Animals and grooming
How does Eindhoven Zoo get its animals?
Most of the animals you encounter in Eindhoven Zoo were also born in Eindhoven Zoo. In addition, fellow NVD (National Association of Zoos) and EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) zoos play an important role in the exchange of animals.
An animal that is too much in one zoo is often very welcome in another. To know exactly what animals all EAZA members have left and what they are looking for, a large electronic database has been set up. Using this database, member zoos can offer their animals to colleagues or look for suitable animals.
For animals in an international breeding program, the coordinator plays a role as marriage broker: he or she considers to which zoo an animal can best be moved. This, of course, involves making sure that animals are not related and that they are age-appropriate.
For more information, see:www.nvddierentuinen.nl.
What do you do to keep the animals living as naturally as possible?
Eindhoven Zoo wants all animals to be able to act like animals, just like you can in Eindhoven Zoo! The enclosures are adapted to the natural needs of the animals. Life for the animals in Eindhoven Zoo is kept as varied as possible by means of enrichment exercises with food and other materials. Eindhoven Zoo also regularly has behavioral studies carried out.
Where does the animals' food come from?
A supplier linked to Eindhoven Zoo supplies vegetables, fish and meat for the animals. Eindhoven Zoo is aware of all life on earth and wants to contribute to a sustainable world. It is important that the fish and other foodstuffs are obtained as 'fairly' as possible.
Do animals eat the same thing throughout the year?
No, the animals have seasonal meals. The natural diet is taken into account as much as possible.
What are you doing to prevent disease outbreaks in animals?
During epidemic outbreaks, zoos have priority over vaccination. There are also mandatory vaccinations for wolves, beavers, felines and ruminants, among others. Administering worming cures is also part of ensuring animal welfare. If we think an animal is sick, the animal is quarantined to prevent possible contamination.
Do you train animals? How and why do you train animals?
Yes, some animal species (for example, the elephants) are trained daily. We use a reward system. Want to know how the reward system works? Come and ask our animal caretakers.
We train the animals because, on the one hand, it has added value for the animal. In this way we can keep a close eye on the health of the animal, but also stimulate behavioral enrichment and development of the animals. On the other hand, it is also nice to show visitors what our animals learn. Come and have a look at the daily presentations.
How do you give medicine to animals?
Medications are given through the feed. Consider medications in powder or liquid form. Should an injection be needed, it is injected remotely through a blowgun or air gun. Dangerous animals are treated under anesthesia and this is always done by a specialized veterinarian.
Do all animals have indoor enclosures?
Yes, all animals have an indoor enclosure/shelter.
What is a breeding program for?
A breeding program aims to maintain an animal population in the zoo. This takes into account various facets and obligations, such as avoiding inbreeding and preserving the natural characteristics of the species.
There are animal species that are becoming increasingly scarce in Europe. To ensure that no animals become extinct, special breeding programs have been established. These programs are called EEPs (European Endangered species Program). There is one coordinator responsible for each breeding program. The person in charge determines which animals will reproduce sight to sight in order to keep the species in a responsible manner. European stud books (ESBs) are also kept for various animal species.
For a number of endangered species, an EEP has led to them being released back into the wild after some time. An example from Eindhoven Zoo: several griffon vultures born in Eindhoven Zoo were released into the wild in Bulgaria (https://www.eindhovenzoo.nl/nieuws/vale-gier-uitgezet-natuurgebied/).
What do you do with dead animals?
The NVD (Dutch Association of Zoos) has established a Code of Dead Animal Material. This code has been drawn up for all zoos affiliated with the NVD. This code contains the laws and regulations concerning Dead Animal Material.
There are several options, depending on the species and cause of death. Dead animals are transferred to a rendering plant, turned over to science or they end up in museums. It also sometimes happens that dead zoo animals are fed to predators as prey. All of this is subject to vet review and confirmation.
How do you move animals?
Moving the animals is animal-specific. After all, larger animals, such as elephants, require a larger "moving box" than a red panda. An official protocol has been established for each animal species.