Trends in European zoo collections in the 21st century

[lintworm]

Spoiler: Key to abbreviations & symbols

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)

Mongooses - Herpestidae
# Species kept 1-1-2000: 7
# Species kept currently: 10 (+3)
# Species gained: 5
# Species lost: 2


This family includes one of zoochats most infamous mammals, as well as some perennial favourites. As a non-native speaker I have wondered why the normally used plural of mongoose isn't mongeese, but that is apparently because the word mongoose comes from Portuguese (which borrowed it from Indian languages), whereas goose has it's origin in proto-Germanic.

@Rhino00 The marsh mongoose has been a rarely kept species throughout the century

Species gained

Slender mongoose - Herpestes sanguineus B4*
First held in the 21st century by Prague Zoo in 2009. Breeding in Prague was quite prolific with animals spreading to a larger number of collections soon after. But breeding in other zoos hasn’t been quite as successful, so there is a risk this species will disappear again from zoos within the next decade.

Small Indian mongoose - Urva auropunctata A2
In the 20th century this species was uncommonly kept, but it had disappeared in the 1990s. Chester Zoo acquired 2.2 animals in 2019, but these have been off-display the whole time and haven’t bred yet.

White-tailed mongoose - Ichneumia albicauda B4♰
This species has always been a rarity and was kept the longest in Zoo Heidelberg from 2002-2014. Currently only a single animal is kept in Zoo Sofia, Bulgaria, but this species is around in the private trade.

@Chlidonias The Small Indian mongoose looks similar to Herpestes species like the slender mongoose, but is considered part of an uniquely Asian genus now: Urva, whereas Herpestes is now used for (predominantly) African species only

Species gained but lost

Indian grey mongoose - Urva edwardsii A4
In 2002 Zoo Heidelberg obtained not 1 but 2 rarely seen mongoose species. Neither species bred, in the case of Indian grey mongoose the fact that only males were kept certainly didn’t help. The final individual of this species died in 2014.

Gambian mongoose - Mungo gambianus A4
A total of 5.4 Gambian mongoose were imported by Zoo Zlin-Lesna in 2008 and 2010. But no successful breeding happened and the final animal died in 2019.

@sooty mangabey Despite importing sizable numbers Gambian mongoose could never establish themselves in Zoo Zlin-Lesna


Species gaining popularity

Slender-tailed meerkat - Suricatta suricatta
It is pretty much impossible to find a standard zoo with exotics these days that doesn’t hold meerkats. A few indomitable Gauls still hold out against the invaders, such as Zoo Plzen and Tierpark Berlin, but for how much longer they can keep back the tide is unclear. Aided by the Lion King the number of holders has simply exploded from the 1990s onwards. They are fantastic display animals that take up little space, so no wonder zoos want them.

Yellow mongoose - Cynictis penicillata
On the coattails of that other Southern African mongoose species these mongoose have made inroads slightly more quietly. While mainly kept in smaller zoos this species is quite common nowadays. It is sometimes mixed with meerkats, but results are often mixed at best.

Common dwarf mongoose - Helogale parvula
Another social mongoose, but this time in pocket format, that has been gaining popularity. Their small size makes them easy to fit in anywhere. These little buggers have spread in big and small zoos alike. They can even be mixed with hornbills, with which they work together in the wild.

@Prochilodus246 A meerkat on the lookout for a new zoo to colonize

Progress
19/22 orders completed
80/106 families completed
384-392 species present in 2000
390-392 species present in 2023
188-196 species gained this century
187-190 species lost this century

 

[birdsandbats]

As a non-native speaker I have wondered why the normally used plural of mongoose isn't mongeese, but that is apparently because the word mongoose comes from Portuguese (which borrowed it from Indian languages), whereas goose has it's origin in proto-Germanic.

Don't worry, I feel like most native English speakers have wondered this too.

 

[Therabu]

I am surprised dark cusimance is not recorded in species gaining popularity.

 

[lintworm]

I am surprised dark cusimance is not recorded in species gaining popularity.

I am too . Not sure how I missed it, but could even be a gain this century....

And a small correction:

Indian grey mongoose - Urva edwardsii A4
In 2002 Zoo Heidelberg obtained not 1 but 2 rarely seen mongoose species. Neither species bred, in the case of Indian grey mongoose the fact that only males were kept certainly didn’t help. The final individual of this species died in 2014.

The final Indian grey mongoose in Heidelberg died in 2017, not 2014.

 

[PossumRoach]

Slender-tailed meerkat - Suricatta suricatta
It is pretty much impossible to find a standard zoo with exotics these days that doesn’t hold meerkats. A few indomitable Gauls still hold out against the invaders, such as Zoo Plzen and Tierpark Berlin, but for how much longer they can keep back the tide is unclear. Aided by the Lion King the number of holders has simply exploded from the 1990s onwards. They are fantastic display animals that take up little space, so no wonder zoos want them.

As mentioned at around the beginning of the thread, the EAZA’s Small Carnivore TAG has made an EEP so meerkats won’t take up space from more threatened taxa of small carnivores. Zoo curators will probably continue keeping ‘kats instead of taking risks with animals unbeknownst to the general public. Let’s see how this will work out.

 

[lintworm]

Addendum:

Mongooses - Herpestidae
# Species kept 1-1-2000: 6
# Species kept currently: 10 (+4)
# Species gained: 6
# Species lost: 2

@Therabu reminded me that I had completely overlooked 1 species:

Species gained

Common cusimanse - Crossarchus obscurus D5*↑
This mongoose, also known as long-nosed cusimanse, was kept in the 20th century in the UK, but had disappeared for decades before a new European population was established. The first cusimanse this century were a few confiscated animals that went to Marwell Zoo, via London Zoo, in ±2002. This was the start of a small boom, which, while at first limited to the UK, is now somewhat more evenly distributed across the continent. It is still by far the rarest of the social mongoose species, but of all mongoose species gained this century it is by far the most common. They are the only African rainforest mongoose in European zoos, so could be an interesting addition, but seems often overlooked.

@gentle lemur Common cusimanse are already so well established it is easy to forget the current population is only 21 years old

Malagasy carnivores - Eupleridae
# Species kept 1-1-2000: 3
# Species kept currently: 5 (+2)
# Species gained: 2
# Species lost: 0

This group of carnivores is endemic to Madagascar, while first treated as mongoose and civets, molecular evidence showed that these animals are neither and form another unique adaptive radiation of Madagascar. Historically rare in zoos this group is expanding quickly, while still being a relatively uncommon sight.

@Joker1706 Until 1996 Fossa were the only Euplerids in Europe and a rare sight at that

Species gained

Fanaloka - Fossa fossana B4*
A civet-like animal that only reappeared in European zoos in 2011 when the RSCC acquired a pair. After a brief stint at Exmoor Zoo, Bratton Fleming, these animals came back to the RSCC and bred. Currently there is a successful breeding pair + unsexed offspring at Zoo Neunkirchen, Germany and 4 males held elsewhere. So while breeding is happening, this species will likely need new fresh blood to have any future in Europe.

Broad-striped vontsira - Galidictis fasciata B2
Originally imported by Todd Dalton, who used to run the RSCC, this species is currently kept in Chester Zoo and Zoo Magdeburg since 2018 and 2019 respectively. No breeding has yet taken place in zoos, but the species has bred in the private sector. The animals in Europe belong to the subspecies grandidieri, which has often been split in the past.

@Newzooboy Fanaloka are one of many species imported by Todd Dalton over the years, but their establishment in Europe is still unsure

Species gaining popularity

Fossa - Cryptoprocta ferox
The largest of the Malagasy carnivores, whose old name in Dutch and German is “Ferret cat”, which gives an indication of how difficult the taxonomists of old found this animal to place. This is Madagascar’s top predator, but was until the 1990s a very rare sight in European zoos. Thanks mainly to good breeding results in Zoo Duisburg this species has started to spread and the number of holders has increased more than threefold this century. More attention to Malagasy fauna and the movie Madagascar have probably helped this spread.

Ring-tailed vontsira - Galidia elegans
Apart from a few brief appearances in the 20th century the history of this species in Europe started in 1996. At that point Zoo Berlin imported several individuals from Tzimbazaza Zoo in Antananarivo, Madagascar. The first European breeding was achieved in 1999 and from 2000 onwards this species has spread to other zoos. With a current number of 11 holders, with multiple breeders, this species is more widely kept than ever before in Europe, with a stronghold in Germany. The animals in Europe belong to the nominate subspecies

Narrow-striped vontsira - Mungotictis decemlineata
This species, also known under its Malagasy name bokyboky, was imported by Zoo Berlin 1 year after the ring-tailed vontsiras in 1997. While the first breeding occurred in 1998, this species has seen a somewhat slower spread across Europe. But spread it has in the 21st century, with a current number of 9 holders, with a stronghold in the UK & Jersey.

@Tomek The establishment of 2 vontsira species, including this ring-tailed vontsira, in Europe is in large part thanks to Zoo Berlin

Progress
19/22 orders completed
81/106 families completed
386-394 species present in 2000
395-397 species present in 2023
191-199 species gained this century
187-190 species lost this century

 

[aardvark250]

Addendum:

Mongooses - Herpestidae
# Species kept 1-1-2000: 6
# Species kept currently: 10 (+4)
# Species gained: 6
# Species lost: 2

@Therabu reminded me that I had completely overlooked 1 species:

Species gained

Common cusimanse - Crossarchus obscurus D5*↑
This mongoose, also known as long-nosed cusimanse, was kept in the 20th century in the UK, but had disappeared for decades before a new European population was established. The first cusimanse this century were a few confiscated animals that went to Marwell Zoo, via London Zoo, in ±2002. This was the start of a small boom, which, while at first limited to the UK, is now somewhat more evenly distributed across the continent. It is still by far the rarest of the social mongoose species, but of all mongoose species gained this century it is by far the most common. They are the only African rainforest mongoose in European zoos, so could be an interesting addition, but seems often overlooked.

@gentle lemur Common cusimanse are already so well established it is easy to forget the current population is only 21 years old

Malagasy carnivores - Eupleridae
# Species kept 1-1-2000: 3
# Species kept currently: 5 (+2)
# Species gained: 2
# Species lost: 0

This group of carnivores is endemic to Madagascar, while first treated as mongoose and civets, molecular evidence showed that these animals are neither and form another unique adaptive radiation of Madagascar. Historically rare in zoos this group is expanding quickly, while still being a relatively uncommon sight.

@Joker1706 Until 1996 Fossa were the only Euplerids in Europe and a rare sight at that

Species gained

Fanaloka - Fossa fossana B4*
A civet-like animal that only reappeared in European zoos in 2011 when the RSCC acquired a pair. After a brief stint at Exmoor Zoo, Bratton Fleming, these animals came back to the RSCC and bred. Currently there is a successful breeding pair + unsexed offspring at Zoo Neunkirchen, Germany and 4 males held elsewhere. So while breeding is happening, this species will likely need new fresh blood to have any future in Europe.

Broad-striped vontsira - Galidictis fasciata B2
Originally imported by Todd Dalton, who used to run the RSCC, this species is currently kept in Chester Zoo and Zoo Magdeburg since 2018 and 2019 respectively. No breeding has yet taken place in zoos, but the species has bred in the private sector. The animals in Europe belong to the subspecies grandidieri, which has often been split in the past.

@Newzooboy Fanaloka are one of many species imported by Todd Dalton over the years, but their establishment in Europe is still unsure

Species gaining popularity

Fossa - Cryptoprocta ferox
The largest of the Malagasy carnivores, whose old name in Dutch and German is “Ferret cat”, which gives an indication of how difficult the taxonomists of old found this animal to place. This is Madagascar’s top predator, but was until the 1990s a very rare sight in European zoos. Thanks mainly to good breeding results in Zoo Duisburg this species has started to spread and the number of holders has increased more than threefold this century. More attention to Malagasy fauna and the movie Madagascar have probably helped this spread.

Ring-tailed vontsira - Galidia elegans
Apart from a few brief appearances in the 20th century the history of this species in Europe started in 1996. At that point Zoo Berlin imported several individuals from Tzimbazaza Zoo in Antananarivo, Madagascar. The first European breeding was achieved in 1999 and from 2000 onwards this species has spread to other zoos. With a current number of 11 holders, with multiple breeders, this species is more widely kept than ever before in Europe, with a stronghold in Germany. The animals in Europe belong to the nominate subspecies

Narrow-striped vontsira - Mungotictis decemlineata
This species, also known under its Malagasy name bokyboky, was imported by Zoo Berlin 1 year after the ring-tailed vontsiras in 1997. While the first breeding occurred in 1998, this species has seen a somewhat slower spread across Europe. But spread it has in the 21st century, with a current number of 9 holders, with a stronghold in the UK & Jersey.

@Tomek The establishment of 2 vontsira species, including this ring-tailed vontsira, in Europe is in large part thanks to Zoo Berlin

Progress
19/22 orders completed
81/106 families completed
386-394 species present in 2000
395-397 species present in 2023
191-199 species gained this century
187-190 species lost this century

It's always confusing to me that Fossa dont belong in Fossa but its fanaloka, i understand that genus name doesnt follow common name, but when the animal are so closely related to each other its a bit confusing (unlike say genus Echidna and echidna)

 

[Birdsage]

Malagasy carnivores - Eupleridae
# Species kept 1-1-2000: 3
# Species kept currently: 5 (+2)
# Species gained: 2
# Species lost: 0

This group of carnivores is endemic to Madagascar, while first treated as mongoose and civets, molecular evidence showed that these animals are neither and form another unique adaptive radiation of Madagascar. Historically rare in zoos this group is expanding quickly, while still being a relatively uncommon sight.

@Joker1706 Until 1996 Fossa were the only Euplerids in Europe and a rare sight at that

Species gained

Fanaloka - Fossa fossana B4*
A civet-like animal that only reappeared in European zoos in 2011 when the RSCC acquired a pair. After a brief stint at Exmoor Zoo, Bratton Fleming, these animals came back to the RSCC and bred. Currently there is a successful breeding pair + unsexed offspring at Zoo Neunkirchen, Germany and 4 males held elsewhere. So while breeding is happening, this species will likely need new fresh blood to have any future in Europe.

Broad-striped vontsira - Galidictis fasciata B2
Originally imported by Todd Dalton, who used to run the RSCC, this species is currently kept in Chester Zoo and Zoo Magdeburg since 2018 and 2019 respectively. No breeding has yet taken place in zoos, but the species has bred in the private sector. The animals in Europe belong to the subspecies grandidieri, which has often been split in the past.

@Newzooboy Fanaloka are one of many species imported by Todd Dalton over the years, but their establishment in Europe is still unsure

Species gaining popularity

Fossa - Cryptoprocta ferox
The largest of the Malagasy carnivores, whose old name in Dutch and German is “Ferret cat”, which gives an indication of how difficult the taxonomists of old found this animal to place. This is Madagascar’s top predator, but was until the 1990s a very rare sight in European zoos. Thanks mainly to good breeding results in Zoo Duisburg this species has started to spread and the number of holders has increased more than threefold this century. More attention to Malagasy fauna and the movie Madagascar have probably helped this spread.

Ring-tailed vontsira - Galidia elegans
Apart from a few brief appearances in the 20th century the history of this species in Europe started in 1996. At that point Zoo Berlin imported several individuals from Tzimbazaza Zoo in Antananarivo, Madagascar. The first European breeding was achieved in 1999 and from 2000 onwards this species has spread to other zoos. With a current number of 11 holders, with multiple breeders, this species is more widely kept than ever before in Europe, with a stronghold in Germany. The animals in Europe belong to the nominate subspecies

Narrow-striped vontsira - Mungotictis decemlineata
This species, also known under its Malagasy name bokyboky, was imported by Zoo Berlin 1 year after the ring-tailed vontsiras in 1997. While the first breeding occurred in 1998, this species has seen a somewhat slower spread across Europe. But spread it has in the 21st century, with a current number of 9 holders, with a stronghold in the UK & Jersey.

@Tomek The establishment of 2 vontsira species, including this ring-tailed vontsira, in Europe is in large part thanks to Zoo Berlin

Progress
19/22 orders completed
81/106 families completed
386-394 species present in 2000
395-397 species present in 2023
191-199 species gained this century
187-190 species lost this century

One of my most favorite mammal families has finally entered the thread! From what I’ve learned here, these aren’t doing half as well in American collections. As I understand it, the Fossa is AZA-managed but uncommon. Aside from that, there’s the sibling Ring-tailed Vontsiras in Bronx and the off-exhibit Fanalokas (and maybe RTVs if I recall correctly) in Nashville, and nothing else.

 

[birdsandbats]

One of my most favorite mammal families has finally entered the thread! From what I’ve learned here, these aren’t doing half as well in American collections. As I understand it, the Fossa is AZA-managed but uncommon. Aside from that, there’s the sibling Ring-tailed Vontsiras in Bronx and the off-exhibit Fanalokas (and maybe RTVs if I recall correctly) in Nashville, and nothing else.

There's a couple Fanalokas floating around some roadsides (Fossa are also seen sometimes in roadsides, too), but otherwise this is accurate.

 

[Dhole dude]

One of my most favorite mammal families has finally entered the thread! From what I’ve learned here, these aren’t doing half as well in American collections. As I understand it, the Fossa is AZA-managed but uncommon. Aside from that, there’s the sibling Ring-tailed Vontsiras in Bronx and the off-exhibit Fanalokas (and maybe RTVs if I recall correctly) in Nashville, and nothing else.

Nashville recently imported 3:4 Ring-Tailed Vontsira and Bronx has a second 1:1 pair imported from Berlin in April. Fingers crossed this can help the species make a rebound in North America as it has in Europe!

 

[lintworm]

Hyenas - Hyaenidae
# Species kept 1-1-2000: 4
# Species kept currently: 4
# Species gained: 1
# Species lost: 1

The bad boys of the carnivore family, at least when the Lion King is to be believed. These fascinating carnivores are slowly increasing in popularity in Europe, though that is mostly down to a single species.

@Fat-tailed dwarf lemur Despite Zootierliste recognizing multiple striped hyena subspecies, the general consensus among experts is that for now there isn't enough evidence to recognize any

Species gained but lost

Eastern aardwolf - Proteles septentrionalis B4
This species was recently split from the southern aardwolf (Proteles cristatus) based on molecular evidence. 2.5 animals were imported from Tanzania by the RSCC in 2009 & 2010. This species then was spread across multiple zoos, but no zoo succeeded in successfully breeding them. This meant that the population quickly aged and the final animals passed away in Zoo Halle and Hamerton Zoo Park in 2022. Southern aardwolves are also hanging on by a thread, with a single animal remaining from the original zoo population. In 2023 Zoo Dvur Kralove imported 3.3 southern aardwolves (1.1 moved to Zlin-Lesna), of which 1 female has already died, so it remains to be seen whether this unique hyena has any future in Europe.

@Therabu Eastern aardwolves weren't a success story in Europe
Species gaining popularity

Spotted hyena - Crocuta crocuta
The most common hyena in the wild is also the most commonly seen in zoos. This century it has become a common sight in European zoos, while being relatively uncommon in the latter part of the 20th century. Their gregarious behaviour and the fact that this hyena is also active during the day, as opposed to their largely nocturnal conspecifics, make this the best hyena for zoo displays.

@hmb_zoo Their bad image hasn't prevented spotted hyenas to become more common then ever in European zoos
Species losing popularity

Brown hyena - Parahyaena brunnea
This has throughout most of the 20th century been quite an uncommon species with only a few zoos successfully breeding this species. In the 21st century breeding has become even less common and the original zoo population is currently down to 2 individuals in Prague that don’t seem to have bred. In recent years Todd Dalton has imported this species, as has Hamerton Zoo Park from Africa. Additionally Zoo Dvur Kralove also wants to import fresh blood from Southern Africa, so this hyena might have a future in Europe, but that needs more than just importing new individuals.

@zootiger It remains to be seen whether brown hyenas can make a comeback

Progress
19/22 orders completed
82/106 families completed
390-398 species present in 2000
399-401 species present in 2023
192-200 species gained this century
188-191 species lost this century

 

[Haliaeetus]

Hyenas - Hyaenidae
# Species kept 1-1-2000: 4
# Species kept currently: 4
# Species gained: 1
# Species lost: 1

The bad boys of the carnivore family, at least when the Lion King is to be believed. These fascinating carnivores are slowly increasing in popularity in Europe, though that is mostly down to a single species.

@Fat-tailed dwarf lemur Despite Zootierliste recognizing multiple striped hyena subspecies, the general consensus among experts is that for now there isn't enough evidence to recognize any

Species gained but lost

Eastern aardwolf - Proteles septentrionalis B4
This species was recently split from the southern aardwolf (Proteles cristatus) based on molecular evidence. 2.5 animals were imported from Tanzania by the RSCC in 2009 & 2010. This species then was spread across multiple zoos, but no zoo succeeded in successfully breeding them. This meant that the population quickly aged and the final animals passed away in Zoo Halle and Hamerton Zoo Park in 2022. Southern aardwolves are also hanging on by a thread, with a single animal remaining from the original zoo population. In 2023 Zoo Dvur Kralove imported 3.3 southern aardwolves (1.1 moved to Zlin-Lesna), of which 1 female has already died, so it remains to be seen whether this unique hyena has any future in Europe.

@Therabu Eastern aardwolves weren't a success story in Europe
Species gaining popularity

Spotted hyena - Crocuta crocuta
The most common hyena in the wild is also the most commonly seen in zoos. This century it has become a common sight in European zoos, while being relatively uncommon in the latter part of the 20th century. Their gregarious behaviour and the fact that this hyena is also active during the day, as opposed to their largely nocturnal conspecifics, make this the best hyena for zoo displays.

@hmb_zoo Their bad image hasn't prevented spotted hyenas to become more common then ever in European zoos
Species losing popularity

Brown hyena - Parahyaena brunnea
This has throughout most of the 20th century been quite an uncommon species with only a few zoos successfully breeding this species. In the 21st century breeding has become even less common and the original zoo population is currently down to 2 individuals in Prague that don’t seem to have bred. In recent years Todd Dalton has imported this species, as has Hamerton Zoo Park from Africa. Additionally Zoo Dvur Kralove also wants to import fresh blood from Southern Africa, so this hyena might have a future in Europe, but that needs more than just importing new individuals.

@zootiger It remains to be seen whether brown hyenas can make a comeback

Progress
19/22 orders completed
82/106 families completed
390-398 species present in 2000
399-401 species present in 2023
192-200 species gained this century
188-191 species lost this century

A German zoo (Sydower Fließ) imported Brown Hyaenas in 2022 too.

 

[lintworm]

A German zoo (Sydower Fließ) imported Brown Hyaenas in 2022 too.

Those are the hyena's that were originally imported by Todd Dalton.

 

[DDcorvus]

Hyenas - Hyaenidae

Brown hyena - Parahyaena brunnea
This has throughout most of the 20th century been quite an uncommon species with only a few zoos successfully breeding this species. In the 21st century breeding has become even less common and the original zoo population is currently down to 2 individuals in Prague that don’t seem to have bred. In recent years Todd Dalton has imported this species, as has Hamerton Zoo Park from Africa. Additionally Zoo Dvur Kralove also wants to import fresh blood from Southern Africa, so this hyena might have a future in Europe, but that needs more than just importing new individuals.

@zootiger It remains to be seen whether brown hyenas can make a comeback

The lack of breeding success of brown hyenas always have made me wonder if keeping pairs close to each other created the same problem as we used to have with cheetas. In the wild females don't breed within their own group, but with outside males. So it might warrant a similar breeding set up as with our those fast cats.

 

[lintworm]

The lack of breeding success of brown hyenas always have made me wonder if keeping pairs close to each other created the same problem as we used to have with cheetas. In the wild females don't breed within their own group, but with outside males. So it might warrant a similar breeding set up as with our those fast cats.

I wouldn't think so, Zoo Leipzig used to breed them annually in the old carnivore house, which meant keeping this species in cramped circumstances (and with spotted and striped hyena in the same building).

I wonder whether they (and striped hyena) are just quite critical when it comes to partner selection

 

[Nix]

I wouldn't think so, Zoo Leipzig used to breed them annually in the old carnivore house, which meant keeping this species in cramped circumstances (and with spotted and striped hyena in the same building).

I wonder whether they (and striped hyena) are just quite critical when it comes to partner selection

They’ve bred quite frequently in rather cramped private collections in South Africa as well.

 

[DDcorvus]

Thanks both, I wasn't aware of that so indeed might partner selection and if you then end up with importing 1 or 2 pairs your don't make it easier.

 

[TeaLovingDave]

Southern aardwolves are also hanging on by a thread, with a single animal remaining from the original zoo population.

Not even that; the animal at Hemsley was a recent import too, having been brought in by Todd Dalton at the same time as the brown hyenas now at Wildcatzentrum.

In the 21st century breeding has become even less common and the original zoo population is currently down to 2 individuals in Prague that don’t seem to have bred.

Brown Hyena is yet another species where a major factor in their decline can be summarised as "Damian Aspinall screwed them over" - the pair at Port Lympne were compatible and bred a few times, but he decided to split the pair up, move them offshow and send the offspring back into a semi-wild reserve (where they promptly disappeared). I believe he wanted to send the breeding pair to Africa too, but Prague (the actual owners of the animals in question) objected and eventually retook possession of the male - I seem to recall the female died suddenly just before Prague could take her too.

Had this not occurred we would almost certainly still have a few more from the original population knocking about, with the resulting increased potential for pairing-up with more recently imported bloodlines.

 

[lintworm]

Not even that; the animal at Hemsley was a recent import too, having been brought in by Todd Dalton at the same time as the brown hyenas now at Wildcatzentrum.

I somehow thought this was the final Hamerton animal, but I now see Bert never left Hamerton.

Brown Hyena is yet another species where a major factor in their decline can be summarised as "Damian Aspinall screwed them over" - the pair at Port Lympne were compatible and bred a few times, but he decided to split the pair up, move them offshow and send the offspring back into a semi-wild reserve (where they promptly disappeared). I believe he wanted to send the breeding pair to Africa too, but Prague (the actual owners of the animals in question) objected and eventually retook possession of the male - I seem to recall the female died suddenly just before Prague could take her too.

Ah well, another episode in the Damian Aspinall soap.....

 

[TeaLovingDave]

I now see Bert never left Hamerton

In fact he died at more or less the same time as the last Eastern at Hamerton - per the announcement on the zoo website one died at the start of a week and the other at the end of that week - with both having passed away due to age-related health issues in July 2022.