It is great to see so many climbing opportunities in both the clouded leopard and North Chinese leopard exhibits, and the enclosures themselves are actually larger than the average leopard exhibits in many other zoos. Howletts is definitely fond of traditional wire, wood and metal cages and not immersive zoo experiences, but if people like that sort of thing and the animals breed then who am I to offer up any critical observations?
although the enclosures of howletts and port lympne are not the msot aesthetically pleasing they are pratical functional and good for the occupants...and probably alot cheaper then some elaborate immersive exhibit
...not saying immersive exhibits are bad in anyway
All of the Howletts enclosures are definitely constructed for peanuts in comparison to the huge, mock-rock, immersive exhibits that can be commonly found at many other zoos. Howletts just needs wood and wire for its carnivores, and metal bars for its apes, and then the enclosures have all the necessary building materials. I'm not necessarily criticizing the zoo, as the North Chinese leopard exhibit in the photo might just be the best leopard enclosure that I've ever seen. There are lots of climbing opportunities, space, an area of separation from humans, and perhaps only the Minnesota Zoo has constructed a leopard exhibit that comes closer to creating a suitable environment for leopards.
I agree with you snow leopard , im glad you feel that way and i am glad that your judgements are based on seeing the parks first hand. Unfortunately there seems to be many north american zoo chat members who indulge in bashing the aspinall parks without ever having visited them and ignoring the wonderful success of its captive breeding programes.
I agree with you snow leopard , im glad you feel that way and i am glad that your judgements are based on seeing the parks first hand. Unfortunately there seems to be many north american zoo chat members who indulge in bashing the aspinall parks without ever having visited them and ignoring the wonderful success of its captive breeding programes.
Although visiting zoos first hand is the best way to form an opinion, the photos on the gallery can provide bases for resonable opinions. there are enough photos on zoochat as well as other resources which mean that people can comment and form opinions without viewing the zoo themselves.
Although visiting zoos first hand is the best way to form an opinion, the photos on the gallery can provide bases for resonable opinions. there are enough photos on zoochat as well as other resources which mean that people can comment and form opinions without viewing the zoo themselves.
yes i agree with you foz , the resources and photos here on zoochat are a good way of forming an opinion and constructive criticism, but the best way to form an opinion or constructive criticism about a zoological garden is by visiting it and its resident animals and seeing them with your eyes that is probably the best way to form a reasonable opinion
i agree with that statement catman, Howletts and Port lympne are definitely the best zoos i have visited , but between Howletts and Port lympne i think id have to say that i prefer Port lympne because the surrounding countryside is so beautiful and its a pleasure to have a long walk and see the animals
The problem with photos is that you often don't get a correct impression of size or perspective. When I take pictures of enclosures I try to ensure the occupant is visible so you can get a good idea of the space available to it. Failing the occupant being visible, I'll photograph a zoo visitor standing in front of the exhibit - not quite the same, but still acts as a spatial reference. And if there's no visitors, I set the timer - and then try to look intelligent.
