We visited the zoo again this past week and as always, really enjoyed it. A few changes i noted since my last visit - Mute Swan, Mongolian Wild Horses, Koala, Black Flying Fox and Camels have all disappeared, although Rhinos, otters and a few reptiles were new. Work is still proceeding on the new croc enclosure, and several animals had moved enclosures (most of the wallabies were located in what is now the rhino and Bison yards. There is now only 1 Bison and male Ostrich, and i could only see 3 Elk hinds (although there is trees and reeds for additional elk to hide in)
Highlights for me were seeing the 6 Canada Geese (5 live with the 4 Barbary Sheep, the last 1 is an old male, who lives in the wetlands area) the 3 Thar (unfortunately they were hiding in the shadows at the back of their yard, so weren't the best display, up close views of the Barbary sheep - i didn't realize how funny their long mane of hair looked! Also being able to stand only 3 mtrs away from a rhino was cool - gives a true appreciation of their size! The younger rhino walked around with a pile of hay on his face - someone commented it was fast food takeaway!
I didn't see the Egyptian Geese or the Jungle Fowl, although a keeper assured me they were in the wetland exhibit.
I thought the gardens had been tidied up somewhat, but there's still a lot of room for improvements in the landscaping. There was 2 new macaw aviaries, for a pair each of Scarlet and Blue & Gold macaws. My wish for new species at Halls Gap would be Zebra and a big cat such as Leopard or Tiger, but there's nothing to suggest they are looking add them. Once again, a highly recommended zoo to visit - we spent almost 3 hours there
