Chester Zoo Chester Zoo Discussion, Speculation & Questions 2018
- Thread starter JoeDK14
- Start date
overread
Well-Known Member
Not everyone interprets the same information the same way and sometimes pressures in life upon a person might make them take comments in a very different manner to which they are intended; esp online when the written word doesn't always convey exactly what a person means or where there isn't often quick follow up of clarification (in face to face if a person started to look confused angry or hurt one might make further comment to better present their angle where their point was not designed to create that pained emotion).
It might also be that even suggestions on where things should be housed might have been seen as people trying to take advantage of privilege or the undertone of if something wasn't housed in the "perfect" spot then its failure on the zoo (which means keepers). This could very much be a case if there's a clear ideal spot and yet internal situations to the zoo prevent it being used (could be internal politics, costs, other plans, oversight, different priorities etc...)
So what might not be hurtful or might only be speculation could be taken in a different way.
It might also be that even suggestions on where things should be housed might have been seen as people trying to take advantage of privilege or the undertone of if something wasn't housed in the "perfect" spot then its failure on the zoo (which means keepers). This could very much be a case if there's a clear ideal spot and yet internal situations to the zoo prevent it being used (could be internal politics, costs, other plans, oversight, different priorities etc...)
So what might not be hurtful or might only be speculation could be taken in a different way.
I know from my own job how unpleasant it is to hear people telling you something is easy when you either can't do it for reasons you can't discuss, or could do it but only by not doing a host of other things you're being asked to do..!
overread
Well-Known Member
Aye, its rare for anyone to be able to work with the perfect tools and situation in any line of work; there is nearly always some form of compromise occurring at some level. Plus when it comes to some areas (esp animal care) there's huge variety on opinions as to what is the required standard anyway so even if there's little compromise there can be wide variations in views as to what is suitable.
Part of it might also be the unique position of zoochat in that its basically about the only site of its nature around; and a very large one as well. Thus it holds more influence than I think many casual members might realise; it might also be that some (in the business) might also put more weight in what is said here than might be intended or healthy at times.
Part of it might also be the unique position of zoochat in that its basically about the only site of its nature around; and a very large one as well. Thus it holds more influence than I think many casual members might realise; it might also be that some (in the business) might also put more weight in what is said here than might be intended or healthy at times.
Worth mentioning that it wasn't as clear cut as that, so running the risk of repeating a theme, let's not speculate or draw conclusions.
Besides, the walks and events we organised with curators (Andrew, Richard but especially Tim) were a luxury, not something the zoo was obliged to provide.
cliffxdavis
Well-Known Member
That's a great shame as Tims walk and talk was probably my zoo highlight of the year.
I know Chester Zoo has many friends and supporters on Zoochat and I would like to take this opportunity of thanking him for all the time he and his colleagues gave to us previously.
Absolutely! Whilst its a shame there won't be any more, what happened, happened. Better to be happy and thankful that such an act of generosity was available in the first place, than be annoyed at it ending, as it was only ever a very special treat. Nobody was entitled to anything.
BTW, as someone who is interested in Chester Zoo but not that knowledgeable, can someone tell me who Andrew & Richard are? I know Tim Rowlands is the Curator of Mammals, are they Curators of the other sections (Birds and Lower Vertebrates)? To be honest I only real know names of people through the TV series and presumably most of the stars are not senior staff/management?
Welsh Zootographer
Well-Known Member
Andrew Owen - Curator of Birds
As I said, let's not jump to conclusions.
Tim Rowlands is curator of mammals: Tim Rowlands | Curator of Mammals | Chester Zoo
Andrew Owen is curator of birds: Andrew Owen | Curator of Birds | Chester Zoo
Richard Gibson was curator of lower vertebrates and invertebrates. He's now curator of ectotherms and birds at Auckland Zoo.
And their team continues to grow all the time, too!
cliffxdavis
Well-Known Member
Which is a very good thing.
Let me guess on the carnivore team. Oh wait no primatesI’m still hoping that the ideal job for me will come up one day!
Welsh Zootographer
Well-Known Member
Sun bear mum...Let me guess on the carnivore team. Oh wait no primates
Let me guess on the carnivore team. Oh wait no primates
Sun bear mum...
Nope! I’m exclusively interested in their back office jobs. Something in Programme Management would be quite nice!
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It technically might be late and irrelevant but last year on November Chester zoo was featured in Japanese television focusing on the rare (according to Japanese standards) animals there and other features along with some other western places.
Predominantly in marketing, retail, HR, administration and middle-management, but not in horticulture, animal husbandry or conservation.