Global warming is putting pressure on our oceans, and with them everything that lives below their surface. Corals in particular: 8 out of 10 reefs worldwide have been affected by coral bleaching, due to rising water temperatures and water acidification. At ZOO Antwerp, we are actively building solutions: with one of the largest reef aquariums in Europe, we breed corals ourselves, share knowledge and support restoration projects in nature.
The Vietnamese pheasant has not been spotted in its natural habitat since the beginning of this century, which is why Antwerp ZOO is taking action. Thanks to an international breeding programme and reintroduction project, this remarkable bird will soon have a new chance to thrive in the forests of its native Vietnam. Genetic research by our own scientists also revealed that one of the Vietnamese pheasant pairs bred at Antwerp ZOO is a perfect match for reintroduction into their native habitat in Vietnam.
Planckendael ZOO is offering the slender-horned gazelle, one of the most critically endangered gazelle species in the world, hope for a secure future. The ZOO has been supporting a vital breeding programme in Tunisia’s Sidi Toui National Park by providing financial aid, sharing its expertise in population management, and donating several of its own carefully bred and raised animals.
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!