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Pertinax said:
Wern't they going to replace them with Grevy's zebra?
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That was the original plan but I think as we’ve seen, plans have changed. Addax weren’t on the original species plan but they may have been added as Nile lechwe may have been deemed to be unrealistic.

my point is that it maybe possible that there keeping grants zebra now.

either that or although it’s not ideal, they may get female Grevy’s until they find Peter a new home or to live out his days. It’s not ideal but possible
 
Pertinax said:
I'm sure Jock will move with the rest of the gorillas. They will want the old site clear of animals to prepare for the potential sale, whenever that might be. The problem with Jock is that while he is an integral part of the group he is also advancing in years, being currently the oldest male in the UK.
Also while he stays as leader of the group it means his adolescent daughter and granddaughter, like others previously, will both have to leave the group to avoiding inbreeding, and reducing the group size back to 6. But if a new male came in as replacement, they could stay in the group and breed with him.
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Not sure on their exact ages but I’d imagine the young females are of breeding ages now and that the EEP would be keen to get them moved on to other collections. I wonder if there’s a chance we may not see them travel to BZP with the troop and save the hassle by exporting to new zoos straight from BZG?
 
jtrbmvcq said:
Not sure on their exact ages but I’d imagine the young females are of breeding ages now and that the EEP would be keen to get them moved on to other collections. I wonder if there’s a chance we may not see them travel to BZP with the troop and save the hassle by exporting to new zoos straight from BZG?
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Afia was born February 2016 so now 9 and a half. Ayani was born April 2017 so now 8 +. Unless arrangements have already been made for them to go elsewhere, then I guess they will move with the others and then move again later. I hope one or both of them stay in the UK. Jersey is a possible destination (as are, though less likely, both Blackpool and Twycross which only have two females each at present). The alternative would be to 'retire' Jock and bring in a new male in which case they could stay in Bristol but I can't really see them doing that somehow.
 
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Charles said:
That was the original plan but I think as we’ve seen, plans have changed. Addax weren’t on the original species plan but they may have been added as Nile lechwe may have been deemed to be unrealistic.


either that or although it’s not ideal, they may get female Grevy’s until they find Peter a new home or to live out his days. It’s not ideal but possible
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I can imagine obtaining Nile Lechwe under the current import restrictions was nigh impossible. Afaik there is only a single pair in the UK at present, at Africa Alive. Grevy Zebra however are probably more obtainable within the UK as a number of collections have them.
 
Pertinax said:
Afia was born February 2016 so now 9 and a half. Ayani was born April 2017 so now 8 +. Unless arrangements have already been made for them to go elsewhere, then I guess they will move with the others and then move again later. I hope one or both of them stay in the UK. Jersey is a possible destination (as are, though less likely, both Blackpool and Twycross which only have two females each at present). The alternative would be to 'retire' Jock and bring in a new male in which case they could stay in Bristol but I can't really see them doing that somehow.
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Jersey would make sense timing-wise as their new complex should be ready at a similar time to Bristol’s, although a quick look on gorillasland.com shows that Ayana is related to their silver back Badongo so not an option for her. I think there would be uproar if Jock didn’t make it to BZP with the troop.
 
Remember that the new gorilla building at BZP will be able to house two separate groups, so sooner or later Jock, or any of the others, could be moved into a different section.
Pertinax said:
Yes I was really thinking retirement alongside the group at the new site. I doubt it would happen though.
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This post appeared as I finished the paragraph above. We are thinking along the same lines, although @Pertinax beat me to the punch. My guess is that they will wait to see how the gorillas handle the move and settle into their new home. Presumably the studbook keeper will have to be consulted before any further changes happen.
 
Pertinax said:
Damp squib. :rolleyes: I really thought it might be the gorilla move. But maybe the all-staff meeting was in preparation for it...
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I know the volunteers said October for the move, but think the gorilla house needs to be completed fully for them to quietly settle in.

Hopefully not too much more to do inside.
 

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