Selected Mixed Species Exhibits of Primates in German ... - DPZ

Rheine
Naturzoo Rheine, Salinenstraße 150, D-48432 Rheine
1 Association selected here
Associated
species
since 1981
Gelada baboon
(Theropithecus
gelada)
Barbary sheep
(Ammotragus
lervia)
T. Ziegler: Selected Mixed Species Exhibits in Zoological Gardens
Initial group
structure
5 males
5 females
5 males
5 females
Development of
group structure
until present
± 20 animals
about 5 offspring
per year
(restriction of
group size to
± 10 animals)
Measurements
and structure
of indoor
enclosure
two enclosures
connected by two
horizontal tree
trunks: one enclosure
1500 m 2
(exclusively accessible
for geladas)
with natural hilly
ground, planted
with grass and
bushes, central
rock formation
with shallow
caves and shelter;
encl. surrounded
by water moat
(4 m wide,
0.6-0.8 m deep).
Second enclosure
500 m 2 (for both
species), concrete
ground, surrounded
by water
moat and wire
mesh, central
rocky hill, dead
tree trunks
Measurements
and structure
of indoor
enclosure
association only
outdoor
• Special measures at the beginning of association: None; geladas can move from one
enclosure to the other at any given time.
• Special behavioural observations (intra- or interspecific): Juvenile geladas can be
observed to ride on Barbary sheeps.Young Barbary sheeps initiate interspecific interactions
(playful behaviour). Barbary sheeps often prove to be the dominant species.
• Problems and risks (animals, technical, vet. medical): No problems in general, but
one cannot exclude some individual interspecific problems as interactions can become a bit
rough from time to time. No severe interspecific encounters up to now.
• Cause of problems and trouble shooting: As faeces rarely have to be removed (it disappears
in the natural soil of the outdoor area) anthelminthics are administered twice per
year as a prophylactic. Up to now, there were no hygienic or parasitological problems.
• Additional remark: Before this association was established, the gelada baboon group,
smaller at that time, was associated with 1,7 patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas) without
any social problems. Geladas proved to be not aggressive towards diverse species of birds
and staff when entering the enclosure. For further details on this association of gelada baboons
and Barbary sheeps see: SALZERT and JOHANN (1992).
Primate Report 64, December 2002 61