I do agree but I can see why such a decision has to be made. Other than the ethics of getting new founders and bio security laws, splitting primate species till the cows come home probably makes breeding cooperation more difficult than it has to.
Trends in European zoo collections in the 21st century
- Thread starter lintworm
- Start date
If you are implying I could have done most of the threads sofar from the top of my head, I’m afraid you are right
I’m going through the primates in my head, and sofar I’m on minus 12ish species and +1 depending on taxonomy (did we loose a species or a subspecies).
Here’s my prediction and the last zoo it lived in, others may fill in the species:
Apes
-1 (Antwerp)
-1(Madrid, did they both die yet?)
-1 (Herberstein? - and I think subspecies only)
Asiatic primates
-1 (Twycross)
-1 (Erfurt)
-1 or -2 (Howletts / PL)
1 gained and lost again (Apenheul)
1 gained and lost again (Ouwehands)
African primates
-1 (Cabarceno?)
-1 (Lodz? Not sure if some are around)
-1 (Barcelona - subspecies only?)
+1 Monkey world
Lemurs
-1 (Howletts /PL?)
New world monkeys
-1 or perhaps -2 (Epe)
-1 or minus -2 (Cologne)
-1(Mulhouse)
I pretty sure all Vincennes rare lemurs died in the 90’s and I’m unsure about some of the Loris and Galago species.
We’re loosing golden-bellied mangabeys and Allen’s swamp monkeys and gaining a hell of a lot gelada’s.
So, how did I do?
Nope, I can confirm Antwerp still had Amahoro as of yesterday
however, you did miss an ape species loss from Twycross!Nope, I can confirm Antwerp still had Amahoro as of yesterday
The Antwerp discussion is a big one isn’t it?
And dang it, you’re right.
Sugar gliders as a species are doing more than fine it is the other species in the family that made the difference.
Yes and no, in a world where enclosure sizes are generall growing it is fair to assume small species will become more popular. Most of the animals discussed until now aren't exactly ABC mammals and there is a tendency of complaining that zoos aren't interested in non-ABC animals anymore, which clearly isn't true generally speaking.
I have some trouble to see what relationship that has with the best zoos, BestZoo and RSCC certainly weren't among the best zoos on the continent. It merely shows which type of zoos still have an appetite for acquiring new species.
The results from those phase-out decisions won't be visible yet with regards to species disappearing, though they do have an influence on which species gain/lose popularity, though in quite some cases these EAZA decisions were basically rubberstamping what was already happening.
If you are implying I could have done most of the threads sofar from the top of my head, I’m afraid you are right
I’m going through the primates in my head, and sofar I’m on minus 12ish species and +1 depending on taxonomy (did we loose a species or a subspecies).
Here’s my prediction and the last zoo it lived in, others may fill in the species:
Apes
-1 (Antwerp)
-1(Madrid, did they both die yet?)
-1 (Herberstein? - and I think subspecies only)
Asiatic primates
-1 (Twycross)
-1 (Erfurt)
-1 or -2 (Howletts / PL)
1 gained and lost again (Apenheul)
1 gained and lost again (Ouwehands)
African primates
-1 (Cabarceno?)
-1 (Lodz? Not sure if some are around)
-1 (Barcelona - subspecies only?)
+1 Monkey world
Lemurs
-1 (Howletts /PL?)
New world monkeys
-1 or perhaps -2 (Epe)
-1 or minus -2 (Cologne)
-1(Mulhouse)
I pretty sure all Vincennes rare lemurs died in the 90’s and I’m unsure about some of the Loris and Galago species.
We’re loosing golden-bellied mangabeys and Allen’s swamp monkeys and gaining a hell of a lot gelada’s.
So, how did I do?
You are in for a few surprises
. But you will find out soon enough. Though everyone will have to be somewhat patient, as I will be on holiday for 3 weeks in september, starting this weekend.
Well, if you're referring to the precise identification of Amahoro (as opposed to the deceased Victoria) she'd still be conspecific with the latter no matter what; the recurring question is one of subspecies.
Enjoy
I'm a few days into a three week holiday of my own, and funnily enough saw a species you already highlighted as a doomed endling today!
OkapiJohn
Well-Known Member
Phase outs come from the reflection that the zoo community has to choose between all species but non of them are sustainable populations and you rely on imports or you invest on those species that have higher chances to be sustainable long term. And nowadays zoo are not anymore collections of species but instead pieces of a bigger and wider conservation plan that aims towards sustainable populations. Of course it is not always black or white.
Well Copenhagen repeatedly mentions platypus in their masterplan (or so I heard) and EAZA already has EEP for long-beaked echidna in process of establishing or already established so it might be even faster than 10-20 years
I normally believe such plans only after animal walked out of the transport cage. EEPs are recently made for education only...
Still, it would be cool to breed long-beaked echidnas - they lived for decades in zoos, so are definitely possible to keep, and are still regularly hunted in New Guinea, so possible to source.
Still, it would be cool to breed long-beaked echidnas - they lived for decades in zoos, so are definitely possible to keep, and are still regularly hunted in New Guinea, so possible to source.
Dozens of new EEPs were established in the past few years and only two of them are educational...
Is there a link to Copenhagen Zoo's masterplan? The idea of platypus coming to Europe sounds really exciting if true!
Komodo Dragon
Well-Known Member
Still kind of surprising that the platypus has never made it to Europe. What would be the most likely zoo to exhibit then in the future should they have the chance?
Copenhagen or Pairi Daiza would be my guess, former because they have good connections with Australia in regards to Devils and other species which has only been reinforced recently, the latter because of money and their ability to get some spectacular species as a result... Honorary mentions would be to Hamerton or Wilhelma which have managed to acquire very good Australian collections in recent years but I'm not convinced platypus is within their reach.
This is all just speculation and guessing though.
Number of zoos kept (current and former during the holding period):
A 1 zoo
B 2-5 zoos
C 6-10 zoos
D >10 zoos
Time period kept:
1 < 1 year
2 1-5 years
3 6-10 years
4 11-20 years
5 > 20 years
* Species successfully bred
♱ Dead end (in case of species gained)
↑ Species gaining popularity (in case of species gained)
A 1 zoo
B 2-5 zoos
C 6-10 zoos
D >10 zoos
Time period kept:
1 < 1 year
2 1-5 years
3 6-10 years
4 11-20 years
5 > 20 years
* Species successfully bred
♱ Dead end (in case of species gained)
↑ Species gaining popularity (in case of species gained)
PRIMATES - PRIMATES
517 species across 16 families
183 species kept this century (35%)
The primates are the fourth-most species rich mammal order and the order with the second most representatives in European zoos this century. While the number of 517 is aided by the current splitting extravaganza of primate taxonomists, that doesn’t have a huge impact on the number of primate species kept in Europe. There are only a few taxa where the most egregious splits make an impact on numbers kept and on whether the European population consists of hybrids. There is a large variety and except the sportive lemurs (Lepilemuridae) all extant families have been kept in Europe this century. The only sportive lemur holding in Europe according to Zootierliste was of the Red-tailed sportive lemur (Lepilemur ruficaudatus) in Paris Zoo de Vincennes from 1986-1993.
@lintworm The only primate family to be absent in Europe this century: the sportive lemurs, depicted is a Milne-Edwards sportive lemur in Ankarafantsika National Park, Madagascar
Aye-ayes - Daubentoniidae
# Species kept 1-1-2000: 1
# Species kept currently: 1
# Species gained: 0
# Species lost: 0
There is only one species in this family, which has gone from extremely rare to somewhat less extremely rare this century in Europe. This bizarre animal was once thought to be one of the rarest lemurs of them all (which gave them an entry in the excellent book "last chance to see" in the chapter Twig Technology), nowadays it is considered the most widespread of all lemur species, though seeing one in the wild is a different matter as they are hard to detect. They are still endangered though, but there is a small captive population spread across 4 continents.
Species gaining popularity
Aye-aye - Daubentonia madagascariensis
At the start of the century only maintained in Paris Zoo de Vincennes, Jersey Zoo and London Zoo kept this species and breeding results were rare. There are currently 6 holders with a total of about 20 animals. The main holder is still Jersey Zoo, but Zoo Frankfurt, London Zoo and until recently Bristol Zoo joined the ranks of zoos breeding this fascinating primate. The population is still very small and fragile, but there is potential for a long term population in Europe.
@gentle lemur Were it not for Zoo Frankfurt, this island endemic would be limited to the British Isles in Europe
Progress
14/22 orders completed
25/106 families completed
51-52 species present in 2000
63 species present in 2023
33 species gained since 2000
21-22 species lost since 2000
Lemurs - Lemuridae
# Species kept 1-1-2000: 18
# Species kept currently: 16 (-2)
# Species gained: 0
# Species lost: 2
This family contains the most well-known of the Malagasy primates and nowadays it is rare to find a major zoo that doesn’t have at least one species of lemur. Several species are very rare in captivity, such as northern bamboo lemur (Hapalemur occidentalis), though that rarity status didn’t change much over the course of the century. For the purposes of this thread I have kept red-fronted lemurs (Eulemur rufus/rufifrons) as a single species (Eulemur rufus s.l.) given the status of most individuals seems unclear. Whereas species diversity has somewhat declined in Europe, overall lemurs seem to be gaining popularity and lemur walkthroughs are all over the place nowadays.
@Therabu On the coattails of the ring-tailed lemur this family as a whole has become quite a bit better represented
Species lost
Sanford’s brown lemur - Eulemur sanfordi B*
This species was last kept in Hamerton Zoo Park, in 2003-2004, but it is unclear when the species was acquired. The species was also kept and bred at the Suffolk Wildlife Park (now Africa Alive!). It is unclear how long and when it was present at that zoo
Grey bamboo lemur - Hapalemur griseus B4-5*
While being the most common bamboo lemur in the wild, this species has always been rare in Europe and was kept until the early 2000s in Paris Zoo des Vincennes and until 2011 in Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, UK.
@Newzooboy The final pair of Sanford's brown lemurs in a European zoo, photographed in 2003 in Hamerton Zoo Park
Species gaining popularity
Ring-tailed lemur - Lemur catta
This has always been a popular zoo animal, but since the Madagascar movies came out, every zoo seemed to need a King Julien. With over 400 European holders this is by far Europe’s most common lemur and if zoos claim they add this species because it is so endangered, they are lying. While the species is indeed endangered there are thousands of them in captivity and there are plenty of other lemurs that need new holders. But they lack the black-and-white tail.
Red-ruffed lemur - Varecia rubra
On the tailcoats of the ring-tailed lemurs, the ruffed lemurs have profited too. They are the favourite companions to put in a lemur walkthrough together with the ever-present ring-tailed lemur. Their critically endangered status is another asset.
Black-and-white ruffed lemur - Varecia variegata
Another lemur that has profited from the proliferation of lemur walkthroughs in Europe. With well over 150 holders this is the second most common lemur in Europe nowadays. Most zoos keep the nominate subspecies, but there is a second subspecies present in Europe. The black-and-white belted ruffed lemur (ssp. subcincta) has gone from a rarely displayed taxon to one that is seen quite often now, though with 27 holders it is still easily the rarest of the ruffed lemurs. Due to bad genetic shape the subcincta population will be mixed with the nominate subspecies though according to the 2022 EAZA TAG report.
Crowned lemur - Eulemur coronatus
Lemurs are often kept in mixed-species exhibits, often walkthroughs, where the staples are ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) and ruffed lemurs (Varecia spec.). Zoos increasingly add other lemurs to the mix and crowned lemurs are among the most popular. This small species seems to do fine in mixed exhibits and is attractive to see. To give an example of its popularity, after Zoo Cologne ceased keeping this species, it wasn’t present in Germany until 2010 when Zoo Dresden acquired a pair. Nowadays it is kept in 9 different German zoos. Most current European holders also acquired this species after 2010.
Black lemur - Eulemur macaco
This is a similar story as with crowned lemurs, although black lemurs have always been more numerous than crowned lemurs and still are.
Red-bellied lemur - Eulemur rubriventer
Another lemur profiting from the increasing amount of lemur walkthrough exhibits where they function as a sideshow to bigger and more active other lemurs. As with other lemurs they are most common in France and the UK.
Lac Alaotra bamboo lemur - Hapalemur alaotrensis
These small lemurs were first imported to Europe in 1990 and at the start of this century were still a huge rarity with only a handful of holders. While it is still somewhat uncommon with only 18 holders, it is much better established than 23 years ago.
Greater bamboo lemur - Prolemur simus
A panda imitating lemur that is rarer than the giant panda. At the start of the century this was a huge rarity with only 2 holders. This species has been kept in Europe since 1987, when Paris Zoo Vincennes imported a pair. Only when an additional pair was imported in 1994 a world first breeding was achieved (1995). From then on this species has seen a slow but steady increase. With only 7 holders it is still rare though, but multiple zoos have bred this species in recent years.
@Therabu It is not only the lemurs that are suited for walkthrough exhibits that have gained popularity, some of its rarest representatives have also made some gains
Progress
14/22 orders completed
26/106 families completed
69-70 species present in 2000
79 species present in 2023
33 species gained since 2000
23-24 species lost since 2000
# Species kept 1-1-2000: 18
# Species kept currently: 16 (-2)
# Species gained: 0
# Species lost: 2
This family contains the most well-known of the Malagasy primates and nowadays it is rare to find a major zoo that doesn’t have at least one species of lemur. Several species are very rare in captivity, such as northern bamboo lemur (Hapalemur occidentalis), though that rarity status didn’t change much over the course of the century. For the purposes of this thread I have kept red-fronted lemurs (Eulemur rufus/rufifrons) as a single species (Eulemur rufus s.l.) given the status of most individuals seems unclear. Whereas species diversity has somewhat declined in Europe, overall lemurs seem to be gaining popularity and lemur walkthroughs are all over the place nowadays.
@Therabu On the coattails of the ring-tailed lemur this family as a whole has become quite a bit better represented
Species lost
Sanford’s brown lemur - Eulemur sanfordi B*
This species was last kept in Hamerton Zoo Park, in 2003-2004, but it is unclear when the species was acquired. The species was also kept and bred at the Suffolk Wildlife Park (now Africa Alive!). It is unclear how long and when it was present at that zoo
Grey bamboo lemur - Hapalemur griseus B4-5*
While being the most common bamboo lemur in the wild, this species has always been rare in Europe and was kept until the early 2000s in Paris Zoo des Vincennes and until 2011 in Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, UK.
@Newzooboy The final pair of Sanford's brown lemurs in a European zoo, photographed in 2003 in Hamerton Zoo Park
Species gaining popularity
Ring-tailed lemur - Lemur catta
This has always been a popular zoo animal, but since the Madagascar movies came out, every zoo seemed to need a King Julien. With over 400 European holders this is by far Europe’s most common lemur and if zoos claim they add this species because it is so endangered, they are lying. While the species is indeed endangered there are thousands of them in captivity and there are plenty of other lemurs that need new holders. But they lack the black-and-white tail.
Red-ruffed lemur - Varecia rubra
On the tailcoats of the ring-tailed lemurs, the ruffed lemurs have profited too. They are the favourite companions to put in a lemur walkthrough together with the ever-present ring-tailed lemur. Their critically endangered status is another asset.
Black-and-white ruffed lemur - Varecia variegata
Another lemur that has profited from the proliferation of lemur walkthroughs in Europe. With well over 150 holders this is the second most common lemur in Europe nowadays. Most zoos keep the nominate subspecies, but there is a second subspecies present in Europe. The black-and-white belted ruffed lemur (ssp. subcincta) has gone from a rarely displayed taxon to one that is seen quite often now, though with 27 holders it is still easily the rarest of the ruffed lemurs. Due to bad genetic shape the subcincta population will be mixed with the nominate subspecies though according to the 2022 EAZA TAG report.
Crowned lemur - Eulemur coronatus
Lemurs are often kept in mixed-species exhibits, often walkthroughs, where the staples are ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) and ruffed lemurs (Varecia spec.). Zoos increasingly add other lemurs to the mix and crowned lemurs are among the most popular. This small species seems to do fine in mixed exhibits and is attractive to see. To give an example of its popularity, after Zoo Cologne ceased keeping this species, it wasn’t present in Germany until 2010 when Zoo Dresden acquired a pair. Nowadays it is kept in 9 different German zoos. Most current European holders also acquired this species after 2010.
Black lemur - Eulemur macaco
This is a similar story as with crowned lemurs, although black lemurs have always been more numerous than crowned lemurs and still are.
Red-bellied lemur - Eulemur rubriventer
Another lemur profiting from the increasing amount of lemur walkthrough exhibits where they function as a sideshow to bigger and more active other lemurs. As with other lemurs they are most common in France and the UK.
Lac Alaotra bamboo lemur - Hapalemur alaotrensis
These small lemurs were first imported to Europe in 1990 and at the start of this century were still a huge rarity with only a handful of holders. While it is still somewhat uncommon with only 18 holders, it is much better established than 23 years ago.
Greater bamboo lemur - Prolemur simus
A panda imitating lemur that is rarer than the giant panda. At the start of the century this was a huge rarity with only 2 holders. This species has been kept in Europe since 1987, when Paris Zoo Vincennes imported a pair. Only when an additional pair was imported in 1994 a world first breeding was achieved (1995). From then on this species has seen a slow but steady increase. With only 7 holders it is still rare though, but multiple zoos have bred this species in recent years.
@Therabu It is not only the lemurs that are suited for walkthrough exhibits that have gained popularity, some of its rarest representatives have also made some gains
Progress
14/22 orders completed
26/106 families completed
69-70 species present in 2000
79 species present in 2023
33 species gained since 2000
23-24 species lost since 2000
Interestingly, this lemur does not live in rainforest but reeds along Lake Alaotra. Its main food are papyrus, reeds and grasses, and 3 our of 4 main food plants are common worldwide: common reed, cockspur grass / barnyard millet and swamp rice grass. Apparently no zoo so far tried to give Alaotra lemurs access to reeds, or release them in a patch of enclosed reed bed.
What do you mean by "give access to reeds"?
Maintaining such reed bed for a longer period of time would be quite the hassle...