The post Alma Park Zoo has Closed; however the animal collection is being looked after by Queensland Zoo located at the big Pineapple, Nambour until we complete construction of our new Zoo at Logan. appeared first on Alma Park Zoo Brisbane | Official Site.

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Here are six fantastic reasons to spend time at Alma Park Zoo during the Australia Day long weekend in 2014!

1. Free Gas BBQ facilities & parking

Australia Day is the best time to fire up the BBQ for a traditional Aussie lunch!  All guests to Alma are welcome to use our free gas BBQ’s under the shade of our rainforest canopy.   Best of all, parking is within the Zoo, so you can pop back to your car anytime for any supplies that you may need for your BBQ.

Use our free BBQ facilities to cook your own Australia Day BBQ!

2. Cuddle up to a Koala

Learn more about Australia’s iconic Koala and the threats to their survival in the wild during our Koala Talk at 11:30am & 2:30pm within the Koala section.    Get up close and personal with a koala to have your photo taken!  Tickets for Koala Photos will be available from our Palm Cafe before 11:00am.  Tickets are $20.

Cuddle a koala on Australia Day!

Keeper Ian with Olive the Olive Python.

3. Pat a Python

Alma Park Zoo has over 5 different species of Australian Native Pythons.

On Australia Day, learn more about Australian Native Pythons during our Reptile Talk at 12:30pm in Fountain Park.

All of our pythons are friendly and love to cuddle!

You can get up close and personal with a Python for a photo.  Tickets for Python photos are available at Palm Cafe before 11:00 am. Tickets are $20

4. Touch a Tassie Devil

Where can you actually touch a Tasmanian Devil? At Alma Park Zoo!

Get close to a Tasmanian Devil on Australia Day.

Come to meet our new Tasmanian Devil babies and have your photo taken with them!  Our Tasmanian Devil babies were born at Alma in April 2013.  They are the third generation to be born at the Zoo.

Our Keepers will be giving a Tasmanian Devil Talk and souvenir photo opportunity at 11:40 am and 2:30 pm at the Koala section.

Photo tickets for Tassie Devils are available from Palm Cafe from 10:00am on the day. Tickets are $20.

5. Cuddle a Crocodile

Want to get up close and personal with a Australian Fresh Water Crocodile?

Meet a crocodile on Australia Day!

Attend our Reptile Talk in Fountain Park at 12:30pm for your chance to cuddle a Crocodile!

Tickets for Croc Cuddles can be purchased from our Palm Cafe after 10:00pm.  Tickets are $20

6. Aussie Discovery Encounter

Aussie Discovery provides you with the opportunity to select a group of four Australian Native animals for a special close encounter experience.

You may choose any four of the following animals for your Aussie Discovery Experience:

• Koala,
• Pythons,
• Freshwater Crocodile,
• Dingo,
• Quoll,
• Possum,
• Kangaroo or Wallaby.

Bookings for this special encounter are essential!

Zoo Timetable and Map

Aussie Animals are not the only animals you will see and learn about at Alma Park Zoo during the Australia Day long weekend.  Please refer to our Zoo Timetable below for our Keeper Talks and activities that will run each day of the long weekend!

	10:45am	Hamadryas Baboon Presentation Learn more Scooby and his troop at Alma Park Zoo!	Baboon Exhibit
	11:30am	Koalas & Devils Presentation Learn more about Australia’s cuddliest animal, the Koala.	Koala Exhibit (next to Kangaroos)
	11:40am	Koala Souvenir Photos Snuggle up close to a cuddly koala or a Tasmanian Devil for a Souvenir Photo!  Photo tickets can be purchased from Palm Cafe on the day of your visit. More info	Koala Exhibit (next to Kangaroos)
	12:30pm	Reptile Presentation Learn more about snakes and crocodilians from our Reptile Keepers.	Opposite Zoo Fountains
	12:40pm	Reptile Souvenir Photos Hold a snake or a crocodilian for a Souvenir Photo of your visit!  Photo tickets can be purchased from Palm Cafe on the day of your visit. More info	Opposite Zoo Fountains
	1:00pm	Malayan Sunbear Presentation Learn more about Maly the Sunbear, the only Sunbear in Queensland!	Sunbear Exhibit
	2:30pm	Koala & Devil Souvenir Photos Snuggle up close to a cuddly koala or a Tasmanian Devil for a Souvenir Photo!  Photo tickets can be purchased from Palm Cafe before 2pm on the day of your visit. More info	Koala Exhibit (next to Kangaroos)
	2:15pm	Marmoset VIP Encounter Get up close and personal with a Marmoset Monkey. Pre bookings from our website are essential before your visit to the Zoo.	Small Monkey Exhibit
	3.00pm	Ring Tailed Lemur VIP Encounter Get up close and personal with a Lemur.  Pre bookings from our website are essential before your visit to the Zoo.	Lemur Exhibit

Alma Park Zoo Map – January 2014

The post Australia Day long weekend at Alma Park Zoo appeared first on Alma Park Zoo Brisbane | Official Site.

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Earlier in 2013, Alma Park Zoo became a member of the European Endangered Species (EES) program with the arrival of a breeding pair of Emperor Tamarin monkeys.

Emperor Tamarin monkey – Aya
Photo © Teale Shapcott

The male, Gomez arrived from Aalborg Zoo in Denmark in January and the female, Aya arrived from Lyon Zoo in France in March.

Becoming a member of the EES program was based on the Alma Park Zoo’s excellent track record of husbandry and breeding of primates, including marmosets and the Critically Endangered Cotton Top Tamarins.

There are few Emperor Tamarin monkeys remaining in Australasian zoos. As a result, Gomez and Aya had to be imported to Australia to enhance the genetic diversity of the Emperor Tamarins in Australia.

Gomez and Aya represent new genetics for the Australasian region and we are so delighted to announce that they have produced a baby Tamarin in December 2013.

Similar to the Cotton Top Tamarins, the male Gomez, is the primary care giver of the new baby.  Gomez can be seen carrying, grooming and protecting his new family member.  Gomez will take the baby to Aya to be fed.

Emperor tamarins are native to woodlands of the SW Amazon Basin.  A sub-species (S. i. subgrisescens) includes this range and also Bolivia.

In other areas such as Bolivia the IUCN classifies their status as indeterminate.   Although their natural range was previously remote and this species considered relatively secure (Least Concern, IUCN), their habitat is now impacted by deforestation for logging and cattle ranching, and populations of Emperor tamarins are decreasing.

Emperor Tamarin father Gomez proudly carrying his new baby. Photo © Alma Park Zoo

They are listed as a Threatened species in Brazil and Peru, with other populations classed as indeterminate status due to lack of data.

The Emperor tamarin breeding program at Alma Park Zoo will contribute to the conservation of these small primates, ensuring captive populations continue to include a sound genetic representation and remain healthy for the future.

Simply adorable! Emperor Tamarin monkey baby at Alma Park Zoo Photo © Alma Park Zoo

Gomez carrying and protecting his new baby. Photo © Alma Park Zoo

The post Our new baby Emperor Tamarin monkey! appeared first on Alma Park Zoo Brisbane | Official Site.

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As 2013 draws to a close, we are taking a look back on the contributions Alma Park Zoo has made to animal conservation during the year.

We are delighted that we have been able to raise over $10,000 for animal conservation groups and contribute to the genetic diversity of Cotton Top Tamarins, Emperor Tamarins, Tasmanian Devils and Koalas.  We would like to thank all those who have supported the Zoo with our animal conservation activities throughout 2013.

Animal Conservation Donations

Thank you to our amazing Alma Volunteers!

In 2013, Alma Park Zoo have raised over $10,000 in donations for external animal conservation groups.   This was achieved by:

• Special Event Days at the Zoo
  • - Maly the Sunbear Birthday Event
  • - Rainforest Conservation Day
  • - International Red Panda Day
  • - Simba the Dingo Birthday Event
  • - Australia Day Native Animal Day
  • - Free the Bears Auction Gala
• Donation boxes around the Zoo for:
  • - Cotton Top Tamarins
  • - Koalas
  • - Dingoes
  • - Sunbears

All funds were donated to the following animal conservation beneficiaries that are supported by Alma Park Zoo:

• Free the Bears – Saving Sunbears
• Australian Dingo Foundation
• Australian Koala Foundation
• Devils in Danger  - Saving Tasmanian Devils. 
• Proyecto Titi – Saving Cotton Top Tamarins. 
• Red Panda Network. 

Thank you to all our guests who attended Alma’s Special Event Days and contributed to helping us raise money to donate to animal conservation funds.  A big thank you also to the amazing Alma Park Zoo Volunteer Team that provide valuable contributions to organising and running these Event Days so that they are a success for humans and animals alike!

The Staff and Volunteers of Alma Park Zoo who helped make Cele-BEAR-ating Malys 5th Birthday a fun event for all.

Breeding Program Achievements

Zoo breeding programs are very important for supporting animal conservation initiatives throughout the world.  Animals that are becoming endangered in their own natural environment need the support of Zoo collections.  Zoo’s contribute to preserving and enhancing the genetic diversity of the endangered and threatened species through breeding programs.

Cotton Top Tamarin Monkeys

With less than 5,000 Cotton Top Tamarins in the wild, Zoo breeding programs are very important to save Cotton Top Tamarins from extinction.  Alma Park Zoo is one of the only Zoos in Australia that actively support Proyecto Titi to save the Cotton Top Tamarins in their natural habitat.  We have also successfully welcomed the arrival of 5 Cotton Top Tamarin offspring to contribute to other Zoo breeding programs.

Emperor Tamarin Monkeys

In early 2013, Alma Park Zoo became a member of the European Endangered Species breeding program with the arrival of a breeding pair of Emperor Tamarin Monkeys to the Zoo.

Becoming a member of this important international program was awarded based on an excellent track record of husbandry and breeding of primates, including marmosets and the Critically Endangered Cotton Top Tamarins.  This international transfer of a pair of Emperor tamarins marks the passing of a complex and lengthy process.

In December 2013, we were delighted with the arrival of our first Emperor Tamarin Monkey born at the Zoo.  More details on this baby will be available soon on our website.

Keeper Lorna with a Tasmanian Devil imp – November 2013
Photo © Teale Shapcott

Tasmanian Devils

Alma Park Zoo’s Tasmanian Devil Program is continuing to contribute to enhancing the genetic diversity of Tasmanian Devils with four new imps arriving this year.  Tasmanian Devils are endangered from Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD).  DFTD is a fatal condition in Tasmanian Devils and is only one of three recorded cancers that spread like a contagious disease.  Tasmanian Devils contract DFTD through biting.

Owing to the lack of genetic diversity in Tasmanian Devils, live tumor cells are not rejected by their immune system.

For this reason, Tasmanian Devils are being bred in Zoos and Wildlife Parks on mainland Australia to improve genetic diversity of the Devils and to develop a DFTD free population of Devils.

Koalas

Koala populations across Australia continue to be threatened by urban sprawl.  Alma Park Zoo’s Koala breeding program has also been very successful in 2013 with the arrival of 3 baby koalas.   These koalas will move onto other Zoo’s to continue enhancing the genetic diversity of koalas in other Zoo breeding programs.

Looking forward to 2014.

Thank you to everyone who supported Alma Park Zoo in 2013!  We look forward to 2014 being an even better year than 2013 for animal conservation at Alma!

The post 2013 Animal Conservation Achievements appeared first on Alma Park Zoo Brisbane | Official Site.

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Blackbuck Antelope are native to India.  They live on open plains in herds of 5-50 animals.

Blackbucks can leap extraodinarly high into the air and then run at speeds of up to 80km per hour to escape predators.

Blackbuck have been classified as near extinct since 2003. Threats to their existance include poaching, habitat destruction, overgrazing and in-breeding within remaining small herds.

The Blackbuck breeding program at Alma Park Zoo assists to develop genetic diversity of Indian Blackbuck for future generations.  Currently the Zoo has 1 mature male Blackbuck (pictured) and 2 breeding females.

In November 2012,  one of the females produced twin Blackbuck Antelopes, a male and a female.

Twin births in Blackbucks is very rare.  Both twins have grown well over the past year, with the young male exhibiting how a young male Blackbuck develops their gorgeous horns over a number of years.

Typically, young Blackbuck will remain hidden from view for a few weeks.  This protects young Blackbucks from predators.

Last years twin Blackbucks were no exception to this rule of the wild, preferring to remain hidden in the enclosure from Zoo guests for a number of weeks after they were born.

Female Blackbuck at Alma with twins November 2012. Photo © Teale Shapcott, used with permission.

However, this years baby male Blackbuck is defying wild behaviour by choosing not to remain hidden and coming close to Zoo guests to say hello!

Male baby Blackbuck born December 18th, 2013. Photo © Teale Shapcott

Name our baby Blackbuck on Facebook!

Our new baby Blackbuck male is yet to be named.  We are seeking suggestions from the fans of Alma Park Zoo on Facebook.  Keepers would like an Indian name that describes this little boy’s unusual curious nature.

To help with suggesting a name, we have included a few baby photos here!

Male baby Blackbuck Antelope Photo © Teale Shapcott, used with permission.

Male baby Blackbuck Antelope Photo © Teale Shapcott, used with permission.

Male baby Blackbuck Antelope Photo © Teale Shapcott, used with permission.

The post Blackbuck Antelope born at Alma appeared first on Alma Park Zoo Brisbane | Official Site.

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The only day of the year that Alma Park Zoo closes its gates to the public is Christmas Day.  On each day during the Christmas period, Alma Park Zoo will be open 9:00 am to 4:00pm.  Our presentation schedules and Animal Encounters will also run at normal times, just like any other day of the year!

Alma Park Zoo’s opening hours during the Christmas / New Year period are as follows:

Zoo Timetable

Our Keeper Presentations and Animal Encounters during opening times are as follows:

	10:45am	Hamadryas Baboon Presentation Learn more Scooby and his troop at Alma Park Zoo!	Baboon Exhibit
	11:30am	Koalas & Devils Presentation Learn more about Australia’s cuddliest animal, the Koala.	Koala Exhibit (next to Kangaroos)
	11:40am	Koala Souvenir Photos Snuggle up close to a cuddly koala or a Tasmanian Devil for a Souvenir Photo!  Photo tickets can be purchased from Palm Cafe on the day of your visit. More info	Koala Exhibit (next to Kangaroos)
	12:30pm	Reptile Presentation Learn more about snakes and crocodilians from our Reptile Keepers.	Opposite Zoo Fountains
	12:40pm	Reptile Souvenir Photos Hold a snake or a crocodilian for a Souvenir Photo of your visit!  Photo tickets can be purchased from Palm Cafe on the day of your visit. More info	Opposite Zoo Fountains
	1:00pm	Malayan Sunbear Presentation Learn more about Maly the Sunbear, the only Sunbear in Queensland!	Sunbear Exhibit
	2:30pm	Koala & Devil Souvenir Photos Snuggle up close to a cuddly koala or a Tasmanian Devil for a Souvenir Photo!  Photo tickets can be purchased from Palm Cafe before 2pm on the day of your visit. More info	Koala Exhibit (next to Kangaroos)
	2:15pm	Marmoset VIP Encounter Get up close and personal with a Marmoset Monkey. Pre bookings from our website are essential before your visit to the Zoo.	Small Monkey Exhibit
	3.00pm	Ring Tailed Lemur VIP Encounter Get up close and personal with a Lemur.  Pre bookings from our website are essential before your visit to the Zoo.	Lemur Exhibit

Animal Encounter Bookings

Animal Encounter bookings for the following encounters are filling fast for the Christmas New Year Break:

• Marmoset Encounter
• Ring Tailed Lemur Encounter
• Aussie Adventure Encounters
• Alma Zoom Photographer Encounters

Please ensure that you book your Animal Encounter atleast 48 hours before visiting the Zoo.

The post Christmas New Year Opening Hours appeared first on Alma Park Zoo Brisbane | Official Site.

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In December 2012, Alma Park Zoo’s Facebook page only had 2,134 followers.  Throughout 2013, this following has increased to a whooping 19,421 followers!

Our goal was to reach 10,000 followers by then end of 2013.  Gathering a following of 19,000 page followers by December 2013 was beyond our expectations and we truly appreciate everyone’s support!

Help us reach 20,000 Facebook Page Likes by 2014

To finish a great year in social media for Alma, we invite all our followers to help us reach 20,000 page likes by New Years Eve 2013.

To help us, all you need to do is share the Facebook post below and tell your Facebook friends and family why you love Alma Park Zoo!  Everyone who shares the posts below will go into the draw to win a Family Day Pass valued at $105 for 2 Adults and 3 Children under the age of 14.

So, what are you waiting for?  Share the posts below and help Alma Park Zoo start 2014 with 20,000 Facebook page followers!

Share this post with your friends on Facebook!

The post Family Pass Facebook Competition appeared first on Alma Park Zoo Brisbane | Official Site.

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Conchetta and her mate Manny have successfully welcomed another set of Cotton Top Tamarin twins to the Alma family.  This is the third set of babies for Conchetta and Manny.

We have twins! A boy & a girl!

Cotton Top Tamarins are the most endangered primates in the world.  In the wild, Cotton Top Tamarins live only in the tree tops of tropical forests in Colombia, South America.  Their habitat is threatened by deforestation and numbers have further declined from illegal pet trade.

For this reason, Zoos around the world play an important role in the conservation of the Cotton Top Tamarin for future generations.  Alma Park Zoo also work closely with Proyecto Titi in South America to support their conservation efforts of Cotton Tops.

Can you name our twin Tamarins? See below for details!

To date, Conchetta and Manny had 3 daughters at the Zoo.  In January 2012, the pair welcomed their first daughter to the Zoo.  Again in November, the little Tamarin family grew with a set of twin girls being born.  This year, the pair have successfully produced another set of twins – a boy and a girl.  Alma primate keepers are very excited to welcome the first male Cotton Top Tamarin to be born at Alma Park Zoo!

The first male Cotton Top to be born at Alma. What will his name be?

Male tamarins do most of the caring for the young, even helping with the birth.   Males carry and protect the young, except for when the mothers nurse.  The birth of a male Cotton Top Tamarin is exciting for the continued conservation of Cotton Top Tamarins in Zoo breeding programs.

The twin boy and girl Cotton Tops at Alma are strong and interacting well with their parents and siblings.  They are yet to be named, and Alma is turning to Facebook fans to help with naming the new additions to Conchetta and Manny’s little family!

Name the Cotton Top Tamarin Twins!

Would you like to suggest a name for the new Cotton Top Tamarin Twins?  Join Alma on Facebook to suggest a name for the twin boy and girl Cotton Top Tamarins!

The post Rare Cotton Top Tamarin monkeys born at Alma appeared first on Alma Park Zoo Brisbane | Official Site.

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Free the Bears is a non-profit organisation working throughout Asia to protect, preserve and enrich the lives of bears. Mary Hutton established the Free the Bears Fund in 1993.  To find out more about the Free the Bears Fund, visit their website.

On Saturday, October 12th, you are invited to join Free the Bears and Alma Park Zoo at the Hamilton Town Hall in Brisbane from 6pm to 9pm for a wonderful evening of:

• Entertainment including a special guest appearance from Alma Park Zoo Keepers who will talk about Sun Bear Conservation activities both at the Zoo and overseas.
• Hot & Cold Canapes
• Live and Silent Auctions
• Free the Bears Merchandise for Sale
• Raffles and prizes to be won!

Tickets for the Gala Event are $30 per person and seats can be booked via Alyse Milton by emailing alyse.milton@gmail.com

The post Free the Bears Auction Gala appeared first on Alma Park Zoo Brisbane | Official Site.

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There is always much to see at Alma Park Zoo and it is the perfect venue to spend time with kids during the School Holidays! There are over 200 different species of animals at Alma and we also provide our guests with opportunities to interact Koalas, Kangaroos, Wallabies, Pythons or any of the animals touring around the Zoo with Keepers on the day.

To redeem the special “Adults at Kids Prices” please download and print the voucher below and present to our Ticket Office on the following dates*:

• Tuesday 24th of September
• Wednesday 25th of September
• Tuesday 1st of October
• Wednesday 2nd of October. 

This offer is only valid if the voucher is presented to the Ticket Office on these selected dates.  An the Voucher is not valid with any other discounted entry offer from third parties.

Download & print Voucher

Pack a Picnic Lunch!

You can also pack a picnic basket and use our free onsite BBQ’s for a BBQ lunch. Our BBQ areas are located in the centre of the Zoo under the shade of large rainforest trees.

Car parking is within the Zoo, so you have an opportunity to return to your car during the day to grab your picnic basket for a family picnic in the Gardens. To assist you to plan your School Holidays visit at Alma Park Zoo, you can download and print our Zoo Map.

We Recommend..

Exploring the western section of the Zoo in the morning to see Maly the Sunbear, Simba the Dingo, the Black Capuchin Monkeys, Lemurs, Charlie the Cockatoo and to wander through the Red Kangaroo and Wallaby enclosures. You can also see the Quolls, Tasmanian Devils, Red Pandas, our new Binturong before arriving at Presentation Park for Keeper Presentations from 11:30am. Following Keeper Presentations, we invite our guests to pat and have Souvenir Photos taken with Koalas, Pythons or a Crocodilian.

Spend your lunch hour relaxing with your family with a BBQ Lunch or by visiting our Palm Cafe in the centre of the Zoo for lunch.

Following lunch explore the eastern section of the Zoo to see Baboons, Marmosets Monkeys, Tamarin Monkeys, Camels, Koalas, Wombat, Alpacas, Blackbuck Antelope or to feed the Tahr. Friendship Farm also provides your family with the opportunity to see our new baby lambs, baby alpaca and our miniature horses!

The post School Holiday Vouchers! appeared first on Alma Park Zoo Brisbane | Official Site.

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