Paignton Zoo » Paignton Zoo

29-11-2007

I didn't realise that Swamp Monkeys were so rare - the death of Paignton's male was a bigger deal than I thought at the time. They are among my favourites at the zoo.
I had a look at the 2000 stud book for European Mandrills today and the status for Paignton on 31/12/99 was:
Male F146 born 24/9/88 in Budapest and transferred to Paignton on 14/11/96
Female Mandy born 25/6/88 at Paignton, parents Kirk and Millie.
Could F146 be Brutus? The stats showed several transfers between Budapest and Paignton over the years.

Mandrills.
30-11-2007

That's very interesting. I'd say from that the male from Budapest is almost certainly the same one they have now(Brutus) as the time frame is right. His single mate in the old Small Mammal House cage was no doubt Mandy, she was the elder sister of the two males I mentioned- so she was kept and they were sent elsewhere. But as she has no descendants, none of the existing group were born or descended from previous Paignton Mandrills.

Giraffe and Red River Hogs.
01-12-2007

Okay, so they haven't got any females yet. Are they hoping to get two? The Giraffe House and paddock seems big enough for more than a single pair of Giraffe and looked rather empty with just a pair.

Do you know if they're trying to get another female(or preferably two) Red River Hog? The male must have been on his own quite a long time now.

Also what's the situation with the Bison- is it just the female and one or two of her calves still? I don't suppose they will bother getting another male...

02-12-2007

GiraffesThe plan is to have two females.
Red River Hogs I don't know about these so will add them to my enquiries.
Bison Mother, 'Summer', and son remain and the last I heard they were trying to rehome them, with no plans to replace them.

02-12-2007

Thanks Gigit.

It must be getting close now to Damisi's departure. Any news?

02-12-2007

I mentioned how that old(?)male used to go back and forth repeatedly along one horizontal branch in stereotyped fashion. I'll bet if you measured the distance you would find it was exactly the same as the width of his cage in the old house. Sad or what?

These are very interesting little monkeys- apparently they are quite closely related to Baboons.

06-12-2007

Update for Pertinax - I spoke to a keeper about the Red River Hogs today. The sole hog is actually female. The male had to be put down after getting a very bad foot infection. They are hoping to get a new male in the new year.
Damisi is still here. He was outside and gave us a display of chest beating. More news as I get it

Allen's Swamp Monkeys
06-12-2007

I've never warmed to Baboons - too noisy and confrontational - but the Swamp Monkeys are endearing. They settle down to watch if you show them interesting things, and the female who used to be paired with the male sucks her thumb. Cute!

06-12-2007

Thanks Gigit. The sex is listed wringly on ISIS then. Glad they'll be getting another male- I think that could stimulate breeding too- as I think I'm right in saying the original pair hadn't bred.

Damisi- I know you'll let us(me?) know when he departs. Any news you can gather from the keepers on what's been done to the Chessington enclosure regarding changes would be valuable too. In case you don't know,Chessington's gorilla enclosure is basically a large square meshed enclosure(like the Howletts cages) but with very small dens at the back-which are not on show to the public. It needed improving.

06-12-2007

They seem very quiet and 'creep' about along the branches- I can imagine how they move about similarly in a forested African Swamp. I think Paignton's little island is quite a good habitat. But neither Paignton nor Twycross seem to have had any luck breeding them.

06-12-2007

Swamp Monkeys: The information sign says little is known about their breeding habits, so maybe things aren't quite right for them in these zoos. They do seem to enjoy their island at Paignton though.
Gorillas: Today's Daily Mail (SW version anyway) has photos of Kivu and Kiondo celebrating Kivu's 5th birthday with the keepers and a cake.

06-12-2007

These two are grandsons of the white gorilla 'Snowflake' which used to live at Barcelona. (Their mothers are his daughters). Kiondo's mother 'Kena' is also now in the Uk, at Blackpool Zoo.

15-12-2007

Here are the results of my latest enquiries:

Swamp Monkeys: Good news - Paignton has a male and female in quarantine. The keeper wasn't sure which European zoo they'd come from.

Damisi: will now be moving to Chessington after Christmas.

Giraffes: Two European females were earmarked to join the male earlier this year, but the Blue Tongue business got in the way. If movement is still prevented next year, they may have to think again.

15-12-2007

Thanks Gigit. Good news indeed about the Swamp Monkeys- I hope they can breed them- it might be a 1st breeding in the UK even....

17-12-2007

i think Bristol were the 1st to breed them in the Uk, followed by Edinburgh.