The Friends of the Western Swamp Tortoise inspected the new prototype breeding tanks at the Perth Zoo in December, and gave them the thumbs up! The tanks, designed by Zoo staff, are at waist height for easy maintenance and handling of the reptiles, and have a special filtration system to keep their contents in an optimal state for the precious inhabitants. Early indications are that these tanks are a very workable alternative to current 30-year-old tanks and (as funds permit) they will replace the leaky, old, in-ground version.

The Perth Zoo has completed groundbreaking research to find the best methods of keeping the critically endangered Western Swamp Tortoise, as very little was previously known about their requirements for optimum health. Dedicated research and keen observation has refined keeping practices. (See recipe adjacent for a “happy meal” – tortoise style!) Funds for the prototype tanks were partly provided by a Community Conservation Grant awarded to the Friends group in April. Congratulations to Zoo staff for their continued success in the Captive Breeding Program.