Is this really worth asking at this stage? There’s nothing to suggest Tapir are coming to the collection, nor any rumours this is the case It’s just speculation from this forum.
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo ZSL Whipsnade Zoo News 2025
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Is this really worth asking at this stage? There’s nothing to suggest Tapir are coming to the collection, nor any rumours this is the case It’s just speculation from this forum.
cerperal
Well-Known Member
Ideally if there's any information they can share about the future of the species at the zoo, and if they were still considered a phase out species by ZSL
Rajang-GOAT
Well-Known Member
Maybe not, but it is logical (maybe even for casual visitors) that a non breeding sibling pair of Capybaras won't exactly fill up the hippo outdoor space that is over 3,000m2 and contains a pair of very large pools (I can only imagine larger than Capybara require). Surely it is worth a try to inquire if they are going to get the most out of an exhibit like this one?
This is a fair point, but it hinges on the capybara going into the hippo enclosure in the first place. Might be worth asking if this is where they’re going, first!
Rajang-GOAT
Well-Known Member
I agree, hence why I added to my original statement:
Anyway from what I've heard there's good reason to believe that it is the plan.
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I used to work at a zoo that had multiple zebra and prezwalski horse births during my time there. From memory nearly all births were at night but we routinely sexed the foals sooner after. There is no mistaking colt foals.
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I did wonder how would it go with one lone African hunting dogs being introduced to females.. is it likely to have the same issue as before the fighting and deaths.. or does this way work better being they are coming into his territory and so he can be more dominant and the females more submissive! but it also sounded like the two hunting dogs that were at Whipsnade are no more so i can’t think of what London zoo will do now!
I would imagine IF the capys are going in the hippo area they would go into one of the smaller enclosures currently used by the pygmy hippo, with the pygmy hippo moving into the vacant common hippo enclosure, to me that would be the logical thing to do.
Rajang-GOAT
Well-Known Member
I'm not sure how logical it would be. Pygmy hippo are a forest dwelling species and their current outdoor enclosures have quite a good amount of coverage, which isn't quite true to the same extent for the Common hippo paddocks (especially the smaller one). Additionally, the current pygmy paddocks are both of a decent size, and I don't imagine space is an issue especially with only one individual of the species present at the zoo.
Dr. Loxodonta
Well-Known Member
News which appears not to have been mentioned:
- Apparently the two remaining female gaur (sisters) at Whipsnade are part of the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme, so they are not being phased out anytime soon. Despite this, quoting EAZA, “the main goal of the EEP will be to phase out this species.” ZSL’s initial plan was to receive more male guar, but currently there are not any plans with the current guar to be moved or phased out. It seems that for now they are staying, and eventually might start up a new captive herd (hopefully).
- Ricco the male babirusa passed away a few weeks ago (written on 19th April) from heart failure, leaving just 1 babirusa, his brother. There is a possibility that a female may be moved over, but currently he seems fine by himself.
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I did wonder if this was the case as have only seen 1 the last few visits, it would be good to have a breeding pair.
I half-gleaned this a few weeks ago based on a keeper saying 'he's in the house' as in singular.
Very different definitions of the word disgraceful…
Dr. Loxodonta
Well-Known Member
I understand that it is a sad decision and you have your opinions, but at the end of the day, we are talking about ZSL. Protesting about something such as this decision is frankly unnecessary, especially when Hodor and Lola are being relocated to Longleat, where they'll have access to far more space. In the end, the benefits of this transition far outweigh the drawbacks. ZSL is making this decision in the best interest of the animals, and I for one trust their decision. The hippos are an iconic species as you say, but aren’t so many others which have since moved on?
I don't agree with you sorry, I will leave it there
Explain what you mean by this please?
Went to the zoo today, primarily for the bongo talk as part of World Bongo Day, and learned quite a bit:
- Kora is two years old (birthday 30th Jan) so could in theory conceive a calf this year, although no rush
- They intend to introduce Kora and Pembe to each other in the paddock in the coming weeks
- The two male sitatunga are castrated
- There is a possibility of two more female bongos joining, although they're in Europe and 'blue tongue' is making it essentially impossible to transport hoofstock at the moment
- The baby gemsbok is a female, called Brie; it's been decided that future gemsbok will be named after cheese!
- Blesbok will be named after biscuits
- There is a new baby blesbok, currently confined to the house as the male blesbok kept chasing it - we caught a glimpse of it very briefly, more the movement of 'something' than seeing it properly
- If you've ever wondered how they call the zebras in from the field - it's by ringing a massive bell
- As mentioned on socials yesterday, the zoo is hand-rearing 2 African Grey parrots, which will join the birdshow in the fullness of time (mentioned at the bird show today)
Dr. Loxodonta
Well-Known Member
Bluetongue is a disease caused by infection with bluetongue virus. Bluetongue virus is mainly spread by biting midges. This would make sense as it affects sheep, cattle, and other ruminants. It does not affect people or food safety, but outbreaks can result in prolonged animal movement annoyingly.