Bristol Zoo (Closed) Bristol Zoo news 2011

Just got an email from the zoo about their new 175th Anniversary book:

· The book is available from the Zoo shop & from the Zoo website from Tuesday.
· or you can send a cheque made payable to ‘Bristol Zoo Enterprises’ to Maggie Pearson, Bristol Zoo, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA.
· It costs £15 + P&P
· The Zoo is also appealing for old film footage that people may have of the Zoo.
· If you have old film footage of Bristol Zoo, send an email to history@bristolzoo.org.uk
 
Some news from the IZES meeting on Sunday . The Asiatic lion cubs were out and drawing large crowds , though half of the front path had been closed off resulting in distance views .

The Monkey cage near the main entrance is empty with a sign saying 2 spider monkeys were expected from Paignton . I do not know what happened to the Javan langurs . I feel that this enclosure is a bit of a concrete monstrosity now .

A few choice exhibits in Bug World - Christmas Island blue land crabs Discoplax hirtipes ( apparently with a much wider distribution ) , West African mega mantis Plistospilota guineensis and the amazing Indian violin mantis Gongylus gongylodes . The web-site Zoo Volunteer has some good photos .
 
I was interested to read in the blog that the pair of agile gibbons are related and thought to be hybrids....I wonder if the zoo was aware of this when they acquired them? How strange that both London and Bristol hold hybrid, non-breeding gibbon pairs.
 
Bele said:
The Monkey cage near the main entrance is empty with a sign saying 2 spider monkeys were expected from Paignton . I do not know what happened to the Javan langurs . I feel that this enclosure is a bit of a concrete monstrosity now .
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I seem to remember Spider Monkeys in here previous to the Langurs. They do make a better display, being a lot more active than the Javans which often sit in a huddle much of the time. However I agree this enclosure is a bit of an eyesore nowadays, especially as its directly opposite the main entrance. Evidently there's no immediate plan for its removal at present.
 
Has it been confirmed that okapi are leaving the collection? I ask because in the history book there is a section on 'Okapis 1961-2011'.

Also is there any news on the mystery new arrival?
 
Shirokuma said:
Has it been confirmed that okapi are leaving the collection? I ask because in the history book there is a section on 'Okapis 1961-2011'.
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No confirmation that I've seen - I'd certainly be surprised if they went this year as there's been no mention at all. I think the book chapter is just reflecting that, the book being published in 2011, that's the period the chapter covers.

However, I have no particular inside information so could be way off the mark. So I'll stop talking now before I get into wild speculation! :D
 
It's mid-spring now so perhaps we need a new thread, (this being a winter one).
The south west corner of the zoo is coming along, landscaping looks complete; paths, streams, flowerbeds and foot bridges over the stream. There are two aviaries, or what look look aviaries, and the old grills from the gorilla house have been employed as side rails for the bridges. One large bit of grill has been used as climbing frame for plants. Anyone know what might be going in the aviaries?
 
In the new aviaries there will be turaco's, victoria crowned pigeons, bali starlings and others, will look great!
 
Thanks Joejoen. The area looks attractive though I think this part of the zoo still needs something that will appeal more to the paying public.
 
Quick bristol update - the new aviaries are finished and have some birds in, pair of mellers ducks, pair of avocets, young male crowned victoria pigeon and fischers turaco in the bigger one, another turaco (possibly red crested) and mindanao bleeding heart doves in the other at the moment. Pallas' long-tongued bats are definitely on show in twilight world. Also been a couple of births-plenty of prairie dog pups, goeldi monkey baby, golden lion tamarin babies and a palawan peacock pheasant chick on view in aviary opposite butterfly forest entrance, although im sure there are plenty more baby birds about at this time of year.
 
According to a picture on their facebook page, a red titi has been born too.
 
Has there been any developments in terms of the 2 gorilla youngsters? Will they be moving on soon or are they still too young? Any possibilities of the 2 adult females falling pregnant again in the near future?
 
RTB1987 said:
Has there been any developments in terms of the 2 gorilla youngsters? Will they be moving on soon or are they still too young? Any possibilities of the 2 adult females falling pregnant again in the near future?
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The longer they stay in their own natal group the better, particularly for the male Komale. (Its possible to keep some young males with their parents even into near adulthood) Female Namoki will have to leave to avoid breeding with her father- I believe the plan is to keep her another couple of years though.

It appears neither of the adult females has yet become pregnant again. Indications from a very reliable source are that Jock is not mating with them at present either.
 
Maguari said:
No confirmation that I've seen - I'd certainly be surprised if they went this year as there's been no mention at all.
Okapi- I can't imagine Bristol will ever(?) go out of these though the recent masterplan does show them being replaced by Bongo at some stage- perhaps because the current indoor Okapi areas are planned to be requisitioned to give extra Gorilla accomodation, whereas Bongo could be easily housed in the traditional stable building in the paddock.

Perhaps the Okapi would then be destined for the 'Conservation Park' if it ever happens, or given another area in the zoo. (This part is speculation obviously.)
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Speaking of gorillas how is it going with Kera being accepted in the group please?

I wonder if they'd go to the same lengths again with Salome that it took to to conceive last time. Then again in humans sometimes having one successful pregnancy with fertility treatment seems to 'put things right' for the future. I realise this is purely academic if Jock's not contributing!
 
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