I have a vague memory of a motorised enrichment attached around the side of the pool . A basket holding a fish could move around encouraging the seals to chase it .
I have a vague memory of a motorised enrichment attached around the side of the pool . A basket holding a fish could move around encouraging the seals to chase it .
Not entirely certain about this memory !
Indeed there was a motorised box that ran around the circumference of the pool and dispensed fish as the seals chased it.
I can remember seeing Desmond Morris demonstrate this contraption on the TV programme ‘Zoo Time’ when I was a very small child and afterwards saw it in action several times on visits to the zoo.
(After checking the old ZSL Annual Reports, I can confirm the old Panda Pit, near the old Lion House, was converted into the Seal Pond in 1960; the motorised fish feeder was installed the same year.)
Yes, the small pool near the old Children’s Zoo was specifically built for Baikal seals in 1961. In later years it was sometimes used to house young sea-lions or young penguins .
Indeed there was a motorised box that ran around the circumference of the pool and dispensed fish as the seals chased it.
I can remember seeing Desmond Morris demonstrate this contraption on the TV programme ‘Zoo Time’ when I was a very small child and afterwards saw it in action several times on visits to the zoo.
I suspect my memory was from 'Zoo Time' rather than actually seeing it . My first visit to Regent's Park would have been late 1950's and I remember little from that .
