Haltung und Zucht des Spitzmaulnashorns (Diceros bicornis) im Zoologischen Garten Berlin

The first Black rhino was kept in Berlin Zoo in 1870. After second world war the keeping of Diceros bicornis started in 1954. Between 1981 and 2006 16 births occurred in Berlin Zoo, of which 14 calfs were raised.     

Beiträge zur Menschenaffenhaltung im Zoo Berlin nach 1945. 3. Mitteilung: Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla)

Since 1956 were Western Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) kept in Berlin Zoo, counted in the period after 1945. The first offspring was born in 1964. Up to now 9 Gorillas were born in Berlin Zoo, of which 8 were raised, some of them artificial. The oldest Gorilla is “Fatou”, she is now in an age of 53.     

Pater Davids Hirsch oder Milu (Elaphurus davidianus Milne Edwards, 1866), 150 Jahre, 1865 bis 2015

The population of the Père David's deer or milu (Elaphurus davidianus), which was discovered in China by Père Armand David in 1866, has grown from five, or even merely three individuals, imported from China to approximately 5000 during a time-span of 140 years. We tried to find out more about the origin of the 18 individuals which formed the original herd of the 11^th Duke of Bedford at Woburn Abbey. His breeding-group was the only safeguard for this species between the years 1900 and 1946. Of the 18 individuals three were offspring of Berlin Zoo, three originated from Cologne Zoo and probably all the rest came from the Jardin d‘Acclimatation in Paris. The origin of the breeding herd at the Jardin d‘Acclimatation is not clear. The first individuals either came from Berlin Zoo or were imported directly from China in the years between 1876 and 1886. In Berlin Zoo's breeding records there is a remarkable gap for the years 1879 and 1880. If they came from Berlin Zoo, the imported male and two females would be the sole founders of the herd, and if the Jardin d‘Acclimatation had done an own import, then there would be at least five founders. At Berlin Zoo at least 18 milu calves were born between the years 1878 and 1895. The final destinations of most of these could be traced in literature. Some of them are not quite conclusive yet. We sketched the development of the worldwide zoo-stock of Père David's deer, the return to China and the re-settlement in the original habitat in newly established reserves and finally even outside the reserves. After centuries the milu has again gained the status of a free-living species thanks to the efforts of several zoological gardens, the Dukes of Bedford and the Chinese conservation authorities.     

Beiträge zur Menschenaffenhaltung im Zoo Berlin nach 1945.: 2. Mitteilung: Bonobos oder Zwergschimpansen (Pan paniscus) Keeping and breeding of Great apes in Berlin Zoo after 1945. 2. Bonobos or Pigmy chimpanzees (Pan paniscus)

The first Bonobo arrived 1987 in Berlin Zoo, the first birth occurred 1995. Up to now four Bonobos were born in Berlin Zoo.     

Berliner Nasenaffen - Nachlese

The keeping of Proboscis monkeys in Berlin Zoo starts 1967, the first breeding took place 1971. The highest longevity of a Proboscis monkey born in Berlin Zoo was 17 years and 3 months, the longest time in keeping of an imported animal was nearly 16 years.     

Beiträge zur Menschenaffenhaltung im Zoo Berlin nach 1945. 4. Mitteilung: Orang-Utans (Pongo pygmaeus)

Since 1955 Orang-Utans (Pongo pygmaeus) have been kept in Berlin Zoo counted in the period after 1945. The first breeding success was registered in 1963. The breeding occurred from this year on up to now. In the first years the young Orang-Utans were raised artificially, but now both breeding groups are taking care of their offspring. The oldest specimens are 34 years (male) and 41 years for one female.     

Mycoplasma feriruminatoris sp. nov., a fast growing Mycoplasma species isolated from wild Caprinae

Five Mycoplasma strains from wild Caprinae were analyzed: four from Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) which died at the Berlin Zoo between 1993 and 1994, one from a Rocky Mountain goat collected in the USA prior to 1987. These five strains represented a population different from the populations belonging to the ‘Mycoplasma mycoides cluster’ as tested using multi locus sequence typing, Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry analysis and DNA–DNA hybridization. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene (rrs), genomic sequence based in silico as well as laboratory DNA–DNA hybridization, and the analysis of phenotypic traits in particular their exceptionally rapid growth all confirmed that they do not belong to any Mycoplasma species described to date. We therefore suggest these strains represent a novel species, for which we propose the name Mycoplasma feriruminatoris sp. nov. The type strain is G5847^T (= DSM 26019^T = NCTC 1362^T).     

Zur ersten Geburt eines weiblichen schwarzen Springbocks (Antidorcas marsupialis Zimmermann, 1780) seit 25 Jahren im Zoo Hannover

On April, 26th 2009 after 25 years, a female melanistic springbok was born at Hanover Zoo. Melanism is seldom seen at the Bovidae, including springboks. A frequent occurrence was observed around Seekoei-River, Murraysburg, South Africa for this species.In the 70^th of last century 10 black springboks had been raised at Hanover Zoo after an import of melanistic animals from Dvur Kralove, Czech Republik.In February 2011 a second melanistic female springbok was born. She is growing up at Hanover Zoo. Both animals have been integrated to the mixed group (springbok, giraffe, zebra and blesbok) without problems.     

Peace-Making in Marsupials: The First Study in the Red-Necked Wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus)

The issue of reconciliation has been widely investigated in many eutherian mammal species. Nevertheless, no data are available for marsupial mammals. Indeed, the majority of reports focus on group dynamics from an ecological and reproductive perspective, but no study has investigated them from a social point of view. We observed the red-necked wallaby colony (Macropus rufogriseus) hosted at the Tierparc Zoo Berlin (Germany) and collected data on aggressive and post-conflict interactions between group members. We found that the phenomenon of reconciliation is present in the study species (mean group CCT 27.40% ±8.89% SE). Therefore, we demonstrated, for the first time, the occurrence of reconciliation in a gregarious marsupial mammal. Post-conflict reunion was not affected by the relationship quality between individuals (friendship or kinship) but it was fine-tuned according to the aggression intensity. For example, low intensity conflicts were reconciled whereas high intensity ones were not. Reconciliation reduced anxiety-related scratching in both of the former opponents and limited further attacks towards the victim during the post-conflict period. These findings suggest that the red-necked wallaby, like many eutherian species, can evaluate the costs of reconciliation and engage in peace-making behavior in the right contexts, in order to maximize its pay-offs.     

Haltung und Zucht von Basstölpeln Morus bassanus (Linnaeus, 1758) im Zoo am Meer Bremerhaven

Already at the opening of the Zoo am Meer in 1928 the Northern Gannets (Morus bassanus), whose main range is located off the east coast of Scotland, were part of the animal collection of the small zoo at the Weser river in Bremerhaven. The first successful breeding at the Zoo am Meer and thus also the first time in captivity at all, succeeded in 1988. Presumably the breeding was only successful because of the exceeding of a critical group size that allows certain group dynamic behaviours.After a complete renovation of the Zoo am Meer in 2004, a new phase of breeding with 16 animals began. Already in 2005 there was the first offspring and since then a total of 30 chicks hatched. Consistently it happens that animals that shelter their chicks are distracted by one bird and other birds steal and eat the chick. Plaster eggs for couples without oviposition or the removal of individuals provide relief during this critical period.     

Breeding fireflies at Tama Zoo: An ecological approach

Techniques to breed the Genji firefly, Luciola cruciata, a lampyrid (firefly) native to Japan, we developed at Tama Zoo, Tokyo. In order to determine captive husbandry procedures, the staff made close observations on the life cycle of this species in nature. It took more than a decade to establish the breathing program in an outdoor water channel at the Tama Zoo. Patterned after a freshwater ecosystem, the channel system enables the insect to undergo the simulated “food-chains” cycle for completing the metamorphic process. Captive-reared larvae, also known as “glowworms”, and knowledge on husbandry have been utilized to reintroduce the species in its former natural ranges.     

Erfolgreiche Handaufzucht eines Brillenpelikans (Pelecanus conspicillatus Temminck, 1824) im Zoologischen Garten Berlin

In the beginning of 2011 an Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus) hatched at the Berlin Zoological Garden and was hand raised. The article described the raising conditions and diet of the squab. In addition to that a historical overview of the keeping of Australian Pelicans at the Zoological Garden of Berlin was given.     

Zuchterfolg des Riesenseeadlers,Haliaeetus pelagicus,im Tierpark Berlin mit einem Weibchen der dunklen Morphe

Tierpark Berlin is keeping Steller's Sea Eagles since 1959 continuously without any breeding success till 2009. There was one egg laid in 1962 only. In 2001 we received a female from Tiergarten Nuremberg. At seven years of age this bird has moulted into its adult plumage this being all dark brown apart from the white tail. This is the only known present living specimen of this dark morph and the first known for several decades. As the parents show the normal coloured plumage this is the first evidence that niger doesn’t exist as a subspecies but is a dark colour phase of pelagicus only. The dark coloured female was breeding with a normal coloured male in 2009 and one offspring was parent reared for the first time at Tierpark Berlin.     

Metagenomic Analysis of a Tropical Composting Operation at the S?o Paulo Zoo Park Reveals Diversity of Biomass Degradation Functions and Organisms

Composting operations are a rich source for prospection of biomass degradation enzymes. We have analyzed the microbiomes of two composting samples collected in a facility inside the São Paulo Zoo Park, in Brazil. All organic waste produced in the park is processed in this facility, at a rate of four tons/day. Total DNA was extracted and sequenced with Roche/454 technology, generating about 3 million reads per sample. To our knowledge this work is the first report of a composting whole-microbial community using high-throughput sequencing and analysis. The phylogenetic profiles of the two microbiomes analyzed are quite different, with a clear dominance of members of the Lactobacillus genus in one of them. We found a general agreement of the distribution of functional categories in the Zoo compost metagenomes compared with seven selected public metagenomes of biomass deconstruction environments, indicating the potential for different bacterial communities to provide alternative mechanisms for the same functional purposes. Our results indicate that biomass degradation in this composting process, including deconstruction of recalcitrant lignocellulose, is fully performed by bacterial enzymes, most likely by members of the Clostridiales and Actinomycetales orders.     

基于微卫星位点的人工圈养豚鹿亲子关系鉴定

豚鹿属我国国家I级重点保护动物,目前国内野生种群已经灭绝,人工圈养数量少,已极度濒危。成都动物园是国内最大的豚鹿饲养单位,对该园内豚鹿进行亲子鉴定及遗传谱系建立是我国豚鹿拯救工程中一重要环节。本文利用7个微卫星标记对成都动物园27只豚鹿个体进行了基因分型,在母本已知情况下成功鉴定了13对父子关系,其中排除法鉴定8对,似然法鉴定5对且置信度达95%。将亲子鉴定的结果辅以动物园豚鹿圈养的历史记录,我们构建了该园豚鹿的遗传谱系图。本文的研究成果将为后续人工繁殖中亲本雌雄配对的个体选择以及种群的遗传管理提供参考。     

The benefits of pre-release population genetics: A case study using Ceutorhynchus scrobicollis,a candidate agent of garlic mustard,Alliaria petiolata

Incorporating population genetics into research on candidate biological control agents can help improve the safety and success rates of biological control of weeds. As a case in point, the population structure of Ceutorhynchus scrobicollis, a candidate agent for garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) in North America, was evaluated using mitochondrial sequence data and amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). The region surrounding Berlin, Germany, from which individuals have been collected for host-specificity tests, was examined to determine whether individuals from this area constitute one or more populations, to estimate numbers of individuals required to capture 90–99% of the diversity in AFLPs within the region, and to evaluate dispersal capabilities. Significant differentiation of C. scrobicollis between sites was observed, however most (94%) of the genetic diversity was found within sites. The area around Berlin appears to be a network of connected subpopulations. Estimates for the number of individuals needed from the focal area to capture 90% and 99% of the diversity present in AFLP loci were 10 and 27. Assignment tests indicated that while few individuals disperse, some move up to 65 km. Inclusion of more distant samples from Romania and Georgia revealed substantial genetic differentiation between them and German samples. These areas might therefore be useful to explore further should populations with different ecological characteristics be sought. These findings increase confidence in host-specificity tests, which incorporated more than 4000 individual weevils from the Berlin area, provide guidance for eventual release strategies, and illustrate how basic population genetic data can be incorporated into biological control programs to increase safety and efficacy.     

Identification of Novel Cryptosporidium Genotypes from Avian Hosts

A total of 430 avian-derived fecal specimens were randomly collected from selected Western Australian commercial aviaries, poultry farms, hatcheries, wildlife parks, and the Perth Zoo and screened for the presence of Cryptosporidium by PCR. Of these, 27 Cryptosporidium-positive isolates were detected, characterized, and compared with 11 avian-derived isolates from the Czech Republic at the 18S rRNA and actin gene loci. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis identified four genetically distinct genotypes, avian genotypes I to IV, from various avian hosts. In addition, the host range for Cryptosporidium galli was extended. Cryptosporidium muris and Cryptosporidium andersoni were also identified in a tawny frogmouth and a quail-crested wood partridge, respectively.     

Keeping and breeding of the coral catshark (Atelomycterus marmoratus) at the Aquarium of the Cologne Zoo

Coral catsharks (Atelomycterus marmoratus) are kept at the Aquarium of Cologne Zoo in a public exhibit tank measuring 300 x 160 x 110 cm (length x width x water height) with a water volume of ca. 5000 l. The 1.3 adults have been producing fertilized eggs since early 2010. Deposited eggs are longish-oval in shape, with a length of about 10 cm. Juveniles hatched in our rearing tanks (measuring 100-210 x 45-80 x 30-50 cm, with 280-430 l water volume) after periods of 4-6 months. The freshly hatched coral catsharks measured from 10-13 cm in total length. After 3 months, each juvenile had grown about 4-5 cm in length and the distinct, bright color pattern of the juveniles had faded towards the more subtle adult colour pattern. The keeping and breeding of coral catsharks can be classified as uncomplicated, given that sufficient swimming space and hiding places are provided. So far, 14 juvenile coral catsharks have been successfully reared at the Cologne Zoo Aquarium and are now available for breeding projects.