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ZSL Whipsnade Zoo Whipsnade 2014 #2
- Thread starter Nisha
- Start date
That is indeed good news.
I'm gutted that I missed seeing the calf though!
I was also at the Zoo yesterday, but somehow managed, unintentionally, to confine myself to "Africa" for the duration.Excellent news-now to get the American bison breeding....wait, I've just spotted a flying pig! When was the last time the wisent bred?
The introduction of the male ruffed lemur to the ringtail group seems to be going well, if a little noisy!
The introduction of the male ruffed lemur to the ringtail group seems to be going well, if a little noisy!
Some more info on the bison calf: this is the first born to one of the cows that arrived from Swedish stock last year. The last European bison calf born at Whipsnade was 18 years ago!
I'm glad to see they've restarted the breeding of an often overlooked species. Just a shame ZSL won't do anything with its American bison.
Also, a pair of buzzards are nesting in Wolf Wood!
I'm glad to see they've restarted the breeding of an often overlooked species. Just a shame ZSL won't do anything with its American bison.
Also, a pair of buzzards are nesting in Wolf Wood!
Absolutely! One of my my most vivid memories from my first visit to Whipsnade on 2nd June 1972 is of seeing European bison for the first time in the Woodfield Paddock, now home to the onagers. One cow was enjoying a vigorous dust-bath in a dry spot and I remember thinking how glad we both were that she was alive.
Alan
There's been some significant vegetation clearance in the wolf enclosure. Probably nothing more than general maintainence, but it looks better for it plus a wooden platform has also been put in. On first impressions, the wolves don't seem overly impressed-they've taken to hiding along the perimeter facing the bongo!
Very timid/nervous animals, and susceptible to any changes like that. Sounds like they are trying to get as far away as they can from the alterations. They will get used though.
Visited again yesterday, the wolves were much more visible, though most of the time they were asleep around the platform.
Saw 3 Thomsons gazelle out on the hardstanding, my first sighting since they arrived. Also the 3 Blesbok in the Roan house were easier to see than on previous visits.
Max was having great fun in the paddling pool and you may see the video on ITV news
I've got my trunks! Max the elephant makes the most of his new paddling pool | Anglia - ITV News
I've got my trunks! Max the elephant makes the most of his new paddling pool | Anglia - ITV News
Reticulated giraffe Ijuma has given birth to her second calf,believed to be a girl. Father is (or rather was) Uno.
Jordan-Jaguar97
Well-Known Member
A nice piece of news - also to note that the calf is female rather than another male which has been the case in a few of the recent births.
Great news, specially if its another female. This calf was fathered posthumously by 'Uno' who has since died and been replaced.
You are correct about the skew toward male births, and not just recently, in this group. The two latest may redress that now.
Panthera- can you give us a source or did you just see the new calf?
From ITV's THE ZOO series.
From ITV's 'THE ZOO' series last night;
I hadn't realised all three female Reticulated Giraffe at Whipsnade have given birth to female calves since last October. This must be something of a record for them, certainly all being female calves. The sad story of the loss of 'Ina's calf was fairly predictable given its leg deformity and the fact it doesn't appear to be there now. I also hadn't realised despite her age that she hasnt(?) bred before, as they said it was her first calf. She may not get pregnant again for a while either, being so tall the new young bull may not be able to mate her until he is larger.
The Indian Rhino mating was interesting too. I held my breath when the bull crashed to the ground after mating- I think the staff did too as he fell very heavily but fortunately he didn't appear hurt. Normally they just fall back onto all fours so I think he must have slipped.
Last night's bloop- at the Wattled Crane introductions, they mentioned 'already having one bird' before they ever mentioned what the species was. A bit sloppy after the Asian Lion inaccuracy last week.
Overall I enjoyed this episode most of the three.
From ITV's 'THE ZOO' series last night;
I hadn't realised all three female Reticulated Giraffe at Whipsnade have given birth to female calves since last October. This must be something of a record for them, certainly all being female calves. The sad story of the loss of 'Ina's calf was fairly predictable given its leg deformity and the fact it doesn't appear to be there now. I also hadn't realised despite her age that she hasnt(?) bred before, as they said it was her first calf. She may not get pregnant again for a while either, being so tall the new young bull may not be able to mate her until he is larger.
The Indian Rhino mating was interesting too. I held my breath when the bull crashed to the ground after mating- I think the staff did too as he fell very heavily but fortunately he didn't appear hurt. Normally they just fall back onto all fours so I think he must have slipped.
Last night's bloop- at the Wattled Crane introductions, they mentioned 'already having one bird' before they ever mentioned what the species was. A bit sloppy after the Asian Lion inaccuracy last week.
Overall I enjoyed this episode most of the three.
Visited again yesterday; the zoo was probably as busy as I have ever seen it. The day began with a 45 minute crawl for the last mile of the journey, which was a bit annoying.
As this was my 3rd visit in 4 weeks, not a lot new to report.
At the elephant talk it was said Azizah is due to give birth any day(let's hope for a female this time!).
Unusually, there was a female white rhino on the yard with the male and the other 4 females out in the paddock, I can't recall seeing anything other than the male alone on all my visits this year.
As this was my 3rd visit in 4 weeks, not a lot new to report.
At the elephant talk it was said Azizah is due to give birth any day(let's hope for a female this time!).
Unusually, there was a female white rhino on the yard with the male and the other 4 females out in the paddock, I can't recall seeing anything other than the male alone on all my visits this year.
Jordan-Jaguar97
Well-Known Member
It was also mentioned that these were the only ones in the UK, however I did see this species on Saturday at Hamerton.
Not the collection's fault of course, I think that it was just easier to describe than stating the other collection(s).
zoogiraffe
Well-Known Member
They also have a pair at Chester Zoo.It was also mentioned that these were the only ones in the UK, however I did see this species on Saturday at Hamerton.
Not the collection's fault of course, I think that it was just easier to describe than stating the other collection(s).