Breaking news reports of a fire breaking out overnight in the Patas monkey area, with a number of fatalities.
Safari park statement "In the early hours of Tuesday 2nd January, a fire broke out in the Patas Monkey house within the African Forest drive-through enclosure of the park. Staff and Fire-Crews attended the scene, however devastatingly for everyone at the park, none of the thirteen animals could be saved. All other animals within the jungle drive-through enclosure are being monitored, but early signs suggest that they have not been affected. An investigation is under way into the cause of the fire and whilst the park will remain open, the Jungle enclosure will remain closed for investigation. The park is grateful to the quick response from Bedfordshire Fire Brigade, who attended with three appliances."
So sad to hear this, especially so soon after the London Zoo incident. It appears the fire caused the roof of the Patas Monkey house to collapse.
This was either the only(or only viable?) group of Patas in the UK, so doubly sad to lose them. These fires that occur overnight in Zoo buildings are presumably due to faulty wiring or heating systems.
They did indeed, over a dozen in an enclosure near the old Sea Lion pool. But they have gradually dwindled after they were moved. I don't know if any more will be imported or whether Woburn will focus on some other species to replace theirs in due course.
Young elephant survives deadly virus A three-year-old endangered Asian elephant has beaten the odds to overcome an Ebola-like virus. Tarli, born at Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire, was diagnosed with the early stages of the usually fatal disease thanks to a routine blood test.
Hopefully it was more than luck as is suggested in the video and we see more surviving in the future.
A somewhat more fact-based feature in this newspaper. LINK: First elephant born at Woburn Safari Park beats the odds to survive Ebola-like virus Yes, it was a strain of EEHV - herpes! Their type of treatment model and regular blood testing may now help with potentially reducing fatalities in young elephants afflicted with the virus.
I now know of just two elephants who have survived EEHV. I hope Woburn are able to pass their learning and processes and implementations on to other zoos for the future. Then this number may increase.
The number is actually higher, its somewhere in the range of 10+ animals between Europe and N.A at this point. Fortunately zoos are indeed becoming better at detecting and treating EEHV in calves, thanks in no small part to Houston and Chester, both of whom have been absolutely ravaged by the virus and are two of the main contributors to EEHV research.
woburn have annouced in their 2018 leaflet the arrival soon of capybara and spider monkeys due to live in the foot safari area
A capybara named James (and possibly a few others) now resides at 'Capybara Caves', a brand new exhibit in the foot safari!
A couple of pieces of news that I have not seen mentioned anywhere here: - Both the bush dogs (Vinnie and Genevieve) died in late January after a short but devastating viral infection. They were the only bush dogs at the park, and their enclosure is empty for the time being. Cachorro Range Statement - Some births recently from the park include a ring-tailed lemur, red-necked wallabies (number unspecified), a common eland and two addax. Meet some new spring babies at the Park
