The Last Gaur in San Diego

Woah, had no idea there were down to one. I feel blessed to have seen the herd here a few years ago.

Any idea what happened to the other animals?

@pachyderm pro — It’s quite sad, isn’t it? They’re such impressive animals.The herd was overall quite old. The last remaining breeding age animals were sent to the Bronx and the rest were left to age out in San Diego. This old cow is the last remnant of that group.

@Kudu21 So are Bronx and Miami the last holders in the US? Indeed tragic to see such an impressive species being phased out.

@pachyderm pro The Bronx is the only facility currently breeding the species, Gladys Porter has a small herd, and Miami also has a single individual left. Omaha has a bachelor herd (plus one older female) at their off-site facility.

Sad to see them go away. Remarkable specie.

If I’m correct they are being phased out to make space for Javan Banteng.

@Westcoastperson This is correct. Although, in truth, there is likely space for both species— there just sadly isn’t an institutional interest in wild cattle species. Banteng are striking animals, with their distinct sexual dimorphism, and are by far the most tractable and even-keeled of the wild cattle species (everyone I’ve ever known that has worked with gaur says they are absolute monsters— mean as all get out). If the TAG wants any wild cattle species to persist in collections, it’s best to focus on the species that will be most attractive, most marketable, and most realistic for most zoos.

I guess it's just age showing.