West Country Peregrinations

[Gigit]

So could it be 'Bye Bye Barbary, Barbary ByeBye' (as sung by the Bay City Rollers)

All together now......

Any idea of how the Takin would get on with the Turs if they were put in that exhibit? I always feel it would suit them better than Takin Tor.

 

[sooty mangabey]

All together now......

Any idea of how the Takin would get on with the Turs if they were put in that exhibit? I always feel it would suit them better than Takin Tor.

Antwerp keep takin in a mixed exhibit with Himalayan tahr; not sure of the numbers, or the sex. The enclosure is fairly snug, though.

 

[Nanook]

Oh, I thought it was that exhibit we were talking about - two connected areas next to the Camels with the one nearer the public having rocks in its centre.

Quite a few years ago the Barbary Sheep were housed in a small square enclosure surrounded by a brick wall which had a rocky outcrop in the centre of the enclosure. I have a photo of it somewhere.
But I meant the larger open enclosure near to the camels (which had residential building s behind it) as you look at them the camels were on the left, the other enclosure on the right, it is actually not too far from where the Barbary Sheep and Tur are housed today.

 

[Nanook]

Here is the enclosure where the Takin were first put when they arrived.

 

[Nanook]

This is the Barbary Sheep enclosure in 2009, one animal just visible on the far left.

 

[Nanook]

Antwerp keep takin in a mixed exhibit with Himalayan tahr; not sure of the numbers, or the sex. The enclosure is fairly snug, though.

I think the key to mixing any other Caprids with Takin is to do it when they are al youngsters. Mixing adult Takin, especially males, with anything else is very risky.

 

[gentle lemur]

I don't think that the fence in the tur/ex-sheep enclosure would withstand a determined takin without a good deal of reinforcement. Those fellows are much more muscular than a mere sheep or goat.

Alan

 

[devilfish]

So are we potentially suggesting a Takin & tur/tahr Tor?

(A very nice trip report Shorts, thanks. )

 

[Gigit]

I don't think that the fence in the tur/ex-sheep enclosure would withstand a determined takin without a good deal of reinforcement. Those fellows are much more muscular than a mere sheep or goat.

Alan

That's a shame, though I was thinking yesterday how beefy and heavy-footed they've become.

 

[Gigit]

So are we potentially suggesting a Takin & tur/tahr Tor?

Or are we talking about the Takin and Tur taking turns on the Tor?

 

[Parrotsandrew]

It's definitely happening. The 12 noon show was on as I passed the theatre. I've pencilled in a performance for next week

That is good news - and we are not at the 28th July yet. I wonder who is presenting it?

 

[Parrotsandrew]

But I meant the larger open enclosure near to the camels (which had residential building s behind it) as you look at them the camels were on the left, the other enclosure on the right, it is actually not too far from where the Barbary Sheep and Tur are housed today.

That is the one I mean too (plus the grassed area behind it)!!

I am not happy to hear the Barbary Sheep are apparently getting the boot. The chance to sing a song by the Bay City Rollers is a small compensation - I preferred "Shang-a-Lang" anyway!

 

[Pertinax]

I am not happy to hear the Barbary Sheep are apparently getting the boot.

They might already have got it.....

 

[Parrotsandrew]

They might already have got it.....

I am hoping not.

 

[Nanook]

Shame if they are getting the boot, or rather the hoof!
Though I suppose they could then concentrate on the Tur, if that is the plan ?

(When I get time, I will find that photo of the "other" Barbary Sheep enclosure I was also talking about from past years , which probably led to some confusion.)

 

[Gigit]

So could it be 'Bye Bye Barbary, Barbary ByeBye' (as sung by the Bay City Rollers)

In view of the glorious summer weather, I think the Beach Boys are more appropriate and, after my visit today, it has to be:

'Bar Bar Bar Barbary Sheep, Bar Bar Bar Barbary Sheep, no Barbary Sheeeep...'

The Tur have the run of the house, no Barbary Sheep in sight. I think the clincher is that, although I've always believed the Tur to be 0.4, I noticed that one is definitely a male.

The Bird Show was very enjoyable. Led by a member of the zoo staff, it featured macaws, a turaco, lories, a parakeet, a white-throated magpie jay (this being the only name I can remember completely as I was concentrating on trying to take photos during the performance ). A great opportunity to get close up views of some beautiful birds. And no tricks involved, just natural behaviour.

 

[Parrotsandrew]

Aaaaargh, no Barbary Sheep!!!!

Pleased to hear you enjoyed the Bird Show. It is interesting that you sound as though tricks are not your thing as most people I talk to about Flamingo Land's Bird Show (including zoo professionals) think it was much better when it was a Parrot Show featuring bicycle riding and roller skating etc. I particularly used to like the counting routine performed by Winston, a Green-winged Macaw. The birds you describe would appear to be the usual cast at Paignton. Did you recognise the presenter as a member of the zoo's staff? I'd be surprised if it was as it should be a member of APAB Ltd's staff, albeit wearing a Paignton Zoo uniform (as has been done for the last few years - they do the same at Flamingo Land). Sorry if it looks as though I am holding an inquisition!! I think I'll have to email my friend even though it's not my turn!

P.S. You don't mention Chucky, so I wonder if she is at Pleasurewood Hills.

 

[Pertinax]

Aaaaargh, no Barbary Sheep!!!!

What did I say....?

I reckon they have 'gone' in favour of the Tur which are seen as being a bit more exotic perhaps. Are Tur any more endangered than Barbary Sheep?

 

[Maguari]

I reckon they have 'gone' in favour of the Tur which are seen as being a bit more exotic perhaps. Are Tur any more endangered than Barbary Sheep?

West Caucasian Tur is Red-listed as Endangered, Barbary Sheep as Vulnerable.

 

[Gigit]

Pleased to hear you enjoyed the Bird Show. It is interesting that you sound as though tricks are not your thing as most people I talk to about Flamingo Land's Bird Show (including zoo professionals) think it was much better when it was a Parrot Show featuring bicycle riding and roller skating etc. I particularly used to like the counting routine performed by Winston, a Green-winged Macaw. The birds you describe would appear to be the usual cast at Paignton. Did you recognise the presenter as a member of the zoo's staff? I'd be surprised if it was as it should be a member of APAB Ltd's staff, albeit wearing a Paignton Zoo uniform (as has been done for the last few years - they do the same at Flamingo Land). Sorry if it looks as though I am holding an inquisition!! I think I'll have to email my friend even though it's not my turn!

P.S. You don't mention Chucky, so I wonder if she is at Pleasurewood Hills.

She's definitely zoo staff. She was aided by a volunteer. The nearest they came to a trick was a macaw (Fred?) taking money from us and putting it in a collecting box. I feel the same about dolphin shows. I reluctantly watched one at Madrid zoo last year and, while it was spectacular, I'm never sure that they enjoy it as much as we do.

Anyway, I could well be returning for a repeat performance as my photos are all rubbish! I'll try and pay more attention to the details