Ipswich City Council

Media Release

Zookeepers converge on Ipswich for annual conference

4 November 2009

Queens Park Environmental Education Centre and the Ipswich Nature Centre will be in the spotlight as members of the Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (Queensland Branch) hold their annual conference in Ipswich this Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7.

Mayor Paul Pisasale, who will open the conference, said Ipswich was proud to host the conference which had delegates from all over Queensland and Australia.

"We have increased the size of Ipswich Nature Centre and the range of animals over the past few years to include some extremely rare animals including the spotted-tailed quoll and, of course the bilbies for which we are extremely proud.

"The visitor numbers have subsequently increased substantially as a result with many people travelling from coastal or inland centres because they can come to Ipswich and see these animals absolutely free of charge."

Environment and Conservation Committee Chairperson Councillor Cheryl Bromage said the conference included some papers on the care and welfare of many Australian animals including the Mahogany Glider, Echidna and captive breeding of the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly.

"These are the people at the forefront of presenting animals for educational, display and conservation purposes to the public across Queensland and Australia and this forum is a place where many great ideas will be generated to put into practice later.

"It is fantastic to think our humble Ipswich Nature Centre can share centre stage with keepers, managers and regulatory authorities from Australia Zoo, Cairns Wildlife Safari Reserve, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Biosecurity Queensland, David Fleay's Fauna Reserve and Australian Wildlife Experience at Dreamworld.

"We wish you well and look forward to more positive ideas for the preservation of our wildlife."

-ENDS-

Search the media release archive

Last Updated 4 Nov 2009 |

Print this page |