Animals & science
Stories
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What Our Researchers Discovered This Year – and What They're Dreaming of Next
Science never stands still in our parks. Every day, researchers, keepers, vets and curators deepen their understanding of the animals we take care of and protect – both here and in their natural habitats. It’s time to reflect on a year of findings that truly impact animal welfare, conservation and species management. And, as always, our scientists are already looking forward, because there are still so many questions waiting for answers.
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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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Why Do Female Mammals Outlive Males?
It is common knowledge that women tend to live longer than men. This is true not only for humans, but for mammals in general. However, the reason behind this remained unclear for a very long time. Although we knew there was a difference in lifespan, we didn’t know what caused it: behaviour, environment or biology? An international team of biologists, including scientists from Antwerp ZOO, has now examined this topic as part of a large-scale research project.
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.