Waterbuck makes move north to Hamilton Zoo

Two female waterbuck arrived at Hamilton Zoo from Christchurch’s Orana Wildlife Park last Wednesday and will go on public display this week.

The sisters, 5-year old Etana and 3-year-old Kwacha, are the first waterbuck to be housed at Hamilton Zoo since 2003 and will eventually be joined by other waterbuck to establish a new herd at the facility.

Hamilton Zoo Director Stephen Standley said “Etana and Kwacha proved to be model travellers and have settled into their new home with the minimum of fuss”.

“They will be a great addition to our savannah paddock display, alongside our other African species like our zebra and giraffe,” Mr Standley said.

Etana and Kwacha’s transfer has been planned for over a year and replaces the zoo’s nilgai antelope that died from age-related causes last year. There are plans for additional waterbuck – a male and two female – to be transferred from Orana Wildlife Park to Hamilton Zoo next year.