The May field trip was to Peel Zoo, located in Sanctuary Drive, Pinjarra (near the golf course). Eight members attended on a fine autumn morning. For most of us this was a first visit to this facility. Peel Zoo is a privately funded zoo and wildlife facility. It has around 100 exhibits, though not all are currently in use. The exhibits contain a range of native fauna species from Western Australia and other Australian states. It also includes a number of species from other countries. Further details can be found on the Peel Zoo website.

The zoo has a mix of enclosed exhibits, open exhibits with low fencing and also open exhibits such as the walk through aviary and Kangaroo petting areas. Native mammalian fauna included the larger species such as Grey and Red Kangaroos, Red Necked Wallabies (including an albino), Common Wombat, Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat and Koalas. However, species in the small to medium size range were also well represented. These included several species of possums (Brush tailed, Ring Tailed, Northern Golden Brush Tailed and Tasmanian Brush Tailed), Long Nosed Potoroo, Eastern Quolls, Quokka, Quenda. The Tasmanian Devils are one of the major attractions of the zoo. The zoo is participating in the program to help save the Devils from extinction by breeding mainland populations that are free of the facial cancer that is having a devastating impact on the Tasmanian population. There are a number of pens with adult Devils and another with juveniles. Some new pens are under currently construction. To date the zoo has successfully bred 19 young Devils, making it one of the most successful captive breeding programs. There were numerous bird species on display, mostly native birds but some exotic species as well.

A walk through the Walk In Aviary allowed close contact with Red Tailed Black Cockatoos, especially for the ladies who could expect the male to come and perch on their shoulder. He was not so friendly to the men, however. We were also able to get up close to the Bush Stone Curlews, allowing portrait shots without the need for a long telephoto lens. Reptiles are also well represented and a few, such as the Stimson’s Python and the Black Headed Python, were brought out for children to hold and enjoy. Overall we were quite impressed with the zoo, it is well worth a visit and a very enjoyable way to spend a morning or afternoon.

Colin Prickett