I would rather have it Europe and EAZA to focus on Eurasian beaver in place of NA / Canadian beaver and highlight Europe's conservation needs and recovery of Eurasian beaver across our Continent inclusing the UK.
Errh right ... well postings since mentions both so not clear!!!!! BTW: This very same argument also applies in case of Europe exhibiting NA (river) otters versus Eurasian otter and in situ conservation and PR awareness for the European species!
But could the reason behind displaying Lutra canadensis rather than Lutra lutra be the formers more active nature? I think that's why Slimbridge chose them over the local species, despite holding them in an exhibit dedicated to British wildlife.
At Slimbridge I believe its even on the information board that is the reason. Many Zoos keep Asian Short-clawed or Canadian River Otter for this reason- less nocturnal/shy and so better seen in captivity. One place I've seen active Eurasian otters active in daytime is the New Forest Wildlife Centre, not just one but several, including a family.
I have seen very active Eurasian otters at the British Wildlife Centre, Krefeld Zoo and Bergen Aquarium but I’ve always been unlucky with North American river otters and didn’t realise they were considered the more showy species.
Update from facebook: "We are very pleased to announce that our 14 Humboldt Penguins have arrived safely in Northern Ireland! This move has enabled us to do our bit for expanding the population of the European Endangered Species Program for Humboldt Penguins. We are delighted that they have a home in Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, in a brand new purpose built home. It was a huge team effort to get them there so we are very grateful to all involved! These birds were our last 2 years chick hatchlings and it means we are able to keep breeding this year and already have Penguins sitting on eggs! Last year the Park’s conservation fund donated 2,000 pounds to help wild Humboldt Penguins in their habitat in South America as well as hatching 10 chicks, it has been a real success for conservation!" Curraghs Wildlife Park
Frisco the red panda was pts. Frisco was 18 years old (‘Exceptionally old’ red panda dies at Isle of Man Wildlife Park).
On the 3rd of July 2 Nepalese red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) were born, at the begining of this month their gender was revealed. They are two females! Source: Instagram of Curraghs Wildlife Park (04/09/2021) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTZQdQXsoMF/
From facebook: "Obituary – Thackery the Tapir Thackery has been a long-time resident here at the Park and has passed away peacefully and naturally at the age of 32 yrs and 8 months. He was a lovely gentle Tapir and will be missed. He was one of the oldest Tapirs in the studbook, born in 1989 in Dudley zoo he came to the Park here in 2002. He had 2 calves with his previous partner ‘Clanger’ before she passed away in 2013 and in 2014 ‘Louka’ our current female arrived from a French zoo. Louka gave birth shortly after arriving, due to timing it was obvious Thackery was not the father however he always accepted ‘Zeus’ as his son! He did go on to father a calf with Louka called ‘Rio’ in 2016, he moved to another zoo in france in 2018. Latterly he has spent his last few years in the paddock over by the Jumping pillow with step son Zeus." Log into Facebook
Curraghs Wildlife Park have recently received five Swinhoe's striped squirrels, which are being kept in the former chipmunk enclosure. The last of the chipmunks died last year. Information comes from the Curraghs Wildlife Park Facebook page.
A new aviary has been opened for a pair of Lilacine Amazons. The pair comprises of their resident 23-year-old female and a new young male that recently arrived from Chester Zoo. The enclosure is six times larger than the previous aviary: Curraghs Wildlife Park: Parrots' aviary move sparks breeding hopes
I imagine that this species will grow in popularity with zoos in similar situation - as chipmunks are now deemed as 'invasive alien' species - meaning that zoos cannot breed them or easily transfer them to other zoos, so most zoos which have chipmunk currently will be having their last of that species.
On April 4th, 2023, the zoo announced they transferred (3.0) Humboldt penguins to the Dudley Zoo in Dudley, as well as (0.6) Humboldt penguins to the West Midland Safari Park in Bewdley. Curraghs Wildlife Park On May 20th, the zoo announced that they started building a new exhibit for spectacled owls. Curraghs Wildlife Park
