Aspinall used to plot ways of over-throwing the democratically elected government of the United Kingdom. He was, like it or not, an extreme right-wing agitator. Inconvenient but true.
Regardless of his political ideaology and his right wing activities , John Aspinall was a great conservationists one of the best in my opinion. For that reason alone he has my respect.
As Gentle Lemur says, this place is a non-starter for photographers, but in all other aspects it is a superb gorilla exhibit. Those who have not seen it might not fully appreciate the impact which it has on those who do see it - but they should recognise the impact it has on the gorillas who live there, who breed and thrive as few gorilla groups elesewhere do.
Snowleopard: I disagree with many things you say on zoos, but that is fine - it would be a very boring place if we all felt the same way. And I find your apparent belief that your view is the 'right' view and all others are 'wrong' a little troubling, but then most of us probably see things in these terms, from time to time at least. But I think it is irresponsible, ungentlemanly and ignorant of you to start throwing insults around at "Aspinall", as you do. It is unclear from your grammatical construction whether you are calling the late John Aspinall - erstwhile owner of Howletts - a "fascist", or suggesting that Damian Aspinall - current owner (sort of) - is a "late fascist"; either way, what you say is potentially libellous, and it does not reflect well on you.
There seems to be such a north america centric viewpoint element in some zoo chatters , and i find it very ignorant as many of them havent visited the european zoos that seem to revolt them and provoke such harsh and ridiculous criticism. Instead of criticising European zoological gardens i think they should maybe take the time to see some of the awful "zoos" in their own country like the numerous roadside zoos and wildlife parks. As a Mexican zoochatter who has travelled in both Europe and America i can say that i have visited many zoos and i would like to think im pretty fair in my judgements. I am first person to admit that my country is very backwards in the way of conservation and zoological gardens why can some zoochatters not learn a bit of humility and respect ?
The cool thing is gorillas don't have to be displayed in an enclosed cage like this to be happy, healthy, thriving gorillas. All you have to do is visit the gorilla exhibits in the Bronx, San Diego, Disney, Seattle, or even Chicago. One will find perfectly enriched gorillas that are breeding and living the good life in aesthetically pleasing enclosures. All you Howletts defenders seem to think you can only see thriving gorillas in an enclosed unnatural looking cage. I am not putting down this exhibit, but it is possible to show gorillas acting like gorillas in a natural environment in captivity.
There seems to be such a north america centric viewpoint element in some zoo chatters , and i find it very ignorant as many of them havent visited the european zoos that seem to revolt them and provoke such harsh and ridiculous criticism. Instead of criticising European zoological gardens i think they should maybe take the time to see some of the awful "zoos" in their own country like the numerous roadside zoos and wildlife parks. As a Mexican zoochatter who has travelled in both Europe and America i can say that i have visited many zoos and i would like to think im pretty fair in my judgements. I am first person to admit that my country is very backwards in the way of conservation and zoological gardens why can some zoochatters not learn a bit of humility and respect ?
As one of the "harsh critics" I believe you may be referring to, you should know I've visited dozens of European zoos, and have found many of them the equal of or superior to most North American zoos in many ways. Zurich, Leipzig, Berlin, Tierpark Berlin, Prague, Emmen, Arnhem, Basle, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hannover all have elements that are exemplary. In the UK, Bristol, Paignton and Living Coasts all have nice components. But the photos here of all of the "homemade" private zoos (Aspinall's included) that litter the English countryside just do not compare with these quality establishments in the criteria that I think are important--which revolve around HOW THE ANIMALS ARE PRESENTED TO THE PUBLIC. I don't question that the animals may be well cared for at some or most of these establishments. But I do question the messages and impressions that the visitors to these places leave with, after seeing caged animals randomly assembled by well-intentioned hobbyists. They may leave loving gorillas, but they gain no sense of the reality of "gorilla wildness." And that is a shame.
The cool thing is gorillas don't have to be displayed in an enclosed cage like this to be happy, healthy, thriving gorillas. All you have to do is visit the gorilla exhibits in the Bronx, San Diego, Disney, Seattle, or even Chicago. One will find perfectly enriched gorillas that are breeding and living the good life in aesthetically pleasing enclosures. All you Howletts defenders seem to think you can only see thriving gorillas in an enclosed unnatural looking cage. I am not putting down this exhibit, but it is possible to show gorillas acting like gorillas in a natural environment in captivity.
How can there be a natrual enviroment in captivity ? do you mean an enclosure resembling a gorillas natrual habitat ? I can vouch for myself when i say that i dont believe the only way to see thriving gorillas is in unnatrual looking enclosures , but what i am thinking is that there is too much emphasis put on all of this natrualistic enclosures stuff, Howletts is constantly being criticised by a tiny minority of zoochatters who have never even visited it or seen the enclosures with their own eyes , while those who have visited Howletts have only good things to say , that says it all really doesnt it ?
As one of the "harsh critics" I believe you may be referring to, you should know I've visited dozens of European zoos, and have found many of them the equal of or superior to most North American zoos in many ways. Zurich, Leipzig, Berlin, Tierpark Berlin, Prague, Emmen, Arnhem, Basle, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hannover all have elements that are exemplary. In the UK, Bristol, Paignton and Living Coasts all have nice components. But the photos here of all of the "homemade" private zoos (Aspinall's included) that litter the English countryside just do not compare with these quality establishments in the criteria that I think are important--which revolve around HOW THE ANIMALS ARE PRESENTED TO THE PUBLIC. I don't question that the animals may be well cared for at some or most of these establishments. But I do question the messages and impressions that the visitors to these places leave with, after seeing caged animals randomly assembled by well-intentioned hobbyists. They may leave loving gorillas, but they gain no sense of the reality of "gorilla wildness." And that is a shame.
yes indeed im reffering to you when i say harsh critics , i dont think John Aspinall was a "hobbyist" was he ? he bred endangered animals not budgereigars or hammsters , and the zoos which "litter" the english countryside, Did you really visit England or was it just judgements from pictures again or maybe in a dream? because i dont think the Aspinall parks can be described as "litterring" , the Aspinall parks are huge and sprawling in beautiful grounds, , i will say again , if you want a "gorilla wilderness" then go to the Congo or Rhwanda because i think its pretty futile looking for a "wilderness" in captivity , heres a definition of wilderness so you can familiarise yourself with that particular word and realise your slight mistake
wil·der·ness
(wldr-ns)
n.
An unsettled, uncultivated region left in its natural condition, especially:
oh and here is a site for travelling to Africa to observe Gorillas in their natrual habitat maybe then your quest will be fullfilled
Regardless of his political ideaology and his right wing activities , John Aspinall was a great conservationists one of the best in my opinion. For that reason alone he has my respect.
Mmm. I don't deny for a second his contributions to captive breeding of several endangered species. I just don't want anyone to gloss over the less desirable aspects of his character and legacy. It's just not a great difference from "he was a right-wing nutjob but at least he bred a lot of gorillas" to "he was a right-wing nutjob but at least he made the trains run on time". If you get my drift.
By all means celebrate Aspinall's achievements - I'd love to visit Howletts and Port Lympne one day. Just don't try to fool yourself or anyone else into believing that he was a decent man.
