The Zoo Scientist

Back in 2019, five Eastern black rhinos were translocated from European zoos to Akagera National Park in Rwanda. One of those rhinos, Olmoti, has had a calf at the national park, fathered by one of the other translocated rhinos. Both Olmoti and the calf, who is now three months old, have been spotted twice this week by the national park's conservation team, and are doing well... Great news for the conservation of the species! 🦏 --- Source: https://lnkd.in/eHe9qbhU --- #ZooConservation #Exsitu #Conservation #Reintroductions #Rhinos

❕ Job Vacancies: 1️⃣ Scientist (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance). 2️⃣ Conservation Program Specialist (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance). 3️⃣ Research & Compliance Specialist (Toronto Zoo). --- Details: https://lnkd.in/gyXfBPt --- #ZooCareers #ZooJobs

Last week, Dr Ellen Williams from our Leadership team attended the BIAZA Research Conference at Fota Wildlife Park in Ireland. A great showcase of #ZooResearch with two full days of exciting and insightful presentations, workshops and networking events. Ellen also talked about her own research on elephant personality. Dr Ricardo Lemos de Figueiredo from the Communications and Outreach Committee also attended the conference and presented about his previous PhD research on in situ behavioural collection in scarlet macaws to inform their ex situ management. ManyZoos is all about networking, collaborations and partnerships, and it is great to be represented at these events!

Great news from the Scottish wildcat reintroduction programme, with the birth of kittens in the wild! Last summer, the Saving Wildcats team, wich is led by The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, released 19 captive-bred cats into the Cairngorms National Park. At least two of the released females have now given birth to kittens, in a great milestone to the programme. The released animals are adapting well to their natural environment, and the team is cautious but optimistic the kittens will do well! --- Read more: https://lnkd.in/eYUPfeNS --- #exsitu #reintroductions #captivebreeding #wildcats #zooconservation

❕ Job Vacancies: 1️⃣ Behaviour and Welfare Scientist (Dublin Zoo). Deadline: July 24. 2️⃣ Animal Wellness and Behavior Research Associate (White Oak). --- Details: https://lnkd.in/gyXfBPt --- #zoocareers #zoojobs

The effects of a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine on aggression between two zoo-housed male giraffes were investigated in a study in Zoo Biology: 🦒The older more mature giraffe of the two was treated with GnRH vaccine. 🦒Sparring behaviours decreased after each treatment, but significantly only after forth treatment. 🦒Eight months after vaccination to older bull, the unvaccinated bull showed increased aggression and was also put on vaccination schedule. 🦒GnRH vaccination has the potential to reduce aggression and enable group living in giraffe bachelor groups. --- Read paper (open access): https://lnkd.in/ei5bJsEX --- #ZooResearch #giraffe #animalmanagement #animalbehaviour

Seven Przewalski's horses born in European zoos, one stallion and six mares, were sent to central Kazakhstan as part of a reintroduction programme for the species. This marks the return of the species to this area, where it has been locally extinct for many years. Before they are fully released into the wild, they will spend approximately a year in a large acclimatisation enclosure so they can habituate to the local environment as well as each other. Zoo Praha leads this project in collaboration with other zoos and organisations. --- Read more: https://lnkd.in/eKigcAVj --- #ZooConservation #Exsitu #Reintroductions #Captivebreeding

❕ Job Vacancies: 1️⃣ EAZA Animal Programme & Conservation Coordinator - Birds (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA)). Deadline: June 30. 2️⃣ EAZA Animal Programme & Conservation Coordinator - Ungulates (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA)). Deadline: June 30. 3️⃣ Recovery Ecology Post Doctoral Associate (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance). 4️⃣ Registrar and Animal Wellbeing Coordinator (Great Plains Zoo). --- Details: https://lnkd.in/gyXfBPt --- #ZooCareers #ZooJobs

The genetic diversity of the ex situ population of Livingstone's fruit bats was assessed in a new study published in Zoo Biology: 🦇Captive breeding programme for this critically endangered species was established in early 1990s. 🦇Six polymorphic microsatellite loci used to assess genetic diversity. 🦇No significant differences in heterozygosity or allelic richness between captive and wild populations. 🦇The development of a pedigree of paternal lineage is recommended. 🦇Ex situ population management of this species has been effective in reducing inbreeding and maintaining genetic diversity. --- Read paper (open access): https://lnkd.in/eJy6e8gy --- #ZooResearch #conservationgenetics #fruitbat #exsitu

Our very own Dr Ricardo Lemos de Figueiredo was featured as EAZA's Proud Zoo Person of the day!