PARK’S ANIMALS TOOK TRAGEDY HARD
EXTRAORDINARY research has revealed the depths of depression suffered by Dreamworld’s animal stars on the Gold Coast in the wake of last year’s Thunder River Rapids tragedy – and their joy at the park’s reopening.
More than six months on from the disaster that claimed four lives, Dreamworld life sciences general manager Al Mucci has told a Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia conference the animals’ mood levels plummeted during the two- month closure but quickly rebounded once guests returned.
Taking samples from th the d droppingsi of Dreamworld’s tigers and koalas, biologists from the University of Queensland were able to measure levels of cortisol, a hormone which varies depending on triggers such as stress, fear and anxiety.
Readings skyrocketed after the closure in October, but returned to normal following the reopening in December.
The data was measured against other changes in behaviour, environment, reproduction and health.
Mr Mucci said the wellbeing of the animals was a major challenge following the disaster.
“N Not onlyl d did the staff have to adapt to the sudden change of no guests, but so did our wildlife family,” he said.
“Koalas suddenly were not being handled.
“We had a brand new world- class Tiger Island with no guests. “We had to think outside the square.” During the closure, Dreamworld animal handlers were mindful of the disruption to routine, inviting staff to fulfil the koalas’ cuddle quota.
Staff were also encouraged to take lunch breaks at Tiger Island while renta- crowds were brought in to watch the animals perform.