Howletts Wild Animal Park Howletts Wild Animal Park News 2012

[Dicerorhinus]

Think some of these imported ones were for 'redistribution' to other zoos, maybe making up fresh pairs with some of their own homebred ones. Twycross recently got a pair from them.

I think one reason L'Hoests may be successful is they are quite a bold species of Guenon, unlike e.g. Hamlyn's, so maybe less prone to stress in Zoos and therefore breed more freely.

You’re absolutely correct; I believe L'Hoest’s "guenon" is quite different to other guenon species. I remember reading a paper which suggested it is more closely related to Chlorocebus and Erythrocebys, which would certainly support the fact they apparently reproduce more freely in captivity.

I'm afraid the gradual decline of Guenons in captivity is completely down to mismanagement. These animals are routinely only housed in pairs, there’s an apparent lack of motivation to move individuals between collections to promote breeding and I believe all species will be lost without fresh imports and/or competent management.

Unfortunately I will have to disagree with you, Pertinax, when you say that Dianas are stable. I’m sorry to say they are also in decline.The studbook keeper was done nothing about the non-breeding mother son pair at Exmoor, the groups lacking males or the non-breeding pairs throughout Europe. These animals should be amalgamated into larger groups in fewer institutions. If the current studbook keeper is no longer interested in their role I would happily take on their duties.

 

[Pertinax]

Unfortunately I will have to disagree with you, Pertinax, when you say that Dianas are stable. I’m sorry to say they are also in decline.The studbook keeper was done nothing about the non-breeding mother son pair at Exmoor, the groups lacking males or the non-breeding pairs throughout Europe. These animals should be amalgamated into larger groups in fewer institutions. If the current studbook keeper is no longer interested in their role I would happily take on their duties.

Agree entirely. I was trying to be generous by stating they were one of the few species in a better situation, but from what you say they obviously aren't any better off either.

As I've mentioned before, there are three Zoos in the West Country holding this species- Newquay, Exmoor and Paignton. Apart from Exmoor, I doubt anything has been done either about the two females(sisters of breeding age) at Newquay which have been male-less for several years, though I hope I am perhaps wrong. Also Paignton split a perfectly good and successfull breeding pair by sending the male away to Europe and so far haven't replaced him.

I think there is a lot of 'don't care' in the zoos about the future of these beautiful monkeys. I also agree that larger groups at a few locations is the way to manage them properly.

 

[GorillaBoy]

Are the moloch gibbons in the open topped enclosure where the Javan Langurs are or were? by the Bison paddock.

GB

 

[karenZOO]

Sorry hit wrong button

We loved our first trip to Howletts, managed to fit in 2 whole days! Gorilla heaven

Spent 3 hours on 2nd day with the gorilla group on the left by the gardens at the bottom of the zoo but stupidly did not take a photo of the name board. That group was definitely our favourite.

There were several species at Howletts I have never seen and really wanted to, but still have never got to see them lol but kind of liked that! We are already planning when can we visit again!

Lovely setting, very relaxing day out, I was desperately trying to finish a battered copy of 'The passion of John Aspinall' while staying in Kent to understand the history and 'passion' behind the zoo. Does Damien Aspinall live at Howletts? On the first day I am sure he was sitting with some keepers behind a gorilla cage for several hours after the silverback had got bored charging at them (Only recognised him as he looked identical to an early picture of his dad in the book, or it was another equally handsome man )

 

[Mike11]

Damien Aspinall does look very similiar to his father so it probably was him who you saw! He lives in the Howletts Mansion in the middle of the site. I still do get the impression that he still does have a presence within the Gorilla sections as he was brought up with quite a lot of them!

 

[Tim Brown]

To be honest im not convinced by Damien at all..from all accounts he is much wealthier than his father-a factor which has not reflected itself in the collections since his fathers death in my opinion.I well remember reading of his relationship with some WAG-type that he would routinely hand over his well-endowed credit card and say "off you go".Those of us that choose to contribute to conservational projects are hardly likely to be very impressed with that kind of "generosity".

 

[IanRRobinson]

To be honest im not convinced by Damien at all..from all accounts he is much wealthier than his father-a factor which has not reflected itself in the collections since his fathers death in my opinion.I well remember reading of his relationship with some WAG-type that he would routinely hand over his well-endowed credit card and say "off you go".Those of us that choose to contribute to conservational projects are hardly likely to be very impressed with that kind of "generosity".

Interesting comments Tim. Whilst I've not seen the results, the changes at Port Lympne don't sound at all beneficial for those who enjoy quiet walks surrounded by beautiful animals.

 

[Tim Brown]

And if karenZOO wants a totally different perspective on John Aspinall then she should read the book "The Gamblers" by John Pearson...he was a VERY strange man[i met him once and even within that one time he came up with some outrageous opinions].That said,his track record with large mammals in captivity speaks for itself...i just hope that Damien really DOES believe that he walks in his fathers footsteps.

 

[Pertinax]

Interesting comments Tim. Whilst I've not seen the results, the changes at Port Lympne don't sound at all beneficial for those who enjoy quiet walks surrounded by beautiful animals.

I just have- see what I wrote about it...

 

[Pertinax]

Howletts Update.

Three years since my last visit but I noticed no major changes. Everything looked very good though. Always struck by the great contrast in visitor friendliness of the two parks, Howletts wins hands down, even more so now IMO.

One comment- the 'new' Moloch Gibbon enclosure featured in the video is actually the existing Javan Langur one- the Langurs have been moved to a new one next door on the Liontailed macaques side. This one hasn't got any big trees but lot of poles/ropes etc. Don't know why they made this switch. The Lion-tailed group is big now, about 20, lots of babies.

Always impressed by the Djanghou Gorilla group in particular- not only is Djanghou(IMO) their most impressive male but every one of that whole breeding group was born at the parks which is quite an achievment I feel. In the old 'Kijo' group the eldest son in there' Bitono' is already a silverback though not fully developed yet- he resembles Kijo a lot.

I even finally saw a Spanish Wolf(two actually) if only fleetingly. They are incredibly shy apparently- very poor exhibit. Species not seen; any small cats-it was too hot.

Any questions feel free to ask.

 

[TeaLovingDave]

I even finally saw a Spanish Wolf(two actually) if only fleetingly. They are incredibly shy apparently- very poor exhibit.

That's the species it took me the longest to see - only caught a glimpse when I was heading off to leave the zoo at closing time! I reckon Howletts is actually a collection which is best done in spring or autumn, when the weather is mild - or, if you are lucky, on a very mild winters day as I did. It's a very exposed site with little shelter.

You'd have thought the African Wildcats wouldn't mind the extreme heat, mind you

 

[Pertinax]

That's the species it took me the longest to see - only caught a glimpse when I was heading off to leave the zoo at closing time!

It is the first time I've seen one there at all. I went back several times before finally seeing two very briefly about 4.30 ish. When I asked they told me even when they are fed(and they had been that afternoon) they don't come forward if there is anyone about apparently. The one I saw best seemed to realise I was watching and promptly vanished and didn't re-appear. I wonder how Blackpool will do with this species.

 

[Pertinax]

I reckon Howletts is actually a collection which is best done in spring or autumn, when the weather is mild [

I agree, zoos in hot weather aren't that great but you can't always choose the weather, this heatwave was pretty unusual for May I think but it was like midsummer at Howletts.

Its Port Lympne which I think is exposed, not Howletts.

 

[Pertinax]

Are the moloch gibbons in the open topped enclosure where the Javan Langurs are or were? by the Bison paddock.

They are in what was the Langur enclosure. The langurs(12 in this group, seven orange, five black) have been moved to a new adjacent enclosure on the L.T. Macaque side. I think both species still access the 'Javan Langur' indoor house.

 

[Jordan-Jaguar97]

Three years since my last visit but I noticed no major changes. Everything looked very good though. Always struck by the great contrast in visitor friendliness of the two parks, Howletts wins hands down, even more so now IMO.

One comment- the 'new' Moloch Gibbon enclosure featured in the video is actually the existing Javan Langur one- the Langurs have been moved to a new one next door on the Liontailed macaques side. This one hasn't got any big trees but lot of poles/ropes etc. Don't know why they made this switch. The Lion-tailed group is big now, about 20, lots of babies.

Always impressed by the Djanghou Gorilla group in particular- not only is Djanghou(IMO) their most impressive male but every one of that whole breeding group was born at the parks which is quite an achievment I feel. In the old 'Kijo' group the eldest son in there' Bitono' is already a silverback though not fully developed yet- he resembles Kijo a lot.

I even finally saw a Spanish Wolf(two actually) if only fleetingly. They are incredibly shy apparently- very poor exhibit. Species not seen; any small cats-it was too hot.

Any questions feel free to ask.

I know Big Cats aren't your area of knowledge but, can you tell me the following if you did;

1. Were both Sumatran Tigers together?

2. Were the North Chinese Leopards together?

I know your a fan of the Iberian Wolves so happy you saw them.

 

[Pertinax]

1. Were both Sumatran Tigers together?

2. Were the North Chinese Leopards together?

I know your a fan of the Iberian Wolves so happy you saw them.

Answers;

1. Yes.

2. I think so- I saw them both but can't remember if split or together.

3. So was I, but a shorter viewing you couldn't have had. I will be very interested to see if Blackpool's wolves make a better display. If so might have to go up and see them.

 

[Jordan-Jaguar97]

Answers;

1. Yes.

2. I think so- I saw them both but can't remember if split or together.

3. So was I, but a shorter viewing you couldn't have had. I will be very interested to see if Blackpool's wolves make a better display. If so might have to go up and see them.

Thanks - the Sumatran Tigers were separated briefly as the female (Indah) had broken her leg apparently and so they were separated.

If your interested in a meet up send me a pm.

 

[Nisha]

Howletts and the Aspinall foundation have launched an appeal to raise £10,000 with the intension of using the money to send 8 Javan Langur and a female Javan Gibbon to the Aspinall's conservation project in Java with the eventual aim of releasing them all back into the wild
Appeal To Help Send Animals Home | The Aspinall Foundation

 

[mazfc]

Aren't there wild caught animals already in situ that would benefit more from a release programme?

 

[IanRRobinson]

Aren't there wild caught animals already in situ that would benefit more from a release programme?

Quite. And the state of some zoos and animal markets in Indonesia, as shown on this forum in other posts, backs that argument up.

And whilst I'm not so sure about the langurs, I really would have thought that a Moloch Gibbon surplus to Howletts' requirements would still be one that a zoo elsewhere would want/need.