I'm guessing that the nutrias have access to the grassy area in the background, and in fact this appears to be a very large exhibit for these rodents. Quite remarkable to note that nutrias are practically unheard of in North American zoos, and in the 100+ establishments that I have visited between Canada and the United States I'd bet that I've seen nutrias on only 4-5 occasions.
As part of the drive to eradicate this animal, which I persist in calling coypu, from the UK, I believe that it became illegal to keep them in captivity.
For many years they were kept at London in an enclosure close to the otters, but this exhibit ceased to be used around about 30 years ago, at the start of the decade that saw them eventually eradicated from the UK. I suspect that at 48 I'm one of the younger UK zoo enthusiasts to have seen this animal in my own country.
As part of the drive to eradicate this animal, which I persist in calling coypu, from the UK, I believe that it became illegal to keep them in captivity.
For many years they were kept at London in an enclosure close to the otters, but this exhibit ceased to be used around about 30 years ago, at the start of the decade that saw them eventually eradicated from the UK. I suspect that at 48 I'm one of the younger UK zoo enthusiasts to have seen this animal in my own country.
I'm 27 and I can beat you - Chester kept them until 1996 and I saw them a few times (and photo'd them once) in the exhibit that has now disappeared under the Okapi/Tropical House ice cream kiosk.
I'm 27 and I can beat you - Chester kept them until 1996 and I saw them a few times (and photo'd them once) in the exhibit that has now disappeared under the Okapi/Tropical House ice cream kiosk.
