I have nothing against the signs and actually think they look rather good, what I find ridiculous is that some marketing guy came to the zoo (sorry wildlife) which isn't broken, fixed it and probably took a huge comission on all the work.
And in all of this did they check what happened when Whipsnade and the Bronx stopped calling themselves zoos? I can categorically say they didn't, or else the money from this whole stupid "re-brand" would have been put to far better use actually making the zoo (again, sorry) better, rather than just saying it is.
Woman actually, I still remember when she told us about it. And I agree, initially it seems strange when you're used to it being 'zoo' for you're life, but I think you warm to it after a while; I dunno, but for me, it seems refreshed. Perhaps a 'Park' after Wildlife would be OK, but one of the main objectives was to make 'Marwell Zoological Park' and the associated conservation charity 'Marwell Preservation Trust' one and the same charity. I mean, so far it hasn't seemed to have done Jersey any harm when they went from 'Jersey Zoo' to 'Durrell'.
Woman actually, I still remember when she told us about it. And I agree, initially it seems strange when you're used to it being 'zoo' for you're life, but I think you warm to it after a while; I dunno, but for me, it seems refreshed. Perhaps a 'Park' after Wildlife would be OK, but one of the main objectives was to make 'Marwell Zoological Park' and the associated conservation charity 'Marwell Preservation Trust' one and the same charity. I mean, so far it hasn't seemed to have done Jersey any harm when they went from 'Jersey Zoo' to 'Durrell'.
I remain unconvinced, and still believe Marwell Zoo a) sounds better and b) tells visitors what the place actually is, however, each to their own. Personally, I think Jersey/Durrell to be a different kettle of fish as it is different from a conventional zoo. Also, Durrell is quite well-known and lots of people have read his books, so it may well help to bring in more visitors.
But if a visitor to Jersey who hasn't heard of Gerald Durrell or his zoo hears about a place called 'Durrell', the first thing that comes to his head likely won't be animals, let alone a zoo. I would agree that it would be silly if Marwell called itself 'Knowles', but I agree that it fits Jersey better, and surely Marwell Wildlife can at least apply what it's about better; as I said, it was created to make the bridge between the zoo and conservation charity under one title, much in the way Jersey does.
And aren't many zoos different from the conventional type? Aspinall Parks, Cotswold, and indeed Marwell. Often it's good not to stick to the uniform. By leaving it 'Marwell Wildlife', it can encourage people to come and see what it actually is that sets it apart.
But if a visitor to Jersey who hasn't heard of Gerald Durrell or his zoo hears about a place called 'Durrell', the first thing that comes to his head likely won't be animals, let alone a zoo. I would agree that it would be silly if Marwell called itself 'Knowles', but I agree that it fits Jersey better, and surely Marwell Wildlife can at least apply what it's about better; as I said, it was created to make the bridge between the zoo and conservation charity under one title, much in the way Jersey does.
And aren't many zoos different from the conventional type? Aspinall Parks, Cotswold, and indeed Marwell. Often it's good not to stick to the uniform. By leaving it 'Marwell Wildlife', it can encourage people to come and see what it actually is that sets it apart.
I would imagine that a large number of visitors to Jersey go to actually visit the zoo, and probably because they have read Durrell's books. For those that are just looking for a day out, it is one of the island's most visited attractions so they will pretty soon find out about it. I also think it has a better ring to it than Jersey Zoo (and, for that matter, Marwell Wildlife). I shall also point out that none of the unconventional zoos you listed, actually call themselves a "zoo" (and I would say Marwell is the most zoo-like of all of them).
I think we shall have to agree to disagree on this one as neither of us is likely persuade the other. I have already said what I think so suffice to say that it is, in my opinion, a bad idea. You think otherwise and fair enough, we shall see what transpires.
