Visited Whipsnade today for the first time in approximately two years.
On arrival was slightly miffed at the £4 parking charge, but being the ardent zoo supporter that I am, paid it. This year I have been to Marwell, Chester, and Monkey World, and the parking was free at all of these. Also whilst queueing there were two attendants armed with a camera, who were very insistent on taking peoples photos (the reason at the time they said was to break the queueing up)....only upon our exit did I discover they were selling the photos. I understand why ZSL would seek an extra source of revenue (especially in these times) but this kind of took the edge off of the day for me, Whipsnade is normally such a laid back and relaxing place to visit.
However, once through the entrance and feeling a lot better headed for the elephants, where all nine animals were visible in the outside enclosures. In the main paddock were the 2 babies, the almost 6 year old Euan, and 4 cows. Interestingly Emmet and another cow were seperate in the smaller outside paddock. Euan was being rather boisterous, at one point charging one of the females. Later on when we saw the Elephants again he seemed rather 'excited' if you catch my drift....I wonder if they are seeking to move him on with behaviour like this going on? Didnt Chester move Po Chin and Tunga out when they were younger than Euan? I didnt see any keepers to ask myself.
Didn't mange to get any photos of the Asian Rhinos in their pools, because they were all outside. Saw the cheetah cubs, but could only view them through a fence, so pictures are not good. Also slighlty disappointed that the wolverine was not out
, and Im not sure whether I liked the sloth bear enclosure...enrichment wise and space wise it seemed ok, but seeing any animals these days through chain link fence is horrible. I guess cost played a part. I enjoyed Chesters spectacled bears enclosure a lot more.
Later in the day we very much enjoyed the bird display, and the bird gardens are always a hidden gem. Sorry if this review is not detailed enough but I read the report from a few weeks ago and there didnt seem to be much more to add. Overall a good day, and I was happy to get another pressed penny to join the rapidly growing collection!
On arrival was slightly miffed at the £4 parking charge, but being the ardent zoo supporter that I am, paid it. This year I have been to Marwell, Chester, and Monkey World, and the parking was free at all of these. Also whilst queueing there were two attendants armed with a camera, who were very insistent on taking peoples photos (the reason at the time they said was to break the queueing up)....only upon our exit did I discover they were selling the photos. I understand why ZSL would seek an extra source of revenue (especially in these times) but this kind of took the edge off of the day for me, Whipsnade is normally such a laid back and relaxing place to visit.
However, once through the entrance and feeling a lot better headed for the elephants, where all nine animals were visible in the outside enclosures. In the main paddock were the 2 babies, the almost 6 year old Euan, and 4 cows. Interestingly Emmet and another cow were seperate in the smaller outside paddock. Euan was being rather boisterous, at one point charging one of the females. Later on when we saw the Elephants again he seemed rather 'excited' if you catch my drift....I wonder if they are seeking to move him on with behaviour like this going on? Didnt Chester move Po Chin and Tunga out when they were younger than Euan? I didnt see any keepers to ask myself.
Didn't mange to get any photos of the Asian Rhinos in their pools, because they were all outside. Saw the cheetah cubs, but could only view them through a fence, so pictures are not good. Also slighlty disappointed that the wolverine was not out
, and Im not sure whether I liked the sloth bear enclosure...enrichment wise and space wise it seemed ok, but seeing any animals these days through chain link fence is horrible. I guess cost played a part. I enjoyed Chesters spectacled bears enclosure a lot more.Later in the day we very much enjoyed the bird display, and the bird gardens are always a hidden gem. Sorry if this review is not detailed enough but I read the report from a few weeks ago and there didnt seem to be much more to add. Overall a good day, and I was happy to get another pressed penny to join the rapidly growing collection!
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