:25:57,563 CHRISTINA: We have two Asian elephant bulls. 603 00:25:57,643 --> 00:25:59,443 Lookchai is ten years of age, 604 00:25:59,523 --> 00:26:02,883 and he was actually the first Asian elephant born in Australia. 605 00:26:03,323 --> 00:26:06,243 And we have Patihan, who followed a year later. 606 00:26:06,323 --> 00:26:07,963 So they're pretty much like brothers. 607 00:26:08,043 --> 00:26:09,403 They've grown up together, 608 00:26:09,483 --> 00:26:11,923 and they spend four times a week in this front paddock. 609 00:26:12,763 --> 00:26:14,883 At the moment, I'm putting out some spices. 610 00:26:14,963 --> 00:26:17,083 It's a part of our enrichment program. 611 00:26:17,163 --> 00:26:19,403 Elephants are natural foragers, 612 00:26:19,483 --> 00:26:22,643 and their sense of smell is about eight times stronger than a dog, 613 00:26:22,723 --> 00:26:25,243 so they'll forage with their sense of smell. 614 00:26:25,323 --> 00:26:27,883 The boys will pretty much find this spice in no time, 615 00:26:27,963 --> 00:26:30,523 but we try to hide it in little spots, 616 00:26:30,603 --> 00:26:32,763 make it a bit challenging for them as well. 617 00:26:33,403 --> 00:26:34,883 NARRATOR: But a three-ton elephant 618 00:26:34,963 --> 00:26:38,603 needs more than a bag of nutmeg to keep it going each day. 619 00:26:38,683 --> 00:26:39,683 So in the wild, 620 00:26:39,763 --> 00:26:42,923 elephants have to eat up to 100 kilograms of food a day. 621 00:26:43,003 --> 00:26:45,843 But because we give them higher nutrition, such as hay, 622 00:26:45,923 --> 00:26:49,283 they only need to eat about 60 kilos a day here. 623 00:26:49,363 --> 00:26:52,723 So we just put up their hay net so it's above their level, 624 00:26:52,803 --> 00:26:54,283 and then they can eat it 625 00:26:54,363 --> 00:26:56,363 like they would eat high trees in the wild. 626 00:26:57,043 --> 00:27:01,203 NARRATOR: But the biggest treat of all, especially on such a scorching day, 627 00:27:01,283 --> 00:27:03,523 needs to be put out last. 628 00:27:03,603 --> 00:27:06,643 CHRISTINA: So we're just putting out some ice block enrichment today. 629 00:27:07,363 --> 00:27:10,763 Okay, so we'll just place them on these three rocks. 630 00:27:11,523 --> 00:27:14,883 And we'll try to put maybe two on top of each other as well. 631 00:27:15,763 --> 00:27:19,443 Every single week on a Friday, we go collect from a juice store in town. 632 00:27:19,523 --> 00:27:22,603 It's just pulp and left-over fruits and vegetable 633 00:27:22,683 --> 00:27:25,683 that we add water to, and then we freeze it. 634 00:27:28,003 --> 00:27:31,363 This one has watermelon in it and also banana peel, 635 00:27:31,843 --> 00:27:33,763 and it's definitely a favorite. 636 00:27:34,563 --> 00:27:37,283 A great treat on a 40-degree day. 637 00:27:40,683 --> 00:27:41,923 The first thing that they do 638 00:27:42,003 --> 00:27:44,563 is pretty much check out their whole enclosure 639 00:27:44,643 --> 00:27:47,283 and find all the yummy treats that we may have hid for them. 640 00:27:50,723 --> 00:27:54,603 Our Asian elephant Patihan is going about and exploring. 641 00:27:54,683 --> 00:27:56,163 He's, um, foraging. 642 00:27:57,203 --> 00:27:58,923 He'll wander far and be like, 643 00:27:59,003 --> 00:28:01,043 "Did they hide anything here? 644 00:28:01,123 --> 00:28:02,403 I'll get it first." 645 00:28:02,843 --> 00:28:04,883 NARRATOR: While the two bulls get on well, 646 00:28:04,963 --> 00:28:07,403 there's still a social hierarchy. 647 00:28:07,483 --> 00:28:10,323 CHRISTINA: He wants to get the best of all the foods, 648 00:28:10,963 --> 00:28:15,603 and Lookchai is a bit less dominant so he'll just let Pati have first dibs. 649 00:28:19,243 --> 00:28:22,003 And it happens in a herd as well, in the females, 650 00:28:22,083 --> 00:28:24,003 there's a dominant female who's the matriarch, 651 00:28:24,083 --> 00:28:26,563 and she gets first dibs of all the food. 652 00:28:26,923 --> 00:28:28,483 NARRATOR: But on such a hot day, 653 00:28:28,563 --> 00:28:31,683 it's the ice blocks that get the most attention. 654 00:28:35,403 --> 00:28:37,883 CHRISTINA: The elephants absolutely love the ice blocks. 655 00:28:41,283 --> 00:28:44,163 The elephants here, they weigh about three tons on average. 656 00:28:44,243 --> 00:28:46,963 Sometimes they can't break it, and they use their whole weight 657 00:28:47,043 --> 00:28:48,603 to try and break it with their foot. 658 00:28:50,483 --> 00:28:54,123 If they get frustrated, then they just slam it on the ground. 659 00:28:56,643 --> 00:28:58,283 NARRATOR: While Dubbo are dealing with the heat 660 00:28:58,363 --> 00:28:59,643 in their own way, 661 00:29:00,123 --> 00:29:01,163 back in Sydney... 662 00:29:01,243 --> 00:29:02,603 - NICK: Hello, how are ya? - ROBERT: Good, mate. 663 00:29:02,683 --> 00:29:06,363 NARRATOR: ...platypus keeper Nick has a temperature problem of his own. 664 00:29:06,963 --> 00:29:10,923 NICK: So this is our second box, platypus box for Eve, hey? 665 00:29:11,003 --> 00:29:12,603 Yeah. That's brilliant, mate. 666 00:29:12,683 --> 00:29:13,763 It looks so good. 667 00:29:13,843 --> 00:29:17,643 NARRATOR: He's had to come up with a way to safely transport two platypus 668 00:29:17,723 --> 00:29:19,603 halfway around the world. 669 00:29:19,683 --> 00:29:21,803 NICK: One of our biggest concerns for the platypus for this trip 670 00:29:21,883 --> 00:29:23,683 was just making sure that we keep our temperatures 671 00:29:23,763 --> 00:29:25,003 below that 20-degree mark. 672 00:29:25,083 --> 00:29:26,243 It's huge, mate. 673 00:29:26,323 --> 00:29:29,563 We've never sent plats in my time before overseas. 674 00:29:29,643 --> 00:29:32,363 Yeah, so this isn't just your typical transport box. 675 00:29:32,443 --> 00:29:36,003 This actually has three layers of reflective foam within it 676 00:29:36,083 --> 00:29:38,363 to try and keep the ambient temps from outside 677 00:29:38,443 --> 00:29:39,443 without getting in. 678 00:29:40,363 --> 00:29:42,843 We obviously did have to try and address the airflow with that. 679 00:29:42,923 --> 00:29:45,683 Because we've got such an insulated box, we had to make sure 680 00:29:45,763 --> 00:29:47,923 that we had enough air flow throughout the crate 681 00:29:48,003 --> 00:29:51,763 to ensure that the platypus would arrive 24 hours later doing well. 682 00:29:52,723 --> 00:29:54,483 NARRATOR: Now they have to get the platypus 683 00:29:54,563 --> 00:29:56,323 used to their temporary home. 684 00:29:56,403 --> 00:29:57,803 NICK: Yeah, push forward. 685 00:29:58,523 --> 00:30:00,443 Yep. That's great. 686 00:30:00,763 --> 00:30:01,883 That's good there. 687 00:30:02,603 --> 00:30:03,603 Yep. 688 00:30:03,683 --> 00:30:05,843 So now we've just finished installing 689 00:30:05,923 --> 00:30:07,843 the transport box for the platypus, for Eve. 690 00:30:08,243 --> 00:30:13,843 So Eve has just come back from her 72-hour pre-shipment exam, 691 00:30:13,923 --> 00:30:17,283 and our vets have deemed her as suitable for travel. 692 00:30:17,363 --> 00:30:18,643 Her condition is great. 693 00:30:18,723 --> 00:30:21,683 Her tail volume is really good, she's got a great body weight. 694 00:30:21,763 --> 00:30:22,803 So now the next step 695 00:30:22,883 --> 00:30:25,323 is to just pop her into the transport crate 696 00:30:25,403 --> 00:30:26,803 for transitioning, 697 00:30:26,883 --> 00:30:28,803 so she'll scent it up, she'll make it her own. 698 00:30:28,883 --> 00:30:31,323 It means that on the day when we actually come along, 699 00:30:31,403 --> 00:30:33,963 close off this slide here, basically it's no different 700 00:30:34,043 --> 00:30:35,923 to just being locked in her nest box for a little while. 701 00:30:36,003 --> 00:30:37,523 So it is ultimately going to be 702 00:30:37,603 --> 00:30:39,283 a very comfortable space for her. 703 00:30:39,363 --> 00:30:41,323 So I'm very confident that we've done everything that we can. 704 00:30:41,403 --> 00:30:42,923 I don't think we've ever put as much thought 705 00:30:43,003 --> 00:30:45,003 into a transport crate before. 706 00:30:45,083 --> 00:30:47,723 So certainly on the day, we'll give one final check 707 00:30:47,803 --> 00:30:49,763 just to make sure that she's tracking okay, 708 00:30:49,843 --> 00:30:52,123 give her a once-over, close the box off, 709 00:30:52,203 --> 00:30:54,363 and we won't see her again until the other side. 710 00:30:54,443 --> 00:30:56,923 NARRATOR: The platypus wasn't born to fly, 711 00:30:57,003 --> 00:30:59,683 but that's all about to change. 712 00:31:03,883 --> 00:31:09,563 (penguin calling) 713 00:31:09,643 --> 00:31:12,883 NARRATOR: This week's penguin nest checks are nearly done. 714 00:31:15,283 --> 00:31:17,523 LINDSAY: Oh, cute. 715 00:31:17,603 --> 00:31:18,923 Such a darling. 716 00:31:20,003 --> 00:31:21,523 That looks like one chick. 717 00:31:21,603 --> 00:31:22,923 - KRYSTAL: One chick? - LINDSAY: Yep. 718 00:31:23,403 --> 00:31:26,923 NARRATOR: And the breeding season is going from strength to strength. 719 00:31:27,843 --> 00:31:29,843 LINDSAY: Oh, hello, bubbas. 720 00:31:31,323 --> 00:31:33,643 So two really good-size chicks there. 721 00:31:33,723 --> 00:31:35,203 Same sort of size as well. 722 00:31:35,283 --> 00:31:38,203 Sometimes one's a lot smaller and not doing, 723 00:31:38,283 --> 00:31:39,443 you know, not getting as much food. 724 00:31:39,523 --> 00:31:41,683 They usually catch up, but they're doing really well. 725 00:31:41,763 --> 00:31:43,243 So we'll leave them alone. 726 00:31:44,283 --> 00:31:46,243 `So we have two new chicks... 727 00:31:46,323 --> 00:31:47,523 KRYSTAL: An extra egg. 728 00:31:47,603 --> 00:31:50,763 LINDSAY: An extra egg, an egg left to hatch, 729 00:31:50,843 --> 00:31:53,843 - another burrow left to hatch. - Yep. 730 00:31:53,923 --> 00:31:56,043 So, um, yeah, we're doing really well. 731 00:31:56,123 --> 00:31:57,283 - KRYSTAL: Good season. - LINDSAY: Good season. 732 00:31:57,363 --> 00:31:58,683 - KRYSTAL: Really good season. - LINDSAY: Excellent. 733 00:32:01,123 --> 00:32:03,563 NARRATOR: The first chicks to hatch this season 734 00:32:03,643 --> 00:32:06,563 are already starting to explore their new home. 735 00:32:06,643 --> 00:32:08,883 LINDSAY: So we're in our penguin creche, 736 00:32:08,963 --> 00:32:11,883 and this is an area that we use when we've got little chicks 737 00:32:11,963 --> 00:32:13,643 that we need to teach to feed from us. 738 00:32:14,803 --> 00:32:15,803 - Ooh. - KRYSTAL: Jeez! 739 00:32:15,883 --> 00:32:17,683 - LINDSAY: Out you come. - JO: Little snatcher. 740 00:32:17,763 --> 00:32:20,163 LINDSAY: Come on. Come on. That's it. 741 00:32:20,243 --> 00:32:21,363 JO: Whoa. 742 00:32:21,803 --> 00:32:24,363 LINDSAY: We want them to come out and be comfortable with us. 743 00:32:24,443 --> 00:32:25,803 We hand-feed them every day 744 00:32:25,883 --> 00:32:27,523 because it's a good way to health-check them 745 00:32:27,603 --> 00:32:29,923 by getting them to come to land and feed from us. 746 00:32:30,003 --> 00:32:31,003 And you can see it's still got 747 00:32:31,083 --> 00:32:33,563 its fluffy little feathers around its face there, 748 00:32:33,643 --> 00:32:36,283 and once it loses those, there we go, 749 00:32:36,363 --> 00:32:39,243 it will be ready to go out into the exhibit 750 00:32:39,323 --> 00:32:41,123 and swim in the pool for its first time. 751 00:32:41,883 --> 00:32:43,443 So you can see that fluff around its neck, 752 00:32:43,523 --> 00:32:46,123 and that's its juvenile baby feathers basically, 753 00:32:46,203 --> 00:32:47,763 and you can see that beautiful adult plumage 754 00:32:47,843 --> 00:32:48,923 that has come through there, 755 00:32:49,003 --> 00:32:51,243 those beautiful blue feathers on the back. 756 00:32:51,323 --> 00:32:53,043 So the fluff is not waterproof. 757 00:32:53,123 --> 00:32:55,923 So once that's all gone, he'll be ready to swim. 758 00:32:56,963 --> 00:33:00,883 So, the average adult penguin weighs a kilo, right? 759 00:33:01,243 --> 00:33:05,043 This guy, when he came out of the burrow, he was 1.3 kilos. 760 00:33:05,123 --> 00:33:07,363 In all my 23 years, 761 00:33:07,443 --> 00:33:10,483 I don't think I've ever seen a penguin chick that big. 762 00:33:10,563 --> 00:33:12,083 LINDSAY: Yeah, amazing. 763 00:33:12,163 --> 00:33:14,563 - JO: That's huge. - LINDSAY: 1.3. (laughs) 764 00:33:15,603 --> 00:33:18,483 Once they've accomplish feeding really well from us 765 00:33:18,563 --> 00:33:20,323 and they've lost all that down, 766 00:33:20,403 --> 00:33:23,883 then they'll go out into the exhibit and become adult penguins. 767 00:33:24,763 --> 00:33:25,963 So it's a really fast growth rate. 768 00:33:26,043 --> 00:33:26,843 These guys, 769 00:33:26,923 --> 00:33:28,843 they're eight weeks of age when they go out there, 770 00:33:28,923 --> 00:33:30,883 and so they're close to that at the moment. 771 00:33:31,523 --> 00:33:33,363 NARRATOR: With feeding school almost done... 772 00:33:33,443 --> 00:33:35,443 JO: Oh, that's excellent, Linds. 773 00:33:36,403 --> 00:33:37,723 LINDSAY: Alright. 774 00:33:38,203 --> 00:33:39,603 Are you going to stay out? Yes. 775 00:33:39,683 --> 00:33:41,043 JO: Oh, that's fantastic. 776 00:33:41,123 --> 00:33:42,123 LINDSAY: Okay, back in. 777 00:33:42,203 --> 00:33:44,603 NARRATOR: Swim school is just around the corner, 778 00:33:45,283 --> 00:33:47,363 but they may need some convincing. 779 00:33:48,203 --> 00:33:49,243 JO: Come on, little one. 780 00:33:52,203 --> 00:33:54,243 NARRATOR: It's the day of the big move. 781 00:33:54,323 --> 00:33:55,523 NICK: How are we for time? 782 00:33:55,923 --> 00:33:57,963 Ten to. Yeah, we gotta move. 783 00:33:58,323 --> 00:34:00,443 NARRATOR: Two platypus are being transferred 784 00:34:00,523 --> 00:34:04,323 from Taronga Zoo to San Diego Zoo in California. 785 00:34:04,403 --> 00:34:05,603 NICK: Because of the size of the crate, 786 00:34:05,683 --> 00:34:07,323 we actually have to come out through the back way here. 787 00:34:07,403 --> 00:34:10,083 TONY: We have to come out through the backdoor, unfortunately. 788 00:34:10,163 --> 00:34:12,203 Hopefully they're both in their nest boxes already 789 00:34:12,283 --> 00:34:13,923 that they've had a bit of time to get used to. 790 00:34:14,243 --> 00:34:16,123 NICK: Alright, so that's great. So he's in there. 791 00:34:16,443 --> 00:34:19,843 NARRATOR: For keeper Tony, today is especially important 792 00:34:19,923 --> 00:34:21,843 as he'll travel with the platypus 793 00:34:21,923 --> 00:34:23,883 on their history-making journey. 794 00:34:25,003 --> 00:34:26,163 TONY: I'm feeling pretty good, actually. 795 00:34:26,243 --> 00:34:27,483 You know, obviously tense. 796 00:34:27,563 --> 00:34:28,803 There's always going to be tension, 797 00:34:28,883 --> 00:34:30,803 but I'm feeling quite confident. 798 00:34:30,883 --> 00:34:32,203 NICK: Just put this end forward. 799 00:34:32,803 --> 00:34:36,523 TONY: I'm actually more calm than I expected to be, to be honest. 800 00:34:39,683 --> 00:34:41,403 NICK: Yeah, that's perfect. 801 00:34:41,483 --> 00:34:43,323 So she's just sitting under the towel there. 802 00:34:43,643 --> 00:34:46,243 I won't overly disturb her, but it's fantastic. 803 00:34:46,323 --> 00:34:49,123 I think, you know, she just spent the night in the pool, 804 00:34:49,203 --> 00:34:50,843 she's eaten at least three yabbies in there 805 00:34:50,923 --> 00:34:53,003 and I'm sure a whole heap of mealworms. 806 00:34:53,363 --> 00:34:56,043 So I think it's the best start possible for this trip. 807 00:35:01,883 --> 00:35:02,683 You good? 808 00:35:03,483 --> 00:35:06,483 NARRATOR: But packing the platypus is the easy part. 809 00:35:06,883 --> 00:35:08,203 NICK: Alright, mate, let's get to the airport. 810 00:35:11,243 --> 00:35:15,523 NARRATOR: Now all the platypus have to do is survive the flight. 811 00:35:15,603 --> 00:35:16,803 NICK: Lift up. Lift up. 812 00:35:17,123 --> 00:35:19,123 TONY: What we're going to do is put the animals in the forward hold... 813 00:35:19,203 --> 00:35:20,283 - Yeah, yep. - ...in the doorway, 814 00:35:20,363 --> 00:35:21,443 so we've got access to them. 815 00:35:21,523 --> 00:35:23,403 The animals will go in last, so they'll be first off. 816 00:35:23,483 --> 00:35:25,523 NICK: First off. Yeah, that's perfect. 817 00:35:26,243 --> 00:35:30,003 It's absolutely fair to assume that a platypus should be in water, 818 00:35:30,083 --> 00:35:34,963 but in actual fact, they'll spend 13 hours easily asleep in a burrow 819 00:35:35,043 --> 00:35:36,083 as part of their normal day. 820 00:35:36,163 --> 00:35:38,923 So the fact that we're extending that ever so slightly, 821 00:35:39,003 --> 00:35:40,363 we're not concerned about. 822 00:35:40,443 --> 00:35:43,563 We've set those transport crates up for Eve and Bira 823 00:35:43,643 --> 00:35:46,203 exactly the same as their nest boxes are 824 00:35:46,283 --> 00:35:48,443 that they've been living in for the last few years. 825 00:35:48,523 --> 00:35:49,563 Alright. 826 00:35:50,723 --> 00:35:52,203 Okay, that's good. 827 00:35:52,683 --> 00:35:54,083 I'm happy with it. 828 00:35:54,163 --> 00:35:56,203 NARRATOR: While Nick says his goodbyes... 829 00:35:57,803 --> 00:35:59,683 on the other side of the globe, 830 00:35:59,763 --> 00:36:02,563 Lori and Savanna are waiting patiently 831 00:36:02,643 --> 00:36:04,563 to say "g'day." 832 00:36:04,643 --> 00:36:05,643 Oh, we can't wait. 833 00:36:05,723 --> 00:36:07,283 Yeah, we're getting very excited for sure. 834 00:36:07,363 --> 00:36:08,643 Things are starting to come together, 835 00:36:08,723 --> 00:36:09,843 and our facility is looking good, 836 00:36:09,923 --> 00:36:12,083 and we're eager and ready to receive them. 837 00:36:12,923 --> 00:36:16,163 SAVANNA: We've been designing a habitat for over two years now, 838 00:36:16,243 --> 00:36:20,003 and we're very excited about having them introduced to that habitat 839 00:36:20,083 --> 00:36:22,443 and make sure that they're comfortable and enjoying it. 840 00:36:22,523 --> 00:36:24,003 And we can't wait to see them 841 00:36:24,083 --> 00:36:26,443 swimming in the area that we have for them. 842 00:36:26,523 --> 00:36:29,443 We have food ready, temperatures are set, 843 00:36:29,523 --> 00:36:30,843 the lighting's all ready for them, 844 00:36:30,923 --> 00:36:32,843 so, yes, we just need the animals. 845 00:36:32,923 --> 00:36:33,963 (both chuckle) 846 00:36:39,123 --> 00:36:43,083 (bell tinkling) 847 00:36:43,163 --> 00:36:45,203 LINDSAY: Out you come into the big wide world. 848 00:36:45,283 --> 00:36:47,443 (whistling) 849 00:36:48,083 --> 00:36:51,563 NARRATOR: It's been eight weeks since the first little penguins hatched. 850 00:36:52,523 --> 00:36:55,523 LINDSAY: So, Tasty and Haloumi are our new chicks, 851 00:36:55,603 --> 00:36:57,123 and they're doing very, very well. 852 00:36:57,203 --> 00:36:58,203 Don't go back in. 853 00:36:58,643 --> 00:37:00,923 They're so used to being in the creche. 854 00:37:01,003 --> 00:37:02,043 It's their safe place. 855 00:37:02,123 --> 00:37:03,723 But it's time to grow up. 856 00:37:03,803 --> 00:37:04,683 Come on. 857 00:37:05,923 --> 00:37:07,443 NARRATOR: They've lost their baby coat 858 00:37:07,523 --> 00:37:09,723 and are now fully waterproof. 859 00:37:09,803 --> 00:37:12,003 So, the next milestone in their development 860 00:37:12,083 --> 00:37:14,363 is to go for their first swim. 861 00:37:14,443 --> 00:37:16,163 LINDSAY: They're both new chicks, first time out. 862 00:37:16,243 --> 00:37:17,803 So you can see they're looking around, 863 00:37:17,883 --> 00:37:20,043 and I'll just encourage them into the water. 864 00:37:20,123 --> 00:37:21,363 They'll feel safe in there. 865 00:37:23,683 --> 00:37:25,243 Go on, little ones. 866 00:37:25,323 --> 00:37:27,123 So we'll really have to keep a close eye on them today, 867 00:37:27,203 --> 00:37:29,683 just make sure that they're able to get in and out of the pool, 868 00:37:29,763 --> 00:37:32,083 that they don't get picked on by any of the other penguins, 869 00:37:32,163 --> 00:37:33,723 because they can do that sometimes. 870 00:37:35,363 --> 00:37:37,723 NARRATOR: And when a penguin hits eight weeks old, 871 00:37:37,803 --> 00:37:40,003 they're instinctively drawn to water. 872 00:37:40,803 --> 00:37:42,523 LINDSAY: There's so much for them to take in. 873 00:37:42,603 --> 00:37:44,283 I mean, this is the first time they've seen the whole world, 874 00:37:44,363 --> 00:37:45,643 the big wide-open sky. 875 00:37:45,723 --> 00:37:47,323 So they're doing really well, though. 876 00:37:49,643 --> 00:37:51,523 NARRATOR: While Haloumi is straight in, 877 00:37:51,603 --> 00:37:54,683 Tasty isn't quite as sure of himself. 878 00:37:54,763 --> 00:37:58,043 LINDSAY: So Haloumi is speeding around, having a great time. 879 00:37:58,123 --> 00:38:00,363 Tasty is a little bit more nervous. 880 00:38:02,283 --> 00:38:04,483 NARRATOR: But with a gentle bit of encouragement... 881 00:38:05,003 --> 00:38:06,203 LINDSAY: Come on, little one. 882 00:38:06,963 --> 00:38:09,963 NARRATOR: ...Tasty finally joins his sister in the water. 883 00:38:14,603 --> 00:38:15,963 LINDSAY: First swim ever. 884 00:38:16,043 --> 00:38:18,683 It's amazing, isn't it, how they just know what to do? 885 00:38:18,763 --> 00:38:20,723 Just instinct. Fantastic. 886 00:38:23,763 --> 00:38:26,203 So you can tell they're a little bit more uncoordinated. 887 00:38:26,283 --> 00:38:28,523 It's their first time, so they're just finding their flippers, 888 00:38:28,603 --> 00:38:31,323 getting used to the water, getting used to diving deeply. 889 00:38:31,883 --> 00:38:34,123 Yeah, look at Haloumi go. Amazing. 890 00:38:34,203 --> 00:38:35,803 I think she's loving it. 891 00:38:35,883 --> 00:38:37,843 And Tasty is getting really into it. Look at that. 892 00:38:38,603 --> 00:38:40,363 I love it when they go for their first swim. 893 00:38:40,443 --> 00:38:42,883 Out on land, you know, there's so many things going on 894 00:38:42,963 --> 00:38:45,843 and birds of prey and things, so that water is their safety net, 895 00:38:45,923 --> 00:38:47,523 and of course in the wild, that's what they do. 896 00:38:47,603 --> 00:38:49,643 So they come out of their burrows, 897 00:38:49,723 --> 00:38:52,763 straight to the ocean, and they spend days out there. 898 00:38:53,963 --> 00:38:55,963 So it's been another really successful breeding season 899 00:38:56,043 --> 00:38:57,443 here at Taronga. 900 00:38:57,523 --> 00:38:59,323 We've had eight chicks so far. 901 00:38:59,403 --> 00:39:01,683 We've got another probably eight on the way. 902 00:39:01,763 --> 00:39:03,883 So a huge bumper season for us. 903 00:39:03,963 --> 00:39:07,043 Our parents have done an amazing, amazing job. 904 00:39:08,683 --> 00:39:11,403 NARRATOR: It's a great start for these little penguins. 905 00:39:11,483 --> 00:39:13,883 Some will continue to call Taronga home 906 00:39:13,963 --> 00:39:16,043 and some will be sent to other zoos 907 00:39:16,123 --> 00:39:18,523 to boost their breeding programs. 908 00:39:24,203 --> 00:39:26,723 San Diego Zoo is a home away from home 909 00:39:26,803 --> 00:39:28,723 for many Australian animals. 910 00:39:28,803 --> 00:39:31,443 Now, after years of preparation, 911 00:39:31,523 --> 00:39:36,283 the only two platypus outside of Australia are coming to join them. 912 00:39:36,363 --> 00:39:38,563 MAN: You want to set them on top of that box? 913 00:39:38,643 --> 00:39:40,083 LORI: The fact that platypus are here 914 00:39:40,163 --> 00:39:43,123 and outside Australia for the first time in 70 years 915 00:39:43,203 --> 00:39:46,083 is a pretty significant experience 916 00:39:46,163 --> 00:39:47,723 for all of us to be a part of. 917 00:39:48,523 --> 00:39:51,163 It's taken a lot of collaboration between our facilities, 918 00:39:51,243 --> 00:39:53,803 and it's been a lot of work to make it happen, 919 00:39:53,883 --> 00:39:55,323 but we're so thankful that it has 920 00:39:55,403 --> 00:39:58,363 and that they're here now and enjoying this facility. 921 00:39:58,443 --> 00:40:00,843 NARRATOR: Bira and Eve have been in their travel packs 922 00:40:00,923 --> 00:40:04,483 for nearly 20 hours, and vet Meredith is impressed 923 00:40:04,563 --> 00:40:06,883 with how well they've handled the journey. 924 00:40:06,963 --> 00:40:08,443 MEREDITH: His condition is beautiful. 925 00:40:09,283 --> 00:40:11,203 Yeah? Excellent. 926 00:40:11,283 --> 00:40:14,443 NARRATOR: And they quickly settled in to their new surrounds. 927 00:40:19,723 --> 00:40:21,483 LORI: This is a species unlike any other 928 00:40:21,563 --> 00:40:24,283 that we've ever been able to exhibit for folks in America, 929 00:40:24,363 --> 00:40:26,723 and this facility has a lot of features 930 00:40:26,803 --> 00:40:28,923 designed to kind of optimize their welfare 931 00:40:29,003 --> 00:40:30,483 and our ability to care for them. 932 00:40:30,563 --> 00:40:33,803 So we have a pretty state-of-the-art life support system 933 00:40:33,883 --> 00:40:35,483 to maintain water qualities. 934 00:40:35,563 --> 00:40:38,363 We have a pretty elaborate lighting system, 935 00:40:38,443 --> 00:40:40,763 so we're able to reverse cycle them 936 00:40:40,843 --> 00:40:44,083 so that we create a twilight nighttime event for them 937 00:40:44,163 --> 00:40:45,203 during our daytime 938 00:40:45,283 --> 00:40:48,643 so that it enhances the opportunity for people to be able to see them 939 00:40:48,723 --> 00:40:50,283 during their active hours. 940 00:40:50,763 --> 00:40:54,603 Bira really seems to love being in here in this middle pool. 941 00:40:56,003 --> 00:40:58,243 Yeah, it's been a long, long effort, 942 00:40:58,323 --> 00:41:00,123 and it's great to be on the other side of it now, 943 00:41:00,203 --> 00:41:03,443 to have them here, to have them healthy and safe 944 00:41:03,523 --> 00:41:07,043 and happy in their environments, and now the energy is definitely rising. 945 00:41:07,123 --> 00:41:09,123 You know, the anticipation is building 946 00:41:09,203 --> 00:41:10,603 that we're soon going to be open to the public 947 00:41:10,683 --> 00:41:12,163 and able to share them with the world. 948 00:41:13,443 --> 00:41:16,923 NARRATOR: But they didn't come all this way just to be looked at. 949 00:41:17,003 --> 00:41:19,923 SAVANNA: I've seen both of them get up several times on the logs. 950 00:41:20,003 --> 00:41:22,123 You're right, the hollow-outs are working perfectly. 951 00:41:22,563 --> 00:41:26,563 NARRATOR: The entire platypus project is part of a much bigger picture. 952 00:41:26,643 --> 00:41:30,283 LORI: It's an extraordinary, just, honor and of course responsibility for us 953 00:41:30,363 --> 00:41:32,763 to be able to share their conservation message 954 00:41:32,843 --> 00:41:35,243 and the conservation message of Australia 955 00:41:35,323 --> 00:41:36,643 and how comparable that is 956 00:41:36,723 --> 00:41:39,443 with the conservation message that we have here in California, 957 00:41:39,923 --> 00:41:43,243 how we're facing similar threats, even on opposite sides of the world. 958 00:41:43,323 --> 00:41:45,163 I think having the platypus here, 959 00:41:45,243 --> 00:41:47,483 they're going to be great ambassadors for that message 960 00:41:47,563 --> 00:41:51,123 and to gain awareness and to draw people in to learn about 961 00:41:51,203 --> 00:41:52,643 the threats that all these animals are facing. 962 00:41:56,483 --> 00:41:58,443 Captioned by Visual Data Media Services