It appears that Sulawesi is not as old as it was previously believed to be. Four million years ago just the central part of the island was above water; it was only two million years ago that the rest of the island was formed. This has been revealed by animal DNA analysis.
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.
Antwerp ZOO & Planckendael ZOO collaborate with Utrecht University in a scientific quest to develop a vaccine against herpes in elephants. In our own lab our researchers are also seeking to identify symptoms that trigger the virus.
In the summer of 2019, two Eurasian black vultures from Planckendael ZOO were released into the wild in Bulgaria. The species is critically endangered. These reintroductions are aimed at restoring the population throughout southern Europe and have proved quite successful so far.
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.
Animal welfare is high on our agenda, that’s why we have our own animal welfare scientist. Her job is to initiate, develop and conduct zoo-based research projects aimed at better understanding the welfare state of the animals in our care.
First ever pair of black vultures to adopt two chicks at once. Scientists from Antwerp ZOO & Plankendael ZOO have also succeeded in analysing DNA from dried out blood vessels in a hatched egg shell of a black vulture.
Penguins, and other birds, see differently to us. Thanks to installing special lighting, the sexually mature penguins at Antwerp ZOO are now able to see the purplish areas on each other's beaks. This should result in better matched pairs and encourage breeding success.
We have started a study, together with VITO, on the impact of climate change on biodiversity. We are developing new tools and collecting climate data to study the impact on golden-headed lion tamarins in Brazil.
Nutritious winter leaves for our animals are difficult to get. To find out whether more nutrients are retained by ensiling willow leaves than by current alternatives for feeding our gorillas, we have joined up with of Odisee University College.
Our parks aren’t the only place where we do all we can to improve living conditions for Asian elephants. We also support expanding their territory in the wild. In India, we’re helping move farmers, so that elephants have free passage.
Science, nature and education are the three major pillars our founders envisioned. In light of that, the skeleton of a deceased giraffe is being reassembled at the University of Antwerp, so that students can use it.