Eastern Water Dragon Facebook PR

The Eastern Water Dragon – Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s cunning scavenger

When visiting Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, you will no doubt have an encounter with one of our Eastern Water Dragons (intellegama lesueurii) that love to pop over, say hi and see if there is any food about.

The species, local to the area, has populated the Sanctuary right from the beginning and is an ever present guest, numbering in their hundreds.

The feeding of other wildlife provides the perfect food source for the scavenging Dragon and they are experts at getting into enclosures and stealing food.

A territorial animal, the Dragon’s will compete in agressive tournaments for their territories and breeding rights and are never too far away from the action, especially around feeding times.

They communicate by bobbing their heads and “waving” their forelimbs which makes for the perfect photo so make sure to always have a camera ready for when you have your encounter with one of the parks most cunning and photogenic guests’

Emergency Surgery Saves Pied Cormorant

Saved Pied Cormorant serves as reminder of dangers animals face in the wild

Fishing is a favourite pass-time on the Gold Coast and many make their way out onto our waterways on a daily basis with rod and tackle in hand.

The need to be environment and wildlife friendly, particularly when fishing though, is of paramount importance before, during and after to make sure that no line, hooks or fishing tackle is left behind.

Hooks and line used by fishermen pose a serious threat to our wildlife as we can see with this Pied Cormorant that arrived at the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital in poor health needing emergency care.

The Pied Cormorant had ingested four hooks and fishing line that had been discarded, causing it to require surgery to not only remove the line and hooks, but to repair the internal damaged that was caused.

In this case, the Cormorant is doing well and is expected to make a full recovery and will make its way back into the wild in due time.

While the cormorant was lucky that help was available in time, not many are quite as fortunate and are injured and/or killed in the wild, due to the discarded tackle.

Everyone is urged to take care when fishing and when out on our waterways to make sure that no tackle or rubbish is discarded and that the environment, is kept as clean and as safe for animals as possible.

Southern Cassowary Digital Media Story

‘Cass’, our female Southern Cassowary is 22 years of age and is one of two of her kind we care for at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

The other, male ‘Troppo’, is 21 and although both are no longer part of a breeding program, they remain as energetic and charismatic as they were in their youth.

The Southern Cassowary, referred to as the ‘living Dinosaur’ after populating the earth for 65 million years, is the largest bird found in Australia and stands up to two metres in height and females like Cass can weigh up to a whopping 76kg’s.

They are a majestic animal with features distinguishing them from all other birds. A striking bird with a shiny-black plumage, a blue and purple neck, long red wattles and striking amber eyes, their wondrous appearance is truly unique.

Perhaps the most unique and distinguishable feature of the Southern Cassowary is its tall, brown casque (helmet) on top of its head which continues to grow throughout the bird’s life.

The casque is a honeycomb structure made out of keratin (such as the outer layer of skin on human fingers). The casque is spongy inside and while there are many theories as to its true purpose, one is that it may act as a shock-absorber, protecting the bird’s head when making its way through dense rainforest and scrub. Another is that it is used in developing vocalisations, for sending and receiving low frequency sounds between Cassowaries that can
penetrate thick forest.

The Cassowary is also regarded as ‘nature’s gardener’ as there are at least 20 rainforest plants that will not germinate (grow from a seed), unless they pass through the gut of a Cassowary, making the bird a ‘keystone species’.

Cassowaries just like Cass are a threatened species and their protection and ongoing survival is crucial. While the impact of losing the species would not be felt for generations, the impact on germination and ultimately the environment could be catastrophic.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary protects over 30 threatened species including the Southern Cassowary and is committed to their ongoing survival and care.

Eastern Bristlebird Media Conference

Endangered species found by detector dog say ‘Hi’ to the world

Currumbin wildlife Sanctuary keepers have their hands full raising three newly hatched endangered species of bird thanks to ‘Penny’ a specially trained detector dog.

At two years of age, the canine superstar is trained specifically for detecting threatened species and lived up to her training by locating wild chicks and eggs of the endangered and highly sought after Eastern Bristlebird.

Of the Bristlebird’s located by Penny, two are related and all three enchanting chicks have become a valuable addition to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s breed and release program.

The successful program is crucial for ensuring the species survival and takes us one step closer to saving their wild counterparts from extinction.

The three Eastern Bristlebird chicks met members of the media today and posed for photos while enjoying a meal of grubs.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s Bird Supervisor Clancy and Animal Supervisor Shannon – who cares for Penny and assists with her training – were on hand to introduce our wonderful Bristlebird’s to the world.

The chicks will continue to be hand-reared until ready for the next step in our program but appear to be thoroughly enjoying their time at the Wildlife Sanctuary.

Golden Brush Tail Media Release

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary would officially like to introduce to the world our latest edition, a very special baby Brushtail possum named ‘Digger’.

The five month old is no regular possum and is very special to not only Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary,
but to his kind in general as he is a golden brushtail possum, the rarest possum in Australia.

The golden gene is caused by a rare genetic mutation, acquired directly from a parent – in this case by father ‘Steve’, who is also a golden brushtail and one of the Sanctuary’s residents.

Digger received his name as the result of a competition we held on Facebook, offering members of the public the rare chance to be forever linked to him by naming the baby possum.

After receiving many wonderful options, Digger was the unanimous favourite, especially with Anzac Day fast approaching.

While still young, Digger spends his days curled up safely with mum ‘Brenda’ (a common brushtail),
but has recently started spending time out from her pouch as he gets older and is ready to say hello to the world.

Aside from Steve and Digger, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary also boasts another golden brushtail possum named ‘Heath’, who can be seen daily at the park as part of our ‘Blinky Bill, Wildlife to the Rescue Show’.

The show offers a rare and unique experience as guests are invited onto the stage at the end of the show to get up close and personal with Heath while posing for a photo.

Golden brushtail possum facts:

 Golden Brushtail Possums grow to be slightly larger and plumper than the size of the average domestic cat and have strong claws and sharp teeth.

 Due to their colouration, they are often thought to be albinos although this is not correct as they do have coloured pigmentation for their skin and eyes.

 Although Common Brushtails are widespread through Mainland Australia, the Golden form has only been found in the eucalypt forests of Tasmania and south of Sydney.

 The female comes into season every 54 days with a gestation period of 44 days. This is the longest gestation period of any marsupial.

 Young are considered to be independent at around 18 months – two years of age. Please register your attendance with Nancy Ruscitti via email nruscitti@cws.org.au or on 07 5534 0829

What:  Interview and photograph opportunity at the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.  Staff will be available to handle the golden brushtail for close-up photo opportunities.

When: Thursday 30/4/2015

Time:  11am

Where: Please meet at the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital reception – 28 Millers Drive Currumbin

For further information:

Nancy Ruscitti

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

P: 07 5534 0829

nruscitti@cws.org.au

For more information about Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, visit http://www.cws.org.au

– ENDS –

Frog Day Media Conference

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary marks Save the Frogs Day with World First

 

In celebration of Save the Frogs Day on Saturday April 25, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is proud to announce a population explosion of our tiny Liem’s Tinker frogs.

The tiny breed of frog that is so small it can fit on the end of your little finger, forms a crucial part of our conservation program to help curb a level of extinction not seen since the Dinosaurs!

Frog expert and Amphibian Supervisor, Michael Vella, was on hand to proudly make the announcement and provide an insight into our breeding program.

The breeding program makes Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary the first institution in the world to breed wild Tinker frogs that have bred into another generation.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, along with Griffith University, firstly obtained permits to capture adult and tadpole Liem’s and from there were able to implement the successful program.

The announcement marks a serious win for the future of the frog and wildlife conservation as out of six known species of Tinker frogs, all but the Liem’s Tinker are critically endangered or extinct.

Queensland has the highest rate of extinction among frogs in the country and since 1990, 20% of all Australia’s frog population has become threatened with extinction.

Tinker Frogs have also been identified as requiring the most urgent attention of all Australian frogs and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is committed to ensuring their future.

 

My Story And Exclusive Pics of Baby Golden Brush Tail Possum “Digger”

Digger – Our Golden Boy

BACK TO LATEST NEWS

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary would officially like to introduce to the world our latest edition, a very special baby Brushtail possum named ‘Digger’. The five month old is no regular possum and is very special to not only Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, but to his kind in general as he is a golden brushtail possum, the rarest possum in Australia.

The golden gene is caused by a rare genetic mutation, acquired directly from a parent – in this case by father ‘Steve’, who is also a golden brushtail and one of the Sanctuary’s residents. Digger received his name as the result of a competition we held on Facebook, offering members of the public the rare chance to be forever linked to him by naming the baby possum. After receiving many wonderful options, Digger was the unanimous favourite, especially with Anzac Day fast approaching.

While still young, Digger spends his days curled up safely with mum ‘Brenda’ (a common brushtail), but has recently started spending time out from her pouch as he gets older and is ready to say hello to the world.

Aside from Steve and Digger, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary also boasts another golden brushtail possum named ‘Heath’, who can be seen daily at the park as part of our ‘Blinky Bill, Wildlife to the Rescue Show’.The show offers a rare and unique experience as guests are invited onto the stage at the end of the show to get up close and personal with Heath while posing for a photo.

Golden brushtail possum facts:

• Golden Brushtail Possums grow to be slightly larger and plumper than the size of the average domestic cat and have strong claws and sharp teeth.

• Due to their colouration, they are often thought to be albinos although this is not correct as they do have coloured pigmentation for their skin and eyes.

• Although Common Brushtails are widespread through Mainland Australia, the Golden form has only been found in the eucalypt forests of Tasmania and south of Sydney.

• The female comes into season every 54 days with a gestation period of 44 days. This is the longest gestation period of any marsupial.

• Young are considered to be independent at around 18 months – two years of age.

http://www.cws.org.au/digger-our-golden-boy/

Palm Beach Cycles Donation Story

An article I did on a bike that was donated to the Sanctuary from local business: Palm Beach Cycles.

The article, which I researched, interviewed for, compiled and wrote, was used as a PR exercise to display local comminity engagement and further enhance our reputation and standing in the community.

National Trust Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

May 7 at 6:05pm ·

Thank you Palm Beach Cycles!

The Sanctuary’s work is not-for-profit and relies on the grants, donations and the care and generosity of locals and visitors alike.

It’s these such relationship’s that allow the Sanctuary to continue and has seen it receive not only cash and funding, but equipment crucial for assisting staff to carry out their important work.

One such local business, Palm Beach Cycles, personifies this relationship and commitment to local business.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Birds and Conservation Supervisor, Clancy Hall, realised the crucial need for another bike to assist Wildlife staff in carrying out their work and with the Palm Beach Cycles relationship already in place, approached them for assistance.

“The keepers only had one bike to share between the entire Wildlife Staff,” Clancy said. “It (the bike) was from Palm Beach Cycles so I approached them to donate.”

Palm Beach Cycles were only too happy to assist and generously donated a new bike for staff to utilise after Clancy’s pitch.
“We value the opportunity to showcase our products and in turn to help the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary,” they said.

The new bike has alleviated the pressure for Wildlife staff and has assisted them in carrying out a range of activities in an optimum time-frame.

“Wildlife staff (utilise it) and it is used for carting animals, food and equipment from one side of the Sanctuary to the other,” Clancy said.

We would like to thank Palm Beach Cycles for their wonderful donation to our Sanctuary!

Daniel McKenzie

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Facebook PR Caption Contest

Here was a shot I captured of a Koala making a strange face. The pic was used in a PR run for the Sanctuary on it’s Facebook account, asking followers and the public to come up with the ideal caption. It proved a success and received great input and engagement.

National Trust Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

April 22 · Edited ·

Too cheeky! Let’s give this to our followers to caption!
@australia Visit Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Pic by: Daniel McKenzie

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My pics with captions featured on Currumbin Sanctuary’s Instagram for PR and Digital Media

 

A selection of my pics captured and uploaded to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Instagram account. The pics got great exposure and were a great PR exercise for me in trying to identify what type of images should be captured to best engage the public and provide a positive outcome for the Sanctuary.