ZSL London Zoo ZSL London Zoo News 2022
- Thread starter Red Footed Tortoise
- Start date
I don’t think so? On my last visit I don’t remember seeing anything where the owl aviaries previously stood.
No, other than the Snowdon obviously.
Going to be at the zoo every day for the next five or six days, so if anyone is passing by, would love to say hi, I'll probably be outside the tigers doing some research. Today was a great visit though as I got in at opening time and immediately went to the Clore. Would highly recommend doing so, got some lovely views of not only the more showy animals (jumping rats, bushbabies...) but also the lorises and the pottos:
Also happened to see the colobus taking their first steps into the Snowdon, which is looking more complete by the minute. They stuck to the trees predominantly but some climbed the mesh and explored the entirety of the habitat. I'd expect it to be open within two or three weeks, but they may delay longer to advertise it further.
Finally the tiger cubs are looking great. One cub is slightly larger than the rest and far more boisterous, constantly moving around the indoor area and pestering its father in particular. Another of the cubs hides in the straw in the far right corner and had to be dragged out by Gaysha to leave its spot. As for the parents, Asim is being a pretty good dad overall, spends a decent chunk of his time with them and is occasionally enlisted by Gaysha to watch over them
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As I've been doing a bit of research on activity levels, I'd say best times from the data I've got are between 10-11 and sometimes 14-15, though the latter is hit or miss.
Also happened to see the colobus taking their first steps into the Snowdon, which is looking more complete by the minute. They stuck to the trees predominantly but some climbed the mesh and explored the entirety of the habitat. I'd expect it to be open within two or three weeks, but they may delay longer to advertise it further.
Finally the tiger cubs are looking great. One cub is slightly larger than the rest and far more boisterous, constantly moving around the indoor area and pestering its father in particular. Another of the cubs hides in the straw in the far right corner and had to be dragged out by Gaysha to leave its spot. As for the parents, Asim is being a pretty good dad overall, spends a decent chunk of his time with them and is occasionally enlisted by Gaysha to watch over them
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As I've been doing a bit of research on activity levels, I'd say best times from the data I've got are between 10-11 and sometimes 14-15, though the latter is hit or miss.
I went last week and they were easy to see in their indoor area with the viewing windows. That was around 2.30pm, which matches what @amur leopard was saying above. Definitely worth trying to seem them as (apart from the obvious cuteness) it's a rare opportunity to see cubs this young, as usually the mother keeps them hidden until they are older (from what a keeper told me). I suppose she must feel it's safe for them in the viewing area. good luck!
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As I've been doing some research on the cubs I figured I might as well post a couple of charts, just preliminary findings. The graphs below show the minutes spent active per hour, by individual and then by age. One cub is more active than the rest as can be seen. The y-value for each x-value is the number of minutes spent active in the hour starting at the x-value (e.g. the adults were active for an average of 17 minutes from 10-11). Hope this makes sense and answers your question
So distinct peaks from 10-11 and 14-15. And don't visit at anytime past 4.
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The refurbished Snowdon Aviary was previewing to members today: the walkthrough itself was closed, but the indoor viewing and two small attached outdoor enclosures were accessible. The house and side enclosures were of a decent, if fairly unremarkable standard. The factor which will decide the success of the enclosure is how much the Colobus use the aviary itself.
I do think the walkthrough would benefit from the addition of some birds to create more sound and atmosphere in the aviary, although I also say this about the Galapagos Tortoise house and the Clore, so perhaps that’s just me…
I do think the walkthrough would benefit from the addition of some birds to create more sound and atmosphere in the aviary, although I also say this about the Galapagos Tortoise house and the Clore, so perhaps that’s just me…
For those that can get a copy, the latest ZSL Wild About has a very interesting (albeit brief) article on redesigning the Snowdon Aviary - choosing the appropriate tree and soil type as well as attempting to adhere to Lord Snowdon and Cedric Price’s original concept for the exhibit.
It’s official – our baby sloth, Terry, is a girl!
Monkey Valley will open 15 August:
ZSL London Zoo unveils brand new Monkey Valley exhibit - Politics.co.uk
The exhibit will be home to ten Eastern black and white colobus.
Dfggg
ZSL London Zoo unveils brand new Monkey Valley exhibit - Politics.co.uk
The exhibit will be home to ten Eastern black and white colobus.
Dfggg
I hope it lives up to expectations and the huge expense the makeover must have cost. It actually sounds like an innovative exhibit. I just hope the Colobus don't disappoint by being inactive much of the time or staying inside during bad/windy weather too much- though in bad weather there won't be any disappointed visitors obviously. The bigger they allow the troop to get, the better chance of more activity of course, but they still won't be leaping about all of the time even then...
Lafone
Well-Known Member
Is there a comparable exhibit somewhere? It seems innovative as you say so could be breaking new ground on behaviours!
Completely off topic so I apologise (monkey valley does look awesome!), but I’ve been going through some old photographs and I found one of a group of collard peccaries in what is now hunting dogs but was Greater Kudu. Just was wondering if anyone could give me a rough year/time period? I have zero recollection of seeing them but apparently I did!
Munster has a walk-through colobus enclosure that works well - albeit an open one so not as tall as London's!
Monkey Valley Video
London Zoo have uploaded a video of Monkey Valley for those who want to check it out. I have to say, I’m really impressed with what they’ve achieved. It will be great to see the troop expand over the years to come, which will make it an even more engaging experience.
ZSL - FIRST LOOK! Join us at London Zoo for the... | By ZSL | FIRST LOOK! Join us at London Zoo for the ultimate immersive family adventure this summer – our Monkey Valley colobus monkey walkthrough experience,...
London Zoo have uploaded a video of Monkey Valley for those who want to check it out. I have to say, I’m really impressed with what they’ve achieved. It will be great to see the troop expand over the years to come, which will make it an even more engaging experience.
ZSL - FIRST LOOK! Join us at London Zoo for the... | By ZSL | FIRST LOOK! Join us at London Zoo for the ultimate immersive family adventure this summer – our Monkey Valley colobus monkey walkthrough experience,...
I agree they have done a great job of it, I hope the few trees in there can take the crewing I thought a few more would of been ideal and last longer