Chester Zoo Zoo Visit 13th December 09

LeeMac13

LeeMac13

Well-Known Member
We visited the zoo today and was surprised by how busy it was considering the cold weather. Managed to see the majority of the animals. All of the Elephants were out in their enclosure at some point during the day a sign has been put up near the bridge telling visitors about Thi suffering from arthritis and that people may notice her limping but it is being monitored by keepers and veterinary staff. Near the entrance there is a train ride outside Café Tsavo and Santa’s grotto near the Warthog enclosure. There was also a hoop a snowman and snowman shy stalls as well as the carousel which this year wasn’t playing the annoying music as in previous years. All of the Giraffe were out in the enclosure today Orla seems to have settled in well and Bella looked very healthy and seems to be slowly growing in size and confidence. The Okapi were in there separate outdoor enclosures both not really taking much notice of the other. The Red River Hogs weren’t outside today but there enclosure did look very boggy and frosty. A few of the Chimps were in there indoor enclosure none were outside no sign of any new babies as suspected by some forum members including myself with the recent house closures in the last few days/weeks. The Orang-utans were really active today an RORA was relatively empty which was good the Orangs had just been fed when we visited and we enjoyed watching them trying to get the food from the top of the enclosure and were really impressed by the way they were using the climbing ropes and threading them through the gaps in the mesh to help get the fruit as well as using them to support them when they were hanging upside down. Both Asha & Asoka were fast asleep inside for part of the day but were outside late in the afternoon. Finally got to see one of the Tigers in clear view :) what was the Porcupine and Mongoose enclosures are now just patches of soil and it looks like the Marmot Mania enclosure is in the process of being dismantled as well not quite sure what there planning on putting there. Possibly making way for what will eventually become the Traditional Farm/ British Wildlife section of the redevelopment?
No sign of the Roan Antelope, Zebra or Oryx possibly because of the condition of the ground due to the frost. Did see a building in the distance which I have never saw before now this may be a lack of observation on my part but I am pretty sure it has not been there before I though it may be the beginnings of the new Giraffe enclosure or maybe it’s just wishful thinking on my part.
I have put pic below to see what you think?
Also if you have any questions please feel free to ask and I will try my best to answer them :)
 
That's been there a while - it's just a storage barn, more visible than usual this time of year with the leaves off the trees. Though I must confess to wondering the same thing when it first went up!
 
I was also there today,

Do you know which tiger you saw today? As I only saw Kirana today and there was no sign of Fabi.

Orla may have settled in with the herd but the keepers were having a few problems with her.

As far as I understood the farm area would be behind oakfield house in where the Bongo and Red Pandas are now.

The Zebra and Oryx were out today, the Zebra were in the sandy paddock while the Oryx had the hardstanding but this was sort of mid day.

Anyone know if Chester have been allowed to breed from the Jaguars? As they were together on my last visit but seemed to be seperated today.
 
taun said:
I was also there today,

Do you know which tiger you saw today? As I only saw Kirana today and there was no sign of Fabi.

Orla may have settled in with the herd but the keepers were having a few problems with her.

As far as I understood the farm area would be behind oakfield house in where the Bongo and Red Pandas are now.

The Zebra and Oryx were out today, the Zebra were in the sandy paddock while the Oryx had the hardstanding but this was sort of mid day.

Anyone know if Chester have been allowed to breed from the Jaguars? As they were together on my last visit but seemed to be seperated today.
Click to expand...

Saw Kirana outside but did see Fabi inside well his paw anyway :P
What problems are the keepers having with Orla?
Both Salvador & Sofia were together when we saw them in the indoor desert exhibit.
 
LeeMac13 said:
Saw Kirana outside but did see Fabi inside well his paw anyway :P
What problems are the keepers having with Orla?
Both Salvador & Sofia were together when we saw them in the indoor desert exhibit.
Click to expand...

I check but could not see him, but I did she Kirana (Sumatran Tiger) stalking a pigeon.

That would explain why I did not know they were still together, I never went inside stayed outside to try and get a good shot.

One other question someone hopefully would be able to answer me, when was the latest Mandrill birth as they had infant when I saw them today? And not knowing much about when infants stay too stray from there mothers I could not guess an age.
 
Maguari said:
That's been there a while - it's just a storage barn, more visible than usual this time of year with the leaves off the trees. Though I must confess to wondering the same thing when it first went up!
Click to expand...

It fooled me too. I also thought it was a new giraffe house when I first saw it. I think it's been there 5-6 years now.
 
taun said:
As far as I understood the farm area would be behind oakfield house in where the Bongo and Red Pandas are now.
Click to expand...
The farm/Cheshire experience is supposed to begin in the area where the Roman Garden is now, and extend through the owl aviaries, old otter enclosure, the bongos and up to the red pandas. Supposedly the Rare Parrot Breeding Centre will also be swallowed up.
 
They own alot of land around the zoo which they are not using. I don't see why they have to destroy everthing that is already there.
 
SMR said:
The farm/Cheshire experience is supposed to begin in the area where the Roman Garden is now, and extend through the owl aviaries, old otter enclosure, the bongos and up to the red pandas. Supposedly the Rare Parrot Breeding Centre will also be swallowed up.
Click to expand...

Thanks I didn't know it would extend that far forwards!
 
lechweoryx said:
Marmot Mania is a great attraction and hasn't been there long!
Click to expand...
I was just trying to date it from some old photographs. It was definitely there in the summer of 2002 and I have a vague recollection of it being built when the children's play area (alongside where the Joseph Banks Room is now) was removed in 1999. I'm sure somebody else can date it more accurately, but it's probably older than you think.

That said, you're right, and it has been really popular with families. Perhaps they'll move it somewhere.
 
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