Bit of a shame they aren't staying on the continent, I was hoping that Chleby might be the beginning of a new European population of Doucs....
I get a feeling that Singapore and the Thai zoo associations play a big role in the captive-breeding effort. Perhaps in time they will instate a properly managed conservation breeding program.
That makes a lot of sense now that I think about it, my main concern would be the import/export complications of managing a breeding program cross-continent. Historically such efforts have rarely succeeded from my recollection, but given the tricky diet requirements and lack of a European population I think a breeding program spearheaded by Asian zoos would make alot of sense.
There is no managed program now I believe. It should be and Beauval and Chleby need to be part of this SEAZA / WAZA effort. Either it is Dusit/Khao Kheow or Singapore Zoo that will take the lead.
I have a strong suspicion that one major factor may be other European collections not *wanting* them, and therefore Chleby having few options when it comes to sending surplus stock away.
With the historic difficulty in providing the proper diet in north climates that seems like a likely reality.
Not yet mentioned here? One Asian black bear cub born during winter. Already visible to visitors but I cant find its gender confirmed yet. This is the first time in 17 years when this species bred at any Czech or Slovak zoo.
Zoo just put a film on its Facebook page showing a group of zebra mongoose chasing a lion. Apparently, zebra mongoose now have an access to the lion exhibit. Who knows how long it has been going on? Is it successful? In the early 2000s, several zoos tried to mix lions with small and flighty carnivores, but it never truly worked.
Mongooses moved into lion house in 2019 I think. They usually just stay in their own exhibit and dont venture into lions space often when lions are out. At the beginning, I think it was just a pair and were very scared of lions. But with time, their family grew and now they behave like you see on video.
The first zebra in Chleby arrived, she is named Dory. She is housed with two donkeys in the African house until other zebras arrive.
