Luke899
Well-Known Member
Did you ask a keeper at Auckland zoo about the date of burmas transfer or are they keeping the date vague Zoofan
Auckland Zoo Auckland Zoo News 2024
- Thread starter ApeLadyNZ
- Start date
Did you ask a keeper at Auckland zoo about the date of burmas transfer or are they keeping the date vague Zoofan
Causticjay
Member
They have posted on their social media officially that Burma is leaving mid November but won't be announcing the exact date to avoid crowds.
Luke899
Well-Known Member
Ah, yeah that's an understandable smart move
Burma departing November 12:
Official announcement by the zoo:
Update: We can now confirm that Burma is scheduled to depart Auckland Zoo on Tuesday 12 November.
As this will be a complex undertaking and we are aiming to minimise disruption to ensure things go smoothly for Burma, there may be limited access for visitors to Burma’s habitat and the surrounding area on the day.
So, if you’re planning to visit her, you’ll need to do so before then. We’ll be making a further announcement on Wednesday 13 November once Burma has arrived safely, so watch this space.
Official announcement by the zoo:
Update: We can now confirm that Burma is scheduled to depart Auckland Zoo on Tuesday 12 November.
As this will be a complex undertaking and we are aiming to minimise disruption to ensure things go smoothly for Burma, there may be limited access for visitors to Burma’s habitat and the surrounding area on the day.
So, if you’re planning to visit her, you’ll need to do so before then. We’ll be making a further announcement on Wednesday 13 November once Burma has arrived safely, so watch this space.
Burma update from zoo:
Elephant Burma arrives at new home in Australia | Auckland Zoo News
From socials:
We’re pleased to share that Asian elephant Burma has arrived at her new home in Australia!
“Burma had a good sleep last night, all her movements are positive and she’s eating well which is what we were hoping to see. She’s moving around her new environment, sussing it all out, smelling everything and generally making herself at home. We’ll continue to monitor her as she settles in, but early indications are that she’s recovering well from a long day of travel,” explains our elephant team leader Andrew.
We’d like to thank our wonderful community for your support of Burma and our Zoo – we appreciate all of the heartfelt comments and encouragement you’ve given.
Elephant Burma arrives at new home in Australia | Auckland Zoo News
From socials:
We’re pleased to share that Asian elephant Burma has arrived at her new home in Australia!
“Burma had a good sleep last night, all her movements are positive and she’s eating well which is what we were hoping to see. She’s moving around her new environment, sussing it all out, smelling everything and generally making herself at home. We’ll continue to monitor her as she settles in, but early indications are that she’s recovering well from a long day of travel,” explains our elephant team leader Andrew.
We’d like to thank our wonderful community for your support of Burma and our Zoo – we appreciate all of the heartfelt comments and encouragement you’ve given.
Nine minute video of Burma’s export to Monarto:
From socials:
Many of you have been asking, how exactly do you transport a beautiful Asian elephant like Burma across the Tasman? It takes a lot of planning and a lot of heart.
In this video, we cover Burma’s move by land and air from Auckland to her forever home in Monarto Safari Park – so you can come along with us on the journey.
From socials:
Many of you have been asking, how exactly do you transport a beautiful Asian elephant like Burma across the Tasman? It takes a lot of planning and a lot of heart.
In this video, we cover Burma’s move by land and air from Auckland to her forever home in Monarto Safari Park – so you can come along with us on the journey.
A Kiwi Chick hatched to pair, Tuku and Ripeka on November 5th.
A second egg is currently being artificially incubated. It is expected to hatch within the next week.
Announced on socials;
Exciting news, Tuku and Ripeka have hatched a healthy chick!
Originally from the National Kiwi Hatchery, this pair has bred before, but this marks their first clutch at Auckland Zoo - an exciting milestone that contributes to kiwi conservation efforts.
On November 5th, the first egg hatched under the care of male Tuku. Prior to this, the second egg was moved to an incubator and replaced with a ‘smart egg’ as seen in this photo. Developed by our birds curator Juan, this innovative 3D-printed egg closely mimics a real egg.
The first chick to hatch is thriving, weighing 332 grams and eating well. It will remain in the care of our bird team until it’s ready to be introduced into Te Pō / The Night habitat.
By artificially incubating the second egg, we’re able to increase its chance of survival. It is currently under close observation in our dedicated incubation room and is expected to hatch within the next week.
A second egg is currently being artificially incubated. It is expected to hatch within the next week.
Announced on socials;
Exciting news, Tuku and Ripeka have hatched a healthy chick!
Originally from the National Kiwi Hatchery, this pair has bred before, but this marks their first clutch at Auckland Zoo - an exciting milestone that contributes to kiwi conservation efforts.
On November 5th, the first egg hatched under the care of male Tuku. Prior to this, the second egg was moved to an incubator and replaced with a ‘smart egg’ as seen in this photo. Developed by our birds curator Juan, this innovative 3D-printed egg closely mimics a real egg.
The first chick to hatch is thriving, weighing 332 grams and eating well. It will remain in the care of our bird team until it’s ready to be introduced into Te Pō / The Night habitat.
By artificially incubating the second egg, we’re able to increase its chance of survival. It is currently under close observation in our dedicated incubation room and is expected to hatch within the next week.
This has already been announced. She's meant to be due this month, so I'd imagine she'd be on birth watch now if she hasn't birthed already.
Update on Jamila the Rhino's pregnancy:
An udder that’s progressively filling (although no signs of milk just yet) and a desire to rest more are among signs that female southern white rhino Jamila is just a couple of weeks away from giving birth.
As we shared back in September, Jamila – already a great mother to females Nyah and Amali, is pregnant with her third calf, who our ungulates keepers are continuing to observe, is particularly active.
“This third offspring is moving a lot – he/she is a real kicker! Jamila is doing incredibly well but as expected in this final stage of her 16-month pregnancy, she is naturally very tired. We’re noticing she’s slower eating in the mornings and wants to rest more and be away from the rest of the crash,” says ungulates keeper Vicky.
With Jamila on the home straight to giving birth, Vicky and the team are now also monitoring her via remote cameras from home in the evenings. As well as producing milk, behaviours to come - like increasing restlessness and more frequent urinating and defecating will all be signs that the birth of her calf is imminent.
Reported on socials.
An udder that’s progressively filling (although no signs of milk just yet) and a desire to rest more are among signs that female southern white rhino Jamila is just a couple of weeks away from giving birth.
As we shared back in September, Jamila – already a great mother to females Nyah and Amali, is pregnant with her third calf, who our ungulates keepers are continuing to observe, is particularly active.
“This third offspring is moving a lot – he/she is a real kicker! Jamila is doing incredibly well but as expected in this final stage of her 16-month pregnancy, she is naturally very tired. We’re noticing she’s slower eating in the mornings and wants to rest more and be away from the rest of the crash,” says ungulates keeper Vicky.
With Jamila on the home straight to giving birth, Vicky and the team are now also monitoring her via remote cameras from home in the evenings. As well as producing milk, behaviours to come - like increasing restlessness and more frequent urinating and defecating will all be signs that the birth of her calf is imminent.
Reported on socials.
Sounds like a birth in the first week of December will be likely. Jamila desiring time away from the others (in particular her previously dependent offspring, Amali); being a mirror of Mazithi driving away Mbili (1998) prior to the birth of Kito (2000); and Jamila and Nyah’s temporary separation that preceded the birth of Amali two years ago.
Regionally, the consecutive birth of two surviving female calves at one facility (as Nyah and Amali represent) has been uncommon, so there’s a comparative lack of data around estrus suppression, that’s well documented in our region amongst mothers and daughters; and even related females. We can expect to see Nyah and Amali spend time together in a social capacity; but my assumption is the regional breeding programme would err. on the side of caution and separate them in the future for breeding placements. It’s already been indicated Nyah will be transferring out (I’d assume to Australia).
While I don’t doubt everyone is hoping for a female calf (as noted above, two consecutive surviving female calves to one cow are uncommon; three would be extraordinary); if a male, this would be Auckland Zoo’s first bull calf in their history:
0.1 Kito (2000)
0.1 Nyah (2020)
0.1 Amali (2022)
0.0.1 Unnamed (2024)
A male would also be the only surviving son of Zambezi (founder bull), whose initial male offspring are all deceased.
Refurbishment of Hamadryas baboon exhibit:
Great to see a renewal of their exhibit; supporting accounts their exhibit is no longer in the path of the anticipated playground - and offering hope the decision to phase out may have even been revised.
The three harems are as follows:
From socials:
A refresh for the hamadryas baboon habitat! Recently, this habitat had a new shelter installed and we were there to photograph the troop experiencing the changes first hand. Their curiosity was clear to see with excited vocalisations as they explored the surroundings.
This additional shelter was created to support the three male-led baboon harems which each need their own separate spaces. These shelters are designed to mimic fallen trees commonly found in the wild - blending into the environment while providing functional spaces for the baboons to engage in natural behaviours.
Hamadryas baboons are highly social primates known for their social grooming within the troop, reinforcing bonds and maintaining group cohesion. The updated shelter includes concealed platforms and positioned tree logs, encouraging resting, grooming, and group interactions essential for their well-being. Come and see the baboon troop next time you visit.
Great to see a renewal of their exhibit; supporting accounts their exhibit is no longer in the path of the anticipated playground - and offering hope the decision to phase out may have even been revised.
The three harems are as follows:
Wasaro’s harem:
1.0 Wasaro (2005) Jarmah x Gen
0.1 Ayisha (2001) Unknown x Zara
Afar’s harem:
1.0 Afar (2005) Jarmah x Gina
0.1 Kito (2002) Unknown x Greet
0.1 Naeemah (2011) Afar x Kito
Badi’s harem:
1.0 Badi (2012) Afar x Kito
0.1 Zala (2013) Wasaro x Ayisha
0.1 Mali (2015) Wasaro x Ayisha
0.1 Iniko (2020) Yafeu x Mali
1.0 Jabari (2022) Badi x Mali
1.0 Wasaro (2005) Jarmah x Gen
0.1 Ayisha (2001) Unknown x Zara
Afar’s harem:
1.0 Afar (2005) Jarmah x Gina
0.1 Kito (2002) Unknown x Greet
0.1 Naeemah (2011) Afar x Kito
Badi’s harem:
1.0 Badi (2012) Afar x Kito
0.1 Zala (2013) Wasaro x Ayisha
0.1 Mali (2015) Wasaro x Ayisha
0.1 Iniko (2020) Yafeu x Mali
1.0 Jabari (2022) Badi x Mali
From socials:
A refresh for the hamadryas baboon habitat! Recently, this habitat had a new shelter installed and we were there to photograph the troop experiencing the changes first hand. Their curiosity was clear to see with excited vocalisations as they explored the surroundings.
This additional shelter was created to support the three male-led baboon harems which each need their own separate spaces. These shelters are designed to mimic fallen trees commonly found in the wild - blending into the environment while providing functional spaces for the baboons to engage in natural behaviours.
Hamadryas baboons are highly social primates known for their social grooming within the troop, reinforcing bonds and maintaining group cohesion. The updated shelter includes concealed platforms and positioned tree logs, encouraging resting, grooming, and group interactions essential for their well-being. Come and see the baboon troop next time you visit.
ApeLadyNZ
Well-Known Member
This is encouraging news! As a primate fan, I too hope this means the zoo is reconsidering phasing out the Hamadryas baboons. They're a popular and fascinating exhibit, and if I'm not mistaken would be NZ's only baboon troop.
It seems likely that the pinniped area will be repurposed into the planned "nature playground", as those do seem to still be on the track to being phased out when the current sole occupant passes on.
It will be interesting to see, too, if Auckland Zoo will decide to allow any further breeding from the baboons.
Auckland's troop are indeed the last remaining troop of Baboons in New Zealand following the phase out of Wellington's troop and the subsequent deaths of their last males in 2019.
In the case breeding is to continue, new genetics would surely be needed - Sydney has a completely unrelated troop to the rest of the region, and it seems like they've also welcomed a fair amount of infants as of late too.
I was told two exhibits were in line to be demolished for the playground at this stage - which seems likely will be the seal pool and the adjoining penguin pool. The latter have never been an engaging display and would be no great loss to the collection in my opinion, while the phase out of the seals is inevitable.
Auckland have a great social structure in that they have 2.2 elderly baboons, 1.3 prime aged baboons and 1.1 juveniles. They’ve been fortunate to have a run of surviving female infants; and each of the males has at least one female in their harem. Badi breeding with either Zola or Mali (again) seems the natural progression; but I agree with @Jambo new genetics would be ideal as the parents of the above are related (half-siblings in the case of their fathers). Not only have Sydney Zoo had a succession of infants, a number have been female - which may see them in a position to spare a few surplus.
ApeLadyNZ
Well-Known Member
Things do look promising for the baboons at Auckland Zoo. It would be amazing to see some new imports, as having a NZ troop would be overall beneficial, and Auckland Zoo doesn't currently hold any other African primates. I'd be in favor of not only retaining the baboons but perhaps obtaining a smaller monkey species to be part of the African precinct in future.
I agree that it's likely the penguin pool, as well as the seal pool, is on the list for demolition. As cute as the little penguins are, I agree that they add little to the collection as they are often difficult to spot. They could be easily integrated with another zoo's penguin colony.
I think the key issue for Auckland’s Little blue penguin flock has been their aversion to the water (you never see them in the pool; just huddled under the dinghies) combined with the lack of succession in the flock (one surviving chick to date I believe; as there’s been no further mention of the subsequent pair of chicks that hatched). Like you say, it would be easy to relocate this species (socially and logistically).
Auckland’s baboon social structure is currently in a great place. The two elderly males will have likely passed by the time Jabari is in his prime years (7-12) and actively seeking his own harem. All females in the troop have observed the raising of young in their formative years, bar Mali, who is the mother of the two latest infants.
Auckland Zoo have followed the two on/two off model with regards to breeding their baboons:
Ayisha had Yafeu (2009) and Sekani (2011)
Kito had Naeemah (2011) and Badi (2012)
Ayisha had Zala (2013) and Mali (2015)
Mali had Iniko (2020) and Jabari (2022)
Badi breeding with either Zala or Mali is the best match, so if future breeding is to occur, I’d expect to see either Mali produce another two infants; or Mali to go on contraception and Zala produce two infants. New females of course would be ideal and further enhance the currently adequate male/female ratio.
ApeLadyNZ
Well-Known Member
Yes - I fully concur about the penguins' aversion to the pool, possibly because several of them appear to be missing flippers and would find swimming very challenging. The only penguin I have seen using the pool on a semi-regular basis is, I believe, the latest juvenile, Tamaroa, and even he doesn't seem to be in the water as much as one would expect from a penguin!
Wellington Zoo has a thriving little blue penguin colony, and I think they could quite comfortably accommodate Auckland's group should the zoo, in fact, decide to phase them out.
I sincerely hope it is Auckland's intention to retain the baboons, going forward. Primate species are always popular exhibits, and they are, as I've mentioned, currently the only African primate species. Hopefully, with Jabari being a little older, the zoo might decide to take one of the two young females - Zala or Mali - off contraception.