Stories

  1. Smart Alliances: Why Animals Cooperate (Even When They Don’t Get Along)

    Smart Alliances: Why Animals Cooperate (Even When They Don’t Get Along)

    In the animal kingdom, cooperation appears to come naturally. Lionesses hunt together and meerkats warn each other of danger. Even in human society cooperation is deeply rooted: from hunter-gatherers who relied on one another for survival to today’s complex social structures. A new study by Utrecht University, to which ZOO Planckendael contributed, shows why: cooperation is less about ‘friendliness’ and more about forming smart, selective alliances.

    Read more
  2. What Our Researchers Discovered This Year – and What They're Dreaming of Next

    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.

    Read more
  3. The Cows of the Reef Graze in 3D

    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.

    Read more
  5. Teamwork or egoism? Antwerp ZOO investigates collaborating meerkats

    Teamwork or egoism? Antwerp ZOO investigates collaborating meerkats

    ‘Are meerkats particularly skilled at cooperation?’ This question comprises the foundation of a new scientific study conducted at Antwerp ZOO. Researchers used a 3D printer to develop a special device to present the animals with a unique challenge. Can two meerkats cooperate successfully enough to secure a delicious treat for both of them? Or will they, driven by self-interest, end up empty-handed?

    Read more
  6. In the spotlight: Co-housers

    In the spotlight: Co-housers

    Antwerp ZOO’s research staff spent an impressive 430 hours observing the zoo’s owl-faced monkeys and gorillas as the animal experts prepared these two primate species to share an enclosure. ‘This is one of the most significant behavioural observation projects we have ever conducted’, explains Animal Welfare Research Coordinator Marina Salas. ‘Thanks to the vast amount of information we’ve collected, experts from all disciplines can collaborate in a scientifically substantiated manner.

    Read more
  7. A PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES IN THE ZOO KITCHEN: HEALTHY NUTRITION FOR A HEALTHY ANIMAL LIFE

    A PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES IN THE ZOO KITCHEN: HEALTHY NUTRITION FOR A HEALTHY ANIMAL LIFE

    A healthy diet is of tremendous importance to both humans and animals. Nutritionists and other specialists are gaining increasingly more knowledge about nutrition and its effects on our bodies. The past few decades were marked by a growing understanding among the scientific community that an animal’s diet should not only provide for its nutritional needs, but should also stimulate its natural behaviour.

    Read more
  8. An aviary that listens: recall training is huge success

    An aviary that listens: recall training is huge success

    The aviary of the future is located in the very heart of the City of Antwerp, at the edge of Antwerp ZOO. ‘We have 23 species of birds flying about in our Savannah Aviary, all of whom we can check up on individually due to our recall training,’ explains Jan Dams, Curator of Birds and Animal Care Coordinator. Thanks to months of training and the expertise built up by the zookeepers, each species now recognises a specific signal that prompts it to spread its wings and fly straight to its carers.

    Read more
  9. Brand-new library for ZOO research

    Brand-new library for ZOO research

    The European Association for Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) and the Verband der Zoologischen Gärten (VdZ) proudly announce the opening of a brand-new international digital library. The ambitious project has been given the name ‘Zoo Science Library’ and will contain academic publications from all over the world. Every research project in this e-library was conducted with the involvement of a modern zoo. Our own Centre for Research and Conservation (CRC) has also contributed to this unique project.

    Read more
  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. Volgende