Registro de Instituciones, Colecciones y Bases de Datos de Biodiversidad: Colección

The collection of mammals of the Zoo of Barcelona was starded in 1892. It is remarkable by a colony of grey herons (Ardea cinerea), which live in the zoo in complete freedom and have become the largest breeding colony in Catalonia; the Doñana bird centre, where the most important species of the native fauna are bred in order to help repopulate protected areas in Catalonia; and the aviary, with its representative collection of parrots from all over the world and a number of confiscated birds including Nicobar pigeons (Caloenas nicobarica) and crowned-pigeons (Goure cristata and G. victoria), all of which are highly endangered species. After being confiscated, these birds were placed under the protection of the Zoo until the authorities decide on their final destination.

Strength:
1. Ethological studies to guarantee the animal welfare, diagnostic, introduction of programs of enrichment, evaluation of the effectiveness of the program. Elaboration of handling manuals. Revision of diets. Studies on sanitary state: pathology, endocrinology, physiology of the stress. 2. Studies on dynamics of the social interactions, resocialization / new individuals’ integration in groups. 3. To try to retain the maximum of genetic variability in captive populations. Studies about Physiology of the reproduction, controls of sexual cycles, behavioral indicators and hormonal controls. 4. Participation in the elaboration of the studbook that contain the history of the population of a species in captivity, registering the dates of birth and death and other data of interest for the handling.