Australasian Hippo Population

[Zoofan15]

Perth zoo doesnt have any majour competitors near it, so as long as it has orangs, gibbons, lions, tigers, rhino, giraffe and a species of lemur/monkey or two. People won't care.
Even with the elephants gone it still has a decent exotic collection, but it is very quickly falling into the same trap as Taronga. Mininmal species, maximum space for humans.

Yes, it doesn’t appear likely Perth will go into Pygmy hippopotamus; and Common hippopotamus are certainly ruled out due to space restrictions.

I really hope Altina Wildlife Park give consideration to acquiring Pygmy hippopotamus considering how well they’ve done expansion and breeding wise over the past decade in particular.

It’s not hard to imagine Australia Zoo having an interest in Pygmy hippopotamus - especially given the new found popularity of the species with the general public.

 

[Tiger91]

Yes, it doesn’t appear likely Perth will go into Pygmy hippopotamus; and Common hippopotamus are certainly ruled out due to space restrictions.

I really hope Altina Wildlife Park give consideration to acquiring Pygmy hippopotamus considering how well they’ve done expansion and breeding wise over the past decade in particular.

It’s not hard to imagine Australia Zoo having an interest in Pygmy hippopotamus - especially given the new found popularity of the species with the general public.

I actually think altina would be better suited to river hippos over pygmy. They are already a more open range style zoo.
If Mogo hadnt been sold to the people that manage featherdale, that would be a private zoo that would do well to have pygmy hippos. But i dont think they are managing the zoos they have at a great level nor on a great level for collection planning.

National and Australia zoo are contenders for hippos. Could go either way, Aus zoo once wanted common hippos.

 

[Zoofan15]

I actually think altina would be better suited to river hippos over pygmy. They are already a more open range style zoo.
If Mogo hadnt been sold to the people that manage featherdale, that would be a private zoo that would do well to have pygmy hippos. But i dont think they are managing the zoos they have at a great level nor on a great level for collection planning.

National and Australia zoo are contenders for hippos. Could go either way, Aus zoo once wanted common hippos.

One thing that’s worth mentioning is how valuable an additional holder of Common hippopotamus could be if they were able to import a 1.1 pair.

As things stand, all nine cows in the region are related to each other, so while importing bulls is great from a demographic point of view; establishing an additional female founder line would be enable the regional population to remain self-sustainable for longer, without reverting back to inbreeding at the next generation.

What’s more likely though in my opinion is that the new holder would receive a non-breeding pod - either Nile (1999); or one of the surplus mother/daughter or sister pairs from Dubbo/Werribee to enable them to focus on breeding from their 1.1 pair. Both have multiple exhibits, but these will soon fill up if breeding is undertaken, which we know is planned for Werribee at least.

 

[Tiger91]

One thing that’s worth mentioning is how valuable an additional holder of Common hippopotamus could be if they were able to import a 1.1 pair.

As things stand, all nine cows in the region are related to each other, so while importing bulls is great from a demographic point of view; establishing an additional female founder line would be enable the regional population to remain self-sustainable for longer, without reverting back to inbreeding at the next generation.

What’s more likely though in my opinion is that the new holder would receive a non-breeding pod - either Nile (1999); or one of the surplus mother/daughter or sister pairs from Dubbo/Werribee to enable them to focus on breeding from their 1.1 pair. Both have multiple exhibits, but these will soon fill up if breeding is undertaken, which we know is planned for Werribee at least.

I can't remember of the top of my head at this moment, but is nile post reproductive. If they did import a bull it's possible if she is not a calf from her would be useful.
Western plains best option is to transfer a mother daughter pair out. Then breed from one and later down the line acquire a Werribee bred daughter to pair to there bull as a second breeding female.

 

[Zoofan15]

I can't remember of the top of my head at this moment, but is nile post reproductive. If they did import a bull it's possible if she is not a calf from her would be useful.
Western plains best option is to transfer a mother daughter pair out. Then breed from one and later down the line acquire a Werribee bred daughter to pair to there bull as a second breeding female.

Nile (1999) is reproductively viable. Though she’s never bred, historical data suggests cows do not suffer reproductive impairment from long periods of non-breeding (including not being bred from until late in life). Cows have reproduced well into their 40’s.

Nile does however have vision problems, which could endanger her if introduced to an unfamiliar hippopotamus (i.e. a bull for breeding). She is the least valuable genetically of Dubbo’s four cows (Cuddles in the most genetically valuable), so there’s little to no justification to breed from her. She may well live out her life at Dubbo; or if another holder arose, it wouldn’t surprise me to see her transfer out.

Like you say, another holder would also provide an ideal opportunity for Dubbo to transfer out two of their cows from the pod of three (with the remaining cow staying to breed). Cuddles (2002) is the most genetically valuable and is still relatively young, so her daughters are the obvious choice. Born three years apart, they would hopefully attain similar ages and prove a cohesive duo for years to come for a non-breeding holder.

 

[Zoofan15]

Darling Downs Zoo to import male Pygmy hippopotamus:

A massive thank you to @Patrick Keegan for this exciting update:

A male Pygmy Hippopotamus has been identified and will hopefully be arriving by the end of the year.

With Zoos Victoria only publicly confirming the import a male Common hippopotamus this year, this could be the first new Pygmy hippopotamus founder since Taronga’s import of Timmy in 1981.

 

[marmolady]

Absolutely fantastic news!

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

Darling Downs Zoo to import male Pygmy hippopotamus:

A massive thank you to @Patrick Keegan for this exciting update:

A male Pygmy Hippopotamus has been identified and will hopefully be arriving by the end of the year.

With Zoos Victoria only publicly confirming the import a male Common hippopotamus this year, this could be the first new Pygmy hippopotamus founder since Taronga’s import of Timmy in 1981.

Nice to see this, fingers crossed that bull and Kamina are a successful breeding pair in the fututre!

 

[Zoofan15]

Nice to see this, fingers crossed that bull and Kamina are a successful breeding pair in the fututre!

It’s fantastic news a bull is planned to be imported as females are apparently of greater availability overseas and Melbourne has been widely speculated to receive a cow down the line.

Having a minimum of 1.1 founders coming in will be of huge benefit to the region’s population.

 

[Jambo]

It’s fantastic news a bull is planned to be imported as females are apparently of greater availability overseas and Melbourne has been widely speculated to receive a cow down the line.

Having a minimum of 1.1 founders coming in will be of huge benefit to the region’s population.

It's a massive boost when you consider our current population only numbers five hippos (2.3). So two imports would absolutely go a long way into ensuring the population continues to grow and is sustainable long term.

Forming two breeding pairs at DDZ and Melbourne makes the most sense. You have Adelaide (and Taronga) essentially serving as non breeding facilities in the mean time with other facilities like Sydney and Australia also potentially looking to come on board as additional non breeding holders once calves are produced from the next pairs.

 

[Zoofan15]

It's a massive boost when you consider our current population only numbers five hippos (2.3). So two imports would absolutely go a long way into ensuring the population continues to grow and is sustainable long term.

Forming two breeding pairs at DDZ and Melbourne makes the most sense. You have Adelaide (and Taronga) essentially serving as non breeding facilities in the mean time with other facilities like Sydney and Australia also potentially looking to come on board as additional non breeding holders once calves are produced from the next pairs.

Thanks to @Swanson02, we have confirmation that Adelaide Zoo are not currently planning to import a female Pygmy hippopotamus, with suggestion they could wait for a calf to become available from within the region, so yes I believe Darling Downs Zoo and hopefully Melbourne Zoo will become the breeding hubs.

I was advised Taronga Zoo plan to retain Kambiri and Lololi, which implies they will also not be breeding for the foreseeable (they have two exhibits); but will rather wait for a bull calf to be born within the region.

It’ll be interesting to see how many new holders emerge (if any). Australia Zoo appears the best bet; but Altina wouldn’t be a surprising addition either.

 

[Jambo]

Thanks to @Swanson02, we have confirmation that Adelaide Zoo are not currently planning to import a female Pygmy hippopotamus, with suggestion they could wait for a calf to become available from within the region, so yes I believe Darling Downs Zoo and hopefully Melbourne Zoo will become the breeding hubs.

I was advised Taronga Zoo plan to retain Kambiri and Lololi, which implies they will also not be breeding for the foreseeable (they have two exhibits); but will rather wait for a bull calf to be born within the region.

It’ll be interesting to see how many new holders emerge (if any). Australia Zoo appears the best bet; but Altina wouldn’t be a surprising addition either.

Considering Taronga may be planning an extension of their Pygmy Hippo facilities, or building entirely new facilities elsewhere in the zoo; it makes sense if they're electing to remain as a non breeding facility for the foreseeable.

I would expect to see new holders come on board. The region will presumably have two breeding facilities at the same time for the first time so there will obviously need to be placements available for any calves born. Taronga and Adelaide are both already at capacity with their current animals.

 

[Zoofan15]

Considering Taronga may be planning an extension of their Pygmy Hippo facilities, or building entirely new facilities elsewhere in the zoo; it makes sense if they're electing to remain as a non breeding facility for the foreseeable.

I would expect to see new holders come on board. The region will presumably have two breeding facilities at the same time for the first time so there will obviously need to be placements available for any calves born. Taronga and Adelaide are both already at capacity with their current animals.

Looking back at historical reproductive data, I see Taronga’s first breeding pair (Happy and Sneezy) essentially bred without artificial birth intervals from 1957 to 1961 (producing four calves, none surviving); and then again from 1967 to 1973 (producing five calves, two surviving). The two surviving calves were followed by birth intervals of 20 months and 14 months respectively.

Weaning occurs at 6-8 months and gestation is 6-7 months suggesting birth intervals of 12-14 months are quite possible; as opposed to the possibility that the aforementioned 14 month birth interval was a statistical anomaly (or as a result of the calf being pulled for hand-rearing).

I don’t anticipate we’ll see any breeding pair in the region breeding at natural birth intervals as the demand won’t meet the supply; but it gives an indication of the potential output and supports the theory there are new holders in the pipeline if the aim is two breeding hubs.

Two pairs breeding with artificial birth intervals (i.e. two calves each over 4-6 years) will ensure greater diversity of the regional population versus one pair supplying the region with the required number of calves that fulfil the demographic quota; but ultimately do little to support a genetically diverse population long term.

 

[Tiger91]

Looking back at historical reproductive data, I see Taronga’s first breeding pair (Happy and Sneezy) essentially bred without artificial birth intervals from 1957 to 1961 (producing four calves, none surviving); and then again from 1967 to 1973 (producing five calves, two surviving). The two surviving calves were followed by birth intervals of 20 months and 14 months respectively.

Weaning occurs at 6-8 months and gestation is 6-7 months suggesting birth intervals of 12-14 months are quite possible; as opposed to the possibility that the aforementioned 14 month birth interval was a statistical anomaly (or as a result of the calf being pulled for hand-rearing).

I don’t anticipate we’ll see any breeding pair in the region breeding at natural birth intervals as the demand won’t meet the supply; but it gives an indication of the potential output and supports the theory there are new holders in the pipeline if the aim is two breeding hubs.

Two pairs breeding with artificial birth intervals (i.e. two calves each over 4-6 years) will ensure greater diversity of the regional population versus one pair supplying the region with the required number of calves that fulfil the demographic quota; but ultimately do little to support a genetically diverse population long term.

While i agree, are we part of a SSP/program with the pygmy's. If we start breeding there may be a few exports. They are popular and many zoos now want/hold them. So that may also create an environment where extra breeding will occur.
Our very inbred hippos, would actually have great use to breeding programs as they have genetics that are probably not found in other programs.

 

[Zoofan15]

While i agree, are we part of a SSP/program with the pygmy's. If we start breeding there may be a few exports. They are popular and many zoos now want/hold them. So that may also create an environment where extra breeding will occur.
Our very inbred hippos, would actually have great use to breeding programs as they have genetics that are probably not found in other programs.

Yes that’s a good point.

The Australasian region descends from just four US imported Pygmy hippopotami:

1.0 Pi
Born at Smithsonian National Zoo 26/08/1969
Arrived at Melbourne Zoo 06/06/1970
Died at Melbourne Zoo 25/12/1994

0.1 Carolyn
Born at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo 01/07/1971
Arrived at Melbourne Zoo 20/11/1972
Died at Melbourne Zoo 18/06/2002

0.1 Diana
Born at Maryland Zoo 03/05/1973
Arrived at Melbourne Zoo 07/03/1975
Sent to Pearl Coast Zoo 05/12/1987

1.0 Timmy
Born at Honolulu Zoo 29/04/1980
Arrived at Taronga Zoo 15/04/1981
Sent to Melbourne Zoo 05/07/1995
Returned to Taronga Zoo 18/09/2007
Died at Taronga Zoo 10/05/2011

A pair of Pygmy hippopotamus were previously imported from the US in the 1950’s (Happy and Sneezy), but their last descendant died in 2012.

The North American population would have evolved significantly since the departure of the above hippopotami, so our Australian exports (especially if combined with genetics from Europe) could indeed be valuable to the US.

 

[Jambo]

While i agree, are we part of a SSP/program with the pygmy's. If we start breeding there may be a few exports. They are popular and many zoos now want/hold them. So that may also create an environment where extra breeding will occur.
Our very inbred hippos, would actually have great use to breeding programs as they have genetics that are probably not found in other programs.

At the moment though, let's assume both DDZ and Melbourne acquire a mate for their respective hippos this year/next year and breed immediately. Those respective calves will then need to be placed, and the current regional facilities don't have the space to accommodate them (DDZ may be the exception).

We can't expect to export all calves born however so it's a fair assumption that we will at least get a few additional holders come on board. For the first time in decades, we'll hopefully be building up a sizeable population which should allow other facilities to have the chance to hold this species. Additionally, all these regional zoos being on the rise will also present new options the region previously didn't have. The more space, the better!

 

[Zorro]

At the moment though, let's assume both DDZ and Melbourne acquire a mate for their respective hippos this year/next year and breed immediately. Those respective calves will then need to be placed, and the current regional facilities don't have the space to accommodate them (DDZ may be the exception).

We can't expect to export all calves born however so it's a fair assumption that we will at least get a few additional holders come on board. For the first time in decades, we'll hopefully be building up a sizeable population which should allow other facilities to have the chance to hold this species. Additionally, all these regional zoos being on the rise will also present new options the region previously didn't have. The more space, the better!

I could think of at least half a dozen regional zoos (not to even mention the possibtly of New Zealand zoos) that would be very likely interested in becoming a holder for this species I don't believe a problem of over population occurring is likely to happen but "if" this appeared this may happen its simply fixed by keeping the pair/s apart!

 

[Zoofan15]

At the moment though, let's assume both DDZ and Melbourne acquire a mate for their respective hippos this year/next year and breed immediately. Those respective calves will then need to be placed, and the current regional facilities don't have the space to accommodate them (DDZ may be the exception).

We can't expect to export all calves born however so it's a fair assumption that we will at least get a few additional holders come on board. For the first time in decades, we'll hopefully be building up a sizeable population which should allow other facilities to have the chance to hold this species. Additionally, all these regional zoos being on the rise will also present new options the region previously didn't have. The more space, the better!

The downside Pygmy hippopotamus is that they’re mainly a solitary species. This will ultimately limit the population size as few zoos will see justification to having more than two exhibits of them same animal. Three Pygmy hippopotamus exhibits won’t bring in any more visitors than two; bearing in mind two exhibits are sufficient for breeding, with the offspring transferring out (what we anticipate for Melbourne Zoo etc).

Australia Zoo appears the best bet for a new holder coming on board; while Altina and Mogo would be unsurprising additions to the regional breeding programme given their ambition; and the progress they’ve made over the years.

We can rule out New Zealand zoos for the foreseeable due to New Zealand lacking an IHS for Hippopotamus.

 

[Jambo]

I could think of at least half a dozen regional zoos (not to even mention the possibtly of New Zealand zoos) that would be very likely interested in becoming a holder for this species I don't believe a problem of over population occurring is likely to happen but "if" this appeared this may happen its simply fixed by keeping the pair/s apart!

I don't think any New Zealand facilities are really interested at the moment. Alongside what @Zoofan15 mentioned about their not being an IHS for them; there would essentially need to be a large interest from a reasonable amount of facilities over there to push for one to be completed.

I can certainly see a lot of the regional zoos; like Australia, Altina, Mogo and Hunter Valley all being candidates for acquiring this species down the line. Preferably two or three additional holders would go a long way for the regional breeding program - taking into account their solitary nature and having two breeding pairs breeding roughly every six years or so, we could have a population double come another decade and a half (accounting for one or two exports).

Our overall population is also relatively young as well so all current individuals could very well still be around come 2040. We essentially need another few facilities to come on board to provide placement space for future calves. I imagine there's already facilities who've come out and stated they would be willing to accommodate any of those calves; otherwise the most we can accommodate with our current facilities is just a single breeding pair (still breeding at extended intervals).

 

[Zoofan15]

I don't think any New Zealand facilities are really interested at the moment. Alongside what @Zoofan15 mentioned about their not being an IHS for them; there would essentially need to be a large interest from a reasonable amount of facilities over there to push for one to be completed.

I can certainly see a lot of the regional zoos; like Australia, Altina, Mogo and Hunter Valley all being candidates for acquiring this species down the line. Preferably two or three additional holders would go a long way for the regional breeding program - taking into account their solitary nature and having two breeding pairs breeding roughly every six years or so, we could have a population double come another decade and a half (accounting for one or two exports).

Our overall population is also relatively young as well so all current individuals could very well still be around come 2040. We essentially need another few facilities to come on board to provide placement space for future calves. I imagine there's already facilities who've come out and stated they would be willing to accommodate any of those calves; otherwise the most we can accommodate with our current facilities is just a single breeding pair (still breeding at extended intervals).

That’s correct. Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington have all been quite clear about their future plans, none of which involve hippopotamus. I also can’t foresee Orana being able to afford what would be a costly new exhibit, so therefore a Hippopotamus IRA would have no value at this point in time.

Beyond the regional zoos we agree could be in the frame to step forward, the other hope is that zoos like Adelaide will consider expanding their facilities in the future to hold a pair. Considering two breeding pairs will more than suffice the region for the next 2-3 decades at least, I struggle to see any other holder (bar Taronga, who might have an interest in acquiring a bull calf) justifying the expense to hold two non-breeding Pygmy hippopotamus (let alone importing).