Our Wildlife Health Services Manager, Dr Craig Pritchard recently returned from a field trip to Antarctica late last year as part of the Zoo’s support of the NIWA research programme, Ross-Ramp: Ross Sea Research and Monitoring Programme.

Craig and the team working on a Weddell Seal

Craig spent over a month in McMurdo Sound assisting the team to anaesthetise Weddell seals and place cameras and GPS trackers that will follow the seals’ movement patterns and how this is linked to their foraging behaviours. The information gathered will help determine the effectiveness of the Ross Sea region Marine Protect Area (MPA) and further help conservation efforts for this species. The Ross Sea MPA is the world's largest marine protected area, covering over 1.55 million km2.

A curious Weddell Seal

Antarctica

Senior Veterinarian, Dr Baukje Lenting is also assisting the team in Antarctica throughout February and March 2020. Stay tuned for more photos and updates on our social media channels.