Serpo is a reptile zoo which has long been located at Delft. Then the town closed the zoo and the owner started to search for a new location and this has been found in Rijswijk. They are still waithing for some licences but think to open within several months. The collection is doing fine in the meantime and Serpo could already a rare breeding result this year : African dwarf crocodiles were hatched .
In Sept. a group of captive-bred Egyptian tortoises arrived at Serpo : August 31, 2016 14 Egyptian tortoises arrived at the ReHerp Foundation breeding centre in the Serpo Zoo. The animals are captive bred by veterinarian Luke Sultana on Malta. They represent a very welcome unrelated group bred from 4 wild bloodlines to the already existing group of ReHerp Egyptian tortoises. Arthur and Daisy helped with the transport from Amsterdam airport to ReHerp.
And another species ReHerp - foundation housed within the Serpo Zoo - is working with : Critically endangered freshwater turtles at the ReHerp Foundation. Recently the ReHerp Foundation received a number of critically endangered freshwater turtles. Through co operation with the Rotterdam Zoo, where 10 animals hatched, this small group now is part of the captive ReHerp breeding colony. It concerns the Annam or Vietnam freshwater turtle. This species was assumed to be extinct in the wild until 2007. In 2007 in central Vietnam in remote areas small numbers were rediscovered. From the ReHerp breeding colony animals can be used in the future for reintroduction in the wild. Recovery of wild habitat is under development and executed by local governmental organizations together with the Asian Turtle Program and Education for Nature Vietnam. The ReHerp Foundation establishes breeding colonies of critically endangered reptile and amphibian species for reintroduction purposes. This foundation was initiated in 2015 by former Rotterdam Zoo staff members. Their knowledge and experience is of high value regarding managing these delicate species. Furthermore the international network, built up within the past three decades, is essential regarding reintroduction programs. Recovery and reintroduction are the key aims of the ReHerp foundation. In November 2015 a start was made with the Egyptian tortoises. The Vietnam freshwater turtle is the second species the ReHerp foundation plans to be involved in regarding conservation and recovery. The Reherp breeding assurance colony is homed at the SERPO Reptile Zoo in Rijswijk in the Netherlands. The animals are kept in a room not accessible to the public. A few representatives of the two mentioned species will be shown to the SERPO Zoo visitors in the near future. With several European zoos contacts are made for co operation in order to establish more breeding options. Also with private breeders co operation is discussed. By intensive co operation within Europe and with countries of origin the ReHerp Foundation can be seen as a vital partner.
