cornu aspersum
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Is it feasible for Dublin to get the females?
Chessington Zoo Chessington Zoo News 2024
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I think it might be unlikely. Dublin already have 3 females which is the EEP preferred ratio per male in a group .
Lafone
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Tigers wise the plans show the current tiger enclosure retained which seems a bit odd with all the other animals moving to the new location, though makes more sense if they intend to simply phase it out. A tiger slap bang in the middle of nothing but theme park seems quite strange.
Where are the former bear dens?
Just along from the entrance to the sea lion tunnel.
The consultation plans that I presume you are refering to relate to the proposed changes to Wild Asia/Glamping Site (project refresh/renew) and to Mexicana/Childrens (Petting) Zoo (project play) sites. As part of those proposals the Lorrikeet Lagoon and Childrens Zoo residents would require moving . The proposal suggests that the relocation would be in Wanyana Reserve.
Those plans themselves do not directly address the Tiger Exhibit which is in the next land to Wild Asia nor do they address the Trail of the Kings where Gorillas and Lion exhibits are currently.
Rajang-GOAT
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My thoughts exactly. Although Colchester have clearly indicated interest in getting gorillas in the masterplan released in the first half of last year, at the moment there is seemingly almost definitely nowhere in the zoo that could house a gorilla troop in the double digits, and I would be surprised if that has changed in the next 2-3 years with the priorities being the capuchin enclosure redevelopment near the entrance and the new African Lion exhibit in Edge of Africa. Furthermore the planned Western Lowland Gorilla exhibit is probably long time off anyway if it is to be built as it is in land currently undeveloped by the zoo.
However, assuming it would become known Chessington are looking to move the gorillas 2-3 years before they would leave, this would be helpful for any interested facility to prepare, possibly by building a new exhibit for them if needed (likely if they are to move but stay in the UK). They could easily go to somewhere else in Europe that has the space and facilities for them, but perhaps this could be an opportunity for somewhere new to the species to jump on and take on an established breeding troop immediately. Maybe this could be an opportunity so good that it could make a collection revive (YWP?) or even create new plans to obtain gorillas, but I'm sure we will see in time.
That is exactly what happened the last time it was rumoured the Chessington group would become available. Chester were very interested and rumoured to be prepared to build for them at short notice(this was several decades ago now) but nothing came of it at either end. But that is just what might happen again, but somewhere else in the UK, with YWP and Colchester still being the most likely contenders IMO.
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Where is the 'new' Tiger enclosure and approximately how old is it? The Gorilla and Lion enclosures are pretty old now- Gorilla one must be 45 years at least if its a day.
Baringogiraffe12
Well-Known Member
The new tiger exhibit was opened in 2018, housing 1,2 Amur tigers, Chessington's individuals are getting on in age, with the youngest being born in 2010 and the oldest born in 2007. The newest exhibit is housed near the theme park side of the collection near the capybara, coati and tortoise.
The Aspinall parks? No building required.
Although, given his character, I’d imagine Damian would ship them off to Africa as soon as he could (much to great self-congratulatory fanfare of course).
Another thought.. could Longleat take the Chessington gorilla family? I’m aware they are a bachelor holder, but I imagine they’d be keen for a family and have shown they have the experience and facilities to hold gorillas. Either by moving the Longleat bachelors elsewhere or building a second outside exhibit.
I’d imagine a new holder like YWP, Colchester or Chester would first be given bachelors by the EEP anyway come to think of it.
I’d imagine a new holder like YWP, Colchester or Chester would first be given bachelors by the EEP anyway come to think of it.
To add info to the above reply, the tiger enclosure is around Tiger Rock - the log flume. Info on website page:
Land of the Tiger at Chessington World of Adventures Resort
I've just had a look at the park map and understand the current layout better as a result. ( I haven't been since new tiger enclosure was built) So at only six years old it might explain why it looks like the Tiger enclosure might be staying, even if so close to the Tiger Falls ride. I also noticed the part round the old entrance, Burnt Stubb mansion and the Gorilla/Lion area is currently labelled 'Chessington Zoo'. I would imagine if they are planning to triage current species held, Lions could be dispensed with as a 'big cat' if they are retaining Tigers. The sealions are also in that section too though.
The gorillas might go simply because the enclosure is now very old and in the 'wrong place' and they would rather spend the money needed to replace it on other projects.
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Yes, I'd put Longleat as a possible on the list too. With their previous/current experience with males they would now qualify for a family group I'm sure. Its true males are usually given to a new holder first, but its not always the case and can depend on circumstances.
Pretty sure they are full up though. Plus lots of politics involved, these are EEP gorillas, unlike Aspinall ones of which the majority are owned by them which is why they can relocate them etc as they choose. I doubt EEP would sanction such a move even if AP were interested in taking them.
I've just done a bit of checking and find Chessington's current Gorilla enclosure was opened in 1983/4 so its now 40 years old (not 45). In 2009 there were complaints about its state and the local council threatened to close the zoo unless it was replaced, eventually resulting in planning permission being sought for a completely new enclosure in the open (African Village) part of the site. But instead some smaller renovations/improvements to the existing enclosure was all that happened.
Buu, who is another daughter of Shani. She was sent to Fuengirola in Spain and has another baby there.
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