I agree about Singapore- I got the impression many of their enclosures look like stages with a lot of the available space used up by hidden moats etc.
Incidentally, this photo of the Wildebeest is even more pleasing when you know that for about three years after they first arrived, they were confined to a hardstanding and stable, while it was debated whether to mix them with zebra in a paddock or not-afaik,they never were. Only a few months ago were they finally given a paddock of their own.
you mean small? If I had to choose I'd rather see big enclosures with obvious fences than little platforms with stage dressing around them to try and disguise how small they are.
I’ve never visited Singapore Zoo so I cannot comment on that; I do, though, wholeheartedly agree with general point ‘Chlidonias’ makes.
Although obtrusive fences are frustrating when taking photographs, I would prefer to see a spacious enclosure with a conspicuous fence rather than a small enclosure with a barrier cleverly disguised to make the exhibit look larger than it actually is.
I only saw these two white-tailed gnus on my recent visit which tallies with the latest Marwell Animal Inventory; this records that there were just a pair as at 31st December 2012. It seems a very reasonable assumption that the youngster was sent to Trotters but I don’t know for certain.
Thanks for the confirmation. There was talk of these Wildebeest leaving Marwell anyway, but whether they are still there because of a delay, or a rethink, or were never in fact going to leave, I don't know.
Incidentally, this photo of the Wildebeest is even more pleasing when you know that for about three years after they first arrived, they were confined to a hardstanding and stable, while it was debated whether to mix them with zebra in a paddock or not-afaik,they never were. Only a few months ago were they finally given a paddock of their own.
Thanks for the confirmation. There was talk of these Wildebeest leaving Marwell anyway, but whether they are still there because of a delay, or a rethink, or were never in fact going to leave, I don't know.
I don’t know Marwell’s long-term plans for the white-tailed gnu but, now that they’ve access to a large paddock, they make a superb exhibit so hopefully they’ll stay. This species is a particular favourite of mine so I certainly hope they remain in the collection.