La Cucaracha
Well-Known Member
Note: We still don't have a northern white rhinoceros clone; I don't think an aurochs will happen soon.
Through breeding-back with less derived breeds of cattle and eventually genetic engineering, a joint effort between rewilding NGOs and several universities have produced the first aurochs/cattle hybrids in centuries. Now what?
I propose starting a new safari park with the aurochs in mind. This presents several rare and unique opportunities: 1. a safari park north of Virginia, 2. a new megafauna species for zoos that is adapted to frigid climates, and most importantly 3. a desperately needed new holding facility for other hoofstock SSPs.
Although the aurochs was not present in sub-Saharan Africa, it was common in North Africa during the Green Sahara era. I would suggest including the aurochs as a part of a typical African mixed-species exhibit in the place of Watusi; with giraffes, rhinos, eland, etc. allowing the zoo guest to see this long-extinct animal as more than a cow.
Similarly, it could be kept with Central Asian hoofstock like onagers and Bactrian deer. Aurochs should not be kept with other species of Bos or Bison because they will hybridize.
Through breeding-back with less derived breeds of cattle and eventually genetic engineering, a joint effort between rewilding NGOs and several universities have produced the first aurochs/cattle hybrids in centuries. Now what?
I propose starting a new safari park with the aurochs in mind. This presents several rare and unique opportunities: 1. a safari park north of Virginia, 2. a new megafauna species for zoos that is adapted to frigid climates, and most importantly 3. a desperately needed new holding facility for other hoofstock SSPs.
Although the aurochs was not present in sub-Saharan Africa, it was common in North Africa during the Green Sahara era. I would suggest including the aurochs as a part of a typical African mixed-species exhibit in the place of Watusi; with giraffes, rhinos, eland, etc. allowing the zoo guest to see this long-extinct animal as more than a cow.
Similarly, it could be kept with Central Asian hoofstock like onagers and Bactrian deer. Aurochs should not be kept with other species of Bos or Bison because they will hybridize.
