ZSL London Zoo London Zoo News 2023

Just received the latest copy of the member's magazine. Most news has been reported on, but I am not sure that this has:

Returning an Island Jewel:
"Earlier this year, 1,764 tree snails left London and Whipsnade Zoos and made the long journey by plane to French Polynesia, a group of islands midway between Australia and South America. Polynesian Tree Snails, also known as Partula Snails, are only found on the remote islands and were almost wiped out by the Rosy Wolf Snail, a small carnivorous snail introduced to control rampant African Land Snail (themselves introduced as a food source). Luckily, invertebrate experts from London Zoo managed to rescue enough tree snails in the 1990s to start a breeding programme. After decades of work, and a nine-year reintroduction programme, we have reintroduced 21,000 tree snails to the islands, including 11 Extinct in the Wild species and subspecies."

London and Whipsnade house 12 species of Partula between them, although it didn't specify which one this is. Regardless, it is wonderful news. There will still be Partulas remaining at ZSL, although I am unsure whether they will be held fully offshow or in the semi-onshow 'breeding rooms' within London's Tiny Giants.
 
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They don't specify which one because it's all of them. All taxa held have been subject to at least 1 release.
 
Fallax said:
Surely the arrival of another giraffe and the potential arrival of ostriches isn't going to make the situation better? The paddock is already small, this seems like a step back. :confused:

Are there any giraffe paddocks in the UK smaller than London's?
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Noah's Ark and Dudley are smaller, I believe.
 
Pacu said:
Noah's Ark and Dudley are smaller, I believe.
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I could be mistaken, but aren't Noah's Ark's giraffes only housed in that enclosure temporarily? They certainly used to have access to the mixed savannah with the zebras and ostriches.
 
Kalaw said:
I could be mistaken, but aren't Noah's Ark's giraffes only housed in that enclosure temporarily? They certainly used to have access to the mixed savannah with the zebras and ostriches.
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Only ever seen giraffe locked in a tiny yard, and although access is linked to the zebra paddock that still looked smaller. As for the grass section with ostrich, not sure it can use that and looked very slippery.
 
Pacu said:
Only ever seen giraffe locked in a tiny yard, and although access is linked to the zebra paddock that still looked smaller. As for the grass section with ostrich, not sure it can use that and looked very slippery.
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From memory Noah's Ark was the poorest Giraffe House I've ever seen. The worst point is the outdoor yard ( and adjoining paddock) is on a slope which is very unsuitable for them- unless its been changed.
 
I’m sure that if people are concerned about Dudley or Noah Ark giraffe facilities then raising it on their forums will encourage debate. As for London’s giraffe area size which I believe was slightly enlarged with the redevelopment the other year I believe that it is effectively (snow/ice aside) all weather so the giraffes have the full area useable throughout the year.
 
The 3 warthogs were visible (barriers in place currently to keep people from the enclosure edge) . They did go for a few trots around the enclosure and seemed quite relaxed.
Looks like Tambo (male) Sulawesi crested Macaque has moved adjacent to the rest of the group. Signage suggest introductions are occurring.
Two young Owls (great grays I believe) were visible in Animal Adventure. not sure if they are being housed there or were just brought in for a short time.
 
Kalaw said:
Returning an Island Jewel:
"Earlier this year, 1,764 tree snails left London and Whipsnade Zoos and made the long journey by plane to French Polynesia, a group of islands midway between Australia and South America. Polynesian Tree Snails, also known as Partula Snails, are only found on the remote islands and were almost wiped out by the Rosy Wolf Snail, a small carnivorous snail introduced to control rampant African Land Snail (themselves introduced as a food source). Luckily, invertebrate experts from London Zoo managed to rescue enough tree snails in the 1990s to start a breeding programme. After decades of work, and a nine-year reintroduction programme, we have reintroduced 21,000 tree snails to the islands, including 11 Extinct in the Wild species and subspecies."

London and Whipsnade house 12 species of Partula between them, although it didn't specify which one this is. Regardless, it is wonderful news. There will still be Partulas remaining at ZSL, although I am unsure whether they will be held fully offshow or in the semi-onshow 'breeding rooms' within London's Tiny Giants.
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Just by chance I found this article about Partula snails on my P.C. I had forgotten about it.

Shell shock
 
Managed to visit the zoo twice this week for a couple of hours. Wednesday I mainly stayed on the Northern side of the zoo and Friday I visited for the Zoo Night. A few things I noticed:

  • Builders in the old reptile house Wednesday and by Friday it was back open again. You enter through the front and exit out the side fire doors as a quarter of the building is completely walled off.
  • Managed to spot a female ostrich through the fence as you go up the ramp to enter the giraffe house on Wednesday. On Friday I noticed they had removed the screening on the mesh gates separating the ostrich and zebra so they should now be slightly more visible from the zebra side.
  • Spotted a water deer in the newly renovated reindeer enclosure from the road while queuing to get into the Zoo Night.
  • Managed to spot 6 African wild dogs on Wednesday which was a nice surprise. I only recall spotting one or none on all my previous visits this year.
  • Still no work on the old giant tortoise area.
  • Lastly in the children’s farm courtyard area they have started building a new ferret enclosure.

Sorry in advance if anything I’ve mentioned has already been reported on.
 
tennisfan said:
The 3 warthogs were visible (barriers in place currently to keep people from the enclosure edge) . They did go for a few trots around the enclosure and seemed quite relaxed.
Looks like Tambo (male) Sulawesi crested Macaque has moved adjacent to the rest of the group. Signage suggest introductions are occurring.
Two young Owls (great grays I believe) were visible in Animal Adventure. not sure if they are being housed there or were just brought in for a short time.
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Warthogs are brothers from Colchester. The male Sulawesi is in with the females. The owls are brother and sister
 
I have to say, when I last visited London Zoo last year, it surprised me how old the Giraffe House and how small the paddock was. Obviously space is limited but it is such a small area for Giraffes especially to share with Zebra, Ostrich and Okapi to an extent. That is one part of zoo which really needs modernising somehow
 
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