African Wild Ass: a possibility for Australian zoos?

G

Grant Rhino

Well-Known Member
10+ year member
Recently there has been a lot of talk on here about possible new species in Australian zoos - especially in the speculation threads for the larger govt run zoos such as Melbourne and Taronga. Of course there are all sorts of reasons why various species can’t or won’t be imported - but I’ve got one which seems to tick a lot of boxes - especially for the open range zoos. Here is my case for

African Wild Ass:

Firstly, as a member of the equine family I’m assuming they can be imported in the same way that zebras can - if I’m wrong then this whole thread is pointless but I will take that risk and wear the backlash….

Secondly, they are quite a striking looking species with the grey coat and striped legs. My issue with a lot of ungulate species is that they aren’t interesting looking to the general public (“oh, here’s some brown deer type thing. Next”). However African Wild Asses look distinctive enough to pique the interest of the general public: “Hey is that a donkey with striped legs or a zebra without stripes?” “Hmmmm, not sure love”…..

Thirdly, we (Australian zoos) already have a number of other species that could work in with the asses in a Sahara type precinct - some could even share an enclosure with them. A precinct could include:

Camels
Barbary sheep
Addax
Oryx
Fennec Fox
Hamadryas Baboon

If black backed jackals could be imported then this could be an awesome arid precinct. Even lions or cheetahs could arguably take a place in it.

Fourth, African Wild Ass are endangered so it makes sense to increase numbers.

Fifth, we have zoos that would suit them with warm arid climates: Monarto, Dubbo, Werribee, Altina, Perth. Even more lush zoos could house them but perhaps not as naturally (Melbourne, Taronga, Mogo, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide).

I’m assuming that the biggest roadblock would be sourcing them? From what Wikipedia says, there are around 160 in European zoos and they have mostly been bred at Basel Zoo in Switzerland. No idea if European zoos would be prepared to let some go though.

This is not a species I know much about - but they are interesting enough to me to read more about, so I’m guessing there are other people out there who would find them interesting too.

Keen to hear your thoughts?
 
After phasing out the endangered Onagars which were breeding well with two importations from both holland and the USA I would say extremely unlikely, unfortunately.

Zebras can be imported but many are unwilling to bring in new bloodlines and rather just keep the status quo.

I can't see why our zoos could not work with the EEP and the SSP with these!
 
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Zorro said:
After phasing out the endangered Onagars which were breeding well with two importations from both holland and the USA I would say extremely unlikely, unfortunately.

Zebras can be imported but many are unwilling to bring in new bloodlines and rather just keep the status quo.

I can't see why our zoos could not work with the eep and the ssp with these!
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I’m glad you’ve mentioned the onagars actually - because it was your discussion with Zoofan about a week ago that gave me this idea:

My thought process was something along the lines of: “Onagars just look like donkeys or mules to the general public, but what other equines are out there that look a bit more striking or a bit more exotic?” Then I thought of this and I can’t really think of a sensible reason why it couldn’t work.

So this is possible (if zoos wanted to do it)?
 
Some brainstorming from a marketing perspective:

3 types of equines: zebras, Prezwalski horse, African Wild ass - compare and contrast there.

The striped legs are a drawcard - just like they are with Okapi. Another compare and contrast.

I think there is something the marketing department can work with here.
 
Grant Rhino said:
I’m glad you’ve mentioned the onagars actually - because it was your discussion with Zoofan about a week ago that gave me this idea:

My thought process was something along the lines of: “Onagars just look like donkeys or mules to the general public, but what other equines are out there that look a bit more striking or a bit more exotic?” Then I thought of this and I can’t really think of a sensible reason why it couldn’t work.

So this is possible (if zoos wanted to do it)?
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I would say if they (zoos) wanted it to work then it would but as so often as it has been mentioned on here the trend has been to down size collections, 1 tiger sub/species. 1 bear species. 1 Leopard species ect. As you say with the warm climate and lots of room would be ideal, its the mind set that's the issue!
 
Grant Rhino said:
So it’s possible then - but is there any realistic chance that Europe would be prepared to part with them?
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Put it another way, The EEP are full of Indian rhinos and SA Tapirs to a point where breeding has been put on hold. I can't see any real reason as to why they would not let a few go in a EEP agreement like with the Sri Lanken Leopards, They would have to be approved and then added to the live import list!
 
I’ve worked out what it is about them that I find interesting: They are an animal with some X Factor:

Most equids are all one colour (zebras are the exception) - but the striped legs give AWA that X Factor.

Yellow footed rock wallabies have it too - while other kangaroo and wallaby species are brown or grey, YFRW have interesting colours (hence X Factor). I still remember my partner describing them to someone: “they look like a caramel slice”
 
Grant Rhino said:
I’m assuming that the biggest roadblock would be sourcing them? From what Wikipedia says, there are around 160 in European zoos and they have mostly been bred at Basel Zoo in Switzerland. No idea if European zoos would be prepared to let some go though.
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I don't know if the Wikipedia entry is correct for the total of Somali Ass currently in European Zoos, but probably close. In the UK they're bred intermittently nowadays in several(5) wildlife and Safari Parks ; Africa Alive, Banham, Marwell, Knowlsey and Woburn Safari Parks which all have them on a breeding basis. Zootierliste lists 40 zoos and parks in the whole of Europe with them. If the average number held by each place is/was 4, then the estimate of 160 would be correct.

I remember seeing them recently arrived in Basel Zoo in the late 1960's- the only ones in Europe I think back then. Very striking with a beautiful pinkish sheen to the very short coat and the striped legs. They are certainly more attractive than onagers which by contrast are rather drab.

I agree about YFR Wallaby too- a standout among the other mainly grey and brown species. Somali Ass is an equine equivalent rather.
 
I believe there are a number in the USA collections and one or two private one too!
I believe they would thrive under Australian conditions but until attitudes change will never see the light of day here.
As one of the members said recently after visiting overseas zoo found ours quite boring, As someone who has traveled to many zoos world wide I believe our are becoming second rate compared to many in Europe and the US also some of the Asian zoos.
 
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Pertinax said:
I don't know if the Wikipedia entry is correct for the total of Somali Ass currently in European Zoos, but probably close. In the UK they're bred intermittently nowadays in several(5) wildlife and Safari Parks ; Africa Alive, Banham, Marwell, Knowlsey and Woburn Safari Parks which all have them on a breeding basis. Zootierliste lists 40 zoos and parks in the whole of Europe with them. If the average number held by each place is/was 4, then the estimate of 160 would be correct.

I remember seeing them recently arrived in Basel Zoo in the late 1960's- the only ones in Europe I think back then. Very striking with a beautiful pinkish sheen to the very short coat and the striped legs. They are certainly more attractive than onagers which by contrast are rather drab.

I agree about YFR Wallaby too- a standout among the other mainly grey and brown species. Somali Ass is an equine equivalent rather.
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Beauval has a breeding herd of half a dozen animals. Births are recorded nearly every year.
7 other zoos (Sigean, Thoiry, Branféré...) keep them in France, usually in large plains.
With limited capacities for new animals, French zoos may send some animals abroad, and maybe out of Europe, in the coming years. I thought primarily about African and Middle Eastern facilities (for reintroduction purposes) but the exports to other parts of the world remain a possibility.
 
It’d be great to see the critically endangered African wild ass in Australasian zoos. They live in herds numbering up to 50 individuals and would be a perfect fit for the open range zoos, cohabiting and complimenting the arid species we currently have.

Reproductively, they’re similar to zebra, producing offspring at 12-13 month intervals, so it’d be possible to build up numbers within a short space of time. I agree with @Zorro that Europe should be able to spare enough to supply us with a modest founder base.
 
PossumRoach said:
I do want to ask if Somali Wild ass (or any wild donkeys) are listed in Australia’s import white list (I am unable to check it at the moment.) If not then what are the chances of them being added or be stumped from being added?
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African wild ass are not currently on the live import list, but donkeys (which are closely related) are. I don’t imagine it’d be difficult to get them added.

Though the majority of holders globally are open range zoos, I note there’s a few smaller zoos in the US that hold them. It appears they’re better adapted to captivity then the Przewalski's horse. This makes them ideal for our region, which could primarily hold them across the four open range zoos and perhaps Altina; with a couple of city zoos holding surplus where required. I’m sure we’d all rather see a critically endangered African wild ass in Taronga’s old elephant exhibit than a camel!
 
Zoofan15 said:
It’d be great to see the critically endangered African wild ass in Australasian zoos. They live in herds numbering up to 50 individuals and would be a perfect fit for the open range zoos, cohabiting and complimenting the arid species we currently have.

Reproductively, they’re similar to zebra, producing offspring at 12-13 month intervals, so it’d be possible to build up numbers within a short space of time. I agree with @Zorro that Europe should be able to spare enough to supply us with a modest founder base.
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Yes, African Wild Donkeys would be a great addition to Oceanian Zoos both for their striking appearance and their high conservation value, so it quite the shame that they won't be imported any time soon.
 
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