Auckland Zoo Auckland Zoo News 2024

Sumatran tiger cub update:

From socials:

Now two-months old, Cahya’s first set of teeth have emerged through her gums – a crucial milestone in her development that typically occurs around 6-8 weeks of age.

Zayana is starting to share her food with Cahya as shown in this from carnivore keeper Emma. So far she has been introduced to various proteins including rabbit, venison, horse and beef which form part of their nutritional diet. In the wild, tiger cubs are normally fully weaned from their mother and transitioned to a meat-based diet by six months of age.

Emma says her mischievous personality is really starting to shine through. “Her antics include stalking and pouncing on her mother's tail, playfully biting her paws as she walks by, and rolling around or darting away during bath time. Zayana actively participates in this play, effectively instilling the skills essential for her development as a proficient young tiger.”

While it’s still early days, if you’re lucky you might see Cahya in her habitat – though this is still under the complete discretion of her mum Zayana. We’ll keep you updated on her progress!

Sumatran tiger cub Cahya is starting to try out new kai! | Sumatran tiger cub Cahya is starting to try out new kai! Now two-months old, Cahya’s first set of teeth have emerged through her gums – a crucial... | By Auckland ZooFacebook
 
Zoofan15 said:
Sumatran tiger cub update:

From socials:

Now two-months old, Cahya’s first set of teeth have emerged through her gums – a crucial milestone in her development that typically occurs around 6-8 weeks of age.

Zayana is starting to share her food with Cahya as shown in this from carnivore keeper Emma. So far she has been introduced to various proteins including rabbit, venison, horse and beef which form part of their nutritional diet. In the wild, tiger cubs are normally fully weaned from their mother and transitioned to a meat-based diet by six months of age.

Emma says her mischievous personality is really starting to shine through. “Her antics include stalking and pouncing on her mother's tail, playfully biting her paws as she walks by, and rolling around or darting away during bath time. Zayana actively participates in this play, effectively instilling the skills essential for her development as a proficient young tiger.”

While it’s still early days, if you’re lucky you might see Cahya in her habitat – though this is still under the complete discretion of her mum Zayana. We’ll keep you updated on her progress!

Sumatran tiger cub Cahya is starting to try out new kai! | Sumatran tiger cub Cahya is starting to try out new kai! Now two-months old, Cahya’s first set of teeth have emerged through her gums – a crucial... | By Auckland ZooFacebook
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I am glad to see this precious cub is thriving and was lucky enough to see her playing by the fence with her mum Zayana last Saturday. Her play was vigorous, and already Cahya seems very strong and sure of herself! She drew quite the crowd of onlookers, although, I must admit, not quite the same amount yet as young Bornean orangutan, Bahmi, whose antics cause quite a lot of amusement on that very same Saturday!
 
ApeLadyNZ said:
I am glad to see this precious cub is thriving and was lucky enough to see her playing by the fence with her mum Zayana last Saturday. Her play was vigorous, and already Cahya seems very strong and sure of herself! She drew quite the crowd of onlookers, although, I must admit, not quite the same amount yet as young Bornean orangutan, Bahmi, whose antics cause quite a lot of amusement on that very same Saturday!
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I think the difference between Cahya and her predecessors (Molek’s cubs) is the latter were sequestered away in a den for the first three months. When they finally emerged, it was a much publicised event, with all the media fanfare. People had been waiting months to see them and had had to make do with updates on the website and cub cam.

Cahya by comparison was born on exhibit and although any visitor at any time might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her, the zoo have avoided advertising this to prevent people coming with expectations of seeing the cub.

The medium tiger exhibit is the most exposed of the three exhibits and will be perfect for showcasing Zayana and Cahya as she grows. I anticipate given another month or two and we’ll be seeing the level of visitor interest we’d expect from the zoo’s first (surviving) tiger cub in over 15 years.
 
Zoofan15 said:
I think the difference between Cahya and her predecessors (Molek’s cubs) is the latter were sequestered away in a den for the first three months. When they finally emerged, it was a much publicised event, with all the media fanfare. People had been waiting months to see them and had had to make do with updates on the website and cub cam.

Cahya by comparison was born on exhibit and although any visitor at any time might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her, the zoo have avoided advertising this to prevent people coming with expectations of seeing the cub.

The medium tiger exhibit is the most exposed of the three exhibits and will be perfect for showcasing Zayana and Cahya as she grows. I anticipate given another month or two and we’ll be seeing the level of visitor interest we’d expect from the zoo’s first (surviving) tiger cub in over 15 years.
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Yes, I can see how that might be the case, and how interest in Cahya will grow once she moves out of the nursery area and will be easier to see in the main exhibit. Were those cubs Berani, Cinta and Jalur (I think those were the names?) I still have an old photo somewhere of Berani shortly before he passed away.

Possibly, too, a lot of whether or not visitors will see the cub is due to the weather (Zayana tends to take to the shade when it gets hot) or the time of day. Cahya seems to be most active in the morning or early afternoon from what I've seen.
 
ApeLadyNZ said:
Yes, I can see how that might be the case, and how interest in Cahya will grow once she moves out of the nursery area and will be easier to see in the main exhibit. Were those cubs Berani, Cinta and Jalur (I think those were the names?) I still have an old photo somewhere of Berani shortly before he passed away.

Possibly, too, a lot of whether or not visitors will see the cub is due to the weather (Zayana tends to take to the shade when it gets hot) or the time of day. Cahya seems to be most active in the morning or early afternoon from what I've seen.
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Yes, Auckland Zoo’s first cubs were Jalur, Berani and Cinta. They stayed with Molek for their first two years, before Jalur and Cinta were sent to Symbio Wildlife Park. From there, they were sent to Tasmania Zoo; and then Jalur was loaned to Darling Downs Zoo for breeding (unsuccessful); before returning to Tasmania, where he died in 2023. Cinta remains there to this day.

Berani remained with Molek until her death in 2018. Her brother at Hamilton Zoo (Jaka) was exchanged with Oz and lived separately from Molek and Berani. They would rotate use of the exhibits, though Berani was very wary of Jaka (even after the death of the latter); he was a very nervous tiger.

Cahya is distantly related to the previous cubs as they both share Nico/Meta as ancestors. Cahya descends from their daughter (Kali); Molek and her cubs descend from their son (Jambi).
 
Two New Zealand bellbird chicks have hatched:

From socials:

"Both chicks are thriving and in good health, under the watchful care of both parents. They are starting to become more independent and self-sufficient, enjoying a diet rich in insects. They particularly favour daddy long-legs and additional fresh fruit,” explains bird keeper Erin.

Once the chicks reach the right age and their sexes are identified, they will be paired with other New Zealand bellbird from the regional breeding programme and become ambassadors of their species and other forest birds.
 
Announcement of Greater flamingo chicks:

For those wondering, it was mentioned on the zoo’s socials that their Greater flamingo flock numbers 28 birds.

From socials:

These flamingo chicks have been hatching out in a staggered approach this breeding season – with the first hatching on 28 January and the fifth chick hatching 27 February.

We’re so pleased this season has been so productive which is thanks to a new approach to ‘clutch management’ that our bird team have introduced this year.
 
Waterbuck update:

Auckland Zoo are now down to two female Waterbuck as mentioned on socials today (they previously had three). Both are elderly and named Etana (18 years) and Kwacha (15 years).

The future of this species remains unclear, but considering their age and the fact the zoo doesn’t intend to breed, it wouldn’t surprise me to see them phased out. Bulls are notoriously territorial and even with the expansion into the elephant exhibit, it would be a challenge to manage breeding.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Waterbuck update:

Auckland Zoo are now down to two female Waterbuck as mentioned on socials today (they previously had three). Both are elderly and named Etana (18 years) and Kwacha (15 years).

The future of this species remains unclear, but considering their age and the fact the zoo doesn’t intend to breed, it wouldn’t surprise me to see them phased out. Bulls are notoriously territorial and even with the expansion into the elephant exhibit, it would be a challenge to manage breeding.
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I wouldn't be surprised to see this species phased out - if I remember correctly, Auckland did have a bull but had to transfer him elsewhere because of his aggressive behaviour.

Also, I recall at one point, Auckland did have springbok in that enclosure, but phased them out in favour of nyala.

I wonder if they are considering a replacement antelope species for the waterbuck, and what would likely be?
 
ApeLadyNZ said:
I wouldn't be surprised to see this species phased out - if I remember correctly, Auckland did have a bull but had to transfer him elsewhere because of his aggressive behaviour.

Also, I recall at one point, Auckland did have springbok in that enclosure, but phased them out in favour of nyala.

I wonder if they are considering a replacement antelope species for the waterbuck, and what would likely be?
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Auckland Zoo had a bull Waterbuck that died in 2021. They were unable to integrate him with the giraffe/zebra and I’m unsure if a successful integration with the rhinos was achieved before his death.

Auckland Zoo did indeed have Springbok and what’s interesting is they had a filter gate between the giraffe/rhino paddocks, allowing them to choose which paddock they wanted to go in.

Regarding a replacement, I assume they’ll focus on the remaining species they have with the rhino being the focus of the expansion into the elephant exhibit. I’m hopeful the ARP will provide the opportunity to acquire some unrelated rhinos.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Auckland Zoo had a bull Waterbuck that died in 2021. They were unable to integrate him with the giraffe/zebra and I’m unsure if a successful integration with the rhinos was achieved before his death.

Auckland Zoo did indeed have Springbok and what’s interesting is they had a filter gate between the giraffe/rhino paddocks, allowing them to choose which paddock they wanted to go in.

Regarding a replacement, I assume they’ll focus on the remaining species they have with the rhino being the focus of the expansion into the elephant exhibit. I’m hopeful the ARP will provide the opportunity to acquire some unrelated rhinos.
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Thanks for the clarification re the bull waterbuck! And it would be great to see some more rhinos. If Auckland had a larger rhino herd, it would be quite a drawcard, especially if they managed to have several calves at once!
 
ApeLadyNZ said:
Auckland Zoo is now down to one Tasmanian Devil:

1.0 Nita

I had not heard anything via socials, but it seems that elderly female Luna has passed away.
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Yes, the zoo’s socials imply Luna has passed since they only mentioned Nita in celebrating International Tasmanian Devil Day. She was born 15/03/2017, so reached a great age.

With Australian zoos in the midst of breeding season, I suspect Auckland Zoo will play an essential role in receiving non-breeding surplus in the coming months.

I will miss seeing Luna on my visits. She was the most active devil I’ve seen in any zoo; often running laps of her exhibit (especially in wet weather).

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Zoofan15 said:
Yes, the zoo’s socials imply Luna has passed since they only mentioned Nita in celebrating International Tasmanian Devil Day. She was born 15/03/2017, so reached a great age.

With Australian zoos in the midst of breeding season, I suspect Auckland Zoo will play an essential role in receiving non-breeding surplus in the coming months.

I will miss seeing Luna on my visits. She was the most active devil I’ve seen in any zoo; often running laps of her exhibit (especially in wet weather).

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Thank you for the photo - that is an amazing shot of Luna! I too will miss her, just as I miss Nawnta who was quite the personality in her own right and prone to making the devils' unique vocalizations when Nita annoyed her!

Given the zoo's history when importing ambassador devils, I'd imagine that they would be taking on another sibling pair as they did with Nawnta and Nita.
 
ApeLadyNZ said:
Thank you for the photo - that is an amazing shot of Luna! I too will miss her, just as I miss Nawnta who was quite the personality in her own right and prone to making the devils' unique vocalizations when Nita annoyed her!

Given the zoo's history when importing ambassador devils, I'd imagine that they would be taking on another sibling pair as they did with Nawnta and Nita.
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Thank you and yes, that seems likely. Auckland Zoo have never held more than two devils in either exhibit; though the larger one (with one half previously holding Brolga) is certainly big enough for a trio. Personally, I’d look at importing a trio of siblings (including at least one female); with the view of integrating the female with Nita in the event of a fall out. It would increase the chances of visitors seeing something.

It would be nice if Auckland Zoo shared more news. The porcupine transfer has gone unmentioned; as well as the Serval import (bar a casual mention a year later), Tasmanian devil deaths and the latest baboon birth. Even what could be considered minor news such as the breeding pair of Brolga being taken off display is interesting to those who follow the zoo.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Thank you and yes, that seems likely. Auckland Zoo have never held more than two devils in either exhibit; though the larger one (with one half previously holding Brolga) is certainly big enough for a trio. Personally, I’d look at importing a trio of siblings (including at least one female); with the view of integrating the female with Nita in the event of a fall out. It would increase the chances of visitors seeing something.

It would be nice if Auckland Zoo shared more news. The porcupine transfer has gone unmentioned; as well as the Serval import (bar a casual mention a year later), Tasmanian devil deaths and the latest baboon birth. Even what could be considered minor news such as the breeding pair of Brolga being taken off display is interesting to those who follow the zoo.
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Most Auckland Zoo news seems to be about upcoming events or their conservation work or advertising the latest episode of Wild Heroes. Which is all good in itself, but I personally would like to hear more news of the animals. Unless it's a major milestone like the birth of Cahya or the birthdays of Bahmi and Charlie, updates about the actual animals are too scarce for my liking. If the animals concerned are on the phase-out list, I would understand, but Tasmanian devils don't seem to come under that umbrella at all.
Zoofan15 said:
Thank you and yes, that seems likely. Auckland Zoo have never held more than two devils in either exhibit; though the larger one (with one half previously holding Brolga) is certainly big enough for a trio. Personally, I’d look at importing a trio of siblings (including at least one female); with the view of integrating the female with Nita in the event of a fall out. It would increase the chances of visitors seeing something.

It would be nice if Auckland Zoo shared more news. The porcupine transfer has gone unmentioned; as well as the Serval import (bar a casual mention a year later), Tasmanian devil deaths and the latest baboon birth. Even what could be considered minor news such as the breeding pair of Brolga being taken off display is interesting to those who follow the zoo.
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If Auckland does import in the coming months, I'll be interested to see how the new devils settle in!

And I agree that Auckland Zoo should share more animal news. I do follow their socials closely, and a lot of their updates seem to be about events and their conservation work or the latest episode of Wild Heroes. Which is all very well, but I would love to hear more of the day to day lives and deaths and births of animals, and just more about which animals Auckland holds, their names, histories and personalities, etc. Auckland Zoo does update when major milestones like the birthdays of orangutans Charlie and Bahmi, or the birth of tiger cub Cahya, occur, but I would love to see more about the animals and the keepers and the day to day goings-on at the zoo.
 
ApeLadyNZ said:
Most Auckland Zoo news seems to be about upcoming events or their conservation work or advertising the latest episode of Wild Heroes. Which is all good in itself, but I personally would like to hear more news of the animals. Unless it's a major milestone like the birth of Cahya or the birthdays of Bahmi and Charlie, updates about the actual animals are too scarce for my liking. If the animals concerned are on the phase-out list, I would understand, but Tasmanian devils don't seem to come under that umbrella at all.


If Auckland does import in the coming months, I'll be interested to see how the new devils settle in!

And I agree that Auckland Zoo should share more animal news. I do follow their socials closely, and a lot of their updates seem to be about events and their conservation work or the latest episode of Wild Heroes. Which is all very well, but I would love to hear more of the day to day lives and deaths and births of animals, and just more about which animals Auckland holds, their names, histories and personalities, etc. Auckland Zoo does update when major milestones like the birthdays of orangutans Charlie and Bahmi, or the birth of tiger cub Cahya, occur, but I would love to see more about the animals and the keepers and the day to day goings-on at the zoo.
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It also went unmentioned that Capybara were phased out (the last one was just transferred out); as well the deaths of Golden lion tamarin, Asian small-clawed otters, two Waterbuck, a Serval and a Nepalese red panda, with myself only finding out the above upon visiting the zoo and asking keepers. Few zoos rush to announce deaths (unless it’s something high profile/noticable); but the events I mentioned in my post above (porcupine transfers, serval import and a baboon birth) are all positive news stories.

It’s also a shame we’ve had to hear updates on Burma’s departure via Australian media. She means a lot to those who follow the zoo and will likely be New Zealand’s last elephant. I’m sure the general public would appreciate what is now approximately six months notice she’s shipping out at the end of the year so they can plan a final visit to see her.
 
Zoofan15 said:
It also went unmentioned that Capybara were phased out (the last one was just transferred out); as well the deaths of Golden lion tamarin, Asian small-clawed otters, two Waterbuck, a Serval and a Nepalese red panda, with myself only finding out the above upon visiting the zoo and asking keepers. Few zoos rush to announce deaths (unless it’s something high profile/noticable); but the events I mentioned in my post above (porcupine transfers, serval import and a baboon birth) are all positive news stories.

It’s also a shame we’ve had to hear updates on Burma’s departure via Australian media. She means a lot to those who follow the zoo and will likely be New Zealand’s last elephant. I’m sure the general public would appreciate what is now approximately six months notice she’s shipping out at the end of the year so they can plan a final visit to see her.
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Sorry - there seems to have been some sort of glitch with my post above!

It's true, unless a high-profile animal such as orangutan Wanita passes on, or a tragedy like the loss of the male tiger cub occurs, deaths at the zoo don't tend to be reported. But I am also wondering why the positive news about animal imports or births don't get some mention on social media. I can sort of understand the serval and baboons not getting much mention as these are on the phase-out list, but I don't imagine that the Tasmanian Devils or porcupines are headed for phase-out any time soon. And the capybara and elephant are somewhat iconic animals, so their departure being glossed over is a mystery to me.
 
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