It takes two to Tango
Friday 29 August 2025
Unless, says Jersey Zoo’s curator of mammals Ben Matthews, you’re a capybara at Jersey Zoo, in which case three isn’t a crowd
Mixing or introducing animals is a challenge which has required navigation by those managing animals since the dawn of time, but whether you’re introducing a new kitten to a well-loved family moggy at home or acclimating a new arrival at the zoo, some principles remain the same and some are scaled up.
Find the neutral ground
Behind the amenable exterior of a meerkat lies a more sinister layer, which is especially prevalent during introductions. Highly social and territorial animals, sending a new meerkat into the home of an established mob is a recipe for disaster.
Typically, meerkat introductions take place in a space neither the existing group or the new arrival have been before or had the chance to scent mark. To further mitigate odour angst, a liberal dusting of talcum powder is also applied to each meerkat, a harmless yet highly effective measure.
Howdy, partner
The first step to most introductions for many species is done gradually, through a dividing door or ‘howdy’, which allows the animals to smell and see each other without physically interacting. This first step of safe and controlled interaction can be key, especially with small primates. The animals benefit from building up levels of contact between a mesh panel, for example, before zookeepers see enough positive body language and vocalisations to allow full access.
Love is in the air…
Some species live a largely solitary life in the wild, only coming together to mate.
In a captive setting, this understanding of natural history is key to ensure successful breeding and, in some instances, avoid fatality. For example, southern cassowary, one of the largest birds in existence, are typically housed singularly in zoos. Males and females are typically only introduced to one another during the breeding season, and even then, close monitoring is required and swift action needed to separate the birds when the mood turns sour.
The law of the jungle
When we introduce two animals, even with all the preparation in the world, we still need to be ready for fireworks. Anthropomorphism, which is when we give animals human characteristics and assume they experience emotions the way we do, often makes animal interactions look worse than they are. Two Grevy’s zebra biting at each other looks painful, but these juggernauts are designed to repel lion attacks and possess incredible healing ability. Wounds which look fatal can often be unrecognisable the next day. While our instinct is to intervene, sometimes we need to allow animals to organise themselves into an appropriate hierarchy; the term pecking order applies to more than just the chickens in your garden. What looks rough to us is just another day at the office for the animals in our care.
Hungry eyes
Anaconda are known to eat caiman, capybara, and even each other. When mixing in a captive setting, there are recorded instances of female anaconda devouring males after mating. This behaviour is also likely to occur in the wild, as the female seeks to gain as much nutrition as possible. As she develops her offspring (they are ovoviviparous, which means they give birth to live offspring not laying eggs), hunting becomes more challenging as she grows. Giving a good meal to the female before mixing her with a male can go a long way. It might even save a life!
There are innumerable nuances when it comes to mixing or introducing animals, but hopefully this offers a brief insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes.
If we take base our plans on a solid understanding of a species’ natural history, remain pragmatic and prepare well, we are as well set as we can be.
Zookeeping is a challenging industry, and any potentially turbulent or challenging situations require a stout heart. We should celebrate when mixes go well but always be kind and respectful if we encounter unprecedented challenges.