Stories

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• Primatology
• Animal welfare and behaviour
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• Nature conservation
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• Social sciences
• Population management
• Animal Nutrition

1. 

   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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2. 

   Bonobos and Their Emotions

   A new study has been launched behind the scenes at Planckendael ZOO to learn more about the way bonobos focus their attention. Using eye-tracking technology, the research team aims to investigate the role played by emotions in cooperative behaviour among great apes.

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3. 

   Family secrets revealed: DNA analysis identifies the father of chimpanzee Zabari

   How do you work out who fathered a baby chimpanzee when there are five adult males in the group? And why does it matter? A single hair sample and DNA analysis not only establish paternity, but are also crucial for breeding policy, parentage studies and genetic management in the European breeding programme. Find out how genetic material is collected, analysed and interpreted at Antwerp ZOO.

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4. 

   Antwerp ZOO en Planckendael ZOO save wildlife in Cameroon

   Scientists at Antwerp ZOO and Planckendael ZOO have succeeded in substantially curbing wildlife hunting in the Central African nation of Cameroon, particularly in regard of the chimpanzee and the western lowland gorilla. They persuaded families living near the Dja Faunal Reserve to stop hunting these animals for commercial purposes and switch to more sustainable, animal-friendly alternatives.

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5. 

   Chimpanzee politics with crucial coalitions

   Chimpanzees have political work on their agendas day in and day out. Making coalitions, networking and monitoring the others' behavior: it is crucial that these great apes can focus on those tasks. ZOO Antwerp explains why great apes should be able to focus on their own society.

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6. 

   Getting on with the neighbours

   Zoos sometimes exchange animals. This is always preceded by a process of careful thought. Such aspects as genetics, gender, age and character are taken into consideration. Introductions into new groups happen at the animal's own pace.

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7. 

   Bonobos versus man

   Advanced research on bonobos could teach us a great deal about humans. Scientists at Planckendael ZOO are currently trying to fathom out how bonobos cooperate with each other and how their emotions can influence their decisions.

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8. 

   Sleeping apes

   Chimpanzees adapt their sleeping habits to changes in their surroundings. That is one of the conclusions of our large-scale study in Africa. Knowing about sleep helps us protect apes and gives us better insight into our own sleeping habits and evolution.

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9. 

   Wild ape on the menu

   Hunting bushmeat in Africa is a major problem. With our Grands Singes project in Cameroon we are combining scientific research with raising awareness among the local population. We offer them alternatives to hunting endangered forest animals.

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10. 

    May I have a piece of your fur?

    In Brazil, we collect fur from golden-headed lion tamarins to find out how they are changing, genetically. Deforestation leaves them isolated, and they don’t swap some genes. In order to avoid having to catch the tamarins, we are testing a system with an adhesive roller here.

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11. 

    Gardener of the rain forest

    In Cameroon we are investigating how large-scale logging is threatening the survival of gorillas. As fruit eaters they are crucial for the distribution of seeds and renewal of the forest. The purpose: to have logging companies change the way they operate.

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