Paignton Zoo Paignton Zoo

Status
Not open for further replies.
Red River Hogs

I spoke to a keeper today who told me that Rick, the male Red River Hog, is leaving and they are getting a new pair. Here's the problem - Mr Gigit and I compared notes afterwards and have different versions. Rick is going to Chester and the new ones are coming from Colchester, or vice versa, or maybe something quite different! The keeper had been to Colchester last week and seen the hogs there.
I reported some time ago that the lone hog was female as I was definitely told by another keeper that it was the male who'd died. We have looked at the survivor recently and thought it was a male. Some keepers know me but some don't. I don't know whether they think it's OK to fob you off with any old story if they think you are just a casual visitor, though I can't see the point of that. When I first enquired about Kingo, having seen the crate in place, I was told he definitely wasn't moving. Next day the truth came out! Anyway, this is one of the reasons why I haven't reported much lately.
The Swamp Monkeys are going outside now and the orangutans are being mixed in various combinations. Demo has had contact with all 3 females now.
 
Gigit said:
I Some keepers know me but some don't. I don't know whether they think it's OK to fob you off with any old story if they think you are just a casual visitor, though I can't see the point of that. When I first enquired about Kingo, having seen the crate in place, I was told he definitely wasn't moving. Next day the truth came out!
Click to expand...

You just have to persevere until you get the real story...;) I think sometimes keepers(generally) are rather nervous of divulging information if its confidential or hasn't been officially announced by the zoo yet, other times its just 'wrong information'.

I'm glad they are finally sorting out their Red River Hog situation - It doesn't really matter what sex it is (but I'll look on Isis anyway) as long as he/she is going somewhere where there are other hogs for company.
 
ISIS lists Paignton's Red River Hog as Male(1.0)

Chester are listed with five (1.4) Colchester & Woburn both have 10 now...:)

Colchester obviously have some to spare now.
 
Gigit said:
The Swamp Monkeys are going outside now
Click to expand...

Did they manage to solve the problem of the male's immunity to the electric fence?

These are fascinating monkeys- I just recently saw Twycross's again- the only others in UK(same number as Paignton- 1.3) but breeding seems virtually nonexistent so far (Twycross have in the past as one of their females was bred there)
 
They've had some fun and games with the Swamp Monkeys but the problems have been solved now. I heard, unofficially, that the female swam to the gorilla island on her first outing! A good chance to see their swimming skills! They only have 1.2 now as one of the original females died after moving from the house to the offshow area. The other female is still offshow while the new pair bond. It will be quite a coup for Paignton if they manage to breed them. I can't remember seeing Twycross's family and house, but would think that Paignton's monkeys are living in a far more naturalistic setting, which might encourage breeding.
 
Gigit said:
It will be quite a coup for Paignton if they manage to breed them. I can't remember seeing Twycross's family and house, but would think that Paignton's monkeys are living in a far more naturalistic setting, which might encourage breeding.
Click to expand...

Yes, Paignton's are in a more natural setting. Twycross have 1.2. in one of the main blocks of monkey cages, and at present another female in an offshow area near the elephants, not sure why.

The problem at both places is group size- they could do with more individuals really- with so few a single loss/death reduces the scope to build up a group. Still, I hope they can breed from them anyway.
 
Rick, the Red River Hog, has gone and the enclosure is being revamped. I'll keep my eyes open for new residents.
More work in progress - I was told quite some time ago that the gibbons (Lar and Grey) in the house below the Bongo were going to get a bridge over to the orangutan island. Three poles went up last year on the island opposite the gibbon house, and recently a platform and netting have appeared. No sign of a bridge yet. I haven't been able to confirm what's happening with a keeper, but I'm looking forward to seeing the orangutans and gibbons together (though I suspect I may be in for a long wait!).
 
Gigit said:
Rick, the Red River Hog, has gone and the enclosure is being revamped. I'll keep my eyes open for new residents.
More work in progress - I was told quite some time ago that the gibbons (Lar and Grey) in the house below the Bongo were going to get a bridge over to the orangutan island. I'm looking forward to seeing the orangutans and gibbons together (though I suspect I may be in for a long wait!).
Click to expand...

I'm glad to hear about 'Rick'- he'd been alone too long in my opinion.

the Gibbon/Orangutan mix sounds a great idea- at last the Orangutan island and trees might get some real usage. Seeing the gibbons using the trees might even stimulate the Orangutans into using them more too?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top