Animals Becoming Common In Zoos

[arcticwolf]

I think another reason why zoos aren't exhibiting hoofstock as much is space. Most zoos don't have enough space to keep large herds of multiple hoofstock species, so now most zoos will just have a few giraffes, zebras, one or two pig species, and maybe an endangered antelope. Other than the really popular species like giraffes and zebras, most zoos are trying to exhibit only a few endangered species like scimitar horned oryxes or mongolian wild horses. I'm not sure if my reasons are correct but that's what it seems like to me.

 

[PAT]

Their size and activity make them an impressive display, almost on a par with Pinnipeds, but not requiring the same degree/expense of water filtration etc.. And they do make a better display than the smaller Otter species too. Also they seem to breed quite well and can be kept in larger Family groups, while fresh pairs are frequently being made up for new holders it seems.

I wonder how long it will be until someone builds an exhibit with an underwater tunnel for them...that would be cool to see.

 

[tschandler71]

I think another reason why zoos aren't exhibiting hoofstock as much is space. Most zoos don't have enough space to keep large herds of multiple hoofstock species, so now most zoos will just have a few giraffes, zebras, one or two pig species, and maybe an endangered antelope. Other than the really popular species like giraffes and zebras, most zoos are trying to exhibit only a few endangered species like scimitar horned oryxes or mongolian wild horses. I'm not sure if my reasons are correct but that's what it seems like to me.

Some zoo's would be great if that looked at species like Kob, Lechwe, Duiker, Chevrotains, that are smaller (therefore requiring less space) and are rarer.

I would actually like to the see an exhibit completely biogeographically. Aka an African exhibit that in addition to the Giraffe Hoofstock and sleeping elephant you have the african birds, small mammals and small hoofstock as well.

 

[tschandler71]

Hoofstock do better on open range zoos. I have an 147 acre and we have just retired from raising cattle. I am considering getting into the exotic hoofstock business.

 

[11jadaway]

I think Sumatran Tigers are becoming increasingly common in zoos in the UK. Chessington, Chester, London, Welsh Mountain Zoo, South Lakes Wild Animal Park and many others have the Sumatran sub-species.

 

[IanRRobinson]

Their size and activity make them an impressive display, almost on a par with Pinnipeds, but not requiring the same degree/expense of water filtration etc.. And they do make a better display than the smaller Otter species too. Also they seem to breed quite well and can be kept in larger Family groups, while fresh pairs are frequently being made up for new holders it seems.

Smooth-coated Otters also make a good exhibit. They are not doing well in the wild, and possibly are more at risk than Giant Otters, since habitat loss issue is more of an issue in SE Asia than in S America. Fair minded cattle ranchers may well live with Giant Otters who will reach for their gun at the first sight of a Jaguar.

I might add that I'd be happy with a zoo that kept both!

I also agree that the trend towards bigger penguin exhibits is a way of reconciling the public to the loss of pinnipeds. Whipsnade's facility has a land area that just isn't adequate for any pinniped, IMHO, but together with the depth of water in the pool, it might do very nicely indeed for King Penguins.

 

[dean]

a single ungulate species exhibited can pretty much cover the same as a wider range of species could achieve in that respect.

Yes i agree, and I suppose then reindear fit the bill especially if they can be trained for christmas walk abouts etc. or to stand out side of santas grotto or grotty as I call them

 

[arcticwolf]

I think Sumatran Tigers are becoming increasingly common in zoos in the UK. Chessington, Chester, London, Welsh Mountain Zoo, South Lakes Wild Animal Park and many others have the Sumatran sub-species.

In North America it is actually Malayan tigers that are becoming more common. There are quite a few zoos that are replacing their bengal or sumatran tigers with malayans. They still aren't as common as Sumatran and Amur tigers, but their numbers are on the rise.