Awesome news! New genetics are well needed in the region, especially considering the core population descends from Western Plains individuals. It's likely the female will be imported from overseas. All five females at Taronga Western Plains, including the new calf are related to both males at Monarto. I'd personally really like to see Werribee acquire this species in the future too.
US is worse for wear with reproductively active and able breeders, the only hope real for Australia is import from range countries for south central black rhino! I would almost concur that give a few private breeders the US program has been a mismanaged failure of sorts.
I would definitely agree. A wildborn female from Africa would be the best for genetics; although i'm not sure it's as likely as getting a female from the US. We'll have to wait and see.
Monarto Safari Park have announced the birth of eight African Wild Dogs to first-time mother Bulu on 27th April! The population is having some good success this year following the litter born at Perth recently: Log into Facebook | Facebook
A male American Bison has been born at Monarto Safari Park. The calf is currently two months old and the park now have a herd of 16 individuals: Log into Facebook | Facebook
Nine Tasmanian Devils have been born at Monarto: Highly successful Tasmanian Devil breeding season – again!
Wild Africa Update: Plains Zebras have now been introduced into the 180-acre ‘Etosha’ exhibit in Wild Africa. This herd also welcomed a foal last week in the new exhibit. Along with the existing oryx and ostrich, 0.0.5 Eland and 1.0 Waterbuck have also been introduced into the enclosure. Work is continuing on the future lemur exhibit as well as more feral-proof fencing. Full article: Monarto Safari Park welcomes more tiny hooves – this time with stripes!
Thats good news. I would of thought since they have such a massive African exhibit they might of imported a few to help fill the exhibit out a bit also bringing in much needed bloodlines!
I believe this importation has been going on since 2013. I believe the plans have changed a number of times. I cant see it happening any time soon.
Attached in the Facebook post below is a video showing more footage of this new ‘Etosha’ exhibit. It looks incredibly expansive. Personally I am not the biggest fan of the Blackbuck in the exhibit but since there are no alternative small African antelope species currently in Australia I guess that’s the reality of the situation: Log into Facebook | Facebook
I do agree I also really dont like the idea of Blackbuck in a African exhibit area. I believe that when possible the ZAA should go back to the past idea of importing Impala and Sable Antelope for the region. They would do well in our climate. I wonder if any roos hopped over the exhibit fence the tour guides could call it a Muti national display!
Since no zoo in Australia currently has a decent asian plains exhibit with blackbuck and several other species, im glad they are being used in "african " exhibits. Im actually a fan of the American private safari park habit of throwing all manor of different species in together.... im sure this will be very controversial to others on here.
Well, it would be great if not just for animal diversity in ZAA if and when Asiatic plains exhibits were created and some further species (think Indian GOHR, gaur ...) could somehow someday become
I was suggesting an Indian subcontinent theme (as other species like axis and sambar are around too) which would make a meaningful and immersive (realistic) exhibit and spectacle. And why not ..., gaur!
