ZSL Whipsnade Zoo ZSL Whipsnade Zoo News 2025

[JoB198]

I was a bit confused about this as virtually all zoos with Bongo make this same statement (or less than 100) but it seems virtually all Bongo in captivity actually are this subspecies.

They said there were more in conservation zoos than in the wild (also backed up on Wikipedia, with a link to the IUCN website: Bongo (antelope) - Wikipedia) . The ones in the wild apparently come from the same 2 maternal lines, so the conservation in zoos is important to add diversity.

Maybe there's more urgency with the subspecies because of that, whilst the other one is 'only' 'near threatened'.

 

[Pertinax]

As I've said before it is not just about THESE Hippos and yes the armband was a joke really

Can't be too long now for both the (two) elephants or the hippos. I wonder which will be the first to leave- the two elephants 'packing their trunks'- (don't the press just love that one..) for Chester or the two hippos 'packing their snorkels' (mine) for Longleat. Seriously though, it'll be a sad day historically for Whipsnade when the latter actually go.

 

[Lafone]

Went to the zoo today, primarily for the bongo talk as part of World Bongo Day, and learned quite a bit:

• Kora is two years old (birthday 30th Jan) so could in theory conceive a calf this year, although no rush
• They intend to introduce Kora and Pembe to each other in the paddock in the coming weeks
• The two male sitatunga are castrated
• There is a possibility of two more female bongos joining, although they're in Europe and 'blue tongue' is making it essentially impossible to transport hoofstock at the moment
• The baby gemsbok is a female, called Brie; it's been decided that future gemsbok will be named after cheese!
• Blesbok will be named after biscuits
• There is a new baby blesbok, currently confined to the house as the male blesbok kept chasing it - we caught a glimpse of it very briefly, more the movement of 'something' than seeing it properly
• If you've ever wondered how they call the zebras in from the field - it's by ringing a massive bell
• As mentioned on socials yesterday, the zoo is hand-rearing 2 African Grey parrots, which will join the birdshow in the fullness of time (mentioned at the bird show today)

Good news about the baby Blesbok, look forward to seeing that.

 

[JoB198]

Oh, they've also added a screen (essentially a massive sticker on the window) onto the porcupine viewing area. It has about 5-6 holes in it to view the porcupines through. It says on it about them being nocturnal, and there's a sign next to it saying they're trialling the system and looking for feedback.

I don't know if it's intended to try to make them more active; if so, it didn't work for us as they were still in their usual porcu-pile at the back right

 

[rhinofan12]

I don't know if it's intended to try to make them more active; if so, it didn't work for us as they were still in their usual porcu-pile at the back right

Was there more then one then? as last time I went they were still down to a single Aardvark.

 

[JoB198]

Was there more then one then? as last time I went they were still down to a single Aardvark.

Porcupine, not aardvark

 

[pipaluk]

Saw the (not so) Common Hippo for the very last time after over 50 years . Spent half my day there probably. Disappointed not to see them in outside pool one last time!

 

[rhinofan12]

Porcupine, not aardvark

Omg need new glasses

 

[rhinofan12]

Saw the (not so) Common Hippo for the very last time after over 50 years . Spent half my day there probably. Disappointed not to see them in outside pool one last time!

It's been a long time since I last saw them in the outdoor pool, probably over a year ago, if they aren't indoors they seem to spend most of the time lying down at the top.

 

[pipaluk]

It's been a long time since I last saw them in the outdoor pool, probably over a year ago, if they aren't indoors they seem to spend most of the time lying down at the top.

They must still use it though the whole bottom pond was covered in floating s**t but I don't think I've seen them in there in a while, probably since Hoover left

 

[Lafone]

They must still use it though the whole bottom pond was covered in floating s**t but I don't think I've seen them in there in a while, probably since Hoover left

Same, I had a few water times in the latter part of '21 and then in '22 and that was about it and had about 5 photos in the water in total. I think I moved into live on that bench near the pool in faint hope at one stage! Saw them on land outside a fair amount though. Good to see them for a last visit.





Found a whole head in the water too! Photo challenge = hippos.

 

[Cat-Man]

Same, I had a few water times in the latter part of '21 and then in '22 and that was about it and had about 5 photos in the water in total. I think I moved into live on that bench near the pool in faint hope at one stage! Saw them on land outside a fair amount though. Good to see them for a last visit.

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Found a whole head in the water too! Photo challenge = hippos.

View attachment 797113

These are superb photos.

 

[rjh]

Saw them outside 3 weeks ago, this was the best photo I could get.

 

[Zorro]

I was a bit confused about this as virtually all zoos with Bongo make this same statement (or less than 100) but it seems virtually all Bongo in captivity actually are this subspecies.

I am confused, With a number of shipments from zoos of Bongo over the years back to their native range does that mean the numbers are the same or less or more?

 

[tennisfan]

I believe the aardvark is in the porcupine house whilst maintenance work is being done to their enclosure. Porcupine in an off show area.

 

[pipaluk]

I believe the aardvark is in the porcupine house whilst maintenance work is being done to their enclosure. Porcupine in an off show area.

I'm sure the aardvark was asleep in its usual house yesterday

 

[JoB198]

I believe the aardvark is in the porcupine house whilst maintenance work is being done to their enclosure. Porcupine in an off show area.

The porcupine are definitely in the 'on-show' part of their house. Can't speak for the aardvark, we didn't even pop into their house the other day as the enclosure has been empty every time we've been recently so couldn't be bothered.

 

[rjh]

The porcupine are definitely in the 'on-show' part of their house. Can't speak for the aardvark, we didn't even pop into their house the other day as the enclosure has been empty every time we've been recently so couldn't be bothered.

Visited today, the porcupines are off show temporarily and Dobby, the aardvark, is using the porcupine house while work is ongoing in the aardvark house & outside area. The plastic with viewing holes covering the porcupine window is to reduce the amount of daylight while Dobby is in residence. We could see Dobby wandering in and out of the porcupine house obviously unsettled by the temporary move.

 

[JoB198]

Visited today, the porcupines are off show temporarily and Dobby, the aardvark, is using the porcupine house while work is ongoing in the aardvark house & outside area. The plastic with viewing holes covering the porcupine window is to reduce the amount of daylight while Dobby is in residence. We could see Dobby wandering in and out of the porcupine house obviously unsettled by the temporary move.

The viewing holes were there with the porcys in situ on Saturday, but fair enough.

A shame, I'd rather see the porcys!

 

[Pertinax]

Saw the (not so) Common Hippo for the very last time after over 50 years . Spent half my day there probably. Disappointed not to see them in outside pool one last time!

I don't think I've seen them indoors like that. Last time I went they were in the outdoor pool which seems to be how I've usually seen them over the years and is pretty much how I will remember them I think.