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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.