Australasian Hippo Population

[Jambo]

It was noted the plan was for two additional holders to come on board. Crocodylus planned to acquire a breeding pair and Monarto planned to acquire three females. Adelaide, Auckland and Dubbo would maintain their populations; while the plan was for Werribee to grow their population from 1.3 to 1.5.2 hippopotami.

It will be interesting to see if Crocodylus still do plan to hold Hippos. With a loss of founders including Adelaide and Auckland, some more facilities will be required (besides Dubbo, Werribee and Monarto) to sustain a successful population. Crocodylus seems the perfect facility too; having large, natural river substrates which could be used for hippos similar to the way they're used for their crocodiles. And of course I wouldn't be entirely surprised if Altina imported some too.

With these points in mind, it suggests Kani will be transferred to Werribee Open Range Zoo for breeding rather than Monarto. While Monarto may well intend to breed in the future, Brindabella will be at the end of her reproductive life (a few hippos have bred into their late 30’s); while Tulip (2003) and Lotus (2008) should be prioritised over Pansy (2013). The transfer would likely take place around 2025.

I agree, and Werribee sending their females to Monarto only solidifies this. They're making space for Kani; otherwise I see no other reason why Werribee would rid themselves of two females, especially with the numbers in the region dwindling. Hopefully we can see a hippo calf at Werribee within the next five or so years! They'll likely breed from both Lotus and Tulip.

 

[Swanson02]

I agree, and Werribee sending their females to Monarto only solidifies this. They're making space for Kani; otherwise I see no other reason why Werribee would rid themselves of two females, especially with the numbers in the region dwindling. Hopefully we can see a hippo calf at Werribee within the next five or so years! They'll likely breed from both Lotus and Tulip.

I'm going to Monarto soon, so will definitely ask what their plans are for the two hippos they will receive from Werribee. Creating space for Kani at Werribee also clears up space at TWPZ which is where I believe half of a joint bull hippo import between Monarto and TWPZ will end up.
The last time I went to Monarto I saw the construction of 2 large dams and was told of the construction of a 3rd as well. I know that at least 2 were intended for hippos. This all indicates to me that Monarto is definitely planning on holding more than 2 hippos. Additionally, this was in January before the 'Hope for Hippos' fundraiser, suggesting to me that Monarto already had the funds to construct a habitat and get the girls in from Werribee. Which I assume wouldn't have cost much as Werribee would be well aware of the future benefits a breeding facility at Monarto would generate for them. Therefore, I think the fundraiser money would have likely been put towards an import of 2-3 bulls, where 1-2 end up at TWPZ. 2-3 new founder bulls would be great and could set us up for another 3 decades.

Another theory I have is that ZoosSAs may perform a dual-species hippo import with the fundraiser money. Where they import 1 or 2 bull Common Hippos for Monarto and 1 female Pygmy Hippo as a mate for Obi at Adelaide.

 

[Zorro]

It will be interesting to see if Crocodylus still do plan to hold Hippos. With a loss of founders including Adelaide and Auckland, some more facilities will be required (besides Dubbo, Werribee and Monarto) to sustain a successful population. Crocodylus seems the perfect facility too; having large, natural river substrates which could be used for hippos similar to the way they're used for their crocodiles. And of course I wouldn't be entirely surprised if Altina imported some too.



I agree, and Werribee sending their females to Monarto only solidifies this. They're making space for Kani; otherwise I see no other reason why Werribee would rid themselves of two females, especially with the numbers in the region dwindling. Hopefully we can see a hippo calf at Werribee within the next five or so years! They'll likely breed from both Lotus and Tulip.

Altina had/has indicated on their website that they were interested in obtaining hippos perhaps the interest in hippos among our zoos has been underestimated but interest level depending on the IRA being completed

 

[akasha]

I hope the hippopotamus IRA finally happens now the Bovid IRA is finally complete, but the fact they were talking about the need for it in 2005 highlights how slow progress can be.

On my recent visit to DDZ, the keeper said that they are ‘working with the government’ to be able to import pygmy hippo. Her impression was that in a couple of years they would be able to import a mate for Kamina, and that other facilities would also be looking to import pygmy hippo to build up the regional population. From DDZ’s point of view the timing works well as Kamina has just reached maturity so she has plenty of time, and they also need to build facilities to house a second hippo. She sounded quite confident that it would eventuate.

 

[Zorro]

On my recent visit to DDZ, the keeper said that they are ‘working with the government’ to be able to import pygmy hippo. Her impression was that in a couple of years they would be able to import a mate for Kamina, and that other facilities would also be looking to import pygmy hippo to build up the regional population. From DDZ’s point of view the timing works well as Kamina has just reached maturity so she has plenty of time, and they also need to build facilities to house a second hippo. She sounded quite confident that it would eventuate.

At the speed which DDZ move the housing for another hippo could happen almost over night.

 

[Zoofan15]

I'm going to Monarto soon, so will definitely ask what their plans are for the two hippos they will receive from Werribee. Creating space for Kani at Werribee also clears up space at TWPZ which is where I believe half of a joint bull hippo import between Monarto and TWPZ will end up.
The last time I went to Monarto I saw the construction of 2 large dams and was told of the construction of a 3rd as well. I know that at least 2 were intended for hippos. This all indicates to me that Monarto is definitely planning on holding more than 2 hippos. Additionally, this was in January before the 'Hope for Hippos' fundraiser, suggesting to me that Monarto already had the funds to construct a habitat and get the girls in from Werribee. Which I assume wouldn't have cost much as Werribee would be well aware of the future benefits a breeding facility at Monarto would generate for them. Therefore, I think the fundraiser money would have likely been put towards an import of 2-3 bulls, where 1-2 end up at TWPZ. 2-3 new founder bulls would be great and could set us up for another 3 decades.

Another theory I have is that ZoosSAs may perform a dual-species hippo import with the fundraiser money. Where they import 1 or 2 bull Common Hippos for Monarto and 1 female Pygmy Hippo as a mate for Obi at Adelaide.

That all sounds likely.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo have never bred from Nile and the document from 2005 offers an explanation why by stating inbreeding through closely related individuals was to be avoided. The three viable bulls at the time were her half brothers and brother.

If a bull can be imported in the next few years, I’d imagine Nile would take priority in breeding - especially given she lives alone; while Cuddles and her daughters form a cohesive herd.

It would be more challenging now all three are adults, but it may also be possible for either Cuddles, Kibibi or Kendi to breed - with them and their calf integrated back into the pod at a few months old. Auckland Zoo had several calves killed (including within a mother and daughter pairing), but these were newborns and held within a comparatively small exhibit.

 

[Jambo]

On my recent visit to DDZ, the keeper said that they are ‘working with the government’ to be able to import pygmy hippo. Her impression was that in a couple of years they would be able to import a mate for Kamina, and that other facilities would also be looking to import pygmy hippo to build up the regional population. From DDZ’s point of view the timing works well as Kamina has just reached maturity so she has plenty of time, and they also need to build facilities to house a second hippo. She sounded quite confident that it would eventuate.

The fact that we hadn't seen Kamina been moved to Adelaide or Melbourne initially seems to suggest the other zoos in the region too are fairly confident with being able to import more Pygmy Hippo's in the future.

2.2 Pygmy Hippos sound good enough for a start, once the IRA has been completed. Melbourne and Adelaide could use the girls, while one of the bulls could be sent to Altina. The other male could easily be used as a contigency, or sent to another zoo to be paired with a female offspring of another pair.

Fergus and Kambiri at Taronga will no doubt be re-paired again soon.

 

[Zoofan15]

Altina had/has indicated on their website that they were interested in obtaining hippos perhaps the interest in hippos among our zoos has been underestimated but interest level depending on the IRA being completed

An additional holder would be useful for holding an additional female line within the Common hippopotamus population. The priority is to import bulls, but the 2005 document also stressed the need to import a female given all the females descend from the Taronga line. The addition of Cuddles offers genetic diversity via the Kabete/Nada line; but I suspect she’s related to the others via her great grandmother, Bonnie, who was born at Taronga in 1996.

Obviously it’d be difficult to merge a new female with the existing herds, so a new facility would be her best option unless Monarto could manage two herds. @Swanson02 mentioned their capacity to hold multiple hippos, so this might be an option.

 

[Jambo]

That all sounds likely.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo have never bred from Nile and the document from 2005 offers an explanation why by stating inbreeding through closely related individuals was to be avoided. The three viable bulls at the time were her half brothers and brother.

If a bull can be imported in the next few years, I’d imagine Nile would take priority in breeding - especially given she lives alone; while Cuddles and her daughters form a cohesive herd.

It would be more challenging now all three are adults, but it may also be possible for either Cuddles, Kibibi or Kendi to breed - with them and their calf integrated back into the pod at a few months old. Auckland Zoo had several calves killed (including within a mother and daughter pairing), but these were newborns and held within a comparatively small exhibit.

Regarding Nile, I too would imagine she may be Dubbo's next designated breeder. She's their safest option, and they may chose to breed Cuddles too, and then keep her daughters in a pair (or, these females could be possible transfers elsewhere, possibly to Altina to make space).

Dubbo's always had one breeding female, who was allowed to breed almost naturally, with three to four year gaps. They don't have an entirety of space, so it would be much better if the two younger girls were sent away and breeding was formulated from a new bull, and Cuddles and Nile.

 

[Zoofan15]

Regarding Nile, I too would imagine she may be Dubbo's next designated breeder. She's their safest option, and they may chose to breed Cuddles too, and then keep her daughters in a pair (or, these females could be possible transfers elsewhere, possibly to Altina to make space).

Dubbo's always had one breeding female, who was allowed to breed almost naturally, with three to four year gaps. They don't have an entirety of space, so it would be much better if the two younger girls were sent away and breeding was formulated from a new bull, and Cuddles and Nile.

Kibibi and Kendi will be the lowest breeding priority given they’re closely related to all the others in the population via their sire and that they’re the youngest with two to three decades of reproduction ahead of them. Cuddles by comparison is the most genetically valuable cow in the region, so would likely breed again once a bull becomes available.

It’d be ideal if Kibibi and Kendi could remain in a cohesive herd with Cuddles (and any new half siblings); but if space at another facility becomes available e.g. a new holder, than that would be the obvious move to free up space at Dubbo.

 

[Zorro]

An additional holder would be useful for holding an additional female line within the Common hippopotamus population. The priority is to import bulls, but the 2005 document also stressed the need to import a female given all the females descend from the Taronga line. The addition of Cuddles offers genetic diversity via the Kabete/Nada line; but I suspect she’s related to the others via her great grandmother, Bonnie, who was born at Taronga in 1996.

Obviously it’d be difficult to merge a new female with the existing herds, so a new facility would be her best option unless Monarto could manage two herds. @Swanson02 mentioned their capacity to hold multiple hippos, so this might be an option.

When new bloodlines are imported the hippo population needs to be taken in hand to minimise inbreeding it can’t be that hard. Perhaps even a stud book keeper to make recommendations. Also to alert on any possible drop in the National population so we don’t end up in the same mess we are in at the moment. We cant afford a repeat of the mistakes made in the past like exporting hippos out of the region that are desperately needed here.

 

[Jambo]

When new bloodlines are imported the hippo population needs to be taken in hand to minimise inbreeding it can’t be that hard. Perhaps even a stud book keeper to make recommendations. Also to alert on any possible drop in the National population so we don’t end up in the same mess we are in at the moment. We cant afford a repeat of the mistakes made in the past like exporting hippos out of the region that are desperately needed here.

It really just came down to luck in the end. Auckland were misfortunate by giving their juvenile bull a vasectomy only for his father to die a few years later leaving him as the only male at the zoo. Werribee suddenly lost Harry, which was a big shame as they had further plans to breed from Primrose and Brindabella. Dubbo lost Rumbin (daughter of Brutus and Suzie), who only had bred once. She didn't breed for a total of twelve years before her death, despite the fact Dubbo tried. Dubbo also lost Rumbin's only daughter, Mafuta at a young age. And since, have suddenly lost the regions only adult male, Mana to a sudden illness.

Just bad luck and in Auckland's case, bad planning. But with only four zoos in the region holding this species back three decades ago, it was inevitable for the population to crash with a few sudden deaths, especially with it being so small and so closely related.

 

[Zoofan15]

When new bloodlines are imported the hippo population needs to be taken in hand to minimise inbreeding it can’t be that hard. Perhaps even a stud book keeper to make recommendations. Also to alert on any possible drop in the National population so we don’t end up in the same mess we are in at the moment. We cant afford a repeat of the mistakes made in the past like exporting hippos out of the region that are desperately needed here.

A studbook already exists for this species. A species coordinator based at Melbourne Zoo was listed in this document: https://aszk.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Mammals.-Common-Hippo-2009RJ.pdf

As a starting point, I’d recommend an import of at least 3.1 Common hippopotamus with unrelated bulls supplied to Monarto and Dubbo and an unrelated breeding pair established at any facility that can accomodate them. Sons from this pair could in turn be paired with cows from the other pairings down the line; as well as the swapping of bulls after each generation.

This one off import could sustain the regional population for decades, though obviously the more the better.

 

[Zorro]

A studbook already exists for this species. A species coordinator based at Melbourne Zoo was listed in this document: https://aszk.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Mammals.-Common-Hippo-2009RJ.pdf

As a starting point, I’d recommend an import of at least 3.1 Common hippopotamus with unrelated bulls supplied to Monarto and Dubbo and an unrelated breeding pair established at any facility that can accomodate them. Sons from this pair could in turn be paired with cows from the other pairings down the line; as well as the swapping of bulls after each generation.

This one off import could sustain the regional population for decades, though obviously the more the better.

Glad to see their management is in hand

 

[Zoofan15]

It really just came down to luck in the end. Auckland were misfortunate by giving their juvenile bull a vasectomy only for his father to die a few years later leaving him as the only male at the zoo.

Just a quick note that Fudge wasn’t vasectomised, he was castrated. Castration reduces aggression (a vasectomy doesn’t), which was the primary reason the procedure was carried out (the females were already on contraception).

The castration was carried out in 1993, the year Kabete died. The zoo wasn’t interested in breeding at the time as they were at capacity and no zoos wanted their surplus offspring.

Faith’s eldest son was destroyed in 1987 because there was no option to place him elsewhere; and so castration (a pioneering procedure in this species), was not without its risks, it was seen as a better option for Fudge.

 

[Abbey]

No doubt many of you would be aware of this site already, but the ZAA website lists the current regionally managed programs and the institutions coordinating those programs: Species Programs

Currently, it lists the Common Hippo program as being managed by Werribee Open Range Zoo and the Pygmy Hippo program being managed by Taronga Zoo.

 

[Swanson02]

Faith’s eldest son was destroyed in 1987 because there was no option to place him elsewhere; and so castration (a pioneering procedure in this species), was not without its risks, it was seen as a better option for Fudge.

Wow, so we have gone from literally culling excess young hippos to resting our region's hopes and dreams on one adolescent male at Dubbo. Also wasn't Sydney interested in Hippos in their master plan, I would have thought an extra imported pair would be more likely to end up there than Altina.

 

[Zoofan15]

Wow, so we have gone from literally culling excess young hippos to resting our region's hopes and dreams on one adolescent male at Dubbo. Also wasn't Sydney interested in Hippos in their master plan, I would have thought an extra imported pair would be more likely to end up there than Altina.

Auckland Zoo were breeding at a time when it wasn’t uncommon for city zoos to house Common hippopotamus and therefore there wasn’t a huge amount of spaces for hippos across the region.

Auckland had no capacity to seperate their mothers following the birth in the second exhibit (opened 1982) and many newborns were killed by exhibit mates. Faith (a large, aggressive female) was the most successful in rearing calves in this exhibit with three of her offspring surviving (attributed to her ferocious efforts to protect them). Her second surviving offspring was born 1986 and exported to Tipperary in 1988. He later sired Cuddles.

Sydney Zoo have allocated the space for hippos to other species and are no longer intending to acquire them to my knowledge.

 

[Jambo]

Wow, so we have gone from literally culling excess young hippos to resting our region's hopes and dreams on one adolescent male at Dubbo. Also wasn't Sydney interested in Hippos in their master plan, I would have thought an extra imported pair would be more likely to end up there than Altina.

The sudden rush in needing to breed is definitely something that could've been prevented from happening. Werribee will likely recieve Kani and attempt to breed him immediately. Although this transfer won't be for another two to three years; by which time Brindabella and Pansy will be sent to Monarto.

Sydney don't have the space for Hippos. Considering Taronga have elephants, i'd have thought Sydney would use the space for their elephants for Hippos (a point of difference). The elephant choice was most likely due to restrictions regarding hippo importation, but once the population grows and some hippos become available, I wouldn't overlook such a change.

 

[Swanson02]

No doubt many of you would be aware of this site already, but the ZAA website lists the current regionally managed programs and the institutions coordinating those programs: Species Programs

Currently, it lists the Common Hippo program as being managed by Werribee Open Range Zoo and the Pygmy Hippo program being managed by Taronga Zoo.

This program management system has always confused me a little, for example, why is there a designated manager for Meerkats (least concern) and no listed management for either Snow or Sri Lankan leopards (both at-risk species)? Is it because species such as Hyenas, Leopards, and Black rhinos aren't breeding at enough facilities to consider them as 'regional' breeding programs?

Likewise, I find it strange how some facilities like Monarto which have only had chimpanzees for 12 years are calling the shots on institutions like Taronga which have had experience with breeding Chimpanzees since the 1930s. It also must not be based on the volume of births as Monarto and TWPZ have produced the majority of the regions Giraffes yet Melbourne is the designated manager?

I assume it must be a rotational system where whoever puts their hand up gets the job? If anyone could clear this up for me it would be much appreciated