ZSL London Zoo ZSL London Zoo News 2022

True.

Animal welfare and husbandry clearly have improved significantly.

Just one wonders how come giraffe did so well under sub par conditions. I think that question is rather valid here.

It’s the same as many of the Australasian zoos that kept giraffes in comparatively cramped exhibits with concrete floors. Though some of the giraffes suffered hoof conditions and other problems, they bred well as they’re not difficult to breed. Mortality was reasonable, but arguably no higher than what we see today.

The greatest challenge faced by imported giraffe was adapting to a climate that definitely was not Africa.
 
Noticed the following works when visiting midweek.

Obviously the aviary rebuild project is still going.
the amphitheater demolition and breakup of the seating area concrete was in progress (site of the replacement Reptile exhibit)
Gibbon enclosure appears to have exterior done but still working on the interior.
In Animal Adventure courtyard the exterior enclosure last occupied by the rabbits is undergoing work/replacement.
In Nightlife downstairs it looks like one of the side enclosures is being enlarged by utilising some of the floor space .
The path from Komodo House to the old Tortoise exhibit is closed off , not sure there is any active work going on there at moment so entry and exit to Komodo house is by same door.
 
Any ideas what's going in the old Giant Tortoise enclosure? Room for a female Anoa maybe? Probably some animatronic dinosaurs...
 
Plenty of room for the Babirusa I'd have thought, should be decent indoor accommodation in the old Ostrich House, although the sound and scent of tigers next door could be an issue? If they moved in there, Banteng or the soon to be retired Gaur in the old elephant enclosure?

Ah possibly that could be a problem. I would assume the Gaur would stay at whipsnade? Plus doesn’t that enclosure have glass windows? It’s been a while since I’ve been there unfortunately
 
Does London zoo hire volunteers for the summer?

Yes. Both ZSL sites hire volunteers, though generally at the end of each year ready for the new season. However, London has a greater turnover of vols than Whipsnade so you might get lucky!

There’s a link on the ZSL website.
 
A crested caracara has escaped and is currently in South-West London - roosted on Barnes Common last night.
 
A crested caracara has escaped and is currently in South-West London - roosted on Barnes Common last night.

Looking at twitter, it seems it's been out and about since at least the 16th March
 
Today (Friday 11Feb) construction workers were starting to demolish the amphitheatre. The suggested proposed date for the new reptile house was sometime in 2022. As far as I’m aware the zoo has not announced an actual month
What are the plans for the old reptile house, is it known? I saw work progressing yesterday on the lawn where the new one is going, and on the Snowdon aviary.
 
On the 9th April I am once again going to London Zoo and last time I went yes I have not been able to see Okapis as I think they were inside the house
 
On the 9th April I am once again going to London Zoo and last time I went yes I have not been able to see Okapis as I think they were inside the house
Most days the adult okapi are out in 2 separate paddocks. The youngster seems to prefer to stay in the house although she does venture out with Mum
 
On the 9th April I am once again going to London Zoo and last time I went yes I have not been able to see Okapis as I think they were inside the house
Two of them were out yesterday when I visited, one in each outdoor area. No sign of the pygmy hippos though, either indoor or out, and the path on one side of their moat was fenced off
 

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