Taronga Western Plains Zoo TWPZ Updates
- Thread starter Jarkari
- Start date
Phoenix Whipsnade have a good sized herd in a smaller open range zoo than we have so I would be surprised if size was an issue?
Whipsnade's are not really a 'herd'. There is a bull (not the father of the two calves) two cows and two calves. Although the two females grew up together, since they bred the two cows and calves now seem to be always kept apart.
The 'Rhinos of Nepal' exhibit comprises the new indoor house, 3 large stalls with heated bathing moats, leading to the two large outdoor paddocks, each used by one female and her calf. The smaller of these two paddocks also connects to the primitive old building and yards which even now, still seem used most of the time. The bull 'Hugo' (not of Nepalese origin) currently appears to be kept in the old original paddock and part of this house. My guess is this is because while there is a third stall available in the new house, while they are split like this there is currently no paddock for him- unless they divided the bigger one in two. Its not a very satisfactory arrangement really.
So you can see even with just 1.2 (+2 calves) animals, there is a lot of seperate accomodation needed, at least in this case. Most other city zoos in Europe which keep Indian rhino also normally work on the 1.1 or 1.2 basis too. But as we've discussed before, San Diego WAP really do have a big 'herd' though I am not sure if their husbandry differs a lot from Whipsnade.
But it seems to me the open air Western Plains Zoo would be well set up to accomodate several Indian Rhinos in the longterm future e.g. if/when they start breeding. Indian rhinos are not really difficult to breed. What you need are compatable mature animals, and most important, masses of space for introductions and courtship behaviour to take place smoothly. If they can breed successfully in cold European zoos, I'm sure they will in Australia's climate...
For a relevant exercise one would have had to calculate available spaces. In the EEP/EAZA programme the recommended pairing for larger zoos is 1.2, which given the current developing population is only reached in some.
Whipsnade, in actuality have 1.2 adults, 0.1 sub-adult and 1.1 immature.
The set-up will shift soonish ...
In ARAZPA terms: TWPZ has declared 2.2 Indian spaces, about 13-14 blacks and about 10-12 whites.
What other zoos in ARAZPA region have declared in terms of rhino spaces ... needs clarification.
As I observed before, ARAZPA zoos - on their own - will never be able to achieve full conservation breeding status given the low no. of zoos where exotics and current Biosecurity policies are concerned. IMO it would require a collective policy statement on behalf of the first and foremost ARAZPA zoos to concentrate on particular exotic species - endangered and non-threatened - and biogeographic regions only if you want to have some meaningful conservation breeding programmes at all. That should go all the way to the wire on free imports/exports of those relevant species and ARAZPA zoos then need to stick as a team to those choice species.
Whipsnade, in actuality have 1.2 adults, 0.1 sub-adult and 1.1 immature.
The set-up will shift soonish ...
In ARAZPA terms: TWPZ has declared 2.2 Indian spaces, about 13-14 blacks and about 10-12 whites.
What other zoos in ARAZPA region have declared in terms of rhino spaces ... needs clarification.
As I observed before, ARAZPA zoos - on their own - will never be able to achieve full conservation breeding status given the low no. of zoos where exotics and current Biosecurity policies are concerned. IMO it would require a collective policy statement on behalf of the first and foremost ARAZPA zoos to concentrate on particular exotic species - endangered and non-threatened - and biogeographic regions only if you want to have some meaningful conservation breeding programmes at all. That should go all the way to the wire on free imports/exports of those relevant species and ARAZPA zoos then need to stick as a team to those choice species.
Where has the 0.1 subdult come from? Is it 'Baatschi' from Chester, or a fresh import?
Where has the 0.1 subdult come from? Is it 'Baatschi' from Chester, or a fresh import?
Re: Whipsnade.
I replied to this query in the latest Whipsnade thread.
(to keep this thread on track).
Re: WPZ
I do not expect any Indian rhino calf before 2011/12.
When is the black rhino due?
Very shortly but not sure its within the next month
Is Unami the breeding male now? and is he from Monato? (when did he arrive?)
Also is Kitoto a male or female. Thanks for the info Jarkari.
Where is she from?
Oklahoma Zoo via quarentine in LA. She arrived in July 09 as a mate for Japan born Dora.
Dubbo Update:
A female black rhino calf has been born at Dubbo to F1 cow Bakhita (b. 2002). It is the first one for many years .....
Another black rhino cow has been mated, no confirmation of pregnancy yet though ....
Looking better than for a few years ago.
(This rhino boffin is over the moon!)
A female black rhino calf has been born at Dubbo to F1 cow Bakhita (b. 2002). It is the first one for many years .....
Another black rhino cow has been mated, no confirmation of pregnancy yet though ....
Looking better than for a few years ago.
(This rhino boffin is over the moon!)
