1:1 Akela, Helsinki 1994 (CWP's former breeding female) now aged 17 Chandra, Chester 1994 (former breeding male at Bristol) he's now also retired due to a low sperm count. He arrived in 2008 after the previous CWP male, Subu (his brother) died I would expect that in the long term Cotswold's will request another breeding group (given the amount of cubs born in 2010 and their former success with the previous pair this shouldn't be an issue) but in the short term it would be useful if they could take another old girl to replace Gir (although how Chandra and Akela would cope due to their age makes this doubtful)
MORE NEW IMPORTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't quite believe this when I first read it but guess what...??!! Quite a few years ago now it was mentioend that Singapore (Night Safari?) had managed to import a trio of Asian Lions from one of the zoo's in India.... (not related to the current EEP population) They later went onto breed with one of the females giving birth to 2:1 cubs in 2009 or 2010(Can't remember exacly when she had them) Anyway, Singapore have since had another litter of 1:3 during the past 12 months and the question has been raised over what to do with the first litter because the Indians don't need them back given the amount they already have... and I'l finally get to the point..... AALBORG ZOO ARE IMPORTING ALL THREE DURING 2012!!!! Not joking... first the Dvur Imports (who are supposed to be travelling in the next few weeks) now these three to follow! for the first time in years the EEP population finally has hope.. These individuals aren't going to change things overnight (given the current population is already seriously inbred) but it's a start of (I hope!) better times for our current population Hvor blev de store katte af? | Aalborg Zoo Translated with Google Eventually the plan is to replace the African lions of the highly endangered Asiatic lions (pictured at left). Aalborg Zoo is breeding coordinator of the European zoo and akvaria association EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria), approved to house Asiatic lions. Three lions from the Singapore Zoo is now waiting to be approved genetically to be part of the European breeding cooperation, and then to take the trip to Aalborg Zoo. The 3 will be new blood in the European population, and it is needed
Other news: Le Pal is reporting that they are expecting to recieve an additional 1:0 in the coming months as part of the new enclosures they are currently building for Asian Lions and Sumatran Tigers (due to be opened later in the Spring) They will be keeping all the of the current 1:2 as well as the new addition (Oles is confirmed as sterile) The ID of the new male has yet to be revealed... Potential candidates include 2010 boys at Zurich, Mulhouse and Magderberg Le Parc Des Felins are now confirmed as new holders (despite the initial confusion) The enclosure will be opened in April and Le Parc Des Felins will become the first collection in Europe both sub-species (The Africans are staying with the approval of the EEP) Again who they will recieve has yet to be revealed... No further info yet on which Lions will be making the trip to Dublin either...
TMM, Twycross Zoo remains BC for Asiatic lion. The translation should thus have read that the BC has approved the breeding loan / animal exchange with Singapore Zoo on behalf of the EEP/EAZA. Also, Singapore Zoo had previously stated publicly that offspring born from the breeding pair (the older female is wildcaught, but I suspect no longer able to breed) would be integrated into the EEP breeding programme (being the only breeding programme for the species outside India). Thirdly, given the number of wild caught lions in Junagadh Zoo not used for breeding ..., it should be possible to get a few more founder individuals to expand the European breeding population and make it more viable long term. Fourth, it would be nice to have an opening to the reintroduction programme in MP. Allthough, it is sadly publicly opposed by Gujrat State in India.
Fantastic to hear the Aalborg news. It's really a breakthrough if there are two zoos - though Dvur are excluded - importing.
The Asiatic lions for Dvur are due to fly out from India on March 8. Link: Asiatic lions all set to Czech out - South India - Hyderabad - ibnlive
Updates: Le Parc des Felins now hold 1:1, Oles and Kalu who they acquired from Le Pal. Dvur Kralove successfully imported Brahma and Avani from Hyderabad, Avani is rather old though so it looks as though Brahma will be bred with the two females.
Dublin's pair has been confirmed as two females from Mulhouse Zoo. They are 'Kanja' and 'Mahia' born 16th June 2010. (Sita X Jetpur) A male should be sourced later in the year for them.
As posred into the Assinboine thread: Bhanu and Kamal (Magdeberg b13 May 2010 Parys X Kalindi) have been flown out to Canada this week to start an SSP breeding program. Their move to Assiniboine Zoo, Winnipeg is historic with them being the first ever pure* Asian Lions to enter Canada/USA. No females currently confirmed for them but hopefully India will co-operate in the not to distant future... *All previous Asian Lions housed in the USA/Canada were hybrids
Following the departure of Bhanu and Kamal, Magdeberg will recieve there former breeding male, Parys back from Praha in the near future where he has been on loan since 2010 Praha will then be left with 0:1 meaning a new addition (ideally male) will be needed
quick update: I saw 1.1 today, so I assume Parys is still in Prague. BTW the big cat house should re-open tomorrow.
Thanks for confirmation. Hopefully the transfer will take place in the coming weeks, Praha can then move towards taking new individuals
Following the departure of Oles and Kalu to LPDF, Unconfirmed reports are suggesting that Le Pal have now recieved a new male (by the name of Nako, although there is currently no male listed in the 2010 studbook under this name) along with two more females (no further details avaliable) in recent weeks. If anyone could confirm where these individuals have come from then you'd be a great help! Thanks in advance
Some mixed news from Besancon: A single cub was born to Lady and Tejas a fortnight ago. Sadly the cub was stillborn... Sad news on this occassion but also a positive step for Tejas with this being his first offspring
In a suprise move, Aalborg has taken delivery of two females from Zurich this week. They will be off show until the exhibit is opened on 5th June No mention of the planned Singapore imports now.... Asiatiske løver kom til Aalborg | Aalborg Zoo Update: The two females that Aalborg have recieved are Kanya and Keladi, both born on 14th July 2010 at Zurich (Joy X Radja) their brother, Kuvam and third sister, Kalinka are still in Zurich for the time being.
