Animals & science
Stories
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How to Re-home an Elephant?
In autumn 2025, Planckendael ZOO became home to a new bull elephant. Upali’s arrival was crucial to the European species conservation programme that safeguards the genetic diversity of this endangered species. However, introducing a new bull to an existing herd is rarely straightforward, especially if you’re dealing with a species that literally weighs tonnes and has an exceptionally complex social structure.
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A Look Inside the Head of an Asiatic Lion: Yarzar Under the Scanner
Asiatic lions are extremely rare, and highly vulnerable. Only about 350 remain in the wild. This makes the species particularly at risk, and maintaining a healthy reserve population in zoos is vitally important. Every Asiatic lion plays a crucial role in safeguarding the future of the species. At Planckendael ZOO, we do everything we can to protect these endangered big cats. That’s why young Yarzar recently underwent an extensive medical examination, including both an MRI and a CT scan.
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The Cows of the Reef Graze in 3D
Herbivorous fish in the wild spend hours grazing on algae. Rather than eating one meal at a time, they take hundreds of small bites throughout the day. In an aquarium, this behaviour is harder to encourage because food is usually offered at set time. To promote this natural grazing behaviour, scientists at Antwerp ZOO examined a new form of enrichment: a 3D-printed feeding structure that encourages fish to search for and nibble at food in a way that closely mirrors their natural feeding habits.
Upcoming events
EAZA Animal Welfare Forum
The EAZA Animal Welfare Forum connects professionals to improve animal welfare through evidence, research and practice during workshops, presentations and other interactive sessions.
7th European Conservation Genetics meeting
The conference will bring together students, researchers and stakeholders to share insights, exchange knowledge, and foster collaborations in the field of conservation genetics and genomics.
Blog
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Lucky in love, across species boundaries?
I'm a hybrid, you're a hybrid, ... We're all hybrids. No plug-in hybrids but crossbreeds between species. After all, thousands of years ago, our ancestors reproduced with Neanderthals. The result is that our genome still contains 1 to 2% Neanderthal DNA. Hybridisation does not always have to be disadvantageous but it can have benefits too.
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Why some birds fear the new: What a global study teaches us about neophobia
Why do some birds boldly explore new objects, while others hesitate or stay away? A major new international study, published in PLOS Biology, has taken a deep dive into this question and revealed that a bird’s diet and migratory behaviour play a key role in shaping its fear of novelty, known as neophobia.
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A database full of intestinal bacteria from bonobos
Did you know that as many as half of the cells in your body are not human cells, but bacteria? The majority of them live in your gut, and together they make up a complete ecosystem called the gut microbiome. These bacteria not only help you digest food, but also support your immune system and can even affect your mood.