HelloCrossy67
Well-Known Member
Marwell Zoo – Theoretical Improvements
My aim with this thread is to share what I hope are logical and thoughtful ideas for securing Marwell Zoo’s future. I have great confidence in Ms. Read and her team and fully support the direction they are taking—this is not intended as a critique, but rather a personal perspective. This is designed to be a realistic and achievable plan, not a complete or radical redevelopment.
To provide more informed suggestions, I’ve reviewed Marwell’s history to understand how the zoo has evolved over time. I hope fellow Marwell regulars - and anyone with an interest in zoo development - find this thread as enjoyable to read as I found it to write. I welcome any feedback, questions, or alternative ideas. Do a whole list if you want.
Former Enclosures Overview
Savannah Tracks
Originally designed for cheetahs, Savannah Tracks currently houses a pair of servals in its upper section. The lower section of the enclosure - surrounded by a boardwalk - is connected to the Giraffe/Zebra/Roan paddock. While the giraffes can access this area, they rarely use it.
Proposal:
Reinstate fencing to separate this section from the main paddock and redevelop it as an independent enclosure, for a species such as gelada.
Coati Roundabout
This enclosure was originally redeveloped for South American coatis but later housed red pandas and potoroos. Both species have since been relocated or are in the process of being moved elsewhere.
Proposal:
The enclosure’s design—while unusual—is best suited for small mammals. I propose reintroducing white-nosed coatis, a species for which the enclosure was originally created. Similar approaches are planned for other collections, such as London Zoo.
Eco Island
Previously home to Sulawesi crested macaques until 2020, the indoor area now houses two Siamang brothers. The adjacent outdoor area, now referred to as “Eco Island,” remains underused.
Proposal:
With the removal of old infrastructure and the addition of climbing frames and enhanced perimeter security, this space could be reimagined for primates. I recommend introducing Diana monkeys, a dynamic species that would thrive in this environment.
South Road
This stretch between the Native Species Zone and the entrance is one of the most visibly neglected parts of the zoo, scattered with defunct or partial enclosures. The previous decision to restrict use of this area—except for the Snow Leopards—now seems unnecessarily limiting. I hope the current management will consider a different approach.
Proposal:
Individual Enclosure Proposals
Bush Dog
I anticipate that a new pack of bush dogs will be introduced to reoccupy the existing enclosure, and think this is the best move.
Red Panda (Former)
Proposal:
Demolition and then extension of the Himalayan Monal Aviary to either maintain a larger group of them or introduce a small cat such as Pallas Cat.
Warty Pig Enclosure (Former)
Proposal:
Relocate the Lowland Anoa to this space. Their current enclosure could then be transformed into a habitat for African grey crowned cranes.
Blesbok Paddock (Former)
Proposal:
Merge this paddock with the Przewalski’s horse hardstand and small paddock as this area currently offers limited viewing opportunities for visitors.. Construct new hardstand facilities to relocate the horses from the “Valley” exhibit, which could then be reimagined for a more suitable development.
Note:
I am not making specific proposals for the African Valley area, as the zoo’s long-term plans for this space remain unclear.
Unused Areas
Marabou Mansions (Former Site)
Situated opposite the giraffe house, this high-traffic area has remained vacant since the original exhibit was dismantled.
Proposal:
Develop this site for a small-to-medium carnivore. A particularly engaging option would be the honey badger, a charismatic species rarely seen in UK collections. Alternatively, if feasible, a more elusive predator such as spotted or striped hyena could be considered.
Old Rhino & Oryx Housing
Currently serving as a quarantine/off-show area, this former housing facility also holds promise as a future exhibit space.
Proposal:
If the zoo's quarantine needs are met elsewhere in the future, this area could be converted into a habitat for a medium terrestrial mammal, such as the common warthog—a species that would fit both thematically and practically.
Species Additions
Tropical House
Originally home to three mammal species when it opened in 2017, the Tropical House now contains only one.
Proposal:
Introduce a small terrestrial mammal—such as agouti, armadillo, or even a return of mouse deer, which is still listed on signage. The central section under the main path could house a more active species like a tamandua or a small group of squirrel monkeys.
Additionally, the darker corridor leading to the crocodile monitor exhibit could be transformed into a nocturnal zone—ideal for a species such as the slow loris.
Binturong Enclosure
The binturongs are often inactive or out of sight, making the large enclosure feel underutilised.
Proposal:
Introduce a compatible small mammal to increase daily activity and visitor engagement. Potential species could include the red-rumped agouti or Southern pudu depending on compatibility.
Wild Explorers Zone
This immersive zone opened in 2015 but did not include new species despite having substantial indoor and outdoor space.
Proposal:
Introduce a small African mammal, such as an African crested porcupine or aardvark, to the indoor section. The outdoor dinosaur education area could be reconfigured to provide a connected outdoor habitat.
Heart of Africa (Indoor Spaces)
Originally designed for species such as the potto and Nile monitor, these small exhibits have since been repurposed for educational use.
Proposal:
Convert one of the displays (e.g., the animal skull exhibit) back into a functional animal habitat. Potential candidates include reptiles such as the gaboon viper or African fat-tailed gecko, subject to space and environmental control.
Other Animal Changes
Hoofstock Groups
Species such as the lesser kudu, Arabian oryx, dorcas gazelle, and beisa oryx are currently represented only by single-sex or small groups. Of these, the beisa oryx would be the strongest candidate for long-term conservation focus.
Bird Groups
Bird diversity has decreased in recent years, with the departure or decline of species such as the Marabou stork, Northern bald ibis, and Indian peafowl.
Proposal:
Guest Experience Enhancements
Marwell has made great strides in enhancing the visitor experience in recent years, including improvements to Penguin Cove, Native Species exhibits, and viewing windows for servals and dik-dik.
Suggestions for Further Enhancements:
My aim with this thread is to share what I hope are logical and thoughtful ideas for securing Marwell Zoo’s future. I have great confidence in Ms. Read and her team and fully support the direction they are taking—this is not intended as a critique, but rather a personal perspective. This is designed to be a realistic and achievable plan, not a complete or radical redevelopment.
To provide more informed suggestions, I’ve reviewed Marwell’s history to understand how the zoo has evolved over time. I hope fellow Marwell regulars - and anyone with an interest in zoo development - find this thread as enjoyable to read as I found it to write. I welcome any feedback, questions, or alternative ideas. Do a whole list if you want.
Former Enclosures Overview
Savannah Tracks
Originally designed for cheetahs, Savannah Tracks currently houses a pair of servals in its upper section. The lower section of the enclosure - surrounded by a boardwalk - is connected to the Giraffe/Zebra/Roan paddock. While the giraffes can access this area, they rarely use it.
Proposal:
Reinstate fencing to separate this section from the main paddock and redevelop it as an independent enclosure, for a species such as gelada.
Coati Roundabout
This enclosure was originally redeveloped for South American coatis but later housed red pandas and potoroos. Both species have since been relocated or are in the process of being moved elsewhere.
Proposal:
The enclosure’s design—while unusual—is best suited for small mammals. I propose reintroducing white-nosed coatis, a species for which the enclosure was originally created. Similar approaches are planned for other collections, such as London Zoo.
Eco Island
Previously home to Sulawesi crested macaques until 2020, the indoor area now houses two Siamang brothers. The adjacent outdoor area, now referred to as “Eco Island,” remains underused.
Proposal:
With the removal of old infrastructure and the addition of climbing frames and enhanced perimeter security, this space could be reimagined for primates. I recommend introducing Diana monkeys, a dynamic species that would thrive in this environment.
South Road
This stretch between the Native Species Zone and the entrance is one of the most visibly neglected parts of the zoo, scattered with defunct or partial enclosures. The previous decision to restrict use of this area—except for the Snow Leopards—now seems unnecessarily limiting. I hope the current management will consider a different approach.
Proposal:
- The area between the toilet block/playpark and the Native Species Zone previously housed sitatunga. Although the housing remains, it is in poor condition. Restoration and expansion could allow it to accommodate hoofstock such as waterbuck.
- The space between the Snow Leopard enclosure and the zoo entrance retains remnants of older exhibits and offers room for several new enclosures. Possible species could include tufted deer, takin and wild boar.
Individual Enclosure Proposals
Bush Dog
I anticipate that a new pack of bush dogs will be introduced to reoccupy the existing enclosure, and think this is the best move.
Red Panda (Former)
Proposal:
Demolition and then extension of the Himalayan Monal Aviary to either maintain a larger group of them or introduce a small cat such as Pallas Cat.
Warty Pig Enclosure (Former)
Proposal:
Relocate the Lowland Anoa to this space. Their current enclosure could then be transformed into a habitat for African grey crowned cranes.
Blesbok Paddock (Former)
Proposal:
Merge this paddock with the Przewalski’s horse hardstand and small paddock as this area currently offers limited viewing opportunities for visitors.. Construct new hardstand facilities to relocate the horses from the “Valley” exhibit, which could then be reimagined for a more suitable development.
Note:
I am not making specific proposals for the African Valley area, as the zoo’s long-term plans for this space remain unclear.
Unused Areas
Marabou Mansions (Former Site)
Situated opposite the giraffe house, this high-traffic area has remained vacant since the original exhibit was dismantled.
Proposal:
Develop this site for a small-to-medium carnivore. A particularly engaging option would be the honey badger, a charismatic species rarely seen in UK collections. Alternatively, if feasible, a more elusive predator such as spotted or striped hyena could be considered.
Old Rhino & Oryx Housing
Currently serving as a quarantine/off-show area, this former housing facility also holds promise as a future exhibit space.
Proposal:
If the zoo's quarantine needs are met elsewhere in the future, this area could be converted into a habitat for a medium terrestrial mammal, such as the common warthog—a species that would fit both thematically and practically.
Species Additions
Tropical House
Originally home to three mammal species when it opened in 2017, the Tropical House now contains only one.
Proposal:
Introduce a small terrestrial mammal—such as agouti, armadillo, or even a return of mouse deer, which is still listed on signage. The central section under the main path could house a more active species like a tamandua or a small group of squirrel monkeys.
Additionally, the darker corridor leading to the crocodile monitor exhibit could be transformed into a nocturnal zone—ideal for a species such as the slow loris.
Binturong Enclosure
The binturongs are often inactive or out of sight, making the large enclosure feel underutilised.
Proposal:
Introduce a compatible small mammal to increase daily activity and visitor engagement. Potential species could include the red-rumped agouti or Southern pudu depending on compatibility.
Wild Explorers Zone
This immersive zone opened in 2015 but did not include new species despite having substantial indoor and outdoor space.
Proposal:
Introduce a small African mammal, such as an African crested porcupine or aardvark, to the indoor section. The outdoor dinosaur education area could be reconfigured to provide a connected outdoor habitat.
Heart of Africa (Indoor Spaces)
Originally designed for species such as the potto and Nile monitor, these small exhibits have since been repurposed for educational use.
Proposal:
Convert one of the displays (e.g., the animal skull exhibit) back into a functional animal habitat. Potential candidates include reptiles such as the gaboon viper or African fat-tailed gecko, subject to space and environmental control.
Other Animal Changes
Hoofstock Groups
- Re-establish a breeding herd of Eastern bongo
- Add 3–4 female reticulated giraffes to strengthen the existing herd
- Establish a breeding herd of roan antelope
- Introduce more Hartmann’s mountain zebra, or consider adding greater eland to better utilise the large paddock
- Import female beisa oryx to support the population
Species such as the lesser kudu, Arabian oryx, dorcas gazelle, and beisa oryx are currently represented only by single-sex or small groups. Of these, the beisa oryx would be the strongest candidate for long-term conservation focus.
Bird Groups
Bird diversity has decreased in recent years, with the departure or decline of species such as the Marabou stork, Northern bald ibis, and Indian peafowl.
Proposal:
- Increase group sizes of larger birds already present (e.g. Hamerkop, Ostrich)
- Add Sacred ibis to the Fur, Feathers & Scales walkthrough
- Consider new aviaries in underused areas, such as:
- The old meerkat site near the Amur Tigers
- The unused hardstanding beside the Banteng paddock
Guest Experience Enhancements
Marwell has made great strides in enhancing the visitor experience in recent years, including improvements to Penguin Cove, Native Species exhibits, and viewing windows for servals and dik-dik.
Suggestions for Further Enhancements:
- Snow Leopard Viewing Platform:
Reopen the elevated viewing area, closed for several years. It would provide a high quality alternative viewpoint and would be optimum for photographers. - Red Panda Enclosure Pathway:
Once the red pandas move to their new habitat, reopening the closed portion of the 360° path would restore guest flow and offer new perspectives on the enclosures.