Some recent news from my visit last february 11th :
- okapis were in mating time so fingers crossed there will be a healthy calf this year,
- new arrival in the okapis sanctuary with lemon doves (3 or more)
Columba larvata. This species is a rarity in european zoo (4 holders according to Zootierliste) but breed well in private facilities.
- 3 or 4 eastern brown pelicans arrived from Tierpark Berlin and are off-show at the moment.
- the only king vulture left. The zoo does not know if new animals will be bring.
- the male Cape porcupine arrived just before my visit so there is now a breeding pair. He was in the indoor pen while the female was outdoor but a no show.
- the aardvarks were a no show too but according to the keepers they enjoy their new enclosure with plenty of earth to dig.
- the african dry aviary is empty of birds as the zoo wants to release all the birds in order to allow them to fit weel and find their space. The european bee eaters have not arrived yet but the others are there in the warm house.
- the new giant river otters pair is doing well and the animals look really in love.
- the pygmy hippo calf is visible but depending of the weather and her mom.
- to finish there are new special viewing windows on lions enclosure from the african dry aviary. Let's see how it is !
Of course it's not glass but a reinforced mesh where the animals can smell you and the contrary. The time was impressive as the lions were so closed and the male is really strong. Amazing !
ps : The child on the picture is not my daughter at all but was there with her parents and enjoyed the meeting !