Schopf deer in the Leipzig Zoo: Reproduction remains a mystery!

An East Chinese crop deer named Janno lives in the Leipzig zoo, whose reproduction is obtained with partner Nicole.
An East Chinese crop deer named Janno lives in the Leipzig zoo, whose reproduction is obtained with partner Nicole. (Symbolbild/NAG)

Schopf deer in the Leipzig Zoo: Reproduction remains a mystery!

Leipzig, Deutschland - The wildlife in the Leipzig zoo is currently making headlines, especially the East Chinese crested dogs have attracted the attention of the zookeepers. These fascinating animals come from the high mountains of the Himalayas and are not only characterized by their characteristic hairstyles, but also by their shy way. Ooter keeper Holger Wust is concerned about the love life of males Janno and female Nicole, since so far there are no signs of reproduction. According to the information from Thuringia, there have already been difficulties in the past.

Janno, the new males, only moved to Leipzig in January 2025 and replaced Paul, who had previously had no success in the recruitment of Nicole. So far, the two crocodes show little interest in each other, which the zookeepers dampen something in their hope of healthy offspring. Janno was described as a "house stool", while Nicole is active and lively. The reproductive time of the skopf deer begins in late autumn, which still gives the nurses to promote the relationship between Janno and Nicole.

a little over cremation

In order to understand the special features of the crested deer, it is worth taking a look at their natural habitat. These animals live in damp mountain forests at heights from 300 to 4,750 meters in central and southern China, is on wuppertal.de pointed out. Because of their striking features, such as the up to 17 centimeter high hair and the extended corner teeth, they are easy to recognize. In nature they are characterized graphically through their dark fur and white markings on lips and eyes.

The reproduction of this kind is an important topic, since crop deer on the red list of IUCN is classified as potentially endangered. In addition, hunting for her is a serious threat because of your skins and meat. In the zoo, the enclosures for these animals are relatively generously measured, and it is recommended to provide at least 250 m² for a few. In Leipzig it is hoped that the changes in mating behavior and the change of males will lead to a successful breeding.

a promising view

It remains to be seen whether the small mutiny, due to the partner exchange within the framework of the European ex-situ program (EEP), will bear fruit. The Leipzig Zoo hopes that Janno and Nicole will understand each other better in the coming months and may be able to witness young people soon. The food supply and the attitude in a natural enclosure are other factors that play a role in this.

in Wuppertal, a similar problem is observed in another place, because the Schopf deer Janno and Falbala has been successful for years, but descendants also failed to materialize. Paul, who now lives in Wuppertal, might bring the turn. The enthusiasm and hopes of the zookeepers can continue to grow every day if they are ready to understand and meet the needs of their animals.

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OrtLeipzig, Deutschland
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