Colugos once kept in zoos in the United States

[captain alligator]

Currently, there are no zoos that keep Colugo, but they were apparently kept at the Bronx Zoo and Lincoln Park Zoo in the past. Why did Colugo disappear from these two zoos?

 

[Sheather]

Lincoln Park's colugo lived for three days in the 70's. Its husbandry was not understood. The animal was likely already sickly from transport by the time they received it.

 

[captain alligator]

Lincoln Park's colugo lived for three days in the 70's. Its husbandry was not understood. The animal was likely already sickly from transport by the time they received it.

What is the lifespan of a colugo? well, maybe he died of illness regardless of his lifespan.

 

[Jambo]

What is the lifespan of a colugo? well, maybe he died of illness regardless of his lifespan.

Around fifteen to twenty years, although considering they're sparsely kept in captivity it would be difficult to determine exactly.

 

[captain alligator]

By the way, colugos are not even kept in zoos in Southeast Asia, where they live. is it that difficult to kept?

 

[FBBird]

By the way, colugos are not even kept in zoos in Southeast Asia, where they live. is it that difficult to kept?

My understanding is they’re difficult or impossible to establish due to specialised diet

 

[captain alligator]

My understanding is they’re difficult or impossible to establish due to specialised diet

I think colugos primarily feed on leaves.

 

[FBBird]

I think colugos primarily feed on leaves.

They do, but it has to be the right leaves

 

[Persephone]

There’s a history of folivores being a pain to keep in captivity. Proboscis monkeys, hoatzins, and moose have all had troubles in captive settings at one time or another because of it. Moose and proboscis monkey care have advanced. I suppose it’s possible someone, probably the Singapore Zoo, figures out colugo care at some point. I doubt they become at all common in captivity for a long time after that, though.

 

[FBBird]

There’s a history of folivores being a pain to keep in captivity. Proboscis monkeys, hoatzins, and moose have all had troubles in captive settings at one time or another because of it. Moose and proboscis monkey care have advanced. I suppose it’s possible someone, probably the Singapore Zoo, figures out colugo care at some point. I doubt they become at all common in captivity for a long time after that, though.

Looks like there is (or was) a pair accidentally enclosed in one of the big walkthroughs at Mandai Bird Paradise, that are self supporting eating the leaves growing in there