Watatunga Wildlife Reserve Watatunga Wildlife Reserve

Lafone said:
Yes said the same on the photo trip I was on. Great to see them arrive.
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I don't know if Watatunga's existing stag is also from HWP originally? Probably? If so he''ll be from the same group and so related to these females. But there are none elsewhere in UK -apart from maybe still one or two surplus HWP males at SDC- also from same group.
 
Pertinax said:
I don't know if Watatunga's existing stag is also from HWP originally? Probably? If so he''ll be from the same group and so related to these females. But there are none elsewhere in UK -apart from maybe still one or two surplus HWP males at SDC- also from same group.
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No idea. Be a shame if they are all related as that would preclude any breeding. Though good for them to be a herd.
 
Lafone said:
No idea. Be a shame if they are all related as that would preclude any breeding. Though good for them to be a herd.
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Doesn't preclude breeding. Many deer herds are inbred e.g. all Pere David's deer are descended from a tiny number- 9 or so animals, so they very inbred with no apparent harm. Watatunga obviously plan enlarging their White-lipped deer with this acquisition of females.
 
Pertinax said:
Doesn't preclude breeding. Many deer herds are inbred e.g. all Pere David's deer are descended from a tiny number- 9 or so animals, so they very inbred with no apparent harm. Watatunga obviously plan enlarging their White-lipped deer with this acquisition of females.
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Interesting and should have remembered about the pere David’s given Whipsnade’s inbred herd! Good to see them produce some white lipped deer if they can then.
 
Other 2023 News:

On February 17th, the reserve announced that a (0.0.1) blackbuck was born.

Welcome to the world little... - Watatunga Wildlife Reserve

On February 23rd, the reserve announced that a (0.0.1) Indian hog deer was born.

First a baby blackbuck... Now... - Watatunga Wildlife Reserve

On April 26th, the reserve announced that (0.0.2+?) European mouflons were born.

The latest of arrivals on the... - Watatunga Wildlife Reserve

On May 31st, the reserve announced that they acquired a (1.0) mountain bongo named Mtoto which is now on public display.

Watatunga welcomes back the... - Watatunga Wildlife Reserve

On June 10th, the reserve announced that a (0.0.1) Pere David's deer was born.

Every year we are blessed... - Watatunga Wildlife Reserve

On August 19th, the reserve announced they acquired a (1.0) Eurasian crane from the Pensthrope Nature Reserve in Fakenham.

Hattie is out! We were very lucky to welcome this handsome chap at the end of last month, thanks to our friends over at Pensthorpe This 15 year old... | By Watatunga Wildlife Reserve | Facebook
 
On November 10th, the reserve announced they transferred their female water buffaloes to another facility until spring 2024.

After much mayhem and minor... - Watatunga Wildlife Reserve

On November 15th, the reserve announced they moved their (1.0) roe deer named Mr. Bojangles back on display.

Welcome back Mr Bojangles! | Welcome back Mr Bojangles! Our resident Roe buck has returned to the reserve after a mini break off show whilst he was rutting. He may be small, but he... | By Watatunga Wildlife Reserve | Facebook
 
Smaggledagle said:
On November 10th, the reserve announced they transferred their female water buffaloes to another facility until spring 2024.

After much mayhem and minor... - Watatunga Wildlife Reserve

On November 15th, the reserve announced they moved their (1.0) roe deer named Mr. Bojangles back on display.

Welcome back Mr Bojangles! | Welcome back Mr Bojangles! Our resident Roe buck has returned to the reserve after a mini break off show whilst he was rutting. He may be small, but he... | By Watatunga Wildlife Reserve | Facebook
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Evidently a handraised male. They can be savage when in rut. Roe rut is normally in July but he's no doubt aggressive for some months/weeks either side of that.

Their FB page also carried a video of the White-lipped stag rutting- apparently the new females are with him so hopeful of two calves next spring/summer.
 
The latest Watatunga newsletter mentions they are going to donate their four year old female Nile lechwe who is the last female in the U.K. to Africa Alive where she can hopefully pair with their male. Watatunga are not in the EEP but are sending her to Africa Alive in the hope she breeds there.

They have a very handsome male at Africa Alive he’s great to watch, so hopefully the pairing will work out well and it will be great to have two on show there.

There’s also a link to the blog article about the move which is interesting

Watatunga -a Piece In The Puzzle - Watatunga | Holidays In Norfolk
 
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