Bronx Zoo Bronx Zoo News 2021

How large is the purebred plains bison herd?
How many calves and reproducing cows?

Any field projects with them in mind?

I don't have those numbers. At least 5 calves were born this year. I would estimate the purebred herd at 25 animals now. Just a few years ago when they started with purebred bison they only had (1,7).

The zoos plan is to help establish pure-bred herds in other AZA zoos. As well the zoo has been working on embryo transfer technology, which is how there first pure-bred bull was created. The WCS works with the federal government, American prairie reserve, and tribes on a variety of projects though. They have done genetic testing on many wild bison herds and are working to establish further pure herds on tribal lands. As well they have been doing population viability assessments on existing populations to understand if transfers are needed.

Interior and Partners Commit to Long-Term Initiative to Conserve the American Bison
 
The once Fennec Fox enclosure in the Mouse House most recently held two Screaming Hairy Armadillos and currently has unsigned hedgehog tenrecs I believe.

I'm quite surprised and am loving all of the new animal additions and small, yet noticeable renovations taking place across the zoo since the start of the pandemic. Grey Gulls are a great addition to the collection and the aviary!

~Thylo
 
I don't have those numbers. At least 5 calves were born this year. I would estimate the purebred herd at 25 animals now. Just a few years ago when they started with purebred bison they only had (1,7).

The zoos plan is to help establish pure-bred herds in other AZA zoos. As well the zoo has been working on embryo transfer technology, which is how there first pure-bred bull was created. The WCS works with the federal government, American prairie reserve, and tribes on a variety of projects though. They have done genetic testing on many wild bison herds and are working to establish further pure herds on tribal lands. As well they have been doing population viability assessments on existing populations to understand if transfers are needed.

Interior and Partners Commit to Long-Term Initiative to Conserve the American Bison
I am so glad that lately more interest and attention being paid to true species conservation for native wildlife here (as well as in parts of Continental Europe). WCS-Bronx, I think Oakland Zoo and perhaps others too are the fore bearers and vanguard for purebred American bison.
 
Sorry if this is a bit random but: does anyone know who the parents of the two female Malayan tiger cubs born in 2016 are? I've tried searching for it but nothing about their parents come up. Also, how many Malayan Tigers does the zoo have currently? I know they recently sent out of one of their females and received a new male in return, so I'm guessing they have two: 1.0 Penari and 0.1 Nadia. Do they have more?
 
Apparently the Bronx Zoo has at least 4 Dalmatian pelicans in Cope Lake according to Jim Breheny's Twitter post today. Not sure if visitors can easily see them since the lake is not easily accessible. I do miss the gibbon island that used to be there. It was a real scenic spot in the zoo.

I didn't know that area was publicly accessible?

~Thylo
 
The zoo recently participated in the seizure and temporary care of an illegally owned Cougar in NYC.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the Bronx Zoo collaborated last week to remove an 11-month-old, approximately 80-pound, female cougar from a New York City home on Thursday night. The HSUS was on scene with the owner who surrendered the cougar. The NYSDEC and NYPD worked to coordinate the safe removal of the big cat from the home and transport her to the Bronx Zoo where she was cared for by veterinarians and animal care staff over the weekend until her transport to an Arkansas animal sanctuary this afternoon. The cougar is now on her way to Turpentine Creek, an accredited sanctuary where she will receive lifelong care.

...

Jim Breheny, director of the Bronx Zoo and executive vice president of the Wildlife Conservation Society Zoos & Aquarium, said, “At the Bronx Zoo, we were glad to assist the agencies working to rescue this cougar and provide care and housing for her until her transfer. We have long opposed the private ownership of big cats as pets. Big cats in the exotic pet trade make no contribution to the conservation of their species. These animals often end up in very bad situations, kept by private individuals who don’t have the resources, facilities, knowledge, or expertise to provide for the animals’ most basic needs. In addition to these welfare concerns for the animals, the keeping of big cats by private people poses a real safety hazard to the owner, the owner’s family and the community at large.”

New York has long seen cases involving dangerous animals in private residences that threaten public safety, including a case in 2003 where the NYPD removed an adult tiger from a Harlem apartment with the assistance of Bronx Zoo staff, and in 2004 when a child in Suffolk County was attacked by his father’s pet leopard. The Bronx Zoo responds periodically to emergency calls by providing antivenom when individuals with exotic venomous snakes get bitten. In 2020, New York increased its regulation of ownership of wild animals.

~Thylo
 
Based on a recent post on their Instagram, the zoo appears to have Komodo Dragon eggs incubating.

Additionally, the WCS has updated their vaccination requirements in accordance with NYCs new mandate:

"Beginning on Monday, September 13th, in accordance with the mandate recently announced by New York City, our vaccination policy will change. However, there are many outdoor experiences for you to enjoy at the zoos, regardless of vaccination status.

Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo & Prospect Park Zoo: All guests 12 and older will be required to show proof of at least one vaccine dose in order to enter indoor exhibits. Children age 11 and younger are permitted into indoor exhibits with a vaccinated chaperone.

Be sure to stop at the Vaccination Check Station, at the Admissions area before you enter the park, to show proof of vaccination for an indoor access wristband.

Queens Zoo: This is an all outdoors experience. Indoor areas which are used for quick and limited purposes, such as restrooms and gift shops, require masks but do not require proof of vaccination.

NY Aquarium: Due to the entry and most experiences being indoors, vaccination will be required for all guests 12+ to visit/enter the NY Aquarium."

~Thylo
 
Sorry if this is a bit random but: does anyone know who the parents of the two female Malayan tiger cubs born in 2016 are? I've tried searching for it but nothing about their parents come up. Also, how many Malayan Tigers does the zoo have currently? I know they recently sent out of one of their females and received a new male in return, so I'm guessing they have two: 1.0 Penari and 0.1 Nadia. Do they have more?

The parents of Nadia and Azul are Suhana and Asa Rimba ("Rimba" for short). Rimba's death was shown on "The Zoo". He's Penari's father born when he lived at the Palm Beach Zoo. I think he's there to breed with Suhana. I don't know if Nadia is still there or if she's been moved to breed. Azul is at the Woodland Park Zoo to breed there.
 
The parents of Nadia and Azul are Suhana and Asa Rimba ("Rimba" for short). Rimba's death was shown on "The Zoo". He's Penari's father born when he lived at the Palm Beach Zoo. I think he's there to breed with Suhana. I don't know if Nadia is still there or if she's been moved to breed. Azul is at the Woodland Park Zoo to breed there.
Thanks so much. I had Rimba and Suhana down as both Nadia and Penari’s parents and I was confused why they were paired. I guess he is paired with Suhana.
 
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