I've mentioned this on the facebook page and I will mention it here. What a waste of money. They can find money for this rubbish but they can't find funds to get the Wild Dogs (there is probably a difference in price, but come on, they money could have gone TOWARDS the dogs).
Is the zoo's conservation priority less of a priority when they spend their development funds on gimmicky guest amusements like this rather than maintaining/improving enclosures and developing new enclosures with the view to house and breed more endangered species. I do hope the zoo does not lose sight of what is important about a ZOO.
I've mentioned this on the facebook page and I will mention it here. What a waste of money. They can find money for this rubbish but they can't find funds to get the Wild Dogs (there is probably a difference in price, but come on, they money could have gone TOWARDS the dogs).
Is the zoo's conservation priority less of a priority when they spend their development funds on gimmicky guest amusements like this rather than maintaining/improving enclosures and developing new enclosures with the view to house and breed more endangered species. I do hope the zoo does not lose sight of what is important about a ZOO.
While I don't like these add ons, they are important money earners for Chester zoo to be able to support the projects in the wild and to help fund developments in the zoo (and all the other things the money generated could be spent on).
Chester was also a zoo first then a play thing later, but to generate interest and getting the average visitor back or to part with an extra little bit of cash Chester have it right.
Imagine how many kids are going to annoy there parents into letting them have a go? You may not like it but this things are the future and are not going to go away.
And all things said they are actually tastefully done not like other collections, or would you like Chester to charge people to feed the animals instead?
Well said and put Taun
I don't like these types of attractions inside the zoos but unfortunatly they are essentail to most zoos as they are a way of getting extra revenue out of our pockets, this way they are actually getting better pay back from thier investment as the revenue gathered will help fund more important issues around the zoo ie- Wild Dogs enclosure
Good points actually, if they make more money then I suppose they are worth it, after all that is what an investment is about. It looks busy enough, so I don't see it being a problem being profitable.
I saw this myself today (more photos in the gallery here and here), and took a photograph similar to Matt's so he's saved me a job.
After sitting for a while and trying to be level-headed, I totally agree with Javan Rhino, this is a horrible addition. Nothing I can recall in Chester's history even approaches the level of tackiness. Unlike the (almost universally hated) conservation golf, which at least tries to be zoo-themed, this is just a completely unrelated method of getting parents to fork out another pound or two during their visit. Something that was strongly objected to at the AGM.
Also at that same meeting, the speakers explained that a large part of the success of the Jaguar Coffee House is down to it becoming a haunt of annual members and repeat visitors who like the relative isolation and quiet. The zoo knew this, but now they've built this eyesore blocking what was a peaceful view of the canal, not to mention the inevitable increase in children, which let's face it, not everyone likes.
Clearly it has been hastily constructed using some left-over decking and a length of buoyant conduit pipe. The "landscaping" is shocking, and it really does look like a botched job from Rogue Traders.
I should also mention that for whatever reason they built this thing I'm sure it wasn't for the staff to play with, which seemed to be happening a lot today. I'd like the one pound of my membership that was spent on this thing back, please.
I didn't realise anybody agreed . I would not mind half as much if it had any educational value. I agree that children should have play areas in zoos etc (like the ark play area), since this allows children to burn off a little steam since, lets face it, a trip to the zoo can make them a little hyperactive. I have no real problem with traditional play areas for this reason, but anything entertaining in a zoo should aim to have some educational value.
When I was a child, my entertainment came from watching the animals at the zoo. Spotting a lizard in a viv in the tropical realm before moving to the next one (and getting annoyed when people spotted it for me! That took the fun away ) That is why I always pestered family members to take me to the zoo, as opposed to Crewe Park, Alton Towers or anywhere like that.
If people are not going to be entertained by watching the animals, why do they then go to a zoo?
I agree that children should have play areas in zoos etc (like the ark play area), since this allows children to burn off a little steam since, lets face it, a trip to the zoo can make them a little hyperactive.
Let's make one distinction, all the traditional play areas in Chester Zoo are free so while one could debate their worth, at least parents don't have to pay extra for a few minutes respite. They are also generally well-conceived and themed, while this is neither.
I don't know, but they do. Watch how many people walk through the Tsavo Aviary without ever stopping to see a bird - the average dwell time per exhibit at Chester is seven seconds. I can see Taun's point in this regard, if they come to the zoo then why not monetise their foot-fall, but at least let's try to do it in a way that's in-keeping and educational. If a kid learns that tigers are endangered by playing golf rather than looking at the tiger itself then that is a small step in the right direction, but this thing fails in every conceivable way, other than to screw parents out of another few pounds.
Also at that same meeting, the speakers explained that a large part of the success of the Jaguar Coffee House is down to it becoming a haunt of annual members and repeat visitors who like the relative isolation and quiet. The zoo knew this, but now they've built this eyesore blocking what was a peaceful view of the canal, not to mention the inevitable increase in children, which let's face it, not everyone likes.
I understand your points on the theming SMR, but I don't think this is that tacky additional to the zoo.
Members don't actually make the zoo thou, its the million other visitors that do. Therefore you cannot blame the zoo for adding this to cater some extra revenue. Also this should draw more visitors into that area and maybe spend more money in the cafe. Hence a win win situation for Chester (except for a few members).
Chester is trying to move forwards, however a certain group of members seem to want to keep it the way it is. However the zoo management recognise the need for some change to ensure they maximise there profits and return visits.
All I can say just be thankful Chester zoo is not like Colchester zoo!
