I would like to take this opportunity to advise you that Zoos South Australia will cease business operations at Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary effective 1 March.

In line with the Zoos SA 5-Year Business Plan, introduced in July 2012, the ZSA executive team in conjunction with the Board began a detailed assessment of our business operations, which included reviewing the business at Warrawong. A number of scenarios were considered and ultimately the decision came down to the fact that we are no longer in position to realise a sustainable return on investment from the property.

On Thursday, November 1, our team at Warrawong began the month with a pleasant surprise...a Tawny Frogmouth chick!

A fluffy surprise for Warrawong!

Last year saw the return of Woylies or Brush Tail Bettongs to Warrawong Sanctuary and I'm excited to announce a second introduction of an additional five Woylies to our already growing population!

This critically endangered marsupial can only be seen at night. Photo: Kate Haensel

For many years dedicated volunteers from both Adelaide and Monarto Zoos have been visiting a variety of community groups sharing fascinating stories of things that happen both front of house and behind the scenes at our Zoos. Funny anecdotes always bring laughter and intimate tales of individual animals can sometimes bring tears, but our volunteers always leave their audience smiling from ear to ear.

Not only do volunteers speak publicly they also create yummy treats for our animals. Photo: Dave Mattner

With the July school holidays quickly approaching it's time to start planning your trip to the Zoo! Commencing on June 30, Adelaide and Monarto Zoos and Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary will offer visitors the unique opportunity to explore the 'winter' animal kingdom.

With each location open every day of the school holidays, families will discover what winter means for our animals and how different species adapt to their environment. For species from warmer climates visitors will learn about the extra lengths zookeepers go to, to keep them snugly-warm through the colder months.

Get up close and personal with some of the Zoo's weird and wonderful creatures during Zoomobile presenations. Photo: Dave Mattner

During late March Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary conducted its annual small mammal census. This year the process stepped up a notch with the inclusion of Zoo's Animal Health, and Species Management teams. This contributed greatly to more accurate processing of animals and data recording.

In the weeks prior to the census 150 cage traps, including small traps designed to capture mammals such as rodents, were distributed around the sanctuary. To encourage animals into the traps, they were locked open and food was placed inside. This meant when it came to trapping the animals they weren't shy of going into them. Once everything was set we were geared up for eight trapping sessions conducted over two weeks.

March 2012 is an exciting time on the calendar for Zoos SA. It marks the launch of the Thailand Wildlife Discovery tour, which will depart from Adelaide and spend 15 days exploring the many wonders that Thailand has to offer. Led by myself, Terry Intarakhamhaeng, Zoos SA birding specialist and Thai wildlife expert, this tour will not only focus on the many bird and wildlife species of the region, but also the culture, cuisine and mythology of this beautiful country.