I know some of us have debated the value of "immersion" or "themed" exhibits. But how does one justify this abomination? Who would get pleasure or be inspired by an animal in such a ... a.... feed lot? And what limits this institution that this is all they can do? It's like some porcupine dystopia movie (plucky creature hangs on after its habitat was completely destroyed hoping that the Devas will some day return with a living world......in 3-D of course)
This is the "new" enclosure? Holy smokes! I agree with both reduakari and zooplantman. I suppose that there are some porcupine exhibits that are actually worse than this one, but too many folks are satisfied with subpar cages that do nothing to inspire adoration for either animals or conservation. This is probably another example of a poverty-stricken British zoo begging for a few pounds to slap together an enclosure, but surely something more impressive could have been created.
Interestingly enough, this zoo is actually located at a High School (zoogiraffe, forgive me if I'm mistaken). I'll allow zoogiraffe or one of the other UK members to provide a little backstory to this institution so a fair assessment can be made.
Interestingly enough, this zoo is actually located at a High School (zoogiraffe, forgive me if I'm mistaken). I'll allow zoogiraffe or one of the other UK members to provide a little backstory to this institution so a fair assessment can be made.
It's effectively a teaching zoo for animal management students and Ituri is quite right in pointing out that it's not a mainstream zoo with attendance income to rely on (it is not open to the public full-time either, so visitor experience isn't a factor).
So in this case it really is the case that aesthetics are pretty much entirely irrelevant and the animals' and keepers' needs are all that need to be met.
Thanks Ituri and Maguari for the clarification. This "porcupine dystopia movie" doesn't deserve all of the harsh treatment here on this thread if Reaseheath is simply a training school for keepers. The porcupines can be kept in a concrete bunker and the public will never notice.
Thanks Ituri and Maguari for the clarification. This "porcupine dystopia movie" doesn't deserve all of the harsh treatment here on this thread if Reaseheath is simply a training school for keepers. The porcupines can be kept in a concrete bunker and the public will never notice.
Is it just me or does someone else not understand this? I really don't understand why you make such a fuss about exhibits and they have to look good but if its in a teaching college its fine?
Where is your argument that it's not teaching the students the proper way to exhibit these animals?
Or why are they not teaching these future keepers the "best" way to exhibit these animals?
Am sorry but this exhibit is fine for keeping the occupants in, were it be in teaching college or it be in a mainstream zoo. Just because it's not trying make you think you are in Porcupine's natural habitat does not make it a terrible exhibit!
What this picture shows remains deeply unattractive.
I agree that students need to learn the simple things keepers can do to make an enclosure into an attractive exhibit.
Perhaps this exhibit will be improved by the students as part of their curriculum as time goes on. We can only hope so.
