...and if Bec.Surian comes on sometimes, is the Taronga male Mshindi still at Altina (so you still have one bongo there)?
It would be a real shame to lose this conservation importance species (and other endangered hoofstock) from the region. Any insights into the future and if a more robust Antipodes bongo program might be in the works?!
I'm not overly sure There has been talk of import from lots of zoos in Aus. Fingers crossed someone will soon for the species sake. Though surplus bongo overseas would most likely be hard to locate to import in the first place I'm sure
Fingers crossed indeed then. On the last issue: I am damn well sure most captive breeding programs in both North America and Europe regularly use breeding restrictions in order to meet their program genetic diversity / population threshold goals. So, it should not be that much of an issue to enable a group importation of bongos to Australian zoos to take place. Given the fact that A) the eastern subspecies is critically endangered; B) sufficient numbers exist and the real need to expand the gene pool and population numbers in herd living hoofstock species. (I am avid supporter of / subscriber myself to the C2S2, - the Conservation Breeding Centers for Wildlife Sustainability - principle promoted by some of the larger conservation breeding facilities like Fossil Rim, White Oak and The Wilds); C) the wider the ex situ network the more flexible we are at maintaining sufficient numbers and expand the opportunities to tie this in with in situ support and conservation perspectives. The subject has been touched upon in quite a few Antipodes threads where population management issues have arisen. I am sure we are well aware what needs to be done and that a more constructive and more flexible approach to import / export of exotic wildlife species is more or less a given. We are all aware on how and why the import restrictions are in place, but I deem the "risks" from cooperative larger imports / exports from zoos and captive-breeding centres in / fro Australia and New Zealand far lower than these would be for commercial / domesticated hoofstock and pet animals.
There is currently a female Bongo at Wellington Zoo awaiting travel to Australia. https://wellingtonzoo.com/news/meet-our-newest-visitor-maisha-the-bongo/
from their Facebook (29 Sept), Altina have obtained a male ring-tailed lemur from Australia Zoo. He is currently off-display. One of their two females will be going to another zoo, and they will be keeping just the pair.
Altina has received a male ring-tailed lemur 'Stan' from Australia Zoo (originally from Colchester Zoo, UK) to be introduced to their two females.
Ok lots of updates for Altina followers.... 3 SOUTHERN WHITE rhino now call Altina home Mtoto a 11 yr old bull from New Zealand (imported by Altina) Tatu a 3yr old female from Germany! (Imported by Altina) And Australian born female Mango from Australia Zoo! Quarantine was done at Altina as they are now not on export approved but import also! A male Mongolian wild horse foal has been born and named "Fred" or "little Freddy" Wild dog puppies are growing quickly and all out with pack Babies are everywhere with too many to count Next on the cards are Serval - approval to build has been received Cotton top tamarins Yellow footed wallaby is being discussed? Next in line for Hippo Cheetah Tiger We are still looking at importing female hyena too depending on funding Oh an preg zoo keepers have had their babies too
Just wondering are you planning on sourcing hippos from within the country or is there some plan to import new blood from outside Australia? Didn't think there were any surplus of either species for the former, and thought the latter was impossible (unless there has been a change to the laws). Is via New Zealand a possibility - a la Nyala?
