Werribee Open Range Zoo Werribee Zoo Zebras

[Jambo]

Zambezi's death left them with a single younger male zebra, who was then joined by another male zebra as a companion. One of these animals was named Lucas, if I recall correctly.

Thanks for that. Zebra's rarely live into their twenties so I doubted they would still be alive today at the age of twenty six! For reference, Zambezi from Altina was born in the late 90's (at Werribee to I believe) so died in his early twenties. Afaik, Werribee haven't had a male reach twenty yet.

 

[Jambo]

Zambezi's death left them with a single younger male zebra, who was then joined by another male zebra as a companion. One of these animals was named Lucas, if I recall correctly.

Just did some research.

They received a young male named Spartacus in 2019. He was born in 2018, although unsure where as it appears he's been renamed. Lucas is a little older (he was probably imported once the last of the remaining Werribee geldings died - circa 2017).

 

[Zorro]

That's very true, though the aim of the zoo is to have as many animals on display as possible, with those unsuitable for display due to being shy (e.g. many small felids) or aggresive with other species often phased out from the collection.

A compromise could be to have the stallion off display and the mares and foals integrated.

I thought that having males separated was common practice apart from breeding at least with the Grevys

 

[Jambo]

I thought that having males separated was common practice apart from breeding at least with the Grevys

Grevy’s are highly territorial and also aggressive. Plains can be kept in bachelor groups in most circumstances. In Australia’s case, Zambezi (who was a former breeding stallion) preferred to live solitary rather than integrating with some unrelated males. Whereas Melbourne have managed to integrate young males with older, non breeding males. Just varies on the circumstances/individuals.

 

[Zorro]

Grevy’s are highly territorial and also aggressive. Plains can be kept in bachelor groups in most circumstances. In Australia’s case, Zambezi (who was a former breeding stallion) preferred to live solitary rather than integrating with some unrelated males. Whereas Melbourne have managed to integrate young males with older, non breeding males. Just varies on the circumstances/individuals.

Actually I was referring to a stallion with mares/young.

 

[Jambo]

Actually I was referring to a stallion with mares/young.

The stallion shouldn’t be aggressive towards any of the mares or the young. Of course if Australia did chose to hold a breeding group, they could always move the bachelor males off display and use them for encounters in a similar manner to the way Zambezi was used.

 

[Zoofan15]

I thought that having males separated was common practice apart from breeding at least with the Grevys

The stallions of all zebra species are usually run with the mares/foals, which they will viciously defend. The reason some are run separately is that the stallions (of all species) can act aggressively to other species within mixed species exhibit. Small antelopes have been killed, giraffes have been driven into fences etc.

It’s unusual behaviour to see a stallion show aggression to a female. Exceptions include:

- An immature filly is introduced and regarded as a foal rather than a breeding partner.

- A pregnant mare is introduced to an unfamiliar stallion, who will harass her to induce abortion.

 

[Steve Robinson]

Just did some research.

They received a young male named Spartacus in 2019. He was born in 2018, although unsure where as it appears he's been renamed. Lucas is a little older (he was probably imported once the last of the remaining Werribee geldings died - circa 2017).

Spartacus was born on 30/09/2017 at Darling Downs Zoo and moved to Australia Zoo on 06/06/2019 to join their remaining Zebra, Lucas.

 

[Zoofan15]

Spartacus was born on 30/09/2017 at Darling Downs Zoo and moved to Australia Zoo on 06/06/2019 to join their remaining Zebra, Lucas.

Thanks for the update, though what a shame Australia Zoo have a Grant's stallion in a non breeding situation.

 

[Steve Robinson]

Thanks for the update, though what a shame Australia Zoo have a Grant's stalliom in a non breeding situation.

Without further imports our Grants will inevitably eventually end up with hybrid progeny.

 

[Zorro]

Thanks for the update, though what a shame Australia Zoo have a Grant's stallion in a non breeding situation.

Are you surprised?

 

[Jambo]

Spartacus was born on 30/09/2017 at Darling Downs Zoo and moved to Australia Zoo on 06/06/2019 to join their remaining Zebra, Lucas.

Cheers for that. Very much appreciated

Without further imports our Grants will inevitably eventually end up with hybrid progeny.

Other facilities will obviously need to get on board too, but unfortunately it seems the region is fine with hybrids. Werribee tried it in the past with Chapman’s, and that failed. Hopefully we can see a future import (and cooperation from other facilities) but right now it seems inevitable.

 

[Zoofan15]

Without further imports our Grants will inevitably eventually end up with hybrid progeny.

That's such a shame given the immense amount of work you've put into establishing a purebred population. Even if the zoo's with breeding herds could replace their stallions with Grant's stallions as they become available, then in the decade or so they're covering their herd, introduce at least one Grant's mate to give a 1.1 pair.

Over time, there'd surely be a reasonable surplus given neither colts or fillies can remain in their natal herd without inbreeding.