Kyabram Fauna Park offers echidnas an extra special treat

By Georgia Tacey

Jan 9, 2024

Tasty treat: Echidnas at Kyabram Fauna Park have been getting an extra special treat during feeding time. Photo credit: Zoos Victoria Photo by Contributed

Two echidnas have been having extra fun during feeding time at Kyabram Fauna Park.

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The echidnas are quick to slurp up their gooey food mix, so keepers are introducing puzzle feeders to make them work a bit harder for their supper.

Mammal keeper Jessica Lyne said it was a unique way for the echidnas to explore and receive their food.

“The puzzle feeders replicate wild conditions where the echidnas would be sticking their 18cm tongues into termite mounds and ant nests to get their food,” she said.

“We can design puzzle feeders in diverse ways, so it changes things up and keeps things interesting for them.

“As keepers, it’s also interesting for us to see how the echidnas interact with something new. The way their tongues flick around is fascinating.”

The two short-beaked echidnas at the park show different behaviours. ‘Eccy’ usually explores her environment during the day, while ‘Norbert’ is more likely to be seen resting underneath a log.

Short-beaked echidnas can be found across most of Australia.

Although they are not endangered, they are at risk from dog attacks, natural disasters and motor vehicles.

To avoid coming across wildlife on the road, avoid driving at dawn and dusk when animals are more active.