An update on the construction of the new hippo exhibit; despite covid-19 construction has not been slowed. The underwater viewing windows have already been installed and the exhibit is still on track to open this June. https://www.bizjournals.com/milwauk...aukee-county-zoo-continues-hippo-exhibit.html In other news, the zoo is hosting the annual Elephant Managers Association Conference this October. 2020 Elephant Managers Association Conference | Milwaukee County Zoo
The Zoo’s website has also provided an update on the upcoming hippo habitat (I’d like to see the Zoo website do more of this by the way ), which has been officially dubbed “Dohmen Family Foundation Hippo Haven.” It still is hard to tell the size and scope to me, but the project does seem promising so far based on the photos. Dohmen Family Foundation Hippo Haven Update – April 2020 | Milwaukee County Zoo
It appears that they have moved the red river hogs to the African watering hole exhibit, and it looks like Bella is not yet integrated into heard as Ruth and Brittany appeared outside by themselves. At least there is some news we can see happening at the zoo while the zoo is closed. Security Check Required
Brittany and Bella are both dominate and they need to work things out to see who will be the dominate one of the Milwaukee heard. Ruth is passive hence why she has been introduced to Bella already. As for the red river hog, yes I believe there is only one at the moment, maybe another one will come but not sure yet.
There may still be two river hogs. Radish was in the old indoor elephant exhibit for a while, but he is being sent to another zoo (possibly already gone) because he and Mango don't get along anymore. It is likely that Mango is the river hog in the waterhole exhibit, and that's likely where he'll stay. I am relieved that at least of them is staying as they are my personal favorite animals, and the zoo was considering shipping both of them out for a time.
Wasn’t it part of their plan to get a breeding pair/group for animals like bongo, zebra, hippo, rhino?
They mentioned that they would like to possibly start a breeding bongo program, however with everything that has been going on, not sure if that will start this year.
Interesting and I assume the hippos and rhinos will be once their exhibits are complete. Also hoping for zebras or any Adventure Africa Species to be a part of the SSP
Hippo and zebra may be unlikely. Consider that realistically MKZ might have breeding groups only bongo and black rhino for the immediate future.
Hippo breeding is severely restricted in US zoos due to the lack of placement of surplus males. As MKZ maintains elderly hippo. So unless they pass on ..., forget it. Plains zebra are not exactly in great supply at the moment either and they are mostly just an exhibit only species for AZA and thus not much of a priority for them to create breeding groups currently. Hence 4-1-1 makes 2 species likely to have a breeding group at MKZ.
It was mentioned a few years back by the zoo director while addressing the parks committee when they were getting funding/showing off what they were envisioning for phase 1. Since then there seems to be rumbles of a breeding program starting up for the bongos but nothing has materialized yet. Much like many things happening at the zoo, until it shows up it’s all rumors.
