Better breeding
Engineers help rare tree dwellers

Engineers from 22 Const Regt admire Timika’s tightrope act in the newly built breeding facility at Melbourne Zoo. From left, Spr Stuart Quintal, Spr Sam Mckay, LCpl Philip Rees and Spr Sarah Johnston. Photo by Sgt Dave Grant, CPA

By Peter Johnson

RESERVES recently helped Melbourne Zoo create an aboveground habitat for a breeding pair of tree kangaroos named Timika and Bagi.

Engineers from 22 Const Regt, Oakleigh, helped build a rope climbing structure in the zoo’s off-limits breeding zone for the newly introduced tree kangaroos, which are native to Papua New Guinea and are an endangered species.

The engineers did the work as part of a Defence Aid to the Civil Community project.

CO 22 Const Regt Lt-Col Stephen Bell said the zoo approached the unit earlier in the year with a request to help upgrade the enclosure.

“We were only too happy to help out the zoo, it gives our soldiers an opportunity to show off the skills they have learnt in training and helps one of Melbourne’s best-loved attractions,” he said.

Melbourne Zoo director John Gibbons thanked the regiment and the Army for their support in providing climbing ropes to allow the tree kangaroos to display their natural behaviour.

“This is an important part of their captive management and breeding facilities at the zoo,” he said.

The tree kangaroos have made themselves at home, already totally comfortable with the new climbing structure and munching on prunus and elm foliage provided for them to eat.