Notes from a visit on 5th March;
My first ever visit to Chester zoo outside of the main summer period. So the zoo looked quite drab(as do most zoos in winter) by comparison to how I've usually seen it in summertime before. It was quieter too than I normally experience, which was a big plus (for me anyway).
Downsides; Monsoon House was closed 'for maintenance' and several bird walkthrough aviaries/areas were closed as 'precautions against bird flu'. Yet the old Tropical House was open. Closure of Monsoon Forest House restricted seeing the Sumatran orangutans which was a disappointment, though a couple of them were outside.
Upsides; I saw all the Spectacled Bears very well- the first time I've achieved that since they first had the original males some years ago now. I think the activity and tree-climbing of the cub keeps the mother and baby more active, while the male in the Spirit of the Jaguar outside was pacing continuously both times I visited there- I think he may not be at all settled in that enclosure, but it means he shows very well.
General; The addition of the new Sun Bear/Binturong and Malayan Tapir exhibits in Islands since my last visit, help to give it a more completed feel than previously. The growing litter of Hunting Dog pups make a better 'pack' exhibit though I noticed the very plain brown adult has disappeared (died?) I failed to see the Indian Rhino this time, except very briefly/distant. A pity they have no indoor public viewing for them. The Brow antlered deer were confined at one end of the exhibit including a tiny fawn knee deep in mud. Some species were held indoors, presumably because of the aftermath of the cold weather e.g. Chimps and Flamingoes. The Situtunga and their heavily used paddock looked miserable. No shows included Roan and Bongo antelopes, perhaps due to waterlogged paddocks(?) the Banteng and (perhaps not unexpectedly,) the Malayan Tapirs.
New Penguin exhibit is very nice -what you would expect from Chester really. I agree with comments on here about so few/no Parrots being on show. A few non-breeding or spare pairs in display aviaries would help emphasise the work of the offshow area too.
Question; what is the development going on behind the Oakfield House area? ( Sorry if I have missed reference to this somewhere in the Chester threads) Likewise the new build at the entrance to Islands( this area being 'closed due to monsoon'- very clever..
.) has anyone found out what that will be yet?.
I saw most everything else in the Zoo I think, in a visit lasting five hours- even went in the Aquarium- having visited since the early sixties that's a first ever for me !
