Marwell Wildlife Marwell Zoo news 2025

Agree. After the London and Knowsley incidents it is the third tiger introduction in six years to have had the worst outcome. Whilst the risk can never be eliminated and it could be just bad luck, there should be some sort of investigation to see if anything can be learned from other countries and improved upon,

I agree with this, I wouldn’t want to accuse these collections of malpractice, but it would seem prudent to ensure that the most up to date husbandry techniques and practices are being followed.
 
I agree with this, I wouldn’t want to accuse these collections of malpractice, but it would seem prudent to ensure that the most up to date husbandry techniques and practices are being followed.
And you’re suggesting they aren’t? Do you really think these collections don’t know what they’re doing? Sometimes when introducing animals, the most carefully thought out plans just don’t work.
 
And you’re suggesting they aren’t? Do you really think these collections don’t know what they’re doing? Sometimes when introducing animals, the most carefully thought out plans just don’t work.

I’m sure they are, but after incidents like this, especially when there are a number of them so close together, it’s prudent to have a review.
 
Having worked with big cats for over 30 years ,I think alot of collections rush introductions. Every animal is different and requires different types of introductions wether through fence interactions, or exchanging enclosures to acclimatise to each others presence. Some introductions are exeptions to the rules, , I think alot of collections rush introductions for breeding and publicity of cubs .

I don’t know the general practice or how it ‘should’ be done but I do know how Marwell approached it.

They had through the fence contact since Pasha arrived, they had swapped enclosures at least once. All interactions at this point were very positive and the tigers appeared comfortable with one another.
From the zoo staff itself - the introduction (which happened before zoo hours) was initially very positive, Pasha’s turn of behaviour was incredibly sudden and seemingly out of nowhere, another reason why it’s been such a shock to the keepers
 
Notes from a very warm visit today.

  • Not many people around today. I guess due to the heat. As expected most animals are trying to find shade and less active than usual. I think it is worth going to your regular zoos in different weather conditions, as there will be something reacting in interesting or unexpected ways.
    • The lesser kudus were out and about in the paddock and more active than normal.If they don't like cold weather maybe they like today's heat.
    • Interesting contrast between stablemates the addaxes and dorcas gazelles. All the addaxes were lying down inside. The gazelles were all out in the sun.
    • The cotton topped tamarins were outside and very active today. They are more often than not inside.
  • Work is being done to the paths around the (current) red panda exhibit.
    • As a result the lower exit from the Fur, Feathers and Scales walkthrough aviary and the side entrance to the wallaby walkthrough at the top of the hill are both shut.
    • The red panda exhibit is inside the wallaby walkthrough, but until today I have never seen a wallaby close to the exhibit. One was sitting in the shade from the wall of one of the red panda pods.
  • They have started putting up fencing for the new red panda exhibit.
  • I didn't see the cusimanses and their signs have been removed. Have they gone?
  • There is now some sort of virtual reality experience in the giraffe house. I don't know any further details.
  • I saw the crocodile monitors being fed.
  • One of the roan antelopes was in the plans zebra's indoor quarters.
  • In the invertebrate exhibit next to Native Species, giant millipedes have been added to the sun beetle tank. They aren't signed.
 
Does anyone happen to know where Marwell's Blesbok pair went to?

Now I'm only summising here but Knowsley have just received 1:0 Blesbok from Blackpool zoo so wonder if 0:1 has moved there as well?
 
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I have seen the sand lizards. I think you might need to be lucky as they are well camouflaged and have several places to hide. I didn't see them yesterday.
 
marwell.org.uk/explore/virtual-reality-experience
Marwell has now put up a page about the VR in the giraffe house.
The headsets do several 'stagings' of a particular show daily - and the show changes every few months. Three shows are currently listed, and all seem to take place during 'peak season' - i.e. the summer holidays and the winter holidays - though this means that presumably there is a time during October when the VR isn't available.

I will say the page has some AI images on it. I don't like them very much either... but at this point I have seen enough AI images everywhere that I just try not to care too much about it. Though I wish they had gone for something else obviously.

As far goes my opinions on a VR attraction in a zoo... it's not my cup of iced tea but it is a thing several major zoos are doing or have done. I recall Chester had some sort of VR thing for a time, not sure if they still do. I think now Read's strategy of more money making ventures in the zoo is becoming apparent to me... I hope this money will be spent on things that will enhance the zoo experience as the Native Species Zone has!
 
marwell.org.uk/explore/virtual-reality-experience
Marwell has now put up a page about the VR in the giraffe house.
The headsets do several 'stagings' of a particular show daily - and the show changes every few months. Three shows are currently listed, and all seem to take place during 'peak season' - i.e. the summer holidays and the winter holidays - though this means that presumably there is a time during October when the VR isn't available.

I will say the page has some AI images on it. I don't like them very much either... but at this point I have seen enough AI images everywhere that I just try not to care too much about it. Though I wish they had gone for something else obviously.

As far goes my opinions on a VR attraction in a zoo... it's not my cup of iced tea but it is a thing several major zoos are doing or have done. I recall Chester had some sort of VR thing for a time, not sure if they still do. I think now Read's strategy of more money making ventures in the zoo is becoming apparent to me... I hope this money will be spent on things that will enhance the zoo experience as the Native Species Zone has!
In the giraffe house? I assume in the area where face painting has been done in recent months, which had been unfortunate for many visitors because it restricted viewing of the excellent evolution graphics, and blocked-off some viewing into the giraffe hardstand through the windows. It will be interesting to see how many people are willing to pay an extra £6 for an 11 minute VR having just paid to enter the Zoo where the prime intention must be on experiencing real animals. .
 
In the giraffe house? I assume in the area where face painting has been done in recent months, which had been unfortunate for many visitors because it restricted viewing of the excellent evolution graphics, and blocked-off some viewing into the giraffe hardstand through the windows. It will be interesting to see how many people are willing to pay an extra £6 for an 11 minute VR having just paid to enter the Zoo where the prime intention must be on experiencing real animals. .

Whipsnade had these on my last visit and they’re coming to Paignton too - in the old Ranch building there. OK if it makes money, but a shame to replace animals with them (appreciating that the Ranch went out of animals a few years ago).
 
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