Waterbuck from Another Perspective

Despite the fact he was a huge distance away, the waterbuck scattered a bit when they saw our dog in the distance. When I have seen dogs running along the path in the past they\'ve seen perfectly fine, and they went in for the night right after so it may have been related to that as the gate was opened. Taken from the Owslebury Footpath, 7th November 2009.

What is the large building in the background?

kiang said:

What is the large building in the background?

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That's the cafe. It's probably the nicest building at the zoo, and the food is quite decent (as zoo food goes). But given that it was only built very recently, it is puzzlingly small. Visiting this week, on a dull overcast November day which wasn't in the school holidays - so a very quiet day - the cafe was still pretty full at busy times. At the height of business on a busy day, it must be overwhelmed.

I agree it is definately very small and definately designed as an outdoor eating experience, which isn't practical in winter considering it's also a very windy spot. When it opened, the Gemsboks (the older group of the oryx club which I'm part of) got a tour behind the scenes, and it's good in everything else: Food quality, toilet facilities, sustainability and kitchen facilities, but it's size is the only downer. In my opinion, an upstairs eating area should've been created, as it would increase indoor space, give even bigger uninnterupted views of the valley and not increase it's current space any further.

I believe the longer term plan is to extend the valley to 45 acres+ and build another cafe at the distant end.

This area has so much potential to be a real African wildlife spectacle yet still seems rather lacking in species and numbers, giving it a rather empty feel.

Maybe an extension with further animals being included will improve that.

Is there any plans to add lions