ZSL London Zoo ZSL London Zoo News 2024

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Some exciting London Zoo news from the 2023 EAZA TAG report (courtesy of @DesertRhino150 for sharing said report another thread) is that ZSL are keen to acquire Lord Howe's Island Stick Insect (Dyrococelus australis), considered by some to be the rarest insect in the world.

They may even take control of the EEP for the species, with Bristol (the previous holders) no longer participating in the programme since their move to a new site. That said, Prague is also keen to acquire the species and take control of the EEP.

Fingers crossed that if this does happen, they will go onshow (presumably in Tiny Giants)!
 
Would be great for them to go on show, I forgot to take a photo of them when they were at Bristol so honestly can't remember if I saw them or not.
 
Pertinax said:
So does Bristol still have their stock of LHI Stick insects or where is it now?
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Not sure where Bristol's stock are but London (and/or Prague) will presumably acquire from Melbourne, much like Bristol and San Diego's initial populations.
 
Jambo said:
Not sure where Bristol's stock are but London (and/or Prague) will presumably acquire from Melbourne, much like Bristol and San Diego's initial populations.
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Yes, the report did mention that both zoos plan to get theirs from Melbourne.

Bristol may well still have their stick insects, they just won’t be participating in the programme anymore.
 
Kalaw said:
Bristol may well still have their stick insects, they just won’t be participating in the programme anymore.
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Given the accent at the new site is all about Conservation I was a bit surprised at this statement (from them?), I wonder what the reason behind this decision is.
 
Pertinax said:
Given the accent at the new site is all about Conservation I was a bit surprised at this statement (from them?), I wonder what the reason behind this decision is.
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BZS may not be part of the conservation program any more - BZP is intended to be based around species that the society has direct work with, but I'd be surprised if this was the case. Perhaps they feel at least in the short term the other collections are better suited, given BZP is mainly a building site.

From the release it sounds like both London and Prague will be acquiring specimens, but of course only one will lead the EEP.
 
ZSL London Zoo, 18th

News:
  • A Eurasian Eagle owl which has lived at the zoo for nearly 20 years now, has just come on show near the Alpaca Paddock.
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  • A pair of Little Owl, a new addition to the zoo, has now appeared in the old Patagonian conure Aviary.
  • The Lion cubs has grown brilliantly, I saw Bhanu and Arya having a well deserved rest with the triplets.
  • Behind the Sardinian brook salamanders (at the entrance of SLoRA) were multiple amphibians such as: Iberian & Majorcan midwife toads (Alytes cisternasii & muletensis), Lake Oku clawed frogs (Xenopus longipes), Luristan newt (Neurergus kaiseri).
  • Behind the Laos warty newt tank in the hallway towards the main SLoRA Building are multiple Congo Caecilian Tanks, presumably being the individuals previously kept in the Old Aquarium Building.
  • In this same Hallway, behind the Big-headed Turtle Exhibit, there are multiple tanks of hatchlings of this species. Great news to see ZSL support in the breeding of this reptile and to see the new building fulfilling this purpose.
  • In the Egernia stokesii exhibit are at least 10 hatchlings alongside the 3 (counted) adults. Behind this Enclosure were multiple tanks, which appeared to house Lygodactylus williamsi.
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  • The Philippine Crocodile enclosure was re-opened. After asking a keeper, the tank was boarded up due to a design fault, leading to a crack in the interior glass sheet. It took three weeks before a new panel could be fitted.
  • In the Aquatic Caecilian Tank, a bristlenose catfish has been added.
  • I spotted at least 1 Tadpole in the Lake Titicaca water frog tank, more good news.
  • In the Luristan newt tank, multiple larvae were lurking in the foliage.
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  • Sadly the Lake Pátzcuaro salamander (Ambystoma dumerilii) has left the zoo (according to the Zoos website: Lake Patzcuaro salamander | London Zoo)
  • There has been a Breeding recommendation for the Asian small-clawed Otters.
  • After Thugs unfortunate passing, ZSL are currently waiting for a suitable male Pygmy Hippo to breed with Amara but as of current, none are free.
  • Inside the Zebra Paddock are new Tree Guards which unusually cover up the trees to their entirety. I wonder if the Giraffe will soon have access into this paddock?
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  • In the Rainforest Life Building; the Bokiboky pair were separated, the old sengi exhibit was boarded up and painted over, and Alaotran bamboo lemurs now inhabit the old Spider Monkey habitat.
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  • In the Nocturnal Life Building, the Malagasy Giant Rats had access to both enclosures on the left hand side (as you enter the section) and the enclosure opposite this is currently empty.
  • The old Penguin signs have been removed and repurposed as part of a game. New signage is now in Penguin Beach.
  • The old Tiger Cubs have still not left for different zoos, any ideas why?
  • Nice new signage in the Blackburn Pavilion, including an interactive rolling sign.
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  • A Juvenile Orange-headed Thrush was running about in one of the aviaries.
  • Two Purple-naped Lory chicks were hatched on the 5th July, leading to last year’s chick moving to the aviary on the left as you enter the Blackburn Walkthrough.
  • Inside the other aviary on the left is the male Fischer's Turaco. This is because ~1 month ago the pair successfully hatched a chick. However, shortly after the male began to chase after the female and chick. Currently the individuals have not been successfully reintroduced to each-over.
  • The scarlet-chested sunbirds seem to have a nest and a couple of chicks.
  • The lone male sunbittern has been taken out of the Blackburn Pavillon and put offshow because they hope to bring in a new female to breed with.
  • At the end of the main Blackburn Walkthrough are a pair of White-crowned Robin-chat who hatched on the 25th and 26th April.
  • The reason that the Gorillas have not yet been sexed and named publicly is because they have only recently been sexed. According to a keeper, it shall be announced soon.

    Hopefully this is helpful (Sorry if anything has previously been mentioned and feel free to question) ;)
 
Dr. Loxodonta said:
ZSL London Zoo, 18th


  • The reason that the Gorillas have not yet been sexed and named publicly is because they have only recently been sexed. According to a keeper, it shall be announced soon.

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I can't believe this bit. Its been evident to me what they are for months now- both female.

N.B. This is where I find out I'm wrong- huge embarassment...:oops:
 
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Pertinax said:
I can't believe this bit. Its been evident to me what they are for months now- both female.

N.B. This is where I find out I'm wrong- huge embarassment...:oops:
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Yes, I thought it was slightly strange? This is information from two keepers, but as mentioned in my last news post, the names seem to be definite (he says) ;).
 
There are actually 3 burrowing owls (rather than 2 little owls) in that. Enclosure at start of Animal Adventure.

There is also I believe a second BokiBoky exhibit (unsigned yesterday) in the lemur building corridor where the Gentle Lemurs were prior to their move.

Also I believe four of the blue throated macaws have moved to another collection so there is currently one of the macaw aviaries empty.
 
Honestly its a shame the water deer are gone already, of course they also have them at Whipsnade but they are quite an unusual species you don't see in many zoos, dik-dik are everywhere these days. Also a shame about the Lake Pátzcuaro salamanders... I think this leaves Chester as the only holder in the country.
 
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