Surely if zoos are persisting with the idea of bachelor gorilla groups then the same for chimps should be 'in theory' easier? Can see in the future that Werribee and Dubbo will need to follow Monarto's lead and create some space for chimp exhibits if there is a surplus of males. Maybe some of the smaller private collections might also be interested.
there are bachelor group of chimps in Europe. They work fine, but considering the social behaviour of the species this is not a surprise.
The European studbook (2009 I think?) suggested that bachelor groups are likely to be formed more often in Europe in the future, I wouldn't be surprised if one or two popped up in Australia in years to come- though we seem to be more closely following the chimpanzee SSP than the EEP.
Going by the number of males at Taronga, and the fact that most of them are pretty closely related to the breedable females, they may have to start thinking of a male only group soon... T.
wasn't the changes to the chimp exhibit done with that in mind? I thought the glass viewing area that was added was so they could seperate the group.
I don't think they have enough room in that side of the exhibit for essentially half of the current troop... ... and I think that close proximity to females potentially in season could cause an issue as well... T.
I thought the smaller area was intended for more short-term separations and to enable introductions of new chimps to the group, but I could be wrong.
0.1 Brazilian tapir 'Tiquie' is moving to Darling Downs Zoo (leaving Taronga with just male Malayan tapir 'Berani'): Tiquie prepares for big move | Taronga
I'm not sure that Berani would cope with any move... he's had some ups and downs health-wise of late. He's getting on in years, and his eyesight in his good eye has also deteriorated more... I love how he whinnies back to me sometimes when I tell him he's a handsome boy... *grin*... the upsides of visiting very regularly is that some of the animals seem to recognise you and will interact... T.
Yeah both Brazilian and Malayan tapir are effectively screwed in this region. Sounds like Darling Downs is going to try to breed them (hope it works out for them). I wonder what will replace her tho?
Tiquie's enclosure is effectively opposite Satu the male Sumatran tiger, and next to the Zebras... I'd say that it would be either housing something else that has to move to make way for the new developments - or may be redeveloped as part of the new stuff... T.
Swamp wallaby joey find new home in the Taronga Zoo : Orphaned Wallaby Joey Finds a Home at Taronga Zoo - ZooBorns
Wewak the Victoria crowned pigeon has been euthanized: Vale Wee-Wak | Taronga This means that there is only a single remaining Victoria crowned pigeon left in Aus (Patrick, his brother)
Gonna miss Wewak... he was a character... Oh - and the newest baby chimp has been named apparently - but I haven't seen any official announcement as yet... T.
Yeah - I think I read that in the same place you did... but still waiting for the official announcement from Taronga... T.