Animals & science
Stories
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A good net balance of greenhouse gases? De Zegge as a storage facility
The science division of Antwerp ZOO is conducting research into the emission of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane gas, in the De Zegge nature reserve in Geel, Belgium. ‘Not only is De Zegge the oldest nature reserve in Flanders, but it is also one of the few places in our country where large amounts of living peat can still be found in the soil. Peatlands are a perfect – both active and passive – storage facility for CO2. Conservation of our peatlands is therefore of crucial importance, a
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A PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES IN THE ZOO KITCHEN: HEALTHY NUTRITION FOR A HEALTHY ANIMAL LIFE
A healthy diet is of tremendous importance to both humans and animals. Nutritionists and other specialists are gaining increasingly more knowledge about nutrition and its effects on our bodies. The past few decades were marked by a growing understanding among the scientific community that an animal’s diet should not only provide for its nutritional needs, but should also stimulate its natural behaviour.
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Hoofing it: poster about okapis wins first prize
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.
Blog
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Peatlands must be rewetted to achieve climate neutrality
Peatlands are living archives that contain huge amounts of carbon as well as millennia of historical information. These unique habitats are also home to a distinct peatland biodiversity, including many endangered plant and animal species. Unfortunately, the majority of peatlands has been destroyed in the past, with potentially catastrophic consequences.
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Can a computer save animals from extinction?
"Oops, we did it again". We do it over and over again and unfortunately, we are getting better at it: last year yet another 45 species were added to the list of extinct animals. Bad news for the giant tortoises of Galapagos, but also for lesser-known species with roaring names such as the Las Vegas leopard frog (yes, that's an animal too). Worse still, some million plant and animal species are at risk of suffering the same fate in the very near future. But maybe computers can help turn the tide.
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Swipe right to match the stripes
Put an okapi male and female together, wait a while and before you know it they have a calf, right? Well, if only it were that simple. Sometimes things don't go as we expect when it comes to breeding with zoo animals. Oftentimes that is because we do not take into account that animals need to actually get to know their future partner.
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ZOO Science (English)
It’s finally raining in Kenya! ️💦 The Grevy’s zebras have been suffering from the effects of an unprecedented drought. Thanks to financial support offered by Planckendael ZOO, these zebras have now been saved from a horrible fate. Read more on https://t.co/tq8utneTSx! https://t.co/6fMrbD3PrJ
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ZOO Science (English)
From the lab to the blue carpet: our Biobank fascinates the audience of the In Science Filmfestival! 👌 Two of our own experts enthusiastically joined the panel following the viewing of a documentary on the San Diego Zoo’s Frozen Zoo. Curious? Read more at https://t.co/qtNDGfyXpf https://t.co/q5zcNnPyXG
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ZOO Science (English)
Fascinating news for science lovers! 📚 EAZA has launched a brand-new digital library in which all academic publications about and by zoos and aquariums can be found. You too can consult these documents! Read more about this ambitious project! https://t.co/FIMolZK9Rc