ZOO FODDER PROJECT MEASURES UP

01-10-2008
The City of Mandurah and the Career Enterprise Centre are working together to supply food for giraffes at Perth Zoo as part of the zoo’s fodder production program.

A portion of City land on Red Road (Reserve 39983) is being used to establish a temporary plantation of Acacia Saligna (golden wreath or orange wattle) and site preparation for the plantation was carried out by Cityparks staff to clear it of weeds and rubble.

In July, Career Enterprise Centre students pegged out about a hectare of the area with the help of the Challenger TAFE horticulture lecturer and planted 350 plants in 15 north-south facing rows.

Mandurah Mayor Paddi Creevey said it was hoped the project would be successful enough to inspire another plantation nearby.

“The participating students initially grew 2000 plants for the project, some of which will be used to replace any plants that do not survive while the rest will be will be used for next year’s planting,” Mayor Creevey said.

“Harvesting will commence in two years from planting with branches of two metres in length used to feed the giraffes at Perth Zoo and the smaller branches used for brushing along the Mandurah coastline to help stabilise sand dunes and hold seed for future growth.”

RELEASE ENDS

30 September 2008

Last modified 01-10-2008 01:50 PM