Chester Zoo Chester Zoo news 2025

Jambi said:
The bongos will more than likely stay off-show until development is either fully or mostly done on the new African forest area the zoo are planning, so it may be a few years before they're seen again.
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it’s a shame they’re off show although they are breeding well so I assume the zoo don’t wanna upset the current dynamic.

I did hope they would have been put into the old wild dog enclosure instead of the ubiquitous babarusa. Think this would have been a great area for them (lots of trees and cover) but would have required more substantial work to modify the indoor areas and make new gates to link the outdoor areas. Maybe the zoo didn’t want to make that investment.
 
Jambi said:
The bongos will more than likely stay off-show until development is either fully or mostly done on the new African forest area the zoo are planning, so it may be a few years before they're seen again.
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That makes me so sad, but I expect it is the plan.
 
Visited the zoo for the first time since February today, have a few thoughts, most herp related of course :)

. Heart of Africa was brilliant, nice to see the Vultures, would’ve been even better with Secretary Birds. The Africa building was very nicely laid out with very well designed enclosures, but had a lot of no shows including Wonder Gecko, Red Spitting Cobra, Plum Dung Beetle (extra disappointing) and Pancake Tortoise. Seems there is no longer Oustalet’s Chameleons in the large cohab. Despite no-shows, the Cat-eyed Mantids were amazing to see, arid mantis species aren’t often seen in zoos or the pet trade.

. Quince Monitors are no longer on display in Monsoon Forest, Emerald Tree Skinks are on display again in the smallest enclosure. Tiger Betta was off show due to enclosure renovation.

. No sign of Graham’s Anoles in Butterfly Journey still, but did see Deaths Head Hawkmoth adults in one of the semi-offshow enclosures.

. Managed to see the Henkel’s Leaf-tailed Gecko in the Tropical Realm. Sadly missed out on Sand Lizards today.

. Nice to see Malagasy Blue Stick Insects for the first time in both Dragons in Danger and Butterfly Journey.
 
Typhlonectes said:
Visited the zoo for the first time since February today, have a few thoughts, most herp related of course :)

. Heart of Africa was brilliant, nice to see the Vultures, would’ve been even better with Secretary Birds. The Africa building was very nicely laid out with very well designed enclosures, but had a lot of no shows including Wonder Gecko, Red Spitting Cobra, Plum Dung Beetle (extra disappointing) and Pancake Tortoise. Seems there is no longer Oustalet’s Chameleons in the large cohab. Despite no-shows, the Cat-eyed Mantids were amazing to see, arid mantis species aren’t often seen in zoos or the pet trade.

. Quince Monitors are no longer on display in Monsoon Forest, Emerald Tree Skinks are on display again in the smallest enclosure. Tiger Betta was off show due to enclosure renovation.

. No sign of Graham’s Anoles in Butterfly Journey still, but did see Deaths Head Hawkmoth adults in one of the semi-offshow enclosures.

. Managed to see the Henkel’s Leaf-tailed Gecko in the Tropical Realm. Sadly missed out on Sand Lizards today.

. Nice to see Malagasy Blue Stick Insects for the first time in both Dragons in Danger and Butterfly Journey.
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Very interesting, the Stick Inserts sound like a nice addition.

Heading to Chester soon (after much anticipation from HoA), so if there are any queries that need answering, feel free to ask in advance.
 
Typhlonectes said:
. Heart of Africa was brilliant, nice to see the Vultures, would’ve been even better with Secretary Birds. The Africa building was very nicely laid out with very well designed enclosures, but had a lot of no shows including Wonder Gecko, Red Spitting Cobra, Plum Dung Beetle (extra disappointing) and Pancake Tortoise. Seems there is no longer Oustalet’s Chameleons in the large cohab. Despite no-shows, the Cat-eyed Mantids were amazing to see, arid mantis species aren’t often seen in zoos or the pet trade.
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Apart from the tortoise your no shows are the same as mine. Has the sign gone for the chameleon? Despite the size it is difficult to see.

Do you know which species of Death's-head Hawk Moth Chester has?
 
I have probably seen the pancake toitoise 1 out of a few visits, did see the chameleon on my first few visits it was in the tree at the right of the enclosure. Seen all other inhabitants. Great to go first thing or late in the day, can have the place to your self
 
bongorob said:
Apart from the tortoise your no shows are the same as mine. Has the sign gone for the chameleon? Despite the size it is difficult to see.

Do you know which species of Death's-head Hawk Moth Chester has?
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Signage was gone for the Oustalet’s in HoA and I did see one in Tropical Realm so they may have moved it back - odd choice geographically speaking anyway.

I didn’t realise there were more than one Deaths Head species so didn’t check, sorry
 
New edition of the zoo life magazine was emailed today, the aquarium will be open till the 7th September.

It does confirm they are planning a new aquarium in the old Orangutan house. Wording indicates using the existing building and not a new build on the site, which makes sense if the building is structurally safe and has a long life left in it.
 
jde7582 said:
New edition of the zoo life magazine was emailed today, the aquarium will be open till the 7th September.

It does confirm they are planning a new aquarium in the old Orangutan house. Wording indicates using the existing building and not a new build on the site, which makes sense if the building is structurally safe and has a long life left in it.
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That is very soon, doubt I'll get a last visit in. I'm happy there will be a new aquarium though.
 
jde7582 said:
New edition of the zoo life magazine was emailed today, the aquarium will be open till the 7th September.

It does confirm they are planning a new aquarium in the old Orangutan house. Wording indicates using the existing building and not a new build on the site, which makes sense if the building is structurally safe and has a long life left in it.
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Is the old Orangutan house below Realm of the Red Ape where they did the Wildlife Photography exhibition?
 
Interesting they’re choosing not to go the geographical route in this instance.

Anyone visiting the zoo today could you please check if the Boelen’s Python is back on display?
 
Typhlonectes said:
Interesting they’re choosing not to go the geographical route in this instance.
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You could do this for freshwater fishes, but it is not really possible for a marine displays: if you choose to have a range of marine tanks you really need a centralised system for a sump, protein skimmer (preferably with ozone) and u-v sterilisation. Even if you have only single large display tank (like Regent's Park), you still need the same kit behind the scenes, plus off-show reservoirs and quarantine tanks - they don't have to be in the same building as the main display, but it's much more convenient if they are.
 
I don't like the geographical method of displaying animals. Zoo enthusiats know if something is in the wrong area (Baer's Pochard at Chester in an African zone) and I don't think the public care as long as they see something.
 
bongorob said:
I don't like the geographical method of displaying animals. Zoo enthusiats know if something is in the wrong area (Baer's Pochard at Chester in an African zone) and I don't think the public care as long as they see something.
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I understand why developers choose geographical location (displaying animals that live together in the wild comes across as more "natural" / you can theme an area around it / etc), plus I've heard it helps to build a conservation "storyline" for an area that helps the public empathise. For example, the Goats are next to the lions at Chester because one of the biggest threats to asiatic lions is them being killed for predating on livestock. By putting them close together in a themed area (brought together by peacocks, which are the national bird of india) you can get the public to engage with the conservation work you're doing.
 
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