Rockhampton Zoo is celebrating its 100-year anniversary! This world-famous tourist attraction on Queensland’s Gold Coast is not easing up on its efforts to educate and conserve endangered animals. Besides a wonderful variety of big and small wildlife, the zoo features interactive and educational programs that encourage engagement. It has significant value as the only remaining habitat for 41 endangered species. Rockhampton Zoo educates and entertains visitors with its interactive breeding programs. Simultaneously, it leads some of the most courageous and impactful wildlife conservation work across Australia.
Since its establishment, Rockhampton Zoo has served as a sanctuary for various animal species, including wombats and koalas, through collaborative breeding programs. These efforts are vital in keeping genetic diversity alive and ensuring the long-term survival of species. The zoo really has been a leader in this area of education. For example, they present fun and informative programs that educate guests about the need to conserve animal species.
A Commitment to Conservation
Rockhampton Zoo is deeply committed to breeding programs, being involved in hundreds each year. Their hard commitment to conservation protects native Australian species. We’ve made significant progress, including the birth of a number of chimpanzee babies. Capri came on board in 2018, followed by Gandali in 2019, and Mzuri in 2021. These births aid an Australasian breeding program that is developing a coordinated effort to share and manage genetics across zoos.
These are tough times at the zoo. The public health emergency was the direct cause of the heartbreaking euthanasia of 40 birds from its zoological aviary during 2021’s salmonella outbreak. These incidents show the complicated world of wildlife management and the constant need for attention to animal care, safety, and welfare.
“Our job here is to keep these animals in the best conditions possible to give them the best animal welfare, physically and mentally, and ensure that their genetics don’t get inbred so we can keep these species alive moving into the future.”
Along with collaborative breeding programs, Rockhampton Zoo is focusing on educating the public about the importance of conservation. Cherie Rutherford, a member of the zoo staff, emphasizes the importance of inspiring visitors to take action for wildlife preservation.
“We’re taking into account animal welfare at a whole new level. We’re inspiring the public to take action, talking about conservation, getting involved in breeding programs, we’re talking about sustainability.”
The Impact of Loss
Beyond these successes, Rockhampton Zoo had endured much loss over the decades. Cassius, the world’s oldest chimpanzee who lived to 53, died in April after a long fight with arthritis and dementia. His loss was yet another sad blow for the zoo. They remembered Ockie, who died in 2013 at 38 of suspected heart failure.
These events, as you might imagine, serve to motivate staff and remind visitors that the work they do, and the life they protect, is precious and fragile. Liz Bellward, animal care specialist at the zoo, says her happiest moments come when animals start to flourish. At the same time she’s burdened by the impact of losing them emotionally.
“What brings me joy coming to work is seeing the animals in such good condition and being looked after,”
The staff’s passion and commitment are apparent as they work to give all of the zoo’s residents — both animal and human — a truly wonderful experience.
New Initiatives and Community Engagement
Rockhampton Zoo is marking its 100th anniversary with panache! Along with this classroom space, they have added new educational programs geared at schools and community groups. Through improved experiences, this initiative focuses on increasing engagement among visitors and encouraging awareness of wildlife conservation efforts.
Shaun the koala has long been a favorite ambassador for his species at the zoo. He was rescued as a six-month-old infant with just one working eye, and his tale speaks to the zoo’s commitment to rehabilitation and positive animal care on display. Visitors to the exhibit find themselves emotionally drawn into his story. They love that the zoo is committed to making a place of refuge for animals in need.
“It’s just really good to know that we make a difference to the animals’ lives and to the people’s lives.”
The zoo’s work has inspired visitors from near and far. Significant milestones at Rockhampton Zoo have attracted national and international media attention. Paul Elliot, a senior detective involved in notable incidents at the zoo, reflects on the media’s engagement during these times.
“Not only did the local media jump on board, the national media and even international media were just constantly asking for updates,”
Rockhampton Zoo has always been an animal sanctuary. Beyond hosting terrific content and hosts, it serves as a lightning rod for civic interest and engagement.
