LBJ is mainly a birding term, used for the small brown nondescript passerines which may be difficult to identify without a clear view. In the context of Gerald Durrell he uses it to refer to the small nondescript animals which zoos would typically ignore in favour of the large public-attracting animals.
Huh - good to know, thanks! So basically the XYZs of a zoo collection.
Ok ,so the bears are replaced by Giant Anteater.
Clouded leopards I'd imagine would fit Durrell's criteria, no?
Yes, they had them in the '80s. I can't think where there'd be enough space for them today.
They bred Snow Leopards for some years but eventually got out of them. Pretty sure they never had Cloudies
Sorry for the mistake, but it was 40 years ago.
Sumatran tigers were rumoured a few years ago to fit with the Sumatran orangutans. Doubt this would happen though. Personally think Sun bears would be a good fit in this regard, especially after losing the Andeans.
FYI Most of Durrell's income does not come from gate money; big donors, grants, and legacies play a much bigger part. And the people giving these larger sums are likely to look closely at whether Durrell is making the best use of their money. https://www.durrell.org/media/tyhd3i2q/durrell-annual-report-and-financial-statements-2021-1.pdf
Jersey Zoo is experienced with these species and whatever dangers they present. The Bears were not very dangerous - if they had got out, they would probably have just climbed a tree and sat there for a bit, then been tempted back in with food. The Gorillas - well, I don't think we have ever had an escape, and when a child fell in, he was safely retrieved. Both these species are much more predictable, and easier to contain, than a tiger.
