Zürich Zoo Zurich Zoo News 2023

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antonmuster said:
According to its website, Zoo Zurich is planning to close its enclosures for lions, tigers, mongolian wolves, and snow leopards in July 2023 in order to develop new rotational exhibits 'Panterra' for lions, tigers, and snow leopards as well as a walk-through insect and spider exhibit in the lions house. The new enclosures are scheduled to open in 2025.

Neues für die Grosskatzen | Zoo Zürich
Medien-Apéro März: Panterra – Neuer Lebensraum für Tiger, Löwe und Schneeleopard | Zoo Zürich
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I ran the video's captions through Google Translate - while the result *is* a literal translation, I do think that there is some interesting tidbits here about the exhibit layout. While there are planned overhead bridges between the all four areas (snow leopard, tiger, (former wolf/future ancillary tiger) and lions), this is what I was able to gather (please pardon any fussy spelling):

Panterra das sind vier verbundene lebensräume, die allen raubkatzen zugänglich verden. Wo heutde die Aziatischen löwen sind, liegen künftig auch amurtiger auf dem felsen. Und schneeleoparden klettern auch im heutigen tigerteil. Sollte dieser gerade frei sein, denn die tierarten bleiben auch künftig getrennt. Zu Panterra zählt auch die heutige wolfsanlage. Die wölfe selber verlassen uns aber. Wie wechseln die tiere von einer anlage zur nächsten? Über einen steg, einege meter über den köpfen der gäste. Ein zusätzlicher einblich ensteht im heutigen wolfsteil. <<Aug in aug>>, mit der katze an der scheibe. Panterra ist teil des entwicklunsplans 2050. Eröffnung ist 2025.

Panterra are four connected habitats that are accessible to all big cats. Where the Asiatic lions are today, there will also be more Amur tigers on the rocks in the future. And snow leopards also climb in today's tiger part. Should this be free at the moment, because the animal species will remain separate in the future. Today's wolf facility also belongs to Panterra. But the wolves themselves are leaving us. How do the animals move from one facility to the next? Over a footbridge, a few meters above the guests' heads. An additional one arises in today's wolf part. <<Aug in aug>>, with the cat at the pane. Panterra is part of the 2050 development plan. Opening is in 2025.

I reckon the snow leopards'd only have access to the other habitats for enrichment purposes - but the tigers'd get the bulk of the space while the wolf habitat becomes ancillary lion/tiger space. Hopefully they still maintain the current "storyline" they have about climbing the mountain from the lowlands, and you don't see a snow leopard in an Indian woodland or an Asian lion on a Himalayan hillside.
 
A pair of Northern Bald Ibis / Waldrapp released by the Austria-Germany project is breeding near Zurich, and has now a webcam.
https://player.livespotting.com/?alias=11cwt32d&ch=18hsdogg

I wonder if more zoos and nature centres in Switzerland, Austria, Germany and France could try having free-flying colonies of Bald Ibis, like free-flying storks? One such colony already exists in Rosegg nature park, Austria. It would be most direct local conservation link possible: endangered species, big, charismatic, local, already associated with human habitations.
 
I plan on visiting Zurich Zoo for the first time in August, and have a few questions, if anyone is able to answer.

- If I visit in August, will I have missed the Mongolian Wolves and the Snow Leopard enclosure?
- Are the Mouse Lemur free-ranging in Masoala, and if so, are there any specific areas to look at in order to have better chances of seeing them?
- Where in the zoo are the Pitta-like Ground-roller, Green-backed Trogon, Red-and-white Crake and Spectacled Eider kept?
- Is there anything else (closures, recent births or hidden exhibits) which I should know about?

Thank you in advance! :)
 
Kalaw said:
- If I visit in August, will I have missed the Mongolian Wolves and the Snow Leopard enclosure?
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Two weeks ago the Snow leopards could still be seen. I am not sure when they are due to close the area.

Kalaw said:
- Are the Mouse Lemur free-ranging in Masoala, and if so, are there any specific areas to look at in order to have better chances of seeing them?
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Yes, free-ranging, never saw any. The feeding cages would be your best bet but since they're nocturnal, don't waste too much time trying to find one.

Kalaw said:
- Where in the zoo are the Pitta-like Ground-roller, Green-backed Trogon, Red-and-white Crake and Spectacled Eider kept?
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- Pitta-like ground roller : Masoala Halle, learn the call it can be useful. It can often be found but you need luck and patience. Maybe ask a keeper if you find one during your visit of the Masoala Halle.
- Green-backed trogon is in the Exotarium, with the Goeldi's tamarins
- Red-and-white crake should be in the Exotarium, can't remember what aviary as species were moved recently.
- There hasn't been any Spectacled eider for a few years now

Kalaw said:
- Is there anything else (closures, recent births or hidden exhibits) which I should know about?
Click to expand...
A baby Caiman latirostris is on exhibit in the Exotarium. You don't want to miss the only Archaius tigris on public display in a zoo, also in the exotarium.
Then in the Australia house, there are 5 Cyclura cychlura figginsi in a nice enclosure.
 
@Kalaw hope you’re well!

I was lucky enough to visit the wonderful Zurich Zoo yesterday, and it did not disappoint. I’m even considering doing a full review based on how much I loved it!

Yesterday I was able to see the Snow Leopards and the Mongolian Wolves - the only mammals in the zoo that are currently not on display were the Amur Tigers.

Don’t waste any time looking for the mouse lemurs, as Masoala was even bigger and more dense than I could have ever imagined. There is plenty to see in the zoo, so make sure you use your time wisely.

I can’t speak so much to the birds in question, but as for new births/young animals there are two young Sumatran Orangutans (very lively and engaging), plenty of young Galapagos Tortoises, two young Arabian Oryx, at least one baby Gelada, and two, tiny African Crested Porcupines.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask! I’m excited for you! Cheers!
 
Rayane said:
Two weeks ago the Snow leopards could still be seen. I am not sure when they are due to close the area.


Yes, free-ranging, never saw any. The feeding cages would be your best bet but since they're nocturnal, don't waste too much time trying to find one.


- Pitta-like ground roller : Masoala Halle, learn the call it can be useful. It can often be found but you need luck and patience. Maybe ask a keeper if you find one during your visit of the Masoala Halle.
- Green-backed trogon is in the Exotarium, with the Goeldi's tamarins
- Red-and-white crake should be in the Exotarium, can't remember what aviary as species were moved recently.
- There hasn't been any Spectacled eider for a few years now


A baby Caiman latirostris is on exhibit in the Exotarium. You don't want to miss the only Archaius tigris on public display in a zoo, also in the exotarium.
Then in the Australia house, there are 5 Cyclura cychlura figginsi in a nice enclosure.
Click to expand...
animalman0341 said:
@Kalaw hope you’re well!

I was lucky enough to visit the wonderful Zurich Zoo yesterday, and it did not disappoint. I’m even considering doing a full review based on how much I loved it!

Yesterday I was able to see the Snow Leopards and the Mongolian Wolves - the only mammals in the zoo that are currently not on display were the Amur Tigers.

Don’t waste any time looking for the mouse lemurs, as Masoala was even bigger and more dense than I could have ever imagined. There is plenty to see in the zoo, so make sure you use your time wisely.

I can’t speak so much to the birds in question, but as for new births/young animals there are two young Sumatran Orangutans (very lively and engaging), plenty of young Galapagos Tortoises, two young Arabian Oryx, at least one baby Gelada, and two, tiny African Crested Porcupines.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask! I’m excited for you! Cheers!
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MennoPebesma said:
Both Amur tigers have since moved to another zoo and are therefore currently out of the collection.

No moving date is yet known for the snow leopards.

The Mongolian wolves can be seen until 13 August.

Source: Grosse «Züglete»: Reiseprogramm der Grosskatzen und Wölfe | Zoo Zürich
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Thanks everyone for all the advice; beyond excited for my visit.

Having just booked (most of) the trip, we will be visiting on the 12th of August, so I should be able to see the iconic Snow Leopard enclosure and a new subspecies of wolves. Shame about the tigers, but I have seen them plenty of times in my life.

If you do get round to writing a review, animalman0341, I would love to read it!

I will make a point of spending quite some time in the Exotarium, which seems to be quite a bit more extensive and rarity-filled than I had anticipated.
 
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Updates/Highlights from yesterday’s visit:
  • The gelada babies were out and about. I heard some noise from one of the adults and looked up to see that there might be another one in the making.
  • One of the partridges in Masoala Hall had babies.
  • There was no eel in the tank by the otter enclosure.
  • The first tank in the aquarium was mostly empty (there was a sign saying that the animals were off exhibit), I did see a couple of endler’s guppies.
  • The female caiman is in the process of building a nest.
  • The tapir and anteater were nowhere to be found.
  • ZTL says that there are burgdorfer horses, but I didn’t see any.
  • The Kashmir goats where also nowhere to be found.
  • There was only one elephant outside, the rest were seemingly bts.
Questions:
  • Vincente’s poison dart frogs are also listed, but I didn’t even see a tank for them.
  • What fish are in Masoala Hall, I saw what looked like some Pachypanchax, as well as two cichlid species.
 
Kalaw said:
I will make a point of spending quite some time in the Exotarium, which seems to be quite a bit more extensive and rarity-filled than I had anticipated.[/QUOTE ]
Best of luck, some of the animals can be quite elusive. Zoo Zurich is fantastic place, and a new favorite of mine. Make sure to keep an eye out for the wild storks. If you’re looking for the wolves, check all three of their enclosures.
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I was recently in Zurich and I wanted to know if the Blue-headed ground roller is (Atelornis pittoides) still in Masoala ? Because in 3 passages in the greenhouse I have not seen it. Last year when I went in Zurich it was very easy to see...
 
Kaelio said:
I was recently in Zurich and I wanted to know if the Blue-headed ground roller is (Atelornis pittoides) still in Masoala ? Because in 3 passages in the greenhouse I have not seen it. Last year when I went in Zurich it was very easy to see...
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Didn't see it two weeks ago but staff told me it was still alive.
You need to be lucky, he's not a guaranteed sight everytime.
 
Bengal Tiger said:
Updates/Highlights from yesterday’s visit:
  • The gelada babies were out and about. I heard some noise from one of the adults and looked up to see that there might be another one in the making.
  • One of the partridges in Masoala Hall had babies.
  • There was no eel in the tank by the otter enclosure.
  • The first tank in the aquarium was mostly empty (there was a sign saying that the animals were off exhibit), I did see a couple of endler’s guppies.
  • The female caiman is in the process of building a nest.
  • The tapir and anteater were nowhere to be found.
  • ZTL says that there are burgdorfer horses, but I didn’t see any.
  • The Kashmir goats where also nowhere to be found.
  • There was only one elephant outside, the rest were seemingly bts.
Questions:
  • Vincente’s poison dart frogs are also listed, but I didn’t even see a tank for them.
  • What fish are in Masoala Hall, I saw what looked like some Pachypanchax, as well as two cichlid species.
Click to expand...
After my visit last week, I might be able to help with / add on to some of these points:
Bengal Tiger said:
There was no eel in the tank by the otter enclosure.
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There is certainly still a European Eel in said tank (I saw it), although with the amount of rocks in that enclosure it will probably be difficult to see.
Bengal Tiger said:
The first tank in the aquarium was mostly empty (there was a sign saying that the animals were off exhibit), I did see a couple of endler’s guppies.Questions:
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That is still the case, sadly. This is usually the Electric Eel tank.
Bengal Tiger said:
The tapir and anteater were nowhere to be found.
The Kashmir goats where also nowhere to be found.
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I saw both the tapir and the goats, although also had no luck finding the anteater, sadly.
Bengal Tiger said:
There was only one elephant outside, the rest were seemingly bts.
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I had the same problem, so asked a keeper who said that their elephants are not fond of sunlight, and since the two offshow enclosures (one indoors, one outdoors) are the most shaded, they typically go there. However, after spending quite some time waiting, and checking all the viewing areas, I did manage to find two cows (indoors) and the bull (outdoors).
Bengal Tiger said:
What fish are in Masoala Hall, I saw what looked like some Pachypanchax, as well as two cichlid species.
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Paratilapia polleni (Black Diamond Cichlid) and Ptychochromis grandidieri (Grandidier's Cichlid) would be the two cichlid species.
Bengal Tiger said:
Vincente’s poison dart frogs are also listed, but I didn’t even see a tank for them.
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ZTL lists offshow species, which I suspect Zurich has a lot of, given that a semi-offshow research centre in the Exotarium is one of their future projects (opening in 2025). Given that the Vincente's Poison Dart Frogs arrived from Frankfurt earlier this year, I wouldn't be surprised if this was in preparation for the research centre.

Hope this helps! :)
 
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Bengal Tiger said:
How can you tell if a species is offshow on ZTL?
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Sorry if I worded that badly. What I meant was, even if a species is offshow, it will still be listed on ZTL.

However, for certain collections (not all of them, sadly) which are regularly updated on ZTL, you can actually tell. If you click on their listing under a certain species, it sometimes states "hinter den kulissen," which roughly translates to "behind the scenes," and suggests a species is offshow.
 
MennoPebesma said:
Both Amur tigers have since moved to another zoo and are therefore currently out of the collection.

No moving date is yet known for the snow leopards.

The Mongolian wolves can be seen until 13 August.

Source: Grosse «Züglete»: Reiseprogramm der Grosskatzen und Wölfe | Zoo Zürich
Click to expand...


Four days ago the Mongolian wolves moved to Tierpark Biel.

Recently the snow leopards have also been moved, they were send to Zoo Liberec.

Sources:
Instagram of Zoo Zürich (16/08/2023)
Instagram of Zoo Zürich (18/08/2023)
 
Some news from the zoo website:

- For the first time a Nubian ibex was born in Zurich, 2 females arrived earlier this year, before only males were kept.
- Recent offspring includes 19 Goodman's mouse lemurs, a king penguin, 2 crested quail-doves and 2 yellow cardinals.
- Sumatran Orangutan Oceh died on October 9th at the age of 35. She had a chromosomal disorder and lived separate from the main group, until 2017 she lived with an old female, but for the past 6 years she lived on her own as no other zoo wanted to take her either. She was euthanized due to unspecified health issues.

A complete overview of stocklist mutations for September/October can be found here:
Tierbestandsveränderungen | Zoo Zürich
 
Some great news from Zurich! I really can't wait to visit again at some point, lots of change happening and exciting species to see. :)
 
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