Edinburgh Zoo Edinburgh Zoo News 2013

The area in front of the old sea lion pool has been redevleoped since I was last down there, with a fence separating it from the drive, rubber flooring and a life size male Sealion statue! Also some infoboards about the last sealion (more than when he was there) and that they are looking at what to do with it. Anyone know why it was unsuitable for pelicans? My other half is hoping for Giant Otters!


Main thing I want to say is about Brilliant Birds - more like rather dull Birds. the stock levels in there seem to have crashed - several species had their information taped over, and those left were fairly limited in numbers - Bali Starling, Nicobar Pidgeon, Jungle Fowl and possibly a Honeyeater. No sign of the Victoria Pidgeons, although they were signposted, and no sign of the Cock of the Rock either.

The pelicans escaped (more than once I think & despite alterations to try to keep them in) so that put an end to them being in there. Has anyone suggested giant otters to the zoo? A long time ago I heard they were looking for fresh inspiration (though I'd guess they may have made new plans now)-it can't hurt to suggest it?

Brilliant Birds-anyone know what's missing then if signs are taped over? You don't mention chestnut backed thrush or green wing dove-they were both breeding well last time I was in there so I'd be surprised if they had suddenly left? Honeyeater was probably a lilac breasted roller? Anyone seen the Cock of the Rock recently? Will be a shame if he is gone, but hopefully if he has its to join a breeding female.
 
Hoping to get back next week, so will see if no-one else goes before then! The kids were a bit bored as there were few birds.
 
Will be a shame if he is gone, but hopefully if he has its to join a breeding female.

I know that last time I visited I was told there was a chance he might be sent to Walsrode for this purpose.
 
I know that last time I visited I was told there was a chance he might be sent to Walsrode for this purpose.

Yeah I heard similar rumours, but also that long term they would get a pair back from offspring etc, which would be lovely.

I remembered violet turacos were in brilliant birds too so maybe they've gone? Dave if the kids want to see the birds when they are active the feed/talk can be good if they do a live feed as sometimes the rollers will catch food in the air etc
 
Dave if the kids want to see the birds when they are active the feed/talk can be good if they do a live feed as sometimes the rollers will catch food in the air etc

Will look out for that, they usually like BB but there were so few animals
 
Talk on the news this morning is that the panda 'may' give birth at any time, well is IS Bank Holiday Monday, slow news day.
 
I was confused when I saw this at first because Tian Tian is the name of Smithsonian's male:p

There seems to be 'Pandamonium' at both Washington, with their recent birth and then the panic about the cub having 'died' when the 2nd stillborn cub appeared, and also here in the UK at Edinburgh. Of course, this particular female 'Tian Tian' has bred previously- in China- but that hasn't diluted the expectation of Britain's first Panda cub at all.
 
It certainly hasn't diluted my apathy ;)

Of course, you know that if Edinburgh got their golden cats or margays breeding no one would bat an eyelid..... in fact I do wonder if there are any species there or at Highlands which would cause this kind of fuss!
 
If the current two polar bears at HWP bred there would certainly be a massive fuss - it would be a world first and a miracle of nature ;)
 
in fact I do wonder if there are any species there or at Highlands which would cause this kind of fuss!

Nothing ever seems to come near the media fuss created around Giant Panda. In its earliest form it surrounded the arrival of the very early Pandas at Zoos such as Chicago in the US. and London in the UK. Then it was obsessed with the 'match-making' between the London and Moscow Pandas. Nowadays its all about the birth of cubs. But its almost as if the current generations of Media-folk have inherited the obligation to continue the frenzy. It is a very strange phenomenum but of course it no doubt helps Edinburgh and other Panda -keeping zoos immensely.
 
Cock of the rock still in brilliant birds, he just likes hiding!

Two male Smew ducks in the small enclosure between scottish wildcats and the gelada baboons.

Saw at least one Swamp Wallaby with joey in her pouch.

Cassowary still in den so hopefully male is still sitting on eggs.

Drill baby (born this year and second for that mother) was playful, leaping around outside under the careful watch of mother....

And a king penguin took a liking to my jacket during penguin walk today....almost a tug of war game with him ;0p
 
Back
Top