Chester Zoo Photography at Chester
- Thread starter Javan Rhino
- Start date
LeeMac13
Well-Known Member
Yes they are in with the Bears. Are about 5 of them I think but not 100 % sure.
Thanks for all of these tips, I will be sure to try them out on my next visit 
.
.It sounds to me they are currently effectively lost as an exhibit, if they're scared of the Bears and stay put in safe parts of the enclosure. But it will be interesting to see if they overcome this and become bolder with time - unless they're removed again first if its deemed not to be working.
I feel guilty that I haven't posted in this thread yet, as I have been visiting Chester for 50 years and taking photos there for almost as long.
The best way to get good photos at Chester is to use your eyes and your legs equally: it's such a big zoo with such a range of animals that if the enclosure you're looking at doesn't give much chance of a good photo, you can always move on until you find an interesting animal in the right place to get a good shot. If nothing is happening with the giant otters, try the black vultures or the spoonbills on their nests, or the penguins or the tigers and so on.
I agree about visiting the orangs early, but don't forget to call back later because sometimes they sit in the sun at the edge of the water barrier. Some of my other favourite targets are the blue-throated macaws and the red-tailed amazons that share their aviary, the capuchins in their outdoor enclosure, the tuataras (I think they come further out of their holes in the afternoon), the Indian rhinos, the vicuna (particularly the babies, which look like fluffy versions of Bambi) and the birds in the Tsavo aviary (where the light is best late in the afternoon). I haven't had much luck with the bears or the mandrills or the miniature monkeys in recent visits, but I'll keep checking because sooner or later I know I'll get an opportunity for some good shots of them.
Good hunting
Alan
The best way to get good photos at Chester is to use your eyes and your legs equally: it's such a big zoo with such a range of animals that if the enclosure you're looking at doesn't give much chance of a good photo, you can always move on until you find an interesting animal in the right place to get a good shot. If nothing is happening with the giant otters, try the black vultures or the spoonbills on their nests, or the penguins or the tigers and so on.
I agree about visiting the orangs early, but don't forget to call back later because sometimes they sit in the sun at the edge of the water barrier. Some of my other favourite targets are the blue-throated macaws and the red-tailed amazons that share their aviary, the capuchins in their outdoor enclosure, the tuataras (I think they come further out of their holes in the afternoon), the Indian rhinos, the vicuna (particularly the babies, which look like fluffy versions of Bambi) and the birds in the Tsavo aviary (where the light is best late in the afternoon). I haven't had much luck with the bears or the mandrills or the miniature monkeys in recent visits, but I'll keep checking because sooner or later I know I'll get an opportunity for some good shots of them.
Good hunting
Alan
GillP
Well-Known Member
I actually found quite the opposite but I suspect that was because I've only ever been to Chester in March and November when visitor numbers aren't so great. I spent absolutely ages in the bat house as it's so fascinating and one member of staff there very kindly spent a long while talking to my then 5 year old.
I'm very hit and miss with photography - still have so much to learn (so this thread is great) - but my biggest tip is to try and go at any time (or date) when there's least people about. Aside from getting close to the barrier or glass, it's so annoying to be nudged when you're trying to set up a picture. I'm quite happy to wait somewhere for ages for a good shot but I am also aware that this might be quite irritating for other visitors who of course also want to see an exhibit from the prime spot you're occupying.
The previous single-species exhibit, located in an area that was once a beaver lake, was a large island with a moat, lots of ground cover and tall climbing structures (poles, tree trunks). There was an unobstructed view around the entire perimeter over a low wall and the coatis seemed to really enjoy the space, they showed well and bred.
I wouldn't like to say whether they're nervous of the bears, it could be that they've just decided to live as far away from the public as possible given that they are in a huge space. They were mixed some years ago, so they should be used to their companions by now.
It's a group of seven females.
taun
Well-Known Member
Considering their off-show accommodation is down at the end nearest the Zebras, Oryx, etc.... They like to spend there time in the logs at the other end of the enclosure. So I doubt it has anything to do with the bears at all.
And to actually participate in this thread.
Time
Patience
And usually a whole lot of luck!
There my tips of getting that outstanding photo.
Is it just me who can't see gentle lemurs anywhere without thinking of Alan - specially since he said he looks like the picture (or did I imagine that)
Funnily enough, I've never thought that Orange Person really might be orange - or that there is anything more than the most superficial resemblance between the original Pertinax and our own version 
Alan
Alan
chesterfan
Active Member
All I can think is that is was part of the longer term vision of removing all the older exhibits and creating themed areas. Although there was nothing wrong with their old enclosure it must have been constructed many moons ago, and coatis in that location did not fit in to any geographical zone. I have always thought that the coatis would have been better living near the spirit of the jaguar. The back of the south american aviary is a perfect space for an additional exhibit...and could extend into the lawn in front of spirit....as we have commented many times there are now lots of additional lawns so i reckon turning the spirit lawn into a new and improved coati 'island' would be perfect, especially since jaguar sightings are quite hard to come by and thus gives visitors something guranteed to view in this part of the zoo! What do you think?
This is where I have slight misgivings about the concept of geographical zones. Personally, I'd rather have exhibits that offer a good balance of animal care and visitor accessibility than themed zones where species become invisible. Would the average visitor enjoy an exhibit any more (or less) depending on whether or not all the species in the vicinity originate from the same part of the world?
That's not a bad idea at all. The toilet block could become housing and their off-show area (there are alternative toilets ten metres away), and the layout of the paths in and out of Spirit of the Jaguar would provide a good route around the exhibit. The surprising thing about that area however, is that it's not much larger than the old coati enclosure, which although quite old was substantial and flexible. The benefit of your proposed location would be the proximity to the jaguars, perhaps it would even give them something to look at and draw them outside a little more. Move the bears down there and we're all set.
heheFunnily enough, I've never thought that Orange Person really might be orange - or that there is anything more than the most superficial resemblance between the original Pertinax and our own version
Alan
Does anyone on here think of me when they put on their goretex coats at all?