City of Kalamunda Mayor Margaret Thomas praised the initiative, stating: “This innovative idea not only supports the City’s sustainability efforts but also contributes to the well-being of the animals at the Zoo. “This is a fantastic example of our waste services team thinking outside the box to support waste reduction through reuse and deliver great outcomes.”

City officers contacted the Zoo after a team member recognised the brushes' potential for repurposing. Once it was confirmed that the brushes would benefit the rhinos, they were delivered on 18 October, where the rhinos quickly got their first experience with their new scratching posts.

Memphis, 36 years old and weighing over 2,045 kg, was initially wary of the new addition to his habitat, but gave it a try after  some encouragement from his keepers. His son Bakari, a 19-year-old rhino born at Perth Zoo and weighing 2,165 kg, was far more curious, eagerly nudging the brush and quickly warming up to his new toy.

Rhinos have small hairs all over their bodies, and when they find the right spot to scratch, they can react with as much enthusiasm as a house pet, kicking out their legs and raising their tails. The street sweeper brushes, once tied securely to the enclosure fence, will provide a durable and safe way for Memphis and Bakari to scratch and rub, replicating natural behaviours.

While the brushes will eventually reach the end of their usable life, this creative upcycling project helps extend their use, reducing waste and supporting the City of Kalamunda’s sustainability goals and the City will be sending them some more in the near future.

For more information on the City’s waste services or to participate in upcoming waste reduction events, visit kalamunda.wa.gov.au or contact the City's Waste Services team on 9257 9999.