April/May Update
Is it Cupee, Cupi or QP?
Our adorable little cotton-top tamarin has survived many obstacles, including an identity crisis. Now officially known as QP the hardy little tamarin is thriving. Born at just 50 grams she now tips the scales at 180 grams. It must be all of that TLC from her keepers, Hannelie, Jane and Becky.
QP was born on the 15th of February, 2006 and the keepers had to take over her care after she was rejected by her parents. She suffered damage to her tail and diligent care was needed to save it. QP's tail is now strong and curls beautifully but it has a little kink to remind us of her ordeal.
QP spent many days cuddled up inside a keeper's shirt clinging onto her trusty grey elephant toy for comfort. This helped her maintain her body heat as she grew stronger. QP became more confident and often perched comfortably on Jane's head while she did her rounds.
QP is now having 4 milk and 2 solid meals a day. She is cheeky and active and is learning to hang from her back legs. She plays wrestling games with the keepers' fingers which become surrogate siblings for her. QP's favourite game is 'peek-a-boo'. She still has her nap time in the afternoon.
QP is now in the process of being reintroduced back into her natal family group. Her box was first placed into the enclosure for short periods for them to get used to each other. Monitoring was necessary to ensure that when they were together the parents would not be too aggressive to QP. At first she was released for 30 minutes and then 1 or 2 hours at the most, returning to the security of her box after each session.
Every night QP enjoys the company of her keeper and has a late night feed before they go to bed.
Zootoyz
On the 26th of April, 2006 Mogo Zoo presented a workshop called 'Snow Leopard Magic' for school children aged between 6 and 10 years old.
In the workshop the children learned about the appearance, habitat, food and lifestyle of the snow leopards. Creature features that helped them adapt to their harsh conditions were highlighted. We even made a card using snow leopard fur. Then we decorated large paper mache shapes of a bird, a hare and a marmot and also four large balls. The animal shapes represented the prey of the snow leopard. These were then hidden in the snow leopard enclosure with actual birds inside as a special treat. The bird shape decorated with chicken feathers was moved up and down on a rope. At first the snow leopards were interested but wary noticing immediately that something was different. Then they pounced, scuffled and eventually found their reward. It was an interesting activity for the snow leopards, the children in the workshop, the keepers and the other visitors to the Zoo.
Two of the large balls were then hung in the lar gibbon enclosure with peanuts hidden inside. They were patted and rolled but it didn't take them long to discover the treasure inside.
The last two large balls were given to the siamang gibbons. They were quite cautious at first, touching them and then pulling back. They grabbed onto the rope and when the ball rolled after them they were frightened and let go. Little Kera, just 16 months old, was afraid and climbed to the top of the poles to get away from these strange things. The male, Armstrong, was the bravest and he moved it around until it landed in the water. He managed to scoop out some of the peanuts and he ate them. Fern meanwhile had the other ball and she was making a good effort climbing the ropes and dragging the ball along. It was tricky and she dropped it a few times and had to start again.
Eloise Whiffen
Education Officer
