Apologies, I should've elaborated. Its sad that Whipsnade seem to not want to continue with wolves (of a purebred type obviously!) once this group die out.
Apologies, I should've elaborated. Its sad that Whipsnade seem to not want to continue with wolves (of a purebred type obviously!) once this group die out.
I do tell myself to cut ZSL animal management some slack - and then I read this. Of all the charismatic large carnivores in the world it is hard to think of one that is cheaper to house than a pack of wolves. And it's not as if the space to keep (say) Hunting Dogs and Grey Wolves at Whipsnade isn't there....
Apologies, I should've elaborated. Its sad that Whipsnade seem to not want to continue with wolves (of a purebred type obviously!) once this group die out.
I believe, speaking to members of staff over recent years, that the long term plan is to replace the wolves with African hunting dog.
Sorry Adam, I would love to be proved wrong and, if I am, fantastic! The wolf wood is a lovely area of Whipsnade, especially when the bluebells are in full bloom! I really couldn't imagine anything other than wolves inhabiting that enclosure because, as we all know, there's plenty of space at the zoo for two (possibly three?) species of canine.
Out of interest, what was there before the wolves moved in? I know they were in what is now Tiger Falls.
Until about 1975, there was another ungulate paddock directly adjoining that now holding the European Bison. Originally known as Clappers, maybe somebody decided that less ribaldry would be caused by re-dubbing it as Central Paddock Number 2. I think early on this area held White-tailed Gnu, but I can't remember what it last held. Perhaps somebody can remember what was there - I am only 50!
At any rate, the whole area was then closed off to keep and breed cranes. In about 1980, a good ten or so species were held there. There were also Kori Bustards.
This remained the usage for the entire area until 1990/91, when with Tiger Falls pending, it became necessary to move the wolf pack.
