Fairfax Community Newspapers
4 March 2003
WERRIBEE
Open Range Zoo's male rhinoceros Kapumba has some smelly
new toys to play with. Last Friday, as part of the zoo's animal enrichment program,
the six-year-old rhino was presented with bowling balls donated by Werribee
Super Bowl.
The ball are being used as containers for smells which Kapumba
would naturally be surrounded with in the wild.
Rhino keeper Brooke Squires said: "We are trying to provide Kapumba with
as normal an environment as possible.
"The balls have grass, faeces and leaves such as peppermint
packed into the finger grip holes. He seems to be really fascinated
with the new smells."
Kapumba is one of three male bulls at
the zoo and is kept in his own private enclosure.
"We keep them separated because rhinos are very territorial.
By providing Kapumba with the balls, he is able to experience smells
that he otherwise wouldn't
on his own," Ms Squires said.
Promotions manager at Werribee Superbowl
Sebastien Wattelet said that the bowling facility staff were delighted
to have been of assistance.
"A few of the balls we donated were ones discarded by the
public.
"Others were fairly new."
Mr Wattelet said it was "great" seeing
Kapumba enjoying his new play things.
"We'll have to see if we can get Kapumba joined up in one
of the bowling leagues - although, he might have some trouble getting
his fingers into the grips."
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