Chester Zoo Chester Zoo Discussion and Questions 2024

Rock Hyrax will be returning to the zoo.

On 31st December 2021 Chester had 1.4 hyrax, 1 was born in 2022, 1.1.1 died in 2022 and 0.3 were exported in 2022, I don't know where they went to.
 
In such a theoretical scenario, I reckon the field expansion where the lions are now would be a good shout given just how much space there is there. It would definitely consist of multiple enclosures, lots of cool rock and water features, and would probably feature something like Arctic fox or maybe even pinnipeds. Given Chester’s track-record, if they went for something like this it could well be akin to Detroit’s Arctic Ring of Life it that had ever reached its full potential.
Honestly, a Chester take on something like Arctic Ring of Life or Journey to Churchill would be incredible! I'd personally see the return of polar bears (and even pinnipeds) as less tying to existing conservation programs and more highlighting the evolution of zoo exhibit design - I can even see signage highlighting how the zoo built its old bear enclosures compared to the modern design. Out of curiosity, were polar bears a particular favorite of George Mottershead's?
 
Sorry I forgot to ask this a few days ago: does anyone know what's going on with Chester's Bali Mynahs/Starlings?
The ones in the Islands aviary are still there as normal, but the ones from Dragons in Danger have been moved from their aviary at the back to the aviary next to the Wrinkled Hornbills in the Tropical Realm. Anyone know what happening there?
 
For those who've seen the new snow leopard enclosure, what's it like?
Quite spacious, viewing area is large and the glass is anti-glare I think. The indoor area is also on view. There's some waterfall features and lots of slate (I'm actually not sure if there is any softer substrate). There's also a decent amount of educational signage around. Overall I think it's pretty good but nothing incredible, though I have been spoilt by the fantastic enclosures at Zürich and Highland Wildlife Park.
 
Question - If I were to go to the zoo right now, would I be able to see the black rhino/meerkat habitats? On my last visit (13.4.23) they were visible but all those other enclosures like the sitatungas, hyrax & zebra were all closed off.
 
Question - If I were to go to the zoo right now, would I be able to see the black rhino/meerkat habitats? On my last visit (13.4.23) they were visible but all those other enclosures like the sitatungas, hyrax & zebra were all closed off.
Everything to the west of the entrance and Monkey House is closed due to the Heart of Africa construction, which includes the black rhino and meerkat enclosures.
 
I think there is a sign pointing to the rhinos before you get to the entrance. On the site of the former monorail station you will see the construction site of the new meerkat enclosure.
 
Hello Everyone,

So ever since I heard about Heart Of Africa & since My last visit the full animal roster. I've seen a lot of posts and articles about it and this is what I found. If anyone who knows more than me and want to correct me pls do.

Rothschild's Giraffe
Grevy's Zebra
Warthog
Eastern Bongo
Western Sitatunga
Roan Antelope
Blesbok
Ostrich
AArdvark
Rock Hyrax
African Wild Dog (Old Habitat)
Eastern Black Rhinoceros (Same Habitats)
Dwarf Mongoose
Meerkat
Greater Flamingo
Grey-Crowned Crane
Tsavo Aviary Birds ( I don't Know Many Of Them)
Kirk's Dik-Dik
African Crested Porcupine????

If anyone knows anything else pls tell me. IDk i'm just curious.:confused:
 
Hello Everyone,

So ever since I heard about Heart Of Africa & since My last visit the full animal roster. I've seen a lot of posts and articles about it and this is what I found. If anyone who knows more than me and want to correct me pls do.

Rothschild's Giraffe
Grevy's Zebra
Warthog
Eastern Bongo
Western Sitatunga
Roan Antelope
Blesbok
Ostrich
AArdvark
Rock Hyrax
African Wild Dog (Old Habitat)
Eastern Black Rhinoceros (Same Habitats)
Dwarf Mongoose
Meerkat
Greater Flamingo
Grey-Crowned Crane
Tsavo Aviary Birds ( I don't Know Many Of Them)
Kirk's Dik-Dik
African Crested Porcupine????

If anyone knows anything else pls tell me. IDk i'm just curious.:confused:
Also Some type of vulture but idk what type
 
Bongo and Sitatunga will not be in Heart of Africa.

Vultures are African White-backed, White-headed and Hooded.

There should also be exhibits for Red Spitting Cobra and Naked Mole-Rat. Possibly Pancake Tortoise and Sulcata Tortoise.

Common Waterbuck were originally proposed, not sure if they will come.

Lovebirds were in the original plans, the photo was Peach-faced.

In reality what is planned and what arrives may be very different.
 
Back
Top