ZSL London Zoo ZSL London Zoo News 2022

[dillotest0]

If anything it seems as if every other major UK zoo seems to have similar complaints pop up on its respective forums - the ZSL zoos, Paignton, Twycross, Port Lympne come to mind ... as does one other zoo which previously had forums almost for the sole purpose of tracking all of the disappointments that year ! At least for that place, things seem to have lightened up in recent times ... [no prizes for figuring out which one I am talking about ... but begins with an 'M']
Though of course in the case of the most venerable zoo of the United Kingdom, perhaps such complaints are, to some extent, a bit more sincere than most !

 

[oflory]

I think ZSL gets perhaps more than its fair share of criticism on this forum (albeit much is very well-deserved) because it is, for many people, THE zoo. I have made no secret of my love for ZSL and London in particular, but I don't have rose-tinted glasses. I just think that 'decline' for us on Zoochat is very different from things that the general public want to see.

I also think that comparing UK zoos to continental European zoos is slightly unfair. My impression is that certain countries in Europe (Czechia, Germany, the Low Countries, Switzerland etc) just have a different attitude to zoo-going than the UK, and that expecting London or Paignton or Twycross etc to match the ethos of Prague and Berlin is always going to lead to disappointment.

 

[Lafone]

I'd say some of the recent news at Whipsnade has been positive, with the new cheetahs arriving, aardvarks and the new meerkat space then there is the new reptile house, new monkey area and some good things to look forward to in 2023 in my view.

London is an odd one for me, I've been a ZSL member for quite a few years and I am a Whipsnade frequent flier but London is rarely worth the hassle for me - I don't live near a station any more and getting there on public transport can be tedious with photo gear etc. There are other collections that offer good experiences and interesting animals that are easier to get to, and / or ones that focus on unusual animals in equally good spaces. I haven't been to London since before the pandemic and considering I am now clocking well over a hundred zoo trips this year I do sometimes ask why London isn't a thing.

London suffers a bit by being just another tourist attraction to tick off in the capital as well as having what is really quite a smallish site. But it has invested well in the new Snowden space. I don't expect that much from London compared to a lot of other collections but it does seem to be popular as a zoo for the general public. It needs a more certain direction in it's leadership as it is almost guilty of trying to tick all of the boxes - dilution is a bit of an issue for the big collections.

Whipsnade wise I am looking forward to seeing the new areas and animals and while it could be a more expansive collection, there is still much to enjoy on a day out there for me and I do love it.

 

[Rajang-GOAT]

Loro Parque, Tenerife. I believe its Kiburi.

Gorillas Land | Kiburi
Appears this may be the individual you are talking about?
Currently living in a bachelor group with 4 other individuals at Loro Parque currently, born at Hannover June 2004 to Batouri and Kathrin, and moved to Loro Parque in November 2014 along with a half-brother (Ubongo).

 

[Panthera1981]

Gorillas Land | Kiburi
Appears this may be the individual you are talking about?
Currently living in a bachelor group with 4 other individuals at Loro Parque currently, born at Hannover June 2004 to Batouri and Kathrin, and moved to Loro Parque in November 2014 along with a half-brother (Ubongo).

Can definitely see the family resemblance to Yeboah! If true, and he’s the individual in question, let’s hope he doesn’t suffer the same fate. London needs long term stability, which it very nearly got with Kumbuka.

 

[GaryA]

I feel it is such a shame that London cannot get past the dreaded English Heritage listing of their patently outdated buildings, and be able to knock them down and replace them.
Surely animal health and welfare should be more important than using the concrete monstrosities London is saddled with?
It's a shame they don't take the ultimate sanction of taking up the land in Regent's Park they are entitled to, use it to put in some grassland paddocks to start with (at relatively low expense), and just leave the old buildings shuttered up for the architecture nerds to drool over. An expansion would allow them to house the giraffes as a herd, with other African game animals.
It might even allow for the return of a pachyderm, or hippos. London has also not been quite the same without hearing the sealions from outside!

 

[Zorro]

I think ZSL gets perhaps more than its fair share of criticism on this forum (albeit much is very well-deserved) because it is, for many people, THE zoo. I have made no secret of my love for ZSL and London in particular, but I don't have rose-tinted glasses. I just think that 'decline' for us on Zoochat is very different from things that the general public want to see.

I also think that comparing UK zoos to continental European zoos is slightly unfair. My impression is that certain countries in Europe (Czechia, Germany, the Low Countries, Switzerland etc) just have a different attitude to zoo-going than the UK, and that expecting London or Paignton or Twycross etc to match the ethos of Prague and Berlin is always going to lead to disappointment.

Perhaps the different attitude might be on the side of the management, London Zoo which I have visited for decades has made many mistakes like the theming to the land of the Lions which was mentioned as an example. Yes zoos do make mistakes but as mentioned Londons problems have been a steadily decline over years of mistakes which can only go back to the management, I believe to stop the decline before it can go further and becomes irreversible. I believe a fresh approach is needed which perhaps can only be achieved by someone from the outside, obviously the current way is not working.

 

[oflory]

Perhaps the different attitude might be on the side of the management, London Zoo which I have visited for decades has made many mistakes like the theming to the land of the Lions which was mentioned as an example. Yes zoos do make mistakes but as mentioned Londons problems have been a steadily decline over years of mistakes which can only go back to the management, I believe to stop the decline before it can go further and becomes irreversible. I believe a fresh approach is needed which perhaps can only be achieved by someone from the outside, obviously the current way is not working.

On this subject, the new Director General is currently very active on twitter and seems positive...

 

[Zorro]

On this subject, the new Director General is currently very active on twitter and seems positive...

I do hope they can and will turn things around and wish them all the best for the future

 

[oflory]

I do hope they can and will turn things around and wish them all the best for the future

He also describes himself as a 'trainee zookeeper' and seems to meet VIPs in ZSL uniform rather than suit and tie. Quietly optimistic about his clear love for the zoos.

 

[Kalaw]

I agree with most of what has been said above regarding the current state of my home zoo; I think part of the reason that I can enjoy London so much is that I never saw its prime, having been born when London zoo was a shadow of its former glory, teaming with history but not living up to it. I did feel, however, as though change at the Zoo was for the better. The loss of the Aquarium was tragic, but inevitable, several nice new species have arrived lately and new exhibits, while clearly less alluring in character than their predecessors, are, for the most part, rather nice by UK standards. The only recent decision that leaves me genuinely enraged at the zoo is the mess that they made of the former Giant Anteater and Vicuna enclosures, which I have very fond memories of and currently seem to be wasted.

These days, I can visit London without worrying myself about its past, instead choosing to focus on the gems that are still present, which I really enjoy, all the while being cautiously optimistic about its future but ensuring never to get too concerned if it seems bleak. With this in mind, I have managed to enjoy my visits much more to my home zoo. That said, I am very excited for the new Reptile & Amphibian House!

Just thought that I'd give my opinion on the matter. I find what has been stated upthread to be a bit saddening, but very relatable!

 

[Zorro]

I agree with most of what has been said above regarding the current state of my home zoo; I think part of the reason that I can enjoy London so much is that I never saw its prime, having been born when London zoo was a shadow of its former glory, teaming with history but not living up to it. I did feel, however, as though change at the Zoo was for the better. The loss of the Aquarium was tragic, but inevitable, several nice new species have arrived lately and new exhibits, while clearly less alluring in character than their predecessors, are, for the most part, rather nice by UK standards. The only recent decision that leaves me genuinely enraged at the zoo is the mess that they made of the former Giant Anteater and Vicuna enclosures, which I have very fond memories of and currently seem to be wasted.

These days, I can visit London without worrying myself about its past, instead choosing to focus on the gems that are still present, which I really enjoy, all the while being cautiously optimistic about its future but ensuring never to get too concerned if it seems bleak. With this in mind, I have managed to enjoy my visits much more to my home zoo. That said, I am very excited for the new Reptile & Amphibian House!

Just thought that I'd give my opinion on the matter. I find what has been stated upthread to be a bit saddening, but very relatable!

I understand your view but unless one saw it at its best one will not be aware of how far the zoo has declined at a steadily rate over the years. At the end of the day its needs to be recognised just how bad it has become and more importantly as to why. Second point needs to be how to fix the problem and yes there has been some small improvements but not enough to stem what was one considered a major important world class zoo. I hope the new Director can turn things around, I have many happy memories of my visits there over many years and to me its plain disappointing to see what's happen there.

 

[LucasRyan]

Sad news, the breeding male mangabey died at the weekend, old age. Ending what was a very successful breeding program of white-naped mangabeys.

 

[Helens]

What heart breakers the cubs are!! Visited Wednesday and watched them for hours!! Great viewing areas.

 

[Regent]

I understand your view but unless one saw it at its best one will not be aware of how far the zoo has declined at a steadily rate over the years. At the end of the day its needs to be recognised just how bad it has become and more importantly as to why. Second point needs to be how to fix the problem and yes there has been some small improvements but not enough to stem what was one considered a major important world class zoo. I hope the new Director can turn things around, I have many happy memories of my visits there over many years and to me its plain disappointing to see what's happen there.

I believe that ZSL Management are well aware of the problems and I would hope they are working on a strategy. However, since ZSL is a charity, one wonders how much money is needed to improve the zoo which could result in more animals

 

[oflory]

Anyone else going to the AGM next week? Hopefully it will give some idea of the forth-coming Masterplan...

 

[Panthera1981]

I believe that ZSL Management are well aware of the problems and I would hope they are working on a strategy. However, since ZSL is a charity, one wonders how much money is needed to improve the zoo which could result in more animals

I’m not sure, given the current financial climate, there’s anyone coming forward waving a blank cheque!

Im sure there are better examples but, from personal experience, Bioparc Fuengirola is an excellent example of what can be achieved with limited space.

 

[Tim May]

Anyone else going to the AGM next week?

Yes, I'll be attending the ZSL AGM next week.

 

[Gavialis]

Anyone else going to the AGM next week?

Yes - I'll be there next week too.

 

[Pertinax]

Sad news, the breeding male mangabey died at the weekend, old age. Ending what was a very successful breeding program of white-naped mangabeys.

Hopefully a new male will be sourced to continue this very successful group, which I think is London's best primate display (I haven't seen the new Colobus exhibit).