Artis Royal Zoo Artis Zoo News 2025

JurassicMax

Well-Known Member
I started this year with a visit to Artis!
Not much news to report, but there are some new species on show in the Reptielenhuis / Reptile house!

File-eared tree frogs (Polypedates otilophus) which are kept in GZ11, they were signed but
I didn't see them.
Kaiser's Spotted newts (Neurergus kaiseri) which are kept in KZ5, they were signed and I saw them.

The enclosure of the Vietnam crocodile newts (Tylototriton vietnamensis), KZ6, had all water removed so it seems that it will take a bit longer before this species will go on show.
 
During my visit Yesterday, I saw one Ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) in the Grey-handed Night Monkey (Aotus griseimembra) enclosure in the Kleine Zoogdiernhuis / Small mammal house. According to a sign at the enclosure, this animal is getting introduced to the ring-tailed lemur group.
I could not find the grey-handed night monkeys, so they either left the collection or are behind the scenes.

The Northern white-faced scops-owls (Ptilopsis leucotis) are now signed in the Arid part of the Vogelhuis / Birdhouse. They used to be kept in the Fazanterie / Pheasantry.
 
Sad news from Artis, last Thursday the zoo's oldest chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii or troglodytes) was euthanised. Margot was 54 years old and suffered from age-related illnesses, her condition deteriorated and the decision was made to euthanise her.
Margot has lived most her life in Artis, she originally came from the wild.
Currently Artis has 3 males and 4 females left.


The introduction of the new ring-tailed lemur seems to be going well. The Grey-handed Night Monkeys (Aotus griseimembra) are in the enclosure next to the former otter enclosure.

Both newt species, Vietnam crocodile newts (Tylototriton vietnamensis) and Kaiser's Spotted newts (Neurergus kaiseri) are now visible in the colder part of the Reptile House.
Two new species have recently been added to the warmer part of the Reptile House, namely
File-eared tree frogs (Polypedates otilophus) and Jamaican boas (Chilabothrus subflavus). I didn't see the latter species, I finally spotted the frogs today!

I noticed that the signs for both the Guatemalan spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura palearis) and the Algerian orange-tailed skink (Eumeces algeriensis) have been removed, potentially both species have died or left the collection.

Source:
Website of Artis (06/02/2025)
 
During my visit today I noticed that the Scarlet ibis (Eudocimus ruber) aviary was getting refurbished, a sign announced the future arrival of Puna ibises (Plegadis ridgwayi).
I am not sure whether they will be kept together or if the aviary will only house Puna ibises. This species is already present in Artis and can be found in the Bird House.
 
Sad news from Artis, last Thursday the zoo's oldest chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii or troglodytes) was euthanised. Margot was 54 years old and suffered from age-related illnesses, her condition deteriorated and the decision was made to euthanise her.
Margot has lived most her life in Artis, she originally came from the wild.
Currently Artis has 3 males and 4 females left.


The introduction of the new ring-tailed lemur seems to be going well. The Grey-handed Night Monkeys (Aotus griseimembra) are in the enclosure next to the former otter enclosure.

Both newt species, Vietnam crocodile newts (Tylototriton vietnamensis) and Kaiser's Spotted newts (Neurergus kaiseri) are now visible in the colder part of the Reptile House.
Two new species have recently been added to the warmer part of the Reptile House, namely
File-eared tree frogs (Polypedates otilophus) and Jamaican boas (Chilabothrus subflavus). I didn't see the latter species, I finally spotted the frogs today!

I noticed that the signs for both the Guatemalan spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura palearis) and the Algerian orange-tailed skink (Eumeces algeriensis) have been removed, potentially both species have died or left the collection.

Source:
Website of Artis (06/02/2025)
I am surprised about the demoval of Guatemalan spiny-tailed iguana from public view. I cannot say/phantom what it means... right now. This species is critically endangered in its native Guatemala.

I seem to remember that Antwerpen Zoo recently acquired the species. Correct me if I am wrong that the Berlin Zoo Aquarium should have the species as well.
 
I am surprised about the demoval of Guatemalan spiny-tailed iguana from public view. I cannot say/phantom what it means... right now. This species is critically endangered in its native Guatemala.

I seem to remember that Antwerpen Zoo recently acquired the species. Correct me if I am wrong that the Berlin Zoo Aquarium should have the species as well.

The individual could have also passed away.

According to ZTL there are 8 other holders of this species in Europe including two in Switzerland. This species is also kept in 2 places in the USA, but I am not sure how accurate ZTL is for the USA.
 
Artis Zoo actually used to hold a pair of the Guatemalan spin-tailed iguanas. These were maintained with the Rio Feurte beaded lizards.
 
Had a quick visit to Artis today, the renovation of the former macaque rock is going well!
Plants and trees have been added to the island, wood rope bridges have been installed between the island and surrounding trees, and water has been added to the moat again. Plants have also been added around the enclosure to reduce the area where visitors can get close to the water.

The only other news to report is the absence of the last Northern gannet (Morus bassanus), the sign was also removed. I persume the species has left the collection or passed away.
 
Had a quick visit to Artis today, the renovation of the former macaque rock is going well!
Plants and trees have been added to the island, wood rope bridges have been installed between the island and surrounding trees, and water has been added to the moat again. Plants have also been added around the enclosure to reduce the area where visitors can get close to the water.

The only other news to report is the absence of the last Northern gannet (Morus bassanus), the sign was also removed. I persume the species has left the collection or passed away.
Is there any idea on what’s going where the red pandas are now if they’re moving to the old macaque enclosure?
 
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