Nature Watch: Welcome to a little baby baboon.
Welcome to Zendaya: A cheeky baby baboon is settling into a fun family life at Woombye’s Wildlife HQ. Zookeepers have kept a close eye on 14-week-old Zendaya, which means “be thankful”, and she has already developed a bold personality. Zendaya was the first baboon born at Wildlife HQ in more than five years and she has joined a troop, including first-time mum Abeba, dad Tehuti and aunties Zola and Layla.
Butterfly and moth on Pentis
Butterfly numbers have been much higher than usual this season, according to Nature Watch regular Don McGlusky of Diddilibah. “Caterpillars have stripped the White Cedar tree and many garden plants,” he said. “Also the Apple Blossom tree has taken a beating. It is very hard to photograph the butterflies as they are very active. While this shot isn’t great I thought it was a keeper due to the presence of the moth as well. A bit unusual.”
Python & Frogmouth blend in at Mary Cairncross:
Meanwhile, the resident Mary Cairnross Scenic Reserve carpet python was sunning itself last week. At the same time a glorious Twany frogmouth blended into the trees. Their plumage is mottled grey, white and black. The feather patterns help them mimic dead tree branches. Their feathers are soft, like those of owls, allowing for stealthy, silent flight. They have stocky heads with big yellow eyes.
• Send your Nature Watch pic to editor@sunshinevalleygazette.com.au.