Avant Mini Loaders Transforms Operations at Sydney Zoo - Avant Equipment
Avant Mini Loaders Transforms Operations at Sydney Zoo
August 26, 2024
At Sydney Zoo, in Western Sydney, maintaining the health and well-being of over 4,000 animals is no small feat. With 5 iconic precincts, and Australia’s largest Reptile and Nocturnal house the zoo’s operations involves daily upkeep, meticulous feeding routines, and the transportation of materials across the expansive 42 acres . To manage these tasks efficiently, Sydney Zoo relies on innovative machinery — and one standout in their fleet is the Avant Mini Loader.
A Compact Powerhouse for Daily Operations
The Avant Mini Loader is a versatile, compact machine that packs a punch far beyond its size. It is designed for heavy-duty tasks while being small and manoeuvrable enough to operate in tight spaces. This makes it a valuable asset in a zoo environment, where space is often limited, and tasks are varied. Sydney Zoo currently has three Avant Mini Loaders in use across their facilities.
Rick Webb, Sydney Zoo Operations Manager, advises “when we were looking for a versatile machine for the zoo, reliability was a key factor. The Avant loader just seemed to be more reliable and stable than other options we explored. They’re really good, versatile machines that can cover many jobs across our operations”.
The Avant loader is remarkably user-friendly to drive, making it an excellent choice for all staff at the zoo. “We have many staff here at Sydney Zoo with different skill levels and I’ve yet to find one that we couldn’t put on the Avant loader. Within a short period of time, they’re able to drive them. Having the 8-function joystick and hydrostatic drive pedals makes them simple for anyone to drive” states Rick. The ease of use on these loaders reduces the learning curve, allowing staff to become proficient at driving quickly and perform their tasks efficiently.
Whilst the Operations Team tries to ensure that work is completed prior to visitors entering the zoo they sometimes need to access public areas during opening hours. “The open cab style and offset boom allows excellent viewing all the way around the machine. We only need one spotter to help us get through all the crowds rather than multiple spotters” advises Rick.
Maintenance and Cleaning of Animal Enclosures
One of the primary uses of the Avant Mini Loaders at Sydney Zoo is in the maintenance and cleaning of animal enclosures. With animals ranging from elephants to meerkats, the needs vary greatly across different species. The Avant Mini Loaders, equipped with various attachments, makes it easy to tackle these diverse jobs across the zoo.
The loaders can be fitted with a bucket or a grapple attachment to remove waste and old bedding from enclosures. Its compact size allows it to navigate along narrow walkways and into enclosures that larger machines simply can’t access. This efficiency not only saves time but also minimises stress on the animals, as the loader can quickly enter and exit enclosures without causing significant disruption.
Efficient Feeding Operations
Feeding the animals at Sydney Zoo is a highly coordinated operation. Avant Mini Loaders play a crucial role in this daily routine, especially when it comes to transporting large quantities of food. Whether it’s hay for the herbivores or meat for the carnivores, the loader’s powerful lift capacity and manoeuvrability make it easy to deliver food directly to feeding stations.
In some cases, the loaders are used to distribute feed across large open enclosures, ensuring that animals have access to food without the need for keepers to manually carry heavy loads. This not only speeds up the feeding process but also reduces the physical strain on the zoo’s staff.
Handling Materials with Ease
In addition to feeding and cleaning, the Avant Mini Loaders are also indispensable for material handling tasks around the zoo. Whether it’s moving soil, mulch, or construction materials for new exhibits, the loader’s ability to quickly switch between attachments allows it to adapt to various tasks throughout the day.
Rick Webb states “the maintenance crew use one loader for landscaping and repairs as well as placing landscape material and enrichment material into exhibits.”
The Avant mini loader is used at the nutrition centre and restaurant, where it helps unload produce for both animals and visitors.
During the construction of new exhibits, the loader is used to transport building materials to the site, manoeuvring along the zoo’s narrow pathways with ease. Its compact size ensures that it can operate without disturbing visitors or the animals, making it a perfect tool for ongoing developments within the zoo.
Enhancing Productivity and Animal Welfare
The impact of the Avant Mini Loader on Sydney Zoo’s operations extends beyond just efficiency. By streamlining maintenance, feeding, and material handling, the loader allows the zoo’s staff to focus more on animal care and less on labour-intensive tasks. This, in turn, enhances the overall welfare of the animals, as keepers can dedicate more time to enrichment activities, monitoring health, and engaging with visitors.
The Avant Mini Loader’s low noise levels and ease of operation mean that it integrates seamlessly into the zoo environment, reducing stress for both animals and staff. This focus on minimising disruption is crucial in a setting where the well-being of the animals is the top priority.
Avant Loader a Key Part of Operational Strategy
As Sydney Zoo continues to provide animal experiences, the Avant Mini Loader will remain a key component of its operational strategy. Its versatility, efficiency, and ability to handle a wide range of tasks makes it an indispensable tool in ensuring that the zoo runs smoothly, and that its animals receive the best care possible.
In the fast-paced world of zoo management, where every minute counts, the Avant Mini Loader is helping Sydney Zoo set new standards in animal care and operational efficiency—proving that sometimes, the smallest machines can make the biggest difference.
Watch the video of the Avant mini loader at work at Sydney Zoo
For more information about Sydney Zoo click here
