Launch of Brush-tailed Phascogale exhibit at Perth Zoo

12/5/99
Visitors to Perth Zoo will now be able to get a close-up view of the attractive and elusive Brush-tailed Phascogale thanks to a new sponsorship of the nocturnal house.
Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes today launched the new exhibition and thanked Alcoa World Alumina B Australia for its sponsorship on behalf of the community of Western Australia.
Mrs Edwardes said Brush-tailed Phascogales had benefited from Alcoa's habitat restoration at bauxite mine sites south of Perth.
She said that through Alcoa's sponsorship, zoo visitors would now have a chance to see these largely arboreal 20cm mammals in the reverse daylight conditions of the zoo's Nocturnal House.
The new exhibit has a backdrop that features a section of rehabilitated forest in an area previously mined by Alcoa.
Mrs Edwardes said Alcoa's support of the new zoo exhibit was an extension of the conservation work that they had undertaken with many agencies in Western Australia.
"Alcoa is recognised worldwide for its mine-site rehabilitation work, some of which we can see in the WA's South-West," she said.
"As the rehabilitated mine sites become more established, animals like the Brush-tailed Phascogale are returning and being reintroduced to their former ranges.
"Seeing these interesting animals at close quarters will let zoo visitors not only appreciate these unique Australians but also learn how a responsible company regenerates the bush after mining."
Media contact: Steve Manchee 9213 6400