ZIP's new invasive predator research enclosure in Lincoln was officially opened yesterday by Hon Maggie Barry, Minister of Conservation.
This facility will play a key role in enabling us to rapidly develop new technology to remove invasive predators and their impact on our native species and the New Zealand economy.
You can learn more about the new enclosure here and here, and a few photos from the day are shared below. All photos were taken by Rory Harnden.
ZIP would like to extend a huge 'thank you' to all those who made this facility possible, and to those who joined us on the day to help us celebrate its completion.
Attendees arrive at the enclosure.
A taxidermied stoat fiercely guards the podium during speeches.
ZIP Board Chair Devon McLean addresses the group and thanks all those who made the enclosure possible. To his left stands ZIP Business Manager Phil Bell.
Minister of Conservation Hon Maggie Barry addresses the group.
L-R: Francesca Eggleton (Fonterra and Chair of Dairy Industry Working Group), Hon Maggie Barry, Devon McLean
Hon Maggie Barry cuts a ribbon to officially open the new facility.
Tom Agnew (ZIP Animal Behaviour Technician) demonstrates jumping heights of invasive predators next to the 'internal cell' in the enclosure where the team is developing a low profile predator fence for potential application on farms and at dairy production sites.
ZIP Principal Engineer John Wilks demonstrates the prototype automated lure dispenser ZIP is developing along with InFact Design.
ZIP Field Team Lead Duncan Kay demonstrating the 'ZIP-tip' prototype automated detection device to Dr James Ross of Lincoln University.
L-R: James Holborow (DOC), Devon McLean, Hon Maggie Barry, Stuart Pearson (Eleccom Design Limited), Tim Sjoberg (ZIP Animal Behaviour Technician)
Prototype TUN200 trap box (with perspex cover for display purposes), fitted with prototype automated lure dispenser and automated reporting satellite node.
Dacron bedding from female ship rat and male stoat, trialed as a 'social' lure in predator research enclosure with promising results.
The sun sets on our beautiful new enclosure.