The matchmakers

Threatened species like the fossa have dedicated cupids looking after their marital affairs. Brought in at the same time as Kabibi is Varus, a nine-year old male. The match was made on the recommendation of the EAZA Ex-situ Programme (EEP) for fossas. The EEP is a breeding programme run by the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), of which Singapore Zoo is a member. From genetic to demographic analyses, EEPs use state-of-the-art tools to meet their goal of healthy population management.

Each EEP species coordinator oversees how the species should be best taken care of, to achieve welfare and conservation goals. She plays the role of master matchmaker and planner, dictating and directing which individuals should go where to breed, after carefully considering their genetic lineage and compatibility.

Internationally managed breeding programmes like the EEP for fossas are one of the key ways zoos can help save species from extinction. Varus and Kabibi have got a global zoo community concerned with their conjugal bliss. We are rooting for them and keeping our hopes high for baby fossas soon.