IF you notice a few changes at the Tamworth Marsupial Park, it’s because the state government has requested them after a recent inspection.
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Two ducks will be rehomed after being forced to leave the free flight aviary, as the NSW government has strict rules regarding native and non-native animals being displayed in the same enclosure.
Two baby peacocks will be moved for the same reason, while the goldfish will be relocated due to “their proximity to flood gates, as there is a risk they may enter waterways if the area was to flood”.
Someone has already put their hand up to take on the New Zealand scaup ducks – but don’t worry, Willy the duck is still there.
A Department of Primary Industries (DPI) spokesperson said the General Standards for Exhibiting Animals in NSW require that “animals in multi-species displays be displayed in ecologically and biogeographically correct species assemblages”.
“Therefore species should be held together only if they naturally occur in the same region,” they said.
The park has also been told to remove signs on aviaries which have pet names that have given to individual birds.
The DPI said each enclosure must “display signs that identify and provide information about the animals”.
Friends of the Tamworth Marsupial Park president John McDarmont said the park was more than happy to comply with the changes and appreciated the advice from the inspection.
“The park is under exactly the same rules as Taronga Zoo, but it’s run by volunteers,” Mr McDarmond said.
The last time the park was inspected was in 2006.