Rare breed of cattle returns to the zoo
It is perfectly normal for a zoo's population to change over the years. Not only do individual animals join or leave the zoo, sometimes entire enclosures are given up or restarted. And some of these new enclosures can certainly be described as "returnees", as they were already in the zoo decades ago.
This was also the case with the dwarf zebus that arrived last week. This breed of cattle, domesticated in Asia, was once kept at Chemnitz Zoo more than 25 years ago. Stralsund Zoo, which has kept this breed since 1964, received the last animals from Chemnitz in 1991. Last week, three new dwarf zebus - "Max", "Amira" and "Annabell" - virtually returned to Chemnitz from Stralsund. They now occupy the second outdoor enclosure at the zebra house.
Dwarf zebu belong to the so-called humped cattle. The name Zebu is derived from the Tibetan word for hump. The hump that gives zebu its name clearly distinguishes it from the cattle breeds kept in Europe. The hump, which consists primarily of various muscles and less of fatty tissue, is more pronounced in males. Another characteristic feature is the pronounced dewlap on the neck of the Dwarf Zebus.
Most of the animals kept in Europe originally come from Sri Lanka. The representatives of the Caucasian breeding line are very rarely shown in zoological institutions. In Germany, apart from Chemnitz, they can only be seen at Stralsund Zoo and Tierpark Berlin. Chemnitz Zoo is therefore particularly pleased to contribute to the preservation of this rare breed of farm animal.
With the expansion of this breeding programme, the zoo remains true to itself. After all, it is not only rare domestic and farm animal breeds that are actively involved in conservation breeding. Chemnitz Zoo is also home to a number of wild animal species that are critically endangered and only found in a few zoos.
Capybaras move into their winter quarters
As the days get shorter and colder, the zoo is also making some adjustments. The capybaras, which are used to warmer temperatures, can no longer be found in the South America enclosure. They have moved into their winter quarters in the Tropical House and share the enclosure with the sloths.
Some public feedings can also no longer be offered due to the falling temperatures. This is the case with the meerkats, for example. However, there is a substitute here. Over the winter months, there will be a daily feeding session with the stingrays at 12 noon. From 1 November, the zoo will also only be open until 4 p.m. and the ticket office will close one hour earlier.
Opening hours of the zoo from November to February: 9 am to 4 pm, last admission 3 pm
Opening hours of the wildlife park from November to February: 8 am to 4 pm