ZSL Whipsnade Zoo brown bears

[IanRRobinson]

I remember reading something in IZN years ago to the effect that no further breeding of Sloth Bears was to be recommended within EAZA. I don't remember the rationale, and I'd be grateful if anyone else knows what's going on.

I have a very nasty feeling that a lot of directors are quite simply frightened of adverse publicity incurred through acquiring bears and would rather not be bothered.

 

[Shorts]

I have a very nasty feeling that a lot of directors are quite simply frightened of adverse publicity incurred through acquiring bears and would rather not be bothered.

While I'm sure there are a fair few that don't fancy potential bad publicity I believe that there's also a fair number of directors of places that can house bears adequately who can see the big picture and realise the popularity of bears with the public and the (financial) benefits they bring. I think this has been evidenced by a fair number of established zoos going into bears in the last 5 or so years (Chester, Colchester, Highland). Even the small Five Sisters is getting in on the act and I understand that Longleat are looking at going into Sun Bears. Add to this that those collections who've long held bears (Edinburgh, Belfast, Whipsnade, South Lakes, Dartmoor) showing no signs of going out of bears and I think (very gratefully) the UK zoo scene is the most "bear healthy" it's been for years.

Hopefully the trend of adding bears to collections and displaying them well will continue.

 

[FBBird]

ZSL Whipsnade Brown Bears

I would not like to see Whipsnade go out of Brown Bears. They look so good in that enclosure, and fit well with the recent emphasis on European fauna [Elk, Wolverine etc]

 

[stubeanz]

The brown bears are my favourite animals at whipsnade. I always make a bee line to that side of the zoo when I arrive!

I can imagine with whipsnades climate it could be one of the zoos that in the future adds polar bears back to the collection!

 

[FBBird]

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo Brown Bears

Just a thought; how about a non-breeding [all female?] group of Polar and Brown together?

 

[IanRRobinson]

Just a thought; how about a non-breeding [all female?] group of Polar and Brown together?

But why not simply bite the bullet and keep Polar Bears properly?

It is odd how some places in the UK that have the space have never kept bears (eg Port Lympne), or haven't for years (Paignton, Howletts and (just) Marwell).

The "Wild Whipsnade" area is a bit hit-and-miss IMHO. I'm very pleased that the Wolverines have been acquired, and pleased that Lynx and Moose have returned. OTH, the enclosure for the last looks a bit DIY (why no use of the vacant bit of woodland between the Wolves and the Bongo?), and I remain to be convinced that those Wild Boar are pedigree..

 

[johnstoni.]

Its also a problem that the male Sri lankan Sloth bear has had the snip so cannot be used for breeding now!

Right, as I thought. So, we've got a critically-endangered bear, of breeding age, sitting in retirement at Whipsnade when he could have been loaned to the AZA. Why, if London no longer wanted them, would they hang onto and neuter a male? Or was this done hastily while they were still on bear mountain because space was compromise there?

 

[johnstoni.]

I remember reading something in IZN years ago to the effect that no further breeding of Sloth Bears was to be recommended within EAZA. I don't remember the rationale, and I'd be grateful if anyone else knows what's going on.

I have a very nasty feeling that a lot of directors are quite simply frightened of adverse publicity incurred through acquiring bears and would rather not be bothered.

So EAZA dictates that Sun and Andean bears, both classed as 'vulnerable', can be bred, but not Sri lankan sloth bears, which are critically endangered? Sure, if there aren't enough individuals to make it worthwhile, but then why not send them to the states? Seems such a pointless waste. I'm assuming ursula could still breed, surely ZSL should send her to the US?

 

[IanRRobinson]

So EAZA dictates that Sun and Andean bears, both classed as 'vulnerable', can be bred, but not Sri lankan sloth bears, which are critically endangered? Sure, if there aren't enough individuals to make it worthwhile, but then why not send them to the states? Seems such a pointless waste. I'm assuming ursula could still breed, surely ZSL should send her to the US?

Search me. Quite genuinely, I don't understand what the issue is with this species which as johnstoni points out, is in need of captive breeding, yet apparently is being denied it within EAZA.

If anyone reading this has any understanding of the rationale behind this policy I'm sure that I won't be the only one who'd be pleased to hear from you.