Twycross Zoo Twycross Zoo news 2013 #4

[Shorts]

Twycross are currently having a soft play area installed in the Himalaya complex, due to be open for the children's half term holiday in October. The cost to use this new attraction will be £4.50 per child, of course you do not have to be a paying zoo visitor to use it as Hmalaya is open to the general public. After the initial purchase I would say this will be cheap and easy to run, hardly any maintenance involved, no electricity to run it, and only requiring one person to staff it to collect the £4.50s. Also when visiting the soft play area visitors to it may spent money in the café and in the gift shop, and may even decide after to pay to go into the zoo.I do not know where exactly in the Himalaya this new attraction is being installed, but one thing does concern me, will there be any excessive noise coming from this while the children are enjoying themselves, which may disturb other visitors who are dining in the Himalaya restaurant?

A fair analysis of the proposal but personally I think it's "taking the mickey" asking families who've already paid a fortune to visit the zoo to pay extra to use what is essentially a play area. Given recent food price increases this could actually backfire and tip the scales possibly creating an impression that the whole place is a rip off and bad (overall) value for money.

If it's free to those who've paid to go in the zoo and chargeable if not I wouldn't have a major problem with it (that would seem fair and might tip people into going in the zoo) but I've never heard of a zoo charging for using a soft play area before (but I've got no children so perhaps I don't notice), then again until Twycross did it I'd never known a zoo charge an entrance fee for children under three either.

Personally I'd be very interested to know the numbers of people who use Himalaya without entering the zoo, given the zoo's relatively remote location I wouldn't expect it to be that high.

 

[Shorts]

TBH, for all the apparent use the Zoo seem to make of it the aviary might as well be converted into a playground.

True that, genuinely genius idea.

However, that's not the impression I get, in which case I would have thought this new installation is going to cause bedlam.

That's a horrible prospect given how much the sound echo's in Himalya, if that was the case I really wouldn't want to be eating/drinking in there when there were children playing.

 

[Shorts]

Given the fact that in none of your posts do you attack the mangement,of the zoo under Mrs S.Boardman anybody could start to think that you where part of her senior mangement team,that has since left the zoo!So therefore now has a bit of an axe to grind with the zoo,so to end I will say what goes around comes around!!!

Interesting point and the "cap fits" so maybe Integrity is wearing it.

Incidentally, are all UK people from ZooHistorica off work and on-line today?

 

[Integrity]

A fair analysis of the proposal but personally I think it's "taking the mickey" asking families who've already paid a fortune to visit the zoo to pay extra to use what is essentially a play area. Given recent food price increases this could actually backfire and tip the scales possibly creating an impression that the whole place is a rip off and bad (overall) value for money.

If it's free to those who've paid to go in the zoo and chargeable if not I wouldn't have a major problem with it (that would seem fair and might tip people into going in the zoo) but I've never heard of a zoo charging for using a soft play area before (but I've got no children so perhaps I don't notice), then again until Twycross did it I'd never known a zoo charge an entrance fee for children under three either.

Personally I'd be very interested to know the numbers of people who use Himalaya without entering the zoo, given the zoo's relatively remote location I wouldn't expect it to be that high.

I agree, fancy spending £50k on building that?

 

[Integrity]

Given the fact that in none of your posts do you attack the mangement,of the zoo under Mrs S.Boardman anybody could start to think that you where part of her senior mangement team,that has since left the zoo!So therefore now has a bit of an axe to grind with the zoo,so to end I will say what goes around comes around!!!

Thanks for your analysis of my posts it's appreciated

 

[Integrity]

I am and it's a perfect fit, as they say the truth hurts.......

 

[zoogiraffe]

Thanks for your analysis of my posts it's appreciated

Well thank you,given who I think you are your departure from the zoo is as welcome as the departure of Mrs Boardman,who very much destoryed a zoo that myself and those within the TZA who you helpped her to force out of the zoo loved a great deal!!

 

[Integrity]

For information I make my own mind up on my decisions and don't need help from anyone, I know who you think I am but your wrong, the TZA were a great part of the Zoo and sorely missed!

 

[Shorts]

I agree, fancy spending £50k on building that?

It's not the amount spent on it I've really got an issue with (as I'd imagine it'd pay for itself and start contributing to overall zoo funds pretty quickly), it's the potential noise in Himalaya and the principle of charging zoo visitors extra for it that I've got a problem with.

 

[TARZAN]

A fair analysis of the proposal but personally I think it's "taking the mickey" asking families who've already paid a fortune to visit the zoo to pay extra to use what is essentially a play area. Given recent food price increases this could actually backfire and tip the scales possibly creating an impression that the whole place is a rip off and bad (overall) value for money.

If it's free to those who've paid to go in the zoo and chargeable if not I wouldn't have a major problem with it (that would seem fair and might tip people into going in the zoo) but I've never heard of a zoo charging for using a soft play area before (but I've got no children so perhaps I don't notice), then again until Twycross did it I'd never known a zoo charge an entrance fee for children under three either.

Personally I'd be very interested to know the numbers of people who use Himalaya without entering the zoo, given the zoo's relatively remote location I wouldn't expect it to be that high.

There does not appear to be any mention of paying zoo visitors being admitted into the soft play area free of charge, although a discount is mentioned for members.Blackpool Zoo have a similar attraction, a play barn, admission price £3.50 per child, £1.75 for those paying to go into the zoo, although to park a car at Twycross is free, at Blackpool it is currently£2.50. An interesting point, how many people avail themselves of Himalaya complex without visiting the zoo, there may be a few go there for dinner, given the unusual backdrop of the snow leopard enclosure, but how many of these customers will be deterred from visiting for dinner in the future due to the noise from the soft play facility, quite frankly, as fond as I am of Twycross, I do think charging families who pay full admission to go into the zoo an extra £4.50 for their children to use the soft play is pushing it a bit, considering how many of the popular species have left this collection in recent times,

 

[IanRRobinson]

Himalaya was a great concept. Whether or not it should have cost as much money is a point well worth airing, if now a bit academic. However, in practice it's more than a bit of a dog's dinner.

Maybe I'm just unlucky, but the Snow Leopards seem harder to see here than anywhere else. I really wonder if - although not remotely Himalayan - a troop of Drills or Hamadryas Baboons would fit Twycross' ethos better, plug a conspicuous gap in the array of primates, and be far more visible and active.

The mystery of the invisible aviary is something that I suspect many of us would like explained. And so is the notion of a large entrance complex where punters still have to queue OUTSIDE if they want to actually visit the Zoo itself.

As a father myself, who quite appreciates the opportunity for a coffee and adult conversation on zoo visits, the concept of a play barn IN THE RIGHT PLACE is one that I'd be keen on. Inside Himalaya, which as Shorts has pointed out is already an echo chamber (why did nobody think of putting down some durable carpeting) installing one is going to require a great deal more careful thought and planning than has been in evidence to date.

 

[anidude]

says on their webpage that the sloths and marmosets can be seen in their exhibits by the owls as I am also from Northampton twycross is one of more easier to get to zoos round here

 

[josh_08]

The updated map on the website states that where Dino valley was previously there will be 'Mini Beasts', the Tapir and Capybara will be moved to the enclosure where the Malayan Tapir used to housed. Also says that 'Kangaroo' will be placed in the old Tapir/Capybara enclosure.

'Muntjac' have been placed into an enclosure near Himalaya, not sure if this is the off show one? The bushdog/ Coati have a 'zoo baby' sign over it. I think someone posted the other week that the female might have been pregnant.

 

[OrangePerson]

Maybe I'm just unlucky, but the Snow Leopards seem harder to see here than anywhere else. I really wonder if - although not remotely Himalayan - a troop of Drills or Hamadryas Baboons would fit Twycross' ethos better, plug a conspicuous gap in the array of primates, and be far more visible and active.

I've found the snow leopards to be nearly always visible, even if they do blend in rather well with the wall where they sleep. When the cubs are small though they do spend long periods out of sight.
I think Chesters large group of Sulawesi macaques would provide a great show for a place such as Himalaya with a half in half outdoor enclosure.

 

[Shorts]

I've found the snow leopards to be nearly always visible, even if they do blend in rather well with the wall where they sleep.

I'd agree, visible but inactive -all in all not a great display species, especially if trying to provide something visually stimulating to diners.

I think Chesters large group of Sulawesi macaques would provide a great show for a place such as Himalaya with a half in half outdoor enclosure.

Indeed, any fair sized group of monkeys or baboons would be great in there (though I'm not sure what changes might be needed now for husbandry purposes, or what the associated cost might be). In my opinion there should have been a primate species there from the beginning but maybe Snow Leopards fitted better with the whole "Himalaya concept" in order to obtain the grant?

 

[Pertinax]

In my opinion there should have been a primate species there from the beginning but maybe Snow Leopards fitted better with the whole "Himalaya concept" in order to obtain the grant?

I think quite a few people on here felt similiarly particularly as they style themselves as the 'World Primate Centre'. It seems odd not to have Primates as the first thing visitors see. If the snow leopard enclosure is open to the elements (i can't remember) they'd need some sort of sheltered area or the whole thing partially covered, but otherwise the space would lend itself ideally to a large active group of Monkeys, e.g. Macaques or Drills or similar(but not species like Colobus or Langurs which sit inactive for long periods),far better than a couple of very beautiful but relatively inactive cats.

As for 'Himalaya' maybe it could then have a name change and become 'Sulawesi'- or 'West Africa'- or wherever!

 

[TARZAN]

The updated map on the website states that where Dino valley was previously there will be 'Mini Beasts', the Tapir and Capybara will be moved to the enclosure where the Malayan Tapir used to housed. Also says that 'Kangaroo' will be placed in the old Tapir/Capybara enclosure.

'Muntjac' have been placed into an enclosure near Himalaya, not sure if this is the off show one? The bushdog/ Coati have a 'zoo baby' sign over it. I think someone posted the other week that the female might have been pregnant.

"Mini Beasts", I wonder what this will consist of?

 

[TARZAN]

I think quite a few people on here felt similiarly particularly as they style themselves as the 'World Primate Centre'. It seems odd not to have Primates as the first thing visitors see. If the snow leopard enclosure is open to the elements (i can't remember) they'd need some sort of sheltered area or the whole thing partially covered, but otherwise the space would lend itself ideally to a large active group of Monkeys, e.g. Macaques or Drills or similar(but not species like Colobus or Langurs which sit inactive for long periods),far better than a couple of very beautiful but relatively inactive cats.

As for 'Himalaya' maybe it could then have a name change and become 'Sulawesi'- or 'West Africa'- or wherever!

Or perhaps change the name of Himalaya to "THE ******* ******** CENTER", as a mark of appreciation to the person who brought us this complex when in charge of the zoo

 

[zoogiraffe]

"Mini Beasts", I wonder what this will consist of?

I suspect this will bug people until the zoo annouces just what they are going to do,thank goodness we only need to wait until the next half term for phase 1 to open!

 

[zoogiraffe]

The updated map on the website states that where Dino valley was previously there will be 'Mini Beasts', the Tapir and Capybara will be moved to the enclosure where the Malayan Tapir used to housed. Also says that 'Kangaroo' will be placed in the old Tapir/Capybara enclosure.

'Muntjac' have been placed into an enclosure near Himalaya, not sure if this is the off show one? The bushdog/ Coati have a 'zoo baby' sign over it. I think someone posted the other week that the female might have been pregnant.

All sound very reasonable changes that make sense!Well the only place near Himalaya that could house the Muntjac is the New England Wader Aviary,so putting the Muntjac in to it would make perfect sense to Twycross ,as they like animals to have no links at all with the enclosure name they are kept in!