Adelaide Zoo have received a new male giraffe calf that had to be handraised following being born at Monarto Safari Park to female Thula: 登录 Facebook | Facebook
Adelaide Zoo Adelaide Zoo News 2023
- Thread starter WhistlingKite24
- Start date
The Sumatran Tiger cubs have been confirmed as 1.2 - excellent to have two females from their first litter.
Source: Zoos SA's Youtube
Source: Zoos SA's Youtube
A few updates for Adelaide Zoo from social media:
- a pair of Short-beaked Echidnas have moved back into the Australian Rainforest Aviary after a period of time spent in the koala enclosure.
- seven Little Penguins, eight Orange-bellied Parrots and three Regent Honeyeaters have hatched. The penguin chicks have hatched over the past five months.
A black and white colobus has been born to mum adale it is the first birth at Adelaide zoo
Welcome to the world little one! We're excited to announce Black-and-white Colobus, Adale, gave birth on Monday afternoon. The infant is doing well... | By Adelaide Zoo | Facebook
Welcome to the world little one! We're excited to announce Black-and-white Colobus, Adale, gave birth on Monday afternoon. The infant is doing well... | By Adelaide Zoo | Facebook
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Giant panda fu-ni is not pregnant
"If there is one word that can sum up the reproductive system of the Giant Panda it would be 'complex'.
A female Giant Panda can undergo a pseudopregnancy or re-absorb a foetus. During this time, a Giant Panda will behave and do everything they would just as if they were pregnant. While we had every hope the Artificial Insemination that was undertaken with Fu Ni using Wang Wang’s sperm would be a success, unfortunately, this is not the case.
After constant observation, including staff monitoring Fu Ni over a series of nights, our animal care team has confirmed that Fu Ni’s hormone levels have returned to baseline and she is not pregnant. Additionally, Fu Ni has taken an enrichment toy and is currently ‘mothering’ it as is typical of a pseudopregnancy.
The reproduction system of Giant Pandas is such that any potential pregnancy is hedged against many obstacles including the ability of the mother to re-absorb the foetus, the potential to delay implantation, and the small fertility period that the female experiences just once per year (usually lasting between 24-72 hours).
While our staff and volunteers are obviously disappointed that there will be no cub this year, our thoughts turn to Fu Ni’s devoted keepers who were so hopeful and have done everything in their power to ensure her welfare throughout.
As she is experiencing a pseudopregnancy or a loss, Fu Ni will continue to use her den, an area she has prepared herself, to care for her ‘toy’. She will also continue to require her own ‘off display’ time to allow her hormones to settle and for her to come to the realisation that despite what her body has told her, she will not be giving birth to a cub.
While Fu Ni settles in her den, the Bamboo Forest area will remain open, however the doors to the Day Rooms will stay closed a little longer. Those wishing to visit the Bamboo Forest area will be able to see Wang Wang on exhibit as well as see both Giant Pandas via a TV screen which has been set up in the Bamboo Forest area. Red Pandas Mishry and Ravi continue to be viewable to the public.
Thanks to everyone for your interest and passion for Giant Pandas, a species which through conservation efforts, like those at Adelaide Zoo, was downgraded by the IUCN from endangered to vulnerable to extinction. Special thanks also to our colleagues in China and to our partner Repromed for their continued support and expertise."
From Facebook. link: 登录 Facebook | Facebook
"If there is one word that can sum up the reproductive system of the Giant Panda it would be 'complex'.
A female Giant Panda can undergo a pseudopregnancy or re-absorb a foetus. During this time, a Giant Panda will behave and do everything they would just as if they were pregnant. While we had every hope the Artificial Insemination that was undertaken with Fu Ni using Wang Wang’s sperm would be a success, unfortunately, this is not the case.
After constant observation, including staff monitoring Fu Ni over a series of nights, our animal care team has confirmed that Fu Ni’s hormone levels have returned to baseline and she is not pregnant. Additionally, Fu Ni has taken an enrichment toy and is currently ‘mothering’ it as is typical of a pseudopregnancy.
The reproduction system of Giant Pandas is such that any potential pregnancy is hedged against many obstacles including the ability of the mother to re-absorb the foetus, the potential to delay implantation, and the small fertility period that the female experiences just once per year (usually lasting between 24-72 hours).
While our staff and volunteers are obviously disappointed that there will be no cub this year, our thoughts turn to Fu Ni’s devoted keepers who were so hopeful and have done everything in their power to ensure her welfare throughout.
As she is experiencing a pseudopregnancy or a loss, Fu Ni will continue to use her den, an area she has prepared herself, to care for her ‘toy’. She will also continue to require her own ‘off display’ time to allow her hormones to settle and for her to come to the realisation that despite what her body has told her, she will not be giving birth to a cub.
While Fu Ni settles in her den, the Bamboo Forest area will remain open, however the doors to the Day Rooms will stay closed a little longer. Those wishing to visit the Bamboo Forest area will be able to see Wang Wang on exhibit as well as see both Giant Pandas via a TV screen which has been set up in the Bamboo Forest area. Red Pandas Mishry and Ravi continue to be viewable to the public.
Thanks to everyone for your interest and passion for Giant Pandas, a species which through conservation efforts, like those at Adelaide Zoo, was downgraded by the IUCN from endangered to vulnerable to extinction. Special thanks also to our colleagues in China and to our partner Repromed for their continued support and expertise."
From Facebook. link: 登录 Facebook | Facebook
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Not unexpected given their history, but disappointing nonetheless.
Updated timeline of Adelaide’s attempts to breed:
Wang Wang and Funi - Reproductive Timeline
2009: Wang Wang and Funi arrive
2011: Natural only (fails)
2012: Natural only (fails)
2013: Artificial insemination (fails)
2014: Natural only (fails)
2015: Artificial insemination (fails)
2016: Artificial insemination (fails)
2017: Artificial insemination (fails)
2018: Artificial insemination (fails)
2019: No breeding due to contract negotiations
2020: Natural only (fails)
2021: Natural only (fails)
2022: Artificial insemination (fails)
After 10 years of failed breeding attempts (including six years of artificial insemination), it’s time to admit defeat and return Funi to China.
Wang Wang has had decent semen analysis results come back in recent years and may have success with a younger female; though an exchange of both pandas is something to consider also.
I don't get the impression the number of failed AI attempts is unusual. Even in humans, AI has only around a 37-40% success rate after six attempts-- it's just even more difficult with giant pandas as there's only one attempt possible each year! I believe Singapore Zoo had success on their 7th giant panda AI.
It could well be that everything is 'right' with Fu Ni reproductively speaking, but luck just hasn't been on our side. I can only assume that she's closely examined during the process, so whether or not she's not physically likely to conceive would be a consideration regarding a potential exchange. Be it with Fu Ni or a new female, those odds are still tough to beat.
One way or another, I greatly hope Adelaide Zoo will be able to get a new giant panda deal with China. In a region so bear-poor, they really are special to have here, and even now I am still encountering people at the exhibit visiting them for the first time and being deeply moved by the experience.
It could well be that everything is 'right' with Fu Ni reproductively speaking, but luck just hasn't been on our side. I can only assume that she's closely examined during the process, so whether or not she's not physically likely to conceive would be a consideration regarding a potential exchange. Be it with Fu Ni or a new female, those odds are still tough to beat.
One way or another, I greatly hope Adelaide Zoo will be able to get a new giant panda deal with China. In a region so bear-poor, they really are special to have here, and even now I am still encountering people at the exhibit visiting them for the first time and being deeply moved by the experience.
One thing I’ve noticed with the US zoos is that it seems to either work or it doesn’t:
Mei Xiang (National Zoo) gave birth for the first time at seven years and produced seven cubs.
Lun Lun (Zoo Atlanta) have birth for the first time at nine years and produced seven cubs.
Bai Yun (San Diego Zoo) gave birth for the first time at eight years and produced six cubs.
Ya Ya (Memphis Zoo) returned to China at age 22, having never bred.
Funi at Adelaide will be 17 years old on the next mating attempt and has failed to breed for 11 years. The odds aren’t in her favour.
It’s not necessarily the panda’s reproductive systems at fault (Edinburgh is proof of that); but clearly something isn’t working and personally, I don’t believe it ever will. The breeding facilities in China have the advantages of being able to re-pair underperforming pairs (there’s no way they’d persist with a pair for 11 years without changing things up), so if the option’s there, I’d consider swapping one or both out. They’ve got nothing to lose.
Jules, the zoo's eight-year-old female Aldabra Giant Tortoise has gradually been introduced outdoors to 42-year-old female Aldabra Giant Tortoise, Aonika. Both Aldabras also share the space with a single Sulcata Tortoise - reported on social media.
Red-tailed phascogale release:
From socials:
On Friday night, keeper Amelia and conservation coordinator Lisa ventured out to Mallee Cliffs National Park in NSW to release 21 little Red-tailed Phascogales into the wild.
The team travelled travelling over 450km from Adelaide Zoo’s conservation breeding program to give this tiny species, that now occupy just one per cent of their former habitat range, an amazing opportunity to thrive in the fenced feral-proof haven.
Together with our partners the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service we are so proud to be part of such an amazing program bringing hope to this special native Australian species.
Little phascogales’ big journey to save species - Adelaide Zoo
From socials:
On Friday night, keeper Amelia and conservation coordinator Lisa ventured out to Mallee Cliffs National Park in NSW to release 21 little Red-tailed Phascogales into the wild.
The team travelled travelling over 450km from Adelaide Zoo’s conservation breeding program to give this tiny species, that now occupy just one per cent of their former habitat range, an amazing opportunity to thrive in the fenced feral-proof haven.
Together with our partners the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service we are so proud to be part of such an amazing program bringing hope to this special native Australian species.
Little phascogales’ big journey to save species - Adelaide Zoo
A pair of Blackbuck calves have arrived at Adelaide Zoo from Monarto Safari Park to be reared in the children's zoo alongside the fallow deer. The blackbuck will return to Monarto once weaned: Adelaide Zoo's newest furry faces Daphne and Benedict the Blackbuck steal hearts • Glam Adelaide
Voting Open on Sumatran Tiger Cub Name
Name that cub: SA zoo seeks help with baby tiger
Voting is open on a name for one of the female Sumatran tiger cubs:
The three Indonesian names being considered are Megah, meaning magnificent; Tabah, meaning determined; and Marni, meaning loyal and persistent.
They presumably have names in mind for the other two (perhaps keeper or benefactor’s choice; hopefully not sponsorship as you can imagine what they’d come up with).
Name that cub: SA zoo seeks help with baby tiger
Voting is open on a name for one of the female Sumatran tiger cubs:
The three Indonesian names being considered are Megah, meaning magnificent; Tabah, meaning determined; and Marni, meaning loyal and persistent.
They presumably have names in mind for the other two (perhaps keeper or benefactor’s choice; hopefully not sponsorship as you can imagine what they’d come up with).
My vote is going to Marni. Marni’s the best name and has the best meaning imo.
They already have a Mandrill by the name of Tabah and Megah just simply sounds like ‘Mega’. Megah would be more suitable for a male cub too as well.
Tabah is my favourite, but with the Mandrill connection (surprising they’d even choose this as he’s a well known animal), my vote would be for Marni.
Until recently, I’d have said Megah was the clear front runner due to its similarity to Megan (the general public like people names); however, I think everyone’s sick of hearing that particular name.
Adelaide Zoo have released an addendum to their masterplan with a series of updates. It can be viewed here - https://www.zoossa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AZ_masterplan_addendum_2023.pdf
Key changes to the plan are below
- One of the biggest changes of interest to zoochatters is the removal of Sri Lankan leopard from the future plans of Zoos SA. The space previously slated for this species will now be utilized for a third Sumatran tiger exhibit in the current footprint of the lion exhibits and lemur habitats in the four cages located on the other side.
- Confirmation of the plans for the Oasis Africa precinct with exhibits to house giraffe, nyala, ostrich, pygmy hippo and African lion replace the space previously slated to house gorilla, mandrill etc.
- The African lion habitat will feature a walk-through tunnel.
- Komodo Dragon will now be located near the reptile house with this habitat half complete with the second half currently under construction.
- The current baboon and mandrill habitats will become extensions of the habitats for white-cheeked gibbon and siamang with otters to live in the surrounding moats. The orangutans will also access this area through overhead walkways.
Key changes to the plan are below
- One of the biggest changes of interest to zoochatters is the removal of Sri Lankan leopard from the future plans of Zoos SA. The space previously slated for this species will now be utilized for a third Sumatran tiger exhibit in the current footprint of the lion exhibits and lemur habitats in the four cages located on the other side.
- Confirmation of the plans for the Oasis Africa precinct with exhibits to house giraffe, nyala, ostrich, pygmy hippo and African lion replace the space previously slated to house gorilla, mandrill etc.
- The African lion habitat will feature a walk-through tunnel.
- Komodo Dragon will now be located near the reptile house with this habitat half complete with the second half currently under construction.
- The current baboon and mandrill habitats will become extensions of the habitats for white-cheeked gibbon and siamang with otters to live in the surrounding moats. The orangutans will also access this area through overhead walkways.
Overall, a hugely disappointing masterplan:
The world class gorilla facility has been scrapped for a Savannah exhibit featuring giraffe, ostrich and nyala. Well that’s a really unique concept I haven’t already seen at almost every zoo I’ve been to. And all because a giraffe wouldn’t get into a transfer crate….
They’re building a third Sumatran tiger exhibit. Why? They’ll never be more high profile than now with the debut of cubs and that was accomplished with the facilities they have.
Phasing out Mandrill and Hamadryas baboon. Fair enough on the latter - they’re expected to tip up at Monarto (sans popcorn) to delight the crowds; but I guess that’s the end of Mandrill in Australasia.
About the only thing that excites me about these plans are the mention of Malayan sun bear (a new/returning species); and the inclusion of Malayan tapir. They have an elderly female, who presents an opportunity for phase out. The masterplan implies an intention to import more.
Swanson02
Well-Known Member
Quite disappointing to be completely honest. However, not everything seems to add up in this updated master plan (to me atleast).
- Firstly the Mandrills being omitted is a disappointment, but it makes sense considering last time I was there at least one (if not the entirety of the staff) believed Melbourne also had an interest in this species, compelling Adelaide to continue plans with them.
- Sri Lankan leopards not being mentioned is additionally frustrating but I was told last time I visited that Adelaide now has a preference for snow leopards. This may suggest Adelaide is already making plans for a Giant Panda replacement if another deal cannot be reached with China in 2024.
- Worst case scenario, Sri Lankan leopards would make a great species for Monarto which currently doesn't have many more large carnivore options if it wishes to expand its stocks.
- Saying that, I personally don't see Malayan sun bears returning. I have heard nothing regarding the subject and if so, where would the individual bears come from? Sri Lankan leopards are much more readily available and an individual male leopard could slot right into the 'current' sun bear exhibit (with minor renovations).
- Likewise, I was specifically told that Adelaide was not continuing with Malayan tapirs by the tapir keeper, so the Malayan tapir/dusky langur exhibit may as well be labeled as a placeholder on the map because both species won't be here in 10 years. Hopefully, that frees up an exhibit for something interesting
- The lack of Gorillas is another sad one, hopefully, more slack that Monarto picks up down the line
- American Alligators - Phased out in exchange for Australian crocodilians. Saying that they are easily placed and don't require much room for their size.
- Capybara - Adelaide now only has 2 individuals so either, phased out or located within the South American-themed and horribly named 'Jungle Journey'.
- Fennec foxes - Phased out, moved to Monarto or located in a small unlabelled exhibit within the African village.
- Maned Wolves - A confirmed move to Monarto
- Servals - Phased out, located near the African village, or moved to Monarto?
- Coati - Phased out, I can't see a future for them in Australasia
tbh what a waste of the import by Melbourne Zoo a decade ago. - Aldabra tortoise - located somewhere within the zoo, they are very easily placed.
- Binturong - Housed somewhere within the 'Jewels of Asia' they don't require an enormity of space.
Quite disappointing to be completely honest. However, not everything seems to add up in this updated master plan (to me atleast).
A few other major species aren't mentioned or displayed on the map and I'd hazard a guess as to what Adelaide's intentions are with them:
- Firstly the Mandrills being omitted is a disappointment, but it makes sense considering last time I was there at least one (if not the entirety of the staff) believed Melbourne also had an interest in this species, compelling Adelaide to continue plans with them.
- Sri Lankan leopards not being mentioned is additionally frustrating but I was told last time I visited that Adelaide now has a preference for snow leopards. This may suggest Adelaide is already making plans for a Giant Panda replacement if another deal cannot be reached with China in 2024.
- Worst case scenario, Sri Lankan leopards would make a great species for Monarto which currently doesn't have many more large carnivore options if it wishes to expand its stocks.
- Saying that, I personally don't see Malayan sun bears returning. I have heard nothing regarding the subject and if so, where would the individual bears come from? Sri Lankan leopards are much more readily available and an individual male leopard could slot right into the 'current' sun bear exhibit (with minor renovations).
- Likewise, I was specifically told that Adelaide was not continuing with Malayan tapirs by the tapir keeper, so the Malayan tapir/dusky langur exhibit may as well be labeled as a placeholder on the map because both species won't be here in 10 years. Hopefully, that frees up an exhibit for something interesting
- The lack of Gorillas is another sad one, hopefully, more slack that Monarto picks up down the line
- American Alligators - Phased out in exchange for Australian crocodilians. Saying that they are easily placed and don't require much room for their size.
- Capybara - Adelaide now only has 2 individuals so either, phased out or located within the South American-themed and horribly named 'Jungle Journey'.
- Fennec foxes - Phased out, moved to Monarto or located in a small unlabelled exhibit within the African village.
- Maned Wolves - A confirmed move to Monarto
- Servals - Phased out, located near the African village, or moved to Monarto?
- Coati - Phased out, I can't see a future for them in Australasia
- Aldabra tortoise - located somewhere within the zoo, they are very easily placed.
- Binturong - Housed somewhere within the 'Jewels of Asia' they don't require an enormity of space.
All good points!
I know Europe has had a resurgence of sun bears births - which have been mostly females (only one of the seven cubs has been male). While this does nothing to address the issue of them being able to supply us with males (due to having a shortage themselves), it gives me hope they will have several surplus females down the line - which could restock our zoos until we can import males.
I do prefer your idea of a male Sri Lankan leopard occupying the sun bear exhibit though. We have a growing breeding programme that has been successful to date and additional holders are essential to ensure it doesn’t stagnate.
It seems several zoos are phasing out Serval. Hamilton and Wellington Zoo have phased them out; Auckland Zoo plan to and so do Adelaide as well now. They’re completely suitable for city zoos and are an active and engaging species, so it doesn’t make a lot of sense. I wouldn’t mind if it was in support of a more endangered small felid, but nope, they’re just going.