Frédéric Verstappen

Responsibilities

As bird curator I am responsible for the bird collection of Planckendael ZOO. I manage the bird collection in close cooperation with the responsible keepers. This includes the development of a collection plan for birds, the husbandry, the nutrition and the transactions involved. Our aim is to keep the birds according to the last animal welfare standards and to participate actively in breeding programs for endangered species (EEP) whenever possible. International cooperation with zoo colleagues from other countries helps to provide the best housing standards for our animals. Furthermore, I’m involved in the development of new projects for birds in Planckendael ZOO.

Besides my daily curator task, I manage the Eurasian black vulture (Aegypius monachus) studbook in Europe within EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria). Within EAZA I specialize in the ex situ management of different bird species, like birds of prey, Ciconiiformes, Penguins, …

Research Interests

My current research interest is focused on the ex situ breeding of Eurasian black vultures, how to improve the captive breeding of this species. Behavioral observations and analysis of 30 years of breeding data will be used to hopefully gain more information on the clues to optimize breeding ex situ. This research will be done in close collaboration with the Centre for Research and Conservation (CRC) of Antwerp ZOO and Planckendael ZOO, where Philippe Helsen is conducting the genetics on the in situ and ex situ populations of the species.