adrian1963
Well-Known Member
After a quick phone call from my mothers restbite place I was able to get to Chester today 05 / 04 / 2012 arrived around 12.15pm not many people around so great should be able to see more (sellfish bugger).
TROPICAL REALM
This was again a very pleasing place for me as I love Birds and to see so many species free flying was of great enjoyment to me. I did however miss the Philippine Crocodiles but could understand the reasons for their removal. Love the introduction of the Collard Kingfishers into the old crocodile enclosure.
GIRAFFE HOUSE & ENCLOSURE
Was a little bit throne by the raised area to the side of the enclosure if they are going to build a raised area (in any zoo) please make it worth it and not like a small matchbox.
Wondered how long it would be before we here of any Giraffe births as a couple of the giraffes did look rather swollen in the stomach areas, did try to ask a keeper but understandably they would not say this was to stop speculation and I don’t blame them either.
On the way round to the Okapi was surprised to see rubbish along the footpath that looked like it had been there for sometime in the corners, is their only one Okapi on show at the moment as could only see one and there was no movement in the pen in the corner as sometimes you can hear and see movement in the pen.
SPIRIT OF THE JAGUAR
Now this is my Favourite non bird exhibit but I was very disappointed this time as for the aquatic display great idea but to put it in an area where it obstructs the follow of the public through a very popular building this will I think cause a bit of a congestion when the building gets very busy in the summer.
On the exhibits (Jaguars) I must admit it’s the first time I have seen them in a very untidy state with dead wood, leaves and debris all over the place yes I do know that it’s suppose to resemble the natural look of the habit they live in but some things could have been tidied up a little.
Also I did notice as I would that most glass displays needed cleaning badly not just in here but all around the zoo.
REALM OF THE RED APE
Won’t say a lot about this exhibit but I did like the bird exhibits and also enjoyed the reptile exhibits that’s it sorry.
PENGUIN ENCLOSURE
I like the idea of the blocked off area for breeding with the viewing slats in the wooden fence. But did here a member of staff tell a member of the public that they had the largest and best breeding group of Humboldt’s in Europe I think a certain zoo will have something to say about this.
GAINT OTTER ENCLOSURE
Only did the outside enclosure as time was running out but I love this enclosure as I think it suits the Otters and by the way they were playing and running around in and out of the water I think they enjoy it also well done to the zoo for such a good enclosure for a much underrated species.
PELICAN AND WATERFOWL ENCLOSURE
This is one enclosure I could alter a little by adding a reed area closer to the hide with a much longer hide to go around the full enclosure.
Now I have got that out the way I do still like it and managed to see my first Hooded Merganser today only saw one though no White Stork on show though.
TSAVO BIRD SAFARI
This is a very interesting little exhibit with nesting Weavers right in front of you as you stand and watch the birds fly around species seen in this quick visit were Village Weaver, Hottentot Teal, White Faced Duck, Hamerkop and my first sightings of the Kenyan Crested Guinea fowl (did count 5).
MONKEY HOUSE
Did this towards the end of my visit, it was very quiet and I got to stand and watch all the species in peace without being knocked about and no screaming kids did notice quite a few youngsters around the collection this was great to see as it shows that the species are happy and being looked after really well, well done to the staff.
Could someone please tell me which species have babies and how many
PADDOCKS
I must admit I do like this area as it gives us the chance to see some beautiful species in a reas they can actually roam and run around in without having to pull up after a very short distance did manage to see the young Gemsbok running around the enclosure before dissapearing back inside.
Didn't realise they had 3 Zebra's but hey I am not arguing they look wonderful.
SPECTACLE BEARS & COATI
Manage to see one of the Spectacle Bears in an enclosure which I think is just about right with the planting and open areas, didn't see any Coati's are they still in the coillection
ELEPHANTOF THE ASIAN FOREST
A little disappointed with this as still no grassed area (but that’s just me) other than this I did enjoy the exhibit only 3 outside today (2 youngsters and an adult) enjoying the water pool. Did notice a small JCB at the bottom of the enclosure doing some work is it just refurbishment work anyone know. The indoor enclosure gives you a good chance to see the species really close up you can also get to see other exhibits around the building (which I must admit Chester does a great job of adding interesting exhibits around their indoor exhibits and buildings).
OVERALL VIEW OF THE ZOO
Really enjoyed my short visit found it to be more interesting than normal perhaps this could be because it was quieter than normal but managed to appreciate the enclosures and species much better, did get slightly upset with the attitude of some members of staff as I had 3 doors slammed back on me (this was happening regular to other people as well) this was happening with the younger members of staff (probably seasonal staff).
Also staff were just ignoring questions from the public again it did appear to be the younger staff the zoo did look a little scruffy but this could have something to do with the bad weather for the couple of days before.
PLEASE could not just Chester but all zoos clean their display windows more regular I know some will say it’s the kids but most window displays are heavily marked inside even the ones were the animals can’t reach the windows
The new entrance complex I think will be better for everyone I was a little hesitant about this but I think it will work well, also like the new shop well done Chester
A great day had but could do with better weather back sometime June
Total score 8.5 out of 10
TROPICAL REALM
This was again a very pleasing place for me as I love Birds and to see so many species free flying was of great enjoyment to me. I did however miss the Philippine Crocodiles but could understand the reasons for their removal. Love the introduction of the Collard Kingfishers into the old crocodile enclosure.
GIRAFFE HOUSE & ENCLOSURE
Was a little bit throne by the raised area to the side of the enclosure if they are going to build a raised area (in any zoo) please make it worth it and not like a small matchbox.
Wondered how long it would be before we here of any Giraffe births as a couple of the giraffes did look rather swollen in the stomach areas, did try to ask a keeper but understandably they would not say this was to stop speculation and I don’t blame them either.
On the way round to the Okapi was surprised to see rubbish along the footpath that looked like it had been there for sometime in the corners, is their only one Okapi on show at the moment as could only see one and there was no movement in the pen in the corner as sometimes you can hear and see movement in the pen.
SPIRIT OF THE JAGUAR
Now this is my Favourite non bird exhibit but I was very disappointed this time as for the aquatic display great idea but to put it in an area where it obstructs the follow of the public through a very popular building this will I think cause a bit of a congestion when the building gets very busy in the summer.
On the exhibits (Jaguars) I must admit it’s the first time I have seen them in a very untidy state with dead wood, leaves and debris all over the place yes I do know that it’s suppose to resemble the natural look of the habit they live in but some things could have been tidied up a little.
Also I did notice as I would that most glass displays needed cleaning badly not just in here but all around the zoo.
REALM OF THE RED APE
Won’t say a lot about this exhibit but I did like the bird exhibits and also enjoyed the reptile exhibits that’s it sorry.
PENGUIN ENCLOSURE
I like the idea of the blocked off area for breeding with the viewing slats in the wooden fence. But did here a member of staff tell a member of the public that they had the largest and best breeding group of Humboldt’s in Europe I think a certain zoo will have something to say about this.
GAINT OTTER ENCLOSURE
Only did the outside enclosure as time was running out but I love this enclosure as I think it suits the Otters and by the way they were playing and running around in and out of the water I think they enjoy it also well done to the zoo for such a good enclosure for a much underrated species.
PELICAN AND WATERFOWL ENCLOSURE
This is one enclosure I could alter a little by adding a reed area closer to the hide with a much longer hide to go around the full enclosure.
Now I have got that out the way I do still like it and managed to see my first Hooded Merganser today only saw one though no White Stork on show though.
TSAVO BIRD SAFARI
This is a very interesting little exhibit with nesting Weavers right in front of you as you stand and watch the birds fly around species seen in this quick visit were Village Weaver, Hottentot Teal, White Faced Duck, Hamerkop and my first sightings of the Kenyan Crested Guinea fowl (did count 5).
MONKEY HOUSE
Did this towards the end of my visit, it was very quiet and I got to stand and watch all the species in peace without being knocked about and no screaming kids did notice quite a few youngsters around the collection this was great to see as it shows that the species are happy and being looked after really well, well done to the staff.
Could someone please tell me which species have babies and how many
PADDOCKS
I must admit I do like this area as it gives us the chance to see some beautiful species in a reas they can actually roam and run around in without having to pull up after a very short distance did manage to see the young Gemsbok running around the enclosure before dissapearing back inside.
Didn't realise they had 3 Zebra's but hey I am not arguing they look wonderful.
SPECTACLE BEARS & COATI
Manage to see one of the Spectacle Bears in an enclosure which I think is just about right with the planting and open areas, didn't see any Coati's are they still in the coillection
ELEPHANTOF THE ASIAN FOREST
A little disappointed with this as still no grassed area (but that’s just me) other than this I did enjoy the exhibit only 3 outside today (2 youngsters and an adult) enjoying the water pool. Did notice a small JCB at the bottom of the enclosure doing some work is it just refurbishment work anyone know. The indoor enclosure gives you a good chance to see the species really close up you can also get to see other exhibits around the building (which I must admit Chester does a great job of adding interesting exhibits around their indoor exhibits and buildings).
OVERALL VIEW OF THE ZOO
Really enjoyed my short visit found it to be more interesting than normal perhaps this could be because it was quieter than normal but managed to appreciate the enclosures and species much better, did get slightly upset with the attitude of some members of staff as I had 3 doors slammed back on me (this was happening regular to other people as well) this was happening with the younger members of staff (probably seasonal staff).
Also staff were just ignoring questions from the public again it did appear to be the younger staff the zoo did look a little scruffy but this could have something to do with the bad weather for the couple of days before.
PLEASE could not just Chester but all zoos clean their display windows more regular I know some will say it’s the kids but most window displays are heavily marked inside even the ones were the animals can’t reach the windows
The new entrance complex I think will be better for everyone I was a little hesitant about this but I think it will work well, also like the new shop well done Chester
A great day had but could do with better weather back sometime June
Total score 8.5 out of 10
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- they have Galapagos giant tortoise and Radiated tortoise [my favourite species] in the Tropical Realm at Chester.
