Sorry my mistake I did not realize that there were pure reticulated giraffes in the UK.
Africa Alive! Africa Alive
- Thread starter Kifaru Bwana
- Start date
Sorry my mistake I did not realize that there were pure reticulated giraffes in the UK.
Lafone
Well-Known Member
Zootierliste has 8 though Banham’s is the newly arrived Iniko. Quite a few calves too with 2 at Whipsnade recently and several at Africa alive including Iniko.
United Kingdom (8 Holding(s)):
Banham (Banham Zoo)
Branton (Yorkshire Wildlife Park)
Bristol (Wild Place)
Colchester (Zoo)
Dunstable (ZSL Whipsnade Zoo)
Kessingland (Africa Alive!)
London (Zoo)
Lympne (Port Lympne Wild Animal Park)
And this is why your general modus operandi of trawling the internet for the slightest bit of news from any zoological collection you can find and repost - whether you know anything about the collection or not - has its pitfalls
Not only this, but it makes the content here feel so inorganic.And this is why your general modus operandi of trawling the internet for the slightest bit of news from any zoological collection you can find and repost - whether you know anything about the collection or not - has its pitfalls
For what it's worth - I don't think Port Lympne has held Reticulated Giraffe for several years. They have Baringo (a breeding herd) and a couple of castrated hybrid males mixed with them.
Out of the above list I think only Whipsnade and Africa Alive are actually breeding them, possibly Colchester too? The others are mainly individual bachelor males, some only a single Reticulated in a group..
Lafone
Well-Known Member
Yes I think that's right, Whipsnade and Africa Alive are actively breeding and the London group have a few from Whipsnade holding.
I believe Colchester have all females?
Whipsnade's group go back quite a long way now and would be the oldest established. I think they started with an import of 2.3 but can't remember date- 1980/90's? Most or even all the current breeding group were born there.
Rajang-GOAT
Well-Known Member
Looks like just Whipsnade and Africa Alive breeding, Colchester currently all (4) females, with a pair born around 2007, and another two born around 2013/14. I have asked about it previously and nearly 6 years ago I was told they had considered/were open to bringing in a male, but couldn't decide which female they would move on to make room.
I don't see Colchester holding a large breeding herd until the part of the masterplan depicting the mixed species paddock being expanded into the elephant paddocks is completed, as that would probably allow for expanded indoor housing for the giraffes.
I'm guessing Bristol are all males but perhaps they could go into a breeding herd in the coming years? I imagine all of the other holders will remain non breeding for the foreseeable future.
And this is why your general modus operandi of trawling the internet for the slightest bit of news from any zoological collection you can find and repost - whether you know anything about the collection or not - has its pitfalls
You're right, and its better to quickly correct those mistakes than to ignore it completely and spread false information, is it not?
Lafone
Well-Known Member
I'd say you probably need to fact check before you post, many people do that. I know I have a quick double check even about somewhere I know well. Also worth checking the threads about the other zoos; Africa Alive and Banham fall under a single umbrella organisation and Iniko the giraffe moving and a discussion on reticulated giraffes was featured on the Banham pages.
It's also worth remembering information on Facebook isn't always complete as the zoo are using it to mainly communicate with people who know a collection well, are local or who visit it a lot. So they won't spell everything out about, say, the sub species of Giraffes, because they speak about them regularly and post films of them opening Xmas presents or staring at a Pumpkin at Halloween. It's a means of engagement.
Some of the zoos are more complete in their accounts but the size of marketing or social media teams will vary wildly between collections. Zoos may post summaries when some of the things happened months previously which have probably already been noted by someone visiting. I think it's worth considering whether news that is 6 months old is still news. It's driving the thread out of sequence.
Lastly it's a minor thing but we don't commonly say "'The' X zoo" in British English e.g it's just Banham Zoo, not The Banham Zoo. I guess the use of the 'The' as part of the title of a zoo is an American English thing. Unless a collection uses 'The' as part of it's name however it's just called whatever it's name is as per it's website / literature. While you might see 'The Bronx Zoo' used in the US in media coverage, for example, you'd rarely see a reference to 'The London Zoo'.
This is true - but it would be even better to not make mistakes borne of rushing to post every little bit of online news you can without fact-checking your own assumptions and biases in the first place.
But maybe just don't spread false information by guessing in the first place? If you're posting news from Facebook or where-ever, then just post what that news says unless you actually know what any further information is - don't add in your own assumptions and post it as fact.
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
Sad news announce in the last 1/2hr. Copied off social media
We would like you to join us in celebrating the life of Jabu our much-loved male African Lion, who sadly passed away under veterinary care this week.
Following ongoing veterinary care and regular observation due to age-related health changes, Jabu was recently diagnosed with advanced kidney disease. After careful consideration, and in line with established welfare protocols, our team made the kindest decision to ensure his comfort and wellbeing, preventing his condition from deteriorating further.
Jabu was born at Africa Alive on 29th January 2009. With his distinctive speckles on his head and impressive size, he quickly became a firm favourite among staff, volunteers and visitors, who had the joy of watching him grow over the years.
He leaves behind a lasting legacy helping to engage millions of visitors in the challenges facing African lions and the importance of their conservation.
He was often seen playing alongside his sister Kaya and enjoying enrichment provided by his keepers, cardboard boxes being one of his favourites.
We would like you to join us in celebrating the life of Jabu our much-loved male African Lion, who sadly passed away under veterinary care this week.
Following ongoing veterinary care and regular observation due to age-related health changes, Jabu was recently diagnosed with advanced kidney disease. After careful consideration, and in line with established welfare protocols, our team made the kindest decision to ensure his comfort and wellbeing, preventing his condition from deteriorating further.
Jabu was born at Africa Alive on 29th January 2009. With his distinctive speckles on his head and impressive size, he quickly became a firm favourite among staff, volunteers and visitors, who had the joy of watching him grow over the years.
He leaves behind a lasting legacy helping to engage millions of visitors in the challenges facing African lions and the importance of their conservation.
He was often seen playing alongside his sister Kaya and enjoying enrichment provided by his keepers, cardboard boxes being one of his favourites.
Lafone
Well-Known Member
Sad news as the pride loses another member - it must be hard for the keepers as the cats age out.
They were a lot of fun at Whipsnade when they came after Storm Eunice and gave the zoo 'lions back' before the new pride arrived. Jabu adopted the favourite spot in the bushes at the far end of the enclosure where Max and Kia from the old pride used to hang out (the new cubs have taken to spending a lot of time there in the shade too now). A good spot for catching views.
Whipsnade posted a nice clip of the pride when they were visiting in 2022 and still all together
6.3K views · 459 reactions | Have you seen our five new faces? Lions Zero, Tor, Jabu, Mo and Kaya will be staying with us until May while their Africa Alive home is rebuilt. Book your Zoo tickets for a roarsome day out to visit them: http://ow.ly/TWAO50IhlMP #Caturday | Whipsnade Zoo
Other Spring / Summer 2025 News Not Mentioned:
On April 6th, the zoo announced they acquired a female (0.1) crowned lemur named Tiako, which is on exhibit.
Africa Alive Reserve
On May 14th, the zoo announced they named the tortoises Pie, Pumpkin, and Soup.
Africa Alive Reserve
On May 22nd, the zoo announced that a drill was born on April 4th, which is on exhibit.
6K views · 118 reactions | We’re thrilled to announce the birth of a drill baby at Africa Alive, born on 4th April 2025! Proud mum Rouka is doing brilliantly, and the little one is already capturing hearts with its curious nature and strong grip as it clings close to mum! Drills are one of Africa’s most endangered primates, facing severe threats from habitat loss and hunting in the wild. That’s why every birth is such a valuable contribution to global conservation efforts. Our dedicated primate team are keeping a close eye on the youngster as it continues to grow in confidence and we can’t wait for you to meet the newest member of the troop! BIAZA #NewBirth #DrillMonkey #Conservation | Africa Alive Reserve
On June 17th, the zoo announced that a male (1.0) African wild dog named Blondie passed away at age 10.
Africa Alive Reserve
On July 12th, it was mentioned that the zoo acquired a female (0.1) blesbok from Marwell Zoo in Hampshire*.
On August 28th, the zoo announced that 2 red river hogs were born on July 31st, which are on exhibit.
2.9K views · 94 reactions | We’re thrilled to announce the birth of two red river hog piglets here at Africa Alive! Born in the early hours of 31st July 2025 to proud mum Rebecca, these adorable youngsters - affectionately known as “hoglets” - are already thriving.
Dad Kinshasa (fondly called “Biglet”) and aunt Rosie have also been keeping a close watch, showing just how close-knit this little family truly is. Plan your visit this summer holiday and meet the newest additions to our red river hog family! BIAZA | Africa Alive Reserve
* Information provided by @okapis in the Marwell Zoo news 2025 thread (Page 16 Post #311).
On April 6th, the zoo announced they acquired a female (0.1) crowned lemur named Tiako, which is on exhibit.
Africa Alive Reserve
On May 14th, the zoo announced they named the tortoises Pie, Pumpkin, and Soup.
Africa Alive Reserve
On May 22nd, the zoo announced that a drill was born on April 4th, which is on exhibit.
6K views · 118 reactions | We’re thrilled to announce the birth of a drill baby at Africa Alive, born on 4th April 2025! Proud mum Rouka is doing brilliantly, and the little one is already capturing hearts with its curious nature and strong grip as it clings close to mum! Drills are one of Africa’s most endangered primates, facing severe threats from habitat loss and hunting in the wild. That’s why every birth is such a valuable contribution to global conservation efforts. Our dedicated primate team are keeping a close eye on the youngster as it continues to grow in confidence and we can’t wait for you to meet the newest member of the troop! BIAZA #NewBirth #DrillMonkey #Conservation | Africa Alive Reserve
On June 17th, the zoo announced that a male (1.0) African wild dog named Blondie passed away at age 10.
Africa Alive Reserve
On July 12th, it was mentioned that the zoo acquired a female (0.1) blesbok from Marwell Zoo in Hampshire*.
On August 28th, the zoo announced that 2 red river hogs were born on July 31st, which are on exhibit.
2.9K views · 94 reactions | We’re thrilled to announce the birth of two red river hog piglets here at Africa Alive! Born in the early hours of 31st July 2025 to proud mum Rebecca, these adorable youngsters - affectionately known as “hoglets” - are already thriving.
Dad Kinshasa (fondly called “Biglet”) and aunt Rosie have also been keeping a close watch, showing just how close-knit this little family truly is. Plan your visit this summer holiday and meet the newest additions to our red river hog family! BIAZA | Africa Alive Reserve* Information provided by @okapis in the Marwell Zoo news 2025 thread (Page 16 Post #311).
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
Arrival of 0.1 Addax called EPHEDRA from Marwell.
Africa Alive Reserve on Instagram: "We are delighted to announce the arrival of Ephedra the addax from @MarwellZoo! This three-year-old male joins our female, Sahara, here at Africa Alive through the European Breeding Programme. With fewer than 100 addax remaining in the wild, their presence together is a vital step in helping secure the future of one of the world’s rarest antelopes. @eaza_official #addax #newarrival #lowestoft #suffolk"
Africa Alive Reserve on Instagram: "We are delighted to announce the arrival of Ephedra the addax from @MarwellZoo!
This three-year-old male joins our female, Sahara, here at Africa Alive through the European Breeding Programme. With fewer than 100 addax remaining in the wild, their presence together is a vital step in helping secure the future of one of the world’s rarest antelopes. @eaza_official #addax #newarrival #lowestoft #suffolk"The new immigrant addax from Marwell is in fact a male....!Arrival of 0.1 Addax called EPHEDRA from Marwell.
Africa Alive Reserve on Instagram: "We are delighted to announce the arrival of Ephedra the addax from @MarwellZoo!
Copied off social media, announced in the last 1/2hr
We’re thrilled to announce the birth of a Somali wild ass foal here at Africa Alive!
Born to proud mum Calula after a year-long pregnancy, this little one is the 12th foal to be welcomed at the zoo.
With only a few hundred Somali wild asses remaining in the wild, every birth is a huge step for the European breeding programme - and we’re proud to play our part in protecting this critically endangered species.
BIAZA
We’re thrilled to announce the birth of a Somali wild ass foal here at Africa Alive!
Born to proud mum Calula after a year-long pregnancy, this little one is the 12th foal to be welcomed at the zoo.
With only a few hundred Somali wild asses remaining in the wild, every birth is a huge step for the European breeding programme - and we’re proud to play our part in protecting this critically endangered species.
BIAZA