European Mink

Did you know?
that the European mink is critically endangered? The reason for the species' dramatic decline is competition with and intra-guild aggression by an introduced alien species, the North American mink, Mustela vison.

Photo Copyright by
Tit Maran

Why do zoos keep this animal

The European mink is Critically Endangered and has lost most of its range. A programme to save the species from extinction was initiated in 1991. The project has ex situ and in situ components. On one hand, zoos maintain an ensurance ex situ population, partly in special off-exhibit breeding facilities, which is managed under a conservation breeding programme (EEP) operated at the regional level by EAZA. On the other hand the zoos participate in re-introduction operations.

How this animal should be kept

The EEP Husbandry Guidelines recommend that behind the scene breeding enclosures should have a surface of at least 6m² per individual animal. The design should be based on a two-enclosure module to accommodate a breeding pair and young. For public exhibits a minimum area of 10m² per individual animal is recommended, but wherever possible larger enclosures should always be encouraged. The design should be based on a three-enclosure module: two separate smaller (off-show) holding pens with basic accommodation that may include a small pool; a large enclosure (on-show to the public) with a diverse and enriched natural environment to accommodate a breeding pair and young. Suitable est/sleeping boxes must be provided. Ideally the enclosure has a good plant coverage, with areas containing sand and gravel. Natural rocks, stones, tree trunks & stumps, provide shelter and facilitate scent-marking behaviour. The rotation of individuals in each of the enclosures adds further stimulation especially in scent-marking behaviour a highly important means of social communication.

Although a semi-aquatic species, the European mink is not a deep water inhabitant, and the pool should be deeper than 0.5m, with running water to typify the preferred natural habitat, with various cascades and rapids. The banks should also be as diverse as possible with logs, stones and dense vegetation for cover. In addition, submerged and/or partially submerged logs and stones are also recommended. The ratio of land to water should be > 4:1. Mink also enjoy wallowing in a mixture of mud and sand, therefore, a muddy depression would enrich the behaviour of the mink.

In order to prevent the mink digging out from the enclosure the ground under the soil should be covered with mesh or concrete. The height of the boundary fence should be no less than 1.2m. Mesh fences must have their upper part covered with ~30cm-wide of sheet-metal. Trees in the enclosure must be at least 1m away from the boundary fence, as any overhanging branches may provide another means of escape.

A suitable diet comprises around one third fish (freshwater or marine species, but not oily fish like herring or mackerel) and the remainder consisting of day-old chicks, mice and occasionally amphibians and invertebrates (crayfish). Where legally permissible live food is recommended with appropriate supervision, or alternatively, freshly killed food can be offered. Vitamin/mineral food supplements may be of benefit, especially where fresh food is not always available.