Animals & science
Stories
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De Zegge’s root-based filtration system
De Zegge, located in Geel and the oldest nature reserve in Flanders, is installing a ‘water treatment station’ that is based on plants. ‘In times of drought, water must be guided into the low-lying peatland to keep the soil moist enough to sustain its soil organisms and flora, as well as to maintain, the natural functions of the ecosystem, such as CO2 capture. Our helophyte filter helps us to improve the quality of the water as well as the water managem
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Stop EEHV: A big step forward in the battle against elephant herpes
In 2018, the elephant calf Qiyo from ZOO Planckendael unexpectedly died from the effects of the elephant herpes virus. This loss deeply affected both the zoo and its visitors, and it marked the start of a large-scale fundraising effort that enabled further research into the deadly virus. Time for an update
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A good net balance of greenhouse gases? De Zegge as a storage facility
The science division of Antwerp ZOO is conducting research into the emission of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane gas, in the De Zegge nature reserve in Geel, Belgium. ‘Not only is De Zegge the oldest nature reserve in Flanders, but it is also one of the few places in our country where large amounts of living peat can still be found in the soil. Peatlands are a perfect – both active and passive – storage facility for CO2. Conservation of our peatlands is therefore of crucial importance, a
Blog
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Peatlands must be rewetted to achieve climate neutrality
Peatlands are living archives that contain huge amounts of carbon as well as millennia of historical information. These unique habitats are also home to a distinct peatland biodiversity, including many endangered plant and animal species. Unfortunately, the majority of peatlands has been destroyed in the past, with potentially catastrophic consequences.
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Can a computer save animals from extinction?
"Oops, we did it again". We do it over and over again and unfortunately, we are getting better at it: last year yet another 45 species were added to the list of extinct animals. Bad news for the giant tortoises of Galapagos, but also for lesser-known species with roaring names such as the Las Vegas leopard frog (yes, that's an animal too). Worse still, some million plant and animal species are at risk of suffering the same fate in the very near future. But maybe computers can help turn the tide.
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Swipe right to match the stripes
Put an okapi male and female together, wait a while and before you know it they have a calf, right? Well, if only it were that simple. Sometimes things don't go as we expect when it comes to breeding with zoo animals. Oftentimes that is because we do not take into account that animals need to actually get to know their future partner.
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ZOO Science (English)
It’s finally raining in Kenya! ️💦 The Grevy’s zebras have been suffering from the effects of an unprecedented drought. Thanks to financial support offered by Planckendael ZOO, these zebras have now been saved from a horrible fate. Read more on https://t.co/tq8utneTSx! https://t.co/6fMrbD3PrJ
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ZOO Science (English)
From the lab to the blue carpet: our Biobank fascinates the audience of the In Science Filmfestival! 👌 Two of our own experts enthusiastically joined the panel following the viewing of a documentary on the San Diego Zoo’s Frozen Zoo. Curious? Read more at https://t.co/qtNDGfyXpf https://t.co/q5zcNnPyXG
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ZOO Science (English)
Fascinating news for science lovers! 📚 EAZA has launched a brand-new digital library in which all academic publications about and by zoos and aquariums can be found. You too can consult these documents! Read more about this ambitious project! https://t.co/FIMolZK9Rc