Kent Zoo Weekend

FunkyGibbon

FunkyGibbon

Well-Known Member
On the weekend of the May bank holiday I am doing a cycle tour of Kent taking in Howletts, RSCC, Wingham and Port Lympne in that order. I haven't visited any of these collections before so I'm very excited.

My question to the forum is what are the hidden treasures of these zoos? Things I might miss if I don't specifically look for them or things that, as a relatively new zoonerd, I might not appreciate the significance of. Also are there any talks that are worth seeing? I usually skip these.

Any other tips also greatly appreciated.
 
Gorilla feeding Howletts :)
 
Each visitor will have their own perspective on each place. I personally think three of the zoos you aim to visit are pretty awful - for very different reasons. others love them (and I hope you will too).

The pardine genets are easy to miss at Wingham; they are currently maintained in the rather odd owl and bird of prey aviaries near the entrance.
Most things are easy to miss at Howletts and Port Lympne.

I would wholly recommend the talks at RSCC: at the moment, this is an opportunity to see young binturong, clouded leopard and rusty-spotted cat - and the only chance to see a banded civet.
 
When you say 'Banded Civet', do you mean Owston's? Nice group of those at Newquay.
 
FBBird said:
When you say 'Banded Civet', do you mean Owston's? Nice group of those at Newquay.
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Nope; RSCC holds the Banded Civet (Hemigalus derbyanus), which is a distinct but closely related taxon to the Owston's Civet (Chrotogale owstoni)) :)
 
Whoops, thank you TLD. Wasn't a duck, so I was on shaky ground there.
 
If you're doing Howletts on the Saturday then feel free to say hi to me in the lemur walk-through :) I'd be happy to give you a personal talk/chat.
 
I could add the Drills and Golden-bellied Mangabeys at PL- one of only four UK holders of the former and one of only two of the latter. Both easy to miss if you are not looking for them. Also Iberian Wolf at Howletts- often difficult to see though (I never have properly...:( )
 
Thanks very much everyone. I'll definitely try to see everything mentioned.

It's a shame I won't have time for Wildwood, it looks great in the gallery. This little corner of England must surely have the best 'collection of collections' for its size. I'm buying an annual pass to the Aspinall parks as it's only £6 more than day entry to both so hopefully I'll end up making several trips this summer. I'll try and fit Wildwood in then.

I will PM you Lemurs to take you up on your generous offer :)

Are they trying to breed the Ratels, given that they are different subspecies? They were already on my list to see due to ro6ca66's beautiful photos.
 
FunkyGibbon said:
Are they trying to breed the Ratels, given that they are different subspecies? They were already on my list to see due to ro6ca66's beautiful photos.
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They are situated on the corner on the way to the Gorillas in the kitchen garden area (these are the Gorilla groups furthest from the carpark/public entrance). The Ratels are opposite a bronze statue of, I think, a Sumatran rhino or a Gorilla( or maybe both), a short path leads to the enclosure.
 
The forecast for Sunday is currently quite rainy. Out of RSCC, Wingham and Wildwood, which one/two would be best for not getting completely drenched?
 
FunkyGibbon said:
The forecast for Sunday is currently quite rainy. Out of RSCC, Wingham and Wildwood, which one/two would be best for not getting completely drenched?
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RSCC is definitely ok on a wet day, not far to dash for cover if there's a shower and a fair amount indoors. Never been to Wildwood, but I would say Wingham wouldn't be the best place on a wet day, though there is the reptile house. It would certainly be a better bet than Howletts or Port Lympne, which are miserable in the rain.
 
Port Lympne in the rain was an absolute nightmare, i think the only place with cover was the new Pallas Cat enclosure. I've never been to RSCC but Wingham would be better than Wildwood in the rain. Take an umbrella and make the most of where you end up. Kent is blessed with some great Zoos. (Even Port Lympne after all the changes.) Hope you have a good Weekend.
 
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