Article about the Rhino-birth :
Romping Rhino Calf Arrives at Dublin Zoo - ZooBorns
Romping Rhino Calf Arrives at Dublin Zoo - ZooBorns
Dublin Zoo Dublin in 2013
- Thread starter Nisha
- Start date
She was formerly named 'Claudia' and handraised at Stuttgart for a while after her mother died. She actually arrived at Dublin some months ago but they only seem to be publicising her now, perhaps because integration into their group is proving successful. Whereas a previous attempt to integrate her in the Vallee de Singes/Romaneche group in France failed.
This will be the second handraised female of this age they have fostered into Dublin's group.
Not_a_Nautilus
Well-Known Member
They say Kafi has integrated into the group, but I wonder if she still tends to spend time by herself? I was at the zoo the other day and could only see five gorillas, which I think were Harry, Lena and Kituba (all sitting together) and Mayani and Kambiri (playing in another part of the habitat). I don't know where Kafi was, unless the young gorilla I thought was Kambiri was actually Kafi (she looked quite similar in size and everything to the photos of Kafi, but wouldn't you expect a mother to be with her baby?).
I'm really excited about the okapi. They seem to be doing up the old lion exhibit for them (the plants have been taken out and stuff), I bet it will look really nice when they're done. I've only ever seen okapi once before (at London Zoo), and with all the focus on building new exhibits I don't think Dublin has brought in a brand new species like this in ages (I'm probably forgetting a few in the Reptile House or somewhere, though).
I'm really excited about the okapi. They seem to be doing up the old lion exhibit for them (the plants have been taken out and stuff), I bet it will look really nice when they're done. I've only ever seen okapi once before (at London Zoo), and with all the focus on building new exhibits I don't think Dublin has brought in a brand new species like this in ages (I'm probably forgetting a few in the Reptile House or somewhere, though).
You are right there has not been a new species added since the bongo and hunting dogs about 10 years ago. I am constantly amazed by this and can only think there is some sort of embargo on adding anything new.
I believe that this trend discourages repeat visits and if I suggest a visit to members of my family they say there is nothing new to see and prefer Tayto or Belfast.
Repeat breeding, but I feel it is time the other non-breeding WC female be exchanged .. so she can breed and a second breeding partner for the male will enter Dublin.
Not_a_Nautilus
Well-Known Member
What do you mean by embargo? If you mean one imposed on Dublin Zoo by BIAZA or whoever, I really don't think that's the case. I'm pretty sure the lists of birds in the Roberts House and reptiles in the Reptile House have seen some changes since they got those African mammals.
I think they just decided to focus on building new exhibits for existing animals instead of bringing in new mammals that would also need new exhibits built for them (I guess there's only so much you can budget for in a given year), a kind of "internal embargo", then I agree. I can definitely understand the priorities: I think the state of the gorilla exhibit, for example, was doing the zoo and its reputation more harm than the lack of new species.
EDIT: Also there are the Asian lions; I know a new subspecies isn't quite the same as a new species but it suggests that they haven't had an embargo enforced on them.
A white faced saki has been born as well as a Sulawesi macaque.
Rare monkeys start family at zoo - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk
Rare monkeys start family at zoo - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk
Matt Kehoe
Member
I would love to see the main lakes covered in waterfowl. If it was up to me I certainly would, unfortunately the birds would be pinioned though. Also one thing I would change is I would let the Chilean flamingos onto the whole lake. Would be a beautiful sight.
Re Waterfowl and Flamingoes... I believe Dublin have had problems with Otters ( and Foxes?). Predators like that, mainly Foxes, are one reason many Zoos no longer keep many expensive exotic waterfowl on their Lakes, or Flamingoes in less than secure enclosures.
Matt Kehoe
Member
Is it just me or is it not pathetic that such an established institution cant keep basic wildlife out? I mean a 7 foot, 1 inch mesh fence would keep everything from stoats to foxes out?
Not_a_Nautilus
Well-Known Member
They have quite a different plan for the flamingos, last I heard: a new enclosure built along with a new sea lion one. One built so that they won't have to be pinioned anymore.
1 inch mesh would certainly not keep stoats out 
It should, but some of these would-be predators can be very determined. Foxes can jump good heights, and dig under things, particularly if there is a juicy meal within reach on the other side. Stoats can probably get through just about anything. Badgers can tunnel, and can rip through smaller gauge netting with their claws too. Electrified fences, night lights and other devices are sometimes used, with varying effect to counter these unwelcome visits.
Predation by Otters is more unusual as Ireland/Dublin has a good population of Otters so I think it is more peculiar to this Zoo than most others in the UK, though they are becoming increasingly common in England too. I guess it is hard to catch or remove the offender once it has developed a habit of making nocturnal visits, or set up home on their Lakes.
It would surely be applauded if more zoos would build mesh aviaries and leave birds unpinioned to do what comes naturally.
Any design plans to be had over the flamingoes?
Any design plans to be had over the flamingoes?
Not_a_Nautilus
Well-Known Member
I hate to come across like a jerk with a correction that has nothing to do with the subject at hand, but Ireland is most definitely not part of the UK. Gained independence after a bloody uprising nearly 100 years ago, after a long period of British rule that was not good for the Irish.
If you ever meet an Irish person in the flesh, do not make this mistake. They are almost guaranteed to take offence, especially especially since you seem to be English yourself (just going by your Location).
Kifaru Bwana said:
I don't know the specific design plans, no. Just that it will be a netted aviary, construction starting next year. The new sea lion exhibit is going to be built over the corner of the lake nearest to their current exhibit, I think the flamingos will go beside it.
I heard more details on the sea lion one: the plans are to use saltwater (the current exhibit uses fresh water), with a beach and caves for shelter and an underwater viewing area. It sounds pretty cool.
IanRRobinson
Well-Known Member
I can well imagine that Dublin has a fair amount of problems with native mammalian carnivores. For those who haven't been there, the Zoo is sited in Phoenix Park, which is huge. Its area encompasses 1,750 acres, making it one of the largest walled city parks in Europe. Plenty of space there to harbour Red Fox, Otter, and others!
My mistake of course and a bad one. Is 'British Isles' acceptable when trying to differentiate geographically(rather than politically) between Ireland and the rest of.....?
If they are going to use saltwater for the sealion pools, why not site a penguin area there too. Double whammy! (just an afterthought mind). 
