Chester Zoo Chester Zoo discussion and questions 2025

Jambo said:
Aren't there Bush Dogs there? Or have I missed something.
Click to expand...

There were bushdogs in the former cheetah enclosure yesterday with the cheetahs moved to the opposite side (I believe Pademelons were in that space before) if that helps. They were in the underground burrow but one popped its head out of the pipe.
 
Lafone said:
There were bushdogs in the former cheetah enclosure yesterday with the cheetahs moved to the opposite side (I believe Pademelons were in that space before) if that helps. They were in the underground burrow but one popped its head out of the pipe.
Click to expand...
It would be interesting to know if this is the main group, or a second group split off from the main group.

If it is the main group, then I guess the indoor SOJ exhibit is indeed empty at the present time?
 
The indoor SOJ was definitely empty at the start of April, claiming “urgent”/“routine” maintenance work (the two signs didn’t agree which it was)
 
gentle lemur said:
I agree. I think the zoo has missed a trick here, because there is planting and a rather ugly fence between the animals and the public. If the path was slightly raised and widened by replacing the plants, and then replacing that stretch of fence with a parapet overlooking a haha or a water moat, there would be a very good view across the open enclosure towards the giraffe house and the main viewpoint. I don't think that would cause any particular problems.
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I agree. The boundary fence would have been better as a haha. This would also have offered a better backdrop from the main viewing area.
 
Josh218 said:
Anybody have an inclining of what the arid/desert side of the jaguar house will be used for?

Is it likely the bear will have an indoor area again or do we think we could get another jaguar hopefully to breed
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I’m pretty sure the zoo would like a breeding pair again. The entire SotJ was always intended and designed to be able to house 4 jaguars.
 
I'm very confused with the timeline of which Chester is trying to expand/ redevelop things. I thought Secretary birds and whatever is going next to vultures would be here by July. And then I thought that African Rainforest / Congo redevelopment would be started around 2028 if everything goes according to plan, and in stages compared to HoA which was done in one massive chunk, but upon talking to a keeper that I knew from volunteering a while back, I was told that it 'wouldn't be possible to create a proper, separate exhibit like Islands or HoA one bit of a time because of its location in the zoo' ??? And a lot of people and staff are talking about plans of India / Central Asia as though it is just round the corner... does anybody have a better idea of this?
 
AmazonianHippo said:
I'm very confused with the timeline of which Chester is trying to expand/ redevelop things. I thought Secretary birds and whatever is going next to vultures would be here by July. And then I thought that African Rainforest / Congo redevelopment would be started around 2028 if everything goes according to plan, and in stages compared to HoA which was done in one massive chunk, but upon talking to a keeper that I knew from volunteering a while back, I was told that it 'wouldn't be possible to create a proper, separate exhibit like Islands or HoA one bit of a time because of its location in the zoo' ??? And a lot of people and staff are talking about plans of India / Central Asia as though it is just round the corner... does anybody have a better idea of this?
Click to expand...
I'd assume Elephants would now be the priority following the introduction of the new regulations, of which Chester have to comply with by 2040. Whilst fifteen years seems like a long time, it's really not at the same time when you have to consider all the planning involved.

Therefore an expansion for the Elephants; and perhaps a Central Asian precinct will likely take precedence now. But it will be interesting to see what they end up doing.
 
gentle lemur said:
I agree. I think the zoo has missed a trick here, because there is planting and a rather ugly fence between the animals and the public. If the path was slightly raised and widened by replacing the plants, and then replacing that stretch of fence with a parapet overlooking a haha or a water moat, there would be a very good view across the open enclosure towards the giraffe house and the main viewpoint. I don't think that would cause any particular problems.
Click to expand...

On Friday I was emailed a questionaire by the zoo. I filled it in and submitted it. I mentioned seeing visitors on the entrance path to Islands looking at the savannah paddock, some trampling down the plants. I suggested that a viewing area needs to be created in that spot, there seems to be a demand. I just hope they look into this.
 
AmazonianHippo said:
I'm very confused with the timeline of which Chester is trying to expand/ redevelop things. I thought Secretary birds and whatever is going next to vultures would be here by July. And then I thought that African Rainforest / Congo redevelopment would be started around 2028 if everything goes according to plan, and in stages compared to HoA which was done in one massive chunk, but upon talking to a keeper that I knew from volunteering a while back, I was told that it 'wouldn't be possible to create a proper, separate exhibit like Islands or HoA one bit of a time because of its location in the zoo' ??? And a lot of people and staff are talking about plans of India / Central Asia as though it is just round the corner... does anybody have a better idea of this?
Click to expand...
It’s my understanding that it is exactly because African forests is in the heart of the zoo, logistically and for cost factors that it will be done in stages.

The chimps can’t be kept in the off show area (and the zoo wouldn’t want them to be off show for 2 + years anyways) so they will need to stay in their current area until a new exhibit is built (presumably on the site of the old giraffe paddock). I would speculate that at the same time the okapi paddocks and maybe congo buffalo paddock are also redeveloped. During this development I suspect tropical realm will remain open. Once the new areas are open I would imagine the old chimp area and tropical realm will be redeveloped ( in a further 1 or 2 phases). So it’s likely there will be 2 or 3 phases to the project. I can’t see any other way to compete this all in one massive go unless I’m missing something glaringly obvious ?

As for an Asian area it is possible for them to have 2 projects on the go at once (snow leopards and HOA were in construction at the same time).

The zoo has obviously known about the elephant expansion for some time and so who knows that may have already planned and budgeted for this to be done in the next few years before African forests even gets started?

I’m sure there will be some confirmation in due course. They usually apply for planning permissions way ahead of time for these kind of projects so we may find out sooner than we think??
 
While searching for photos of the Otter and Penguin House at Chester, I came across some old zoo photographs. Click on the cross in the centre for a larger picture.
King Penguins (South Amercian wetlands aviary now on this site)
Chester Zoo, located in Cheshire, England, is home to a wide variety of animal species. The zoo is a leader in animal conservation and education, providing both a recreational experience and an opportunity to learn about wildlife Stock Photo - Alamy
Monkey (Vervet?)
1960, historical, wild animal in caged enclosure, a monkey with its hand reaching out through the gap in the wire fencing, Chester Zoo, England, UK Stock Photo - Alamy
Brown Bear (original enclosures east of Giant Otters)
1950s, historical, a hamalayan bear standing on all fours on a mound in its enclosure, Chester Zoo, England, UK Stock Photo - Alamy
Pygmy Hippopotamus in Tropical House (I can't recognise the location)
Prince Philip is seen here during his visit to Chester Zoo today, where a pygmy hippo, raising it's head, obligingly opens it's jaws wide, as though for inspection Stock Photo - Alamy
Sun Bear in origonal enclosure by the staff entrance
1960, historical, a small brown bear sitting on a concrete path in his enclosure looking out, Chester Zoo, England, UK Stock Photo - Alamy
Gibbon Island (now Lemur Island)
1960, historical, beside a water pond, a gibbon sitting on an sign, 'Gibbon Island', Chester Zoo, England, UK. In July of that year, a male and female gibbon had arrived at the zoo from Thailand Stock Photo - Alamy
Sun Bear in origonal enclosure by the staff entrance
https://www.alamy.com/1950s-histori...908de89d1f3f673d265c0fa08986fa5d&searchtype=0
I think this is the original Cattle House which adjoins the west side of the old Giraffe House
https://www.alamy.com/1950s-histori...908de89d1f3f673d265c0fa08986fa5d&searchtype=0
Sun Bears in origonal enclosure by the staff entrance
https://www.alamy.com/1950s-histori...908de89d1f3f673d265c0fa08986fa5d&searchtype=0
King Penguins (South Amercian wetlands aviary now on this site)
https://www.alamy.com/1950s-histori...4fd9857e7f6f83bb0aaf27a036adf047&searchtype=0
Another location I am not sure of, taking a guess I'd say it is one of two large enclosures, on the site now occupied by the Babirusa and Otter Enclosure and Real of the red Ape.
https://www.alamy.com/1950s-histori...4fd9857e7f6f83bb0aaf27a036adf047&searchtype=0
Senior Curator Peter Waite and a hand-reared Kinkajou.
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-p...56a4a73a316bfafaf2cd5cf4087660dc&searchtype=0
Himalayan Bear and 2 Brown Bears (original enclosures east of Giant Otters)
https://www.alamy.com/1950s-histori...56a4a73a316bfafaf2cd5cf4087660dc&searchtype=0
Sun Bears in origonal enclosure by the staff entrance
https://www.alamy.com/1950s-histori...56a4a73a316bfafaf2cd5cf4087660dc&searchtype=0
 
Lafone said:
There were bushdogs in the former cheetah enclosure yesterday with the cheetahs moved to the opposite side (I believe Pademelons were in that space before) if that helps. They were in the underground burrow but one popped its head out of the pipe.
Click to expand...

Sorry, are the Pademelons still currently with the tree kangaroos in the pink zone of the zoo?
And are the Bush Dogs currently on display in the blue zone where the cheetahs are shown on the map? Or are these completely different habitats you are talking about?
 
LTigert said:
Sorry, are the Pademelons still currently with the tree kangaroos in the pink zone of the zoo?
And are the Bush Dogs currently on display in the blue zone where the cheetahs are shown on the map? Or are these completely different habitats you are talking about?
Click to expand...

When I visited Pademelons were signed with the tree kangaroos and the bush dogs were opposite the cheetahs. I don’t know about other habitats / enclosures - someone else may do.
 
LTigert said:
Sorry, are the Pademelons still currently with the tree kangaroos in the pink zone of the zoo?
And are the Bush Dogs currently on display in the blue zone where the cheetahs are shown on the map? Or are these completely different habitats you are talking about?
Click to expand...
There was a different group of pademelons formerly where the cheetah currently is.
 
pipaluk said:
Blackpool? Really? Good views maybe but I think it is more likely to make the worst 10 penguin exhibits in the UK than the best 10!!
Click to expand...
The pool might not be great, but they have had a rather nice extension to their land space in recent years.
 
bongorob said:
While searching for photos of the Otter and Penguin House at Chester, I came across some old zoo photographs. Click on the cross in the centre for a larger picture.
King Penguins (South Amercian wetlands aviary now on this site)
Chester Zoo, located in Cheshire, England, is home to a wide variety of animal species. The zoo is a leader in animal conservation and education, providing both a recreational experience and an opportunity to learn about wildlife Stock Photo - Alamy
Monkey (Vervet?)
1960, historical, wild animal in caged enclosure, a monkey with its hand reaching out through the gap in the wire fencing, Chester Zoo, England, UK Stock Photo - Alamy
Brown Bear (original enclosures east of Giant Otters)
1950s, historical, a hamalayan bear standing on all fours on a mound in its enclosure, Chester Zoo, England, UK Stock Photo - Alamy
Pygmy Hippopotamus in Tropical House (I can't recognise the location)
Prince Philip is seen here during his visit to Chester Zoo today, where a pygmy hippo, raising it's head, obligingly opens it's jaws wide, as though for inspection Stock Photo - Alamy
Sun Bear in origonal enclosure by the staff entrance
1960, historical, a small brown bear sitting on a concrete path in his enclosure looking out, Chester Zoo, England, UK Stock Photo - Alamy
Gibbon Island (now Lemur Island)
1960, historical, beside a water pond, a gibbon sitting on an sign, 'Gibbon Island', Chester Zoo, England, UK. In July of that year, a male and female gibbon had arrived at the zoo from Thailand Stock Photo - Alamy
Sun Bear in origonal enclosure by the staff entrance
1950s, historical, small bear in its enclosure, lying on his back by WW2 concrete pillars, Chester Zoo, England, UK Stock Photo - Alamy
I think this is the original Cattle House which adjoins the west side of the old Giraffe House
1950s, historical, a bison with baby bison, in enclosure, Chester Zoo, England, UK Stock Photo - Alamy
Sun Bears in origonal enclosure by the staff entrance
1950s, historical, two himalayan bears, one sitting, one lying on its back in their enclosure by old WW2 concrete pillars at Chester zoo, England, UK Stock Photo - Alamy
King Penguins (South Amercian wetlands aviary now on this site)
1950s, historical, several penguins standing outside in their enclosure beside water, Chester Zoo, England, UK Stock Photo - Alamy
Another location I am not sure of, taking a guess I'd say it is one of two large enclosures, on the site now occupied by the Babirusa and Otter Enclosure and Real of the red Ape.
1950s, historical, an ostrich in its enclosure, Chester Zoo, England, UK. A large flightless bird, ostriches have an ability to run at 70km/h and are the fastest birds on land Stock Photo - Alamy
Senior Curator Peter Waite and a hand-reared Kinkajou.
Pedro Gets Ahead: Pedro the Kinkajou is on tip of the world - enjoying a little global exploration across the head of his new master, Chester Zoo curator Peter Waite. Thanks to Peter, who is hand - rearing the baby animal at home, pedro has really got ahead since his parents abandoned him in April. And thanks to Pedro, Peter has got the latest line in Davy Crockett hats to keep him warm. P007300 Stock Photo - Alamy
Himalayan Bear and 2 Brown Bears (original enclosures east of Giant Otters)
https://www.alamy.com/1950s-histori...56a4a73a316bfafaf2cd5cf4087660dc&searchtype=0
Sun Bears in origonal enclosure by the staff entrance
https://www.alamy.com/1950s-histori...56a4a73a316bfafaf2cd5cf4087660dc&searchtype=0
Click to expand...
I believe that pygmy hippo enclosure is where the Great Hornbill aviary is, or the one beside it.
 
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