Often the case with antelope, it seems - when I visit Berlin and Leipzig in a month I intend to relish seeing an array of gazelle and antelope which have never fared well in the UK as a result, and which likely will never return to UK collections.
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo Whipsnade Zoo 2014 #1
- Thread starter BongoHardwood
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Often the case with antelope, it seems - when I visit Berlin and Leipzig in a month I intend to relish seeing an array of gazelle and antelope which have never fared well in the UK as a result, and which likely will never return to UK collections.
The hoofstock news comes from discussions with a senior member of staff, following visitor feedback: basically making the most of the space the zoo has. The Grevy's zebra now share their paddock with the waterbuck. Where the new species will eventually come to be housed remains to be seen.
Intrigued where they'd fit everything. I can see the Blackbuck slotting into Plains of Asia but I'm not sure where they'd put the remaining species (I'd hope it doesn't mean they're going out of anything).
I've got to agree with these sentiments -great if true but Whipsnade don't really have a (recent) history of suddenly adding a load of new hoofstock species.
IanRRobinson
Well-Known Member
Interestingly, all are species held in the past. In 1973, Whipsnade held Nilgai, Common Eland, Sitatunga, Brindled Gnu, Blesbok, and Thomson's Gazelle. The joint management plan with Marwell that came into being soon afterwards saw the arrival of Roan Antelope, Scimitar-horned Oryx and Ellipsen Waterbuck. Greater Kudu and Blackbuck I think really arrived as a consequence of reshuffles at London.
I'd like to see White-tailed Gnu, Addax and Goitered Gazelle as well, but this is a pleasing development.
Most definitely, if it comes to fruition! Let's hope so.
Personally, I'd like to see more done with the American bison-a relocated mixed exhibit with wapiti or pronghorn perhaps? It's always seemed a shame to me that they're viewed as rather like an afterthought by the zoo-they're not even represented on the zoo map! A much larger breeding herd would be fantastic, but is the species well represented in the UK? Is building work restricted by the SSI?
Personally, I'd like to see more done with the American bison-a relocated mixed exhibit with wapiti or pronghorn perhaps? It's always seemed a shame to me that they're viewed as rather like an afterthought by the zoo-they're not even represented on the zoo map! A much larger breeding herd would be fantastic, but is the species well represented in the UK? Is building work restricted by the SSI?
I believe they were only brought back(after a six year absence) due to popular demand from local residents as they were a landmark feature locally of what, because of their presence, is known as 'Bison hill'. I agree a larger herd would do them more justice.
I'm not sure they've had Impala previously though?
According to ZTL, Whipsnade has indeed held Impala in the past, and bred them - though no timespan is referred to.
Whipsnade kept and bred impala during the 1960s.
Indeed, but the first impala born at London was in 1947.
As far as I'm aware they currently have a breeding pair: Tapon and Flora. Flora is the older of the two and suffers from a tumour in her jaw.However, this is currently being managed.
The pair have produced two surviving offspring:Sapo, a male, and Georgina.
The pair have produced two surviving offspring:Sapo, a male, and Georgina.
It was only because when I went in January there was only one sign so I was wondering about them.
Thanks anyway
Some posters seemed rather doubtful about this information. However, I visited Whipsnade today; I cannot comment on the blesbok and Thomson’s gazelle but the impala are already on site.
Not officially on display, and unlabelled, I glimpsed a small group of impala on the hardstand behind the bongo paddock.
On my visit today there were signs up for both the male pygmy hippo “Tapon” and the female “Flora”. And I saw both specimens. (The most recent youngster “Georgina” has been sent elsewhere though.)
Excellent news! Did you get an idea of the makeup of the group?
As I said before, the remaining species should be introduced as the year progresses, not all at once.I can only go by what I was told-if it happens, fantastic, if not, so be it...though I would be disappointed!
As I said before, the remaining species should be introduced as the year progresses, not all at once.I can only go by what I was told-if it happens, fantastic, if not, so be it...though I would be disappointed!
sooty mangabey
Well-Known Member
Conversely, they've done well for a number of years in several European zoos, such as Emmen, Cologne and Barcelona.