Marwell Wildlife Marwell Zoo News 2024

I would also add im not sure any upgrades would be anything else than something similar just a bit more modern.
 
The Hippo house is now forty years old and it shows, but I do not see a replacement coming soon, Am expecting some good news to come soon from the Hippos.

Could that be the reason for the large logs in the pygmy hippo enclosure separating the two animals?
 
I've always wondered why no outdoor pools or landscaping were done for the hippos/tapirs instead of the pretty much bare fields they have.

I don't think the indoor housing is too bad but I'd extend it to allow more dry space, personally.
 
I've always wondered why no outdoor pools or landscaping were done for the hippos/tapirs instead of the pretty much bare fields they have.

I don't think the indoor housing is too bad but I'd extend it to allow more dry space, personally.
This is a has been talked about on this forum for the better part of two decades. I’m not sure why, but it doesn’t seem to have had too much of a negative impact. I believe Pygmy hippos are less aquatic than their common relatives (though I could be wrong) and the fact they have so much grazing room is a massive benefit to the marwell enclosure. I can’t stand hippo enclosures which don’t give them plenty of room to graze. I do believe they’ve done some landscaping there in the last few years, and added a few trees.
 
You're not wrong; pygmy hippos are less aquatic than their larger relatives
Thanks Tim, I suspected you would know!

It would be interesting if somebody had a breakdown of breeding successes in British zoos, to see if the lack of outdoor pool impacts Marwell’s success with the species.
 
This is a has been talked about on this forum for the better part of two decades. I’m not sure why, but it doesn’t seem to have had too much of a negative impact. I believe Pygmy hippos are less aquatic than their common relatives (though I could be wrong) and the fact they have so much grazing room is a massive benefit to the marwell enclosure. I can’t stand hippo enclosures which don’t give them plenty of room to graze. I do believe they’ve done some landscaping there in the last few years, and added a few trees.
When these species first arrived at Marwell the emphasis was still the original- big cats and ungulate/paddock animals. Nothing was really landscaped in the way you might get with traditional urban zoo enclosures. Plus the expense of creating extra outdoor swimming areas- it just never got done.
 
When these species first arrived at Marwell the emphasis was still the original- big cats and ungulate/paddock animals. Nothing was really landscaped in the way you might get with traditional urban zoo enclosures. Plus the expense of creating extra outdoor swimming areas- it just never got done.
That makes sense, Marwell has always been about simple things done well and it has served than well over the years.

Do you know what year Pygmy hippo first arrived at marwell?
 
Regarding the hippos at marwell, I assume they would have been a key part of the wetland development. Are there any viewable plans for this, or does anybody know what work was going to be done? Was there to be a new hippo house?
 
Regarding the hippos at marwell, I assume they would have been a key part of the wetland development. Are there any viewable plans for this, or does anybody know what work was going to be done? Was there to be a new hippo house?
Yes the Hippos would have had a new house, even talk of underwater viewing, the whole of Wetlands would have cost around seven million, its money Marwell do not have now and are not going to have for some time, I am sure if and when they do the plans they had will change.
 
I visited Marwell Zoo for the first time today. Didn’t have any expectations but really liked the zoo! They do a lot for conservation and make that very clear to the public as well which is a good thing!

Most enclosures were really good, can agree the hippo/tapir house is awful though!

Oh and the bush dogs are back on show. Also loved how the woman at the cash desk liked me saying I’m from the Netherlands and she told me to say hi to the sloth they sent to Amsterdam Zoo recently :)
 
I visited Marwell Zoo for the first time today. Didn’t have any expectations but really liked the zoo! They do a lot for conservation and make that very clear to the public as well which is a good thing!

Most enclosures were really good, can agree the hippo/tapir house is awful though!

Oh and the bush dogs are back on show. Also loved how the woman at the cash desk liked me saying I’m from the Netherlands and she told me to say hi to the sloth they sent to Amsterdam Zoo recently :)
Now we know ...
 
Yes the Hippos would have had a new house, even talk of underwater viewing, the whole of Wetlands would have cost around seven million, its money Marwell do not have now and are not going to have for some time, I am sure if and when they do the plans they had will change.
What the zoo needs is some vision of how to more cheaply develop its existing potential. I find it quite impossible to believe this new Waterworld development would cost anything near 7 million GBP!
 
I've long said that someone was in a very cosy relationship with the developers with the estimated cost of these really very minor developments. No way are they value for money.

Look at No Cheetah Rock. And the Valley of the Damned. For starters....

They should go back to the Johnny Knowles principle, basic cattle sheds with a pen round them.

Don't need to build aquariums in a buffalo house or other side exhibits that get boarded over and not used again.
 
I'd like to see more pre-fabricated buildings. Cheap to build, easy to alter and unlikely to be listed for architectural status
 
To be fair, I doubt much at Marwell is at risk of being listed with the exception of the hall itself!

I must once again object to the hippo & tapir house being 'awful.' Dated I can accept, but not awful!
 
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