I think they were originally split into single sex groups at one stage because of some fighting. Over time they may have re-organised them so they now have the two breeding groups. They have been very successful with them breeding-wise but maybe its time now to give up their 'only Bonobos in the UK' title.
Twycross Zoo Twycross Zoo news 2012 #4
- Thread starter Gigit
- Start date
I think they were originally split into single sex groups at one stage because of some fighting. Over time they may have re-organised them so they now have the two breeding groups. They have been very successful with them breeding-wise but maybe its time now to give up their 'only Bonobos in the UK' title.
Any likely candidates to take a family group of bonobos within the UK and/or outside it in Europe Continental?
I don't know about Europe where there seem quite a lot of Bonobo groups nowadays. In the Uk there are still none outside Twycross. Marwell talked about having them at one stage but nothing happened. Its been suggested they might make a better display in ZSL's Gorilla Kingdom than the present incumbents, but that was only on here, not by the Zoo and I'm sure that its a non-starter. I could imagine Howletts/PL with this species though.
Bonobos
How good would it be to see a group of Bonobos in the trees on one of the Island Lakes at Paignton?
With some hard cash (?) Paignton could extend/adapt the current Rhino enclosure (by elevating the roof with glass) and move the Blacks to the Elephant complex in time. It would be a great natural setting and could extend all the way back to the sloped Ostrich/Rhea paddock. Viewing could be from many angles (above and below the Cheetah walkway).
The current Spider Monkey house could also be extended with some clever design and expanded 'backwards' down the hill incorporating the beautiful tree lined area holding Emu and Guinea Fowl.
I think this South West micro-climate, the lush vegetation and the collection itself would be worthy. I agree Twycross need to now work in tandem with other UK zoos for this species. Having Bonobo's in the SW would not inflict upon Twycross's future marketing and gate receipts.
I don't know about Europe where there seem quite a lot of Bonobo groups nowadays. In the Uk there are still none outside Twycross. Marwell talked about having them at one stage but nothing happened. Its been suggested they might make a better display in ZSL's Gorilla Kingdom than the present incumbents, but that was only on here, not by the Zoo and I'm sure that its a non-starter. I could imagine Howletts/PL with this species though.
How good would it be to see a group of Bonobos in the trees on one of the Island Lakes at Paignton?
With some hard cash (?) Paignton could extend/adapt the current Rhino enclosure (by elevating the roof with glass) and move the Blacks to the Elephant complex in time. It would be a great natural setting and could extend all the way back to the sloped Ostrich/Rhea paddock. Viewing could be from many angles (above and below the Cheetah walkway).
The current Spider Monkey house could also be extended with some clever design and expanded 'backwards' down the hill incorporating the beautiful tree lined area holding Emu and Guinea Fowl.
I think this South West micro-climate, the lush vegetation and the collection itself would be worthy. I agree Twycross need to now work in tandem with other UK zoos for this species. Having Bonobo's in the SW would not inflict upon Twycross's future marketing and gate receipts.
I agree with that part. I think the 'only Bonobos in the UK' tag is probably lost on a lot of their visitors anyway.
Along with several species, that, like the park, probably wont ever materialise! It was supposed to be open by now, but from what i've read elsewhere, hasn't even started yet. What they may have named in their plans is virtually irrelevant now! Sadly
I think it increasingly has become a case of 'pie in the sky' but hopefully it will (or should I say may?) still materialise in the future.
Im afraid i can't share your optimism, i think we're more likely to see the return of giant pandas, polar bears or elephants at London or even Kuno or a new chimp enclosure at Twycross before that opens!
Of the suggestions for a second Bonobo holder, i think like you that London is a non-starter.
Marwell have the space, but seem more interested in building a new entrance than boosting their diminishing collection! Paignton would be a possibility, as would the Aspinalls, but given their recent stance, i wouldn't think they'd be a favourite, unless it was to breed them for release to the wild.
In 2003 when the first detailed plans of bristol nwcp emerged,longleat was at a relatively static phase safari park wise,the bristol aquarium (crap tho it is) was not yet open and noahs ark was still largely a farm park with no megafauna. While the recession no doubt is a big factor in financing the nwcp falling thru,I am certain that the expansion of these other animal attractions will have factored into their descision to hold off.
zoogiraffe
Well-Known Member
Nope Camels are staying put!
photos of the baby on here: Twycross Zoo welcomes their newest member of the animal family | Central - ITV News
so cute!
The 2011 Accounts can now be found on the Charity Commission website .
I noticed a statement that after the year end they had sold on their investments in Lehman Bros. for £1.35 million and had also received a dividend from this of over 200,000 dollars . These investments had been written off so , this is a welcome boost to the funds . Probably explains how they have paid for new enclosures and the Elephant Protected Contact 'wall' , which would be expensive .
I also noted that 4 of the trustees have resigned between July 2011 and March 2012 .
I noticed a statement that after the year end they had sold on their investments in Lehman Bros. for £1.35 million and had also received a dividend from this of over 200,000 dollars . These investments had been written off so , this is a welcome boost to the funds . Probably explains how they have paid for new enclosures and the Elephant Protected Contact 'wall' , which would be expensive .
I also noted that 4 of the trustees have resigned between July 2011 and March 2012 .
2 more chimps have moved up to the old gorilla house to hopefully form the beginning of a new group - my favourite Rickeeeee the bobsledder and Mongo.
Twycross Chimps | Twycross Zoo's Chimpanzee Blog!
Twycross Chimps | Twycross Zoo's Chimpanzee Blog!
Last edited:
Excellent, I look forward to looking at them later (sobs internally thinking what his 18 year-old self's opinion of himself now would be
).Wow, that's quite a turnover (and not usually a good sign). I wonder how many experienced (i.e. long-standing members) are left now?
Some excellent news, Mambie the gorilla, who was born at Twycross in 1991, and who left the zoo in 1998 to join the bachelor group at Paignton, became a proud father on October 26th, at his home in Bioparc, Valencia, there is a great photo of mother, father and baby on the Twycross facebook page.Mambie is the son of Biddy, who still resides at Twycross.
Dr Susie Jackson-Morgan ( previously Boardman ) resigned as Chief Executive Officer of Twycross Zoo last Friday , 2nd November .
With immediate effect , the Chairman , Dr Mary Lorraine Hughes , will take over as interim CEO for a short period .
Source - BIAZA .
With immediate effect , the Chairman , Dr Mary Lorraine Hughes , will take over as interim CEO for a short period .
Source - BIAZA .
Last edited: