Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust Durrell news

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zoomaniac said:
Cool down! Their strategy of keeping threatened but small(er) and not so well known species is known (not to say famous) to everybody who's interested in zoos. And - as the word "maybe" clearly indicates - the point about the finances was an assumption (people living in London should have enough English skills to understand that).
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Hey All, the Durrell mission has always been to specialise on specific species. The site is small, and they went out of big cats years ago. They continually evolve the collection and have been at the forefront of rare species breeding and reintroduction. Consequently some of the existing species need more space. The stars of the collection are still the Gorilla family currently having large new indoor areas constructed. The Orangs come a close second with amazing enclosures. The Tamarins taught to free range before reintroduction to Brazil. Not to forget the Lemurs, the Bats, the rare bird and reptile breeding and reintroduction.
I'll be sorry not to see the bears next time. Yes tourists expect some recognisable creatures in the zoo, but most leave Durrell having learnt something.
 
Jonfla said:
Hey All, the Durrell mission has always been to specialise on specific species. The site is small, and they went out of big cats years ago. They continually evolve the collection and have been at the forefront of rare species breeding and reintroduction. Consequently some of the existing species need more space. The stars of the collection are still the Gorilla family currently having large new indoor areas constructed. The Orangs come a close second with amazing enclosures. The Tamarins taught to free range before reintroduction to Brazil. Not to forget the Lemurs, the Bats, the rare bird and reptile breeding and reintroduction.
I'll be sorry not to see the bears next time. Yes tourists expect some recognisable creatures in the zoo, but most leave Durrell having learnt something.
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Can’t learn anything if they don’t come in the first place.
 
Cat-Man said:
Not get rid of one of the two superstar species currently at the park.
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Oh I hear you, I was gutted when the leopard and cheetah left in the 80's. However I think both bears and macaques will enjoy more space. The balance for Durrell is using the site effectively and still being commercially viable in an era when the public expects to see expansive enclosures.
 
Jonfla said:
Oh I hear you, I was gutted when the leopard and cheetah left in the 80's. However I think both bears and macaques will enjoy more space. The balance for Durrell is using the site effectively and still being commercially viable in an era when the public expects to see expansive enclosures.
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This is essentially what I said at the beginning. Glad we’re on the same page.
 
Jersey's end-of-year video provided several updates for some of the work that occurs behind the scenes at the zoo. Among births/moves/arrivals that have already mentioned here there were a few interesting updates:
  • four new species of invert arrived - Fregate Island Snail (previously announced), Fregate Beetle, Giant Seychelles Millipede and Hooded Katydid. All four species have bred at the zoo.
  • Bird hatchings included Black Bulbul, White-collared Partridge, Namaqua Dove, two Javan Green Magpies and five genetically important Pink Pigeons. Arrivals from other collections included a crowned crane, Namaqua Doves, Blue-crowned Laughing-thrush, Meller's Ducks, Ferruginous Ducks, a Madagascar Crested Ibis and a Javan Green Magpie.
 
FBBird said:
Having followed Jersey Zoo’s progress over many years, first visited 1978, attended their courses and volunteered there over a period of years, you’re not convincing me:(
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that’s a shame - sounds like u have a really history with Durrell.

I’d love to know your thoughts on the current direction if ur happy 2 share?
 
Madzooman said:
I was at the zoo whilst on holiday today and I have to say it's looking so much better (was starting to look tired when I last visited) All the animals were on good form in the sunshine, but also lots of new fences, new signs, lots of new species and better information about conservation. Met some of the keepers doing the new keeper talks and they were saying there has been lots of changes recently but they are loving it. I could see what I thought was the new gorilla house but one of the kitchen staff told me it's for pigs. Looks amazing and huge. So nice to see jersey zoo being loved again

Oh and also visited the new Aldabra tortoise house next to the butterflies. It's AMAZING!!!. the zoo have truly outdone themselves. An amazing and huge exhibit and you can get really close to the tortoises. Feels like your sneaking through their home. Well done jersey zoo. Back on form as the top zoo in the UK
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it was never off top form! I agree it’s gr8 - I love it.

I understand the new buildings have been planned for ages but were held up by Covid etc so it’s nice to see it coming 2getha and just a shame the people involved at the beginning have left now and won’t see it.

will be interesting to see what designs this new director has 2 - I guess his will only start being built in the next couple of yrs after careful planning?
 
Piece of December 2023 News Not Mentioned:

On December 5th, it was mentioned that the zoo transferred (3.2) Angullian racers to the Chester Zoo in Cheshire*.

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On January 22nd, 2024, the zoo announced they acquired (0.4) ferruginous ducks which are now on exhibit in the Madagascar Wetlands aviary.

Jersey Zoo

*Information given by @bongorob in the Chester Zoo News 2023 thread.
 
Corby93 said:
New species for Jersey: Giant anteater, a 2 year female called "Zena" from Cotswold Wildlife Park

Since 1959-1961, Jersey Zoo didn't had Giant anteaters (one male called Amos taken from Argentina) (source:zootierliste and Gerald Durrell biography)

Meet Zena the anteater! | ⭐️ Meet our new giant anteater! ⭐️ Zena is a one-year-old female who has joined us from Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens. Found from Honduras... | By Jersey ZooFacebook
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They seem to be going away from some of the LBJ tag on the collection. However, crested black macaque left the collection of course ... (but given that the group was so small and now integrated at Whipsnade in a larger breeding troupe best for the species well being long term).
 
Kifaru Bwana said:
They seem to be going away from some of the LBJ tag on the collection. However, crested black macaque left the collection of course ... (but given that the group was so small and now integrated at Whipsnade in a larger breeding troupe best for the species well being long term).
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LBJ tag?
 
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