Thanks for your detailed coverage of the renovated Alfred Brehm Haus and other new enclosures at the Tierpark @Shirokuma . What were your personal views on these new developments?
You’re welcome, I hope they give a comprehensive impression of the new developments.
Generally I was impressed.
I think the vivaria are very nicely furnished and they did a very good job of densely planting the central hall. Even in non-Covid times I wouldn’t fancy being there on a busy day though, the paths are narrow and the space isn’t enormous.
I didn’t like the Indonesian statues in the central rainforest area, beyond the pair at the entrance which was a nod towards Indonesia I felt they were tacky and unnecessary.
The huge rock dens have been very effectively transformed. I always felt they had the feel of a cross between a 60s civic building and a Bond villain’s lair and I never really warmed to them.
The whole building, I feel, has been transformed with a respect for the past and the physical core of the building is totally recognisable. There is a brief notice on the history of the building but I think something more substantial would be appropriate. If nothing else it would show how far animal husbandry has come.
Outside the enclosures are aesthetically very pleasing and the walkthrough for tree kangaroo and pademelon is outstandingly well done in my opinion, a really excellent enclosure.
The use of bamboo planting feels a bit monotonous but it is a pragmatic solution and works well in hiding what needs to be hidden and creating viewing areas. Although on a busy day - and with social distancing - accessing the limited viewing areas might be frustrating.
I saw stereotyping in sun bear and Javan leopard and with the bears at least this is acknowledged in a notice. I had by far the best and closest view ever of a clouded leopard which was fantastic.
