In fact it isn't a chick of the antwerp pair. Their egg was infertile. The youngster came from Parc des Oiseaux in France and is immediately accepted by the Antwerp couple.
I have it on good authority that the new ape islands are very near completion. Just some last bits need doing.
Today two windows of the gorilla enclosure are replaced by new doors with entrances to their outside enclosure.
They used to be kept with the springhares and aardvarks and were signed there until about 2 months ago. I never had too many issues finding them, but haven't seen them since then, so I believe they aren't in that exhibit anymore. They might be off-show, though!
Malayan Tapir Baku has arrived from Edinburgh Zoo. https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1410965532312902
Asian Elephant bull, Assam (aged 5) has arrived from Hamburg. He replaces male, Kanvar who recently moved to Planckendael
A new unrelated lioness from Kolmarden, 'Selma', has joined 'Nestor' and 'Caitlin' (brother & sister).
In late afternoon, just before closing time, the nocturnal house gets more lightening which gives pretty good observation opportunities.
At least 2 black-and-rufous elephant shrews have been born! This is excellent news, as even though Europe's population expanded a lot in recent years, it's still a very small population overall. The parents are brother and sister, both born in Rotterdam.
I do hope they can potentially acquire new blood by import to make for a more robust captive population in Europe.
