Matilda the Chapman Zebra has moved to Call of the Wild Zoo in Essex according to Facebook
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens News 2023
- Thread starter Lafone
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Lafone
Well-Known Member
Had a great day out at CWP though the temperature didn’t rise much above freezing there was lots to see and the winter sun brought quite a few of the animals outside including the Binturong. Not many visitors. I remove my hat to all the keepers I saw out and about in shorts today.
The wolverines were super active - playing, chasing, wrestling and play fighting in a tree and breaking then eating the ice in their pond space.
The rhinos were in the house all day (apart from the male) but still got nice views of the youngsters indoors.
The new zebra foal was racing about and the lions were active in the morning.
Got to see one of the bar headed goslings from this year up close and with almost full adult plumage which was great having seen them when they were just out of the egg. The lake was very busy with the waterfowl and some seasonal visitors (Canada geese). It’s a great time of year to watch the birds. The flamingoes though were off the lake and in their enclosure at the back.
The train rails were undergoing maintenance with the rails near the leopard and lion enclosures removed so new bases could go in for some replacement sleepers.
The garden team were also super busy all over the park working hard on getting the banana trees pruned and wrapped for winter etc - not easy to be working outside in such cold weather and reflects the effort it takes to make the gardens so lovely. It’s always one of the signs of winter and not long to Xmas for me when they wrap the plants.
Was certainly also a day to enjoy time in the tropical house!
The wolverines were super active - playing, chasing, wrestling and play fighting in a tree and breaking then eating the ice in their pond space.
The rhinos were in the house all day (apart from the male) but still got nice views of the youngsters indoors.
The new zebra foal was racing about and the lions were active in the morning.
Got to see one of the bar headed goslings from this year up close and with almost full adult plumage which was great having seen them when they were just out of the egg. The lake was very busy with the waterfowl and some seasonal visitors (Canada geese). It’s a great time of year to watch the birds. The flamingoes though were off the lake and in their enclosure at the back.
The train rails were undergoing maintenance with the rails near the leopard and lion enclosures removed so new bases could go in for some replacement sleepers.
The garden team were also super busy all over the park working hard on getting the banana trees pruned and wrapped for winter etc - not easy to be working outside in such cold weather and reflects the effort it takes to make the gardens so lovely. It’s always one of the signs of winter and not long to Xmas for me when they wrap the plants.
Was certainly also a day to enjoy time in the tropical house!
Other Late 2023 News:
In September, the zoo announced they acquired a (1.0) wolverine which is now on exhibit.
WORD FROM THE WILD: The Latest News From The Park : Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
On October 20th, the zoo announced that they acquired a (0.1) caiman lizard (species not specified) from Crocodiles of the World in Oxfordshire which is now on exhibit in the Reptile House.
The zoo also announced that (0.0.2+) Parma wallabies were born, and their indoor space was completely renovated.
If you're visiting us... - Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
WORD FROM THE WILD: The Latest News From The Park : Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
In November, the zoo announced that they built a new exhibit for dyeing poison dart frogs and a (0.0.1) Jamaican anole inside the Reptile House.
WORD FROM THE WILD: The Latest News From The Park : Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
In September, the zoo announced they acquired a (1.0) wolverine which is now on exhibit.
WORD FROM THE WILD: The Latest News From The Park : Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
On October 20th, the zoo announced that they acquired a (0.1) caiman lizard (species not specified) from Crocodiles of the World in Oxfordshire which is now on exhibit in the Reptile House.
The zoo also announced that (0.0.2+) Parma wallabies were born, and their indoor space was completely renovated.
If you're visiting us... - Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
WORD FROM THE WILD: The Latest News From The Park : Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
In November, the zoo announced that they built a new exhibit for dyeing poison dart frogs and a (0.0.1) Jamaican anole inside the Reptile House.
WORD FROM THE WILD: The Latest News From The Park : Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
Garcher666
Member
Namuu the Pallas cat has now moved to Port Lympne, hopefully to continue breeding efforts as one of only 12 in the UK
I presume they have renamed her then as the kittens were called Peter and Poppy?
Lafone
Well-Known Member
A new name for Poppy.
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She’s a great looking cat and was a lovely kitten to watch - hopefully she will settle in well.
As an after thought, if animals are transferred to Port Lympe can they be randomly rewilded by Aspinall or are they under the control of the stud book etc?
Lafone
Well-Known Member
Cotswold have posted their post Xmas park hours and confirmed the regular annual weekday closure which will run from 8/1/24 to 8/2/24.
WINTER OPENING TIMES: Cotswold Wildlife Park is open daily from 10.00 am until 4:00 pm (with last admission being at 3:00 pm). Our Madagascar exhibit closes at 3.00 pm in winter - this is to ensure the inhabitants of this enclosure have plenty of time to settle for the evening.
Please note: Our winter opening times change from Monday 8 January 2024. Cotswold Wildlife Park will remain CLOSED on WEEKDAYS ONLY from 8 January until 8 February (re-opening on Friday 9 February 2024); EXCEPT FOR WEEKENDS when the Park will be OPEN from 10.00 am until 4:00 pm or dusk (whichever is earlier, with last admission being at 3:00 pm). This is to allow for essential maintenance to be carried out.
WINTER OPENING TIMES: Cotswold Wildlife Park is open daily from 10.00 am until 4:00 pm (with last admission being at 3:00 pm). Our Madagascar exhibit closes at 3.00 pm in winter - this is to ensure the inhabitants of this enclosure have plenty of time to settle for the evening.
Please note: Our winter opening times change from Monday 8 January 2024. Cotswold Wildlife Park will remain CLOSED on WEEKDAYS ONLY from 8 January until 8 February (re-opening on Friday 9 February 2024); EXCEPT FOR WEEKENDS when the Park will be OPEN from 10.00 am until 4:00 pm or dusk (whichever is earlier, with last admission being at 3:00 pm). This is to allow for essential maintenance to be carried out.
Lafone
Well-Known Member
Dudley mentioned on their Facebook page that they have received Emperor tamarin Ricardo from CWP
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Lafone
Well-Known Member
Fun day at CWP today, bit windy meaning the lions were only in their enclosure outside the house, but lots of activity elsewhere and less stormy than other parts of the UK. Not too many visitors.
The new Pallas's cat enclosure was being worked on and is looking good;
Good size and height, spaces for new glass viewing windows and wire too, so should make for some interesting angles. Good use of the area and quite the upgrade.
It was lovely to see a crowned pigeon youngster in the tropical house, apparently it fledged last week. The second one this year but the first one I've had great views of and a real treat. Was engrossed staring at the pigeon and then realised the sloth was smack in front of me, eating from the bird feeder, so good sightings all round. It was nice and quiet in the tropical house again which meant one of the potoroo came and sat on the other end of the bench I was on, which was fun.
I'd wondered on my last couple of visits why the capybara were split up into different enclosures and the mara and screamers had moved around in that area. The appearance of two young capybara in the anteater enclosure today with their mother explained the shifting about. Nice to see them.
The entry to the lake area next to the zebras was closed as work continues on the railway track but you can still get all the way around to the lake past the wolves.
While checking the weather before setting off today I noticed the park have named the new zebra foal Flora. She was in the yard part of the enclosure today but looking very pretty.
https://fb.watch/p4euYqmvCW/
The new Pallas's cat enclosure was being worked on and is looking good;
Good size and height, spaces for new glass viewing windows and wire too, so should make for some interesting angles. Good use of the area and quite the upgrade.
It was lovely to see a crowned pigeon youngster in the tropical house, apparently it fledged last week. The second one this year but the first one I've had great views of and a real treat. Was engrossed staring at the pigeon and then realised the sloth was smack in front of me, eating from the bird feeder, so good sightings all round. It was nice and quiet in the tropical house again which meant one of the potoroo came and sat on the other end of the bench I was on, which was fun.
I'd wondered on my last couple of visits why the capybara were split up into different enclosures and the mara and screamers had moved around in that area. The appearance of two young capybara in the anteater enclosure today with their mother explained the shifting about. Nice to see them.
The entry to the lake area next to the zebras was closed as work continues on the railway track but you can still get all the way around to the lake past the wolves.
While checking the weather before setting off today I noticed the park have named the new zebra foal Flora. She was in the yard part of the enclosure today but looking very pretty.
https://fb.watch/p4euYqmvCW/
Lafone
Well-Known Member
CWP’s Rhinos made the BBC playing (or not) with their Christmas pudding ball.
Watch: Rhinos 'scared' by Christmas pudding present Watch: Rhinos 'scared' by Christmas pudding present
I don’t think they were that ‘scared’ they usually like a ball and I expect they are booting it about by now but it’s nice to see a positive news story. And a good video courtesy of the park of the iconic rhino and house view to boot.
Watch: Rhinos 'scared' by Christmas pudding present Watch: Rhinos 'scared' by Christmas pudding present
I don’t think they were that ‘scared’ they usually like a ball and I expect they are booting it about by now but it’s nice to see a positive news story. And a good video courtesy of the park of the iconic rhino and house view to boot.
I'm visiting Cotswolds for the first time soon and I was wondering if anyone has any tips for making the most out of my day. The giraffes, Asiatic lions, penguins, reptile house and young rhinos are the things I'm looking forward to the most. Can you get good views of them during the winter and are there any times they're more active and visible? Are there any rarities I should look out for? What species will be easiest to photograph as an amateur photographer? Thanks
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Strathmorezoo
Well-Known Member
Personally I would recommend that you spend as much time as you can in the walled garden, you can miss alot if you rush it,enjoy!
Agree with Strathmorezoo’s comment about the walled gardens. It is a great area with birds and smaller species. The lemur walkthrough is another highlight with sifaka and greater bamboo lemur in adjacent enclosures.
You can access the indoor quarters for the giraffes and rhinos. The lions indoor quarters have viewing windows. You should therefore have no trouble seeing them if they are inside. For the penguins check the timetable for any scheduled feeds if you want to see them active.
Another tip is that I find Cotswold one of the better places for seeing clouded leopards. There is one particular platform where I often see them. Stand in the middle of the viewing area and look for a platform at the back of the enclosure about 2/3rds of the way up.
You can access the indoor quarters for the giraffes and rhinos. The lions indoor quarters have viewing windows. You should therefore have no trouble seeing them if they are inside. For the penguins check the timetable for any scheduled feeds if you want to see them active.
Another tip is that I find Cotswold one of the better places for seeing clouded leopards. There is one particular platform where I often see them. Stand in the middle of the viewing area and look for a platform at the back of the enclosure about 2/3rds of the way up.
Lafone
Well-Known Member
There is a penguin talk at 11am and 3pm which usually includes a feed so that's a good time to get some good shots of them. Sometimes when it is quiet they only do the morning talk.
The lions will sometimes be up and about first thing / later in the afternoon. If you can focus through wire then the end at the lion house makes for some great shots of them, otherwise there are a number of glass windows. You will hear a lot of roaring if they are awake so once you hear it head that way to catch them up. It's pot luck whether they will be fed on the day you go but if they are it's often c1130-1200.
The rhinos rotate in the paddock (you can get shots and sightings in the house when they are inside) so if they are not out early on check back later to see who is outside as the young ones won't be out all day yet. You can get good shots of them from all around their enclosure to cater for the sun so depends where they are but should be fine. There's a very nice young zebra foal out with her parents opposite them too.
The giraffes are fairly easy to see if outside as there is ground level and the elevated walkway so you can get shots without any wire and with a nice distant background / sky full body or headshots.
I'd also heartily recommend the walled garden and lemur walkthrough (lemur talk at 12), however there are so many lovely things to see and photograph that I'd just have a wander about!
I'd say photo wise, little Africa has some great backdrops and the open top enclosure for yellow mongoose in the walled garden and dwarf mongoose (and porcupine) opposite little africa make for awesome shots.
I'd take your time once you've seen the target species.
The walled garden in particular is great for photos as you can get right on the wire on many of the bird enclosures and small primate spaces.
And the tropical house is a wonderful space and will pay off spending a bit of time in (there are two benches in there if you want to pause in the warm).
You might want to have a look at Kalaw's recent review half way down the page here
Kalaw's 2023 Zoo Reviews
As he highlights lots of things to see and some that people might miss otherwise (like the other animals inside the Siamang area).
And a few of us discussed possible routes around the park in last years CWP thread which might be worth a look at
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens 2022 [Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens]
I'd say you can get most things in winter though a clear bright day will have a bit more going on than a wet and windy one (but it's awesome in any weather imho).
Thank you all very much! I've heard so many good things about the place so I'm sure I won't be disappointed and all your tips will be very helpful. 
My first ever trip to Cotswolds wildlife park was a very positive one. The gardens looked great, even in December which gave a very good first impression. The variety of species in the walled garden was much greater than I expected. The yellow mongoose, penguins and otters were very active and I was surprised by the enclosure designs giving very good views of the species. I'm not a huge avian enthusiast but I can't deny the impressive collection of species. The tropical house didn't seem anything too unique but still nice to get out of the cold and a nice collection of birds. One thing I did notice was how basic and minimal the signage was with most species getting nothing more than a small board with very limited information.
The reptile house was incredible with some great enclosures and a fairly unique reptile collection. I did, however, witness the Yacre caiman catch and eat one of the swift lizards inside it's enclosure which was pretty interesting to watch but presumably it shouldn't have happened. I'm unsure if it's a regular occurrence but if so surely the cohabitation of the species should definitely be reconsidered. I do have photos of it which I may upload to the gallery.
Both the lions and giraffes were fantastic with the lions being fed just as I arrived at the enclosure. The male appeared to be quite overweight but I don't know anything more about him or if there's anything else going on. None of the large mammal enclosures were anything special but still more than adequate. All the rhino were inside the house with the exception of one, I'm assuming the male, who was sticking close to the house. The young ones were a treat to see as was the zebra foal.
The clouded leopards were an absolute highlight, even if I didn't manage to get any good photos. I'd never seen clouded leopards before so it was definitely something I was looking forward to and they didn't disappoint.
Overall it was a very enjoyable day and the zoo seemed very different to anywhere I've visited before. Certainly somewhere I'll go again but maybe I'll hold off until the weather warms up a bit.
The reptile house was incredible with some great enclosures and a fairly unique reptile collection. I did, however, witness the Yacre caiman catch and eat one of the swift lizards inside it's enclosure which was pretty interesting to watch but presumably it shouldn't have happened. I'm unsure if it's a regular occurrence but if so surely the cohabitation of the species should definitely be reconsidered. I do have photos of it which I may upload to the gallery.
Both the lions and giraffes were fantastic with the lions being fed just as I arrived at the enclosure. The male appeared to be quite overweight but I don't know anything more about him or if there's anything else going on. None of the large mammal enclosures were anything special but still more than adequate. All the rhino were inside the house with the exception of one, I'm assuming the male, who was sticking close to the house. The young ones were a treat to see as was the zebra foal.
The clouded leopards were an absolute highlight, even if I didn't manage to get any good photos. I'd never seen clouded leopards before so it was definitely something I was looking forward to and they didn't disappoint.
Overall it was a very enjoyable day and the zoo seemed very different to anywhere I've visited before. Certainly somewhere I'll go again but maybe I'll hold off until the weather warms up a bit.
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Lafone
Well-Known Member
Sounds like a good trip! One of the nice things about CWP is the variety.
Might be worth sending them a note about the unfortunate caiman dining as it might be something they’d want to know about.
I think Rana the male lion just has a well developed dewlap and is quite “hangy” vs being overweight, though that’s comparing to other asiatics.
Might be worth sending them a note about the unfortunate caiman dining as it might be something they’d want to know about.
I think Rana the male lion just has a well developed dewlap and is quite “hangy” vs being overweight, though that’s comparing to other asiatics.
Yes I'll make sure to let them know about the caiman. I've never noticed a lion having such a "hangy" dewlap, certainly something interesting to see, thanks.