Ungulates in UK Collections

[Swampy]

Pere David's Deer are established in the wild in the UK? I have never heard of that before. Do you have a source?

Definitely not; though I have seen a few webpages etc. listing the Woburn herd as 'wild', which I suspect is where this confusion arises from.

In that case I guess there may well also be Lesser Mouse Deer as well..
Though it seems there is not much interesting to say about the recent history, aside from Paignton and Newquay keeping the Java species.

I rather suspect that all the UK and indeed European population is kanchil and not javanicus, but am unable to verify this.

 

[dillotest0]

Definitely not; though I have seen a few webpages etc. listing the Woburn herd as 'wild', which I suspect is where this confusion arises from.

I remember reading it somewhere, but looking back the editors on the site were probably confused. I have since edited the post.

 

[DesertRhino150]

Pere David's Deer are established in the wild in the UK? I have never heard of that before. Do you have a source?

In the Wild Guides field guide to Britain's mammals (published 2017) it says of the Pere David's deer that 'individuals or groups sometimes wander' from safari parks; they are one of eleven species listed in the book as 'introduced ephemeral species' - species not established but have been known to have bred in the wild in Britain over the past 50 years.

 

[Swampy]

In the Wild Guides field guide to Britain's mammals (published 2017) it says of the Pere David's deer that 'individuals or groups sometimes wander' from safari parks; they are one of eleven species listed in the book as 'introduced ephemeral species' - species not established but have been known to have bred in the wild in Britain over the past 50 years.

at risk of derailing the thread, what are the other 10 species?

 

[DesertRhino150]

at risk of derailing the thread, what are the other 10 species?

As well as the Pere David's deer (introduced; not established), the other introduced ephemeral species are:
- Black-tailed prairie dog (introduced; now extinct)
- Siberian chipmunk (introduced; now extinct)
- Coypu (introduced; now extinct)
- Mongolian gerbil (introduced; now extinct)
- Muskrat (introduced; now extinct)
- Golden hamster (introduced; now extinct)
- Himalayan porcupine (introduced; not established)
- Striped skunk (introduced; not established)
- Raccoon (introduced; not established)
- Asian small-clawed otter (introduced; now extinct)

Another three species are mentioned which were recorded living wild in Britain for over a year but had no evidence of breeding - the Canadian beaver, crested porcupine and South American coati.

 

[dillotest0]

BOVIDAE [Part 1]
As far as bovids go, the UK is, again, fairly diverse. The 'conventional cattle' and the bovid antelopes will be discussed separately.

The American Bison is found in four UK collections, three of which are open to the public on a regular basis. [bar Bush Farm Bison Centre] Woburn appears to have a stable herd, though Whipsnade also held the species until recent times, on the well-known 'Bison Hill'.
The Wisent is held in 6 collections, including aforementioned Whipsnade. This, thus, would have made Whipsnade the sole collection to keep both species simultaneously.
The Cape Buffalo is somewhat a rarity, though it was never 'commonplace' to start. West Midland, and more recently Howletts, keep the species, though I am not totally sure on whether Knowsley still keeps the species. The species' subspecies, the Forest Buffalo, is more common eitherway, held in 6 collections, including Chester and Port Lympne. Marwell also held the species until recent times.
Only one zoo in the UK holds Gaur - Whipsnade, as it has since 1988. However, the species is soon to be phased out in collections, as so to focus space on the more endangered Banteng, held in four collections, all of which seem to have recent footing with the species.
The Lowland Anoa is perhaps not all too rare, but not all too common, held in five collections in all, including Marwell and Chester.
The Domestic Yak is held in five collections - Whipsnade has been upholding the species for at least 50 years. West Midlands held the species in recent years, as did the now-disfunctional Wetlands Wildlife Park. That said, I have heard of at least one yak farm in the United Kingdom.
To my knowledge, few zoos keep Domestic Water Buffalo, but it is commonplace on farms. Bizarrely, however, it is listed on Africa Alive's website, despite not truly being an African animal..
The Dwarf Zebu is held in 10 bona-fide collections, though I'd imagine it is also present in a fair number of farm parks.
As is the case with all domestic fauna, the Domestic Cattle is highly ubiquitous in the UK, requiring no further context. Though that said, some [about 9] zoos in the United Kingdom do display Ankole-Watusi, as they are about 'exotic' enough to make the cut.

 

[dillotest0]

BOVIDAE [Part 2]
The Nilgai is held in six UK collections in all; with Whipsnade, again, having a sizeable herd. Interestingly though, they are also kept at a farm park - "Hobbledown Adventure Farm". The Four-horned Antelope, its close relative, however, was last held at Howletts in the early 2000s.
There are 10 holders of Common Eland in the UK, including Chessington, and Bristol Wild Place. There was seemingly plans for Marwell to acquire the species around 2021, but as of yet this plan is essentially fruitless. Bongo are also relatively common in the UK, with 13 holdings in all. Collections which have held the species for especially long are Howletts, Belfast, and Marwell. The related Greater Kudu is held only in four collections, including both Aspinall Parks. Albeit, it does better than its counterpart, the Lesser Kudu, which is held in only two - Marwell and Woburn. As compared to numerous other hoofstock of Marwell, the Lesser Kudu have only been in the zoo since 2016, when they were obtained from Edinburgh. Though it did have decades of experience with the Greater species.
7 collections hold Nyala - including Marwell [which only has a single cow left], and Africa Alive. Whilst several of the parks hold only female animals, Newquay is an active breeder, as is Edinburgh somewhat. The related Sitatunga is more common, held in 16 collections. [Interestingly, one of these being the Deer Park at Houghton Hall.]
Neither the Blue Wildebeest or Black Wildebeest are especially common in UK collections - as they are only present in 4 and 3 collections respectively. Seeing as no cows live in Longleat's collection, these may die out, if not for new stock. [Marwell also held the species up until 2013.] Perhaps unfortunately, the Blue Wildebeest is not held in massive numbers in its respective collections, though two of the collections appear to breed the species. [Knowsley and Port Lympne.] Blesbok are held in 12 collections in all, of which all animals seem to have been acquired in the 21st century.
Six collections hold Addax, though Hoo Farm also held the species in recent years. Marwell upholds a stable herd. Marwell also holds the only Arabian Oryx in the UK, though only females remain. The Scimitar-Horned Oryx is also maintained in the zoo, as it is maintained in six other zoos. Similarly to the Arabian Oryx, there are only female Roan Antelopes at Marwell, though the species is held in another six collections, and is bred in a few of these.
Both Aspinall Parks hold Sable Antelope, as does Woburn. The remaining oryxes are in smaller numbers - the only two Beisa Oryx in the UK are held at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, and the only herd of six Gemsbok is found at Whipsnade.

 

[FBBird]

BOVIDAE [Part 2]
The Nilgai is held in six UK collections in all; with Whipsnade, again, having a sizeable herd. Interestingly though, they are also kept at a farm park - "Hobbledown Adventure Farm". The Four-horned Antelope, its close relative, however, was last held at Howletts in the early 2000s.
There are 10 holders of Common Eland in the UK, including Chessington, and Bristol Wild Place. There was seemingly plans for Marwell to acquire the species around 2021, but as of yet this plan is essentially fruitless. Bongo are also relatively common in the UK, with 13 holdings in all. Collections which have held the species for especially long are Howletts, Belfast, and Marwell. The related Greater Kudu is held only in four collections, including both Aspinall Parks. Albeit, it does better than its counterpart, the Lesser Kudu, which is held in only two - Marwell and Woburn. As compared to numerous other hoofstock of Marwell, the Lesser Kudu have only been in the zoo since 2016, when they were obtained from Edinburgh. Though it did have decades of experience with the Greater species.
7 collections hold Nyala - including Marwell [which only has a single cow left], and Africa Alive. Whilst several of the parks hold only female animals, Newquay is an active breeder, as is Edinburgh somewhat. The related Sitatunga is more common, held in 16 collections. [Interestingly, one of these being the Deer Park at Houghton Hall.]
Neither the Blue Wildebeest or Black Wildebeest are especially common in UK collections - as they are only present in 4 and 3 collections respectively. Two of the Black Wildebeest holders have only bulls, which means that these may die out in the future, unless for new stock. The exception being Lake District, which appears to breed the species. [Marwell also held the species up until 2013.] Perhaps unfortunately, the Blue Wildebeest is not held in massive numbers in its respective collections, though two of the collections appear to breed the species. [Knowsley and Port Lympne.] Blesbok are held in 12 collections in all, of which all animals seem to have been acquired in the 21st century.
Six collections hold Addax, though Hoo Farm also held the species in recent years. Marwell upholds a stable herd. Marwell also holds the only Arabian Oryx in the UK, though only females remain. The Scimitar-Horned Oryx is also maintained in the zoo, as it is maintained in six other zoos. Similarly to the Arabian Oryx, there are only female Roan Antelopes at Marwell, though the species is held in another six collections, and is bred in a few of these.
Both Aspinall Parks hold Sable Antelope, as does Woburn. The remaining oryxes are in smaller numbers - the only two Beisa Oryx in the UK are held at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, and the only herd of six Gemsbok is found at Whipsnade.

Newquay has bred Black Wildebeest repeatedly, and as far as I know still holds a breeding group.

 

[Dassie rat]

BOVIDAE [Part 1]
Only one zoo in the UK holds Gaur - Whipsnade, as it has since 1988. However, the species is soon to be phased out in collections, as so to focus space on the more endangered Banteng, held in four collections, all of which seem to have recent footing with the species.

I understand that the gaur is Vulnerable, rather than endangered, but I wonder why it is being phased out when some species of Least Concern, such as fallow deer, are so common in zoos.

 

[dillotest0]

BOVIDAE [Part 3]
An even six collections hold both sub-species of Waterbuck - West Midland, Whipsnade, and Knowsley all hold Ellipsen Waterbuck, where Howletts, Port Lympne and Watatunga hold Defassa Waterbuck. The species also seems to have been one of the 'phase-out' species by Marwell..
In all, 15 collections hold Lechwe. Paignton held the species until recent times, when the entire herd was culled as for TB precautions. Whipsnade has held Impala in recent history, though they were never entirely on show. The last animal seemingly died in 2019.
As far as gazelles go in the UK, there is only one species remaining - the Dorcas Gazelle, held in Marwell and Chessington. However, recent history saw several more gazelle species represented - Dama Gazelle were kept in various collections - Belfast and Woburn were fairly recent holders, as was Marwell - the latter keeping the species up until 2013. Arabian Mountain Gazelle was held by Blackpool up until 2015. Thomson's Gazelle was held by Whipsnade up until 2016.
Blackbuck are fairly well-represented, hosted in 7 collections. Such herds can be especially large - the herd at West Midland holds around 50 animals in all. Kirk's Dik Dik also enjoys good representation at 21 collections.
The only holder of Blue Duiker in the UK, Colchester, holds an active breeding group. As far as I know, Chester has a breeding pair of Natal Red Duiker, though London now just has a single animal.
Until recently, Highland Wildlife Park held Musk-ox, though with the last individual's death, there are now none. And seeing the restrictions Brexit has on importing animals, it is unlikely that Highland will obtain any more in the instant future. As far as I know, a pair of Chinese Goral still exists in Edinburgh.
Aside from Domestic Sheep and Domestic Goat, which are greatly ubiquitous, caprid diversity in UK collections is not very much. Four collections hold Aoudad, with the herd at Dudley especially large. Three collections hold Mouflon - New Forest, West Midland, and Watatunga. Even in the absence of Musk-ox, Highland still holds claim of the only Himalayan Tahr and Markhor in the UK. It also held Tadjik Urial for a brief period of time [2008 - 2010]. Paignton held West Caucasian Tur for several years, until 2019. Today, the exhibit is taken by Mishmi Takin, which appear at two other collections - the aforementioned Highland, and Port Lympne.

..And I think that is all of them !

 

[FBBird]

I understand that the gaur is Vulnerable, rather than endangered, but I wonder why it is being phased out when some species of Least Concern, such as fallow deer, are so common in zoos.

Fallow Deer are a fraction of the size and strength, so are much easier to manage.

 

[Pertinax]

BOVIDAE [Part 3]
Blackbuck are fairly well-represented, hosted in 7 collections. Such herds can be especially large - the herd at West Midland holds around 50 animals in all.

Should be noted perhaps that West Midlands herd is currently females only, so is non-breeding. So is Whipsnade(O.2) Howletts (declining number of females only) and Port Lympne( few males only), Only Knowsley and Watatunga appear to keep breeding groups. Which is collection Number 7?

 

[Pertinax]

I remember reading it somewhere, but looking back the editors on the site were probably confused. I have since edited the post.

Never heard of Pere David's escaping from any Park in the UK , let alone wild breeding.

 

[dillotest0]

Should be noted perhaps that West Midlands herd is currently females only, so is non-breeding. So is Whipsnade(O.2) Howletts (declining number of females only) and Port Lympne( few males only), Only Knowsley and Watatunga appear to keep breeding groups. Which is collection Number 7?

From what I see, Howletts has in fact gone out of Blackbuck, and seeing Aspinall's new policies, it seems somewhat unlikely a comeback..
Though from what I see Longleat has them, as does Heythrop [presumably].

 

[Dassie rat]

Fallow Deer are a fraction of the size and strength, so are much easier to manage.

Yet zoos continue to keep various large dangerous animals.

 

[Pertinax]

From what I see, Howletts has in fact gone out of Blackbuck, and seeing Aspinall's new policies, it seems somewhat unlikely a comeback..
Though from what I see Longleat has them, as does Heythrop [presumably].

Do you know for sure if Howletts no longer has them? Not long ago they had an all- female herd of circa 18.. Maybe remainder transferred to Port Lympne?. I am not sure Longleat have any left now. Wasn't aware of Heythrop though.

 

[TeaLovingDave]

Another three species are mentioned which were recorded living wild in Britain for over a year but had no evidence of breeding - the Canadian beaver, crested porcupine and South American coati.

The South American Coati population in Cumbria *was* breeding and expanding for some time, but eventually stagnated; the last dozen or so seem to have died off during the severe winter of 2010-11 as the species has not been sighted since. The same cold snap killed off the last two or three Peak District wallabies.

 

[zooboy]

In all, 15 collections hold Lechwe. Paignton held the species until recent times, when the entire herd was culled as for TB precautions.

Mention is not made of Nile lechwe that are held, I believe, at 4 places: Blair Drummond, Africa Alive! , Folly Farm and Marwell.

 

[okapis]

Marwell now has a male Roan Antelope making 1.2

 

[Quincey]

As far as I know, a pair of Chinese Goral still exists in Edinburgh.

It is a single male at Edinburgh now.