The Zoo consulted with experts regarding all aspects of the exhibit area before bringing the addax in.
The wall may appear less high than it actually is in the video. The ground slopes down quite a bit near the wall making it higher than it looks from this angle.
In the meantime, I do trust the Zoo to do what is best for the animals. These addax have been at the Zoo since last fall, and, as you can see in the video, seem to be walking quite well without any discomfort.
Here is the Zoo's answer to your question from the Curator of Ungulates:
"Their hooves are adapted to walking on sand, but these adaptations do not preclude them from walking on grass. I examined their hooves closely when we did their physicals, and they are in excellent condition. The keepers keep a close eye on them, and they continue to have healthy hooves. The holding yards and stalls do not have grass, and it gives them time to be on a harsher surface to wear their hooves. "
Plus more background information from the Curator of Ungulates:
"... world experts on addax came to examine the yard and the holding building to see if it was suitable for them. These are people who have worked with this highly endangered animal in the wild as well as in captivity, and all gave our exhibit their blessing. "
"Our biggest worry was not their feet, but their rumens - could they handle eating the grass? What they all said is that they would be fine as long as they came from another similar exhibit at another zoo. Sudden access to rich grass after being on sparse vegetation for a long time coud cause digestive problems, but as long as the animals were acclimated to it, they would do fine on our grass. "
Beautiful ( and very rare) antelopes. Did you know that addax are so adapted to desert life that they almost never drink water in the wild? They get all of their moisture from the food they eat.
is that wall all that keeps them in ? because they can jump high
nesta62 2 years ago
The Zoo consulted with experts regarding all aspects of the exhibit area before bringing the addax in.
The wall may appear less high than it actually is in the video. The ground slopes down quite a bit near the wall making it higher than it looks from this angle.
ZooVisitorMM 2 years ago
I was just at the Philly Zoo not too long ago myself. (Put up some vids too!)
I love that zoo and I come from New Jersey to visit it! The Addax are one of my favorite animals to see there.
SilkenWinds 2 years ago
Why does the zoo keep them on grass?!This are desert antelopes, the grass isn't good for their hoofes..
Koriouchi 2 years ago
I hope to have an answer to your question soon.
In the meantime, I do trust the Zoo to do what is best for the animals. These addax have been at the Zoo since last fall, and, as you can see in the video, seem to be walking quite well without any discomfort.
ZooVisitorMM 2 years ago
Here is the Zoo's answer to your question from the Curator of Ungulates:
"Their hooves are adapted to walking on sand, but these adaptations do not preclude them from walking on grass. I examined their hooves closely when we did their physicals, and they are in excellent condition. The keepers keep a close eye on them, and they continue to have healthy hooves. The holding yards and stalls do not have grass, and it gives them time to be on a harsher surface to wear their hooves. "
ZooVisitorMM 2 years ago
Plus more background information from the Curator of Ungulates:
"... world experts on addax came to examine the yard and the holding building to see if it was suitable for them. These are people who have worked with this highly endangered animal in the wild as well as in captivity, and all gave our exhibit their blessing. "
ZooVisitorMM 2 years ago
And a little more from the Curator of Ungulates:
"Our biggest worry was not their feet, but their rumens - could they handle eating the grass? What they all said is that they would be fine as long as they came from another similar exhibit at another zoo. Sudden access to rich grass after being on sparse vegetation for a long time coud cause digestive problems, but as long as the animals were acclimated to it, they would do fine on our grass. "
ZooVisitorMM 2 years ago
Beautiful ( and very rare) antelopes. Did you know that addax are so adapted to desert life that they almost never drink water in the wild? They get all of their moisture from the food they eat.
33Keith33 2 years ago
Thanks for the added information!
ZooVisitorMM 2 years ago