I’m assuming that this is positive for the zoo, for it may mean we are possibly getting a new family troop.
I wonder what the future of gorillas in Milwaukee will be
Well scratch that positive for the zoo, it looks like we are becoming a bachelor troop... kinda disappointing to here. When’s the zoo going to have the facilities to become more of a breeding zoo instead of a “bachelor group” or a geriatric facility.
Maybe they'll save the gorillas until after Adventure Africa's rhino phase is complete.
I wouldn't necessarily write this off as an immediate negative thing for the zoo. It's unfortunate that the zoo won't have a family troop for a while, but if you think about it, we haven't really had a family group since Zahra left after her parents passed. "The Zoo will work with the SSP for future recommendations of additional gorillas at MCZ in the coming months." so it may take some time, but there's still chances that we'll build a new family troop at some point.
I would expect that
The reason why I am disappointed at the moment in time with the Milwaukee loosing the female silverbacks, is that it sounded like the SSP is saying MKE is going to become a bachelor troop institution, especially because our males are not recommended to breed. I realize that the zoo is working with the SSP on creating a new troop and there is more at play than I may realize, but overall it seems that Milwaukee is not on the forefront on breeding many (larger) species as it once was. Not saying that's a bad thing, but it is disappointing when putting into perspective of Milwaukee's rich history and contribution to the genetic pool.
), and soon other cats followed; since then we’ve also had harbor seal pups, camels, tree kangaroo joeys, a breeding giraffe herd, two red panda cubs, among others. Additionally, some species, both new and returning, have been brought in since that time like red river hog, yellow-backed duiker, crowned crane, potto, chevrotain, gila monster, and ostrich. This said, I do agree that, and I’ve heard some others mention it, Milwaukee’s collection is quite geriatric and could use further life injected into it. It seems to be turning around in my view, and with all these recent additions and births, this may also explain my thoughts above.
I was not aware they wanted to do duiker breedingInteresting - I was thinking Milwaukee had just about started turning around in terms of breeding programs. To me, it seemed to start when the tiger cubs were born in 2009 (has it been that long already?!
As for AA species: I’ve heard there are plans to get male bongo and duiker; and a bull rhino will be coming to breed with Jozi. Lastly, I agree that the Zoo does seem to be missing out on its fullest potential. Education doesn’t seem to be an issue, and conservation is slowly becoming more present, but where I feel that the new life and energy can be better implemented is the presentation - arguably the key component. This is most evident in the advertising, some of the recent renovations (like gorillas and red pandas), and even parts of Adventure Africa. The potential is there; it has come out in bits; it just needs to be fully released and with resources well-utilized.
By the way - so jealous you got to Omaha!
If there’s any hippo breeding that takes place, it would be with new animals because male Happy and female Patti don’t like each other. Either Happy breeding with new females or a new breeding pod would work.
After Adventure Africa I believe they're doing Alaskas Cold Coast
After AA is the front entrance remodel
I would not read anything in it really.