Zoo News Archive

Autumn 2008

Arrival: Paignton Zoo

8
December
2008

Two young Lowland Gorillas have arrived from Stuttgart Zoo, Germany. Kiri and N'Dowe (pronounced Endover), aged 4 and 5 years are actually brothers of Kiondo, and half-brothers of Kivu, two of the existing bachelor group. This group is part of the European breeding programme for this critically endangered species. It performs the vital function of allowing young males to grow up in a social group before moving on to other groups to take an active part in the breeding programme. The new arrivals will be in quarantine for 6 months before fully joining the group.

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Death: South Lakes Wild Animal Park

8
December
2008

A total of 31 Lemurs of several species, including Ring Tailed, Red Ruffed, White Fronted Brown, and Black, have sadly died as a result of a fire in one of the Lemur houses. The Lemurs are normally allowed to roam free around the park, but unfortunately had been locked in to protect them from cold weather. Thirteen Lemurs from the affected house were saved, including Belted Ruffed and Alaotran Gentle, but the fire engulfed the house too quickly and the remainder perished.

The park still has Lemurs of 8 different species, including 30 Ring Tailed.

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Death: Cotswold Wildlife Park

4
December
2008

The Zebra foal born in August has sadly had to be put down following a badly fractured leg and major loss of blood. How he came to break his leg is not known: he was discovered in this state in the morning having spent the night in his normal stable with his mother and other mares.

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Birth: Blackpool Zoo and Dinosaur Safari

1
December
2008

A baby male Giraffe has been born, to mother Quiver, who was already pregnant when she arrived in July.

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Birth: Howletts: The Aspinall Wild Animal Experience

December
2008

A baby female African Elephant called Etana has been born, the third for mother Swana.

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Birth: London Zoo

December
2008

A baby Black and White Colobus Monkey has been born. He has already been nicknamed Albert because he bears a striking resemblance to Albert Steptoe of the 1960s TV series Steptoe and Son.

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Death: London Zoo

December
2008

Bobby (Bongo Junior) the 25-year-old silverback Gorilla has sadly passed away. He was found dead in his nest by his keepers during their morning check.

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Arrival: Newquay Zoo

December
2008

A pair of Visayan Warty Pigs and a male Philippine Spotted Deer have arrived from Poznan Zoo, Poland, to take up residence in the new Philippine Species exhibit, which is due to open for Easter. A female deer is also due to arrive from Chester Zoo in a couple of weeks. Both species are endangered due to hunting and habitat loss.

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Birth: Banham Zoo

December
2008

Four Cheetah cubs, 2 males and 2 females, have been born., the first for the zoo.

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Birth: Knowsley Safari Park

December
2008

A male baby Rhino has been born to mum Piglet, making the third birth in just 5 months.

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Arrival: Marwell Wildlife (Marwell Zoological Park)

December
2008

A young (9 months) male Bactrian Camel called Marmaduke has arrived from the Welsh Mountain Zoo.

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Birth: Birdworld

December
2008

A female Jenday Conure chick has hatched and is being hand reared.

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Birth: Banham Zoo

December
2008

A baby Giraffe has been born, the second at the zoo this year, but the first for mum Fiona. This time keeper intervention is not required as mum is looking after her baby well.

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Arrival: Birdworld

27
November
2008

A pair of Southern Ground Hornbills have arrived: a 2-year-old female from Marwell Zoo, and a 1-year-old male from Linton Zoo.

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Birth: Linton Zoological Gardens

22
November
2008

Baby Cotton-top Tamarin twins have been born, to parents Kane and Medelin.

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Notes:

Where possible, the dates given are for the event itself, but some zoos do not make this information available, when the date of announcement is used instead.

Seasons: Winter = Jan - Mar, Spring = Apr - Jun, Summer = Jul - Sept, Autumn = Oct - Dec.