"ZooChat is an online community focussed on discussion about zoos, animal conservation and nature in general. We have a worldwide audience of zoo and animal conservation enthusiasts who discuss zoos and share photos and other information about over 450 zoos from over 50 countries"
I think the whole point of the forum is being lost here. If I wanted factual information on a zoo, its animals or its future plans I'd go to the zoos website. This forum is for zoo enthusiasts and although that includes some of us that are lucky enough to work in our chosen profession, many of the members of this forum are the people who not only pay the wages ultimately of zoo staff, they are ambassadors for zoos in general and spread many of the zoos ethos because of their enthusiasm.
Many of the posts on this forum are personal opinion and I always assume as much, unless a source or quote is given. i know absolutely nothing of the set up at Marwell but if the Oryx club is an official organisation of the zoo then the information should be current and official. Therefore if a zoo is releasing information that has been sanctioned for release, its directors must be happy in the knowledge it will be diseminated and discussed. I appreciate things change on a daily basis, especially with the credit crunch, but in our organisation we are instructed as to which information is public domain and which is not. Many enthusiasts work in zoos and read this board, but don't post as it is against their terms of employment to discuss zoo matters. This is often in case a personal opinion is assumed to be the opinion of a zoo. Zupu, if you are able to tell us which parts of the updates have been supersceded then that is great, but in the mean time I enjoy reading what could end up being pure speculation or opinion. The sheer numbers of zoo tycoon that have been sold indicate how many zoo enthusiasts are out there and have their opinions on designing and running a zoo. Thanks to everyone who says nice things about their zoo and for those that constructively criticise. Zoos should be a safe and pleasant haven for animal and visitor alike, while this forum should be safe and pleasant for all contributors.