Australasian Waterbuck Population

Zoofan15

Zoofan15

Well-Known Member
10+ year member
Australasian Waterbuck Population

Introduction:

Welcome to the Australasian Waterbuck population thread.

There are currently 24 Waterbuck in region held across five holders.

Ancestors of the current population include:

1.0 Kampala (23/11/1993) Honolulu
0.1 Nimba (09/06/1990) Denver (via Honolulu)
0.1 Entebbe (03/06/1992) Honolulu

These three Waterbuck were imported by Werribee Open Range Zoo in September 1995 and were Common waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus ellipsiprymnus).

I’m currently following a lead there was at least 1-2 additional founders to the regional population, which I hope to confirm either way in the coming weeks.

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New Zealand Population:

Auckland Zoo:

0.1 Etana (26/12/2005) Hooer x Elli
0.1 Kwacha (19/08/2008) Hooer x Elli

Orana Wildlife Park:

1.0 Asher (00/00/2015) Unknown x Unknown
1.0 Walter (00/00/2021) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Koba (00/00/2017) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Little Miss (00/00/2022) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Okhethiwe (00/00/2023) Unknown x Unknown

Total New Zealand population: 2.5 Waterbuck

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Australian Population:

Altina Wildlife Park:

1.0 Bukima (08/08/2013) Hide x Gecko
1.0 Toretto (23/02/2021) Chitwa x Tokyo
0.1 Drifter (11/01/2011) Kampala x Maji
0.1 Tokyo (02/01/2018) Jelani x Drifter
0.1 Neela (11/05/2024) Kubwa x Acacia
0.1 Letty (09/05/2025) Bukima x Tokyo

Monarto Safari Park:

1.0 Kubwa (10/02/2017) Jelani x Drifter
1.0 Kajie (11/05/2021) Kubwa x Acacia
1.0 Nashibe (25/05/2025) Kubwa x Acacia
0.1 Acacia (20/01/2017) Hide x Kumuka
0.1 Heidi (20/03/2020) Hide x Gecko

Werribee Open Range Zoo:

1.0 Micato (17/07/2018) Hide x Gecko
1.0 Eclipse (14/06/2019) Hide x Kumuka
1.0 Cosmos (12/04/2020) Hide x Kumuka
0.1 Kumuka (22/03/2008) Kampala x Ipsi
0.1 Aurora (14/05/2019) Hide x Gecko
0.1 Nziza (23/05/2023) Kubwa x Acacia

Total Australian population: 8.9 Waterbuck

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Total Australasian population: 10.14 Waterbuck

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Last edited:
Information Needed (Orana Wildlife Park)

I still need the full DOB and parentage of Orana Wildlife Park’s five Waterbuck:

1.0 Asher (00/00/2015) Unknown x Unknown
1.0 Walter (00/00/2021) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Koba (00/00/2017) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Little Miss (00/00/2022) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Okhethiwe (00/00/2023) Unknown x Unknown

It’s a reasonable assumption that Asher and Koba are the parents of Walter, Little Miss and Okhethiwe. Birth intervals in this species can be as short as 9-10 months.

I’m assuming Asher was the male Orana Wildlife Park imported from Werribee Open Range Zoo in 2019. Werribee’s breeding bull at the time of his birth was Hide; and their breeding females were Gecko and Kumuka.

Orana Wildlife Park announced a birth on 03/01/2018, which I suspect was Koba. If so, she was likely born December 2017, but her full DOB and parentage is still needed. Orana had a breeding pair named Hoer and Elli in the 2000’s, so depending on how long they lived, it’s a possibility one or both of these were Koba’s parents.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Australasian Waterbuck Population

Introduction:

Welcome to the Australasian Waterbuck population thread.

There are currently 24 Waterbuck in region held across five holders.

Ancestors of the current population include:

1.0 Kampala (23/11/1993) Honolulu
0.1 Nimba (09/06/1990) Denver (via Honolulu)
0.1 Entebbe (03/06/1992) Honolulu

These three Waterbuck were imported by Werribee Open Range Zoo in September 1995 and were Common waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus ellipsiprymnus).

I’m currently following a lead there was at least 1-2 additional founders to the regional population, which I hope to confirm either way in the coming weeks.

—————————————————
—————————————————

New Zealand Population:

Auckland Zoo:

0.1 Etana (26/12/2005) Hooer x Elli
0.1 Kwacha (19/08/2008) Hooer x Elli

Orana Wildlife Park:

1.0 Asher (00/00/2015) Unknown x Unknown
1.0 Walter (00/00/2021) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Koba (00/00/2017) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Little Miss (00/00/2022) Unknown x Unknown
0.1 Okhethiwe (00/00/2023) Unknown x Unknown

Total New Zealand population: 2.5 Waterbuck

—————————————————

Australian Population:

Altina Wildlife Park:

1.0 Bukima (08/08/2013) Hide x Gecko
1.0 Toretto (23/02/2021) Chitwa x Tokyo
0.1 Drifter (11/01/2011) Kampala x Maji
0.1 Tokyo (02/01/2018) Jelani x Drifter
0.1 Neela (11/05/2024) Kubwa x Acacia
0.1 Letty (09/05/2025) Bukima x Tokyo

Monarto Safari Park:

1.0 Kubwa (10/02/2017) Jelani x Drifter
1.0 Kajie (11/05/2021) Kubwa x Acacia
1.0 Nashibe (25/05/2025) Kubwa x Acacia
0.1 Acacia (20/01/2017) Hide x Kumuka
0.1 Heidi (20/03/2020) Hide x Gecko

Werribee Open Range Zoo:

1.0 Micato (17/07/2018) Hide x Gecko
1.0 Eclipse (14/06/2019) Hide x Kumuka
1.0 Cosmos (12/04/2020) Hide x Kumuka
0.1 Kumuka (22/03/2008) Kampala x Ipsi
0.1 Aurora (14/05/2019) Hide x Gecko
0.1 Nziza (23/05/2023) Kubwa x Acacia

Total Australian population: 8.9 Waterbuck

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Total Australasian population: 10.14 Waterbuck

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Thanks for posting this - it's not surprising to see how closely the regional population appears.

It's interesting you mention the possibility of there being two additional founders aside from the original Werribee trio - would these be the former Orana breeding pair?

I remember for a small period Werribee had two Waterbuck groups - one in the current Gorilla exhibit mixed with Zebra, and the other obviously in the waterhole drive through habitat. So it makes sense if Kampala and Hide's breeding groups overlapped somewhat. Re. Hide, it wouldn't make sense if he was Werribee born - so I wonder whether he came from Orana (if they had two other founders).

Werribee's only recent transfers occurred in 2021 (a male) and 2022 (a female). The male could be Bukima, Altina's current breeding male. Whilst the female is very likely Heidi, now at Monarto.

Per Werribee's inventory reports, they also lost a male in 2020-21 and a female in 2022-23; both being the former breeding male Hide (who's passing coincides with the breeding ending) and the other breeding female, Gecko.
 
Jambo said:
It's interesting you mention the possibility of there being two additional founders aside from the original Werribee trio - would these be the former Orana breeding pair?
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I’m thinking so. To investigate this further, I need information on this line (from which most of the living population descends). What I know so far:

A male named Mike was born 1997 to Tahi and Minka.

Tahi and Minka were full siblings born to Rhymnus (1985) and Elli (1985).

Mike (1997) bred with Nimba (1990) to produce Elli (2000).

The theory I’m exploring is that Rhymnus (1985) and Elli (1985) were founders and that Tahi and Minka were born in New Zealand (Tahi is the Māori word for ‘one).

The New Zealand exotic mammals thread notes the following on the history of New Zealand’s Waterbuck:

The species was also formerly kept at Auckland until the early 1990s when their last animals went to Hamilton where they survived until 2003; and formerly also at Orana (a pair came from Auckland Zoo in 1987, which were kept into the 1990s [breeding by 1993].

I therefore wonder if the pair Orana received from Auckland in 1987 were Rhymnus (1985) and Elli (1985).
Jambo said:
Re. Hide, it wouldn't make sense if he was Werribee born - so I wonder whether he came from Orana (if they had two other founders).
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Hide was born 2005 to Kampala and Nimba. One of the things I need to confirm is whether Kampala and Nimba remained at Werribee for the rest of their lives following their import in 1995. If so, Hide would be Werribee born.
Jambo said:
Werribee's only recent transfers occurred in 2021 (a male) and 2022 (a female). The male could be Bukima, Altina's current breeding male. Whilst the female is very likely Heidi, now at Monarto.
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Bukima was born 2013 at Werribee to Hide and Gecko, so I agree that’s likely.
 
Zorro said:
Lets face it it would not hurt for the current holders to import a few pairs since they are now able to do so its going to look much better for their future if they do so.
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That would be greatly beneficial. Depending what future research throws up on Mike and his ancestors, the regional population appears to descend from 4-5 Waterbuck, with no imports since at least the 1990’s.

Auckland’s future direction is unclear, but I hope they’d at least consider replacing their elderly females with new females when they pass. They cohabit with the rhino and nyala without issue and add some variety to the paddock they’re in.

A keeper I spoke to at Hamilton Zoo said they’re considering them for their Savannah expansion. This will feature multiple ungulate exhibits, so I’m hopeful they could even become a breeding holder.
 
Zoofan15 said:
I’m thinking so. To investigate this further, I need information on this line (from which most of the living population descends). What I know so far:

A male named Mike was born 1997 to Tahi and Minka.

Tahi and Minka were full siblings born to Rhymnus (1985) and Elli (1985).

Mike (1997) bred with Nimba (1990) to produce Elli (2000).

The theory I’m exploring is that Rhymnus (1985) and Elli (1985) were founders and that Tahi and Minka were born in New Zealand (Tahi is the Māori word for ‘one).

The New Zealand exotic mammals thread notes the following on the history of New Zealand’s Waterbuck:

The species was also formerly kept at Auckland until the early 1990s when their last animals went to Hamilton where they survived until 2003; and formerly also at Orana (a pair came from Auckland Zoo in 1987, which were kept into the 1990s [breeding by 1993].

I therefore wonder if the pair Orana received from Auckland in 1987 were Rhymnus (1985) and Elli (1985).
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The theory about Orana receiving those two individuals from Auckland seems to make a whole lot of sense.

My take-away from that abstract from the NZ Exotic Mammals thread is that Auckland presumably previously held a herd which must have descended from an import, therefore the current population likely descends from more than just the three Werribee founders - who it looks like are the founders for the Australian population (at least).

I doubt Auckland would've imported a large number of individuals - to have a herd, and send a pair to Orana, so I wonder whether they had a breeding herd back in the 80's.

Nevertheless, it'll be interesting to see what more you can find out re. the NZ founders.
Zoofan15 said:
Hide was born 2005 to Kampala and Nimba. One of the things I need to confirm is whether Kampala and Nimba remained at Werribee for the rest of their lives following their import in 1995. If so, Hide would be Werribee born.
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Nimba seemingly was at Orana in 2000 producing Elli with Mike? And interesting that there was two Elli's (one born in 1985, and another in 2000).

If that information is correct, I wonder whether Mike was instead sent to Werribee to join their initial herd? Otherwise it would mean Nimba was at Orana, and was subsequently likely joined there by Kampala. Orana's breeding male at the time was also seemingly 'Hoeer' not 'Kampala', potentially ruling out that theory. So the only real possibility would be that Nimba was transferred to Orana, and then back to Werribee prior to Hide's birth in 2005.
 
Jambo said:
The theory about Orana receiving those two individuals from Auckland seems to make a whole lot of sense.

My take-away from that abstract from the NZ Exotic Mammals thread is that Auckland presumably previously held a herd which must have descended from an import, therefore the current population likely descends from more than just the three Werribee founders - who it looks like are the founders for the Australian population (at least).

I doubt Auckland would've imported a large number of individuals - to have a herd, and send a pair to Orana, so I wonder whether they had a breeding herd back in the 80's.

Nevertheless, it'll be interesting to see what more you can find out re. the NZ founders.
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Yes, Auckland Zoo had a herd (presumably breeding), with Orana Wildlife Park receiving a pair in January 1987. These were the first Waterbuck held at Orana Wildlife Park. An article stated a hope the pair would produce their first calf ‘next year’ and combined with a picture which shows the male to be circa two years old (clearly not a mature bull), I’m relatively confident that this pair were Rhymnus (1985) and Elli (1985).

If so, it’s a reasonable assumption that Tahi and Minka were born at Orana Wildlife Park (with Tahi’s name referring to him being the first Waterbuck born at Orana). From there, my assumption is their offspring Mike (born 1997) went to Werribee Open Range Zoo.

The article announcing the arrival of Orana’s first pair in 1987 stated an intention to import a pair from England (presumably Marwell), with offspring from the herd then sent to Auckland. It appears this pair were never imported; and Auckland Zoo decided to phase the species out, with the remnants of their herd transferring to Hamilton Zoo.
Jambo said:
Nimba seemingly was at Orana in 2000 producing Elli with Mike? And interesting that there was two Elli's (one born in 1985, and another in 2000).

If that information is correct, I wonder whether Mike was instead sent to Werribee to join their initial herd? Otherwise it would mean Nimba was at Orana, and was subsequently likely joined there by Kampala. Orana's breeding male at the time was also seemingly 'Hoeer' not 'Kampala', potentially ruling out that theory. So the only real possibility would be that Nimba was transferred to Orana, and then back to Werribee prior to Hide's birth in 2005.
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Yes, there were two Elli’s (one born 1985; one born 2000). The name appears to be a reference to the species Scientific name Kobus ellipsiprymnus.

I think it’s more likely that Mike was born at Orana Wildlife Park and then sent to Werribee Open Range Zoo. He sired Elli in 2000; and then bred with her to produce a female named Ipsi in 2002. Kampala and Ipsi then bred to produce Kumbuka in 2008 and Gecko in 2009.

The New Zealand exotic mammals thread mentions a pair of Waterbuck were imported by Orana Wildlife Park in 2004 from Werribee, which would have been Hoer and Elli. The female was apparently pregnant to a different male (I don’t know what happened to that calf); and then gave birth to Etana (sired by Hoer) in December 2005. Hoer and Elli subsequently produced Ina in 2007 and Kwacha in 2008.
 
It is shocking that we have such an inbred population of an animal that can actually be imported.

It really is a slight against the majour zoos, that they have not invested in this species. Ideally with TWPZ opening up an expanded savannah, they would import some new animals to breed and bring in new genetics.
 
Tiger91 said:
It is shocking that we have such an inbred population of an animal that can actually be imported.

It really is a slight against the majour zoos, that they have not invested in this species. Ideally with TWPZ opening up an expanded savannah, they would import some new animals to breed and bring in new genetics.
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I agree. The Australasian populations of Barbary sheep and Indian antelope are highly inbred, but we’re unable to import them; while Eastern bongo (a critically endangered species) can be imported, but are more difficult to source than say Lowland nyala.

Waterbuck are neither endangered or difficult to source; and can be imported. A group import of 6-8 new founders would set the region up for decades.
 
Zoofan15 said:
I agree. The Australasian populations of Barbary sheep and Indian antelope are highly inbred, but we’re unable to import them; while Eastern bongo (a critically endangered species) can be imported, but are more difficult to source than say Lowland nyala.

Waterbuck are neither endangered or difficult to source; and can be imported. A group import of 6-8 new founders would set the region up for decades.
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Bongo being difficult to acquire I can understand that any appreciable import will take time. However water back like you said are common, it makes no sense that they have not imported new genetics. Especially for a species that seems to have at least some decent interest from zoo's.
 
Tiger91 said:
Bongo being difficult to acquire I can understand that any appreciable import will take time. However water back like you said are common, it makes no sense that they have not imported new genetics. Especially for a species that seems to have at least some decent interest from zoo's.
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At the end of the day, I think it simply comes down to the costs associated with such an import, and whether it's worth it or not.

Waterbuck are not an endangered species, and zoos are essentially breeding them just to maintain a captive population. The population is also well established world wide, so maintaining genetics is also not really a huge goal.

So, whilst it would be preferable to maintain genetic diversity with our animals, if it's not absolutely needed, I think you can get an idea as to why zoos elect against prioritising imports for Waterbuck, Blackbuck simply for the sake of maintaining genetic diversity. Once they have enough animals to sustain a population long term, they consider it job done.
 
Zoofan15 said:
I agree. The Australasian populations of Barbary sheep and Indian antelope are highly inbred, but we’re unable to import them; while Eastern bongo (a critically endangered species) can be imported, but are more difficult to source than say Lowland nyala.

Waterbuck are neither endangered or difficult to source; and can be imported. A group import of 6-8 new founders would set the region up for decades.
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I believe you may find that Taronga could with out to much trouble import Bongo from the San Diego zoo with little trouble they have a "very strong connection" with them and the San Diego zoo has been well involved with Bongos for many years and has bred many! Since the IRA for antelopes has been completed for a few years now there appears to be very little interest in our major zoos to import anything unfortunately!
 
Upcoming transfer:

Toretto will be transferring out of Altina Wildlife Park in the near future.

1.0 Toretto (23/02/2021) Chitwa x Tokyo

From socials:

This gorgeous boy leaves us soon! He is so clever!

Toretto the waterbuck is walking down this undercover laneway, down a narrow extension, through our crush, up a ramp and into a trailer every day!

He does this as many times as he likes and many times when we go to give him his meals he is camping out in the trailer and won’t leave despite having access to out doors! He loves the adventure and secrecy of it all we think!

He is gorgeous and this conditioning will make his transfer to his new home/zoo so much more stress free than if we had to medicate him and force him into the trailer for the transfer
 
Zoofan15 said:
Upcoming transfer:

Toretto will be transferring out of Altina Wildlife Park in the near future.

1.0 Toretto (23/02/2021) Chitwa x Tokyo

From socials:

This gorgeous boy leaves us soon! He is so clever!

Toretto the waterbuck is walking down this undercover laneway, down a narrow extension, through our crush, up a ramp and into a trailer every day!

He does this as many times as he likes and many times when we go to give him his meals he is camping out in the trailer and won’t leave despite having access to out doors! He loves the adventure and secrecy of it all we think!

He is gorgeous and this conditioning will make his transfer to his new home/zoo so much more stress free than if we had to medicate him and force him into the trailer for the transfer
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Unless there's a new holder that will emerge, it seems likely he'll head across to NZ. Perhaps to Auckland as a companion for their two old girls?

Another possibility is Werribee to re-start their breeding group (if Hide's sons are all desexed).
 
Jambo said:
Unless there's a new holder that will emerge, it seems likely he'll head across to NZ. Perhaps to Auckland as a companion for their two old girls?

Another possibility is Werribee to re-start their breeding group (if Hide's sons are all desexed).
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I’d love to see him come to Auckland Zoo. Now we have confirmation they’re extending their Savannah, it’s the perfect opportunity to build facilities to manage breeding of this antelope. In the meantime, he could be a companion to their females as you say.

I still need to confirm, but from their ages, I assume Orana’s 2.3 Waterbuck are parents and their 1.2 offspring. If so, a new breeding bull will also be needed there long term. One option could be to sub Toretto in for their breeding bull, potentially seeing Asher transfer out (to Auckland or elsewhere).
 
Waterbuck transfer:

As reported on Altina Wildlife Park’s socials, Toretto has transferred to Werribee Open Range Zoo.

The populations of the two facilities are as follows:

Altina Wildlife Park:

1.0 Bukima (08/08/2013) Hide x Gecko
0.1 Drifter (11/01/2011) Kampala x Maji
0.1 Tokyo (02/01/2018) Jelani x Drifter
0.1 Neela (11/05/2024) Kubwa x Acacia
0.1 Letty (09/05/2025) Bukima x Tokyo

Werribee Open Range Zoo:

1.0 Micato (17/07/2018) Hide x Gecko
1.0 Eclipse (14/06/2019) Hide x Kumuka
1.0 Cosmos (12/04/2020) Hide x Kumuka
1.0 Toretto (23/02/2021) Chitwa x Tokyo
0.1 Kumuka (22/03/2008) Kampala x Ipsi
0.1 Aurora (14/05/2019) Hide x Gecko
0.1 Nziza (23/05/2023) Kubwa x Acacia
 
Zoofan15 said:
Waterbuck transfer:

As reported on Altina Wildlife Park’s socials, Toretto has transferred to Werribee Open Range Zoo.

The populations of the two facilities are as follows:

Altina Wildlife Park:

1.0 Bukima (08/08/2013) Hide x Gecko
0.1 Drifter (11/01/2011) Kampala x Maji
0.1 Tokyo (02/01/2018) Jelani x Drifter
0.1 Neela (11/05/2024) Kubwa x Acacia
0.1 Letty (09/05/2025) Bukima x Tokyo

Werribee Open Range Zoo:

1.0 Micato (17/07/2018) Hide x Gecko
1.0 Eclipse (14/06/2019) Hide x Kumuka
1.0 Cosmos (12/04/2020) Hide x Kumuka
1.0 Toretto (23/02/2021) Chitwa x Tokyo
0.1 Kumuka (22/03/2008) Kampala x Ipsi
0.1 Aurora (14/05/2019) Hide x Gecko
0.1 Nziza (23/05/2023) Kubwa x Acacia
Click to expand...

Astrobird said:
I hope Werribee decides to display their spare males, perhaps with the zebra on the trail to the elephants.... they're a large antelope that could deal with a group of male zebras
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Good news, Werribee can now hopefully re-start their breeding program again. They have two young females (Aurora and Nziza) who are both now of reproductive age.

I believe Hide's sons are all desexed, but I could be wrong about that. If they are desexed they should still be able to cohabit with Toretto and the girls.
 
Full details of Orana Wildlife Park’s Waterbuck:

I now have full details of Orana Wildlife Park’s Waterbuck:

1.0 Asher (03/07/2015) Baruti x Elli
0.1 Koba (13/12/2017) Bakari x Elli
1.0 Walter (29/11/2021) Quest x Khola
0.1 Little Miss (16/03/2022) Quest x Koba
0.1 Okhethiwe (20/05/2023) Quest x Koba

Happy Birthday to Walter!

In contrast to the population list (males before females), I’ve listed them by age for comparison of parentage.

All five Waterbuck were Orana born, with Asher and Koba being the offspring of Elli (2000). Elli made an impressive contribution to the regional population, with Etana (2005) at Auckland Zoo being her first offspring to my knowledge; and Koba (2017), her last offspring. It wouldn’t be entirely surprising if Khola (mother of Walter) was one of her offspring too, but I need to confirm that.

Orana has had a succession of breeding males, with Elli initially breeding with Hoer in the 2000’s; and then breeding with males Baruti and Bakari. Then a male named Quest (who appears to be deceased, as he’s not held at any other Australasian facility) sired Walter, Little Miss and Okhethiwe.

With three females aged 2-7 years, Orana is well placed to recommence breeding. Clearly the decision is whether to use Asher as the breeding bull or import a new bull from overseas. Some imports from outside the region would obviously be beneficial to the Australasian population as a whole at this point.
 
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