Definitely looks like the one I saw there in earlier this year.
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo ZSL Whipsnade Zoo News 2025
- Thread starter Lafone
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Definitely looks like the one I saw there in earlier this year.
We didn't get a very clear look yesterday as the the two deer were hidden behind grass. It could be the male had shed his antlers since I took this photo in November last year.
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Lafone
Well-Known Member
It just shows how different visits reflect the different ways the animals use the enclosure as I've seen them outside on all my visits except one over the winter, even if it was closer to the house. As you say, depends on them!
I think the bigger the troops get, the more action there will be - they are ENORMOUS enclosures for the number they have at the moment.
Absolutely on the troop size/behaviour ratio. And on enclosure size, that was my thought when I saw them, particularly the Macaques. I reckon fifty wouldn't look out of place in there!
Yes all the Warty pigs were out in the yard when we were there.
Are there any photos of the alterations made to the enclosure?
No photos but basically it was some thick wooden planks meaning the pigs couldn't access the outdoor area, to me it looks like the 2 species won't be mixed,at least for the time being. Also I am pretty certain it is 1 male and 1 female deer.
A strange addition, if not for mixing. Especially when Whipsnade has so many areas that could be used.
Lafone
Well-Known Member
The plan is to mix them, they clearly want to do it carefully which is important after all, as no one wants to see any animals hurt during the process.
I've added a photo in media: Warty pigs/spotted deer enclosure - ZooChat
It essentially forms a little 'chute' for just the deer to enter the paddock, but they can look through it at the pigs. Both deer were in the paddock today, lying down together in the shade. I did take photos but they were awful! 90% sure a male and a female based on size and stubby antlers. The signage for the pigs remains on the paddock, so presumably they will be mixed eventually. The pigs are pretty boisterous at the moment so I can understand them wanting to let things calm first.
Other notable things:
- got best viewing so far of the baby gemsbok - lying outside in the yard in the sun. The cutest face.
- all 10 lions were out together - big and little cubs playing, keeping both Waka and Winta on their paws. Malik basically just asleep!
- very brief sighting of the new GOH rhino as she plodded back inside
- elephants now out on the paddock. Karishma and Beth were in a more distant paddock. There is a sign up outside their house explaining K and B have bracelets on in readiness for their move to Chester, describing them as acting like seatbelts.
- Passage Through Asia was closed again today - has been the past 2-3 times we've been over a space of 3-4 weeks. There was a sign at the entrance today saying the deer were under veterinary observation.
- talking to a volunteer with the lemurs, it seems the black and ring-tails don't mix together very much. The black lemurs do apparently come outside, but not at the same time as the ringtails, and he reported that the female black lemur has had 'a difference of opinion' with the ringtails
Lafone
Well-Known Member
Was also up at Whipsnade today and also snapped a picture of the shute. Lovely weather and although it was busy it didn't feel too crowded.
I had thought a Passage through Asia was closed for the Banteng introduction but as you say the signage is about the deer. Hopefully they are ok
I noticed the old enclosure near the otters opposite the event area that held small primates a while ago has been demolished and the area designated to grow out
I also thought the Philipine deer were male and female, the male has had his antlers cut down and it looks like the one who was there before, much darker than the other though an ear tag has now gone in.
Had excellent views of the lions and cubs, particularly just before closing (indeed was late leaving but excused it on the basis lots of other people were still meandering about). How lovely to see the large and small cubs all playing together.
The Blue Cranes are back in the enclosure near the cafe at the top of the Zoo opposite the sheep and goats and the Red Crowned cranes are still on the nest, hopefully that bodes well. Was great to see Asha the new one horned rhino, she was out and about around her enclosure when I went there.
The zoo are offering various heritage walks which might be interesting - even one for the railway fans.
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Strathmorezoo
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I think that the heritage walks is a good idea. Is this a recent thing ? I wonder how many ,if any, other zoos do this kind of thing.
Possibly walked past each other as we were up by the lions about 5.30
they're often one of our last visits now as it gets much less mad up there after about 4.30pm.They were doing them last summer but we found out by accident, in investigating what the 'bird garden tour' involved on the website. They seem to be promoting them a little more this year.
Lafone
Well-Known Member
Possibly walked past each other as we were up by the lions about 5.30
Would have done indeed... I was there then too. As you say, was a bit mad earlier and the lions napped in the sun all day, though who can blame them.
I've now traced the parentage of both Hugo and the new young female(Jiya) from Chester. As I suspected, the only parent rhino that originated in Nepal, rather than being from Indian/Assamese stock, was her maternal grandmother Behan, which makes Jiya one quarter Nepalese. All Hugo's ancestors were from Kaziranga origin. Beni at Chester,(Jiya's father,) and Hugo at Whipsnade also share one pair of ancestors. Only a nitpicking point but the 'Rhinos of Nepal' name for the newer building is a little innacurate now!
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History tours have been a staple at ZSL for many years, most notably at London Zoo. They trialled them at Whipsnade a few years ago, but then they seemed to stop. The tour included the Lubetkin Elephant House (exterior and interior), Bird Garden/Childrens Zoo and Ouseley pond. It’s nice to see them back, albeit in a different form.