Hemsley Conservation Centre Hemsley Conservation Centre

[Jana]

Also in the Wings of the Rainforest section were a pair of stunning Golden Conure (Guaruba guarouba). The pair had apparently been off show for quite some time, which I believe came from Prague (?)

Prague zoo doesnt keep/breed golden conures so it can´t be the source of their birds.

Some wild speculations:
The pair might originate from a local private breeder in/around Prague city, this species is not uncommon here, +500 golden conures are kept in private hands in Czechia. Or it might come from Ostrava zoo that breeds this species regularly and Prague could be just one collecting point for a bulk animal transport (long-distance animal transport is expensive, local zoos sometimes come together and fill one car going to the UK with animals that get un-/loaded at multiple destinations along the road).

 

[Dr. Loxodonta]

Prague zoo doesnt keep/breed golden conures so it can´t be the source of their birds.

Some wild speculations:
The pair might originate from a local private breeder in/around Prague city, this species is not uncommon here, +500 golden conures are kept in private hands in Czechia. Or it might come from Ostrava zoo that breeds this species regularly and Prague could be just one collecting point for a bulk animal transport (long-distance animal transport is expensive, local zoos sometimes come together and fill one car going to the UK with animals that get un-/loaded at multiple destinations along the road).

Thanks @Jana, certainly interesting.

 

[Dr. Loxodonta]

Linking on from the news about the otters, HCC just announced that an Asian Small-clawed Otter named Noodle has become the newest addition to the centre. Noodle arrived from Paradise Park Cornwall and was brought over to be a companion for Rita.

Log in or sign up to view

 

[Dr. Loxodonta]

Earlier this year, a baby ground cuscus was born and apparently is now finally venturing out of mum's pouch to explore. Good to see that the cuscus are breeding, joeys are incredibly cute.

It also seems that some of the wallabies have given birth, as a picture would indicate.

Log in or sign up to view

 

[Dr. Loxodonta]

On the 10th June, it was announced that three more rusty-spotted cats have been born and are now venturing outside their den. In more recent news, squirrel monkey Beau has also given birth to her second baby (her first was born June last year).

Log in or sign up to view

 

[Daubentoniidae]

Hemsley CC has announced the arrival of Cuban hutias, the only ones on public display in the UK though it doesn't say how many they have.
43 reactions · 3 comments | New Arrivals We’re so excited to welcome a brand new species to the zoo, the Cuban hutia! These chunky little rodents are only found in Cuba and are the island’s largest living land mammal. Despite their size, they’re expert climbers and spend lots of time up in the trees. Sadly, in the wild Cuban hutias face threats from habitat loss and introduced predators, making safe spaces like ours important for their future. Although the most numerous of the hutias, 20 species have been identified throughout the Caribbean and at least half are now extinct. Come along and meet our newest residents, you won’t want to miss their curious nature and adorable personalities! They're also the only ones on public display in the UK! Find them at our entrance BEFORE you enter! (Tearooms guests - you can see them for FREE!) Don’t forget to tag us in your hutia snaps! #zoonews #cubanhutia #newarrivals #conservation #zoolife #zoonearme #hemsleyconservationcentre #kent #visitkent | Hemsley Conservation Centre

 

[TNT]

Hemsley CC has announced the arrival of Cuban hutias, the only ones on public display in the UK though it doesn't say how many they have.
43 reactions · 3 comments | New Arrivals We’re so excited to welcome a brand new species to the zoo, the Cuban hutia! These chunky little rodents are only found in Cuba and are the island’s largest living land mammal. Despite their size, they’re expert climbers and spend lots of time up in the trees. Sadly, in the wild Cuban hutias face threats from habitat loss and introduced predators, making safe spaces like ours important for their future. Although the most numerous of the hutias, 20 species have been identified throughout the Caribbean and at least half are now extinct. Come along and meet our newest residents, you won’t want to miss their curious nature and adorable personalities! They're also the only ones on public display in the UK! Find them at our entrance BEFORE you enter! (Tearooms guests - you can see them for FREE!) Don’t forget to tag us in your hutia snaps! #zoonews #cubanhutia #newarrivals #conservation #zoolife #zoonearme #hemsleyconservationcentre #kent #visitkent | Hemsley Conservation Centre

There have been two males doing the rounds in exotic mammal groups for some time now, so I expect it's them.

 

[Smaggledagle]

Piece of April / August 2025 News Not Mentioned:

On April 1st, the zoo announced that 2 black-tailed marmosets were born, which are on exhibit.

https://www.hemsleyconservationcentre.com/post/black-tailed-marmosets-born

On August 20th, it was reported that the zoo is looking to start construction on a new mixed-species spider monkey exhibit in the future.

‘I started a zoo for rare animals aged 22 - it’s been an incredible journey’

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On November 9th, the zoo announced they acquired a (0.1f) red-fronted lemur named Lily from Exotic Zoo Telford in Shropshire, which is now on exhibit. The zoo also announced they transferred a (1m.0) red-fronted lemur to Exotic Zoo.

Hemsley Conservation Centre