ZSL Whipsnade Zoo ZSL Whipsnade Zoo News 2025
- Thread starter Lafone
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Very grey visit up at the zoo this afternoon but still managed to see a fair bit!
Anna the Tapir remained elusive but got good views of the Red Pandas (Not cub sadly), Cheetah and Banteng. We did witness a fraca betwen the Warty Pigs which we were able to report to a nearby keeper so that put my mind at ease.
On the way into the PTA, I think the deer holding area, I saw another Scimitar Horned Oryx so perhaps it will eventually join the current herd.
I am probably being stupid but I thought there were four Gemsbok? I saw five so has another joined the group?
Anna the Tapir remained elusive but got good views of the Red Pandas (Not cub sadly), Cheetah and Banteng. We did witness a fraca betwen the Warty Pigs which we were able to report to a nearby keeper so that put my mind at ease.
On the way into the PTA, I think the deer holding area, I saw another Scimitar Horned Oryx so perhaps it will eventually join the current herd.
I am probably being stupid but I thought there were four Gemsbok? I saw five so has another joined the group?
ItsZach
Well-Known Member
They had a calf earlier this year
They had a calf earlier this year
Ah I knew there was one calf (obviously a lot older now), that’s cool. I obviously didn’t look last time!
She's called Brie, has a pink tag in her left ear and is still a little bit smaller than the others.
It's actually incredible how quickly she's become just like the adults in terms of looks.
Ah yes Brie! I do remember now. Yeah I think the fact they all looked like adults confused me
My OH is very into the gemsboks so she is a regular visit for us!
Did you happen to see if the blesbok was still in the field the zebra stallion was previously in? Or if the new zebra mare was out?
They are beautiful animals, great to see the herd growing!
I didn’t see the zebras today but there was a Blesbok in the old musk ox paddock (zebra stallion paddock)
There's 3, 2 adult females and a young male (about 4 months old)
Charles
Well-Known Member
I don't know if they would want to give them up but possibly Dayo or Tico from BZP, i know Dayo is from Holland or Germany but unsure if either of them are related to any of Whipsnade's herd
I think generally speaking most zoos that hold bachelor groups(or breeders for that matter) of whatever species are 'tenants' of the animals, and if the EEP for that species requests a move, the zoo has to comply. Usually an arrangement will be made whereby a replacement is made available though. Of course a zoo could argue on specific grounds, e.g. a welfare issue, against such a move.
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Animals which are managed as part of a programme, are subject yo Revommendations from the programme manager/ studbook holder. Whilst most zoos will try to comply with recommendations, they ate not obliged to do so. And as you say, there are a number ofvreasons they may choose not to, some reasons are better than others and may be purely selfish. If a zoo refuses to vomply on enough occasions or eith enough species, there is potential for sanctions from EAZA but both these eventualities are uncommon
From the Annual Report:
A new landscape for Whipsnade’s elephant herd
Whipsnade Zoo is set to begin significant developments to its elephant habitat. The initial phase will focus on enhancing spaces for Ming Jung, our bull elephant, before beginning work on an even more complex and enriching environment for our herd of Asian elephants. Key features of this development are expected to include a large, deep pool, capable of accommodating our entire herd, and access to woodland intended to evoke the natural forest environments found in Asia. The improved habitat will also enhance the experience for Zoo visitors, encouraging them to observe elephant behaviour in new ways and to learn about the challenges faced by Asian elephants, as well as our ongoing conservation work in countries like Thailand.
I suppose this is prompted by the new legislation, but sounds like an excellent project.
A new landscape for Whipsnade’s elephant herd
Whipsnade Zoo is set to begin significant developments to its elephant habitat. The initial phase will focus on enhancing spaces for Ming Jung, our bull elephant, before beginning work on an even more complex and enriching environment for our herd of Asian elephants. Key features of this development are expected to include a large, deep pool, capable of accommodating our entire herd, and access to woodland intended to evoke the natural forest environments found in Asia. The improved habitat will also enhance the experience for Zoo visitors, encouraging them to observe elephant behaviour in new ways and to learn about the challenges faced by Asian elephants, as well as our ongoing conservation work in countries like Thailand.
I suppose this is prompted by the new legislation, but sounds like an excellent project.
ZSL has now released its Annual Report. Of note, 2 significant upcoming developments for Whipsnade:
An overhaul of the elephant section, with significant improvements for the bull paddock, increasing the pool so that it can incorporate the entire herd, and incorporating access to woodland.
The development of a National Centre for British Species Recovery. The centre will prioritise breeding of key species such as Hazel dormouse, water vole and Red-Backed shrike.
An overhaul of the elephant section, with significant improvements for the bull paddock, increasing the pool so that it can incorporate the entire herd, and incorporating access to woodland.
The development of a National Centre for British Species Recovery. The centre will prioritise breeding of key species such as Hazel dormouse, water vole and Red-Backed shrike.
Dr. Loxodonta
Well-Known Member
Well this certainly is a positive development, it’ll be great for the herd. However, where is there woodland area near the current enclosure. Could it be located on the other side of the railway line, perhaps?
Joker22Hero
Well-Known Member
Exciting! Where can I find the annual report? Can only find the 23/24 one on the website
Normally it would be approved /accepted at the AGM , so Fellows would have access/link ahead of that.