Whipsnade keep a small group of European bison close to the chimpanzees. However, much like the American bison, they don't seem to want to do much with them (I can't remember the last time a calf was born).
It's frustrating that ZSL seem indifferent to the bison-the Americans aren't even on the map! Whipsnade is the only zoo in the country (or also Port Lympne?) that houses both species. They really could make a statement with both of these for very little cost, especially on Bison Hill.
Port Lympne only hold Wisent - so you are correct to say Whipsnade is the only zoo in the country with both species.
Tierpark Berlin in Germany displays Wood Bison (Bison bison athabascae) in a paddock directly opposite a paddock containing Wisent; now *that* is an interesting sight.
Whipsnade keep a small group of European bison close to the chimpanzees. However, much like the American bison, they don't seem to want to do much with them (I can't remember the last time a calf was born).
In the old days many animals were 'presented' to Zoos by private donation and at least in the long established conventional zoos it usually resulted in a small plaque on the enclosure saying 'presented by such and such(name)'.
I don't know if zoos still accept such gifts, but I wonder what Whipsnade would do if someone* suddenly presented a small group of say, 1.4 Bison to add to what they have, as foundation for a proper herd. Accept them or refuse?
In the old days many animals were 'presented' to Zoos by private donation and at least in the long established conventional zoos it usually resulted in a small plaque on the enclosure saying 'presented by such and such(name)'.
I don't know if zoos still accept such gifts, but I wonder what Whipsnade would do if someone* suddenly presented a small group of say, 1.4 Bison to add to what they have, as foundation for a proper herd. Accept them or refuse?
It does still happen. That's certainly how they came to acquire the meerkats-a wealthy benefactor who's donation was dependant on them building a meerkat exhibit. Prior to that, the zoo had no intention of keeping the species.
