The elephant herpesvirus (EEHV) poses a significant threat to young elephants worldwide, both in zoos and in the wild. Since the passing of young elephant Qiyo in 2018, ZOO Planckendael has been closely involved in the development of a vaccine. Thanks to blood samples and a contribution of €80,700, crucial scientific research has been conducted. The vaccine is now being tested for the first time on adult elephants.
Some very special patients on the examination table at Antwerp ZOO’s veterinary facility: three radiated tortoises recently underwent an echocardiographic examination. ‘These tests are crucial for drawing up reference values that will help us make a worldwide contribution towards improving the diagnosis and treatment of this species,’ explains veterinarian Jonas Spruyt.
‘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?
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.
Planckendael ZOO and Antwerp ZOO play an important role in creating the world’s largest and most comprehensive knowledge base on over 22,000 animal species. As members of the global nonprofit Species360, both zoos contribute daily data on animals and groups in their care, from lifecycle traits to environmental needs. This information is recorded in the Species360 Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), the world's largest source of data on species.
The divers of Antwerp ZOO’s reef aquarium help this artificial coral reef maintain its precarious balance. Just as in nature, this fragile ecosystem contains plants, fish, corals, invertebrates, crabs, micro-organisms and so on, all of which are strongly affected by light intensity and water quality. Various parameters, such as temperature, pH level, salinity, phosphate level and water currents are monitored continuously here.
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.
De Zegge, located in Geel and the oldest nature reserve in Flanders, is installing a ‘water treatment station’ that is based on plants. ‘In times of drought, water must be guided into the low-lying peatland to keep the soil moist enough to sustain its soil organisms and flora, as well as to maintain, the natural functions of the ecosystem, such as CO2 capture.
In 2018, the elephant calf Qiyo from ZOO Planckendael unexpectedly died from the effects of the elephant herpes virus. This loss deeply affected both the zoo and its visitors, and it marked the start of a large-scale fundraising effort that enabled further research into the deadly virus. Time for an update!
The science division of Antwerp ZOO is conducting research into the emission of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane gas, in the De Zegge nature reserve in Geel, Belgium. ‘Not only is De Zegge the oldest nature reserve in Flanders, but it is also one of the few places in our country where large amounts of living peat can still be found in the soil. Peatlands are a perfect – both active and passive – storage facility for CO2.
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.
Our scientists can justly be proud of themselves: their research was highly acclaimed at the Wildlife Research and Conservation (WRC) 2023 conference in Berlin. The scientifically founded infographic by master’s degree student João Pedro Meireles on aggressive behaviour among male okapis during mating introductions won first prize in the poster competition. Through this poster, he is putting the expertise of Antwerp ZOO in the spotlights in a visually attractive manner.