Chester Zoo Chester Zoo discussion and questions 2025

Josh218 said:
Who knows

I'm guessing in the future they have the option of moving another male in if they want or if the studbook is limiting breeding they are still both stunning ambassador for the species

My only concern is that that left area is going to be very busy once the insides done
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I get what you mean but I would also be glad to see it busy again, as both sides were purpose built for jaguars. I think the original setup was a mother son pairing in one side, and a breeding pair in the other, but I'm not sure if they ever bred.

Breeding or not, you're right that they're both stunning and they absolutely deserve a full side each giving that they don't get along. Means at least they have access to a full inside and outside area without being limited. I would like to hope also that Napo gets a companion again if he's able, I know he really missed Goshi - I wonder if he still does.
 
North Entrance said:
I've read earlier in this discussion that the penguin pool is being netted over, to protect inhabitants from wild birds and possibly introduce Terns, but the way it's being done is awful, the previously uninterrupted view of the penguins which we've enjoyed since 1981 is being spoilt with the construction of an extremely heavy duty metal weld fence which looks strong enough to contain a tiger! Chester Zoo is making it ever more difficult to see so many of their residents these days.
A lovely open plan vista is being lost after 40 years. So sad that the only way the penguins will be viewable unobstructed will be when they're under water. Patrick Moore will be turning in his grave! Looks like London will be the only place to go in the UK to see a beautiful Penguin Pool.
Whilst I understand why this is being done, the retrofit design is awful. I'd remove the shrubbery and incorporate glass panels on the wall so the penguins can still be seen clearly and at close range when on land.
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My grandson loves penguins and has tracelled from the NE of England several times a year to see them at Chester. He is only 11 and stood there with tears running down his cheeks because he couldn't see them properly and asking why are they in prison. There were no penguins swimming in the water so they don't seem happy either. Is this just a temporary measure ? Hope so , or we won't be back
 
Alison Pearce said:
My grandson loves penguins and has tracelled from the NE of England several times a year to see them at Chester. He is only 11 and stood there with tears running down his cheeks because he couldn't see them properly and asking why are they in prison. There were no penguins swimming in the water so they don't seem happy either. Is this just a temporary measure ? Hope so , or we won't be back
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I understand your concern but I feel you have the wrong idea. This would be a good point… if the enclosure was actually poor for the animals. There is definitely enough space for their sized colony, a colony size very much appropriate for social animals like penguins. I really don’t understand where your coming from in terms of you not being an to see them as the have viewing opportunities above and below water as well as on land. In the fact that they weren’t in the water is entirely the penguins choice, though I do doubt that as they have full access to the water and could be seen in the water almost all of the time. In my opinion a very silly reason not to return to one of the best zoos on the planet because of a perfectly fine penguin enclosure wish shows through the breeding of species vulnerable to extinction, like the Humboldt’s Penguin.
 
Alison Pearce said:
My grandson loves penguins and has tracelled from the NE of England several times a year to see them at Chester. He is only 11 and stood there with tears running down his cheeks because he couldn't see them properly and asking why are they in prison. There were no penguins swimming in the water so they don't seem happy either. Is this just a temporary measure ? Hope so , or we won't be back
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I think you could explain to him that the zoo was looking to protect the penguins from disease so they can be enjoyed safely by all visitors. While we might not all like the look of the enclosure (for anyone who hasn 't seen it the enclosure is barred and netted now) the penguins can be seen clearly still through the windows and they can still come close to the edge.

Zoo enclosures are easy to associate to 'prisons' given the bars etc, but it's not a comparison I think it useful to encourage in children. Of course it is up to you and no one else what you say in response to these comments.

You could consider finding a keeper to reassure your grandson the penguins are being well looked after. Keepers are often happy to have a chat and enthuse about the animals and there are volunteers around too.

I'd suggest if an animal is not doing what you want to see at the zoo then a repeat visit to the enclosure at another time in the day can be helpful. The animals are not forced to be on the land or in the water or indeed visible but, in good collections, can make the choice themselves. Collections like Chester don't force their animals to perform. I don't think you can conclude animals are unhappy if they are not doing what you want to see at a point in time, you'd probably also want to consider their overall behaviour and perhaps talk to someone in an expert position who works there.
 
This might be a silly question, but I have seen many photos of the snow leopard cub being seen by guests in the same exact spot.I wanted to know where you can find this spot where the snow leopard cub be spotted.Thanks.
 
Kieras36 said:
This might be a silly question, but I have seen many photos of the snow leopard cub being seen by guests in the same exact spot.I wanted to know where you can find this spot where the snow leopard cub be spotted.Thanks.
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Nubra and cub are in the left enclosure, so if you sit as far to the right as possible at the left enclosure window you should be able to see through to the den opening where people see the cub come out. I sat there for a good few hours yesterday and only saw Nubra though, so it's still definitely hit and miss.
 
wunderswift said:
Nubra and cub are in the left enclosure, so if you sit as far to the right as possible at the left enclosure window you should be able to see through to the den opening where people see the cub come out. I sat there for a good few hours yesterday and only saw Nubra though, so it's still definitely hit and miss.
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Thanks I will definitely remember that when I go to the zoo soon.
 
I’m sorry for asking a lot of questions , but does anybody know where the bush dogs are currently held in the zoo?
 
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