Sita will be a big loss to all at PZ, but she’s long lived and has contributed to the programme. I watched her pregnancy & birthing to Zuri via a webcam from Vietnam, where I was living & working at the time. I think the outdoor areas in their enclosure are good, but the grassy areas are underused for most of the year. I hope PZ don’t decide to go out of rhino, but if the indoor pens are not up to modern standards (and they definitely don’t have the resources to rebuild at present), I wonder if they’ll decide to move Manyara on? I’ve often thought it could be converted into an excellent Okapi exhibit, or perhaps an alternative Bongo enclosure, as the bird department moves to that ABC side of the park? I feel for the staff at this time and hope there is a medium to long term plan in place when the inevitable happens, as losing rhino altogether would further dent a dwindling collection.
Not wishing to jump the gun here, but maybe they will rethink the rhino situation. If they do, I think the best thing for Manyara would be for him to go back to Port Lympne- who I presume still own him- so he can meet other female rhinos in a larger space and hopefully still become 'proven' as described above. Bringing in a new younger female to an unproven bull in the smaller space of Paignton's enclosure might risk just continuing the existing situation, but they may be tempted just to do that. The house and enclosure could well suit Okapi- requiring less outdoor space than rhino. If they went out of rhino it would be a similar highprofile species replacement for the zoo. But I don't know what the waiting list for new holders wanting Okapi is like, if it was a long wait that might be a deciding factor also.
Official confirmation of the passing of Sita the black rhino. Important Update From Paignton Zoo • Paignton Zoo
I remember doing a zookeeper experience at Paignton in 2007. Mucking out the rhinos was part of it. I missed the birth by a week, so Sita was off show. However, I managed some hands on experience with her mate Kingo. Very happy memories, though horrible news nonetheless.
Hoping someone could help here; Is Manyara on loan at PZ and will they ask for him to be returned to Aspinall, or is that in the hands of the stud book keeper? Is there currently a need for a batchelor holding facility for black rhino, like the way Edinburgh contribute with Indian Rhino? Thank you
All through stud. Can't see paignton staying with rhinoceros of any description moving forward. Zero need or want for a bachelor situation with black rhino, wouldn't be in the best interest of that species and unless the stud replies to this thread (they wont) best to assume for now his future and the place he goes too will come to light when it does as in the current moment nothing would even have been discussed and no one has that answer. Will be interesting. Watch this space
Thank you. That all makes sense, except that if true, it feels like ‘reactionary management’. Given Sita’s age - she was well lived (and a wonderful individual) - I find it hard to believe that the stud book keeper would not have planned in advance for a multitude of situations, including the likely passing of an ageing female? The cost and time to prepare the logistics to move a rhino in and out alone, surely, would warrant better planning?
I can say little as I simply do not know and I wouldn't wish to speculate as much as I already am however I do know as I have been told personally by someone who very much knows that there hasn't been a focus on those individuals for a while - they were not sent to paignton to be non breeders but they haven't been moved either. Hope that helps.
One of many unfortunate loses in the past two years alone. Future collection plans are too vague currently to put minds at ease either.
