Zoological Garden of Zagreb
As a full member of EAZA, Zagreb Zoo participates in numerous breeding programmes of endangered species. With over 130 reptile species within animal collection, herpetological staff is highly skilled in hand-on experience in keeping and breeding various reptiles. Balkan Pond Terrapin (Mauremys rivulata) came in our collection in year 2008 from confiscation. Outdoor exhibit enclosure was built, together with educational area nearby. Since then, Balkan Pond turtle is playing important role in our collection and is implemented in several educational programs. With more than 400 000 visitors per year and strong educational programs ZOO Zagreb is recognized as one of the most important public awareness raising institutions in Croatia. During last years, we successfully incubated several clutches of Balkan pond turtle eggs, and head-started over 30 juveniles in cooperation with our partner HYLA. LIFE + financing should allow us to build breeding station (new glasshouse with more suitable conditions for animals, which should lead to higher fertility rate in males and better nesting sites for females). Precise incubators will improve incubation results in hatching rate and sex determination of juveniles. Zagreb Zoo capacity for permanent housing of invasive alien species that are present in existing ponds allows total removal of present invasive animals. Veterinary testing will help us gaining more knowledge about wild animals health status and providing healthy animals for soft release. Training Public institution for managing protected natural sites of Dubrovnik - Neretva County staff will be possible for long term capacity building in animal husbandry. Experience in planning and building of predator safe fenced areas for soft release will bring higher survival rate of juveniles determined for future release. Developing of volunteer program will be beneficial for natural sites, especially in bringing people from local community for long term contribution to project.
Team members:
Davorka Maljković, project coordinator and visibility; project planning and implementation; expansive knowledge in wildlife management procedures and protocols
Ivan Cizelj, expert conservation and reptiles; expert in reptile husbandry, working with Mauremys rivulata in captivity over 10 years; designing reptile enclosures, incubation, technical support, animal transport, IAS management
Ivana Kovarik Antonović, expert education and volunteering programme; involved in possibilities of formal and non-formal learning in the Zoo (holding lectures in the classroom related to school or university curriculum, development of visitor education activities and educational seminars for adults); Erasmus+ coordinator for Traineeships in Zoo, volunteer activities and new projects under Erasmus programme for Zagreb Zoo
Matej Tolić, groomer with experience in keeping reptiles