Wombats and Japanese pop Music: What is going on here?

You may think that Wombats, the native Australian marsupial burrowing animal would have no connection whatsoever to the fashionable world of glitzy pop music…. but you’d be wrong.

“How can this be so?” I hear you protest.

Well let us explain…

Recently Jetpets had the opportunity to meet & greet three Tasmanian wombats travelling from Trowunna Wildlife Park in Tasmania to Satsukiyama Zoo in Japan. Malcom a male, Lucky and Taeta (short for Potato), 2 females were being sent to Satsukiyama Zoo in the city of Ikeda, Osaka as a gift from their sister city in Launceston, Tasmania.

Wombat | Zoo Moves | Jetpets | All Care Pet Transport
Caption: Regional Sales Manager Brooke Matheson with Taeta, and wombat keeper Androo Kelly with social media manager Jade McLaren

Satsukiyama zoo is known for it’s wombats after having successfully bred wombats back in 1992. They continued their wombat program and were elated when in 2007 they acquired two more wombats, Ayaha a female and Fuku a male. But after the tragic passing of Fuku’s mate Ayaha in 2010, Fuku was left without a breeding partner.

While Fuku continued to fill his days with eating, sleeping and excavating his burrows his keepers thought he would be much happier with a partner to share his days. As Satsukiyama’s zoo charges no entry fee and relies on donations from the public they were unable to raise the $50,000 needed to purchase and transport a female wombat to Japan.

With limited options financially, the zoo turned to the world of Japanese pop music to help save the day. The pop group “The Keeper Girls” were created in 2016 as the official idol group for Satsukiyama zoo and their debut hit single “Wombat no Uta” was written about the plight of Fuku, the lonely wombat looking for love.

Wombat | Zoo Moves | Jetpets | All Care Pet Transport
Satsukiyama Zoo’s Japanese idol group “The Keeper Girls” left to right: Kimura Kotone, Shiraishi Azu and Hamada Marina.

Pop idol groups are very popular in Japan and the girls were able to raise a significant amount of the required $50,000 to find Fuku a partner, by performing their music all over Japan. Trowunna Wildlife Park reached out to Jetpets to see if we could help get the wombats to their new home.

Jetpets were able to transport the three wombats in custom built wooden transport crates the 8138 kilometre journey with the wombats arriving safe and sound after their 13hr flight. The wombat’s keeper Androo Kelly from Trowunna Wildlife Park, was met by the very excited jpop group at the airport who couldn’t wait to meet the new wombats.

Wombat | Zoo Moves | Jetpets | All Care Pet Transport
The Keeper Girls excited to meet Androo and his wombats

It’s unclear at this stage which breeding female will be matched with Fuku but we’re sure he will be much happier with a few females to help him get over his loneliness.

At this stage there is no news yet on whether the Keeper Girls will be releasing a follow up single about the wombats new found love affair but we will endeavour to keep you posted on all things wombat pop related.

Thinking of relocating?

Learn why hundreds of Jetpets customers the world over trust Jetpets with their pet. Our customers consistently mention our commitment to communication, our professionalism and our clear love for animals in their endorsements.

Testimonial 1:

“We would like to thank JETPETS for their professional actions involved with transporting Darius to London. Besides being tired he was very happy and healthy when he arrived yesterday. Thank you again for your amazing service. We truly appreciate your handling of his travel”

Barton (Darius’s owner)

Testimonial 2:

“Hi Amy and Rose!

Just a quick email to say a big THANK YOU for everything you did for Olive over the last month.  The quick responses to questions, lovely weekly updates and the constant reassurance that everything was fine were just what we needed in this stressful time!  I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Jetpets to friends and family, and I will definitely be using you guys when we decide to come back home!

I thought you would like to see some photos of Olive settling into her new dwellings.  It didn’t take her long, she handled the flight like a champ and was walking around like she owned the place almost instantly!

Thanks again for all of your help!”

Jules (Olive’s Owner)

Testimonial 3:

“I moved abroad from Australia 3 years ago, and 2.5 years ago decided to bring my little dog Penny over to join me. After I booked it I got a little scared for her to take the journey, and JetPets were really great and patient, until I finally got her over here.

The experience of knowing your best friend is travelling is stressful, but JetPets reassured me, sent me regular updates (including pictures!) and helped ease my mind. The staff are really wonderful, and took all the stress of paperwork off me. I highly recommend them.

Katie (Penny’s Owner)

Our customers come from all over the world but the one thing they all agree on is Jetpets commitment to welfare, comfort and safety of their travelling animals.

We encourage anyone thinking of relocating, either nationally or internationally, to take the time to read through our websites testimonial section here or on Facebook to get a better idea of how we can assist your family to relocate.

Koalas home safe and sound

You may remember back in March this year Jetpets helped relocate Hamilton Islands koalas after Cyclone Debbie destroyed their habitat. Now it’s time for their return trip home and Jetpets were there once again to ensure the safe transportation of these iconic animals.

Koala | Animal Moves | Jetpets | Hamilton Island

A last-minute surge by the category four system, Cyclone Debbie on its way to mainland Queensland, Australia brought the extreme weather event directly over the top of Hamilton island, home to 1,208 Queenslanders and thousands of the islands rich and diverse wildlife species.

The cyclone which hit Queensland in March this year left behind a trail of destruction and as no evacuation order was issued to Hamilton island the residents and the wildlife were forced to hunker down and make the best of a bad situation.

The cyclone battered the island with 263km winds, rain and all manner of debris, kicked up by the incredible winds while residents cowered indoors hoping to escape the fury of the storm.

Once cyclone Debbie had past the sheer destruction was described as “looking like world war 3”. Debbie destroyed businesses, property and hundreds of eucalyptus trees, which is the koala’s main food source as well as their homes.

With their habitat in disarray the people at Australia Zoo reached out to Wild Life Hamilton Island and offered to house the koala’s and two dingoes, with them while their environment was rebuilt and the trees given a chance to regrow and recover. Jetpets stepped in to make this possible and assisted in moving the animals to their temporary home at Australia Zoo.

While the residents are still rebuilding and repairing extensive damage after six months, the island has been deemed safe for the return of the koalas and Jetpets were only too happy to assist in bringing them home. With tourist wildlife activities kicking off again on September the 15th the koalas are back just in time to step back in to the limelight.

We are very proud to be in a position to assist in the amazing work that Australian Zoos do on a daily basis and we support their efforts as they continue to preserve and protect Australia’s native wildlife.

Koala | Animal Moves | Jetpets | Hamilton Island

Jetpets Supports Australian Working Dog Rescue

The Australian working dog is an icon of Australia. A symbol of our relationship with the land and the spirit of our working nation. Find out how Jetpets are pitching in to support organisations dedicated to saving these aussie hero’s.

Pet Transport Melbourne | Dog Transport | Working Dogs Australia | Jetpets News
AWDRI ambassador Lauren Vickers with one of their rescue pups.

Australian working dog breeds were engineered to be tough, loyal and above all else smart. The Heeler, the Kelpie, the Koolie and Smithfield were all bred to assist Australian farmers by herding cattle and farmers often say these dogs work harder than human workers.

Farmers often depend on the intelligence and versatility of these breeds to ensure their livestock is safe and their farms are thriving but what happens when these dogs are surrendered by their owners or a stray is brought in to the pound? How do these dogs find the right kind of home?

Pet Transport Melbourne | Dog Transport | Working Dogs Australia | Jetpets News
The AWDRI were flooded with well-wishers during the Sydney Dog Lovers show last month.

 

This is where AWDRI (Australian Working Dog Rescue Int) step in to save the day. AWDRI is a charity organisation that aims to save these dogs from being euthanised and promotes the rescue of working dog breeds all over Australia.

As a corporate partner to this organisation Jetpets offers help in saving these dogs from an uncertain future by providing assistance in relocating them to a foster home or in some cases their forever homes.

Pet Transport Melbourne | Dog Transport | Australian Working Dog Rescue | Jetpets News

Dr Alex Hynes & Yoshi travel with Jetpets

It’s easy to see why the veterinary industry and TV audiences have fallen in love with Dr Alex Hynes.

The Queenslander has quickly become a fan favourite to win the Bondi Vet’s search for a new host and has been named as one of the final five in the competition. Dr Alex’s experience and impressive veterinary practice, the Animal Emergency Service have seen her catapulted in to the lime light in recent months.

Dr Alex Hynes & Yoshi travel with Jetpets

In addition to her day job Dr Alex also juggles an impressive number of duties being a mother, wife, pet owner, fitness guru and a role model to young women all over Australia. Along with Dr Alex’s newfound stardom comes new challenges and a lot of travel and recently Dr Alex was asked to appear at the Sydney Dog Lovers Show with her pet Samoyed, Yoshi.

Dr Alex contacted Jetpets and we were able to arrange for the pickup and drop off of Yoshi from the airport to the Dog Lovers Show so Yoshi could meet all of Dr Alex’s fans. Yoshi is fast becoming as recognizable as Dr Alex due to how handsome and perfectly groomed he is.

Jetpets were thrilled to assist Dr Alex in transporting Yoshi and we were equally thrilled that Dr Alex had these kind words to say regarding her experience. I just wanted to write and THANK YOU for the amazing service you delivered over the weekend when I flew my fur kid Yoshi down to the Dog Lovers Show in Sydney.

“I was particularly impressed by the great communication that Geoff, Andrew and Renee demonstrated when setting up the pickup and drop off at the busy venue.  

Janine, Jade and Kathy were all super friendly at the show and Tori (Dr Alex’s daughter) has proudly showed her GIF video we did at the Jetpets booth- lots of fun!

Lastly thanks to Darren for Yoshi’s gift pack. My daughter Tori has pinched the blanket for her cat lol but Yoshi is enjoying the toys and relaxing back at home after the big adventure. See you all again next time we fly xx”, Dr Alex Hynes.

Dr Alex Hynes & Yoshi travel with Jetpets

Jetpets would like to wish Dr Alex all the best in the Bondi Vet competition, we think she is the ideal candidate for the hosting job and we encourage everyone to jump on to social media and support Dr Alex’s mission to become the new Bondi Vet.

You can find Dr Alex’s Facebook page here or register your support for Dr Alex on the Bondi Vet website here

Are you planning a holiday?

The great Australian holiday is a tradition that Australians will never let go of. Our country was made to be traversed by car, caravan and plane. Setting off on an adventure from Victoria to Western Australia can often feel like an international holiday due to the enormous size of our country.

Are you planning a holiday? | Jetpets | Travel Tips | International Pet Transport

There have been huge improvements to the flexibility of the Australian Holiday too. Pet friendly accommodation allows you to keep the family together to share in the adventure.

Jetpets makes this all-inclusive holiday possible by taking care of the pickup and drop-off of your family’s best friend. We take the stress out of arranging travel for your pet and allow the whole family to stay together. Often our customers report that it is cheaper to fly their pet to their favourite holiday destination rather than pay for expensive kennels and boarding.

Are you planning a holiday?

In addition to the financial benefits it’s great for your pet to explore new environments, test their senses and have new experiences. Is there anything more fun than playing fetch with the family dog on a beautiful Australian beach?

Are you planning a holiday?

Make the Most of the School Holidays!

Just because it’s winter school holidays doesn’t mean we should be spending time inside! We’re lucky to experience (mostly) sunny winters in Australia so it’s a good idea to remember to get out and enjoy the sunshine, but don’t forget to rug up!

Melbourne – Eastfield Dog Park

Whether you’re a local, or travelling to Melbourne these holidays, make sure you plan to get down to Eastfield Dog Park! The recently opened dog park is fully fenced with double gated entrances, so you don’t have to worry if your pup gets a little bit over-excited! With rock mounds, sand pits and agility equipment, the whole family is bound to have fun. There’s even a quiet zone for less adventurous pups.

Just make sure your pup is up to date with their vaccinations, then you’re good to go!

Sydney – Café Bones & Hawthorne Canal Reserve

If you’d prefer to spend your weekend sipping lattes and admiring nature then you might be due for a trip to Sydney! Café Bones is located right next to Hawthorne Canal Reserve, which makes it a hotspot for trendy pups.

Café Bones only has outdoor seating available, which means you don’t have to worry about your dog’s table manners! Order them a puppachino and dog biscuit as you watch other pups run around the off-lead area at Hawthorne Canal Reserve.

Brisbane – Yatala Drive-in Movies 

Queensland winters means hot days and warm nights, perfect weather to head to the drive-in movies! Located in Brisbane’s southern suburbs, Yatala Drive-in is the perfect way to spend a winter evening with the whole family! Dogs are welcomed as long as they are on a lead at all times, and under full control of their owners. Just make sure you keep the popcorn out of their reach!

What are your favourite winter holiday activities? Make sure to let us know on Instagram using #JetpetsHolidays

School Holidays | Pet Activities | Melbourne Parks | Sydney Parks | Safe Pet Transport

Dreamworld and Jetpets partner to transport “Holden and Kimba”, two rare white Lions

How do you move two male lions over 1400kms?

This was the question posed to us at Jetpets last week when we completed the move of two white lions, “Holden and Kimba”, from their home at Altina Wildlife Park to Dreamworld on the Goldcoast.

The two brothers are part of only a handful of rare white lions in captivity and weigh in over 200kgs each. The lions hail from the Timbavati region in Africa and due to human interference and poaching, have not been sighted in the wild since 2010.

“Welcoming Holden and Kimba to Dreamworld will further help conservation initiatives for cats in the wild through the Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation and will raise awareness of the plight of our vulnerable and endangered big cats around the world”, a Dreamworld spokesperson said.

The lions were picked up at Altina Wildlife Park last Wednesday by Jetpets pet handlers and were transported in custom built steel crates to ensure they remained calm and comfortable during transit. The lions personal handlers, who have raised them since they were cubs, also made the journey to check the lions condition during the numerous stops on the way to their holiday destination.

Dreamworld | Jetpets | Holden and Kimba | White Lions
The 200kg plus white lion is lifted on to Jetpets transport truck

“It was a rewarding experience being involved in the move of these majestic lions, our service and relationship with Dreamworld continues to make Jetpets the leader in animal transport in Australia”, Montana Sheridan, National Customer Service Manager.

Guests to Dreamworld will have the opportunity to have a once in a lifetime face to face encounter with the imposing lions from this week through to mid July, when they will be transported back to their home at Altina Wildlife Park.

Dreamworld | Jetpets | Holden and Kimba | White Lions
The brothers exploring their new enclosure at Dreamworld

Stay tuned to Jetpets social media for more information on the brothers return trip next month and future zoo animals moves completed by Jetpets .

Resident Vet Dr Sam’s handy tips for pets travelling overseas

It’s an exciting time in your household as the whole family gets ready to move overseas.

Here’s some handy tips from our resident Vet Dr Sam, on getting your pet ready for overseas travel and what to expect….

  • What are important things to keep in mind to make sure a pet is comfortable in their travel crate? We recommend getting your pet’s travel crate delivered a few weeks before travel. This gives you time to introduce your pet to the crate in a familiar environment. For travel, Jetpets will line your pet’s travel crate with a stay dry fleece mat, where moisture sinks to the bottom, keeping your pet dry and comfortable throughout the travel journey.  Some countries will let you put a blanket or a t-shirt that smells like you in the travel crate, and this can be of extra comfort for your pet – it’s best to check with your Jetpets travel consultant to see if you can do this for your destination.  If your furbaby can be a bit nervous in new situations we also recommend Adaptil collars for dogs, and Feliway products for cats, to make pets feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible during travel – your Jetpets travel consultant can take you through your options and we can organise everything for you.
  • Will my pet need any vaccinations prior to travelling? Jetpets recommends that all pets are up to date with their annual vaccinations before travelling. Depending on your destination country, time sensitive vet work may be required. As resident Vets, we specialise in pet travel and can step you through everything that’s required, and can administer all vet work. We even do home visits!
  • Can my pet handle a long-haul flight? We understand when a pet owner expresses concern about how their pet will handle a long-haul flight. We are delighted when pet owners share back their happy travellers stories and express their delight at just how well their pet coped. As resident Vets we check on your pet prior to travel, and the sole focus of our pet loving team of experts is to provide a safe and comfortable travel journey for your pet. Want to hear from other Jetpets Happy Travellers? Visit us on Facebook.
  • Will my pet be provided with enough food and water to last the trip? Pets are lodged with sufficient water for their travel journey. We avoid feeding pets just prior to travel to avoid any tummy upsets.
  • What can I do to help my pet settle in to their new home after their trip? Let your pet ease into their new surroundings. Try and make sure your pet has familiar things around them – moving house is a big thing for your pet and a well-known bed or favourite toy can make settling into a new home much easier. And it goes without saying, don’t forget to give your pets lots of love!

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