HEAD-TO-HEAD PROTOTYPE: Tierpark Berlin vs Zoo Berlin (BIRDS)

[TeaLovingDave]

As the title suggests, this one will focus on the BIRDS category - as previously, the match will last for three days and although discussion of your reasoning and provision of supplementary evidence is not mandatory (except in cases of a 5:0 vote) it *is* very much encouraged.

Moreover, even if one does not feel comfortable voting, please do ask questions, post comments relating to your opinions on the evidence presented, and generally-speaking get involved in the wider discussion!

 

[remar]

Another one where you can write one review and use copy and paste afterwards.

Probably the best exhibit is at the Tierpark (vultures), Then there is the gull aviary. Beside that, there is from the exhibits not much really spectacular at the TP. The pheasantry and the rest of the birds of prey exhibits are on the small side and kind of boring. I also like to highlight the greater bustards.

The zoo has a larger collection and a nice walk through area for birds of prey too, but on a smaller scale. I also liked the aviary for costal birds. The collection is larger and way more diverse, with some rarities like the subantarctic penguins or the kiwis. The bird house and the pheasantry are again kind of boring with sheer endless repeating same looking exhibits.

 

[TeaLovingDave]

Anyone else fancy breaking down the two collections in more detail?

 

[TeaLovingDave]

Tierpark Berlin - 16/45 points - 35.556%
Zoo Berlin - 29/45 points - 64.444%

 

[FBBird]

Another one where you can write one review and use copy and paste afterwards.

Probably the best exhibit is at the Tierpark (vultures), Then there is the gull aviary. Beside that, there is from the exhibits not much really spectacular at the TP. The pheasantry and the rest of the birds of prey exhibits are on the small side and kind of boring. I also like to highlight the greater bustards.

The zoo has a larger collection and a nice walk through area for birds of prey too, but on a smaller scale. I also liked the aviary for costal birds. The collection is larger and way more diverse, with some rarities like the subantarctic penguins or the kiwis. The bird house and the pheasantry are again kind of boring with sheer endless repeating same looking exhibits.

I’m taking issue with the idea of pheasantries being ‘boring’. A series of aviaries holding related species isn’t boring if you happen to be interested in birds. Pheasantries have disappeared from UK zoos, which now rarely hold more than two or three pheasant species, to the detriment of captive populations , which are relying on the private sector for their continued existence. Zoos have not done their part to demonstrate the beauty, variety and ecological significance of the Galliformes in general, and pheasants in particular. With geographically appropriate planting and appropriate companion species, a pheasantry can be an asset in any zoo.
Too many mainstream zoos regard birds as decorative wallpaper not deserving serious consideration.

 

[Philipine eagle]

I’m taking issue with the idea of pheasantries being ‘boring’. A series of aviaries holding related species isn’t boring if you happen to be interested in birds. Pheasantries have disappeared from UK zoos, which now rarely hold more than two or three pheasant species, to the detriment of captive populations , which are relying on the private sector for their continued existence. Zoos have not done their part to demonstrate the beauty, variety and ecological significance of the Galliformes in general, and pheasants in particular. With geographically appropriate planting and appropriate companion species, a pheasantry can be an asset in any zoo.
Too many mainstream zoos regard birds as decorative wallpaper not deserving serious consideration.

Personally, I don't mind that the aviaries in the pheasantry look alike: they look exactly like the species they are intended for.
They could do with some sprucing up, but the most important factor at Tierpark Berlin is the negative trend in the number of species: as far as I'm concerned, there are just a few too many Vietnam-, Wallach- and blue-eared pheasants to be seen.