Chester Zoo Chester 2011 #1

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AgileGibbon said:
I don't know about anyone else but I would love to see Lammergeiers in the zoo. But as their conservation status doesn't appear bad, I can't see Chester being likely to bring them in
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Plenty about in Main Land Europe to see also there are a few in private hands in the UK!!
 
Is there any news on how the exhibit for the African Wild Dogs is coming along, or any date for an opening?
 
Bongo said:
Is there any news on how the exhibit for the African Wild Dogs is coming along, or any date for an opening?
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There was approximately a week's delay due to the inclement weather before Christmas, but I believe it's back on schedule. All the major earthworks were finished a while ago, including fences and large anti-dig foundations. The off-show house is almost complete - and very swanky it looks too with a modern kitchen on the north side - the on-show dens and the undercover viewing have been constructed, there's a large bridge over a pond (already with water) and the porcupine area and house has also been built. The scale is impressive when you walk through it, and there will be some - fingers crossed - great spots to view the dogs as the old stand of mature trees are near to the new path and it's hoped they'll rest beneath them when the weather is warm.

A number of the staff have been and spent time with the dogs and the rock hyrax are already in quarantine at the zoo.

The official opening is Wednesday, 6th April. It should be open to the public by Easter.
 
It would perhaps be nice to have some more tropical owl and birds of prey species. I would suspect perhaps some species attached to the Philippines or S.E. Asian realm would suit (given Chester's commitments in those regions) the collection.

As far as boreal species is concerned the zoo has a pretty fine collection. Andean condor, European black vulture (I hope they breed successfully some time soon) and the Eurasian griffon vulture (as opposed to Rueppell's or Himalayans as has been suggested) + various temperate clime owl species.
 
SMR said:
There was approximately a week's delay due to the inclement weather before Christmas, but I believe it's back on schedule. All the major earthworks were finished a while ago, including fences and large anti-dig foundations. The off-show house is almost complete - and very swanky it looks too with a modern kitchen on the north side - the on-show dens and the undercover viewing have been constructed, there's a large bridge over a pond (already with water) and the porcupine area and house has also been built. The scale is impressive when you walk through it, and there will be some - fingers crossed - great spots to view the dogs as the old stand of mature trees are near to the new path and it's hoped they'll rest beneath them when the weather is warm.

A number of the staff have been and spent time with the dogs and the rock hyrax are already in quarantine at the zoo.

The official opening is Wednesday, 6th April. It should be open to the public by Easter.
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Already looking forward to it!
 
In a new enclosure adjacent to the wild dogs. There will also be yellow mongoose and porcupine enclosures in this area.
 
Pygathrix said:
In a new enclosure adjacent to the wild dogs. There will also be yellow mongoose and porcupine enclosures in this area.
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So that then raises the question if the Yellow Mongoose are going to be moving from near the Kangaroos what will take over that enclosure? Or are the zoo getting in another pair?
 
Cheetah fan said:
So that then raises the question if the Yellow Mongoose are going to be moving from near the Kangaroos what will take over that enclosure?
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As yet to be determined. It was going to be bulldozed for a children's party area, but I have a suspicion the building will be listed and that the neighbours would complain. It may go off-show, it may be used for more hogs.

Personally I'd like to see it retained in some form as a historical exhibit, it's the zoo's oldest surviving enclosure.
 
I have to say I hope they landscape it and put something else in there. I agree that with its location I think a new building would be near enough impossible. If they do manage to get permission then it will also mean the Kangaroos would have to move as from what I know the Mongooses dont have much access to the building just the den box attached to it. And if the zoo plan to make it off show does that mean the Gate House would also be closed as an entrance?
 
Cheetah fan said:
If they do manage to get permission then it will also mean the Kangaroos would have to move as from what I know the Mongooses dont have much access to the building just the den box attached to it. And if the zoo plan to make it off show does that mean the Gate House would also be closed as an entrance?
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The gate house will remain for staff and service vehicle access, but the Natural Vision long-term plans suggest it might be closed to pedestrians.

I think it has already been fairly widely discussed so hopefully I'm not giving away any secrets, but the kangaroos are leaving the collection.
 
I am disappointed to learn that the Kangaroos' days are numbered. They are a great illustration of the wierd and wonderful, are active and entertaining.. the archetypal zoo animal.

I suppose they don't fit the 'endangered' prerequisite?
 
I see the point there. That could equally be a case for keeping them.
Its not a massive issue, but I will miss the wander round the back there with Cassowaries on one side and kangaroos on the other.

The Cassowaries aren't going are they?
 
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