Brevard Zoo Lands of Change: Australia and Beyond

Brevard Zoos Lands of Change: Australia and Beyond

With the opening of Lands of Change: Australia and Beyond in 2017, the Brevard Zoo upgraded the Australasia section of the zoo. With this redesigned loop featuring animals from Australia and Oceania, the zoo introduced the Komodo Dragon. Built a new walk-through Kangaroo Habitat. Redesigned two aviaries for Lorikeets and Cockatiels, added a 100 seat educational theater and brought back Visayan Warty Pigs, Cassowaries, emus and Wrinkled Hornbills back to the zoo.

The Resident Animals of Lands of Change

First up as we cross the bridge into the Lands of Change we come across the home of Wrinkled Hornbills. Signing in this section of the Zoo will give us forecasts for change as well as a brief fact or two about the species itself. Here we learn that Mothers of this species will use a mixture of food, droppings and feathers to seal herself into a nest hole. After the eggs hatch the father bird will continue to deliver food for several weeks. Forecast for this species is a simple message - Fewer big trees means there's fewer nest holes which in turn means fewer hornbills.

Following the path to the right we will come across the habitat for Sheldon the Komodo Dragon. With multiple yards and several viewing locations, there's always the opportunity to see this big lizard
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Finding a mate can be tough for lizards stranded on an island. To deal with this, some of these lizards can reproduce without the need for breeding. Forecast for change for this species: As populations become more fragmented, this reproductive strategy could become more common.

After the Komodo dragon exhibit and on the left side of the path we will get a brief glimpse into the Kangaroo walkabout. Here we can find a favorite hangout for the resident Emus.

Emus travel long distances in search of water and food, stocking up when they have the opportunity. These birds have become more reliant on humans to quench their thirst.

Past this we will come across side by side aviaries, the first we will explore is the Lorikeet Aviary. Outside the doors we can purchase nectar cups or Seed stick for the next aviary, for two dollars. Inside the Lorikeet aviary we will find: Rainbow Lorikeets, Galah, Nicobar Pigeons, Red-Crested Turaco, Masked Lapwing, Krefft's River Turtle, Roseate Spoonbill, Scarlet Ibis, Victoria Crowned Pigeon, Mandarian & Radjah Shelduck.

As well as the Reeves's Muntjac. Even though this species is native to subtropical regions of Taiwan and China, they have been introduced to England and are thriving there. This species forecast for change: As their native countries develop they could become more common in Europe than in their natural range.

The Second Aviary is Cockatiel Creek. Here we will find: Cockatiels, Radjah Shelduck, Laughing Kookaburra, Masked Lapwing, Northern Bobwhite, Krefft's River Turtle, Nicobar Pigeons and the Tawny Frogmouth.

Across from the Aviaries is the Kangaroo Walkabout. Here we cross paths with Emus, Swamp Wallabies and Red Kangaroo.

Red Kangaroos food provides most of the water they need, so they can survive on small water rations. As their outback homes become drier, times of drought and brush fires will be more common. There forecast for change: Kangaroos are moving from their homes and getting closer to peoples. Kangaroos are taking advantage of the abundant water found in suburban Australia, which in turn makes life easier for them than in the bush.

Past the Kangaroo Walkabout we come across the Salmon-Crested Cockatoo, Southern Cassowary before passing multiple yards for the North Sulawesi Babirusa.

The males upper canine teeth grow throughout their whole life and though they are fearsome-looking the tusks are no match for humans. Forecast for change of this species is that habitat loss leaves these animals exposed to hunters, so they're moving ot higher ground to avoid people.

The last man exhibit is home to the Visayan Warty Pig. This rare wild hog species survives on just two small islands in the Philippines. Domestic Pigs have been introduced on their islands for farming and these wild hogs will breed with the domestic pigs. Forecast for change: Breeding with domestic pigs dilutes their gene pool. To make matters worse, climate change has already caused sea levels to rise, threating their homes on the pacific islands.

As we exit we pass by the Lands of Change Theater and a rotating habitat for Blue-and-Yellow, Blue-Throated, Military, Hyacinth and Scarlet Macaws.

Thank you for joining me on this trek through Lands of Change: Australia and Beyond at the Brevard Zoo located in Melbourne Florida.
-Brad

Here are a few other Zoo exhibits to explore:
San Diego Zoos Australian Outback -    • Australian Outback | San Diego Zoo  
San Diego Zoos Aviary Trail -    • San Diego Zoo Owens Aviary and Aviary...