World’s first cross-fostered Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo is in quarantine; Scheduled to meet guests in August
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| Dr Serena Oh, Assistant Director, Veterinarian, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, positions Singapore Zoo’s recently arrived Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo Makaia on the treatment table for his health check on 12 July. While quarantine test results will only be ready in about three weeks, an initial health check indicates that he is in excellent shape and will be ready to meet the public in early August. PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE |
SINGAPORE – Singapore Zoo’s recently arrived Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo Makaia underwent his health check today. While quarantine test results will only be ready in three weeks, an initial health check shows he is in excellent shape, at a healthy weight of 8.4kg and sporting a lush, vibrant coat that indicates great body condition. He will be ready to meet the public in early August.
Makaia, whose name means magic in Tok Pisin (a local Papua New Guinea language), arrived from Australia’s Adelaide Zoo on 4 July 2016. In a world first for conservation, the Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo made headlines around the world in November 2014 when he was adopted by a surrogate yellow-footed wallaby at 47 days old, after the sudden death of his mother. He was subsequently cared for by a keeper when he became too big for the wallaby’s pouch.
The Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo is threatened in the wild by unsustainable hunting and deforestation. In the last 50 years, its population has declined by about 50 per cent. To ensure its survival, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) established a Global Species Management Plan (GSMP) for the species. The plan involves co-ordinated efforts of participating zoos to keep Goodfellow’s tree kangaroos as an assurance population should there be a catastrophic decline in the wild population. Pairing suitable individuals from participating zoos also minimizes inbreeding of related animals and enhances the genetic pool of the species under human care.
Under the recommendation of GSMP, Makaia will be paired up with Nupela, a female from Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, which arrived in Singapore Zoo in June. Guests will be able to see the duo at their air- conditioned exhibit at Singapore Zoo’s new Australasian Zone in early August.
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| Dr Serena Oh, Assistant Director, Veterinarian of Wildlife Reserves Singapore, and Norsham Bin Abdul Wahab, Vet Nurse, undertake a physical check on Makaia the Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo, on 12 July. While quarantine test results will only be ready in about three weeks, an initial health check indicates that he is in excellent shape and will be ready to meet the public in early August. PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE |
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| Norsham Bin Abdul Wahab, Vet Nurse, Singapore Zoo, draws blood from Makaia during a health check on 12 July 2016. PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE |
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Dr. Abraham Mathew, Senior Veterinarian, listens to Makaia’s heartbeat during a health check on 12 July 2016. Makaia, the miracle Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo which arrived from Adelaide Zoo on 4 July 2016, is currently in quarantine, and is scheduled to meet guests in August. PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
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ABOUT SINGAPORE ZOO
Set in a rainforest environment, Singapore Zoo’s world-famous “Open Concept” offers the opportunity to experience and be inspired by the wonders of nature. Home to more than 2,800 specimens over 300 species, 26% of which are threatened, the Zoo has attained a strong reputation internationally for its conservation initiatives and breeding programmes. To better meet the healthcare needs of its animals and working towards its aspiration to become a leading global centre of excellence for veterinary healthcare and research, a purpose-built Wildlife Healthcare and Research Centre was set up in March 2006. Annually, over 1.7 million visitors enjoy experiential learning journeys at the 26-hectare award-winning Zoo. Singapore Zoo is part of Wildlife Reserves Singapore. The Zoo is a designated rescued wildlife centre by the governing authority.
Singapore Zoo is located at 80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore 729826. More information can be found at http://www.zoo.com.sg.
ABOUT WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) is the holding company of award-winning attractions Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Safari and Singapore Zoo. WRS is dedicated to the management of world-class leisure attractions that foster conservation and research while educating visitors about animals and their habitats.
A self-funded organisation, WRS also collaborates with various partners, organisations and institutions aimed at protecting local and global biodiversity. Each year, Jurong Bird Park welcomes approximately 800,000 visitors, Night Safari 1.1 million, River Safari 1 million, and Singapore Zoo 1.7 million. The organisation’s latest attraction is River Safari, which officially opened on 28 February 2014.
More information can be found at http://www.wrs.com.sg
