A more detailed overview....
Note this was my first visit in 3 years, and some of the points are likely to have been highlighted by others but they stuck out to me as different from last visit...so
Before starting, it is worth saying that despite the many criticisms of Marwell over recent years (many justified in my opinion, and indeed some made by me personally)......I came away feeling overwhelmingly positive about the future of the zoo....nothing is ever perfect but it certainly felt that perhaps Marwell had turned a corner. Maybe the massive impact Covid no doubt has had on existing infrastructure and future plans has influenced this......maybe it was happening anyway? Probably the development will not go as quickly or in the direction previously expected or hoped for (by those on here).......but time will tell.
'Wetlands' paddock (previously Capybara, etc.) - now houses both Nyala and Sitatunga. A strange mix given their similarity...but only a single female of each species seen, so maybe just holding for remnants of previous herds. I guess with no males present, there's no real issues. Interesting the signage featured male and female for Nyala, but only female for Sitatunga.
Main 'Into Africa' paddock - now features Giraffe, Roan, Blesbok and Chapman's Zebra mixed together. This massive field has always looked a bit sparse in the past (whatever the mix), especially since the Giraffe always seemed to stay near the house, but on this visit it looked nicely populated with the different species spread out, and the Giraffes venturing to the lower fence and into the (now connected) previous Cheetah area.
Serval in adjacent enclosure also previously used for Cheetah.
Previous Warthog area fenced off (off view) and I think part of it has been added to Giraffe hardstand.
No lemurs seen in the 'loop' enclosure or in the house - not sure if they are still there. The walkthrough is still closed. No change in my opinion here......I still think it's a very poor lemur walkthrough, and personally I'd like to see the walkthrough element ditched in favour of giving the lemurs more space.
Lesser Kudu in paddock behind 'Into Africa' house.
'Heart of Africa' house still contains a small number of Bongo, with former Congo Buffalo area used for the Roan and Zebra from main paddock. Despite re-instatement of fish tank in the house (which looks good)......all the other previous enclosures blocked off.
Aridlands paddock has been extended into part of the large paddock behind so the Addax and Dorcas Gazelle have some grass pasture. The paddock itself is now for Ostrich (not seen).
Wild Explorers looked great - although Ostrich no moved out as above.
Tropical house has matured well, and while I still have some reservations in general - especially regarding the wasted space at the back between the two sections - it is at least well populated now...with a range of around 8 bird species, all visible with a little patience, tortoise, Javan Chevrotain, a single 2-toed Sloth and the Crocodile Monitor in a separate enclosure (which looked great in the water).
Banteng (1:3) in the paddock next to Somali Wild Ass (previously Waterbuck).
Visayan Warty Pig now on raised 'paddock' in Life Among the Trees (when did this change from Life IN the Trees?) - although there are still Lowland Anoa in the previous Nyala area.
Second group (pair?) of Siamang in old Macaque Island house.
Red River Hog in South Road end enclosure most recently used for Collared Peccary (Giant Anteater previously (and indeed Arabian Oryx going way back).
Rest of South Road area largely devoid of anything except the Snow Leopards. There are still a few owls present but not in every enclosure. Old Takin area empty.
Previous Sitatunga, Peccary and 'Lion House' areas all empty.
Wallaby area looking the most attractive I've ever seen it (although only a couple of actual Wallabies present). Newer area at top (constructed originally for Coatis) now holds Red Panda (Coati now longer held) - which leaves two purpose built Red Panda enclosures empty.
'Desert Carnivores' is now essentially a Yellow mongoose house, but looks good - and windows on the outer enclosure (originally sealed to allow for controlled low humidity) have been lowered/ opened.
The original 'World of Lemurs' area - now Lemurs, small primates, Cusimanse and Boky-boky - is definitely looking a bit tired (some empty enclosures) - and is now branded as an extension to the 'Life Among The Trees' exhibits. This also includes the old Fossa area, which now holds Binturong (but this part looks attractive with new dense planting).
No doubt I've forgotten to cover some areas - so do please ask if I've missed the bit you are interested in.
Finally - the zoo was absolutely rammed - despite the threat of poor weather - and I did wonder if they had upped the number of tickets available. Still only on-line booking available of course, but can't help thinking they are missing a trick by only allowing tickets to be booked 5 days ahead.
