Went to South lakes today to see how things were progressing, a few changes.
The Raccoons have a new exhibit, opposite the Red Panda's. Sadly they were snuggled up in bed all day so didn't get to see them, but a vast improvement on previous exhibit.
The Tapir is getting a whole new exhibit, opposite his old one. It's partway being done, but doesn't look too far from completion. He will be opposite the Giant Otter when it's completed.
Chin Chin (Tiger) will be leaving the collection in 2 weeks, she has completed her crate training. When she moves on, it enables the Zoo to separate Bonita and Ramirez (The two Jaguars), or move them across. The zoo are hoping to do some work on the exhibit, either making it one large one for the Jaguar's or improving one of the sides, whilst they have the option to do so.
Discovery Education Centre looks nearly finished, but sadly you can't go inside where there are 3/4 Vivs. You can see one from the outside which holds the Boa Constrictor, but viewing is not great. It would be nice if it was opened up to the public so you could see all the reptiles, maybe in time, who knows.
The Anaconda appears to be in the Staff unit still by the Giraffe house, again not great for viewing as the heat lamp is out of view, from looking in and the snake is often coiled up under it.
Nyala are now in the small paddock by the Amazonia Birdhouse, having been moved from the Africa section. The Parma Wallaby's that used to be there have been moved to the walkthrough safari exhibit with the other Wallaby's and Kangaroo's.
Lemurs (Ring Tailed and Red) were out in the Bear exhibit. Often only see them inside but they were out playing in the trees, as were the 3 Black Howler Monkey's.
Gates separate the two Wildlife Walkthrough's meaning the Kangaroo's, Emu's and Wallaby's remain one side, and the Wildfowl, Lemurs and Prairie Dogs stay the other side.
Pygmy Hippo's don't seem to often come out into their exhibit choosing to stay inside a lot, they now share their exhibit with Sulcata Tortoise, which are a lot more viewable. The signs for Pygmy Hippo also seem to have been removed from the exhibit, so not sure what the long term plan is there.
Capybara now share the Giant Anteater exhibit, although I've never seen the Anteater outside. It's a shame as it's a massive exhibit with a pool, and it's really Spacious. For me it would be better suited for the Pygmy Hippo's or Tapir's. It's such a big exhibit and it's a shame it's not made better use of.
The area where the Camels were has been completely shut off, as has access to where the Reindeer used to be, round the back of the Cafe. Work is being done on this to extend the winter access for the Giraffe.
Done a big cat feed yesterday with the Lions which was really good and informative. Didn't realise that the male cat is 16 years old and the female is 14. This is rather advanced for Lions in terms of age. No real plans in place for when either come to the end of their life. But was an idea from one of the keepers to possibly find another older lioness to join their current one when the male passes away. Lions in captivity tend to live 16-18 years with a max age around 20 years so he is very much an old man.
Tropical House is still only open 2 hours a day and the number of Fruit Bats seems to have been reduced. Chinese Softshell Turtle in the pond area with another species of Turtle. Leopard Tortoise occupy the exhibit where the Sulcata Tortoise used to be. They had a very little baby who was very cute. The Sloth has a large exhibit which a lot more climbing apparatus than it previously had, but he still prefers to hide in the corner of the exhibit making him hard to see.
No real news of any new species likely to come to the exhibit. Couple of the really friendly keepers who used to be there and used to enjoy chatting to have now moved on, with Sarah joining Manor House.
Lots of changes going on to current exhibits and improving and expanding others, and that seems to be the current lay of the land there, rather than looking to bring in new Species.
Sadly didn't get a glimpse of the 2 baby Red Panda's who were snuggled up in their hut with their parents. Had hoped they might pop their ickle noses out at some point but they never.
Things definitely going in the right direction, and hopefully by the time my next visit comes about, the Tapir enclosure will be finished, and the Giraffe extension will be complete, and maybe work started on the Jaguar exhibit. Would also be nice if the Discovery Centre is made viewable to the public so they can see the Reptiles as well

.