Chester Zoo Islands - Opening and impressions

Nisha

Nisha

Well-Known Member
15+ year member
This is it :cool: - after four and half years of:

Waiting, discussing it on here, speculating, taking photos of the building site, Checking planning applications, Nagging Chester staff for info ;), Peeking through the hedge, waiting for animals to move, taking a great interest in what was the field behind the Oryx... (feel free to add anymore)

..Islands (phase 1) is finally opening this week! :D

To prepare, the original thread has now been closed and we've had a chat in Mod HQ with regards to spoilers. Anyone who doesn't want to see images of the development (before they see it themselves) is advised to avoid the Chester gallery from Friday onward. Their will not be a separate gallery due to the problems creating it. Spoilers, reviews / thoughts and opinions can be posted in this thread which will be sticky-ed for the first week or so

Let the discussion commence ;)
 
Thank you for creating this thread.
The long range weather forecast for Chester on Friday is cloudy but warm with a chance of rain. I have been thinking about my photographic kit and wondering whether I can be bothered to answer the questionnaire - that will depend on the questions and on my mood on the day. I have decided that my bedtime reading this week will be The Malay Archipelago by Alfred Russel Wallace. Wouldn't it be cool if you could complete the questionnaire entirely with Wallace quotes :D

Alan
 
I would never have put it at 4 and a half years since the original conception, where has that gone!!!!!
A truly historic moment in British zoo history, with the opening of the largest and single most expensive zoo exhibit in the UK, EVER!
This is where the butterflies in the stomach start, will it live up to so many expectations for the vast amount of money spent, either way a welcome addition to the British zoo scene and moves Chester zoo further up the echelons of the European and global zoo family.
I have started planning a visit for when the schools go back in England, September probably, but i will be waiting, finger poised to view the first images from the preview days.
To everyone going on the previews, enjoy your visits and appreciate every single second of your time.
 
gentle lemur said:
I have been thinking about my photographic kit and wondering whether I can be bothered to answer the questionnaire - that will depend on the questions and on my mood on the day. I have decided that my bedtime reading this week will be The Malay Archipelago by Alfred Russel Wallace. Wouldn't it be cool if you could complete the questionnaire entirely with Wallace quotes
Click to expand...

The "questionnaire" is referred to as a 'Children's Log Book / Activity Book' on the Islands FAQ's and will be handed out at Coral Sands, to be returned to the Manado Permit Office on completion! I'm curious to see how it has been put together.

I have to say I like the idea of using something like this to engage with the regular zoo visitor. Many of us are frequently exacerbated by a disinterest or ignorance from many visitors - I'm sure this can only help to engage and educate.

Interestingly enough, Leeds University are working with the zoo on a major piece of research within Islands to assess the effectiveness of the exhibit in engaging and educating the visitors. A statement summarising their research as follows:

"Chester Zoo is an internationally-renowned conservation organisation, and is the most visited zoo in the UK. In 2014, It was voted as the best zoo in the UK, and the 6th best in the world by TripAdvisor. Its new ‘Islands’ project is the biggest ever zoo development in Europe. It involves experimentation with the use of an immersive environment, where zoo visitors can wander amongst animals and plants distinctive of the south-east Asian islands whose wildlife it hopes to showcase. The hope is that this non-traditional way of experiencing zoo animals might encourage ways of thinking which this project also hopes to foster – ways of thinking according to which the human species is regarded simply as one amongst many, part of the rich biodiversity of life on earth, rather than a species set apart from the others – unique though we undoubtedly are. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Professor Steward will work with the Zoo both to assess the effectiveness of, and to further, the aims of the Islands project in promoting this agenda".

Sounds like a groundbreaking exhibit!! Really interested to see how it works in reality......
 
officially on countdown now ... camera is empty and fully charged ... Ticket is also ready ... better make sure i don't forget that lol ... only 4 sleeps to go :D
 
looks amazing ... Look North will also be showing some more on tomorrow (thurs) night program 6.30pm bbc 1
 
Very exciting. No other exhibit has ever been seriously considered for an individual gallery on here - though perhaps that says something more about Chester Zoo's following. I really hope it lives up to it. :D
 
I would love to know how those lucky zoochatters
With preview tickets are actually feeling?
 
According to an email from the zoo today entitled: "Your behind the scenes Member Preview on Islands"

"Islands has been a hugely complex and challenging project for everyone involved, but we're so excited to be able to give our members a behind the scenes glimpse of Islands as we put the finishing touches to the largest zoo development project in UK history." (their emphasis).

As far as I'm aware, it isn't a behind-the-scenes tour in any way, shape or form.
 
Have to say I was getting excited until we found out that its not all going to be finished at this point in time,I now suspect the zoo is going to have to brace itself for alot of criticism for it not all being opened,and the fact that it will be well over 3 months late from the timescale that members were given at the AGM last year,before it is all open!
 
Regardless of timescales, you're all lucky buggers for getting to see it. I'm insanely jealous!

I can only hope that such an investment may one day occur at Whipsnade, though doubt it will in my lifetime!
 
SMR said:
According to an email from the zoo today entitled: "Your behind the scenes Member Preview on Islands"

"Islands has been a hugely complex and challenging project for everyone involved, but we're so excited to be able to give our members a behind the scenes glimpse of Islands as we put the finishing touches to the largest zoo development project in UK history." (their emphasis).

As far as I'm aware, it isn't a behind-the-scenes tour in any way, shape or form.
Click to expand...

Just another example of the chaos the zoo has got themselves into.
 
SMR said:
According to an email from the zoo today entitled: "Your behind the scenes Member Preview on Islands"

"Islands has been a hugely complex and challenging project for everyone involved, but we're so excited to be able to give our members a behind the scenes glimpse of Islands as we put the finishing touches to the largest zoo development project in UK history." (their emphasis).

As far as I'm aware, it isn't a behind-the-scenes tour in any way, shape or form.
Click to expand...

Mmmmmmm.......think this means there will still be work men and zoo staff on site whilst we walk round. My guess (based on a visit last week) is that the Manado Town area will still need "finishing touches" - there was still a lot of work going on here only a few days ago. Wouldn't be surprised if the shop and restaurant are not open tomorrow... Just a hunch.

I love the spin that has been out on it all though! First we have a "phased opening" and now a " behind the scenes tour for members". You've got to give credit to the marketing department for turning a negative into a positive!!!

Whatever the situation tomorrow I am actually beyond excited about seeing the (almost) finished article tomorrow! I think it is going to be so spectacular that I can forgive the delay or the marketing spin!
 
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