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.
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.
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.
It’s finally raining in Kenya! This is excellent news for the Grevy’s zebras in that area after over 22 months of waiting. The area has been affected by an unforeseen and above all unprecedented drought that lasted from November 2022 to the end of March 2023. Thanks to financial support offered by Antwerp ZOO and Planckendael ZOO – and the rain! – the Grevy’s zebra populations here have now been saved from a horrible fate.
African penguins in Cape Town, South Africa will be able to spread their wings again in freedom in their natural habitat. A severe outbreak of Avian Influenza had put serious pressure on both the animal population in this region and the Seabird Rescue Centre of SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds). Thanks to financial support from Antwerp ZOO and other helpers, the birds can now be released into the wild again.
The European Association for Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) and the Verband der Zoologischen Gärten (VdZ) proudly announce the opening of a brand-new international digital library. The ambitious project has been given the name ‘Zoo Science Library’ and will contain academic publications from all over the world. Every research project in this e-library was conducted with the involvement of a modern zoo. Our own Centre for Research and Conservation (CRC) has also contributed to this unique project.