Australasian Rhino Population

[Jambo]

It’s given everyone a kick up the beeswax. This import has been dead for years this was just the nail in the coffin for us zoo fanatics

There's essentially been a lot behind why this move hasn't eventuated - covid especially damaged the import side of things for every industry for years. Only recently have things started to pick up back up again.

We do have a lot of very valuable rhinos that I'd love to see receive the opportunity to breed. Considering the high frequency of estrus suppression in captive facilities these days, it's quintessential that we don't crowd exhibits with female rhino. I'd much rather see each facility with only one or two breeding females breeding frequently rather than herds of say five or six females with only one female breeding.

 

[Zorro]

My understanding is there is a longer term import ban in place but it is not my place to share its details.




Whilst much of the reporting is very sensational sweetie the detailing around some of those deaths is upsetting in ways I cannot express.
Whilst I have found your interest and passion very consumable do not mistake it with expertise @Zoofan15. I do not know if you have worked in the zoo keeping industry but I have it on concrete authority that this place has had issues that will take time to prove their worth before any Zoological institution worth its salt within our region will transfer animals here. One quietly let go executive does not change things overnight.

Regardless I do not wish to badmouth any place as they all play an incredibly important role in my view. They will by all accounts make strides now with a a hill to climb and the inability to lock accreditation officials and government officials in cars when conducting inspections.

You have made me quite irritable so goodnight and take time to consider others viewpoints and their value to you especially when you don’t know the person behind them.

Very well said @Erocco W

 

[Zoofan15]

Considering the high frequency of estrus suppression in captive facilities these days, it's quintessential that we don't crowd exhibits with female rhino. I'd much rather see each facility with only one or two breeding females breeding frequently rather than herds of say five or six females with only one female breeding.

From what I’ve observed, estrus suppression has been equally rife in herds containing two adult females:

Hamilton Zoo initially had two cows - Moesha (1994) and Caballe (1995). Caballe produced calves in 2002 and 2004; while Moesha ceased cycling. A juvenile female was transferred in 2004 (maturing circa 2007). By this time, Caballe had produced another two calves.

Perth Zoo initially had two cows - Sabie (1995) and Katala (1997. Sabie produced calves in 2002 and 2005; while Katala never bred.

Orana Wildlife Park initially had two cows - Utani (1984) and Mapenzi (1984). Utani produced one calf in 1999; while Mapenzi never bred.

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Herds containing three or more cows have bred well:

Hamilton Zoo held three adult females from 2007-2011, during which time all three conceived and bore offspring.

Werribee Open Range Zoo imported three cows in 1999, of which two produced two calves each between 2002-2006.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo acquired three cows in 2003, of which all three produced at least two calves each between 2005 and 2008.

Historically speaking, the large herds at San Diego and Whipsnade had a large number of cows, most who produced a plethora of calves.

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Estrus suppression is such a complex phenomenon with multiple theories - the most consistent being its prevalence amongst related females. Hamilton Zoo trialled seperate overnight housing for their cows in the late 2000’s; though ultimately the arrival of a new breeding bull in 2007 was credited with stimulating two of the non-cycling cows to cycle again.

 

[Jambo]

Reintroducing Kifaru to his offspring this month was a cautious approach given the calf is seven months old. For example, Zambezi at Auckland Zoo met his latest offspring at one month of age. Kipenzi is essentially a first time mother given she lost her first calf and the Auckland calf is her mother’s third in four years, so that could be a contributing reason.

Kipenzi should now be cycling again, so if a breeding recommendation has been issued, Werribee could welcome another calf in the second half of next year.

I would hope another breeding recommendation has been issued - especially given Werribee's numbers are set to dwindle with Make and Letaba's transfer to Perth.

It would be good to have additional breeding cows on site too eventually. With the South African Import likely no longer going through, females would have to come from within the region. However the only realistic candidates are Altina's pair of females - Tatu and Mango (both 2013).

 

[Zoofan15]

I would hope another breeding recommendation has been issued - especially given Werribee's numbers are set to dwindle with Make and Letaba's transfer to Perth.

It would be good to have additional breeding cows on site too eventually. With the South African Import likely no longer going through, females would have to come from within the region. However the only realistic candidates are Altina's pair of females - Tatu and Mango (both 2013).

If the South African import is no longer to proceed, I anticipate we’ll see a number of breeding recommendations issue within the existing population:

Bakari is going to Perth Zoo for breeding.

Satara was sent to Taronga Western Plains Zoo to breed with Mopani. Her last calf was born June 2023, so hopefully it won’t be too long before we hear news of a pregnancy/birth.

Hamilton Zoo attempted to ship a bull to Orana Wildlife Park for breeding, which has been abandoned, but suggests Orana will receive a bull from elsewhere down the line.

Since Tatu and Mango are 12 years old, it would be good to see them conceive sooner rather than later (especially Tatu, who’s a founder). Since they’ve only been paired with inexperienced bulls to date, it may be worth transferring them to Werribee to breed with Kifaru; and sending a young female such as Nyah from Auckland Zoo to Altina. Given her age (2020), time is on her side to conceive, giving them several years until it becomes critical that she breeds.

 

[Zorro]

I would hope another breeding recommendation has been issued - especially given Werribee's numbers are set to dwindle with Make and Letaba's transfer to Perth.

It would be good to have additional breeding cows on site too eventually. With the South African Import likely no longer going through, females would have to come from within the region. However the only realistic candidates are Altina's pair of females - Tatu and Mango (both 2013).

Hopefully our zoos are now shopping around for White rhino among the European/UK zoos and American zoos, Just "my own view" the African project is not happening unfortunately!

 

[Zoofan15]

Hopefully our zoos are now shopping around for White rhino among the European/UK zoos and American zoos, Just "my own view" the African project is not happening unfortunately!

Imports from Europe appear the most likely, given importing from the US is a more lengthy process.

The list of approved countries Australia can import rhinoceros from is as follows:

Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

 

[Jambo]

Hopefully our zoos are now shopping around for White rhino among the European/UK zoos and American zoos, Just "my own view" the African project is not happening unfortunately!

That would be preferable now given we're reaching a point where a lot of our current rhinos are related.

Since we've acquired from the UK and Europe in the past, that may be a good option to take.

 

[Zoofan15]

That would be preferable now given we're reaching a point where a lot of our current rhinos are related.

Since we've acquired from the UK and Europe in the past, that may be a good option to take.

Demographically, we’re running low on viable cows with a number remaining nulliparous in their 20’s or older; and others who haven’t bred for a long period of time, likely rendering them sterile.

Succession has been slow, with a number of deaths of females calves (notably at Monarto); and others removed from the breeding programme due to genetic issues or over representation. Auckland’s juvenile females offer hope for succession; though it’s worth noting what is fast becoming a successful line (with Kifaru siring offspring at Werribee) will soon become over-represented.

New imports will be invaluable in addressing all of the above issues.

 

[Zorro]

That would be preferable now given we're reaching a point where a lot of our current rhinos are related.

Since we've acquired from the UK and Europe in the past, that may be a good option to take.

I agree with you, My concern would be can "option one" supply enough for the total number wanted by our zoos?, Perhaps looking at both options might meet our needs?, Also the zoos within the USA "option 2" may have greater numbers to choose from overall?.

 

[Jambo]

Demographically, we’re running low on viable cows with a number remaining nulliparous in their 20’s or older; and others who haven’t bred for a long period of time, likely rendering them sterile.

Succession has been slow, with a number of deaths of females calves (notably at Monarto); and others removed from the breeding programme due to genetic issues or over representation. Auckland’s juvenile females offer hope for succession; though it’s worth noting what is fast becoming a successful line (with Kifaru siring offspring at Werribee) will soon become over-represented.

New imports will be invaluable in addressing all of the above issues.

Realistically at the moment we only have fourteen viable cows regionally, with eight of those being unproven to this point. That leaves six who are proven; three cows in Australia (on each at Werribee, Dubbo and Australia) and three in NZ (one each at Auckland, Hamilton and Orana). Four of those 'proven' cows are now in their 20's, so for the sake of succession it will be vital to get some of these unproven cows breeding asap.

I agree with you, My concern would be can "option one" supply enough for the total number wanted by our zoos?, Perhaps looking at both options might meet our needs?, Also the zoos within the USA "option 2" may have greater numbers to choose from overall?.

The USA don't have an overly 'large' population to the point where they would be able to offer a reasonable amount of surplus. They only a small amount of facilities who are breeding in large numbers and this has contributed to the population not being as large as you'd imagine. In saying that, I do think they could afford to send a few females (or a few males) across.

Importing from both the USA and Europe does seem the best course to enhance genetic diversity.

 

[Zoofan15]

Realistically at the moment we only have fourteen viable cows regionally, with eight of those being unproven to this point. That leaves six who are proven; three cows in Australia (on each at Werribee, Dubbo and Australia) and three in NZ (one each at Auckland, Hamilton and Orana). Four of those 'proven' cows are now in their 20's, so for the sake of succession it will be vital to get some of these unproven cows breeding asap.

The USA don't have an overly 'large' population to the point where they would be able to offer a reasonable amount of surplus. They only a small amount of facilities who are breeding in large numbers and this has contributed to the population not being as large as you'd imagine. In saying that, I do think they could afford to send a few females (or a few males) across.

Importing from both the USA and Europe does seem the best course to enhance genetic diversity.

Europe has over 300 Southern white rhinoceros held over 80+ facilities, so importing from Europe alone should be sufficient - both demographically and with regards to genetic diversity.

The plan to import 35 Southern white rhinoceros founders under the Australian Rhino Project seemed excessive when you consider the bulk of these were intended to be cows and it’s necessary to breed regularly to maintain fertility. I struggle to see how so many first generation offspring would have been accommodated across the region.

Importing 10-15 rhinos from Europe would be more than sufficient in my opinion to sustain the region for 2-3 decades. Auckland’s latest calves are the product of just three founders imported 25 years ago as one example.

 

[lintworm]

Since we've acquired from the UK and Europe in the past, that may be a good option to take.

Last I checked the UK was still part of Europe

 

[Jambo]

Last I checked the UK was still part of Europe

Indeed, probably should've said 'mainland' Europe.

 

[Steve Robinson]

Last I checked the UK was still part of Europe

Is it? What was Brexit all about then?

 

[MRJ]

Is it? What was Brexit all about then?

They can't change geography.

 

[Jaiden]

Hi does anyone know if Perth Zoo Rhinos once the females arrive will they sometimes be mixed with the Giraffes?

 

[Zoofan15]

Hi does anyone know if Perth Zoo Rhinos once the females arrive will they sometimes be mixed with the Giraffes?

There’s been strong suggestion they will be held separately - either by extension of the two adjacent paddocks; or within a rotational exhibit concept whereby giraffes, rhinos, zebras etc. rotate between the paddocks.

Rhinoceros are known to run around their exhibits and the potential for them spooking or injuring the naturally flighty giraffes is high.

 

[Jaiden]

There’s been strong suggestion they will be held separately - either by extension of the two adjacent paddocks; or within a rotational exhibit concept whereby giraffes, rhinos, zebras etc. rotate between the paddocks.

Rhinoceros are known to run around their exhibits and the potential for them spooking or injuring the naturally flighty giraffes is high.

Giarffes can be frightened easily maybe the Zoo will let the Rhinos and Giraffes rotate so the Rhinos can interact with the Zebras.

 

[Jambo]

Hi does anyone know if Perth Zoo Rhinos once the females arrive will they sometimes be mixed with the Giraffes?

Separately from the looks of the plans. There will be multiple habitats - it looks like a few species (such as the antelope) will have run of the whole complex however.