This enormous structure, which this month turns the ripe old age of 50, has contained a multitude of species over the years. Is there still a large flight aviary for birds of prey at one end (it was added in 1965) and is there still a Tropical Hall centerpiece within the confines of the building? What is in store for the big cats? Will the traditional outdoor cages be modernized by 2014?
This house is currently the subject of an ambitious development program. The outdoor enclosures that are visible in this picture, and the ones on the opposite side of the house, will be reduced in number and extended outwards. The crane that can be seen in this picture is currently helping to replace the roof of the house. When that replacement is complete, I assume, the walk through aviary in the centre of the house will, once again, be open. At the moment it is all boarded up. The inside dens for the various cats that live in this house will be extended forwards, taking in what are currently the viewing areas accessible down steps. The smaller internal aviaries, which in recent years have housed such birds as barbets, cat birds, and a rather splendid yellow-billed hornbill, will, I think, go. The small units for rodents that were previously to be seen upstairs overlooking the aviary, are now found in the elephant house, where I think the intention is that they will stay.
The large birds of prey aviary to which Snow Leopard refers above is most certainly still in place. It is, in my opinion, one of the greatest zoo exhibits in Europe.
When this work is completed, the house will, I think, be truly magnificent.
By the way: It may well be that the tropic hall will open by fall. The Intention is to open it this year when the building turns 50 years (as sooty already pointed out). It is also planned to start with the Extension of the outside enclosures before the end of the year. The Money is available. The cats are going to have FOUR times as much space soon!
