Contraceptive implants have long-term impact on zoo tiger reproduction

You might think that stopping tigers from breeding is the last thing we’d want, but for zoos the world over, making sure that only the right animals get to do the business — genetically speaking — is the top priority. Consequently, female tigers Panthera tigris are often given a contraceptive implant to allow them a full social life without, er, getting into trouble. However, a study published recently in Zoo Biology raises concerns that having an implant might do long term damage to a tiger’s prospects of getting pregnant. A group led by St. Louis Zoo biologist Cheri Asa found that females often struggled to conceive even after the implant had been surgically removed. For critically endangered species, such as Amur or Sumatran tigers, messing about with female’s reproductive abilities is potentially disastrous, but given the drastic alternatives (such as surgical removal of ovaries) a contraceptive implant is undoubtedly the lesser evil. Source: Chuei JY, Asa CS, Hall-Woods M, Ballou J & Traylor-Holzer K (2007) Restoration of reproductive potential after expiration or removal of melengestrol acetate contraceptive implants in tigers (Panthera tigris). Zoo Biology DOI: 10.1002/zoo.20137

Image © Nicolas Delafraye

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LONGLEAT has launched its first fully downloadable visitor attraction video podcast.

The famous Wiltshire attraction is offering the free podcasts via its website in a format that can be downloaded to both PCs and MP4/Ipod players.

Much of the filming for the videos has been done by Ian Turner, Deputy Head Warden of Longleat Safari Park, and a familiar face to viewers of the BBC series Animal Park.

Ian, a keen photographer, has spent much of the past 10 years in front of the camera being interviewed for this hugely popular programme and brings vast experience and fascinating personal insights to the films.

Longleat's marketing manager, Jo Sparrow, said: "Ian's unrivalled knowledge and enthusiasm really shine through in the filming and we're delighted with the results.

"The camera is rarely far from his side, which combined with the trust that he has developed with our animals over the last 25 years, means we are getting some really spectacular footage.

"The podcasts are providing a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes at Longleat and offer viewers an opportunity to see first hand all the work and effort that goes in to running one of the country's largest visitor attractions.

"Longleat was the first stately home to opens its doors to the public, we were the first place outside Africa to open a drive through safari and we now believe we're the only UK visitor attraction offering a fully downloadable video podcast," she added.

There are two podcasts now on the Longleat website with at least another two more planned throughout the remainder of the season.

The new video features a dramatic big cats' feed up with Bob Trollope, the deputy head of the big cats reserve, exclusive footage of Longleat's new Siberian tigers as well as shots of baby meerkats.

The podcasts are available for download from www.longleat.co.uk

8:17am Wednesday 6th June 2007

By Wiltshire Times Reporter

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Zookeeper Ginette Heppelle talks in French to Boris at Edmonton's Valley Zoo. The Siberian Tiger was born at the Granby Zoo in Quebec and responds best to the French language. French speaking visitors to Edmonton's zoo are encouraged to visit Boris and help him feel more at home. (CNW Group/City of Edmonton)

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Check out the latest news about Siberian or Amur tigers here!

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