Bristol Zoo (Closed) Bristol Zoo - 2022 planned closure of current site, and relocation to Wild Place site.

[taun]

They will also have to significantly upscale the entrance infrastructure. Looking on Google maps, the current vehicle entrance is very close to the M5 junction roundabout. A busy morning could see traffic backed up on to the M5.

Its often a way for local council or Highways England to get others to stump up the money for road improvements. Just add it as part of the condition of granting planning permission.

 

[Clunes]

Just wondering, is there any reason Okapi couldn’t share an enclosure with Giraffe, Zebra and Eland? I really don’t like the small Okapi enclosures at WP.

 

[taun]

Just wondering, is there any reason Okapi couldn’t share an enclosure with Giraffe, Zebra and Eland? I really don’t like the small Okapi enclosures at WP.

Because they are solitary forest dwelling animals.

 

[Clunes]

Indeed. I just wondered if it was possible they could co-exist in a mixed group

 

[taun]

Indeed. I just wondered if it was possible they could co-exist in a mixed group

Probably not recommend due to their nature, they can be very skittish even around keepers. Generally you only see them mixed with smaller species. Sure they probably mixed with bigger species but it is not common.

 

[Pertinax]

Indeed. I just wondered if it was possible they could co-exist in a mixed group

Probably also deemed far too valuable to risk with e.g. Zebra or Giraffe. A single kick could cause serious harm or worse.

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

Indeed. I just wondered if it was possible they could co-exist in a mixed group

Only with small antelope like duiker. Not advisable with anything else. Given that Bristol Zoo has had long term experience of maintaining okapi and breeding the species, I would say do not change a good set up (nor risk injury with dramatic consequences by introducing large competitors to an already fairly shy and elusive rainforest animal)