Chester Zoo Chester Zoo 2017

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Also I won't get involved in the debate on the new play ground I don't want this devolving even further than it already has, whats done is done, there is no way a group of zoo chatters can sway the best zoo in the UK into doing something We would like and not for the benefit of the entire public.
 
Charlie Simmomds said:
Also I won't get involved in the debate on the new play ground I don't want this devolving even further than it already has, whats done is done, there is no way a group of zoo chatters can sway the best zoo in the UK into doing something We would like and not for the benefit of the entire public.
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No, we can't do anything, however, I feel discussing a Chester Zoo issue on a Chester Zoo thread is not devolving.
I've probably been visiting the zoo for a lot less time than some of the other people on here, but I agree, the fountain lawn has that quintessential 'Chester Zoo' feel. Some of the recent developments, particularly islands, also lack this feel, so it's probably an image the zoo is no longer interested in maintaining, and playgrounds must go somewhere. Still, one of my earliest memories is of that fountain, and it will be strange to see the zoo without it.
 
A qt
gentle lemur said:
The zoo's perception of its true role was set out in the six Strategic Objectives in the Annual Report for 2015.
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But do these replace the aims and objectives set out in the Articles of Association?

Genuine question. It's a long time since I've looked at the AofA (got a copy somewhere) and not sure if they've been amended (haven't been to an AGM since they moved them to an evening).
 
SHAVINGTONZOO said:
A qt


But do these replace the aims and objectives set out in the Articles of Association?

Genuine question. It's a long time since I've looked at the AofA (got a copy somewhere) and not sure if they've been amended (haven't been to an AGM since they moved them to an evening).
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I'm going to go with 'yes' as it is a 5 year strategic plan that is alligned with this vision / mission statement:

Our vision is for a diverse, thriving and sustainable natural world.

Our mission is to be a major force in conserving the living world.

I'd say any previous aims and objectives that are not in line with this vision / strategy have been superceeded.
 
I don't know if it's already been mentioned but maybe the new play area is the first step to the redevelopment of the whole area that is made up of the old tiger and current lion enclosures. Arnt the holding of Asiatic Lions being phased out? Possibly the play area by the resteurant will be demolished in future plans?
 
SHAVINGTONZOO said:
But do these replace the aims and objectives set out in the Articles of Association?

Genuine question. It's a long time since I've looked at the AofA (got a copy somewhere) and not sure if they've been amended (haven't been to an AGM since they moved them to an evening).
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The Charity Commision's overview webpage only gives very brief aims for NEZS and refers to more detail in the Annual Report. I quoted the Strategic Objectives as they were the only part of the 2015 Report that seemed relevant. They are also quoted in the 2014 Report, where there is also this passage about Objectives and Activities in the Governance Section.

The Society’s vision and mission are set out on the inside front cover of Zoo Review. Its objects, as set out in its Memorandum and Articles of Association, are (a) to promote the conservation of the physical and natural environment by promoting biodiversity; and (b) to advance the education of the public on the conservation of the physical and natural world and the promotion of biodiversity; in particular by but not limited to the provision of public education, scientific study and the maintenance of endangered animals, plants and habitats in both protective and natural environments.

The NEZS Articles of Association, as amended at the AGM this year, are available from Companies House at NORTH OF ENGLAND ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY (THE) - Filing history (free information from Companies House) but they are only concerned with the technicalities of membership, voting rights and the role of the Trustees etc. I think these Strategic Objectives, which were originally set out in the Natural Vision plans, are the most significant statement, as I said before.
 
Ag999 said:
I don't know if it's already been mentioned but maybe the new play area is the first step to the redevelopment of the whole area that is made up of the old tiger and current lion enclosures. Arnt the holding of Asiatic Lions being phased out? Possibly the play area by the resteurant will be demolished in future plans?
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I don't know about the lions, but both the former tiger enclosure and European aviary will be in need of re-purposing soon when the binturongs move to Islands and the European birds move to the old condor aviary - so there's the opportunity for some pretty big changes in that area.
 
Maguari said:
I don't know about the lions, but both the former tiger enclosure and European aviary will be in need of re-purposing soon when the binturongs move to Islands and the European birds move to the old condor aviary - so there's the opportunity for some pretty big changes in that area.
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I'm sure it was said last year the lions are to be phased out, I remember Alan stating his surprise due to the fact they had been given a large chunk in the zoos Z magazine at the time and their heavy inclusion in series 2 of secret life of the zoo.
 
Charlie Simmomds said:
I'm sure it was said last year the lions are to be phased out, I remember Alan stating his surprise due to the fact they had been given a large chunk in the zoos Z magazine at the time and their heavy inclusion in series 2 of secret life of the zoo.
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It was posted on here, but nothing has been said publicly by the zoo so at its strongest this is current private intention and subject to change. And in any case, phasing out Asian Lions would not necessarily mean the zoo will have no lions in future...

The moving of the binturongs and Euro-birds has been confirmed by zoo in press releases in the former case and on signage in the latter - nothing official has been said about lions - which was my point in my post above.
 
Maguari said:
It was posted on here, but nothing has been said publicly by the zoo so at its strongest this is current private intention and subject to change. And in any case, phasing out Asian Lions would not necessarily mean the zoo will have no lions in future...
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Of course not, the zoo has shown this with Milli and Toni, the sun bears which hadn't been seen at the zoo for 40 years. Malayan Tapirs are another example. There is a possibility plans will change of course, it's a zoo, in reality I've learnt from this website nothing is really set in stone. Non the less we will just have to wait and here words from the zoo. I imagine the annual report in may could give us an incline on the situation though I'm not sure.
 
robmv said:
My bad: it is indeed the (ex-) fountain lawn.

I don't object to play areas in zoos at all, but I prefer them to be distinct from the animal areas. This new one at Chester is going to be a bit "in your face" for my liking.
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Dear Rob, I do agree it is somewhat of a tradition going and quite a quintessential part of the zoo. I loved the ornamental gardens too where NZES paid good lip service to the diversity of the plant world - often the (horticultural) somewhat overlooked part in a zoo environment. The French say "partir c'est mourir un peu!" (and much as I ... somewhat find some French a particular peculiar kind of folk .. (well so of course are Dutchies LOL)) and it does feel like that.

On the other hand seeing as it is close to the Restaurant and refectionary parts of the zoo, I much rather prefer a kids' play area here than in some other parts of the zoo. Having zoo management site an essential part of any zoo here makes it perhaps a little better to get over.

A side note: indeed it seems that the European Aviary is set for a refurb sometime in the not too distant future. I do hope it will remain a bird themed exhibit though. But I assume we may be surprised once more here what the zoo intends to do with the great open space it enables NZES to come up with new inventive zoo exhibitry.
 
The zoo has confirmed that the Prevost's Squirrels born at the zoo are triplets on social media:
"A lively trio of Prevost’s squirrels have emerged from their nest. It's the first time the colourful climbers, which are native to the forests of South East Asia, have been born here!
The three youngsters arrived to mum André and dad Pierre following a 48-day pregnancy."
 
MagpieGoose said:
The zoo has confirmed that the Prevost's Squirrels born at the zoo are triplets on social media:
"A lively trio of Prevost’s squirrels have emerged from their nest. It's the first time the colourful climbers, which are native to the forests of South East Asia, have been born here!
The three youngsters arrived to mum André and dad Pierre following a 48-day pregnancy."
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Great for the zoo to properly announce this! I hope this brings more attention to this lovely species!
 
Also what makes this news even better is not just the fact it is a first for the zoo, but because of how quickly it has occurred! Bare in mind this pair arrived in late August/ early September, so to already have 3 kits, after only having the subspecies for a matter of months is in my opinion is amazing! My props to the keepers at the zoo!
 
Charlie Simmomds said:
Bare in mind this pair arrived in late August/ early September, so to already have 3 kits, after only having the subspecies for a matter of months is in my opinion is amazing!
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They went on-display in early September; I would not presume that they only *arrived* at that time if I were you :p especially given the fact that other species held at the collection have been off-display for months or even years prior to being put onshow.

Also, I never imagined they were naked :p
 
TeaLovingDave said:
They went on-display in early September; I would not presume that they only *arrived* at that time if I were you :p especially given the fact that other species held at the collection have been off-display for months or even years prior to being put onshow.

Also, I never imagined they were naked :p
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I see your point TLD, perhaps if someone could clarify when the pair arrived then that would certainly help.
 
MikeG said:
The squirrels arrived on 24th August; the male from Rostock and the female from Berlin.
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Interesting; this actually means I saw the female during my trip to Zoo Berlin given the fact that I saw all their Prevost Squirrels at the time :)
 
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