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NARRATOR: Taronga has such
a diverse number of species
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across their zoos
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that the only way to
give them the care they need
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is to split them up
into groups.
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While the names of the groups
are pretty common,
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like carnivores,
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primates,
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aviary,
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and reptiles,
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there's also
more obscure names,
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such as Australian fauna,
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invertebrates,
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and the oddly named
but extremely common ungulates.
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JIMMY: So here at Taronga Zoo,
I'm an ungulate keeper,
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and an ungulate
is just a fancy name
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for a hooved mammal.
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So at the zoo here,
we've got giraffe.
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They're our biggest draw card.
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But I also
look after pygmy hippo,
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I also look after bongo,
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and we're soon to get
zebra back again.
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NARRATOR: Every morning,
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like all the other teams
across the zoo,
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Jimmy and his team
do the rounds
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of all the animals
in their care.
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JIMMY: My day
starts really early.
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We arrive at the barn,
obviously set up their food.
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But that's not
the bulk of their day.
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The bulk of their day for me
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would be their training
and also the care of them.
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What I'm making up here
is the giraffe training pouches.
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So this is the giraffe's
daily food intake.
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What we do is divide this up
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amongst as many training
sessions as we're having.
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So today I think we've got
three training sessions on,
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so we need to spread this out
amongst three training pouches.
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All right.
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Let's do this.
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I love giraffe,
and I've always loved giraffe.
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I never once
in my wildest dreams
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believed I'd be
working with them,
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let alone up this close
and this personal with them
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and actually caring for them.
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Here you go, buddy.
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Good boy.
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Good.
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Target.
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Hold. Hold.
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Good boy.
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NARRATOR: But there's also
the less glamorous,
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but equally important
work to be done,
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before the zoo
opens to the public.
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JIMMY: Our typical morning,
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obviously we've started off
here this morning,
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we've done our training,
the paddock's been cleaned.
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Now we put up their food.
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So obviously you'll see
how high this goes.
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You've got to get it up
pretty high for these giraffes.
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Our male here
is nearly 5.5 meters
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so you can't feed him
at ground level.
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You have to feed him up high.
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We put out feed
and we pick up their poo.
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That's the cycle of life
here at the zoo.
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And voilĂ --done.
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NARRATOR: Every animal
needs food and water,
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but the ungulates
have a unique need
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that no other animal
at the zoo has.
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JIMMY: Now, my main thing
for these guys
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or for being an ungulate keeper
is hoof care.
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Naiota here is just on a ton,
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and those tiny little hooves
have to hold up a ton.
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So for me, every morning,
I'll come in
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and the first thing I want to do
is check out their hooves.
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It'd be like being
a podiatrist for giraffe really.
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For us, hoof care
is the most vital thing,
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especially for a giraffe,
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a massive animal
carrying all that weight
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on what looks like
a dinner plate.
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That dinner plate
needs to be maintained.
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So I'm just going to
assemble this hoof block.
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But what we want our male to do,
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we want him to come in,
we want him to present his foot,
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and then basically,
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he needs to roll his ankle
or his hock onto here
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so we can actually work
on the underside of his hoof.
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KEEPER: All right, Jimmiu.
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Station.
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JIMMY: Jimmiu,
who's our youngest male,
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he's also our biggest,
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he does have a tendency for
his hooves to roll a little bit,
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so he's our priority
for hoof care at the moment.
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KEEPER: Foot.
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Good.
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Touch.
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Roll.
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Good. Good.
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Station.
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Brush.
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Excellent boy, Jimmiu.
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Good job, Jim.
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JIMMY: This is to me like
being a rock star in the zoo.
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You know what I mean?
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Every kid's dream
is to work with a giraffe
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or to work with megafauna.
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It's a dream-come-true job
for me.
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NARRATOR: But Jimmy's day
is only just starting,
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and already this rock-star
has another gig to attend.
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Australia is world-renowned
for its wildlife,
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the likes of which
can't be found
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anywhere else on the planet.
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BRETT: We've been isolated as
a continent for such a long time
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that our animals have evolved,
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and they're crazy to look at,
definitely.
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Kangaroos, the way they move...
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Koalas, a giant sort of
cuddly thing up in a tree...
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Yeah, it's wild, definitely.
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NARRATOR: But one animal
that's a little misunderstood
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and doesn't get the same
international exposure
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as the other Aussie icons
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is the wombat.
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BRETT: Wombats are not
slow and clumsy.
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They're fast.
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They can run 40 kilometers
an hour when they want to,
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and they've got
this curiosity about them.
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We've got southern hairy-nosed
wombats here at the zoo,
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and we've got a family of four.
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Southern hairy-nosed wombats
have this hairy nose.
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So when you see it,
it's kind of a boxy nose,
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and they definitely,
even from young joeys,
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they've got this considerable
fur around their nose.
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They're a bit
of a smaller wombat
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and potentially
a little bit less aggressive
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than the common wombats.
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This is incredibly rare
for a male wombat.
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He seeks it out.
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So he comes to me,
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and he loves
a scratch behind the ear,
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and then he voluntarily
rolls over
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and just loves
this scratch on his belly.
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Southern hairy-nosed wombats
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are found in arid parts
of Australia, down south.
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They're vulnerable,
as well as the other species,
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due to mange,
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which is a mite that infests
the skin of the wombat,
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and they really suffer before--
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in the end, they, you know,
they can die from it.
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Want a scratch?
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Oh, you love a scratch,
don't ya?
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They've been a challenging
animal to learn how to breed.
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Oh, a belly scratch.
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We've been fortunate enough
to have bred six joeys
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over the past eight years,
nine years.
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Surprisingly, we've had
all females up until now.
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Yeah.
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Kora, which has been the mother
of also the other joeys,
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unfortunately she passed
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while her little boy
was inside her pouch,
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and keepers have had
to hand-raise that joey
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from now on.
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SUZIE: Hi, little man.
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Hello, Waru.
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ANDREW: You waking up?
SUZIE: What do you think?
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SUZIE: So this little guy
is Waru.
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He's about seven months old now.
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Andrew and myself here
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are very lucky
to be able to be helping him
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and hand-raising him
at the moment.
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Oh, good boy.
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ANDREW: We would only ever
hand-raise a wombat joey
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if we absolutely needed to
to ensure his survival.
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He will be
particularly important
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because he's the first boy
that's been born
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part of the breeding program
here at Taronga Zoo.
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SUZIE: Waru actually means fire
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in a number of
indigenous dialects,
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and he was given that name
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pretty much because
of his personality.
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He's a very feisty little guy,
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and he is definitely
very cheeky already,
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and we call him
"the little terror,"
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in the most loving way possible.
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Yeah, he's just full
of energy when he's out.
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It's almost feed time, bud.
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So we are feeding him,
at the moment, every four hours.
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He's getting milk feeds.
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He also gets a water feed
a couple of times a day as well.
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We obviously have to keep him
nice and clean and dry and warm,
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so changing pouch
whenever we need it.
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ANDREW: Lots of laundry.
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SUZIE: Lots of laundry.
Tons of laundry.
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ANDREW:
Are you going to take it?
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Yeah, good boy.
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SUZIE: He's such a heart-melter.
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He is just
the cutest little thing.
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ANDREW: You're really
smashing that, buddy.
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It would be
normally about a year
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before they're
fully independent from mom,
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so we'll be looking after him
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until about that
12-month stage.
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Oh, buddy.
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Very, very cute.
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SUZIE: In the wild,
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a wombat joey would not be
able to survive on its own.
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They're dependent on mom
for up to two years of age.
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So these guys need 24-7 care.
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ANDREW: Time to go home.
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NARRATOR: Care for Waru
isn't just confined to the zoo.
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ANDREW: You ready?
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So, I'm taking Waru,
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the southern hairy-nosed wombat
joey home with me tonight.
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That's part of the job when
you're hand-raising an animal
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is they often do need
to go home with you.
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SUZIE: Have you got
everything you need?
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You have his milk,
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you've got his diaper bag,
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and clean pouches.
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ANDREW:
I've got all his pouches,
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his records, his bag.
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NARRATOR: The problem is
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the hairy-nosed wombat
is nocturnal,
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so Andrew is in
for another restless night.
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SUZIE: You be good for Andrew.
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ANDREW: I doubt that.
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(laughing)
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NARRATOR: At Taronga,
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there are more birds than
any other animal in the zoo.
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KEEPER: Wow!
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NARRATOR:
Many were injured animals
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that came through
Taronga's rehab facility.
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Those that couldn't be
released back into the wild
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are integrated into the zoo as
ambassadors for their species.
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KEEPER: Looks like
she's going to go in.
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KEEPER: Yay!
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NARRATOR:
Leslie, an Andean condor,
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is one such ambassador,
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but lately she's started
to lose her mojo.
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While Matt has been
working with her closely,
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he's asked
Taronga's bird expert, Grey,
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who used to run the bird team,
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to come down and have a look.
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GREY: We'll get Leslie,
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and I think just release her
from up on the grass.
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We're about to work Leslie,
the Andean condor.
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She's been out of shows
for a few days
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because she had some issues.
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She took about 30 minutes to fly
from her release the other day.
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In you go.
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All the way.
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When I started at the zoo
15 years ago,
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Leslie was two years old and
still living with her parents.
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Luckily she very quickly
came around,
252
00:10:01,403 --> 00:10:04,443
and because I started working
with her at such a young age,
253
00:10:04,523 --> 00:10:06,443
we've developed a really
good relationship
254
00:10:06,523 --> 00:10:08,723
where I completely trust her.
255
00:10:08,803 --> 00:10:10,043
NARRATOR: Rebuilding
a bird's confidence
256
00:10:10,123 --> 00:10:11,643
can be a slow process.
257
00:10:11,723 --> 00:10:13,443
GREY: Any time
we train a behavior,
258
00:10:13,523 --> 00:10:14,923
whether it's a new behavior
259
00:10:15,003 --> 00:10:16,963
or an old behavior
that's broken down,
260
00:10:17,043 --> 00:10:18,523
we always want to break
everything down
261
00:10:18,603 --> 00:10:21,083
into small,
very easily achievable steps.
262
00:10:21,163 --> 00:10:23,483
So we need to build up
her confidence again,
263
00:10:23,563 --> 00:10:24,963
get her working a lot faster.
264
00:10:25,043 --> 00:10:26,923
So, currently Matt
is getting ready to release her.
265
00:10:27,003 --> 00:10:29,603
We're going to take her up
and release her from the lawns
266
00:10:29,683 --> 00:10:31,523
that are just above the theater.
267
00:10:31,603 --> 00:10:33,763
So that helps to
build their confidence
268
00:10:33,843 --> 00:10:35,123
with what we're
asking them to do.
269
00:10:35,203 --> 00:10:38,403
It may not be easy
to ask her to fly 50 meters,
270
00:10:38,483 --> 00:10:40,923
but it is easy
to get her to fly five meters.
271
00:10:41,003 --> 00:10:43,443
And so we slowly
build those steps up,
272
00:10:43,523 --> 00:10:44,963
build that confidence
273
00:10:45,043 --> 00:10:46,363
until she's willing
to take the last step
274
00:10:46,443 --> 00:10:48,683
and do her full routine
from her release tower
275
00:10:48,763 --> 00:10:50,483
all the way down the stage.
276
00:10:50,563 --> 00:10:52,003
Hopefully today,
277
00:10:52,083 --> 00:10:53,363
because she's had
a little bit of time off,
278
00:10:53,443 --> 00:10:54,683
today will go smoothly.
279
00:10:54,763 --> 00:10:56,443
MATT: You ready, Grey?
280
00:10:56,523 --> 00:10:57,323
GREY: Yeah, we're ready.
281
00:11:05,003 --> 00:11:06,803
NARRATOR: Jimmy is continuing
282
00:11:06,883 --> 00:11:08,843
his daily rounds
of the ungulates,
283
00:11:08,923 --> 00:11:12,563
and next up is an animal
that's nearing extinction.
284
00:11:12,643 --> 00:11:13,683
JIMMY: Morning, boys.
285
00:11:17,843 --> 00:11:19,963
So, for me, the best part
of being a zookeeper
286
00:11:20,043 --> 00:11:21,643
is knowing that
I'm making a difference.
287
00:11:21,723 --> 00:11:22,763
We get to do
a lot of stuff here,
288
00:11:22,843 --> 00:11:24,043
and we get to
educate the public,
289
00:11:24,123 --> 00:11:25,963
and we get to do
animal care here,
290
00:11:26,043 --> 00:11:28,843
but we also get to take a lot
of what we learn to the wild,
291
00:11:28,923 --> 00:11:31,163
and that's
really, really important.
292
00:11:31,243 --> 00:11:33,603
So, we're off to feed the bongo
and clean the bongo exhibit.
293
00:11:33,683 --> 00:11:34,763
Bongos are the largest
294
00:11:34,843 --> 00:11:37,163
forest-dwelling antelope
in the world.
295
00:11:37,243 --> 00:11:38,883
But before I do
the bongo exhibit,
296
00:11:38,963 --> 00:11:40,523
I have to feed
our lovely little chickens.
297
00:11:40,603 --> 00:11:42,523
We can't miss out on them.
298
00:11:42,603 --> 00:11:44,803
Chook, chook,
chook, chook, chooks.
299
00:11:44,883 --> 00:11:46,523
Chook, chook, chook,
chook, chooks.
300
00:11:46,603 --> 00:11:47,763
There you go, guys.
301
00:11:47,843 --> 00:11:50,363
Breakfast is served.
302
00:11:50,443 --> 00:11:53,643
And now we go and do the bongo.
303
00:11:53,723 --> 00:11:55,683
NARRATOR: Like the giraffe,
304
00:11:55,763 --> 00:11:58,523
the bongo is a massive
consumer of hay.
305
00:11:58,603 --> 00:12:00,003
JIMMY: It's dinner time.
306
00:12:00,083 --> 00:12:01,403
NARRATOR:
And for the bongos at Taronga,
307
00:12:01,483 --> 00:12:03,403
it's nothing but the best.
308
00:12:03,483 --> 00:12:05,043
JIMMY: This is lucerne hay.
309
00:12:05,123 --> 00:12:06,883
There's a couple of
different varieties of hay,
310
00:12:06,963 --> 00:12:09,163
but bongo like lucerne hay,
and you know what?
311
00:12:09,243 --> 00:12:10,923
I never ever dreamed
312
00:12:11,003 --> 00:12:12,923
that I would look at
the different qualities of hay
313
00:12:13,003 --> 00:12:14,283
and appreciate it.
314
00:12:14,363 --> 00:12:15,683
This is really, really good hay.
315
00:12:15,763 --> 00:12:17,483
I can tell you what,
316
00:12:17,563 --> 00:12:20,403
if I was a hoof stock
or a grass-eating animal,
317
00:12:20,483 --> 00:12:22,203
I'd prefer this.
318
00:12:22,283 --> 00:12:23,683
You can sometimes get hay
that's really, really stalky.
319
00:12:23,763 --> 00:12:25,443
This is really, really fluffy,
320
00:12:25,523 --> 00:12:26,883
which is really,
really good hay.
321
00:12:26,963 --> 00:12:28,563
I'm not sure
if you can appreciate it,
322
00:12:28,643 --> 00:12:31,643
but I'm sure
he's going to appreciate it.
323
00:12:31,723 --> 00:12:34,963
So here is the browse
for out male bongo, Akundu.
324
00:12:35,043 --> 00:12:37,283
He really likes it.
This is celtis.
325
00:12:37,363 --> 00:12:39,083
We try and give him
as much variety as possible.
326
00:12:39,163 --> 00:12:40,963
But I can tell you what,
he's going to love today.
327
00:12:41,043 --> 00:12:43,483
With that good hay
and this good browse,
328
00:12:43,563 --> 00:12:45,123
it's gonna be
a good day for him.
329
00:12:45,203 --> 00:12:47,643
NARRATOR: But before the food
comes a body check.
330
00:12:47,723 --> 00:12:48,883
JIMMY: It gives me
a good indication
331
00:12:48,963 --> 00:12:50,563
to have a good look all over him
332
00:12:50,643 --> 00:12:51,563
and make sure his body
is in good condition,
333
00:12:51,643 --> 00:12:53,283
there's nothing going wrong,
334
00:12:53,363 --> 00:12:55,083
there's nothing unusual
that's happened overnight,
335
00:12:55,163 --> 00:12:56,603
he has no ticks on his body.
336
00:12:56,683 --> 00:12:58,123
It's all about their welfare,
337
00:12:58,203 --> 00:12:59,163
and we want to keep him
as comfortable as possible,
338
00:12:59,243 --> 00:13:00,043
you know.
339
00:13:02,363 --> 00:13:03,523
Good boy, darling.
340
00:13:03,603 --> 00:13:04,483
Door.
341
00:13:08,963 --> 00:13:11,563
You're all right. Good boy.
342
00:13:11,643 --> 00:13:13,763
Good boy. Impressive, huh?
343
00:13:13,843 --> 00:13:15,443
Touch. Thank you.
344
00:13:18,283 --> 00:13:20,163
So what I'm doing here
345
00:13:20,243 --> 00:13:21,883
is I'm not just brushing him
to make him look good.
346
00:13:21,963 --> 00:13:24,643
It's a great way for us keepers
to give a body condition
347
00:13:24,723 --> 00:13:26,563
and check on his body condition,
348
00:13:26,643 --> 00:13:28,603
make sure there's no parasites.
349
00:13:28,683 --> 00:13:30,963
And it's also a good way for him
to get used to us touching him.
350
00:13:31,043 --> 00:13:32,443
So if we ever need
to do blood draws
351
00:13:32,523 --> 00:13:33,643
or veterinary procedures,
352
00:13:33,723 --> 00:13:35,083
he's already used to people
being around him
353
00:13:35,163 --> 00:13:36,443
and touching him.
354
00:13:36,523 --> 00:13:38,523
But at the same time,
I still have to watch my safety.
355
00:13:38,603 --> 00:13:41,643
I don't want to get between
those big horns and these bars.
356
00:13:41,723 --> 00:13:43,323
Spray.
357
00:13:43,403 --> 00:13:45,283
So what I'm doing now,
this stuff here is Repel-X.
358
00:13:45,363 --> 00:13:46,683
So you can use this
on your dogs at home,
359
00:13:46,763 --> 00:13:47,843
you can use it on yourself.
360
00:13:47,923 --> 00:13:50,163
It's basically a fly repellent.
361
00:13:50,243 --> 00:13:51,843
Um, spray.
362
00:13:51,923 --> 00:13:53,643
You can see I cued that.
363
00:13:53,723 --> 00:13:55,683
We don't do anything
as a surprise.
364
00:13:55,763 --> 00:13:57,843
So anything that is
any behavior I'm asking,
365
00:13:57,923 --> 00:13:59,963
even though I'm only
asking him to stand still,
366
00:14:00,043 --> 00:14:02,043
I want him to know that
I'm about to spray him.
367
00:14:02,123 --> 00:14:04,043
So you'll see when I started,
I said "spray."
368
00:14:04,123 --> 00:14:06,603
Nothing is a surprise for him.
369
00:14:06,683 --> 00:14:08,443
You want a scratch? Scratch?
370
00:14:08,523 --> 00:14:09,843
Good boy. So this is Akundu.
371
00:14:09,923 --> 00:14:12,443
He is our male bongo
here at Taronga Zoo.
372
00:14:12,523 --> 00:14:15,763
I know that there--
his ex-girlfriend, Djembi,
373
00:14:15,843 --> 00:14:17,523
is out at Western Plains Zoo,
374
00:14:17,603 --> 00:14:19,043
and I've heard
on the grapevine, mate,
375
00:14:19,123 --> 00:14:21,883
that she might have
a bun in the oven, so to speak.
376
00:14:21,963 --> 00:14:23,603
So don't feel jealous
about that, mate.
377
00:14:23,683 --> 00:14:25,643
Feel proud for the species, eh?
378
00:14:25,723 --> 00:14:27,083
NARRATOR: A bongo pregnancy
379
00:14:27,163 --> 00:14:29,683
is massive news
for the species,
380
00:14:29,763 --> 00:14:32,923
as they're doing it
extremely tough in the wild.
381
00:14:33,003 --> 00:14:34,363
JIMMY: Bongo numbers are
really, really low in the wild.
382
00:14:34,443 --> 00:14:36,923
I think they're
less than a hundred.
383
00:14:37,003 --> 00:14:38,243
So you can think that animal
384
00:14:38,323 --> 00:14:39,963
is critically,
critically endangered.
385
00:14:40,043 --> 00:14:41,563
They'll be gone
from the wild soon.
386
00:14:41,643 --> 00:14:43,403
So it's up to us to breed up,
387
00:14:43,483 --> 00:14:45,923
and then hopefully one day
we can secure their habitat
388
00:14:46,003 --> 00:14:47,243
and release them
back into the wild.
389
00:14:47,323 --> 00:14:48,763
But that's
a really, really big hope,
390
00:14:48,843 --> 00:14:50,763
and that's what
half the problem is.
391
00:14:50,843 --> 00:14:52,523
We can breed these animals,
which is fantastic.
392
00:14:52,603 --> 00:14:54,723
We've got nowhere
to release them yet.
393
00:14:54,803 --> 00:14:56,323
So until we can fix the problem
394
00:14:56,403 --> 00:14:59,363
of them being poached
in the wild,
395
00:14:59,443 --> 00:15:00,683
we are just at a standstill.
396
00:15:00,763 --> 00:15:03,363
But such exciting news
for bongos
397
00:15:03,443 --> 00:15:04,683
that we've got a new one
on the way.
398
00:15:10,523 --> 00:15:12,163
NARRATOR: Keeper Andrew
399
00:15:12,243 --> 00:15:15,803
is traveling with
some very precious cargo.
400
00:15:15,883 --> 00:15:19,443
He's taken Waru
home for the night.
401
00:15:19,523 --> 00:15:23,603
ANDREW: Waru was in a pretty
dire situation, I guess.
402
00:15:23,683 --> 00:15:25,923
When he came to us,
he'd just lost his mom,
403
00:15:26,003 --> 00:15:28,283
so we've got to do
whatever it takes
404
00:15:28,363 --> 00:15:29,203
to get him through.
405
00:15:32,683 --> 00:15:35,923
NARRATOR: It's vital
that Waru survives.
406
00:15:36,003 --> 00:15:37,403
ANDREW: He'll be
a really important part
407
00:15:37,483 --> 00:15:39,603
of our breeding program.
408
00:15:39,683 --> 00:15:42,923
He's the first male we've had
born here in five years,
409
00:15:43,003 --> 00:15:44,603
so it's up to us to make sure
410
00:15:44,683 --> 00:15:48,203
that we give him the best chance
of growing up healthfully
411
00:15:48,283 --> 00:15:50,403
and making sure we're doing
whatever we need to do
412
00:15:50,483 --> 00:15:52,243
to get him through.
413
00:15:52,323 --> 00:15:53,603
Out you go, little man.
414
00:15:53,683 --> 00:15:55,283
Sound asleep.
415
00:15:55,363 --> 00:15:57,323
Whether that's getting up
at 2 AM to feed him,
416
00:15:57,403 --> 00:15:59,883
whether that's giving up
all our free time
417
00:15:59,963 --> 00:16:01,603
to make sure he's supervised
418
00:16:01,683 --> 00:16:02,763
and we know what's
going on with him,
419
00:16:02,843 --> 00:16:04,443
but, you know,
that's part and parcel,
420
00:16:04,523 --> 00:16:05,923
that's the job,
421
00:16:06,003 --> 00:16:07,483
and while that sounds
like a lot of work,
422
00:16:07,563 --> 00:16:08,363
it's also a lot of fun.
423
00:16:10,803 --> 00:16:12,483
So this is home for little Waru,
424
00:16:12,563 --> 00:16:14,923
or home within a home.
425
00:16:15,003 --> 00:16:19,003
So he's got a nice,
nice big bed here.
426
00:16:19,083 --> 00:16:20,563
So we've got
a little bit of grass here,
427
00:16:20,643 --> 00:16:22,323
a little bit of turf,
428
00:16:22,403 --> 00:16:24,203
and it's really important for
him to transition to solid foods
429
00:16:24,283 --> 00:16:28,563
and grass and vegetation is what
he'd be eating out in the wild.
430
00:16:28,643 --> 00:16:30,363
I have a little chew toy
here for Waru.
431
00:16:30,443 --> 00:16:32,483
Honestly, it's a dog toy.
432
00:16:32,563 --> 00:16:34,203
He loves to chew things,
433
00:16:34,283 --> 00:16:36,123
so it works just as well
for baby wombats as well,
434
00:16:36,203 --> 00:16:38,763
and then a little soft toy
for him as well.
435
00:16:38,843 --> 00:16:41,083
So, you know, I'd like
to say he cuddles it,
436
00:16:41,163 --> 00:16:43,883
but he probably chews that
just as much as well.
437
00:16:43,963 --> 00:16:46,243
So, it's early evening,
coming up to six o'clock,
438
00:16:46,323 --> 00:16:49,163
so time for Waru to have another
bottle of milk very soon,
439
00:16:49,243 --> 00:16:53,003
and then he'll probably
fall straight back asleep.
440
00:16:53,083 --> 00:16:56,403
NARRATOR:
Wombats are nocturnal.
441
00:16:56,483 --> 00:17:00,443
So while Andrew
gets ready for bed,
442
00:17:00,523 --> 00:17:02,603
Waru is just waking up.
443
00:17:14,483 --> 00:17:16,443
ANDREW: Yeah, life's
pretty strange sometimes
444
00:17:16,523 --> 00:17:18,203
when you're a zookeeper
445
00:17:18,283 --> 00:17:20,483
and you're bringing an animal
home to your apartment.
446
00:17:20,563 --> 00:17:22,283
You ready?
447
00:17:22,363 --> 00:17:24,563
Here you go.
448
00:17:24,643 --> 00:17:27,163
To be honest,
I'm not sure if I'm mom, dad,
449
00:17:27,243 --> 00:17:30,243
or, you know, just the milkman
for little Waru here.
450
00:17:30,323 --> 00:17:31,763
Good job, buddy.
451
00:17:31,843 --> 00:17:33,043
It's a lot of work
bringing him home,
452
00:17:33,123 --> 00:17:35,283
but hopefully he pulls through,
453
00:17:35,363 --> 00:17:37,003
makes it to adulthood,
454
00:17:37,083 --> 00:17:38,603
and, you know, contributes
to the breeding program
455
00:17:38,683 --> 00:17:41,403
for this, you know,
it's a vulnerable species.
456
00:17:41,483 --> 00:17:43,683
Well done.
457
00:17:43,763 --> 00:17:46,203
Now a big scratch.
458
00:17:46,283 --> 00:17:48,403
So he's a very important
little fella,
459
00:17:48,483 --> 00:17:51,203
and we're going to do everything
we can to get him there.
460
00:17:51,283 --> 00:17:54,643
NARRATOR: Right now, life
looks good for little Waru.
461
00:17:54,723 --> 00:17:57,203
ANDREW: Looks like you're
going into a milk coma.
462
00:17:57,283 --> 00:17:59,203
Are you a little bit milk drunk?
463
00:17:59,283 --> 00:18:02,763
NARRATOR: But unfortunately,
that's all about to change.
464
00:18:07,963 --> 00:18:09,923
NARRATOR:
Leslie, the Andean condor,
465
00:18:10,003 --> 00:18:13,123
has lost her mojo
and is refusing to fly.
466
00:18:13,203 --> 00:18:15,163
GREY: So we need to build up
her confidence again,
467
00:18:15,243 --> 00:18:16,963
get her working a lot faster.
468
00:18:17,043 --> 00:18:18,483
NARRATOR: So Matt and Grey
469
00:18:18,563 --> 00:18:20,643
are trying to get her
back on track.
470
00:18:20,723 --> 00:18:23,243
GREY: We're ready.
471
00:18:23,323 --> 00:18:25,243
NARRATOR:
And they plan to do this
472
00:18:25,323 --> 00:18:26,963
by starting small.
473
00:18:27,043 --> 00:18:30,723
GREY: It may not be easy
to ask her to fly 50 meters,
474
00:18:30,803 --> 00:18:32,923
but it is easy
to get her to fly five meters.
475
00:18:33,003 --> 00:18:34,963
And so we slowly
build those steps up,
476
00:18:35,043 --> 00:18:36,443
build that confidence
477
00:18:36,523 --> 00:18:38,123
until she's willing
to take the last step.
478
00:18:38,203 --> 00:18:39,643
MATT: You ready, Grey?
479
00:18:39,723 --> 00:18:40,603
GREY: Yeah, we're ready.
480
00:18:47,723 --> 00:18:49,003
There she is.
481
00:18:52,043 --> 00:18:54,363
Give her a little wave.
Here she comes.
482
00:18:56,603 --> 00:18:58,363
Yeah.
483
00:18:58,443 --> 00:18:59,603
You're all right.
484
00:18:59,683 --> 00:19:01,043
NARRATOR: It's early days,
485
00:19:01,123 --> 00:19:03,483
but at least Leslie
is back in the air.
486
00:19:03,563 --> 00:19:05,043
GREY: Good girl.
487
00:19:05,123 --> 00:19:07,003
My concerns with Leslie's
performance today
488
00:19:07,083 --> 00:19:09,683
was that she would be slow
to come down to stage
489
00:19:09,763 --> 00:19:11,323
and slow to exit.
490
00:19:11,403 --> 00:19:13,803
She's a little bit
nervous today.
491
00:19:13,883 --> 00:19:15,963
She did have
a little bit of concern
492
00:19:16,043 --> 00:19:18,083
over some novel objects
in the environment,
493
00:19:18,163 --> 00:19:20,443
but what I appreciated
about this session
494
00:19:20,523 --> 00:19:22,443
was she recovered
very quickly from that.
495
00:19:22,523 --> 00:19:24,003
Come on.
496
00:19:24,083 --> 00:19:26,643
She very quickly
put her attention back on me.
497
00:19:26,723 --> 00:19:28,563
I was able to
get her back on track
498
00:19:28,643 --> 00:19:30,163
and finish off the routine,
499
00:19:30,243 --> 00:19:33,283
and this is hopefully...
500
00:19:33,363 --> 00:19:34,683
job done.
501
00:19:34,763 --> 00:19:36,763
She was very quick out,
quick down the stage,
502
00:19:36,843 --> 00:19:39,043
she exited really well,
so I'm happy with that.
503
00:19:39,123 --> 00:19:40,443
I think that Leslie
504
00:19:40,523 --> 00:19:42,483
has definitely done
a great job today.
505
00:19:42,563 --> 00:19:44,243
I have every confidence
506
00:19:44,323 --> 00:19:46,283
that we're going to be able
to have her back in shows,
507
00:19:46,363 --> 00:19:49,523
flying from a release tower
hopefully within the next week.
508
00:19:57,883 --> 00:19:59,323
NARRATOR:
Over the last few weeks,
509
00:19:59,403 --> 00:20:02,723
substitute mum Suzie
has noticed that Waru,
510
00:20:02,803 --> 00:20:04,923
the orphaned
southern hairy-nosed wombat,
511
00:20:05,003 --> 00:20:07,803
is having trouble walking.
512
00:20:07,883 --> 00:20:09,643
So she's taken him
to the animal hospital
513
00:20:09,723 --> 00:20:11,003
to investigate.
514
00:20:11,083 --> 00:20:12,203
SUZIE: The last couple of days
515
00:20:12,283 --> 00:20:13,963
his gait's just changed
a little bit,
516
00:20:14,043 --> 00:20:15,763
the way he walks
is a little bit different,
517
00:20:15,843 --> 00:20:17,243
so we just want to
have a good look at him
518
00:20:17,323 --> 00:20:18,883
and see what's going on.
519
00:20:18,963 --> 00:20:21,563
LARRY: So as far as
this sort of lameness goes,
520
00:20:21,643 --> 00:20:23,283
how was he over the weekend?
521
00:20:23,363 --> 00:20:25,803
SUZIE: I wouldn't say
there's been much improvement,
522
00:20:25,883 --> 00:20:28,923
and last night maybe
a little bit less inactive
523
00:20:29,003 --> 00:20:30,723
after we spoke.
524
00:20:30,803 --> 00:20:32,523
Like he still is able
to get around.
525
00:20:32,603 --> 00:20:36,403
He just, yeah, he likes
to sit down a lot.
526
00:20:36,483 --> 00:20:38,163
LARRY: So maybe
before we anesthetize him,
527
00:20:38,243 --> 00:20:40,683
let's see him
just walking around.
528
00:20:40,763 --> 00:20:42,363
SUZIE: Yeah.
Come on, bub. Up you get.
529
00:20:42,443 --> 00:20:43,323
Good boy.
530
00:20:45,443 --> 00:20:49,603
LARRY: A really stiff,
shuffly sort of gait.
531
00:20:49,683 --> 00:20:51,643
OK. We'll pop him
back in the pouch,
532
00:20:51,723 --> 00:20:54,363
and we'll just mask him down
with the anesthetic.
533
00:20:54,443 --> 00:20:56,163
SUZIE: With his walk,
534
00:20:56,243 --> 00:20:58,323
he was just a little bit
less active than he usually is
535
00:20:58,403 --> 00:20:59,963
and just seemed
a little bit stiff
536
00:21:00,043 --> 00:21:02,203
and a little bit tentative
on his back legs.
537
00:21:02,283 --> 00:21:05,443
So, that's why we sort of
want to have a look
538
00:21:05,523 --> 00:21:06,723
whilst he's doing a wee.
539
00:21:06,803 --> 00:21:09,163
(laughing)
540
00:21:09,243 --> 00:21:11,643
Yeah, I mean,
I'm definitely concerned.
541
00:21:11,723 --> 00:21:13,883
Seeing that change in behavior
542
00:21:13,963 --> 00:21:16,763
and the way that he's walking
is a little bit unusual.
543
00:21:16,843 --> 00:21:19,003
But I know
he's in the best hands here
544
00:21:19,083 --> 00:21:20,443
so he's going to get
a good check-up,
545
00:21:20,523 --> 00:21:22,923
and we'll find out
what's going on.
546
00:21:23,003 --> 00:21:25,083
LARRY: While he's still
going to sleep,
547
00:21:25,163 --> 00:21:27,043
just give him a quick exam.
548
00:21:27,123 --> 00:21:29,643
So just feeling if there's
any lumps or bumps,
549
00:21:29,723 --> 00:21:31,763
any what we call crepitus,
550
00:21:31,843 --> 00:21:35,883
so crunching feeling or
grating feeling in the joints.
551
00:21:35,963 --> 00:21:39,523
Yeah, so certainly none of that
is evident at the moment.
552
00:21:39,603 --> 00:21:41,563
SUZIE: Is it normal
for their ankle bones
553
00:21:41,643 --> 00:21:43,883
to be quite prominent like that?
554
00:21:43,963 --> 00:21:45,923
LARRY: It is prominent,
555
00:21:46,003 --> 00:21:48,843
and actually--look--his elbows
are very prominent as well.
556
00:21:48,923 --> 00:21:52,163
But I'm pretty sure
that would be a normal thing.
557
00:21:52,243 --> 00:21:53,563
But let's do some X-rays.
558
00:21:53,643 --> 00:21:56,483
We probably don't need
to intubate him.
559
00:21:56,563 --> 00:21:59,363
So the X-ray
is going to be very useful
560
00:21:59,443 --> 00:22:02,563
to evaluate
particularly his skeleton,
561
00:22:02,643 --> 00:22:06,603
just make sure all his bones
are developing properly.
562
00:22:06,683 --> 00:22:09,803
NARRATOR: For keeper Suzie,
Waru's protective mom,
563
00:22:09,883 --> 00:22:12,763
it's hard to see him
in such a helpless state.
564
00:22:12,843 --> 00:22:14,603
SUZIE: I guess I feel
a little bit anxious,
565
00:22:14,683 --> 00:22:17,963
seeing him sort of
splayed out like that.
566
00:22:18,043 --> 00:22:19,883
It's a little bit confronting.
567
00:22:19,963 --> 00:22:21,003
LARRY: All right,
let's take this x-ray.
568
00:22:25,083 --> 00:22:26,003
(beep)
569
00:22:30,523 --> 00:22:34,403
So you can see all these
sort of dark spots
570
00:22:34,483 --> 00:22:36,083
here in the intestines,
571
00:22:36,163 --> 00:22:37,683
and that's gas.
572
00:22:37,763 --> 00:22:40,443
So the black bits,
and then all the whiter bits
573
00:22:40,523 --> 00:22:42,403
are actually his feces.
574
00:22:42,483 --> 00:22:46,363
So he's got a lot of feces
and a lot of gas.
575
00:22:46,443 --> 00:22:48,523
Um, does he fart a lot?
576
00:22:48,603 --> 00:22:50,443
SUZIE: Not that often.
577
00:22:50,523 --> 00:22:51,843
Um, yeah.
578
00:22:51,923 --> 00:22:53,843
(laughing)
579
00:22:53,923 --> 00:22:55,963
A couple of times, yeah.
580
00:22:56,043 --> 00:22:58,323
LARRY: OK, let's just
get his skull,
581
00:22:58,403 --> 00:23:00,083
but actually
I might do a skull...
582
00:23:00,163 --> 00:23:02,923
just turn him over and do a DV.
583
00:23:03,003 --> 00:23:05,003
Since he's in a good position,
and then we can...
584
00:23:07,803 --> 00:23:08,883
SUZIE: I guess
it's just the unknown,
585
00:23:08,963 --> 00:23:11,603
not knowing what is going on
586
00:23:11,683 --> 00:23:14,643
and why he might be showing
this change in gait
587
00:23:14,723 --> 00:23:16,763
and a little bit
of potential soreness.
588
00:23:16,843 --> 00:23:19,963
But, yeah, it's just having
spent the last five months
589
00:23:20,043 --> 00:23:21,923
looking after him 24-7,
590
00:23:22,003 --> 00:23:23,443
you know, we just
want him to do well
591
00:23:23,523 --> 00:23:25,123
and get to adulthood
592
00:23:25,203 --> 00:23:28,283
so we're just hoping
that, yeah, that he does well.
593
00:23:28,363 --> 00:23:29,643
LARRY: Did you want to
come and have a look, Suze?
594
00:23:29,723 --> 00:23:30,603
SUZIE: Yep.
595
00:23:32,763 --> 00:23:35,203
LARRY: OK. There are
certain things here
596
00:23:35,283 --> 00:23:37,923
that don't seem quite right.
597
00:23:47,603 --> 00:23:49,283
KEEPER: Hello, beautiful boy.
598
00:23:49,363 --> 00:23:50,843
NARRATOR: Animal husbandry
599
00:23:50,923 --> 00:23:52,803
is the practice
of caring for animals
600
00:23:52,883 --> 00:23:54,923
and is one of the most
important aspects
601
00:23:55,003 --> 00:23:56,643
of running a zoo.
602
00:23:56,723 --> 00:23:58,403
KEEPER: How are you doing?
603
00:23:58,483 --> 00:24:00,563
Are we going to do your teeth?
604
00:24:00,643 --> 00:24:01,723
NARRATOR:
While the majority of care
605
00:24:01,803 --> 00:24:03,363
happens behind the scenes...
606
00:24:03,443 --> 00:24:04,323
KEEPER: Open.
607
00:24:06,683 --> 00:24:08,963
Good.
608
00:24:09,043 --> 00:24:11,603
NARRATOR: ...one of the most
visible examples at Taronga
609
00:24:11,683 --> 00:24:13,323
is the daily elephant bath.
610
00:24:19,403 --> 00:24:21,963
LUCY: So we give our elephants
a bath every day.
611
00:24:22,043 --> 00:24:23,603
It's just an activity
that they really enjoy.
612
00:24:23,683 --> 00:24:25,403
Elephants actually love water.
613
00:24:25,483 --> 00:24:28,243
KEEPER: Diesel.
Jaidee. Move up.
614
00:24:28,323 --> 00:24:30,043
Good boy.
615
00:24:30,123 --> 00:24:31,603
LUCY: We do our baths
roughly about the same time
616
00:24:31,683 --> 00:24:33,483
so they know
it's going to happen,
617
00:24:33,563 --> 00:24:35,123
and it's entirely their choice.
618
00:24:35,203 --> 00:24:36,963
If they don't want to
participate in something,
619
00:24:37,043 --> 00:24:38,283
they don't have to.
620
00:24:38,363 --> 00:24:40,283
But they know the baths
are about to happen.
621
00:24:40,363 --> 00:24:42,403
We ask them to come in
if they want to.
622
00:24:42,483 --> 00:24:43,563
Every day they come in.
623
00:24:43,643 --> 00:24:45,083
KEEPER: Jaidee, move up.
624
00:24:45,163 --> 00:24:46,643
That a boy.
625
00:24:46,723 --> 00:24:47,883
LUCY: We've got
the three Asian elephants
626
00:24:47,963 --> 00:24:50,563
that are joining us
for the bath today.
627
00:24:50,643 --> 00:24:52,403
So we've got
our matriarch, Pakboo.
628
00:24:52,483 --> 00:24:54,243
She's the eldest.
629
00:24:54,323 --> 00:24:56,563
And then we've got
her son, Jaidee,
630
00:24:56,643 --> 00:24:58,163
who just turned two,
631
00:24:58,243 --> 00:25:00,763
and his name means
"good heart" in Thai.
632
00:25:00,843 --> 00:25:02,563
And then our other elephant
is Taimo,
633
00:25:02,643 --> 00:25:04,923
and she loves her bath as well,
634
00:25:05,003 --> 00:25:06,643
but she doesn't quite
stick to the routine
635
00:25:06,723 --> 00:25:08,163
that the other elephants do.
636
00:25:08,243 --> 00:25:10,643
She's got her own way
of laying down,
637
00:25:10,723 --> 00:25:12,283
and I'd rather do it this way.
638
00:25:12,363 --> 00:25:14,403
They've each got their own
little quirks and personalities
639
00:25:14,483 --> 00:25:15,603
and like certain things,
640
00:25:15,683 --> 00:25:17,683
so, yeah, it's always fun.
641
00:25:17,763 --> 00:25:19,283
KEEPER: Jaidee, move up.
Come on, buddy.
642
00:25:19,363 --> 00:25:20,683
LUCY: The point of the bath
643
00:25:20,763 --> 00:25:22,603
isn't to get them clean,
necessarily.
644
00:25:22,683 --> 00:25:25,403
It's just for us
to have a look at the skin,
645
00:25:25,483 --> 00:25:27,723
make sure they're
in good condition.
646
00:25:27,803 --> 00:25:29,683
KEEPER: Good girl, move up.
647
00:25:29,763 --> 00:25:31,443
Good girl, Pakboo. Move up.
648
00:25:31,523 --> 00:25:33,203
KEEPER: Come on, big boy.
KEEPER: Good girl.
649
00:25:33,283 --> 00:25:35,563
KEEPER: Come on, bud.
650
00:25:35,643 --> 00:25:37,883
LUCY: So this is our
two-year-old elephant Jaidee,
651
00:25:37,963 --> 00:25:39,803
and he's enjoying
his daily shower.
652
00:25:39,883 --> 00:25:42,603
Some of our keepers
just giving him a good scrub,
653
00:25:42,683 --> 00:25:43,763
trying to exfoliate the skin,
654
00:25:43,843 --> 00:25:45,363
making sure
it's in good condition,
655
00:25:45,443 --> 00:25:46,923
but also looking it over
656
00:25:47,003 --> 00:25:49,243
and making sure that
everything's looking good,
657
00:25:49,323 --> 00:25:52,003
there's no scrapes or cuts
that we need to attend to.
658
00:25:52,083 --> 00:25:55,203
It allows us
to inspect everything
659
00:25:55,283 --> 00:25:56,803
and seeing how they're moving
and how their attitude is.
660
00:25:59,923 --> 00:26:01,123
All right, Jaidee.
661
00:26:01,203 --> 00:26:02,763
Good boy, trunk up.
662
00:26:02,843 --> 00:26:04,763
Good.
663
00:26:04,843 --> 00:26:06,603
Good. Trunk up.
664
00:26:06,683 --> 00:26:08,003
Good boy. Open.
665
00:26:08,083 --> 00:26:09,403
Good boy.
666
00:26:09,483 --> 00:26:11,683
Steady. Good.
667
00:26:11,763 --> 00:26:13,963
KEEPER: That's it, big girl.
668
00:26:14,043 --> 00:26:15,163
That's it, Pakboo.
669
00:26:15,243 --> 00:26:17,043
LUCY: So this is Pakboo,
our matriarch,
670
00:26:17,123 --> 00:26:18,043
and she's Jaidee's mother.
671
00:26:18,123 --> 00:26:19,523
She's 27 years old.
672
00:26:19,603 --> 00:26:21,763
Now it is her turn
to enjoy the bath,
673
00:26:21,843 --> 00:26:25,003
and she absolutely loves it.
674
00:26:25,083 --> 00:26:26,723
Everything is based on trust.
675
00:26:26,803 --> 00:26:29,043
In order to lay down,
676
00:26:29,123 --> 00:26:30,923
that can be a very vulnerable
position for an elephant.
677
00:26:31,003 --> 00:26:32,523
So they're only going to do it
678
00:26:32,603 --> 00:26:35,323
if they feel safe
and comfortable around you.
679
00:26:35,403 --> 00:26:36,523
KEEPER: That's it, Pakboo.
680
00:26:38,443 --> 00:26:40,603
That a girl.
681
00:26:40,683 --> 00:26:44,203
LUCY: We invest a lot in that
positive reinforcement training
682
00:26:44,283 --> 00:26:46,923
and building
that bond and respect.
683
00:26:47,003 --> 00:26:48,123
KEEPER: Good.
684
00:26:48,203 --> 00:26:49,963
LUCY: And once
we've established that,
685
00:26:50,043 --> 00:26:53,163
then they're totally willing,
they trust us.
686
00:26:53,243 --> 00:26:55,363
KEEPER: Steady, girl.
687
00:26:55,443 --> 00:26:57,563
All right, look.
688
00:26:57,643 --> 00:27:00,443
LUCY: This is Tangmo,
which means watermelon in Thai.
689
00:27:00,523 --> 00:27:02,803
So the biggest watermelon
you've ever seen.
690
00:27:02,883 --> 00:27:06,763
And she's just enjoying
a drink from the hose.
691
00:27:06,843 --> 00:27:08,443
Because we use warm water
for the baths,
692
00:27:08,523 --> 00:27:10,643
it's kind of novel
for them to drink warm water,
693
00:27:10,723 --> 00:27:12,883
so we always offer them a drink.
694
00:27:12,963 --> 00:27:14,763
It's like having
a little cup of tea
695
00:27:14,843 --> 00:27:16,523
to start the bath.
696
00:27:16,603 --> 00:27:18,763
So, uh, yeah,
we give her time to enjoy that
697
00:27:18,843 --> 00:27:20,003
before we actually
start the bath.
698
00:27:23,123 --> 00:27:25,443
LUCY: We also look
at the elephants' feet,
699
00:27:25,523 --> 00:27:27,203
very important to an elephant.
700
00:27:27,283 --> 00:27:29,483
We want to make sure they're in
the best of condition possible
701
00:27:29,563 --> 00:27:31,483
so we have a look
at the bottom, that pad,
702
00:27:31,563 --> 00:27:34,243
make sure that there's no stones
or anything stuck in them,
703
00:27:34,323 --> 00:27:36,843
because elephants' feet
are very important to them,
704
00:27:36,923 --> 00:27:40,923
and we want to make sure
they're in the best condition.
705
00:27:41,003 --> 00:27:42,763
So the final step in the bath
706
00:27:42,843 --> 00:27:44,883
is asking the elephant to open
their mouth nice and wide
707
00:27:44,963 --> 00:27:46,763
so that we can
visualize the teeth,
708
00:27:46,843 --> 00:27:49,123
'cause teeth are
very important to an elephant.
709
00:27:49,203 --> 00:27:51,483
So they've got
big massive molars.
710
00:27:51,563 --> 00:27:52,643
They've got four teeth
in their mouth
711
00:27:52,723 --> 00:27:54,603
on each corner of the jaw.
712
00:27:54,683 --> 00:27:57,003
And they are grinding food
day in, day out.
713
00:27:57,083 --> 00:27:59,083
They eat about 18 hours a day.
714
00:27:59,163 --> 00:28:00,643
We have to make sure
they're fully functional,
715
00:28:00,723 --> 00:28:02,043
they're not impacted
716
00:28:02,123 --> 00:28:03,803
because that's its livelihood,
717
00:28:03,883 --> 00:28:07,003
is being able to eat
all that hard, dry stuff.
718
00:28:07,083 --> 00:28:08,843
Everything that we do
with our elephants
719
00:28:08,923 --> 00:28:10,643
is based on
positive reinforcement,
720
00:28:10,723 --> 00:28:12,083
and it's entirely their choice.
721
00:28:12,163 --> 00:28:13,643
If they don't want to
participate in something,
722
00:28:13,723 --> 00:28:15,443
they don't have to,
723
00:28:15,523 --> 00:28:16,923
but they know the baths
are about to happen,
724
00:28:17,003 --> 00:28:18,483
every day they come in.
725
00:28:18,563 --> 00:28:19,883
So that lets us know
726
00:28:19,963 --> 00:28:20,723
that they actually
do like the activity
727
00:28:20,803 --> 00:28:22,403
and love interacting with us.
728
00:28:22,483 --> 00:28:24,523
As far as
the elephant is concerned,
729
00:28:24,603 --> 00:28:26,203
it's just a daily spa treatment
730
00:28:26,283 --> 00:28:28,203
and they're just getting
a nice scrub, exfoliation,
731
00:28:28,283 --> 00:28:29,843
and fed treats at the same time.
732
00:28:29,923 --> 00:28:31,323
So they love it.
Yeah, it's always fun.
733
00:28:37,683 --> 00:28:39,123
NARRATOR: Out at Dubbo,
734
00:28:39,203 --> 00:28:41,323
Taronga keepers
are maintaining a close eye
735
00:28:41,403 --> 00:28:43,603
on one of the most important
pregnancies they've had
736
00:28:43,683 --> 00:28:46,603
in the last few years.
737
00:28:46,683 --> 00:28:47,603
CAROLENE: Djembi!
738
00:28:47,683 --> 00:28:49,603
Hey, little girl.
739
00:28:49,683 --> 00:28:52,883
What we're going to do is we're
going to give them some lunch.
740
00:28:52,963 --> 00:28:55,723
So we'll put their lunch out
with some extra treats.
741
00:28:55,803 --> 00:28:57,603
I've been working with the bongo
742
00:28:57,683 --> 00:29:00,243
for approximately
four years now.
743
00:29:00,323 --> 00:29:02,643
We just let them approach us.
744
00:29:02,723 --> 00:29:05,363
Good girl.
745
00:29:05,443 --> 00:29:07,363
Good.
746
00:29:07,443 --> 00:29:08,603
This is Djembi,
747
00:29:08,683 --> 00:29:10,803
our eldest breeding female.
748
00:29:10,883 --> 00:29:15,003
Djembi was actually born here
at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
749
00:29:15,083 --> 00:29:17,283
She's very good
with her high-value treats
750
00:29:17,363 --> 00:29:19,843
but that's when
you're her favorite.
751
00:29:19,923 --> 00:29:22,403
Otherwise, outside food,
she likes to do her own thing.
752
00:29:22,483 --> 00:29:23,883
She's a gorgeous girl,
753
00:29:23,963 --> 00:29:25,643
and she's the one
that's in calf,
754
00:29:25,723 --> 00:29:27,203
due any time.
755
00:29:27,283 --> 00:29:30,283
So, yeah,
she's looking really well.
756
00:29:30,363 --> 00:29:32,603
She's got a nice
little body condition.
757
00:29:32,683 --> 00:29:34,723
The calf actually gets
quite active in the afternoon.
758
00:29:34,803 --> 00:29:36,163
You can see it kicking,
759
00:29:36,243 --> 00:29:37,803
and you'll see
its little legs push out,
760
00:29:37,883 --> 00:29:39,923
and she'll feel
a little uncomfortable.
761
00:29:40,003 --> 00:29:43,243
But she's doing so well.
So, so well.
762
00:29:43,323 --> 00:29:46,443
NARRATOR: And it's no wonder
the baby is active,
763
00:29:46,523 --> 00:29:50,403
as Djembi is due to
give birth any day now.
764
00:29:50,483 --> 00:29:52,563
CAROLENE: Breeding bongo here
at Taronga Western Plains Zoo,
765
00:29:52,643 --> 00:29:54,283
it is not extremely scientific,
766
00:29:54,363 --> 00:29:56,763
but you do have to
orchestrate it quite well.
767
00:29:56,843 --> 00:29:58,603
Sometimes you'll see them
mate through the day.
768
00:29:58,683 --> 00:30:00,563
With Djembi,
she's a little bit more private,
769
00:30:00,643 --> 00:30:02,643
so we think
she gets mated overnight,
770
00:30:02,723 --> 00:30:04,643
which does make
an accurate due date for her
771
00:30:04,723 --> 00:30:06,163
a little difficult to gauge.
772
00:30:06,243 --> 00:30:09,643
So the calf could come
pretty much any day,
773
00:30:09,723 --> 00:30:12,643
however, gestation
is about 286 days.
774
00:30:12,723 --> 00:30:15,363
That was from mating to birth.
775
00:30:15,443 --> 00:30:19,203
So the earliest possible calving
would be the end of this week.
776
00:30:19,283 --> 00:30:21,523
However, it could be
in the next few weeks as well.
777
00:30:21,603 --> 00:30:23,843
We're just praying
for a little female.
778
00:30:23,923 --> 00:30:27,083
The region needs a little female
so she can be a little warrior,
779
00:30:27,163 --> 00:30:29,603
so we can hopefully buddy her up
with a potential breeding male
780
00:30:29,683 --> 00:30:31,523
in the future.
781
00:30:31,603 --> 00:30:33,523
NARRATOR: A healthy
female bongo baby
782
00:30:33,603 --> 00:30:36,403
will go a long way
to helping this species,
783
00:30:36,483 --> 00:30:38,443
as the numbers
of this beautiful animal
784
00:30:38,523 --> 00:30:40,643
are in serious decline.
785
00:30:40,723 --> 00:30:42,003
CAROLENE:
The eastern bongo is found
786
00:30:42,083 --> 00:30:45,083
within the forested areas
within Mount Kenya.
787
00:30:45,163 --> 00:30:47,563
However, they're
a critically endangered species.
788
00:30:47,643 --> 00:30:48,923
Predation for the eastern bongo
789
00:30:49,003 --> 00:30:52,003
would be primarily leopards
within the area,
790
00:30:52,083 --> 00:30:54,523
of course,
snaring from man-made snares.
791
00:30:54,603 --> 00:30:56,803
Deforestation is another huge issue,
792
00:30:56,883 --> 00:31:00,243
and also domestic
cattle diseases
793
00:31:00,323 --> 00:31:02,843
that is wiping out
this remarkable species.
794
00:31:02,923 --> 00:31:05,043
But we'd just be very thankful
795
00:31:05,123 --> 00:31:07,883
for any healthy calf
at this stage,
796
00:31:07,963 --> 00:31:09,723
so, yeah, it's super exciting.
797
00:31:09,803 --> 00:31:11,923
There's nothing better
than a baby,
798
00:31:12,003 --> 00:31:13,563
so we have to watch this space.
799
00:31:19,683 --> 00:31:21,803
NARRATOR: Wombat orphan Waru
800
00:31:21,883 --> 00:31:23,683
is having trouble walking.
801
00:31:23,763 --> 00:31:24,683
(beep)
802
00:31:24,763 --> 00:31:27,083
After a series of x-rays,
803
00:31:27,163 --> 00:31:30,563
Larry has found
some worrying signs.
804
00:31:30,643 --> 00:31:31,803
LARRY: Did you want to
come have a look, Suze?
805
00:31:31,883 --> 00:31:33,363
SUZIE: Yep.
806
00:31:33,443 --> 00:31:34,643
LARRY: You know,
there are certain things here
807
00:31:34,723 --> 00:31:37,563
that don't seem quite right.
808
00:31:37,643 --> 00:31:40,123
See how dense the teeth are?
809
00:31:40,203 --> 00:31:41,603
And then some of
these skull bones
810
00:31:41,683 --> 00:31:44,563
and the rest of his bones
are quite gray.
811
00:31:44,643 --> 00:31:46,763
So it's possible
812
00:31:46,843 --> 00:31:48,683
that there's just not enough
calcium in his bones,
813
00:31:48,763 --> 00:31:50,203
which shouldn't be the case
814
00:31:50,283 --> 00:31:51,283
because his diet
is specifically formulated
815
00:31:51,363 --> 00:31:52,963
for wombats.
816
00:31:53,043 --> 00:31:54,643
But sometimes
there are other factors
817
00:31:54,723 --> 00:31:56,523
which influence
the amount of absorption
818
00:31:56,603 --> 00:31:58,883
of the calcium as well.
819
00:31:58,963 --> 00:32:00,403
Got a good comparison here
820
00:32:00,483 --> 00:32:03,283
with this very dense feces
in his intestines.
821
00:32:03,363 --> 00:32:06,683
Then if you look at
the density of the bone,
822
00:32:06,763 --> 00:32:09,843
it's not, uh, not quite there.
823
00:32:09,923 --> 00:32:12,603
And so, yeah,
low calcium in the bones
824
00:32:12,683 --> 00:32:16,163
is certainly a risk for Waru
825
00:32:16,243 --> 00:32:19,163
in that the bones
may not develop properly.
826
00:32:19,243 --> 00:32:21,283
They might be more
susceptible to injury as well.
827
00:32:21,363 --> 00:32:22,803
They can fracture,
they're a bit weak,
828
00:32:22,883 --> 00:32:24,683
the bones are
a bit weak and brittle,
829
00:32:24,763 --> 00:32:27,523
and they can also be
a little bit deformed
830
00:32:27,603 --> 00:32:28,483
in their shape as well.
831
00:32:28,563 --> 00:32:30,963
They can bend a bit.
832
00:32:31,043 --> 00:32:33,243
NARRATOR: Unfortunately today,
833
00:32:33,323 --> 00:32:37,523
there's no quick fix
for Waru's problem.
834
00:32:37,603 --> 00:32:39,363
Suzie is well aware
835
00:32:39,443 --> 00:32:42,803
there's a big fight ahead
for this little battler.
836
00:32:42,883 --> 00:32:44,483
SUZIE: Yeah, you know,
you want an answer,
837
00:32:44,563 --> 00:32:45,723
you want to know
what's going on,
838
00:32:45,803 --> 00:32:47,683
so still a bit of apprehension.
839
00:32:47,763 --> 00:32:48,763
That's for sure.
840
00:32:55,563 --> 00:32:57,163
Just worried about him.
841
00:33:19,363 --> 00:33:21,923
LARRY: Suze, I think we got
everything we need today.
842
00:33:22,003 --> 00:33:24,643
I'll go have another look
at the x-rays,
843
00:33:24,723 --> 00:33:27,243
compare it with similar aged
bare-nosed wombats we've got.
844
00:33:27,323 --> 00:33:30,203
Unfortunately we don't have
other hairy-nosed wombat x-rays.
845
00:33:30,283 --> 00:33:31,683
And the blood work.
846
00:33:31,763 --> 00:33:32,923
So that will come through
sometime today,
847
00:33:33,003 --> 00:33:34,563
and we'll be able to
look at all of that,
848
00:33:34,643 --> 00:33:37,603
and then hopefully a bit
of a diagnosis and a plan.
849
00:33:37,683 --> 00:33:40,003
I mean, at least, you know,
850
00:33:40,083 --> 00:33:42,243
there's nothing like
dramatically obvious
851
00:33:42,323 --> 00:33:44,043
on the bones.
852
00:33:44,123 --> 00:33:47,243
They're not sort of broken
or bent or anything like that.
853
00:33:47,323 --> 00:33:49,283
SUZIE: I spend a lot of time
with this guy, you know.
854
00:33:49,363 --> 00:33:51,523
He comes with me everywhere
855
00:33:51,603 --> 00:33:54,283
and do everything for him,
856
00:33:54,363 --> 00:33:57,803
so, yeah, just,
just a worried mum.
857
00:33:57,883 --> 00:33:59,523
LARRY: I do have a feeling
858
00:33:59,603 --> 00:34:03,043
that his bone development
is not where it should be.
859
00:34:03,123 --> 00:34:04,683
You know, there are things
we can do to fix that.
860
00:34:04,763 --> 00:34:06,843
We can supplement his diet.
861
00:34:06,923 --> 00:34:08,963
Obviously the gut problem
862
00:34:09,043 --> 00:34:12,523
is also probably something
that we can fix
863
00:34:12,603 --> 00:34:15,963
by hopefully re-establishing
a normal gut flora.
864
00:34:16,043 --> 00:34:17,283
SUZIE: He does have
a big road ahead.
865
00:34:17,363 --> 00:34:19,643
It's been a bit of
a tough journey for him,
866
00:34:19,723 --> 00:34:22,403
but, yeah, you know,
he's got the best care
867
00:34:22,483 --> 00:34:24,083
that he could possibly have
868
00:34:24,163 --> 00:34:25,563
and considering everything
that he's gone through,
869
00:34:25,643 --> 00:34:27,643
he's doing incredibly well.
870
00:34:34,843 --> 00:34:36,883
NARRATOR:
Leslie the Andean condor
871
00:34:36,963 --> 00:34:38,843
has lost her confidence.
872
00:34:38,923 --> 00:34:41,083
GREY: Leslie has been having
some issues lately.
873
00:34:41,163 --> 00:34:44,763
She has not wanted to fly
from her release tower.
874
00:34:44,843 --> 00:34:47,803
She stood up in there for about
30 minutes the other day.
875
00:34:47,883 --> 00:34:50,563
NARRATOR: But there's no one
better to get her back on track
876
00:34:50,643 --> 00:34:52,523
than Grey,
877
00:34:52,603 --> 00:34:54,563
who has worked with Leslie
for the last fifteen years.
878
00:34:54,643 --> 00:34:56,283
GREY: So, over the last week,
879
00:34:56,363 --> 00:34:58,243
we've been doing a lot of
repetitions with Leslie,
880
00:34:58,323 --> 00:34:59,723
building up her confidence.
881
00:34:59,803 --> 00:35:01,803
I think she has
that confidence back now.
882
00:35:01,883 --> 00:35:05,363
That means that once we get her
into the release box today,
883
00:35:05,443 --> 00:35:07,683
what I'm looking for
is that when the door opens,
884
00:35:07,763 --> 00:35:09,563
she flies
straight down the stage,
885
00:35:09,643 --> 00:35:10,803
perfect routine,
886
00:35:10,883 --> 00:35:14,843
and then exiting
without any hesitation.
887
00:35:14,923 --> 00:35:19,043
NARRATOR: Matt is also quietly
optimistic about her recovery.
888
00:35:19,123 --> 00:35:20,323
MATT: So, Leslie's
been really good
889
00:35:20,403 --> 00:35:22,043
for the last couple of days.
890
00:35:22,123 --> 00:35:24,563
It looks like her confidence
has built back up again,
891
00:35:24,643 --> 00:35:27,963
so the last step is
popping her up in the tower.
892
00:35:28,043 --> 00:35:29,323
All right, Les.
893
00:35:29,403 --> 00:35:30,203
In you get.
894
00:35:32,443 --> 00:35:33,883
That a girl.
895
00:35:33,963 --> 00:35:35,243
It's about
15 meters off the ground
896
00:35:35,323 --> 00:35:37,843
and probably another 30
over the stage.
897
00:35:37,923 --> 00:35:40,323
She's ready to be
getting close back into shows.
898
00:35:40,403 --> 00:35:42,963
This is the last step of
checking where her head's at.
899
00:35:43,043 --> 00:35:44,523
We have every confidence
900
00:35:44,603 --> 00:35:46,283
that she'll come out
and do her thing,
901
00:35:46,363 --> 00:35:48,083
but if not, you know,
this is part of what we do.
902
00:35:48,163 --> 00:35:49,523
Any breakdowns,
903
00:35:49,603 --> 00:35:50,723
we'll work on it,
build her confidence,
904
00:35:50,803 --> 00:35:52,443
and she'll be
back on track again.
905
00:35:52,523 --> 00:35:53,763
GREY: I'm always
a little bit nervous
906
00:35:53,843 --> 00:35:55,523
when I'm putting a bird
back in shows
907
00:35:55,603 --> 00:35:56,803
after they've had some time off.
908
00:35:56,883 --> 00:35:59,283
Condors are
incredible creatures,
909
00:35:59,363 --> 00:36:02,083
and she's a very unique bird
to get to see fly in a show.
910
00:36:02,163 --> 00:36:05,323
So we're very heavily
invested in her success.
911
00:36:05,403 --> 00:36:07,323
We've had a lot of
really good training sessions
912
00:36:07,403 --> 00:36:08,523
over the last week,
913
00:36:08,603 --> 00:36:10,003
so I think we're good to go.
914
00:36:10,083 --> 00:36:11,643
MATT: You ready?
915
00:36:11,723 --> 00:36:13,203
NARRATOR: And after days
of preparation,
916
00:36:13,283 --> 00:36:16,523
all Grey and Matt
can do now is watch.
917
00:36:18,163 --> 00:36:20,083
It's all up to Leslie.
918
00:36:23,683 --> 00:36:25,563
GREY: There we go.
919
00:36:25,643 --> 00:36:26,523
Here she comes.
920
00:36:30,843 --> 00:36:32,363
Beautifully done.
921
00:36:34,803 --> 00:36:36,323
Leslie did great.
922
00:36:36,403 --> 00:36:38,003
I couldn't be happier with that.
923
00:36:38,083 --> 00:36:40,883
She came out of the tower
as soon as the door was opened.
924
00:36:40,963 --> 00:36:43,203
She had really nice flight down.
925
00:36:43,283 --> 00:36:45,123
Got a bit of height
on her way down,
926
00:36:45,203 --> 00:36:46,963
which was really good
927
00:36:47,043 --> 00:36:49,203
because an Andean condor has
a very impressive wing span,
928
00:36:49,283 --> 00:36:52,603
so getting to see that in action
is always an amazing thing.
929
00:36:52,683 --> 00:36:55,763
Once she was on stage,
she was very focused on me,
930
00:36:55,843 --> 00:36:58,323
focused on what
she needed to do.
931
00:36:58,403 --> 00:37:00,123
Let's go this way.
932
00:37:00,203 --> 00:37:02,723
It couldn't have gone better,
as far as I'm concerned.
933
00:37:02,803 --> 00:37:03,963
Good job, Leslie. Come on.
934
00:37:06,523 --> 00:37:08,523
Good girl.
935
00:37:08,603 --> 00:37:10,243
Here she comes.
936
00:37:10,323 --> 00:37:12,843
Leslie has definitely
built up that confidence
937
00:37:12,923 --> 00:37:14,363
that we've been
working so hard on
938
00:37:14,443 --> 00:37:16,043
over the past few weeks.
939
00:37:16,123 --> 00:37:17,643
That was perfect.
940
00:37:17,723 --> 00:37:19,443
She's ready for shows.
941
00:37:19,523 --> 00:37:21,443
She's ready to face
an audience again.
942
00:37:28,003 --> 00:37:30,003
ANDREW: Starting to get
a big nose, aren't you, buddy?
943
00:37:30,083 --> 00:37:31,243
A big schnoz.
944
00:37:31,323 --> 00:37:33,483
SUZIE: But he's starting
to grow into it.
945
00:37:33,563 --> 00:37:35,243
NARRATOR: It's been a month
946
00:37:35,323 --> 00:37:37,763
since Waru was diagnosed
with bone development issues.
947
00:37:37,843 --> 00:37:39,723
SUZIE: Good boy.
948
00:37:39,803 --> 00:37:42,403
NARRATOR: But Suzie
and Andrew aren't giving up.
949
00:37:42,483 --> 00:37:46,523
SUZIE: He hit
5.8 kilos yesterday,
950
00:37:46,603 --> 00:37:49,163
so almost at six kilos.
951
00:37:49,243 --> 00:37:52,243
NARRATOR: They're tackling
Waru's problem head on.
952
00:37:52,323 --> 00:37:54,323
SUZIE: I was pretty upset
last time,
953
00:37:54,403 --> 00:37:55,803
you know,
very worried about him
954
00:37:55,883 --> 00:37:56,923
because he's our little guy
955
00:37:57,003 --> 00:37:59,723
and want him to do really well,
956
00:37:59,803 --> 00:38:01,483
but, yeah, really hopeful
957
00:38:01,563 --> 00:38:04,563
that he's going to be
a nice, strong adult wombat.
958
00:38:04,643 --> 00:38:07,283
NARRATOR: But Waru still has
a fight ahead of him
959
00:38:07,363 --> 00:38:10,443
if he's to rejoin his family
of southern hairy-nosed wombats
960
00:38:10,523 --> 00:38:13,083
in the coming months.
961
00:38:13,163 --> 00:38:14,763
SUZIE: Waru went
back down to the vets
962
00:38:14,843 --> 00:38:16,843
to have a follow-up procedure
963
00:38:16,923 --> 00:38:18,883
just to see
how he was progressing
964
00:38:18,963 --> 00:38:20,723
on the new diet
and diet changes,
965
00:38:20,803 --> 00:38:22,643
and his x-rays showed
966
00:38:22,723 --> 00:38:25,163
that he has had some
development in calcification,
967
00:38:25,243 --> 00:38:26,763
so that's a good thing,
968
00:38:26,843 --> 00:38:29,123
that he's starting to get
some good bone growth.
969
00:38:29,203 --> 00:38:31,283
But they did notice that
he has some small fractures
970
00:38:31,363 --> 00:38:35,763
in his growth plates
in the hind legs.
971
00:38:35,843 --> 00:38:38,043
So that's why he's still
a little bit shuffly
972
00:38:38,123 --> 00:38:40,763
and that sort of thing.
973
00:38:40,843 --> 00:38:43,763
Basically, we just have to get
his bones strong enough
974
00:38:43,843 --> 00:38:47,923
so that they can assess
how to move forward with that.
975
00:38:48,003 --> 00:38:49,643
It was hard to hear
976
00:38:49,723 --> 00:38:51,323
that he does have some
small little fractures
977
00:38:51,403 --> 00:38:52,643
in those back legs,
978
00:38:52,723 --> 00:38:57,683
but, you know, it's...
979
00:38:57,763 --> 00:38:58,643
I don't really know how to...
980
00:38:58,723 --> 00:39:00,243
It's tough.
981
00:39:00,323 --> 00:39:03,203
Umm...
982
00:39:03,283 --> 00:39:04,083
yeah.
983
00:39:07,883 --> 00:39:09,803
Yeah.
984
00:39:09,883 --> 00:39:11,803
ANDREW: We keep doing
what we're doing,
985
00:39:11,883 --> 00:39:14,003
and we keep hoping
that we see the improvement
986
00:39:14,083 --> 00:39:16,643
that we saw in his
last set of x-rays
987
00:39:16,723 --> 00:39:19,283
in terms of the calcification
and mineralization.
988
00:39:22,523 --> 00:39:25,603
So, we keep doing
what we're doing
989
00:39:25,683 --> 00:39:28,203
and hope that
he keeps improving.
990
00:39:28,283 --> 00:39:31,163
SUZIE: That's a good boy.
991
00:39:31,243 --> 00:39:33,923
NARRATOR: And although Waru
has problems walking,
992
00:39:34,003 --> 00:39:36,203
as long as he's at Taronga,
993
00:39:36,283 --> 00:39:38,563
he will never walk alone.
994
00:39:38,643 --> 00:39:40,243
SUZIE: He's got a whole team
supporting him.
995
00:39:40,323 --> 00:39:41,723
The whole zoo's behind him.
996
00:39:41,803 --> 00:39:43,443
Um, so, yeah,
997
00:39:43,523 --> 00:39:46,643
we're just doing our best
for you, aren't we, buddy?
998
00:39:46,723 --> 00:39:47,883
(laughs)
999
00:39:54,283 --> 00:39:56,203
NARRATOR: Back at
Taronga Western Plains Zoo,
1000
00:39:56,283 --> 00:39:58,883
keeper Carolene
is eagerly awaiting
1001
00:39:58,963 --> 00:40:01,483
the birth of
an endangered bongo.
1002
00:40:01,563 --> 00:40:02,723
CAROLENE: Hey, Djembi.
1003
00:40:02,803 --> 00:40:04,403
Good girl.
1004
00:40:04,483 --> 00:40:06,323
Good.
1005
00:40:06,403 --> 00:40:08,363
NARRATOR:
By the zoo's calculations,
1006
00:40:08,443 --> 00:40:11,443
Djembi is now
four weeks overdue,
1007
00:40:11,523 --> 00:40:13,843
but she's taking it
in her stride.
1008
00:40:13,923 --> 00:40:15,443
CAROLENE: We are still
waiting on the birth
1009
00:40:15,523 --> 00:40:16,963
of this incredible calf.
1010
00:40:17,043 --> 00:40:19,043
It feels like it's been forever.
1011
00:40:19,123 --> 00:40:21,723
But naturally, calves will
come when they're ready,
1012
00:40:21,803 --> 00:40:23,963
as you know,
like any pregnancy,
1013
00:40:24,043 --> 00:40:26,043
which is going to make it
even more rewarding
1014
00:40:26,123 --> 00:40:29,363
and even more spectacular
and beautiful and magical.
1015
00:40:29,443 --> 00:40:31,083
Good.
1016
00:40:31,163 --> 00:40:33,843
Where's our little moo?
1017
00:40:33,923 --> 00:40:35,803
She's been a fantastic mom.
1018
00:40:35,883 --> 00:40:38,083
She's been
very calm, very settled.
1019
00:40:38,163 --> 00:40:41,003
All the physical signs
are now present.
1020
00:40:41,083 --> 00:40:44,883
Her abdomen
is quite extended now.
1021
00:40:44,963 --> 00:40:46,723
It's a lot lower,
1022
00:40:46,803 --> 00:40:51,243
but also that vulva swelling,
which is a really big sign.
1023
00:40:51,323 --> 00:40:54,123
Her behavior
is starting to change.
1024
00:40:54,203 --> 00:40:58,643
She has very clear guidelines
of what we can and can't do.
1025
00:40:58,723 --> 00:41:01,043
So we basically
take all the cues from her,
1026
00:41:01,123 --> 00:41:02,883
which is a clear indication
1027
00:41:02,963 --> 00:41:05,043
that we are getting
so much more closer.
1028
00:41:06,923 --> 00:41:09,003
NARRATOR: In anticipation
of the big day,
1029
00:41:09,083 --> 00:41:12,443
the zoo has prepared
a birthing suite.
1030
00:41:12,523 --> 00:41:14,883
CAROLENE:
This is a purposely-built
1031
00:41:14,963 --> 00:41:18,123
calving yard for a bongo.
1032
00:41:18,203 --> 00:41:23,323
We need to offer Djembi
a area that's quite private,
1033
00:41:23,403 --> 00:41:25,523
very protected for her as well,
1034
00:41:25,603 --> 00:41:27,083
because they do
give birth in privacy.
1035
00:41:27,163 --> 00:41:31,283
So we need to make her feel
secure, enclosed,
1036
00:41:31,363 --> 00:41:35,563
and that way she has time to
imprint and bond with her calf
1037
00:41:35,643 --> 00:41:38,403
at that very significant
period of time.
1038
00:41:38,483 --> 00:41:41,363
And also it needs to be
soft and comfortable.
1039
00:41:41,443 --> 00:41:44,283
We do need to make sure
that she's secure,
1040
00:41:44,363 --> 00:41:46,803
it's draft-free as well.
1041
00:41:46,883 --> 00:41:50,603
We do make sure we provide
lots of extra heat
1042
00:41:50,683 --> 00:41:52,723
if we go get a cold snap.
1043
00:41:52,803 --> 00:41:56,363
Newborn calves or neonates can't
control their body temperature,
1044
00:41:56,443 --> 00:41:58,003
so all these little things
1045
00:41:58,083 --> 00:41:59,483
we just need to make sure
we're prepared for.
1046
00:41:59,563 --> 00:42:00,763
So we're ready to go.
1047
00:42:00,843 --> 00:42:02,043
Hopefully Djembi is too.
1048
00:42:06,123 --> 00:42:09,283
NARRATOR: And Taronga keepers
didn't have to wait too long,
1049
00:42:09,363 --> 00:42:12,563
with mother Djembi
giving birth to baby Jabali
1050
00:42:12,643 --> 00:42:14,363
only two days later.
1051
00:42:18,803 --> 00:42:21,283
And word of
the newborn male bongo
1052
00:42:21,363 --> 00:42:23,243
has traveled quickly to Sydney.
1053
00:42:23,323 --> 00:42:24,883
JIMMY: We've just had
some really exciting news
1054
00:42:24,963 --> 00:42:26,243
come through.
1055
00:42:26,323 --> 00:42:27,723
The bongo in Dubbo,
she's had a baby.
1056
00:42:27,803 --> 00:42:29,923
So that's fantastic,
1057
00:42:30,003 --> 00:42:31,683
because as you know
with any pregnancies,
1058
00:42:31,763 --> 00:42:33,323
they can go hit or miss,
1059
00:42:33,403 --> 00:42:37,843
and this is an incredible
accomplishment for the species.
1060
00:42:37,923 --> 00:42:39,843
For the regional
breeding program,
1061
00:42:39,923 --> 00:42:41,083
it's fantastic
1062
00:42:41,163 --> 00:42:43,603
because it means
the numbers are growing.
1063
00:42:43,683 --> 00:42:45,163
Their numbers are
really, really low in the wild,
1064
00:42:45,243 --> 00:42:47,243
so what we can do here
is increase them,
1065
00:42:47,323 --> 00:42:49,643
increase the breeding program,
start to disperse them,
1066
00:42:49,723 --> 00:42:51,123
get their genetics out there
1067
00:42:51,203 --> 00:42:53,563
and just create a bigger,
bigger bongo population,
1068
00:42:53,643 --> 00:42:56,363
and that's what we're doing.
1069
00:42:56,443 --> 00:42:59,363
But just that one being born
is so special for everyone
1070
00:42:59,443 --> 00:43:02,363
and so special for us,
special for him as a species,
1071
00:43:02,443 --> 00:43:03,603
special for everyone.
1072
00:43:03,683 --> 00:43:05,683
Couldn't be more happier
for those guys.
1073
00:43:05,763 --> 00:43:07,443
Captioned by
Side Door Media Services