Eco might look perpetually serious, but this white rhino actually adores attention and is always up for a play. Photo: Hannah Dix.
Do giraffes really have blue tongues? Why do Barbary sheep look like goats? And what in the world does a two-tonne rhino do for fun?
Local zookeeper Phoebe Ritchie knows the answers to these questions, and many, many more.
Phoebe has worn a fair few hats in her career, including reptile carer, vet nurse and animal trainer, but says her current role is her true calling.
Hoofed mammals, also known as ‘hoofstock’, quickly became her bread and butter when she joined the National Zoo and Aquarium in 2022.
Phoebe’s usual crew includes zebras, giraffes, rhinos, and Barbary sheep, though she also works with llamas, deer, elk, and a few different species of antelope.
“Hoofstock are generally quite social and playful. Most species live in herds or family groups,” she says.
“Just like people, the animals I work with all have their own likes, dislikes, quirks, fears and friendships. I think they’re super underrated.”
Ubuntu and Eco, the zoo’s two male white rhinos, can get through 20 kilos of food (each!) in a single day. Their keepers don’t mind, since the boys offer plenty of laughs in return.
“Ubuntu and Eco are big attention seekers; they’re very entertaining,” Phoebe says.
“Eco loves toys so much that even a new branch is exciting to him. He’ll curl his tail up and romp around, kind of like how dogs get the zoomies.
“He weighs about two tonnes, so it’s quite the sight!”
The zoo is home to six plains zebra, including the adorable Thuli, pictured here with mum Kiva. Photo: Phoebe Ritchie.
On the other end of the spectrum is Tambo, the plains zebra stallion. Those who know him are well versed in his stubborn, independent nature.
“Once Tambo decides he’s doing something, or not doing something, there’s very little chance of changing his mind,” Phoebe says.
“When we call our zebras into their night yard, he’ll sometimes think for a second, look right at me, then walk in the opposite direction.”
Phoebe also looks after a mob of seven Barbary sheep, all named after famous wizards. Native to North Africa’s rocky mountain ranges, these caprids actually aren’t sheep, goat, or antelopes, but something in between.
“Our mob often run around the enclosure together, jumping in the air, shaking their heads and sparring,” Phoebe says.
“The cracking sound their horns make when they headbutt each other is incredible, and very loud.
“They love a good dust bath, being hand-fed, and wallowing to stay cool in summer.”
Barbary sheep are also known as ‘Aoudad’. Males and females have horns and manes, which are unusual in the animal kingdom. Photo: Phoebe Ritchie.
Giraffe tongues are indeed a dark blue colour. They can grow up to half a metre long and act almost like a hand, grasping food from the treetops and pulling it down to eat.
The National Zoo and Aquarium is home to a family of giraffes, led by 14-year-old Shaba.
“Shaba is a really good boy. He’s a great example for younger giraffes like Mkali, a two-year-old female we’re training at the moment,” Phoebe says.
“We add interest to giraffe enclosures with logs, branches, scratching posts and foraging toys, which engage their minds as well as their bodies.”
Phoebe with Shaba – look closely and you’ll spot his blue tongue. Photo: Phoebe Ritchie.
Hoofstock are generally big, heavy, and have strong prey instincts even if they’ve never been in the wild. Like any animal, they can potentially be dangerous if they feel threatened.
But big animals make big messes – and every species needs some kind of enrichment. So, what happens when keepers need to get up close and personal?
“Our animals’ enclosures are their territory, so we generally stay out of their space while they’re home,” Phoebe says.
“But sometimes we have to go into an enclosure while it’s occupied. This is why keepers need to build trust with each individual; it keeps us, and them, safe.”
Hoofstock are a great choice for visitors looking to interact with animals at the zoo. Choose from plenty of close encounters, including safari packages that also feature iconic carnivores.
“I’ll never forget the first time I felt a rhino’s skin,” Phoebe says.
“There’s nothing quite like admiring a giraffe’s long eyelashes as they eat from your hand or listening to zebras bray while they trot around and munch on treats.
“But don’t just take it from me, come and experience it for yourself!”
For more information, visit the National Zoo and Aquarium.
