THE AUSTRALIAN ANIMALS

Emus Like the Kiwi and Moa, Emus are flightless and are classified in the same category. Emus, Rheas, Cassowaries and Ostriches are all Ratites. Orana Park has had success in breeding emus. Emus are grazing birds, although not noted for their intelligence, they have keen hearing, a good sense of smell and good eyesight.
Black Swans These birds were introduced into New Zealand from Australia and have done very well here. This one and its mate are resident at Orana Park. Although free to come and go, they choose to make the Park home.
Shingleback Lizards These lizards are monogamous, mating then spending most of the year apart, but always finding the same mate the next year. Commonly encountered in the Australian outback, Shinglebacks are usually found basking in the sun. Orana Wildlife Park's Shingleback specimens are kept warm during the winter by heat pads in their den. During the summer months they are warmed by the greenhouse effect of the glass and are at their most active.
Sulphur Crested Cockatoos. While Australia is famous for its reptiles, it is also home to many colourful parrot species. Among the most sought after are the Sulphur Crested Cockatoos. These regal birds make wonderful pets, and as evident in the photograph, strike up a good relationship with their keeper. Sulphur Crested Cockatoos have established a number of wild populations in New Zealand.
Red Kangaroos No mention of Australia is complete without reference to the macropods, the giant marsupials known to most of us as Kangaroos. An adult kangaroo can hop at 60 kph and leap 7 metres. There are some 50 species of kangaroo. Each has adapted its diet according to its habitat. Red Kangaroos are grazers and if necessary can survive a week or more without water. The Red Kangaroo is the largest surviving marsupial and big males can reach 2.4 metres. Only males possess the characteristic red hair: females are more bluish grey.

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