Guess who’s coming to the Zoo?
Published on 25 May 2020
Rocky Zoo is getting ready to welcome some mischievous new residents, with works soon to begin on a brand new enclosure!
Parks Portfolio Councillor Cherie Rutherford said Zoo staff had been working over the past 12 months on a new acquisition for the zoo.
“I am absolutely thrilled to announce that the animals relocating to Rocky are a cheeky mob of meerkats!” said Cr Rutherford.
“Once the enclosure is complete we’ll be looking to welcome a small non-breeding group of around six meerkats.
“I understand that meerkats can have some complex social dynamics and are no strangers to family drama – so if you’re a reality TV lover be prepared to head to the zoo for your new favourite show!”
Councillor Rutherford confirmed that the contract to build the enclosure, as well as a new perimeter fence for the Zoo, was now out to tender.
“As always we will be using our longstanding Local Preference Policy as part of the tender award process, meaning extra weighting is given to local businesses in the scoring process.
“The home we’re planning to build for the meerkats will have glass viewing panels for easy viewing, a night house, lots of nooks and crannies to tunnel in, and a couple of high sentry posts. As meerkats are desert dwellers the enclosure will be open, sandy, and rocky. We will also have heat lamps for when nights drop below 18 degrees.
“We will also be upgrading the perimeter fence around the whole Zoo, and the access gates.”
“At this stage we don’t have an exact date for when our new residents will arrive, but we will be sure to let you know once the meerkats are in Rocky.
“The Zoo holds such a special place in our community and is a wonderful drawcard for tourists.
“These delightful animals will only add to how incredible our Zoo already is, and I feel confident that the community will be just as thrilled as I am to welcome them!”
Rockhampton Zoo is owned and operated by Rockhampton Regional Council. It is currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions but there are keeper talks, videos, and regular updates on the Rocky Zoo Facebook page.