Edinburgh Zoo Developments at Edinburgh Zoo
- Thread starter Bongo
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Simon McGlary
Well-Known Member
Nothing new as regards developments, although the RZSS is in constant communication with those that matter in China and have a very good relationship with Chinese authorities as regards wildlife conservation in general.
The Chinese president is due to make a state visit to the UK in November meeting the Queen whilst he is here. It is thought that this could be when the final papers are signed. Provided the UK maintains good relations with China and the RZSS in particular continues working closely with the people who are at the forefront of work with giant pandas the 'loan' could be seen as a gift to the country through one head of state to another.
I think it would be fair to say that China is very much on the verge of become a super economy and the are looking to the west for help to ensure it doesn't make the same mistakes as we have, economically, socially and environmentally. As a country China strikes me as being fully aware that it has problems and is trying to find the smoothest and most successfully way forward on all fronts, at home and abroad.
I'm sure the RZSS will be the first to say if and (more likely) when pandas will be coming to Edinburgh. Until then we just have to sit and wait.
The Chinese president is due to make a state visit to the UK in November meeting the Queen whilst he is here. It is thought that this could be when the final papers are signed. Provided the UK maintains good relations with China and the RZSS in particular continues working closely with the people who are at the forefront of work with giant pandas the 'loan' could be seen as a gift to the country through one head of state to another.
I think it would be fair to say that China is very much on the verge of become a super economy and the are looking to the west for help to ensure it doesn't make the same mistakes as we have, economically, socially and environmentally. As a country China strikes me as being fully aware that it has problems and is trying to find the smoothest and most successfully way forward on all fronts, at home and abroad.
I'm sure the RZSS will be the first to say if and (more likely) when pandas will be coming to Edinburgh. Until then we just have to sit and wait.
In that case there might not be a time span or the stipulations about returning any cubs to China which other zoos holding Pandas have had to accept as part of their 'Panda deal'.
But the 'gifts' in the past were superseded by the profitmaking loans, so if Edinburgh's (if/when they get them) were gifted, it would be very unusual.
N'Boa and Kapi went to Eskilstuna in Sweden in April leaving male Ilembo and females Nora and Eschu . I found this on the Edinburgh web-site section about their animals .
Its a pity they didn't stay in the UK but as the female would probably never breed they wouldn't have contributed anything to the UK population.
Lets hope the remaining trio at Edinburgh do breed.
Photo from facebook showing a newly built viewing area for the new sun bear enclosure, built on the site of a couple of the owl aviaries, not as the caption says on the site of the former wildcat enclosure, which was to the right and farther down.
Fan photos from Edinburgh Zoo | Facebook
Fan photos from Edinburgh Zoo | Facebook
glasgowanimal
Well-Known Member
I was there yesterday but unfortunately never took any photos!!
the building work is near completion if not completed! The gardens team were in the enclosure and planting the surrounding areas at the top end of the enclosure.
The new interpretation was also being put up (looks very good!!) and the low fence at the front of the enclosure being painted.
All signs point to the enclosure being nearly ready!!!
monkeygambler
Member
So, the maned wolves appear to have moved into the old European wolf enclosure, and the giant anteaters are back in together roaming around the entire paddock at the top where the maned wolves used to be!
I think I was lucky! Didn't see any signs to tell me this but definitely saw a maned wolf sitting in the bottom hide of the old euro wolf paddock!
I think I was lucky! Didn't see any signs to tell me this but definitely saw a maned wolf sitting in the bottom hide of the old euro wolf paddock!
The Summer edition of lifelinks is now available, including updates on the sun bears, giant pandas and the released beavers in Argyll.
http://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/expo...n/documents/Lifelinks/LifeLinksSummer2010.pdf
http://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/expo...n/documents/Lifelinks/LifeLinksSummer2010.pdf
I enjoyed a July day at Edinburgh today - cloud, rain and mist all day. It was still interesting, although I didn't even try to see everything.
Bad news; the male Sumatran tiger has had an eye removed, due to a problem which started before he arrived at Edinburgh but then worsened. He was on display and seemed OK.
Better news; sun bears settling well. One was pacing a little, but that may just be a bad habit which will get broken in time. I like the new enclosure.
Very good news; all the chimps are now integrated into one group without serious problems. I spoke to a keeper after the afternoon feed and talk, and she said that there was still a long way to go before it's all settled down into a stable hierarchy - but there have only been minor injuries so far ('nothing needing stitching'). I reckon that is either a minor miracle or very good management by the keepers.
Super news; there is a very cute Chinese goral kid (or should it be calf for a goat-antelope?) which was chasing around the paddock with its parents, who are obviously delighted with it. I don't know how old it is, but it still had remnants of the umbilical cord attached. Pictures to follow - 'Gorals in the Mist'
Alan
Bad news; the male Sumatran tiger has had an eye removed, due to a problem which started before he arrived at Edinburgh but then worsened. He was on display and seemed OK.
Better news; sun bears settling well. One was pacing a little, but that may just be a bad habit which will get broken in time. I like the new enclosure.
Very good news; all the chimps are now integrated into one group without serious problems. I spoke to a keeper after the afternoon feed and talk, and she said that there was still a long way to go before it's all settled down into a stable hierarchy - but there have only been minor injuries so far ('nothing needing stitching'). I reckon that is either a minor miracle or very good management by the keepers.
Super news; there is a very cute Chinese goral kid (or should it be calf for a goat-antelope?) which was chasing around the paddock with its parents, who are obviously delighted with it. I don't know how old it is, but it still had remnants of the umbilical cord attached. Pictures to follow - 'Gorals in the Mist'
Alan
I enjoyed a July day at Edinburgh today - cloud, rain and mist all day. It was still interesting, although I didn't even try to see everything.
Bad news; the male Sumatran tiger has had an eye removed, due to a problem which started before he arrived at Edinburgh but then worsened. He was on display and seemed OK.
Better news; sun bears settling well. One was pacing a little, but that may just be a bad habit which will get broken in time. I like the new enclosure.
Very good news; all the chimps are now integrated into one group without serious problems. I spoke to a keeper after the afternoon feed and talk, and she said that there was still a long way to go before it's all settled down into a stable hierarchy - but there have only been minor injuries so far ('nothing needing stitching'). I reckon that is either a minor miracle or very good management by the keepers.
Super news; there is a very cute Chinese goral kid (or should it be calf for a goat-antelope?) which was chasing around the paddock with its parents, who are obviously delighted with it. I don't know how old it is, but it still had remnants of the umbilical cord attached. Pictures to follow - 'Gorals in the Mist'
Alan
That is sad news about Tibor. I have a photograph of him on the Edinburgh gallery, and it is extremely evident that he has an eye problem.
On the other hand, great news about the chimps and the gorals. I look forward to seeingthe photo
I think that's right. It was mentioned in the talk that they hope to breed the pure West African chimps (some of the females from Beekse Bergen with some of the Edinburgh males), but with no other details and implying that it would be some time in the future. I'm afraid I didn't ask the keeper for further details - I was so surprised that they had made such good progress with integrating the groups (and I got the impression that she was too
). I expect one of our Edinburgh regulars may know or be able to learn more details.
Alan
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monkeygambler
Member
From what I have heard from people about the chimps is that while they have integrated well, they are still very much 2 groups and squabbles are common. Im no expert, but I doubt there will be any breeding fro quite some time as they have to establish a hierarchy within the entire group with one male taking the top spot.
From what I remember about the dominance contest between Edinburgh group prior to teh Bergen bunch arriving, there will be probably be a lot of more serious fights, with the possibility of serious or even fatal injuries.
But huge credit to the staff for getting all animals in the same room!!
From what I remember about the dominance contest between Edinburgh group prior to teh Bergen bunch arriving, there will be probably be a lot of more serious fights, with the possibility of serious or even fatal injuries.
But huge credit to the staff for getting all animals in the same room!!
Sorry, I didn't go beyond the jaguars. I didn't think I'd see much in the mist.
monkeygambler said:
Squabbles are always possible in a group of 22 chimps, although they should become less frequent as they become more familiar with each other. There is already a lot of mating going on; alpha male chimps do not monopolise mating as females can be very promiscuous, so a stable hierarchy is not essential for breeding. The keepers can control breeding by choosing whether to continue or withhold contraception, I suppose they might feel that a couple of infants would help the group to bond together.
Alan
The most difficult part is over- getting them all together. That's also the time when any really serious fighting was likely to occur- although it could surface later if some of the males form a 'coalition' and combine forces against another one....
I have a feeling they may let some of the pure 'West Africans'-mostly in the new group, breed, but not their original generic group.
Just asking, but if given as a gif, would The Queen be more likely to give the pandas (making it clear, IF they were given as a Gift to the People Of The UK) would the queen be more likely to give them to ZSL London Zoo because it is in the Countries Capital?