Planckendael Planckendael News 2023

[Perseus6]

So I visited today, and I have some updates.
Africa:
The Dorcas gazelles will get an additional female. They will also get an additional male. The old male would be moved to the Giraffe perk.
Rhim gazelle Safira will get sterilized and join the Dorcas gazelles.
2 Ostriches(female) of a rare sub species would join as well. They would arrive in the next few months and stay in the stable until they have their own stable build. More like a shed since it doesn't need to be heated and so on so simple project. (Rare sub species is iffy)
Hadj will need a new zoo, or options will be explored for welfare reasons.
Yafar one of the bongo young is actually from another male, so his mother arrived pregnant. This opens options of keeping him perhaps.
The grevy zebras will on a longer timescale get a new male since the old one died. The new male should arrive from a French zoo. However this will all depend on the addaxes as well.
Oceania:
I heard the Tasmanian Devils are not allowed to breed, only Copenhagen is allowed to breed. (No clue as to how valid the info is)
America:
The bushdogs should get a new female, but....
Flamingos seemed to have more chicks then previously posted.
I'm not allowed to say, however if you intend to visit you should check out the Golden-headed lion tamarin. More news will certainly follow.
I heard a rumor that if the Wapitis would die, they might build a bear enclosure or wolf enclosure. But that would be in like 20 years or whatever so we'll see.
Asia:
The gibbon male should arrive in about 2 weeks.
Viana the Indian rhinoceros will leave the 1st of November(unless it get's delayed).
Piia the Red panda past away. They're looking for a new female for the male Sumac.
The Visayan warty pig brothers born Yvar and Yemi would probably join their older brother Vladimir in the Indian rhinoceros enclosure. Barring the introduction goes well.
I heard a rumor that female lion Lorena would already be pregnant and would deliver relatively soon. They would not vaccinate the young this time, or delay it until the cubs are independent of their mother.

 

[KevinB]

America:
The bushdogs should get a new female, but....
Flamingos seemed to have more chicks then previously posted.
I'm not allowed to say, however if you intend to visit you should check out the Golden-headed lion tamarin. More news will certainly follow.
I heard a rumor that if the Wapitis would die, they might build a bear enclosure or wolf enclosure. But that would be in like 20 years or whatever so we'll see.

In the previous posts I believe I at least mentioned the American flamingos having seven chicks, and only one Chilean having hatched at that time. However when I visited yesterday I also noticed quite a few more younger chicks, and while I didn't count them, I think the Chileans also had at least seven chicks this year. In any case a good flamingo breeding year, which was welcome after a couple of years with no chicks.

With regards to the wapitis, aren't they relatively old though? I noticed there only being three the last couple of months, and that the skinniest and oldest looking individual with some cataract in the eyes, still present early this year, doesn't seem to be there anymore. They also still have a nice American bison herd in that exhibit, but they also haven't bred in years, so while I guess redeveloping that exhibit might not happen in the short term, I would think 20 years seems a bit long. Personally I have thought that this space could make a nice set of exhibits for spectacled bears, and that would be something I would welcome. Given Planckendael's American area is already mostly South American anyway, I think they should continue down that road.

I didn't notice anything unusual in the South American monkey exhibit yesterday, but now I'm afraid I probably didn't pay close enough attention to that exhibit this time. In any case, I hope we'll soon find out the news.

 

[Perseus6]

In the previous posts I believe I at least mentioned the American flamingos having seven chicks, and only one Chilean having hatched at that time. However when I visited yesterday I also noticed quite a few more younger chicks, and while I didn't count them, I think the Chileans also had at least seven chicks this year. In any case a good flamingo breeding year, which was welcome after a couple of years with no chicks.

With regards to the wapitis, aren't they relatively old though? I noticed there only being three the last couple of months, and that the skinniest and oldest looking individual with some cataract in the eyes, still present early this year, doesn't seem to be there anymore. They also still have a nice American bison herd in that exhibit, but they also haven't bred in years, so while I guess redeveloping that exhibit might not happen in the short term, I would think 20 years seems a bit long. Personally I have thought that this space could make a nice set of exhibits for spectacled bears, and that would be something I would welcome. Given Planckendael's American area is already mostly South American anyway, I think they should continue down that road.

I didn't notice anything unusual in the South American monkey exhibit yesterday, but now I'm afraid I probably didn't pay close enough attention to that exhibit this time. In any case, I hope we'll soon find out the news.

I counted more then

According to a recent Instagram post 9 American flamingos and 5 Chilean flamingos have hatched.

Instagram of Zoo Planckendael (10/08/2023)

Chilean seemed accurate I think I counted more American flamingo chicks.
Possibly 20 years is to long, just tried to convey the longevity. And with the next few projects announced and financial turmoil I wouldn't want to estimate shortly. The bison herd is not cleared to breed anymore.
The news happened today I think you were unlucky. But I can't say more!

 

[Valvas]

2 Ostriches(female) of a rare sub species would join as well. They would arrive in the next few months and stay in the stable until they have their own stable build. More like a shed since it doesn't need to be heated and so on so simple project. (Rare sub species is iffy)

It seems probable to me that the "rare subspecies" they are talking about will be the North African red-necked ostrich.

I heard the Tasmanian Devils are not allowed to breed, only Copenhagen is allowed to breed. (No clue as to how valid the info is)

I've heard the same information from keepers, so I suspect it is probably right. Press releases from Planckendael have also stated that the new Tasmanian devils are there for "educational purposes".

I heard a rumor that if the Wapitis would die, they might build a bear enclosure or wolf enclosure. But that would be in like 20 years or whatever so we'll see.

There have been similar rumours in the past, but given the timeframe it's probably not yet a concrete plan. Time will tell, but for now it doesn't seem high on the priority list.

 

[Maguari]

I heard the Tasmanian Devils are not allowed to breed, only Copenhagen is allowed to breed. (No clue as to how valid the info is)

This has been the case for a while - the European holdings in general are intended as surplus holding to allow Australian zoos more space for breeding animals (with of course an educational purpose as well) - so if Europe were breeding animals of their own this wouldn't work. The reason the Copenhagen animals are different is because they were a political gift linked to the marriage of an Australian into the Danish royal family I believe, so outside of that system.

 

[KevinB]

Two more Golden-headed lion tamarins were born at Planckendael, it will be a couple of months before it will be known whether they are male or female.

Twee keer hoera: bij onze goudkopleeuwaapjes in ZOO Planckendael zijn er twee jongen geboren! Moeder Matty en vader Pablo verwelkomen zo na Xanto,... | By ZOO Planckendael | Facebook

 

[Perseus6]

Two more Golden-headed lion tamarins were born at Planckendael, it will be a couple of months before it will be known whether they are male or female.

Twee keer hoera: bij onze goudkopleeuwaapjes in ZOO Planckendael zijn er twee jongen geboren! Moeder Matty en vader Pablo verwelkomen zo na Xanto,... | By ZOO Planckendael | Facebook

That and the name of the older young was the news I got lucky and was there on the day they were born.

 

[Haliaeetus]

Planckendael has unfortunately lost its last South-Eastern Short-Beaked Echidna.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx8eD7aNymSAHOgfpDM0Bfzd__AbsJ5sfsu1o40/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

 

[Rensrobert]

Planckendaels rarities slowly disappearing

 

[KevinB]

Planckendael has unfortunately lost its last South-Eastern Short-Beaked Echidna.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx8eD7aNymSAHOgfpDM0Bfzd__AbsJ5sfsu1o40/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

I was at Planckendael today, according to signage the animal died on September 25th. Not that is was ever a conspicuous animal by any means, but still a bit sad to see an animal go that you have seen for so many years.

Planckendaels rarities slowly disappearing

Not all of them are gone, and they still have an interesting collection. In this case it was sadly an unavoidable matter of time.

Personally I just hope they find something interesting to do with the Australian small mammal house. I think the location would be good to build a new exhibit for something like bettongs and/or possums, or an aviary to house something like small Australian parrots or kookaburras.

Some notes and developments from my visit today. I have added some pictures below and will added the remaining images to the next post.

• They have started installing the light sculptures for the "Dragons and Unicorns" light festival starting October 27th. I've never been a huge fan of these light festivals but this year I like the sculptures even less than in previous years.
• Indian rhinoceroses Karamat and Vaiana seem to have been separated, I saw Vaiana in the female rhinoceros paddock while Karamat was on was is normally the male side. I did not see the bull Gujarat.
• Î observed the red panda climbing, surprising to see just how well they climb and how thin branches they can climb on and use to move between different trees.
• Asian elephant bull Kanvar is currently in with the female herd.
• The train tracks between the Demoiselle crane/Peafowl aviary and the Asiatic lion exhibit have been replaced by a normal dark gravel walkway.
• Construction on the viewing area on top of the Sulawesi crested macaque house that was taken into use earlier this year is continuing, they are currently building the access stairs and railings.
• The boardwalk in front of the Australian terrarium house is being renovated, the water level of the pond in the Australia has been lowered for that reason, resulting in there currently not being water in the creek in the Australian waterfront aviary, the cassowary moat or the adventure route area. I didn't see any evidence for anything being done on the terrarium house itself, but that would be quite welcome. Because of this renovation the walkway in the Australian area is currently split into two dead-ended sections where one has to return the same way you came. Aside from the terrariums all animals are visible though.
• In the South American area I saw some construction materials near the old aviaries and what looked like possible aviary frames near the petting zoo area. Not sure if it means anything.
• Managed to see the golden-headed lion tamarins with the new babies.
• In the South American area the beach area with the Inca tern nesting boxes is being worked on, although it isn't clear to me exactly what is being done. The beach area was being dug up and worked on with a small excavator.

 

[KevinB]

Second portion of the accompanying images.

 

[MennoPebesma]

This morning before the zoo opened, the hyenas were able to escape briefly. A large dead tree had fallen on the fence over which the animals were able to escape. The keepers were able to quickly locate the animals and due to the good trust relationship, the animals were able to quickly and safely return to their enclosure.

Source: Facebook ZOO Planckendael

 

[Perseus6]

So I visited Planckendael yesterday some updates:
Africa:

• Rhim gazelle Shafira is on show again joining the Dorcas gazelle. She got sterilized to join them to not risk hybridization.
• The Dorcas gazelle females got pregnant again. The male offspring Yoomi and his father Carlos the breeding male got moved to the Giraffe paddock. The giraffe paddock will house a bachelor group for the Dorcas gazelles and the Mohr Gazelles. Breeding male got moved as to not have offspring with his daughter.
• The red necked ostriches arrived. They now house 2 females behind the scenes picture below.
• Arabian Oryx Hadj has been euthanized. Planckendael no longer holds the species.
• The new Zebra stallion arrived he's a little small and likes to join the Adaxxes.
• The giraffes will get a new female early next year.
• Hyana cubs Xena and Xavannah will probably leave since their father Bongo was imported from Singapore.

America:

• New Darwins Nandoes have arrived.
• Next year perhaps some new Humbolt Penguins will join.
• The new bushdogg female should arrive, it was signed that due to the introduction no animals would be on show. However for whatever reason the female still isn't there.

Asia:

• Indian Rhino Viana's transport to Peru went well. It took 3 days with connecting flights, so she was tired at the end. She now has to stay in quarantine her quarantine enclosure was finished and good her real enclosure was still being constructed. Local keepers were receptive towards tips and instructions.
  I heard that apparently the new Rhino enclosure that would be build after the Vennekoer( distribution center of food) on the site of the Przewalski's horses, Cammels and Wisents would be finished in 2025. However this seems unrealistically quick.
• The snow leopards are allowed to breed this year the male Kiyan and female Diem get along well. So observing them in Januari-Februari could be interesting.
• The lions Jari and Lorenna had 2 cubs again. They were outside the 7th for the first time. They were also filming their 'first' trip outside on my visit and interviewing the keeper. This would be shown in the media or on socials whenever. The cubs are 2 months old. They have been exempt from vaccination. The plan is for the vet to dart the vaccination when the cubs are around 6 moths old. Gender is unknown. If people want to attempt to spot the cubs I recommend you visit around noon between 12:30-14:00 the cubs will only get outside time for 15-30 minutes. Depending on the weather so it's also a bit of luck. Personally I didn't spot them was to early and then to late.
• May tagu has breeded with Kanvar while in cycle. The fecal samples will be sent into Chester for examination. Kai mook will enter cycle soon, hopefully both will be pregnant.
• Red panda Sumac will get a female somewhere next year. I have a video of the training if people want it Dm me it's cute.
• Visayan warty piggs plans are still not concrete as to what will happen with the offspring.
• A hornbill joined the aviary with the Beo and Victoria Crowned pigeons.
• Gibbon didn't seem to arrive yet.
• They were working on the roof of the Sulawesi macaque enclosure.

Europe:

• Badger Schilleke past away, she had issues with her spleen apparently however it was also probably age related.

Oceania:

• The Echidna that passed away was just old age, autopsy showed everything was deteriorated as we say in dutch he was just empty.
• The echidna enclosure will be added to the Tasmanian devil perk. Sadly no new wombat or Echidna. Unless plans change.
• The Koala female that will be imported will not be from the US, apparently the female will be from Edinburgh which also counts as import. No date has been given for the move.

 

[GalenMarek]

• The lions Jari and Lorenna had 2 cubs again. They were outside the 7th for the first time. They were also filming their 'first' trip outside on my visit and interviewing the keeper. This would be shown in the media or on socials whenever. The cubs are 2 months old. They have been exempt from vaccination. The plan is for the vet to dart the vaccination when the cubs are around 6 moths old. Gender is unknown. If people want to attempt to spot the cubs I recommend you visit around noon between 12:30-14:00 the cubs will only get outside time for 15-30 minutes. Depending on the weather so it's also a bit of luck. Personally I didn't spot them was to early and then to late.

The Zoo made the official announcement earlier today
The two cubs were born on the 4th of October.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1068647764270370