Animals & science
Stories
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The extinct Vietnamese pheasant will fly home again
The Vietnamese pheasant has not been spotted in its natural habitat since the beginning of this century, which is why Antwerp ZOO is taking action. Thanks to an international breeding programme and reintroduction project, this remarkable bird will soon have a new chance to thrive in the forests of its native Vietnam. Genetic research by our own scientists also revealed that one of the Vietnamese pheasant pairs bred at Antwerp ZOO is a perfect match for reintroduction into their native habitat in Vietnam.
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Planckendael ZOO Helps Save Endangered Slender-Horned Gazelles in Tunisia
Planckendael ZOO is offering the slender-horned gazelle, one of the most critically endangered gazelle species in the world, hope for a secure future. The ZOO has been supporting a vital breeding programme in Tunisia’s Sidi Toui National Park by providing financial aid, sharing its expertise in population management, and donating several of its own carefully bred and raised animals.
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Hope for Elephant Calves: A Promising Vaccine Against Herpes
The elephant herpesvirus (EEHV) poses a significant threat to young elephants worldwide, both in zoos and in the wild. Since the passing of young elephant Qiyo in 2018, ZOO Planckendael has been closely involved in the development of a vaccine. Thanks to blood samples and a contribution of €80,700, crucial scientific research has been conducted. The vaccine is now being tested for the first time on adult elephants.
Blog
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How monitoring vulture welfare can improve their breeding success and conservation
Breeding centres play a vital role in the species' survival, producing young vultures for reintroduction to the wild. However, for these centres to be successful, the welfare of the birds must be a top priority. Good welfare directly influences their ability to breed and raise offspring, which in turn affects the species' conservation efforts.
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Body language of bonobos: How well can you recognise their signals?
How do animals feel? This is an important question for zoos, but it is rather difficult to answer. Animals cannot express their feelings in words, so how do we know how they feel? A recently published study takes a step in the right direction with an innovative method called the Qualitative Behavioural Assessment (QBA).
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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.