My first visit to Curraghs in a while coincided with glorious weather. The park always look magnificent in the warm sunshine. The old Mongoose enclosure to the right of the entrance has been totally torn down after a sign was up for years about an upcoming renovation.
The former deer paddock that held the Moose before they died now look abandoned. But the many kid sin the park made heavy use of the bouncing pillow. the Tapir (I forget which South American Subspecies) was quite active in the afternoon sun which was lovely to see.
I was rather concerned by the sheer amount of scat that had built up in the Eurasian Lynx paddock, I've never seen any build up like this in any Zoo ever.
The entire North American trail has now been closed off. Over the last 10 to 15 years they have lost the Racoon, the Otters and Ibis. Whilst the Black Swan has been relocated. There was a sign up on the barrier but not much information was given. I've gotten used to abandoned exhibits with the obligatory notice about renovation but nothing ever seems to be done.
I saw the Flamingo chick which looks rather large but funny with its young coloration and feathers. More renovation and areas closed off at the cafe although the food there was excellent it wasn't cheap.
The Barn Owls now have a much improved aviary but I noticed other areas closed off and a lot of damage to the climbing area in the Gibbon Island.
Curraghs took a few steps forward with some investment 5 to 10 years ago but I get the impression that it is in managed decline. I have no issues with the staff there who are fantastic and hard working. The obviously care for the animals there. But it is increasing less of a Wildlife Park and more of a well children's park. That is a shame because the Isle of Man is not crying out for more areas for children to play. I know because I have kids and there are plenty of areas for them to go. The Island is crying out for a reasonable attraction and the Wildlife Park seems to be underfunding by the government that run it and under animal stock because of... funding/lack of desire/unable to acquire animals. It is a great site that desperately needs attention before it reaches terminal decline as a Wildlife Park.
I noticed that at Blackpool Zoo tickets start at £21 and Welsh Mountain Zoo £18. Well at Curraghs £13 for an adult does not get 10% of what is at either of those Zoos. Everything is relative but judging Curraghs as a Wildlife Park it simply isn't good enough value as a Wildlife Park anymore.
