Well, an update is overdue. And there is quite a number of relevant news:
1) A male gerenuk died, so there are 3,3 gerenuks in Berlin now (1,3 in Berlin Tierpark and 2,0 in Berlin Zoo). This really isn't fun. I still remember how thrilled I was, when this species first arrived and each time there has been a birth. This enthusiasm has siginificantly suffered since then, though.
2) But there is also good news from the Africa zone: After the birth of a giraffe bull on June 24th, a little giraffe cow was born this last Sunday (August 11th). And apparently, they are still expecting a third birth. I think this will be a nice scene to watch.
3) It seems like they are preparing to put up the new roof on the elephant building. A couple of years ago I had the chance to speak with a (then) leading engineer or at least construction planner at the construction site who explained me how crucial this part is for the whole building process.
4) Some bad news again: A deceased Mitchell's lorikeet has been diagnosed with West Nile virus. The other 4 specimen also died and are presently being examined. So another blow against the bird section of the park (and they already seem less and less willing to put up with the various struggles like various predators or bird flue.
5) More births:
- There finally has been a birth at the Somali Wild Asses after some 8 years.
- There also have been 2 births at the Eastern Kiangs (the group has just received 0,2 specimen from Munich so the last remaining German herd is expanding).
- The black or Sulawesi crested macaques also have an offspring. After the little Sulawesi Babirusa it already is the second bith on the new exhibit. Unfortunately, one of the Asian small clawed otters died (possibly in a fight with the macaques?) but it already got replaced.
- The Rocky Mountains Goats have a little male.
- Three Thomson's Gazelles and an Addra Gazelle are being raised by staff behind the scenes