Pertinax;...that wretchedly small bullpen...([/QUOTE said:
I am pleased to read that I am not the only one who thinks the bull enclosure at Chester is far to small. This has been my view ever since I saw the elephant exhibit presented at Zoolex, which was before I discovered Zoobeat/Chat. However, having spent some nine months at ZooBeat/Chat by now, I have gotten the impression that Chester is the leading zoo in The UK. Disappointing then, that the bull enclosure is so small. I know that the inside enclosure is relatively big in comparison to many elephant bull stables, but still...
Anyway... not familiar with the names of the individual elephants like you regular visitors are, I would like to ask:
Is Upali "THE" breding bull at Chester? If so, it is at least a comfort to know that he is now and then let out into the herd enclosure as shown in this picture. Or is there some other (bigger?) bull that only has the small pen as outdoor enclosure?
I am pleased to read that I am not the only one who thinks the bull enclosure at Chester is far to small. This has been my view ever since I saw the elephant exhibit presented at Zoolex, which was before I discovered Zoobeat/Chat. However, having spent some nine months at ZooBeat/Chat by now, I have gotten the impression that Chester is the leading zoo in The UK. Disappointing then, that the bull enclosure is so small. I know that the inside enclosure is relatively big in comparison to many elephant bull stables, but still...
Anyway... not familiar with the names of the individual elephants like you regular visitors are, I would like to ask:
Is Upali "THE" breding bull at Chester? If so, it is at least a comfort to know that he is now and then let out into the herd enclosure as shown in this picture. Or is there some other (bigger?) bull that only has the small pen as outdoor enclosure?
Upalis is the main breeding bull. He came in as a youngster and took over "breeding duties" when Chang (the previous bull - a magnificent specimen by the way) left.
Sorry lost track alittle, but could one of the females be in season and the reason behind Upali being in with most of the herd? But then I would persume he would of raced over and tried mating the females?
Just to update for anyone reading this who isn't familiar with the current Elephant situation at Chester....
It was revealed in early 2010 that it was Sithami and Thi that were both pregnant. Hence the reason why they weren't out with Upali when this photo was taken and the disscussion originally took place. Jangoli was at this time (as zg has pointed out) not pregnant and hasn't had a calf since.
Tunga departed for a batchelor situation in Belgium in April 2010
Sithami gave birth to Nayan in July 2010 and Thi had her daughter (who still hasn't been named!) in January 2011
