Monday, 18 May 2015
Elephants, giraffes and tree kangaroos are especially partial to acacia.
So it’s lucky there’s a whole new hedge of it growing – and ready for pruning – along the new carpark opposite James Oval.
By the time you read this, the acacia will already be digested by some of the animals at Perth Zoo.
The fodder team at the Zoo make regular visits to UWA to collect some of the foliage enjoyed by a range of animals including bears, koalas, some of the occupants of the nocturnal house, pandas, primates, the tortoise, macropods and cockatoos.
As well as acacia, the team looks for plants including WA peppermint, sheoak, bamboo, bottlebrush, eucalyptus and ficus.
The team collect a ute-load at a time reducing the University’s green waste and maintenance needs.
UWA horticulturalist Jamie Coopes said Campus Management were glad to assist Perth Zoo with the massive task of supplying their animals with natural fodder.
“Through our relationship with them we’ve established a usable fodder hedge that also beautifies the University’s grounds,” he said.
By Sally-Ann Jones and Trish Howard
Media references
Dr Helen Whitbread, Manager, Sustainable Initiatives (+61 8) 6488 7540
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