Best UK Leopard enclosure

[britishzoofan]

Poll closed. Congratulations to YWP on winning the vote for Best UK Leopard enclosure. As mentioned previously they combine a large enclosure, good climbing opportunities and easy viewing for visitors to achieve the win. It must be said in my opinion the standard of exhibits was not as high as some other categories, with Leopards often getting unlucky with the zoo accommodation they receive. This is YWP first win in these polls, however on all outings so far they have performed strongly. A mention should be given to Colchester who did well to come second.

YWP: 67.7%
Colchester: 16.1%
Marwell: 9.7%
Banham: 6.5%

 

[Pertinax]

As seen in the video above (from 2 mins), the foliage is far more developed now.

I noticed that too- from when it was new and very bare, the small pine/fir trees are already several feet taller, breaking up the previous bare feel. It will get better still in time. The leopard looks like its got an electric shock each time it reacts to the moving platform!

 

[Pertinax]

I would have to agree here, Twycross is larger when you can see the whole exhibit.

I can't like Twycross' though- being as these are just the old 'greenmile' Chimpanzee cages and still so ugly- they get least points as far as attempting to landscape them properly either- just some dead pine trees, a lot of weeds and a 'waterfall' that doesn't work anymore..

 

[pipaluk]

I can't like Twycross' though- being as these are just the old 'greenmile' Chimpanzee cages and still so ugly- they get least points as far as attempting to landscape them properly either- just some dead pine trees, a lot of weeds and a 'waterfall' that doesn't work anymore..

I would still suggest that this isn't the worst enclosure complex in the UK and like similar exhibits it's breeding record isn't bad! I understand the green mile stigma but it's a lot better than the old Twycross enclosure

 

[Pertinax]

I would still suggest that this isn't the worst enclosure complex in the UK and like similar exhibits it's breeding record isn't bad! I understand the green mile stigma but it's a lot better than the old Twycross enclosure

Oddly enough I preferred their previous enclosure...smaller perhaps but nicely landscaped/maintained.

 

[taun]

Oddly enough I preferred their previous enclosure...smaller perhaps but nicely landscaped/maintained.

Me too, but I can understand why they moved them. But certainly wasn't the worse the enclosure for big cats there at the time!

 

[UngulateNerd92]

My two favorites are Marwell Wildlife and Colchester Zoo.

 

[Rajang-GOAT]

Wouldn't mind living in Marwell, Exmoor or Banham if I was a leopard (and I am ), but YWP is the clear choice.

Opinion on Colchester?

 

[Rajang-GOAT]

OK some analysis then.

Size:
YWP - 10 points
Banham - 9 points
Howletts - 8 points
Marwell - 7 points
Exmoor - 6 points
Colchester - 5 points
Twycross - 4 points
BCS NC - 3 points
Thrigby - 2 points
BCS Amur - 1 point

Climbing opportunities (very important for the most arboreal of the big cats (other than cloudies):
YWP - 10 points
Marwell - 9 points
Exmoor - 8 points
Howletts - 7 points
Thrigby - 6 points
Colchester - 5 points
BCS Amur - 4 points
Banham - 3 points
BCS NC - 2 points
Twycross - 1 points


Foliage (Not so important of Amur but necessary for the others):
Exmoor - 10 points
Marwell - 9 points
Banham - 8 points
YWP - 7 points
Colchester - 6 points
BCS NC - 5 points
Twycross- 4 points
Howletts - 3 points
Thrigby - 2 points
BCS Amur - 1 point

Altogether:
YWP - 27 points
Marwell - 25 points
Exmoor - 24 points
Banham - 20 points
Howletts - 18 points
Colchester- 16 points
BCS NC - 10 points
Thrigby - 10 points
Twycross - 9 points
BSC Amur - 6 points

I know this isn't objective, as it is based subjectively but I hope it sort of explains my vote.

I see this through the available picture but the other Ussuri Falls section (Colchester) has much more climbing opportunity.