Another reference for those interested in the history of saiga in captivity: The book “The Biology and Management of Capricornis and Related Mountain Antelopes” (Editor Hiroaki Soma; 1987) includes the chapter “The Saiga in Captivity with Special Reference to the Zoological Society of San Diego” (James M. Dolan). This chapter provides an overview of the captive history of the species, in summary this mentions:- · The first saiga exhibited outside Russia (London Zoo; 21st November 1864) and another London animal which lived in the zoo from 10th November 1866 until its death on 22nd October 1869. · Other European zoos with early saiga: Berlin (1872), Cologne (1874), Hamburg (1877), Antwerp (1878) and Bremen (1889). · Two shipments of saiga that the Duke of Bedford received from Hagenbeck; the first in 1902 and the second in 1906. Although the species bred at Woburn, only one individual survived longer than two years. · The first saiga in the USA which arrived at St. Louis Zoo on 8th May 1934 and which died in August 1939; the first saiga born in North America at St, Louis Zoo on 15th May 1939. · Other early saiga in the USA: Washington (1934 and 1935), New York (1936 & 1937)
Saiga was also kept in Pilsen from 1959 to 1964 and then in 1972. Pilsen was first in Czechoslovakia who breed them.
I wonder whether Saiga would thrive much better in a semi-free open reserve in Europe or North America, in grassland, heath or prairie. Their problems in captivity are related to parasite load and stress in confined space. They are however breeding fast (even when their health is sub-optimal) and hardy in winter. Russian sources say that biology of Saiga, with their fast breeding and vulnerability to die off is a little similar to population cycles of steppe rodents or locusts.
As I understand it, the biggest problem - even moreso than stress or parasite load - is the fact that they cope very badly with cold humid climates as are found in much of Europe; the fact that Highland Wildlife Park failed to keep their stock viable despite giving them a vast amount of space rather illustrates this point.
According to San Diego Zoo, about 100 were born in the Safari Park before. So we know they can be kept in captivity so how come they're so rare nowadays
Further to what zoogiraffe said above, as has been discussed in this thread already the primary issue with captive Saiga isn't breeding them so much as keeping them alive - they bred relatively easily when in captivity, but had high infant mortality and truncated adult lifespans. A similar issue - albeit related to genetic issues rather than environmental - is the reason Black-footed Cat disappeared from European collections despite breeding like rabbits at Wuppertal.
Replying to an almost 8-year-old message, but between this and the red fox breaking in and killing off the saiga at the Cologne Zoo, what is it with wild canids entering the enclosures of and attacking captive antelope of this species?!
https://www.saigaresourcecentre.com...ptivity_in_europe_and_the_us_glazer_final.pdf Very interesting article relevant to saiga captivity
So, just out of curiosity, what is it about the saiga antelope that makes it such a royal pain to keep and breed in human captivity?
I can't say when, but from photographs I saw in old books, saigas were kept in the zoos of Barcelona and Madrid, in Spain, many years ago.
