Belfast Zoo Belfast Zoo
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I would really like to visit Belfast Zoo and your summary Al only whets my appetite even more!
My interest is mainly in zoo architecture and new zoo developments. Do you know when the bird park development will be finished, and also when the tropical house will be complete? Any other developments on the cards? Does the zoo have a masterplan?
I really hope the zoo keeps the old 12 acre site and makes use of the area for future expansion or off-show breeding facilities.
My interest is mainly in zoo architecture and new zoo developments. Do you know when the bird park development will be finished, and also when the tropical house will be complete? Any other developments on the cards? Does the zoo have a masterplan?
I really hope the zoo keeps the old 12 acre site and makes use of the area for future expansion or off-show breeding facilities.
Hi Chris
Unfortunately the zoo does not have a masterplan.
I cant really give an exact date when either the bird park or tropical house will be finished but will def be this year!
We have had trouble trying to maintain a high enough temperature in the tropical house to move up our sloth and birds.
The first development of the bird park is nearly finished. It consists of one large avairy at the front and three smaller ones to the bck. The front will house blue-crowned laughing thrush,pink pigeon, luzon bleeding heart dove,java sparrow, bali starling and edwards pheasant. The back ones are for red-crested turaco, violecus turaco and white browed coucals.
An encloure towards the top of the zoo is currently being refurbished for two male white-nosed coati.
I hope this is of interest to you. Im particularly interested in enclosure design and mixed species exhibits. Animal wise anything than is rare in zoos is of interest as well as small mammals and small carnivores.
Im sure if you keep posted you'll see alot of very nice species arriving at belfast over the next few years!
Unfortunately the zoo does not have a masterplan.
I cant really give an exact date when either the bird park or tropical house will be finished but will def be this year!
We have had trouble trying to maintain a high enough temperature in the tropical house to move up our sloth and birds.
The first development of the bird park is nearly finished. It consists of one large avairy at the front and three smaller ones to the bck. The front will house blue-crowned laughing thrush,pink pigeon, luzon bleeding heart dove,java sparrow, bali starling and edwards pheasant. The back ones are for red-crested turaco, violecus turaco and white browed coucals.
An encloure towards the top of the zoo is currently being refurbished for two male white-nosed coati.
I hope this is of interest to you. Im particularly interested in enclosure design and mixed species exhibits. Animal wise anything than is rare in zoos is of interest as well as small mammals and small carnivores.
Im sure if you keep posted you'll see alot of very nice species arriving at belfast over the next few years!
Bears and Elephants at Belfast.
Hi again...
Can you tell us anything about the current situation with bears and elephants at Belfast?
1. Do you still have 1.1 Sun Bear and 2.1 (or is it 3.1?) Spectacled Bear?
2. Has Belfast bred either of these species in the past- either successfully or otherwise(DNS)?
3. Do you know where the Spectacled bears came from originally?
4. Are there any plans to try to breed from the two younger elephants(the mother and daughter) or move them to a breeding group in future? Other plans for the elephants?
Thanks a lot for the gorilla information- very informative...
Hi again...
Can you tell us anything about the current situation with bears and elephants at Belfast?
1. Do you still have 1.1 Sun Bear and 2.1 (or is it 3.1?) Spectacled Bear?
2. Has Belfast bred either of these species in the past- either successfully or otherwise(DNS)?
3. Do you know where the Spectacled bears came from originally?
4. Are there any plans to try to breed from the two younger elephants(the mother and daughter) or move them to a breeding group in future? Other plans for the elephants?
Thanks a lot for the gorilla information- very informative...
Hi AI,
Belfast Zoo has really become an unusual species gem in the zoo community in Europe. Really quite interesting developments, shame no Masterplan exists!
Are the new bird house and tropical house themed on any particular habitats? It seems the bird house inhabitants are either rare and endangered species or those that deserve more attention from zoo-aviculturists.
Do I stand corrected ... or did Chris79 mention an extension area to Belfast Zoo. Or is this the original zoo complex? Any concept plans for this latter area in the not too distant future (given all these plans with new species like Goodfellow's tree kangaroos (good this unusual species is making a comeback of sorts in EAZA zoos)?
Also, I remember reading lately that .. the troubled Krefeld Zoo Asian elephants might come to Belfast once theirs' have moved to Ostrava Zoo.
What has happened to the nice Mhorr gazelle herd at Belfast (now just down to a female) ... It is a shame that there no longer is a breeding herd here. Any plans for fresh imports?
Cheers,
Jelle
Belfast Zoo has really become an unusual species gem in the zoo community in Europe. Really quite interesting developments, shame no Masterplan exists!
Are the new bird house and tropical house themed on any particular habitats? It seems the bird house inhabitants are either rare and endangered species or those that deserve more attention from zoo-aviculturists.
Do I stand corrected ... or did Chris79 mention an extension area to Belfast Zoo. Or is this the original zoo complex? Any concept plans for this latter area in the not too distant future (given all these plans with new species like Goodfellow's tree kangaroos (good this unusual species is making a comeback of sorts in EAZA zoos)?
Also, I remember reading lately that .. the troubled Krefeld Zoo Asian elephants might come to Belfast once theirs' have moved to Ostrava Zoo.
What has happened to the nice Mhorr gazelle herd at Belfast (now just down to a female) ... It is a shame that there no longer is a breeding herd here. Any plans for fresh imports?
Cheers,
Jelle
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Our sun bears have never bred or even attempted! the male victor was rescued from an indonesian village and has some sterotype behaviour!
Off the top of my head I know that at least one of our original bears came from leipzig and perhaps one fron stutgart but I cant be 100% on that! we have bred them twice with the first young female going to japan and the second who is male remains at the zoo with his parents and is now 12yrs old! we could have bred more but the female minke was put on an implant for a number of years!
regarding elephants indeed the two breeding females visesh and mother johti are due to head to ostrava leaving us with a single antisocial female tina. there was talk of us receiving all of the krefeld animals but due to a polictical decision we may only be receiving one! though things tend to change!
The bird collection will house species in themed flights. The first as aforemntioned contains species that are endangered and are of which are in managed programmes.
Other species that are hoped to be added over the next year include northern helmetd currasow mixed with an aracari spp, tawny frogmouth,wonga pigeon and blue winged kookaburra, congo peafowl, vonder deckens hornbill, monserrat oriole, white faced scops owl and many others have been mentioned! we are predominatly a mammal collection so it is great the we are finaly investing money into this area of the collection.
The old zoo sight is around 12acres abd would ideally be used for off show breeding, however any extra funding available is needed to undertake needed renovations in the already existing zoo, that together with money needed for staff wages has meant that this is not important!
I have a wishlist of species that I would love see come to belfast over the next few years and always try to convince the curators and manager how great they are.
I look after the mhorrs gazelle, she is due to leave to barcelona zoo as we are going out of this beutiful species. We lost the rest of the herd to several freak accident and due to blue tongue etc it has delayed us getting anymore in! we are looking to aquire blesbok and lesser kudu to replace them!
Off the top of my head I know that at least one of our original bears came from leipzig and perhaps one fron stutgart but I cant be 100% on that! we have bred them twice with the first young female going to japan and the second who is male remains at the zoo with his parents and is now 12yrs old! we could have bred more but the female minke was put on an implant for a number of years!
regarding elephants indeed the two breeding females visesh and mother johti are due to head to ostrava leaving us with a single antisocial female tina. there was talk of us receiving all of the krefeld animals but due to a polictical decision we may only be receiving one! though things tend to change!
The bird collection will house species in themed flights. The first as aforemntioned contains species that are endangered and are of which are in managed programmes.
Other species that are hoped to be added over the next year include northern helmetd currasow mixed with an aracari spp, tawny frogmouth,wonga pigeon and blue winged kookaburra, congo peafowl, vonder deckens hornbill, monserrat oriole, white faced scops owl and many others have been mentioned! we are predominatly a mammal collection so it is great the we are finaly investing money into this area of the collection.
The old zoo sight is around 12acres abd would ideally be used for off show breeding, however any extra funding available is needed to undertake needed renovations in the already existing zoo, that together with money needed for staff wages has meant that this is not important!
I have a wishlist of species that I would love see come to belfast over the next few years and always try to convince the curators and manager how great they are.
I look after the mhorrs gazelle, she is due to leave to barcelona zoo as we are going out of this beutiful species. We lost the rest of the herd to several freak accident and due to blue tongue etc it has delayed us getting anymore in! we are looking to aquire blesbok and lesser kudu to replace them!
AI,
I think the elephant bit you are referring to is the fact that suddenly the Krefeld municipality imagined it a better idea to keep all 3 at the zoo (however this at the cost of the well functioning black rhino breeding group ... that desperately deserves an enlarged exhibit at the zoo).
Well if you get everyone to vote ... I am afraid they always vote in favour of the mega fauna. Thus the whole conservation education bit gets under the deep blue sea .. so to speak. Municipal zoos being dependent on politics for funds means they have to go the other way .. too.
I still think it is a shame the whole Mhorr herd is almost completely defunct. Understandable that the singleton is now moving to Barcelona Zoo (perhaps a more conducive environment for this arid climate ungulate). At least she now has a chance again to breed. Perhaps you agree with me that European wildlife transport and vet laws should be more relaxed to allow the transfer of otherwise healthy and TESTED species (from one zoo to another)! By the way, I wish if you intend on holding onto the elephants that their exhibit be upgraded once the 2 related elephants leave for Ostrava, Czech Republic.
Lest us now focus on the future: Goodfellow's tree kangaroo. Are you getting the 2nd pair from Krefeld? Is it perhaps possible to also try to acquire the Matschie's tree kangaroo (the ASMP/ARAZPA region is going out of this species ... and Adelaide Zoo still keeps them .. but they are on a phase out standing). Might be worthwhile to contact Adelaide Zoo management at information@zoossa.com.au (general enquiries).
Anyhow, your suggestions for Mappin species wise ... Is that not a better option for Belfast Zoo to go into?
Do you get any city funding at all (for new exhibits and stuff)?
I think the elephant bit you are referring to is the fact that suddenly the Krefeld municipality imagined it a better idea to keep all 3 at the zoo (however this at the cost of the well functioning black rhino breeding group ... that desperately deserves an enlarged exhibit at the zoo).
Well if you get everyone to vote ... I am afraid they always vote in favour of the mega fauna. Thus the whole conservation education bit gets under the deep blue sea .. so to speak. Municipal zoos being dependent on politics for funds means they have to go the other way .. too.
I still think it is a shame the whole Mhorr herd is almost completely defunct. Understandable that the singleton is now moving to Barcelona Zoo (perhaps a more conducive environment for this arid climate ungulate). At least she now has a chance again to breed. Perhaps you agree with me that European wildlife transport and vet laws should be more relaxed to allow the transfer of otherwise healthy and TESTED species (from one zoo to another)! By the way, I wish if you intend on holding onto the elephants that their exhibit be upgraded once the 2 related elephants leave for Ostrava, Czech Republic.
Lest us now focus on the future: Goodfellow's tree kangaroo. Are you getting the 2nd pair from Krefeld? Is it perhaps possible to also try to acquire the Matschie's tree kangaroo (the ASMP/ARAZPA region is going out of this species ... and Adelaide Zoo still keeps them .. but they are on a phase out standing). Might be worthwhile to contact Adelaide Zoo management at information@zoossa.com.au (general enquiries).
Anyhow, your suggestions for Mappin species wise ... Is that not a better option for Belfast Zoo to go into?
Do you get any city funding at all (for new exhibits and stuff)?
I've never been to Belfast - or indeed Ireland - but the zoo sounds positivley mouthwatering! I think it should go on my 'will get there eventually' list... which keeps on growing I'm afraid. 
Still, good work with the sifakas, and really great news on the tree kangaroos! From what I've read Belfast is obviously a bit of a trendsetter, so hopefully other UK zoos will follow by getting this species.
Still, good work with the sifakas, and really great news on the tree kangaroos! From what I've read Belfast is obviously a bit of a trendsetter, so hopefully other UK zoos will follow by getting this species.
we are highly funded by the city council but annual funding budget generally does not give enough money to upgrade some areas as much as we would like! The elephant enclosure does need improved but as does many other areas that are good but could be better. I think is however the case for the majority of collections!
Giant panda and golden monkeys would indeed be very nice but not on plans im afraid!
the eaza region is to concentrate on goodfellows and aza is concentrating on the matchetts! personally i prefer the later! not sure where as yet but i think we are top ofthe list touch wood! very exciting!
Giant panda and golden monkeys would indeed be very nice but not on plans im afraid!
the eaza region is to concentrate on goodfellows and aza is concentrating on the matchetts! personally i prefer the later! not sure where as yet but i think we are top ofthe list touch wood! very exciting!
Just checked your picture gallery and saw the sifakas - also is that a black footed cat in one of your photos? I've never seen one so I don't actually know what they look like!!!
Also, do you know if Belfast has produced a new guide book recently? I have one with a golden lion tamarin on the front cover, not sure if thats the newest one though. I'd be really grateful if you could find out for me.
I can upload photos later of sifaka and some other lemur photos though not at belfast! if i get a chance in work i'll take some photos of enclosure though its not looking the best under 8inches of snow!
That is indeed a Black-footed cat picture! beutiful animals! was told that the females are the smallest of the wild cats in size but rusty spotted cats are definately smaller!!
The goldwen lion tamarin guidebook is unfortunately the last one! but luckily the zoo has just formed a committee to start work on designing the new one! being a big guidebook collector and fanatic i will be working on it!
That is indeed a Black-footed cat picture! beutiful animals! was told that the females are the smallest of the wild cats in size but rusty spotted cats are definately smaller!!
The goldwen lion tamarin guidebook is unfortunately the last one! but luckily the zoo has just formed a committee to start work on designing the new one! being a big guidebook collector and fanatic i will be working on it!
just a quick update! weve has three male st vincents agouti and 2 emperor tamarin born this week!
the sifaka family now have access to their outside enclosure though its pretty cold!
two barbary lion cubs have been sexed as male and will be introduced back to the pride soon!
the sifaka family now have access to their outside enclosure though its pretty cold!
two barbary lion cubs have been sexed as male and will be introduced back to the pride soon!
We have been given a grant of £300,000 from the NI torist board together with a similar amount from the council to build a new vistor entrance and shop. It will include an exhibition hall and interactive area aswell! it is much needed! the car park is too upgraded and themed also. The zoo is to be rebranded this year too and this will prob start inline with the new entrance! the zoo won three awards for tourism in NI this year so is now being seen in a new light! so touch wood we'll be a collection to keep and eye on!
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