I agree that there is an underrepresentation of the smaller felids in Australasia. They don't tend to show as well and are often difficult to breed. Sadly, Auckland's Collection Strategy does not include Fishing Cats - at least in the immediate term. Once the new NZ super-exhibit Te Whao Tui is completed, the next big project is the creation of an Asian Precinct. Perhaps when the species plan is put together for that, it may include Fishing Cats. Probably about 2 years away from that point though.
Auckland Zoo Asian Golden CAts
- Thread starter taun
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zooboy28
Well-Known Member
Hopefully! Definately looking forward to that precinct
Fishing Cats are still listed as 'acquire after 2012' by Auckland Zoo on the ZAA census, last updated October 2010, so I guess theres still hope.
I realise small cats are generally poor display animals (but then searching for the animals is half the fun), and can be difficult to breed, but 1 species is unacceptable IMHO. Port Lympne has 10 species of small cat, I'm sure Australasia could manage two.
Fishing Cats are still listed as 'acquire after 2012' by Auckland Zoo on the ZAA census, last updated October 2010, so I guess theres still hope. I realise small cats are generally poor display animals (but then searching for the animals is half the fun), and can be difficult to breed, but 1 species is unacceptable IMHO. Port Lympne has 10 species of small cat, I'm sure Australasia could manage two.
According to ISIS Heidelburg currently have 1:0 so a female could be a benefit to them. Le Parc de Felines near Paris have successfully bred the species before (most recent birth was 1:0 in 2010) so I would expect them to be having the pair
I agree in some respects. Particularly in the case of the small felid Asiatic golden cat a global species programme would be more appropriate.
I can see/feel your pain that slowly the region is losing its exotic wild cats (and sundry). Kinda strange really when - as I understand the status quo - Biosecurity is not as restrictrive in felids as f.i. in hoofstock??!
I also do hope the region in ZAA will take a more forward thinking and long-term approach at some point to species space allocation and follow-through on intended exotic species programmes and not stop in the tracks half-way in.
Auckland's original breeding female (who's now off to Europe) was born at Singapore hence the reason why they might not want her and her son (Hamilton male) back
i think fishing cats make absolutely fascinatng exhibits, which can hold crowds on their own as much as a tiger or lion can, as long as they are exhibited right. Taronga's fantastic exhibit turns this potentially overlooked animal into quite an attraction, with glass viewing through mock ruin walls into their....and it really is......beautiful habitat. around the corner, under a shngled roof, which provides shade and invites people to relax, wide timber seats against the glass let people sit down, or kids to stand, and peer into the underwater and terrestrial parts of the exhibit. visually, its a very complex and pleasing looking habitat, and the animals, once shy and hard to observe, are now much more active and less retiring.
my point is, invest in and design a thoughtful, well planned out enclosure, and these animals can become true stars of the show. other similarly well done exhibits at taronga, i think, are the ones for binturong, again, another species which is often ignored.
my point is, invest in and design a thoughtful, well planned out enclosure, and these animals can become true stars of the show. other similarly well done exhibits at taronga, i think, are the ones for binturong, again, another species which is often ignored.
This is so true. Tarongas wild Asia had done wonders for these two species
daveb said:
was the male at Hamilton the only golden cat they had left? So, assuming he and the Auckland ones did get exported in February, there are now no longer any Asian golden cats in NZ?zooboy28 said:
zooboy28
Well-Known Member
Correct, none in NZ, and none in any ZAA institutions either.
I guess this was probably the best move given the lack of importation, but now zoos really need to start supporting the Fishing Cat programme, before this species goes the exact same way.
it was undoubtably the best move, sending them to where at least they can be of use to the captive population.
Time to update the Mammals in NZ Zoo thread again....
Time to update the Mammals in NZ Zoo thread again....