Dartmoor Zoo Dartmoor Zoo News 2022
- Thread starter Rupert89
- Start date
Will jenkins
New Member
Lovely enclosure whats going in?
The zoo hasn't announced anything and the sign says that it is an exciting new project
Two Great Horned Owls have returned to Dartmoor today, called Totem and Royal.
Both were placed temporarily at Screech Owl Sanctuary while the aviary was rebuilt at Dartmoor.
Posted on Screech Facebook page. Log into Facebook
Both were placed temporarily at Screech Owl Sanctuary while the aviary was rebuilt at Dartmoor.
Posted on Screech Facebook page. Log into Facebook
Amur tigress Alisha has sadly had to be put to sleep following a diagnosis of severe renal failure. Dartmoor Zoo's beloved tiger has died
The Hedgehog
Well-Known Member
@Rupert89 now that Alisha Dartmoor's Amur Tigeress has passed away, could Dragan enter the Breeding Programme? I believe the pair were exempt from breeding because Alisha had an eye condition. As Yuki the Young Female at Longleat is reaching sexual maturity could she be paired with Dragan at Dartmoor?
We shall just have to wait and see what happens with him. Whether he gets moved on or paired up with another at dartmoor
The Hedgehog
Well-Known Member
zootrippingdaily
Member
I spent this morning at Dartmoor Zoo and whilst its been a few years since I last visited, I was pleased at a lot of changes, but a little disappointed at a few others;
The Downsides
Raccoon Dogs now live in the Red Fox exhibit opposite the Jaguar. Whilst this is a positive for the Raccoon Dogs, it feels a bit of a shame, that a nice big exhibit for a small carnivore couldn't have been utilised.
Old Timber Wolf exhibit, now home to the male Lion. This could be deemed a positive as there is now a large space for the Male Lion, but it can be noted that the Male lion and Lioness are now mixed and have been integrated. I am not sure if they are planning on mating, or just living together, but it now means that the old Timber Wolf exhibit is empty most of the day, with the shutters down, so Jasiri the male Lion is spending all the day with the Lioness. I do not know if he goes back to the other exhibit at night time and lives in the other house, but when you lose one species of animal and the exhibit is just doubled for another it feels a bit of a let down for me.
Viewing on the Gelada is all well and good if they are at the front of the old bear pit, but if they are at the top of the hill or behind it, you wont see them. I am happy to see Gelada's at Dartmoor but its a shame they are in an exhibit where only half of it is visible and for most of today you could just see the top of their heads.
About 7 empty exhibits, however this leads to a positive.
The Upsides
There looked to be about 7 empty exhibits;
- The one opposite Burrowing Owl, which used to house Raccoon Dogs with the concrete bit round the side. This was empty and roped off. Hopefully it will be filled again soon, but currently vacant.
- Across the road from this was a double exhibit, as pictured by a poster above. By the design I have a feeling this will be for some sort of small carnivore, maybe a cat of some description, the link between the 2 enclosures gives that feel, as does the apparatus in it. The other thought I had was a medium sized Primate, but then the bedding boxes in each didn't look likely.
- The 2 exhibits to the right of the Luzon Cloud Rats are also empty, hopefully in time, these may be filled with another small animal. Although the viewing of the Cloud Rats is not great as the sun against the window makes it very hard to see in.
- Around the corner from the Tamarind Monkey and Agouti exhibit, there is another new exhibit being built, no idea what it could be for, but its quite a small exhibit, so I wonder if it will be some form of bird.
- The round pit where the Marmosets, Tamarinds and Agouti used to live is empty. There is a sign up saying this will be developed shortly, so it looks as if they are planning to fill this.
- The old Bird of Prey boxes, have had some work done on them, they are empty but wooden posts have been erected one side of this, and the grass has been mowed and the garden area by it has had some planting. I wonder if they are planning to get in some birds of prey to show here in the summer or give talks? Or maybe have a Falconry company come in on occasions in the summer. But the fact some work appears to be, being done in this are is a positive.
So whilst these 7 exhibits are empty (I think the one where the Marmosets moved to, by the Burrowing Owls and Monal is also empty, but did have an image of a Marmoset on it, so they may be moving there) it looks as if there is development on at least 5 of these exhibits, so hopefully new species will be joining the collection soon.
Now I know most people aren't excited by adventure playgrounds but I have to comment on how brilliant Dartmoor's is. The one thing I like about it, is its not directly near animals and whilst there are smaller children's play areas on the main lawn and round the back of the Lynx exhibit, the big new wooden play area is most impressive. Not being near any animal exhibits (or I mean right next to) means animals don't get disturbed and the educational side is very good. There are lots of signs teaching about biodiversity and also native insects and how to care for bees and bugs. There is a bug hotel as well. Having the information and all that is very good as it enables children to play and learn. I think a lot of thought went into the area and its very impressive. More to the point, it was very busy this morning, and I was surprised at how little I could hear of the kids screaming when I was photographing the Meerkats. I wish more Zoos would have their play areas out the way of animals.
I liked the new Reptile house, which is in the old education building. The old one by the Jaguar Restaurant is now closed, but still holds reptiles, just off show. But the new one has a lot of small lizards and Insects in and all the Vivs are very clean and give great photo opportunities. I was quite impressed, as was I with the fact a member of staff was in there at all times, pointing out the animals and telling anyone interested about them.
Dartmoor currently give 4 talks, The Otters, Wolves, Tigers and Zebra/Ostrich. All were for 10 mins or so and very informative. The keeper was also happy to answer most questions, but the one regarding of what was going in the new exhibits was greeted with, as much as I would love to say, its not my place to. But least it means the staff know what is coming, and I suppose they could possibly be off show already? That's just a guess, but in a way reassuring a member of staff wasn't going to let slip to guests, when in some zoos the keepers often tell the public before the official channels do.
I really liked the new African Aviary as well. Its very similar to ones found at Lakeland Wildlife Oasis and The Cotswold Wildlife Parks (Little Africa) with Cranes, Rollers and Dik Diks but it looked bigger and the mesh made it easy to photo. The Dik Diks were very shy and have not been there long, but did pop out later in the day.
I also liked how the Zoo had signage up about Bird Flu and the measures they had taken with their birds, it was very informative and nice to read.
------------------------
Thoughts:
Whilst for me its a little disappointing to no longer hold, Coatis, Brown Bears & Timber Wolves it feels like Dartmoor after a while of standing still is looking to progress in the right direction. I wouldn't say there is a poorly designed exhibit in the place and all the exhibits are photo friendly (with exception of the Luzon Cloud Rats, but sun is no cameras friend).
I love the Hedgehog hotels and the signage, there seems to be a real drive for native wildlife.
Staff as always informative and approachable.
Restaurant one of the better priced at Zoos and seating is well spaced out and comfortable. Choice on menu is acceptable and pricing is decent for the quality given.
Gents toilets are pretty small, and if you have a camera bag on, its hard to get in and close the door without a struggle. Fine if you're a slim fella, but feel this is something that could be addressed.
I actually love Dartmoor as a zoo, its my favourite to photograph big cats and I was lucky enough a few years ago to have a walk around with Benjamin Mee and be told a lot about the zoo and its plans. Sadly one of those plans he was really keen on in 2017 still hasn't shown any signs of maturing (Amur Leopards) and with the Iberian Wolves now having the whole of that rear side, I think its likely that, that idea is well and truly on the back burner or dumped.
I find it reassuring that whilst a big enough zoo in size, it would appear by the new exhibits as if the collection is leaning towards smaller animals which if they get in a couple of delights not found in many places, actually adds a lot of value to the zoo.
At £35 for an annual membership, I actually feel its one of the better priced in the country, as you only need to go twice to get your monies worth.
I feel Dartmoor is back on the up again and recently built exhibits look solid and the ones currently in construction suggest they are looking to bring in new species not currently held at the collection, rather than just relocating other animals.
For me the one thing I would like to see, is the Potteroo's moved maybe to the old Raccoon Dog exhibit and the current Potteroo exhibit turned into something for a Mustelid of some description. I think it could work well for something like Martens or Grisons, as it used to house Coati and just feel you never really see the Potteroo and the exhibit could be made better use of.
I also feel the Raccoon Dog's new home which was the Red Foxes old exhibit would be so much better suited to a small carnivore or Small Cat species.
Those are just my feelings, but a really good day and nice to see Dartmoor is showing signs of progression again and 2022 looks a positive year.
My camera is currently on charge, but I'll put some pics in the Gallery overnight.
The Downsides
Raccoon Dogs now live in the Red Fox exhibit opposite the Jaguar. Whilst this is a positive for the Raccoon Dogs, it feels a bit of a shame, that a nice big exhibit for a small carnivore couldn't have been utilised.
Old Timber Wolf exhibit, now home to the male Lion. This could be deemed a positive as there is now a large space for the Male Lion, but it can be noted that the Male lion and Lioness are now mixed and have been integrated. I am not sure if they are planning on mating, or just living together, but it now means that the old Timber Wolf exhibit is empty most of the day, with the shutters down, so Jasiri the male Lion is spending all the day with the Lioness. I do not know if he goes back to the other exhibit at night time and lives in the other house, but when you lose one species of animal and the exhibit is just doubled for another it feels a bit of a let down for me.
Viewing on the Gelada is all well and good if they are at the front of the old bear pit, but if they are at the top of the hill or behind it, you wont see them. I am happy to see Gelada's at Dartmoor but its a shame they are in an exhibit where only half of it is visible and for most of today you could just see the top of their heads.
About 7 empty exhibits, however this leads to a positive.
The Upsides
There looked to be about 7 empty exhibits;
- The one opposite Burrowing Owl, which used to house Raccoon Dogs with the concrete bit round the side. This was empty and roped off. Hopefully it will be filled again soon, but currently vacant.
- Across the road from this was a double exhibit, as pictured by a poster above. By the design I have a feeling this will be for some sort of small carnivore, maybe a cat of some description, the link between the 2 enclosures gives that feel, as does the apparatus in it. The other thought I had was a medium sized Primate, but then the bedding boxes in each didn't look likely.
- The 2 exhibits to the right of the Luzon Cloud Rats are also empty, hopefully in time, these may be filled with another small animal. Although the viewing of the Cloud Rats is not great as the sun against the window makes it very hard to see in.
- Around the corner from the Tamarind Monkey and Agouti exhibit, there is another new exhibit being built, no idea what it could be for, but its quite a small exhibit, so I wonder if it will be some form of bird.
- The round pit where the Marmosets, Tamarinds and Agouti used to live is empty. There is a sign up saying this will be developed shortly, so it looks as if they are planning to fill this.
- The old Bird of Prey boxes, have had some work done on them, they are empty but wooden posts have been erected one side of this, and the grass has been mowed and the garden area by it has had some planting. I wonder if they are planning to get in some birds of prey to show here in the summer or give talks? Or maybe have a Falconry company come in on occasions in the summer. But the fact some work appears to be, being done in this are is a positive.
So whilst these 7 exhibits are empty (I think the one where the Marmosets moved to, by the Burrowing Owls and Monal is also empty, but did have an image of a Marmoset on it, so they may be moving there) it looks as if there is development on at least 5 of these exhibits, so hopefully new species will be joining the collection soon.
Now I know most people aren't excited by adventure playgrounds but I have to comment on how brilliant Dartmoor's is. The one thing I like about it, is its not directly near animals and whilst there are smaller children's play areas on the main lawn and round the back of the Lynx exhibit, the big new wooden play area is most impressive. Not being near any animal exhibits (or I mean right next to) means animals don't get disturbed and the educational side is very good. There are lots of signs teaching about biodiversity and also native insects and how to care for bees and bugs. There is a bug hotel as well. Having the information and all that is very good as it enables children to play and learn. I think a lot of thought went into the area and its very impressive. More to the point, it was very busy this morning, and I was surprised at how little I could hear of the kids screaming when I was photographing the Meerkats. I wish more Zoos would have their play areas out the way of animals.
I liked the new Reptile house, which is in the old education building. The old one by the Jaguar Restaurant is now closed, but still holds reptiles, just off show. But the new one has a lot of small lizards and Insects in and all the Vivs are very clean and give great photo opportunities. I was quite impressed, as was I with the fact a member of staff was in there at all times, pointing out the animals and telling anyone interested about them.
Dartmoor currently give 4 talks, The Otters, Wolves, Tigers and Zebra/Ostrich. All were for 10 mins or so and very informative. The keeper was also happy to answer most questions, but the one regarding of what was going in the new exhibits was greeted with, as much as I would love to say, its not my place to. But least it means the staff know what is coming, and I suppose they could possibly be off show already? That's just a guess, but in a way reassuring a member of staff wasn't going to let slip to guests, when in some zoos the keepers often tell the public before the official channels do.
I really liked the new African Aviary as well. Its very similar to ones found at Lakeland Wildlife Oasis and The Cotswold Wildlife Parks (Little Africa) with Cranes, Rollers and Dik Diks but it looked bigger and the mesh made it easy to photo. The Dik Diks were very shy and have not been there long, but did pop out later in the day.
I also liked how the Zoo had signage up about Bird Flu and the measures they had taken with their birds, it was very informative and nice to read.
------------------------
Thoughts:
Whilst for me its a little disappointing to no longer hold, Coatis, Brown Bears & Timber Wolves it feels like Dartmoor after a while of standing still is looking to progress in the right direction. I wouldn't say there is a poorly designed exhibit in the place and all the exhibits are photo friendly (with exception of the Luzon Cloud Rats, but sun is no cameras friend).
I love the Hedgehog hotels and the signage, there seems to be a real drive for native wildlife.
Staff as always informative and approachable.
Restaurant one of the better priced at Zoos and seating is well spaced out and comfortable. Choice on menu is acceptable and pricing is decent for the quality given.
Gents toilets are pretty small, and if you have a camera bag on, its hard to get in and close the door without a struggle. Fine if you're a slim fella, but feel this is something that could be addressed.
I actually love Dartmoor as a zoo, its my favourite to photograph big cats and I was lucky enough a few years ago to have a walk around with Benjamin Mee and be told a lot about the zoo and its plans. Sadly one of those plans he was really keen on in 2017 still hasn't shown any signs of maturing (Amur Leopards) and with the Iberian Wolves now having the whole of that rear side, I think its likely that, that idea is well and truly on the back burner or dumped.
I find it reassuring that whilst a big enough zoo in size, it would appear by the new exhibits as if the collection is leaning towards smaller animals which if they get in a couple of delights not found in many places, actually adds a lot of value to the zoo.
At £35 for an annual membership, I actually feel its one of the better priced in the country, as you only need to go twice to get your monies worth.
I feel Dartmoor is back on the up again and recently built exhibits look solid and the ones currently in construction suggest they are looking to bring in new species not currently held at the collection, rather than just relocating other animals.
For me the one thing I would like to see, is the Potteroo's moved maybe to the old Raccoon Dog exhibit and the current Potteroo exhibit turned into something for a Mustelid of some description. I think it could work well for something like Martens or Grisons, as it used to house Coati and just feel you never really see the Potteroo and the exhibit could be made better use of.
I also feel the Raccoon Dog's new home which was the Red Foxes old exhibit would be so much better suited to a small carnivore or Small Cat species.
Those are just my feelings, but a really good day and nice to see Dartmoor is showing signs of progression again and 2022 looks a positive year.
My camera is currently on charge, but I'll put some pics in the Gallery overnight.
They won’t be breeding from Jasiri, he’s vasectomised.
A tamarind is a fruit.
zootrippingdaily
Member
Thanks for that info, as for the Tamarind yes ! I meant Tamarin, it wont let me edit the post however, so I'll accept looking thick .
zootrippingdaily
Member
Anyone considering a trip to Dartmoor Zoo on Sunday, who hasn't pre booked, do not go. They have just posted on their Social Media channels that they are Sold Out for Sunday (Mothers Day).
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zootrippingdaily
Member
Okay, I have nothing to hide Thomas and I didn't want to say this but I would rather be open with people.
In 2013 my business collapsed and I was formerly a successful person in a sports industry. Unable to cope with failure, I set something up to get my life on track again. However I was stupid and made stupid promises and in return I caused myself to go into a crazy cycle which led me to totally ruin my reputation and cause a number of people pain and suffering. I made a huge mistake and knew I would end up going to jail for it.
In 2015 I was interviewed by the police but not charged. My life turned upside down and I had massive depression issues, in 2016 after I was charged, I tried to kill myself, not once, not twice but three times, each time without success.
Luckily for me in 2017, I was handed an opportunity to show a passion for animals and do something I loved. I'm no animal expert but I love them, I love zoos and I am one of the most passionate people who you will ever find. I have serious mental health, anxiety and confidence issues, I have also gone from 10st to 14st through not sleeping, comfort eating and basically being an emotional wreck.
After 2 years of following a dream, backed by friends and putting every bit of legitimate money I had into it, the CPS finally gave me an inditement I would happily plead Guilty to and I did. I was jailed for just under 6 years.
At that point in time, my life was more positive and things had changed so much. I was not the person I was and was actually enjoying living again and had found a passion in something I loved and enjoyed. No I wasn't an animal expert, yes I am naïve and I may not be as knowledgeable as half the people, or even 99% of the people on here, but I'll listen to anyone and I'll take on board any advice and just want to make friends and contacts, along the way.
I have been out of jail a while, and I am back doing what I love, so yes my 2 years and 9 months away from posting and visiting zoos was because I was in prison.
Am I ashamed of the past, absolutely. Do I feel I should be judged or banned because of something which bore no reflection on anything to do with this site, No.
I really hope I am not banned again, as I love posting on here, I enjoy reading threads and everything I post is with good intention.
I have ambitions and dreams, don't we all. I hope one day to fulfil them. Some people on here have met me, and had time in my company and I am the sort of guy who would do anything for anyone. I have loved the days out I've had with people on here, and enjoyed being able to give them a great day out.
The fact is I'm a very lonely person and I spend every day at a Zoo happy, I take photos although I'm no pro, but I have been able to get some nice kit now, and I hope that one day I can succeed in this industry.
I also want to do a course about animals, I have looked at animal courses direct and that is something I want to do, and I hope to meet people and make friends. I can't forget my past, and people wont let me either.
I don't want to be the person who kills themself, I want to be happy and I want people to be fair with me. I want people to benefit from the fact that many times I go to a Zoo for a Experience I have had to pay for 2 or 3 or 4 people because its not for one person, and I invite others at no cost, because I can and I would love to make friends from it.
I ask of admin not to ban me, I ask of people to be fair and help advise me. I am sorry if some of my posts seem speculative, but I only repeat what I am told and if someone has said something to put me away, then that's their agenda not mine. I am only trying to pass on what I have been told.
I am sorry I have had to resort to posting this but I have nothing to hide, I made a mistake that I have paid for and still paying for, and I am in tears writing this cause I love this place, and this forum makes me happy. In the 2 and half years I was in jail, I couldn't wait to be out, going to zoos and posting again. Very few things in life make people happy, this and animals is all I live for.
I just hope people can understand that. I am sorry if my trust is needed to be earned, but it cant be earned if people thrust in knives and make it impossible.
I wish anyone could meet me and spend a day at a zoo with me, you would meet someone who loves animals and zoos more than life itself and is kind and would do anything to help anyone. I have done my time for something that bore no relation and now I want to make something of my life.
I messaged the forum a month ago, offering to donate to help towards forum costs, because I love it on here. I never got a reply, but my offer stands. I just hope I can keep posting, contributing and hopefully make friends and contacts with people who share a passion like me in animals. I am no expert but I want to learn and will always listen to anyone.
Chris
I think with the lions, jasiri is a known problem lion so they have to have some facilities to be able to deal with him. However the lions are living together harmoniously apparently and are together 24/7! So hopefully this means there will be progress with the quarry enclosure now!
With the potoroos I feel that although it may seem a bit of a waste of an enclosure to most people but at least there has been a massive improvement for the macaws! This has surely got to be a positive?
Nice visit to Dartmoor today, the amount of development is really impressive!
The new exhibit listed above appears finished and the sign says something will be arriving soon - with a picture of a small cat's ears. I couldn't identify the species.
Next to the now empty marmoset exhibit are 2 new aviaries - one includes the Great Horned Owls, and the other holds the exisitng Blue-and-Yellow Macaws and Potoroos, as well as a new pair of Scarlet Macaws.
Something I found interesting was development around the old Timber Wolf/male Lion enclosure. Staff seemed to be building a new visitor fence there - possibly gearing up for the arrival of a new large mammal? Work was also taking place in the Gelada exhibit.
The old Raccoon Dog exhibit has now been converted into a nice new aviary for the existing Himalayan Monals, as well as the new Bali Mynah, Java Sparrows and Bleeding-Heart Doves.
The rate of new development at Dartmoor is exciting and great to see a zoo seemingly doing so well after the pandemic.
The new exhibit listed above appears finished and the sign says something will be arriving soon - with a picture of a small cat's ears. I couldn't identify the species.
Next to the now empty marmoset exhibit are 2 new aviaries - one includes the Great Horned Owls, and the other holds the exisitng Blue-and-Yellow Macaws and Potoroos, as well as a new pair of Scarlet Macaws.
Something I found interesting was development around the old Timber Wolf/male Lion enclosure. Staff seemed to be building a new visitor fence there - possibly gearing up for the arrival of a new large mammal? Work was also taking place in the Gelada exhibit.
The old Raccoon Dog exhibit has now been converted into a nice new aviary for the existing Himalayan Monals, as well as the new Bali Mynah, Java Sparrows and Bleeding-Heart Doves.
The rate of new development at Dartmoor is exciting and great to see a zoo seemingly doing so well after the pandemic.