Belfast Zoo Belfast Zoo News 2024

I payed a visit to the zoo over the weekend, with the following things of note:
  • As some of you are probably aware, the row of marmoset/tamarin enclosures near the top (no. 31 on the map) is now a 'Dino Camp' exhibit, with models of T. rex, Pteranodon, Allosaurus and Deinonychus, while the windows of the former red river hog house now display models of hatching T. rex and Brontosaurus, with an adult Bronto along with Stegosaurus, Triceratops, and Brachiosaurus in a new 'Dino Nursery' exhibit. Depending on what you think, it's either a clever utilisation of unused space, or a waste of enclosures for smaller animals, not helped by the inaccuracy of some of the models.
  • The colobus monkeys are currently in the former sifaka enclosure, and I saw two of the younger colobus play fighting on the ground.
  • The prairie dogs are still signed at the former red panda enclosure (no. 42), although the fact that they're no longer mentioned on the website would suggest they really are gone.
  • According to a laminated sign, male lion Qays has a wound on his left leg, and that he is under constant veterinary care. I saw Qays in the outdoor enclosure, but didn't see the wound as he was lying down in the grass.
  • Almost the entire bird park was closed off, with the only aviaries on-show being the first one you come to (currently holding Bali starling) and the macaw aviary. There seemed to be some construction works going on with the roof of one of the aviaries.
  • This hasn't been announced, but there are two new bongo calves and a vicuña fawn that looked as though it was born recently.
  • According to a keeper I spoke to, elderly sun bear Bora is not feeling very well "at all", which is why I didn't see her on my visit. It may not be long before she reaches her destiny :(.
  • On that note, the keeper said no decision has been made on what will happen with either bear enclosure, once the last bears of both species in the zoo are gone. He also mentioned that the elephants' former indoor enclosure may be divided into 3 or 4 small enclosures as part of the Animals of Australia development, although he is unsure what exactly will happen with the space.
Photos will appear in the gallery soon, folks.
 
Babyrousa said:
I payed a visit to the zoo over the weekend, with the following things of note:
  • As some of you are probably aware, the row of marmoset/tamarin enclosures near the top (no. 31 on the map) is now a 'Dino Camp' exhibit, with models of T. rex, Pteranodon, Allosaurus and Deinonychus, while the windows of the former red river hog house now display models of hatching T. rex and Brontosaurus, with an adult Bronto along with Stegosaurus, Triceratops, and Brachiosaurus in a new 'Dino Nursery' exhibit. Depending on what you think, it's either a clever utilisation of unused space, or a waste of enclosures for smaller animals, not helped by the inaccuracy of some of the models.
  • The colobus monkeys are currently in the former sifaka enclosure, and I saw two of the younger colobus play fighting on the ground.
  • The prairie dogs are still signed at the former red panda enclosure (no. 42), although the fact that they're no longer mentioned on the website would suggest they really are gone.
  • According to a laminated sign, male lion Qays has a wound on his left leg, and that he is under constant veterinary care. I saw Qays in the outdoor enclosure, but didn't see the wound as he was lying down in the grass.
  • Almost the entire bird park was closed off, with the only aviaries on-show being the first one you come to (currently holding Bali starling) and the macaw aviary. There seemed to be some construction works going on with the roof of one of the aviaries.
  • This hasn't been announced, but there are two new bongo calves and a vicuña fawn that looked as though it was born recently.
  • According to a keeper I spoke to, elderly sun bear Bora is not feeling very well "at all", which is why I didn't see her on my visit. It may not be long before she reaches her destiny :(.
  • On that note, the keeper said no decision has been made on what will happen with either bear enclosure, once the last bears of both species in the zoo are gone. He also mentioned that the elephants' former indoor enclosure may be divided into 3 or 4 small enclosures as part of the Animals of Australia development, although he is unsure what exactly will happen with the space.
Photos will appear in the gallery soon, folks.
Click to expand...
The dinosaur development is certainly sad to hear about, although most visitors might prefer that. Does anyone know why the bird park is being closed off? On my visit in the end of June, the aviaries located on the slope leading up to the main section were the only ones closed.
 
Not the best news to start the week with unfortunately

We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Bora, the Malayan Sun Bear.

Bora was born in Zoo Usti nad Labem in the Czech Republic on the 10th of April 1993, and then moved to Frankfurt. Eventually, Bora arrived in Belfast Zoo in 1997.

Bora was loved by all the staff and was famous for her fiery temper and strong personality when she was younger. Bora, a diva, would dictate her orders to the other sun bears in her habitat and her keepers. As she grew older, Bora became more relaxed, favouring luxurious items like honey, insects, and her spacious bed, rather than engaging in conflicts and temper outbursts.

Bora was in her senior years and was considered one of the oldest sun bears in European zoos. Bora achieved this impressive age thanks to the attention and care of the animal team at Belfast Zoo. During a routine check-up, it was apparent that her quality of life had significantly deteriorated. Despite additional treatment and intense care from both the keeper and veterinary teams, the hard decision was made to put her to sleep to prevent gradual further decline. The team is deeply saddened by her loss.

There exist eight different types of bears globally. Malayan sun bears are the tiniest in the family, yet despite Bora's small stature, she held a big place in the hearts of both visitors and staff.

Malayan sun bears consume insects, fruit, honey, and various sizes of prey animals. Avocado was the treat that Bora loved the most!

The sun bear gets its name from the white/yellow crescent pattern on its chest, which resembles the shape of a sun either rising or setting. Every bear has a unique crest, just like how each human has distinct fingerprints.
 
Embu said:
Not the best news to start the week with unfortunately

We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Bora, the Malayan Sun Bear.

Bora was born in Zoo Usti nad Labem in the Czech Republic on the 10th of April 1993, and then moved to Frankfurt. Eventually, Bora arrived in Belfast Zoo in 1997.

Bora was loved by all the staff and was famous for her fiery temper and strong personality when she was younger. Bora, a diva, would dictate her orders to the other sun bears in her habitat and her keepers. As she grew older, Bora became more relaxed, favouring luxurious items like honey, insects, and her spacious bed, rather than engaging in conflicts and temper outbursts.

Bora was in her senior years and was considered one of the oldest sun bears in European zoos. Bora achieved this impressive age thanks to the attention and care of the animal team at Belfast Zoo. During a routine check-up, it was apparent that her quality of life had significantly deteriorated. Despite additional treatment and intense care from both the keeper and veterinary teams, the hard decision was made to put her to sleep to prevent gradual further decline. The team is deeply saddened by her loss.

There exist eight different types of bears globally. Malayan sun bears are the tiniest in the family, yet despite Bora's small stature, she held a big place in the hearts of both visitors and staff.

Malayan sun bears consume insects, fruit, honey, and various sizes of prey animals. Avocado was the treat that Bora loved the most!

The sun bear gets its name from the white/yellow crescent pattern on its chest, which resembles the shape of a sun either rising or setting. Every bear has a unique crest, just like how each human has distinct fingerprints.
Click to expand...

I knew the day would come so soon after my last visit. With Bora gone, Belfast has just lost another of its gems :(.

Babyrousa said:
According to a keeper I spoke to, elderly sun bear Bora is not feeling very well "at all", which is why I didn't see her on my visit. It may not be long before she reaches her destiny :(.
Click to expand...

On a brighter note, I'm really glad Bora got to live a long and happy life to become one of the oldest sun bears in captivity.
 
Amazing achievement thanks to his keepers

Happy 21st Birthday to our very own “Lion King” of Belfast Zoo, Barbary Lion Qays!

He was born all the way back in 2003 in Port Lympne Safari Park before coming to Belfast in 2005.

Although Qays has entered his twilight years, he still takes his of job patrolling the Kingdom of the Barbary Lions very seriously, and his daily roars can be heard for miles around! He is known by many for his grumpy temperament, his love for his tyre toy and his striking eyes.

Qays’ health at this remarkable age is all thanks to the care provided to him by his keepers and the veterinary team.
 
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