Chester Zoo Chester Zoo News 2023

Given the chronology... I think that was my fault.

When I was about 10-11, I used to do a lot of random edits on Wikipedia (didn't quite "get" what it was for then) - and, as I recall, that was one of them (I'd found out about them from animal books and didn't know the abysmal survival rates at the time... I was 10, mind you).

It's kind of embarrassing admitting that I used to do this now - and I'd honestly forgotten what specific edits I did until I read it just now. (There is a drawing of an indri in the Madagascar section - is the picture of that?)
Just out of interest - was Chester's the only zoo's Wikipedia page you edited?
 
I came across this drone footage on YouTube this morning going over some parts of the zoo. It says episode 1 in the title which means there could be more drone footage as the new African area progresses.

Really puts into perspective how huge the site is, I do like watching drone videos like this. I can't wait to see how Heart of Africa looks when it's finished.

I've arranged a visit to Chester Zoo on 18th May, because I didn't get around the whole site last time, my focus will be on the areas I didn't get to, namely Islands, the Tropical Realm, Fruit Bat Forest and Madagascar, but I intend on staying for at least three or four hours so we'll see how much I can do in that time. I've also put together a check list of animals that were no-shows last time, including the capybaras, anteaters and Andean bears among others, in the hope I'll be lucky and see them this time.
 
Must admit I do like the drone footage as long as it doesn't stress or interfere with the other species at the zoo. Again it demonstrates how large a project Grasslands is. Will be good to see a series of these so we have an idea of how the development is progressing and the build up to the grand opening.
 
Hopefully those curassows will be more visible than the ones near the jaguars, are they the same individuals?
 
Hopefully those curassows will be more visible than the ones near the jaguars, are they the same individuals?

I don't know, but I assume they are a different pair. At the end of October 2022 Chester had 8 specimens and were hoping to send some back to Belgium. Guess bird flu is holding things up now.
 
Must admit I do like the drone footage as long as it doesn't stress or interfere with the other species at the zoo. Again it demonstrates how large a project Grasslands is. Will be good to see a series of these so we have an idea of how the development is progressing and the build up to the grand opening.
Does this mean the project is also developing the area closer to the main road as well as the old zebra and sitatunga field areas? From the footage it looks like work is extending down onto the previously undeveloped land quite a bit.
 
Most part of the undeveloped land by the road will be the new overnight lodges and an offshow Giraffe paddock (for viewing from the lodge site).

Yes all the old paddocks will be developed to include the main Giraffe and Antelope enclosure, a new restaurant, enclosures for smaller species dotted about for like Meerkats and Aardvarks etc, new aviaries and much more.

The Wild Dog and Rhino paddocks will be more or less as is now.
 
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Most part of the undeveloped land by the road will be the new overnight lodges and an offshow Giraffe paddock (for viewing from the lodge site).

Yes all the old paddocks will be developed to include the main Giraffe and Antelope enclosure, a new Restaurant, enclosures for smaller species dotted about for like Meerkats and Aardvarks etc, new aviaries and much more.

The Wild Dog and Rhino paddocks will be more or less as is now.
Thanks for that, I’d certainly expected Tsavo and the painted dog area would remain largely as-is, though I’d assume the aardvarks would move back into their old enclosure once the work is done. Is there anywhere that covers the development in detail? All I’ve been able to find are a few vague articles about it, it’s mostly out of curiosity really, and also so I can see exactly what’s changed when I get back there in the autumn.
 
Brilliant photos. I've been a couple of times but not seen them. Maybe I don't have your patience.

Did you go past the anteaters on the way to islands as they have ropes and planters keeping you back from the anteater viewing window. It has been like this for 2 weeks and last time they did this it was for the aardvark (Dobie). Maybe I am just being a little hopeful.
Good call! I do also remember noticing this on my two visits last week after seeing you mention it.
 
Brill
GIANT ANTEATER PUP BORN! ✨

We're delighted to announce that new mum Bliss has given birth to a healthy pup who is already enjoying plenty of piggybacks
Brilliant news how many babies has bliss had now because I know she's had babies in the past with her old partner pedro
 
DNS is indeed did not survive, usually indicating young that did not live past 30 days.
 
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