Dublin Zoo Dublin Zoo news thread

I see. May just be temporary, as the zoo's website still says they support Painted Dog Conservation, and it would be a shame for the zoo to lose a species that's as endangered as the painted dog.

 

It really will be a shame to lose the dogs.

 

It would be a shame to see them go, but they are doing quite well in captivity. But given Dublin's collection I'm not sure if they are going permanently there would be anything more exciting to replace them from the perspective of a zoochatter.

 

I've just remembered they also keep grey wolf and dhole. Although I am a big fan of AWD, from a collection perspective it does seems like they're well covered in that area.

 

What does AWD mean?

 

African wild dog

 

Yes, african wild dog. Apologies for not making that clear.

 

20-year old male Hippopotamus Ernie has arrived from West Midlands Safari Park as a new partner for Heidi.

Making a Splash! New hippopotamus arrival at Dublin Zoo - Dublin Zoo

 

Good news that finally a zoo will acquire a new hippo for breeding.

Please note that the species is now also at the lower end of being threatened in the wild (VULNERABLE with a population in 2017 - 115,000-130,000. However those figures have to be revised as the species has seen a dramatic decrease in numbers lately).

 

I wonder if the enclosure will be on the small side, since it was looking a bit cramped even with just Heidi there. Although it is definitely good news that Heidi isn't solitary anymore.

 

Ernie is neutered so there will be no breeding; this move is only for companionship purposes.

 

I was careful not to use the word 'mate' in my post, but I guess 'companion' would have been more appropriate to say than 'partner'. Thanks for the information.