Giraffe subspecies at Singapore Zoo?

[Thatzookeeperguy]

Hi guys

Was just wondering if anybody knows what subspecies of giraffe are on display at Singapore Zoo. Whent there in May and cannot figure out what species they were.

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

Hi guys

Was just wondering if anybody knows what subspecies of giraffe are on display at Singapore Zoo. Whent there in May and cannot figure out what species they were.

They have South African giraffa in a breeding group.

On top: they hold a purebred Rothschild's ex Europe.

 

[Zooish]

The breeding group of pure South African giraffes at Night Safari is down to one individual. The Zoo's breeding group consists of 2 South African females, 1 Rothchild's male and their offspring of 1 hybrid male.

 

[zooboy28]

So there is just one giraffe left at Night Safari? Any importation plans?

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

The breeding group of pure South African giraffes at Night Safari is down to one individual. The Zoo's breeding group consists of 2 South African females, 1 Rothchild's male and their offspring of 1 hybrid male.

What an absolute bummer. We know they are now producing hybrids. It makes no conservation sense whatsoever.

Incidentally, for South African giraffa it ain't that damn difficult to get South Africans even from within the SEAZA region (most Thai zoos f.i. got their giraffes from South Africa ..).

The male Rothschild's male would be welcome elsewhere and could be of better use too than in Singapore.

 

[Zooish]

@zooboy28 I haven't heard of any plans, but it's safe to assume giraffes won't be phased out any time soon.

@Kifaru Bwana Indeed, the decision to breed hybrids is disappointing. But I understand the Zoo male Rothchild's bloodline is over-represented. You would think it would be easy to get giraffes from the neighbours, but it never happens! All of WRS' giraffe imports have come from faraway places.