Category: Zoos

Scout the Tiger Arrives at Hamilton Zoo

Posted on by Jetpets

Jetpets are proud to have assisted in the delicate move of Scout the Tiger to his new home at Hamilton Zoo.

Travelling from Orana Wildlife Park to Hamilton Zoo in June this year, the teams and staff of all parties involved worked together to accomplish a safe and successful relocation.

Scout arrived at Hamilton Zoo from Orana Wildlife Park in June as part of the international breeding program for his species. Scout has been matched with Kirana in this vital role.

Being a male, Scout can quickly be recognized due to his larger frame and his large white ruff around his face. He has quickly won over the hearts of his keepers, as well as Kirana, and frequently produces a friendly greeting called a prusten – which is more commonly known as a “chuff”.

Scout is often active throughout the day and is spending much of his time exploring both enclosures thoroughly. You may even see him taking a dip in the pool if you’re lucky!

We wish Scout all the best in his new home with Kirana. For information on how you can visit Scout at Hamilton Zoo, please visit their website:-  https://www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/

Photo Credit: Hamilton Zoo

Sali the Sumatran Tiger

Posted on by Jetpets

In April, Jetpets were lucky enough to assist in the transport of Sali the Sumatran tiger during her journey from Hamilton Zoo to Auckland Zoo.

Fourteen-year-old Sali has relocated to Auckland Zoo as a part of the zoos global breeding and advocacy programme for this critically endangered big cat.

Photo Credit: Auckland Zoo

In the lead up to her travels, Sali was introduced to her crate in advance so it was a familiar environment on the day of travel (much like we suggest for travelling dogs and domestic cats). On morning of travel, she was loaded onto the truck, and travelled with our Animal Handler Tineshea, and a Hamilton Zoo vet and keeper to ensure safety at all times. Sali had two welfare stops during her journey, before arriving at Auckland Zoo.

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Photo Credit: Auckland Zoo

Once Sali arrived at Auckland Zoo, she underwent a brief observation period in the tiger habitats inside quarters, ahead of exploring Auckland Zoo’s new Lowlands tiger habitat, within the South East Asia Jungle Track. Sali is the first tiger to experience this new habitat.

“Sali is quite sensitive in nature, but once comfortable she exudes this really warm presence, and is a real ‘chuffer’ – the vocalisation tigers do when they’re in a friendly and relaxed state,” said carnivore keeper Nick Parashshak.

Jetpets feel very privileged to have been able to assist in this special move, and we look forward to following Sali’s journey as she settles into her new environment at Auckland Zoo. For information on how you can visit Sali at Auckland Zoo, please visit their website:-  https://www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/

Feline sisters take to the sky with Jetpets!

Posted on by Jetpets

Auckland Zoo has recently welcomed three four-year-old female lions who travelled from an Australian Zoo with Jetpets.

Twin sisters Aziza and Kibibi and half-sister Ilola made the journey to Auckland Zoo in September, as a part of the international zoo breeding and advocacy programme for this increasingly threatened African big cat.

Photo Credit: Auckland Zoo

While COVID-19 has halted international travel plans for many of us, the team at Jetpets worked closely with both zoos to ensure that this important animal transfer was made possible. Transporting exotic animals is a highly complex process, and many months of planning, obtaining permits and following strict Government processes were followed to ensure a safe and successful transfer of the trio.

Upon arrival into Auckland, the lionesses began their quarantine, a standard MPI and biosecurity requirement for all new exotic animal arrivals into New Zealand. They have now completed their quarantine and are enjoying their landscaped habitat at Auckland Zoos Africa Safari Track.

Auckland Zoo’s carnivore team leader, Lauren Booth, said she and her team are delighted to have welcomed the trio.

“Having three very clever young girls in Aziza, Kibibi and Ilola is both daunting and very exciting for us. We know they’ll have a lot to teach us, and we are really looking forward to getting to know each of them and their unique personalities,” said Lauren.

Photo Credit: Auckland Zoo

While Auckland remains in lockdown, Auckland Zoo is currently closed to visitors. In the meantime, you can keep updated on how Aziza, Kibibi and Ilola are settling in via their social channels.

You can also watch the video below for more information on their exciting journey.