You probably know that Shani is Buu's mother, so is Mbula's grandmother. Apparently Buu lets(or gives) her mother the baby for short periods sometimes.
Yes, I did know that. On this occasion, Shani was almost completely submerged in the straw, so when she sat up, it took everyone by surprise (including Buu)! As soon as Shani climbed down onto the floor of the enclosure, Buu got herself and Mbula comfy in the straw instead
Its one of the most natural family groups in the UK, as the 'core' is the four females who are related and have always been together, so there is close interaction which you don't get in a group of unrelated females(e.g. Bristol, London).
It seems ridiculous to me that while ZSL London talk about the importance of the new male for their 'breeding programme' (but no baby in over 20 years!) here at Chessington they are nearly all on contraceptives due to the accomodation problem...
Its one of the most natural family groups in the UK, as the 'core' is the four females who are related and have always been together, so there is close interaction which you don't get in a group of unrelated females(e.g. Bristol, London).
It seems ridiculous to me that while ZSL London talk about the importance of the new male for their 'breeding programme' (but no baby in over 20 years!) here at Chessington they are nearly all on contraceptives due to the accomodation problem...
That puts my stupid idea on the back burner, of splitting the group to allow it to grow and a seperate to grow in another enclosure at a different collection!
Potentially this group could be equally as successful as any of the Howletts' groups- they just aren't being allowed to breed (apart from the one at present) because the enclosure is at capacity and in major need of improvements. One female daughter 'Mjuku' has gone to ZSL but it took quite a lot of political manoevering for them to release her.
The plan is to build another enclosure adjacent, to allow the 2nd group(the very old pair plus the two younger offspring from the main group) to have proper fulltime access outside.
You might have read on other threads how Chessington have been delaying about all this for a long time now- despite pressure from the local council/Zoo Licence authorities- though I think it may finally go ahead now- it is certainly not before time.
