ZOO Dvůr Králové Northern White Rhino's return to Africa

There are some indications that the younger pairing (with F Fatu) is showing some promise towards breeding. The older pairing (with F Najin) is not working as yet to what one would hope for ...
 
I watched the programme, it was fascinating to watch but I felt that there was a definite, if somewhat subtle, anti-zoo agenda.
 
I watched the programme, it was fascinating to watch but I felt that there was a definite, if somewhat subtle, anti-zoo agenda.

Indeed. I would call that ignorance mixed with arrogance.

Ignorance:
Dvur is one of the best zoos in terms of rhino breeding. They - in fact - have been the only zoo to ever breed the northern white species at a time when very little re. white rhino socio-reproductive behaviour and ecology was known (coupled with the very fact that only some 20-25 individuals have ever been imported into zoos).

Arrogance:
Dvur tried every step in the book to improve breeding success, both at their own zoo and overseas (even San Diego did not get the 0.2 Dvur individuals sent out there to breed). They have also tried on 2 occassions to have the Dvur stock integrated with some Garamba rhinos in Kenya. Alas, the major stumbling block then was the Congolese govt. In the end they went against all zoo-traditionalists in sending back the northern whites to Kenya.

I do think the whole docu is not portraying truthfully on Dvur's record.
 
Definitely. The programme gave the subtle impression that Dvůr Králové had little role in the return; it was almost portrayed as a rescue from a grey and cold Czech zoo (which they repeatedly referred to as Prague) that was mistreating the animals.

But it isn't surprising, when have the media ever allowed the facts to get in the way of a good story?
 
I did enjoy the programme and think in general it is good thing that is being done.Though sometimes the ignorance/arrogance was hard to hide. I enjoyed looking out for the contradictions. Highlighting certain negative aspects whilst at the same time sometimes (almost painfulling) having to concede credit.

How well have all the other conservation related groups done in maintaining the wild population? What has happened to the world's wild northern white rhino?

Dvur's ability to hold and breed an admittedly very small population was one of the few bits of good news to have happened for northern white rhinos in any situation during the 20th century.
 
Truly, to mistake Praha for Dvůr Králové just goes to show that the 2 individuals I do respect do not seem to have any respect for anything behind the Iron Curtain (excuse the wording but I did get that sense oowwh these people from Eastern Europe). MC and SF ..., for what it is worth it has come down a long long time ago. And for what it is worth as well: the Czech Republic has a long and well founded tradition in zoo keeping and maintenance that would be the envy of many a western European state.

To put the nails finally down: did you care to notice a highly trained Dvůr rhino keeper coax his charges out of the crates. Now, that is what I call a man who knows his tools from the bread and butter nation. Sheer behavioural engineering and conditioning trained and trusted over the years .... :cool:
 
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