Mitcham's street sweepers become a hit at Monarto

18 months-ago, Monarto Safari Park placed a call out for any unwanted brushes or street sweepers to turn into scratching posts.

City of Mitcham’s Senior Stores Officer, Amelia Clement, said council had quite a few old brushes sitting around and collecting dust and saw this as the perfect way to recycle them.

“This initiative prevents the brushes from ending up in landfill, the animals have a good scratch and we’re all contributing to the circular economy,” Amelia said.

Since the first delivery, the re-fashioned scratching posts have become an instant hit with the rhinos, zebras and Przewalski’s horses.

The City of Mitcham has since delivered additional brushes to the zoo and even a load to Minton Farm Animal Rescue at Cherry Gardens.

Monarto zookeeper Lisa Morrison, who instigated the project, said the wiry brushes not only serve as scratching posts, but they also help the animals remove mud and soothe skin complaints.

“These animals naturally seek out textured surfaces for rubbing and scratching, especially during seasonal coat changes or when managing skin irritation,” Lisa said.

There are now plans for Monarto to trial the brushes with elephants, chimpanzees and tortoises as part of the park’s rotating enrichment program, which aims to keep the environment stimulating and responsive to the animals’ changing needs.

If your council would like to donate any used or surplus footpath sweeping brushes, contact Monarto Zoo on (08) 8534 4100.

Image credit of Satara the Southern White Rhino, City of Mitcham and Monarto Safari Park