Colchester Zoological Society welcomes new arrivals

This December, Colchester Zoological Society (CZS) welcomed some exciting new arrivals! A young male pygmy hippo, Mikolas, from Zoo Dvur Kralove in Czech Republic. Also, Iris the red panda was welcomed to the zoo last week. 

Mikolas arrived at CZS just two days after celebrating his 2nd birthday, as part of an EEP (EAZA Ex situ Programme) breeding recommendation. Mikolas has now settled into his new home at Kingdom of the Wild and can be seen with resident female, Venus, who arrived at CZS in 2002 and is now 25 years of age.

Although Mikolas is currently too young to breed, CZS hope that he will eventually breed with Venus as he matures. Pygmy hippos are usually solitary animals and typically only come together during the breeding season. However, they can sometimes be found in small family groups.

“Mikolas is a sweet little boy and is settling in well. We are starting to see more and more of his personality and have quickly learnt that vegetables, especially carrots, are definitely his favourite! Mikolas has started to respond to the Animal Care Team and is coming over when called. We are looking forward to watching him grow and what the future holds.” – Jo Burch, Team Leader of Giraffe Section at CZS

Breeding programmes like these are incredibly important for the conservation of endangered species such as pygmy hippos, as their population numbers are still declining. With an estimated 2,500 individuals left in their native habitat in West Africa, pygmy hippos need our help to safeguard their future.

The Animal Care Team were delighted to also welcome a male red panda named Iris, from Cotswolds Wildlife Park to join resident female, Liwei. Born on 18th July 2021, Iris is 4 years old and joined the family at CZS as part of an EEP (EAZA Ex situ Programme) recommendation. Following the loss of previous male An An in June 2024, Iris's arrival is very special and the Zoo hope that he forms a bond with Liwei that one day results in the pitter patter of cub feet! 

Red pandas are currently classed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with as few as 2,500 left in the wild. In the last 20 years, there has been a 50% decline in the red panda population. Their forest homes in the Himalayas are shrinking due to deforestation and climate change.

CZS support global conservation efforts through education, breeding programmes, and partnerships with organisations like the Red Panda Network who they have supported for over 10 years. One of the key initiatives contributing to their success is the Forest Guardian programme. Donations help sponsor a forest guardian to monitor and protect red panda habitats, as well as educate communities on the importance of the species.