Czech male to stay in Arnhem temporarily, while Arnhem female is being relocated permanently to Czechia
Royal Burgers’ Zoo is transferring sun bears to encourage breeding. On Saturday, 11 April, a male arrived in Arnhem from Ústí Nad Labem Zoo in Czechia for a temporary stay. On Monday, 13 April, a female from Arnhem departed permanently in the opposite direction. New offspring are highly desirable, as the sun bear population in European zoos faces several significant challenges.
The coordinator of the European population management programme (EEP) for sun bears is dealing with several complex issues. Firstly, the sun bear population in zoos is rather small, totalling just 36 animals. Females also significantly outnumber males, with 26 females to 10 males. Sun bears are also quite difficult to breed, and the current zoo population is ageing steadily. Lastly, Brexit has made the temporary or permanent exchange of sun bears with zoos in the United Kingdom much more difficult due to the extensive paperwork required
Burgers' Zoo has bred sun bears successfully in the past. In 2019, three cubs were born to two different females. Today, the Arnhem zoo is home to three females, aged 26, 25, and 7. The 7 year old female is moving permanently to Ústí (Czechia) in the hope that she will eventually have cubs there with an unrelated male. The Czech male temporarily staying at Burgers' Zoo is 24 years old and has previously sired three cubs—one male and two females—in Ústí.
Many pregnant carnivores seek out a secluded maternity den where they feel safe. It is important that this den is as soundproof as possible and that the animal is not disturbed; if the female does not feel completely safe, she may instinctively kill and eat her cubs. Burgers' Zoo designed the bear enclosure with special maternity dens where pregnant females can withdraw in complete peace.
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