Paignton Zoo Paignton Zoo News 2016

Escaped Lechwe

I wondered why there's a helicopter circling the area and police on the sports field nearby - a Lechwe has escaped from the zoo. Apparently they have it contained in a garden now and are monitoring it. I think it's the big male.
 
Giant Panda said:
A fairly lengthy interview with Director Simon Tonge. Towards the end, he discusses the new Savanna development
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Interesting! Thank you for posting this.
Funnily enough I have been considering a post about the development of Paignton since my first visit in 1983, so I now have some more leads to follow before I start to write.
I spotted two errors, I don't think Islands at Chester cost as much as £40 million (although I suppose it depends on how you do the accounting) and I don't think golden lion tamarinds would be good ingredients for a curry ;)

Alan
 
Is he related to the Roger Tonge who used to be in charge of Whipsnade?

Interesting how he comments about the possible ramifications of Brexit for Zoos in the UK. Have been wondering the same myself.

I well remember the 'old' Paignton of the 1960's era- a hidden gem of a collection but so obviously way behind the times and little publicised. They have really pulled it forward since they developed it. The Savanah exhibit seems bound to happen and be their next big thing, though in a Zoo of their size I'm not sure how visually effective it will be.
 
Tim May said:
Are you thinking of E. H. Tong who used to be Director of Whipsnade?

His surname was spelled differently with no final 'e'.
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Yes, I must have confused him with another Tong. So just a coincidence of two Directors with similar names.
 
Quince Monitor

There is a Quince Monitor Lizard in Croc Swamp - pretty rare (with not much known about them in the wild apparently)?.
Flamingos have been moved to Hamerkop and Scarlet Ibis aviary near ABC so new lake exit/entry ramps can be built.
Choughs seem to have been moved (from Cottage Aviary and Living Coasts) or are off show, not sure?
 
New Savannah exhibit

I was looking at the plans again for the new exhibit. A couple of things stand out for discussion:

1. The Vulture walk-through - I'm wondering if this will have a fairly low netting with one high point, encouraging the birds to be on or near the ground, perhaps near mock carcasses? The area planned is on a hill where the current badger hide is. What species will they apply for?

2. The new species for mixing with current Giraffe and Mountain Zebra - I'm wondering if they will maintain the species mix as at sister zoo Newquay and go with Black Wildebeest and Nyala? Can anyone help here - I don't think the Lechwe will mix, so could they possibly bring back Sable Antelope or Kudu?

3. White Rhino are planned to eventually replace Duchess. Are there any cases where Black Rhino are mixed with other species, as I feel that the current enclosure is not used to its full potential i.e. I have only once seen the rhinos on the grass paddocks at any time of year and I have accrued MANY visits over the years!
 
Monkey News

The Howler Monkeys are offshow while a new male is introduced.

Toby, the new male Diana Monkey has been mixed with females, Kasai and Akia. All looked calm in the showden today.
 
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