Research on Zoo Elephants Helping to Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflicts in the Wild

February 26, 2021

Zoo Research for In-Situ Conservation! The elephants at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo are an integral part of a project that is developing technology to reduce human-wildlife conflicts in Africa & Asia.

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A database of thermal images from the zoo-housed elephants is being used to set up cameras to recognise elephants based on their body heat. These cameras can detect nearby elephants, at day or night, and send an alert!

First Successfully CLONED Black-Footed Ferret Has Been Born in the US!

February 20, 2021

The first ever successfully cloned black-footed ferret was born in December last year! "Elizabeth Ann" is the clone of a wild-caught ferret that was cryopreserved over 30 years ago!

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Why is this important? This achievement is a step forward to increase the genetic diversity of the black-footed ferret population. This species is threatened and almost went extinct but was brought back from the brink thanks to a captive breeding and reintroduction programme!

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This project is a partnership between Revive & Restore, San Diego Zoo Global, ViaGen Pets & others!

Canadian Zoo Sends Two Cheetahs to Zimbabwe, For Future Reintroduction Into the Wild

February 13, 2021

Two 18-month male cheetahs have been transferred from Parc Safari (Canada) to Zimbabwe, for future release in the wild. They are now in an acclimatisation enclosure, to habituate to the new environment and learn the necessary hunting skills. This project aims to establish a breeding population of cheetahs in Imire and assist in the repopulation of other reserves.

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Imire: Rhino & Wildlife Conservancy and The Aspinall Foundation are the other institutions involved in this project.

Zoobotánico Jerez Receives 17 Northern Bald Ibis for Reintroduction into the Wild

February 7, 2021

The Zoobotánico Jerez has received 17 Northern bald ibis for reintroduction into the wild. They were sent by La Citadelle de Besançon, Parc zoologique et botanique de Mulhouse & GaiaZOO, under the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) for the species.

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The veterinarians at the zoo will health check, ring and attach GPS-tracking devices to the individuals. They will then move to an acclimatisation aviary, where they will stay for a few months before they are released into the wild.

How do European Zoos & Breeding Centres Boost the Ex Situ Breeding Efforts for the Bearded Vulture?

January 31, 2021

The collaborative efforts of the Vulture Conservation Foundation and EAZA have resulted in over 500 bearded vulture chicks produced and over 300 reintroduced in the wild since 1978.

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Behind this success is the hard work and commitment of several zoos & breeding centres across Europe. From careful monitoring of the animals' behaviour to hand rearing and use of "adoptive parents", many strategies are applied to boost this breeding programme.