Dear Sydney Aquarium,
I was interested in the ducks in the southern rivers tank. How do they get in and out, or do they live in the tank all the time? Do they ever get to fly?
ian (34)*
Dear Ian,
Thankyou for your feedback regarding our displays.
The ducks which you refer to are Chestnut Teals (Anas castanea). Like most waterbirds, in the wild they suffer from a vast array of threats: wetland modifications, increased salinity, grazing, clearing and burning. In coastal areas, their preferred estuary and inlet habitats are threatened by increased development. In areas where hunting is permitted, they are widely hunted and the introduced Fox is also a major problem as they predate on adults, young and eggs alike.
At the Sydney Aquarium we have provided our 2 specimens with a climate controlled mixed species display that mimics their natural environment. A specialized lighting control system gradually ramps the light intensity up and then back down over the course of a day. Additional ultraviolet light is also provided to cater for their needs and that of the reptiles with which they share their exhibit. In terms of diet, they are provided with a premium array of seed mix, insects and vegetation.
The 2 ducks which we selected were chosen owing to their suitability for display to the public. They were transferred from another institution where they were raised in captivity and are anatomically incapable of flight. The standards for exhibiting animals in NSW are regulated by the Director General, NSW Department of Primary Industries ... [blah. blah, edited for length]
Thankyou again for your feedback
Kind Regards,
____ - Curatorial Manager
*I wrote my age because I filled in a form on their website designed for children to ask questions and I didn't want to appear creepy by pretending to be a child!