This was published 2 years ago
‘Together they make a fantastic pair’: Dingo pups take up residence at Taronga
By James Lemon
Two five-month-old Dingo pups, Kep Kep (left) and Warada. Credit:
Who knew dingoes were this cute? Two five-month-old dingo pups, Kep Kep and Warada, are the newest residents at Taronga Zoo and their keepers say they are as friendly as they look.
Both have been given Indigenous names from the regions they were born in. Warada means “beautiful” in the Dharug language of Sydney and is where the waratah – NSW’s floral emblem – gets its name. Kep Kep means “sugar” or “sweet” in Wadawurrung language of Victoria.
“They have very different personalities,” keeper Natalie Holdsworth said. “Kep Kep is very friendly, very confident, he loves people; Warada is super switched on and she’s always checking out her environment ... together they make a fantastic pair.”
Warada was born in Sydney and is named after the Dharug word for “beautiful”, which is also where the waratah gets its name.Credit:
The pups will make their home in the new Nura Diya Australia zone, which is focused on native flora and fauna – a rising area of interest for Taronga Zoo – in the context of the Aboriginal cultural connection in caring for animals, trees and Country.
“More than three billion animals were killed or displaced during the Black Summer bushfires, with impacts on several critically endangered species,” a Taronga Zoo spokeswoman said.
“Now more than ever, Taronga understands the importance of educating and connecting with guests to inspire them to do more for the world’s wildlife ... it’s important to educate people on what is in their backyard.”
Nura Diya Australia is slated to open in the new year, but in the meantime guests can meet Warada and Kep Kep at keeper talks at 10.30am daily, and at more intimate encounters later in the morning.
The dingoes will be on display full-time when Nura Diya Australia opens in early 2023 along with other native animals like kangaroos, wallabies and platypuses.
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