The deer are a 1:3 group and the pigs a bachelor group of 4:0. The pigs currently have a second enclosure that they spend some of their time in, as the mix has only been in process for a short time and the two species are still getting used to each other. Until recently they were only allowed out together at the supervised feeding times.
These mixed exhibits sometimes contain unforeseen disadvantages as well as benefits and I can't always see the point of having the 'first' mixed exhibit of something when that happens. I wonder if they will be forced to change it after the pigs have turned it into a complete morass (which they will..)?
These mixed exhibits sometimes contain unforeseen disadvantages as well as benefits and I can't always see the point of having the 'first' mixed exhibit of something when that happens. I wonder if they will be forced to change it after the pigs have turned it into a complete morass (which they will..)?
Certainly while I was there, the state of the enclosure was actually the lesser problem- both species really didn't seem to get on. The deer stag got bitten at least twice and one of the female deer would continually kick any pig that came too close. The deer also seemed very nervous around the pigs and so appeared to lose out at feeding time- I think its only a matter of time before the two species are separated completely.
Mixing pigs with other taxa doesn't happen all that often, does it? Off the top of my head the only exhibit that I can remember is Banteng/Wild Boar in San Diego.
Most pigs root, they bite and they generally make a nuisance of themselves to any other animals in close proximity. I would worry about any fawns in this exhibit as well. File under "nice idea that doesn't work".
So would I, though for some reason, although Colchester have had 1.3 Phillipine Deer for some time, I don't think they have had any (successful?) births here?
Re the mixing of the species, IMO the Deer are too valuable to take risks like this with. Apart from any direct aggression I would also worry about damage to their legs from the rooted-up paddock surface.
Mixing pigs with other taxa doesn't happen all that often, does it? Off the top of my head the only exhibit that I can remember is Banteng/Wild Boar in San Diego.
Most pigs root, they bite and they generally make a nuisance of themselves to any other animals in close proximity. I would worry about any fawns in this exhibit as well. File under "nice idea that doesn't work".
