Auckland Zoo Auckland Zoo News 2022

[Zoofan15]

Sali the Sumatran tiger has arrived:

From socials:

We’re excited to share that Sumatran tiger Sali had her first opportunity to explore our new ‘Lowlands’ tiger habitat this morning!

Fourteen-year-old Sali has relocated to Auckland Zoo from our friends at Hamilton Zoo as part of the zoos’ global breeding and advocacy programme for this critically endangered big cat, which is now estimated to number fewer than 400 animals in the wild.

Later this year, Auckland Zoo also hopes to welcome a young pair of Sumatran tigers from the United States. The two tigers have been selected by the international breeding programme managers to breed and contribute their valuable genes to the population in Australasia.

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

Sali the Sumatran tiger has arrived:

From socials:

We’re excited to share that Sumatran tiger Sali had her first opportunity to explore our new ‘Lowlands’ tiger habitat this morning!

Fourteen-year-old Sali has relocated to Auckland Zoo from our friends at Hamilton Zoo as part of the zoos’ global breeding and advocacy programme for this critically endangered big cat, which is now estimated to number fewer than 400 animals in the wild.

Later this year, Auckland Zoo also hopes to welcome a young pair of Sumatran tigers from the United States. The two tigers have been selected by the international breeding programme managers to breed and contribute their valuable genes to the population in Australasia.

Imagine if AZ would exchange one of their later day Indonesian Taman Safari individuals ...

 

[Zorro]

Imagine if AZ would exchange one of their later day Indonesian Taman Safari individuals ...

I believe very few that I know of have left AZ for what ever reason

 

[Zoofan15]

Imagine if AZ would exchange one of their later day Indonesian Taman Safari individuals ...

I believe very few that I know of have left AZ for what ever reason

Australia Zoo imported 1.2 from Indonesia in 2008:

1.0 Bashi (2007) is at Wellington Zoo and has had no cubs
0.1 Kaitlyn (2007) is still at Australia Zoo and has had 5.3 cubs
0.1 Maneki (2007) died at Ballarat Zoo and 1.0 cub

Since Bashi is in a non reproductive pairing, I’d like to see him transferred to Hamilton Zoo ASAP to breed with Kirana (2014). It’d be a shame to see a founder die unrepresented.

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

Australia Zoo imported 1.2 from Indonesia in 2008:

1.0 Bashi (2007) is at Wellington Zoo and has had no cubs
0.1 Kaitlyn (2007) is still at Australia Zoo and has had 5.3 cubs
0.1 Maneki (2007) died at Ballarat Zoo and 1.0 cub

Since Bashi is in a non reproductive pairing, I’d like to see him transferred to Hamilton Zoo ASAP to breed with Kirana (2014). It’d be a shame to see a founder die unrepresented.

Exactly, not sending him on is a no brainer. Best option is an outbreeding with lessen represented Sumaterans.

 

[Zoofan15]

Exactly, not sending him on is a no brainer. Best option is an outbreeding with lessen represented Sumaterans.

It’s like they’re content that the Indonesia imports (siblings) are well represented enough through Kaitlyn and her eight offspring (as well as Maneki’s son); but within the regional population, many pairings are made which descend from full siblings several generations later.

Taronga Zoo’s latest pair are the son and grandaughter respectively of two full brothers.

The decision not to utilise Bashi’s genes will soon become irreversible, so I hope they transfer him over his nephew, who will likely live for another decade.

 

[Zoofan15]

Bornean orangutan infant update:

This morning, five-week-old baby Bahmi cast his eyes over the beautiful skyline of Auckland, carefully tucked into the body of mum Melur.

Today is the first (of many days to come!) that the orangutan family has been able to experience the aerial pathways together.

Our primate team was so pleased to have reached this milestone and Amy, our deputy curator of mammals says, “We could tell Charlie was thrilled to see his whole family on the aerial pathways where he loves it the most.

Melur was so quick to go up and Charlie was such a helicopter – closely following her with such an intense look of concentration on his face. It makes me so incredibly happy to see them up there and to be able to give them more options as a family.”

 

[Zoofan15]

Interview with tiger keeper:

Sali, Auckland Zoo's first tiger in three years, settling in

This brief interview covers Sali's arrival at the zoo and confirms my assumption she has arrived as an ambassador animal; ahead of the arrival of the breeding pair later this year.

While it initially seemed a strange move for Auckland Zoo to agree to take on a surplus tiger, it's clear from social media coverage how relaxed around people this hand raised tigress it. Sali will clearly prove an engaging exhibit and inspire more people than a shy tiger at the back of the exhibit.

 

[Zoofan15]

Director on shock of the cancellation of Burma’s export:

The cancellation was made just nine days ahead of Burma’s export.

'It's crushing disappointment and frustration': Deal falls through to rehome Auckland Zoo's Burma

Buley said the email from Australia Zoo was unexpected.

"As far as we were concerned everything was on track as far as was possible so it was a bit of a shock on the Easter Monday morning."

Australia Zoo cited health concerns for one of their animals as the reason they pulled out of the deal but Buley said this was something Auckland Zoo was fully aware of and had been in conversation with the zoo about.

Auckland Zoo vets decided there wasn't a risk to Burma in sending her.

 

[Zoofan15]

Auckland Zoo vets assist Owha the Leopard seal:

From socials:

Last Thursday, our veterinary team was called to help respond to an incident in Auckland Harbour when leopard seal Owha was sighted by a Westhaven marine worker with what appeared to be a sinker and fishing line hanging from her mouth.

Joining staff from the Department of Conservation and Leopard Seals NZ on the scene were the zoo’s veterinary resident Stefan, clinical coordinator Mikaylie and veterinarian Sarah. Together they were able to assess the situation and a plan was formulated to carefully approach Owha and remove these unwanted objects, that posed a real danger to this marine mammal and her ongoing welfare.

Thankfully, the operation was successful and the sinker and line were able to be cut free. DOC and Leopard Seals NZ will continue to monitor the area to ensure that Owha continues to do well and is recuperating from the incident.

—————————

Owha is a female Leopard seal that has frequented New Zealand waters since at least 2012. There’s more information on her here: "Owha" the NZ Leopard Seal - LeopardSeals.orgIAaa
Sdffff

 

[Zoofan15]

Asian small-clawed otter update:

The zoo are putting the finishing touches to the otter exhibit, which should be completed within the month.

It was reported on socials that the zoo holds two bachelor groups of otter. This was news to me, as I assumed the seven brothers were still living together. The zoo would have announced any new arrivals, so the group has obviously been split at some stage - likely due to hierarchy disputes.

1.0 Arif (May 2019) Kanan x Takumi
1.0 Ketut (May 2019) Kanan x Takumi
1.0 Panuta (Dec 2019) Kanan x Takumi
1.0 Budi (Dec 2019) Kanan x Takumi
1.0 Agus (Sep 2020) Kanan x Takumi
1.0 Hendra (Sep 2020) Kanan x Takumi
1.0 Ika (Sep 2020) Kanan x Takumi

 

[Jambo]

Asian small-clawed otter update:

The zoo are putting the finishing touches to the otter exhibit, which should be completed within the month.

It was reported on socials that the zoo holds two bachelor groups of otter. This was news to me, as I assumed the seven brothers were still living together. The zoo would have announced any new arrivals, so the group has obviously been split at some stage - likely due to hierarchy disputes.

1.0 Arif (May 2019) Kanan x Takumi
1.0 Ketut (May 2019) Kanan x Takumi
1.0 Panuta (Dec 2019) Kanan x Takumi
1.0 Budi (Dec 2019) Kanan x Takumi
1.0 Agus (Sep 2020) Kanan x Takumi
1.0 Hendra (Sep 2020) Kanan x Takumi
1.0 Ika (Sep 2020) Kanan x Takumi

So will they be rotating the new enclosure? Or will one group be in the new enclosure, and the other in the enclosure next to the entrance.

It's a shame the groups been split as a group of seven otters running around would've been exciting to see. It'll be very intriguing to also see their reaction to the Tigers passing above!

 

[Zoofan15]

So will they be rotating the new enclosure? Or will one group be in the new enclosure, and the other in the enclosure next to the entrance.

It's a shame the groups been split as a group of seven otters running around would've been exciting to see. It'll be very intriguing to also see their reaction to the Tigers passing above!

I’m guessing it’s a four and three split, with the larger group housed in the new exhibit and a trio retained in the existing exhibit. There’s no short term plans to redevelop this area and the zoo has had two otter exhibits since at least the early 2000’s, so they may be happy to continue with this.

Auckland Zoo struggled to maintain the breeding success they experienced in the early 2000’s with a handful of pups born over the decade that followed. Three litters in quick succession offered them an exciting chance to exhibit a large group, but sadly it appears it wasn’t meant to be.

 

[Zoofan15]

Bornean orangutan infant update:

Bahmi is now 11 weeks old and staff have posted a video to socials for anyone interested detailing Melur’s pregnancy and birth - complete with footage of Bahmi still wrapped in the amniotic sac!

We’re taking you behind the scenes on orangutan Melur’s pregnancy journey – from the initial pre-pregnancy health exam at our vet hospital (with help from an expert sonographer), right through to the successful birth of her and Charlie’s baby.

Video on Facebook and Instagram.

 

[Abbey]

Bornean orangutan infant update:

Bahmi is now 11 weeks old and staff have posted a video to socials for anyone interested detailing Melur’s pregnancy and birth - complete with footage of Bahmi still wrapped in the amniotic sac!

We’re taking you behind the scenes on orangutan Melur’s pregnancy journey – from the initial pre-pregnancy health exam at our vet hospital (with help from an expert sonographer), right through to the successful birth of her and Charlie’s baby.

Video on Facebook and Instagram.

This is really interesting! I love all those zoo-related TV series like The Zoo and the equivalents in Australia and overseas, so it's great to see Auckland Zoo keeping up that side of things through social media and the like. Well done comms team (and Melur, Charlie and Bahmi, obvs)!

 

[Zoofan15]

This is really interesting! I love all those zoo-related TV series like The Zoo and the equivalents in Australia and overseas, so it's great to see Auckland Zoo keeping up that side of things through social media and the like. Well done comms team (and Melur, Charlie and Bahmi, obvs)!

As much as I miss The Zoo, I think the TV programmes have done their day and their social media vlogs are an equally great way to share the goings on around the zoo.

I was very excited to hear Auckland Zoo had decided to retain the Bornean species and it’s good to see them successfully breed again from their pair following the news the import of the two females from Europe had been cancelled.

 

[Zoofan15]

Auckland Zoo Update

An update from my visit (05/06/2022):

Kiraka the giraffe is pregnant. All going well, this will be the zoo’s first surviving giraffe calf since 2016. I will tag @WhistlingKite24 so he can update his population thread for this species.

Two female South African crested porcupine have left the zoo (Alika and Arewa). The volunteer thought they had been sent to Butterfly Creek (along with the meerkats), but I will wait until I have a concrete source before updating the mammals thread as she seemed a little unsure. I will tag @akasha so she can update her population thread for this species.

Auckland Zoo no longer hold Capybara. Several deaths reduced the colony to a single female, who was recently transferred to Wellington Zoo.

The zoo now holds a non breeding group of 2.1 Slender-tailed meerkat - Inzi (2010), Mudiwa (2011) and Tosha (2012). These three are siblings and live in the small meerkat exhibit. The large meerkat exhibit is currently empty and will be given a refurbishment before new meerkats arrive.

The seven Asian small-clawed otters are held in two bachelor groups of 2.0 and 5.0. The new otter exhibit is separated into a large exhibit and a smaller exhibit with a dividing water channel. I suspect a gate way will be fitted to seperate these two exhibits (with one group occupying each); but retaining the option to run it as one large exhibit.

The tropical dome is scheduled to open in August. A keeper who worked in a different section believed two False gharial were coming and although he couldn’t remember the zoo, he thought it was a zoo in Denmark. The only holder in Denmark is the Krokodille Zoo.

Sali the Sumatran tiger has settled in well and had access to the small and medium tiger exhibits on my visit. The keepers are looking forward to the arrival of Ramah and Zayana in the coming months.

Burma the elephant is enjoying the attention that comes with being the zoo’s only elephant. One of the keepers advised they’re no longer looking at Australian zoos for relocating Burma and the search for a new home is currently focussed on the USA.

Photos from my visit (including updated photos of the South East Asia precinct) are here: Auckland Zoo - ZooChat

 

[Zorro]

Auckland Zoo Update

An update from my visit (05/06/2022):

Kiraka the giraffe is pregnant. All going well, this will be the zoo’s first surviving giraffe calf since 2016. I will tag @WhistlingKite24 so he can update his population thread for this species.

Two female South African crested porcupine have left the zoo (Alika and Arewa). The volunteer thought they had been sent to Butterfly Creek (along with the meerkats), but I will wait until I have a concrete source before updating the mammals thread as she seemed a little unsure. I will tag @akasha so she can update her population thread for this species.

Auckland Zoo no longer hold Capybara. Several deaths reduced the colony to a single female, who was recently transferred to Wellington Zoo.

The zoo now holds a non breeding group of 2.1 Slender-tailed meerkat - Inzi (2010), Mudiwa (2011) and Tosha (2012). These three are siblings and live in the small meerkat exhibit. The large meerkat exhibit is currently empty and will be given a refurbishment before new meerkats arrive.

The seven Asian small-clawed otters are held in two bachelor groups of 2.0 and 5.0. The new otter exhibit is separated into a large exhibit and a smaller exhibit with a dividing water channel. I suspect a gate way will be fitted to seperate these two exhibits (with one group occupying each); but retaining the option to run it as one large exhibit.

The tropical dome is scheduled to open in August. A keeper who worked in a different section believed two False gharial were coming and although he couldn’t remember the zoo, he thought it was a zoo in Denmark. The only holder in Denmark is the Krokodille Zoo.

Sali the Sumatran tiger has settled in well and had access to the small and medium tiger exhibits on my visit. The keepers are looking forward to the arrival of Ramah and Zayana in the coming months.

Burma the elephant is enjoying the attention that comes with being the zoo’s only elephant. One of the keepers advised they’re no longer looking at Australian zoos for relocating Burma and the search for a new home is currently focussed on the USA.

Photos from my visit (including updated photos of the South East Asia precinct) are here: Auckland Zoo - ZooChat

Thank you for the update and the wonderful photos

 

[Zoofan15]

Greater flamingo update:

The chick hatched in November 2021 has been named Anderson.

The second chick is unnamed, but the highest bidder will have the opportunity to chose a name from a list shortlisted by the bird keepers.

From socials:

The first of the two chicks ‘Anderson’ hatched out in November, with the second following soon after in December. After meeting the chicks, the lucky winner will get the chance to name the as-yet unnamed chick from a short list provided by our bird team!

 

[Zoofan15]

Discussion on Plans for Burma’s Exhibit (Part 1)

Something interesting that came up in conversation with a keeper on my recent visit was the plans for Burma’s exhibit. The zoo mentioned on social media last year that the plan was for it to become a rhino exhibit and subsequent enquiries revealed the plan was to extend the Savannah by merging it with the existing rhino and elephant exhibits.

Apparently they MAY be reconsidering. The keeper said the initial plans to renovate it into a rhinoceros exhibit were based around the concept of the zoo planning to accommodate multiple bulls long term. The unexpected death of Inkosi means the pressure to expand their rhino facilities is off and they can now consider all options.

One of the ideas being CONSIDERED is an African forest exhibit. The keeper stressed that this is just an idea that’s being discussed; and I will reiterate that I’m NOT reporting this as confirmation of a change of plan - merely that options beyond the initial plan (an extended Savannah) are currently being considered.

Burma’s export could be at least two years away, so I doubt conversations around species have progressed too far, but if they were to pursue the African forest concept then I’d identify Western lowland gorilla, Mandrill, Eastern bongo and Black and white colobus as possible options; with import restrictions and availability ruling out other species like Pygmy hippopotamus and Okapi.