Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
I draw the maps on paper ; then I scan them and I fill the scanned document with Inkscape (for the colours) and Paint (for the texts and vector images).
Masterplan of my "absolute" Zoo - 2022 version
- Thread starter Haliaeetus
- Start date
Lota lota
Well-Known Member
I am sorry about what i said that the zoo is too small.I cunfused acre with hectares,so I thought it was only 50 acres.
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
Hello,
we are now in the middle of the African Zone, in a sector that have experienced major changes with the departure of the Chimps, Bushbucks and Diana Monkeys.
All the sector is now themed on Congo, with a special focus on the in situ projects supported by the Zoo in this country and more widely in Central Africa.
We come in the sector longing an aviary that existed already in 2020 (23), that is 220 m² large and very vegetalized. The main change is the realization of the winter/night quarters of the birds in a new building that we'll visit soon. These quarters are heated but out of the sight of the visitors.
The Congo Peafowl have left the park, the aviary continues to display the following species :
Knysna Touraco in the night quarters :
(Credits : alexkant)
Black-cheeked Lovebird :
(Credits : Zooish)
The next exhibits (24-25) formerly dedicated to the Chimps and Bushbuck, are been revamped in mid-2021.
They are two grassy and flat enclosures, planted with young broadleaf trees ; these enclosures have respectively 1.640 and 2.620 m² surfaces, and are obviously dedicated to Okapis Okapia johnstoni (2.2). There are large shelters in the middle of each enclosure to offer shade to the animals, especially when the weather is hot.
The first Okapis came in the enclosure in autumn 2021.
For now the first enclosure houses one adult female "WAMBA" and her daughter "GOMA" born in 2021 (the adult female was pregnant when she arrived), and the second two adult males "WALTER" and "WAMI".
Near the exhibit there's plenty of information about the issues that the wild Okapis face, but also about the presence of these animals in Congolese popular culture, their late discovery by the Europeans... and the support given to Epulu Okapi conservation station in Eastern DRC.
Okapi (female) :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
One of the Okapi enclosures :
(Credits : MagpieGoose)
The next exhibit (26) looks much wetter, with dense ferns and reedbeds, and a pond in the middle.
It's a large netted aviary (1.120 m², but split in 2 parts) where its dwellers could be difficult to find in spite of their enormous size : the Shoebill Balaeniceps rex (2.2).
The two pairs of these birds arrived in the Zoo in late 2021, they are a new acquisition of the Zoo and they are part of a breeding program.
The Zoo supports also the field monitoring of this species in Uganda and Zambia.
Shoebill :
(Credits : Skukuza)
Shoebill aviary :
(Credits : nedpepper)
In the next days I'll describe the night quarters of the Shoebills and Okapis, designed for the welfare of both species year-round.
I let now you comment theses new enclosures, their design and the species displayed.
Stay in touch !
we are now in the middle of the African Zone, in a sector that have experienced major changes with the departure of the Chimps, Bushbucks and Diana Monkeys.
All the sector is now themed on Congo, with a special focus on the in situ projects supported by the Zoo in this country and more widely in Central Africa.
We come in the sector longing an aviary that existed already in 2020 (23), that is 220 m² large and very vegetalized. The main change is the realization of the winter/night quarters of the birds in a new building that we'll visit soon. These quarters are heated but out of the sight of the visitors.
The Congo Peafowl have left the park, the aviary continues to display the following species :
- Knysna Touraco Tauraco corythaix (0.3)
- Black-cheeked Lovebird Agapornis nigrigenis (7.3)
Knysna Touraco in the night quarters :
(Credits : alexkant)
Black-cheeked Lovebird :
(Credits : Zooish)
The next exhibits (24-25) formerly dedicated to the Chimps and Bushbuck, are been revamped in mid-2021.
They are two grassy and flat enclosures, planted with young broadleaf trees ; these enclosures have respectively 1.640 and 2.620 m² surfaces, and are obviously dedicated to Okapis Okapia johnstoni (2.2). There are large shelters in the middle of each enclosure to offer shade to the animals, especially when the weather is hot.
The first Okapis came in the enclosure in autumn 2021.
For now the first enclosure houses one adult female "WAMBA" and her daughter "GOMA" born in 2021 (the adult female was pregnant when she arrived), and the second two adult males "WALTER" and "WAMI".
Near the exhibit there's plenty of information about the issues that the wild Okapis face, but also about the presence of these animals in Congolese popular culture, their late discovery by the Europeans... and the support given to Epulu Okapi conservation station in Eastern DRC.
Okapi (female) :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
One of the Okapi enclosures :
(Credits : MagpieGoose)
The next exhibit (26) looks much wetter, with dense ferns and reedbeds, and a pond in the middle.
It's a large netted aviary (1.120 m², but split in 2 parts) where its dwellers could be difficult to find in spite of their enormous size : the Shoebill Balaeniceps rex (2.2).
The two pairs of these birds arrived in the Zoo in late 2021, they are a new acquisition of the Zoo and they are part of a breeding program.
The Zoo supports also the field monitoring of this species in Uganda and Zambia.
Shoebill :
(Credits : Skukuza)
Shoebill aviary :
(Credits : nedpepper)
In the next days I'll describe the night quarters of the Shoebills and Okapis, designed for the welfare of both species year-round.
I let now you comment theses new enclosures, their design and the species displayed.
Stay in touch !
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
Hello,
we are now in the main new realization of this 2022 version of my Zoo : the Salonga Pavilion, entirely dedicated to the wildlife conservation in Central Africa, and especially to Salonga National Park (D. R Congo) that has a twinning partnesrhip with the Zoo.
Going into the building, the visitor sees first the Okapi and Shoebill night and winter quarters at its right.
The Okapis can go between the boxes / inside enclosures and the outside yards along a corridor (A).
There are two basical boxes units (B and D), each containing 2 individual boxes of 35 m², and a 165 m² inside enclosure (C).
These indoor exhibits can house 4 adult Okapis plus one offspring.
All these exhibits house the Okapis in the night and when the weather is cold.
Indoor Okapi enclosures :
(Credits : MagpieGoose)
They are immediately followed by the indoor Shoebill aviaries (E and F) ; they are true aviaries and not ordinary paddocks. Each aviary has 115 m² surface, with a small pond and vegetation (reed, papyrus) to house the birds (a pair each) in winter.
Shoebill indoor aviary :
(Credits : devilfish)
All these exhibits benefit skylights, even if artificial enlightment is provided in the darkest days.
After the first part of the complex, the visitor can either leave it, towards the outdoor Shoebill aviaries or towards the Maasai plain (that will be described later), or go in the second part of the pavilion.
It can see two semi-covered exhibits in this middle part.
The first one (28) is a new 155 m² aviary, that is dedicated to a species unique in Europe for now, the Grey-necked Picathartes Picathartes oreas (4.0).
The aviary is 2 m high, it's partly covered with bushy vegetation, but the bottom part of the aviary mimics a cave.
The Zoo hopes to get one or more females in the near future to start the breeding of this species.
Grey-necked Picathartes :
(Credits : Tim May)
The next exhibit (29) is a 370 m² netted aviary, it was once occupied by two male Diana Monkeys.
Now the dwellers of the exhibit have changed, they are small carnivores seldomly seen in European zoos, the Two-spotted Palm Civets Nandinia binotata (3.0).
To provide more shade tranquillity to the animals, the top of the aviary has been covered with bamboo sticks.
Two-spotted Palm Civet :
(Credits : Michal Sloviak)
The visitor comes now in the second part of the Salonga complex, where it will be possible to see many reptile and small mammal species. I'll describe them soon.
I let you post your comments about the Salonga complex, the exhibits and the species displayed.
Stay in touch !
we are now in the main new realization of this 2022 version of my Zoo : the Salonga Pavilion, entirely dedicated to the wildlife conservation in Central Africa, and especially to Salonga National Park (D. R Congo) that has a twinning partnesrhip with the Zoo.
Going into the building, the visitor sees first the Okapi and Shoebill night and winter quarters at its right.
The Okapis can go between the boxes / inside enclosures and the outside yards along a corridor (A).
There are two basical boxes units (B and D), each containing 2 individual boxes of 35 m², and a 165 m² inside enclosure (C).
These indoor exhibits can house 4 adult Okapis plus one offspring.
All these exhibits house the Okapis in the night and when the weather is cold.
Indoor Okapi enclosures :
(Credits : MagpieGoose)
They are immediately followed by the indoor Shoebill aviaries (E and F) ; they are true aviaries and not ordinary paddocks. Each aviary has 115 m² surface, with a small pond and vegetation (reed, papyrus) to house the birds (a pair each) in winter.
Shoebill indoor aviary :
(Credits : devilfish)
All these exhibits benefit skylights, even if artificial enlightment is provided in the darkest days.
After the first part of the complex, the visitor can either leave it, towards the outdoor Shoebill aviaries or towards the Maasai plain (that will be described later), or go in the second part of the pavilion.
It can see two semi-covered exhibits in this middle part.
The first one (28) is a new 155 m² aviary, that is dedicated to a species unique in Europe for now, the Grey-necked Picathartes Picathartes oreas (4.0).
The aviary is 2 m high, it's partly covered with bushy vegetation, but the bottom part of the aviary mimics a cave.
The Zoo hopes to get one or more females in the near future to start the breeding of this species.
Grey-necked Picathartes :
(Credits : Tim May)
The next exhibit (29) is a 370 m² netted aviary, it was once occupied by two male Diana Monkeys.
Now the dwellers of the exhibit have changed, they are small carnivores seldomly seen in European zoos, the Two-spotted Palm Civets Nandinia binotata (3.0).
To provide more shade tranquillity to the animals, the top of the aviary has been covered with bamboo sticks.
Two-spotted Palm Civet :
(Credits : Michal Sloviak)
The visitor comes now in the second part of the Salonga complex, where it will be possible to see many reptile and small mammal species. I'll describe them soon.
I let you post your comments about the Salonga complex, the exhibits and the species displayed.
Stay in touch !
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
Hello,
here's the second part of the Salonga Centre, that's a building dedicated to reptiles and small- and medium-sized mammals of Central Africa.
(Map of the rectified version of the complex)
Immediately after the semi-covered gallery of the Picathartes and Palm Civets, the visitor comes in a tunnel where it can look at a cave-like terrarium with rockpiles of 30 m² (G), inhabited by Royal Pythons Python regius (5.0).
The reptiles - a new species for the Zoo, although common in captivity - are sometimes displayed outside of the terrarium, for special animations for the scholars and general public.
Royal Pythons' terrarium :
(Credits : lintworm)
Royal Python :
(Credits : KevinB)
Soon after, there's a nocturama where several mammals live in artificial night conditions.
Only a few light spots can allow to see these animals.
The first enclosure (H) is 30 m² large and garnished with mulch, stumps and potting soil.
We can see here a new species for the Zoo, unique in Europe : the Hero Shrew Scutisorex somereni (2.1).
The exceptional powers of this small mammal (due to an exceptionnally strong backbone that can support heavy weights) are explained on panels near the enclosure.
The second one (I) is larger (50 m²) and is more like an aviary, with a metallic net on the top and many ropes immediately below. We can see another new for the Zoo and unique in Europe species : the Gambian Epauletted Bat Epomophorus gambianus (5.10).
Gambian Epauletted Bats :
(Credits : Maguari)
The third enclosure of the row (J) is 30 m² large, more like the Hero Shrew enclosure, but filled with hemp straw, and small houses and shelters. Some dry reeds provide an extra enrichment.
We can see here a colony of Barbary Striped Grass Mice Lemniscomys striatus (3.5), that has been transferred from the former African mammal pavilion.
Only 2.0 mice died in the last months of 2021.
Barbary Striped Grass Mouse :
(Credits : jayjds2)
The visitor can walk around a large circular, cave-like aviary of 170 m² with mock-rock on the top.
The species housed here comes from the former African Mammal house too : it's a small colony of Egyptian Fruit Bats Rousettus aegyptiacus (4.3).
It's possible to see feeding sessions of the bats, when pieces of fruit are disposed on plates in the enclosure, and on skewers hung up on the mesh on the top of the aviary.
The dinner of an Egyptian Fruit Bat :
(Credits : Macaw16)
Egyptian Fruit Bat exhibit (partial view)
(Credits : geomorph)
Around the enclosure, some panels explain the ecological role played by fruit bats in tropical countries, and about the symbolic of bats worldwide.
It's the end of the "nocturnal" part of the complex.
The next exhibit (L) is a 180 m² lagoon with a sandy beach, tropical vegetation, some large trunks and large submarine wiew glass panels.
It displays several reptiles that are typical to Western and Central African wetlands :
The Helmeted Turtles have been transferred from the Vivarium.
A small exposition about the diverse aspects of animal trafficking in Africa completes the exhibit.
Slender-snouted Crocodile and African Turtles lagoon :
(Credits : KevinB)
Slender-snouted Crocodile :
(Credits : vogelcommando)
Helmeted Turtles :
(Credits : ThylacineAlive)
African Forest Turtle :
(Credits : RatioTile)
Facing the Croc and Turtle lagoon, some large windows offer a view on a 970 m² enclosure (M) displays a new species of primate, that's nowadays unique in European Zoos : the Blue Monkey Cercopithecus mitis (1.5).
The primates can enjoy an enclosure with rich vegetation, ropes and climbing gear.
It's hoped that these primates will breed in the Zoo.
The night quarters of the monkeys, used during the night and when the weather is inclement, are off-exhibit.
Blue Monkey :
(Credits : GregOz)
Before leaving the building, it's possible to go upstairs in a cultural space with no animals but a library and a projection room. Nevertheless some large windows allow to have an upside view of the Blue Monkeys in their enclosure, it's possible to see them just when you read a book in the library !
We can leave now the Salonga complex to discover the other parts of the African Zone (including the newly renamed Maasai complex).
You can now post your comments about the Salonga Complex, the animals and the exhibits.
here's the second part of the Salonga Centre, that's a building dedicated to reptiles and small- and medium-sized mammals of Central Africa.
(Map of the rectified version of the complex)
Immediately after the semi-covered gallery of the Picathartes and Palm Civets, the visitor comes in a tunnel where it can look at a cave-like terrarium with rockpiles of 30 m² (G), inhabited by Royal Pythons Python regius (5.0).
The reptiles - a new species for the Zoo, although common in captivity - are sometimes displayed outside of the terrarium, for special animations for the scholars and general public.
Royal Pythons' terrarium :
(Credits : lintworm)
Royal Python :
(Credits : KevinB)
Soon after, there's a nocturama where several mammals live in artificial night conditions.
Only a few light spots can allow to see these animals.
The first enclosure (H) is 30 m² large and garnished with mulch, stumps and potting soil.
We can see here a new species for the Zoo, unique in Europe : the Hero Shrew Scutisorex somereni (2.1).
The exceptional powers of this small mammal (due to an exceptionnally strong backbone that can support heavy weights) are explained on panels near the enclosure.
The second one (I) is larger (50 m²) and is more like an aviary, with a metallic net on the top and many ropes immediately below. We can see another new for the Zoo and unique in Europe species : the Gambian Epauletted Bat Epomophorus gambianus (5.10).
Gambian Epauletted Bats :
(Credits : Maguari)
The third enclosure of the row (J) is 30 m² large, more like the Hero Shrew enclosure, but filled with hemp straw, and small houses and shelters. Some dry reeds provide an extra enrichment.
We can see here a colony of Barbary Striped Grass Mice Lemniscomys striatus (3.5), that has been transferred from the former African mammal pavilion.
Only 2.0 mice died in the last months of 2021.
Barbary Striped Grass Mouse :
(Credits : jayjds2)
The visitor can walk around a large circular, cave-like aviary of 170 m² with mock-rock on the top.
The species housed here comes from the former African Mammal house too : it's a small colony of Egyptian Fruit Bats Rousettus aegyptiacus (4.3).
It's possible to see feeding sessions of the bats, when pieces of fruit are disposed on plates in the enclosure, and on skewers hung up on the mesh on the top of the aviary.
The dinner of an Egyptian Fruit Bat :
(Credits : Macaw16)
Egyptian Fruit Bat exhibit (partial view)
(Credits : geomorph)
Around the enclosure, some panels explain the ecological role played by fruit bats in tropical countries, and about the symbolic of bats worldwide.
It's the end of the "nocturnal" part of the complex.
The next exhibit (L) is a 180 m² lagoon with a sandy beach, tropical vegetation, some large trunks and large submarine wiew glass panels.
It displays several reptiles that are typical to Western and Central African wetlands :
- Slender-snouted Crocodile Mecistops cataphractus (1.0), new species for the Zoo ;
- Helmeted Turtle Pelomedusa subrufa (4.2) ;
- African Forest Turtle Pelusios gabonensis (5.0), new species for the Zoo.
The Helmeted Turtles have been transferred from the Vivarium.
A small exposition about the diverse aspects of animal trafficking in Africa completes the exhibit.
Slender-snouted Crocodile and African Turtles lagoon :
(Credits : KevinB)
Slender-snouted Crocodile :
(Credits : vogelcommando)
Helmeted Turtles :
(Credits : ThylacineAlive)
African Forest Turtle :
(Credits : RatioTile)
Facing the Croc and Turtle lagoon, some large windows offer a view on a 970 m² enclosure (M) displays a new species of primate, that's nowadays unique in European Zoos : the Blue Monkey Cercopithecus mitis (1.5).
The primates can enjoy an enclosure with rich vegetation, ropes and climbing gear.
It's hoped that these primates will breed in the Zoo.
The night quarters of the monkeys, used during the night and when the weather is inclement, are off-exhibit.
Blue Monkey :
(Credits : GregOz)
Before leaving the building, it's possible to go upstairs in a cultural space with no animals but a library and a projection room. Nevertheless some large windows allow to have an upside view of the Blue Monkeys in their enclosure, it's possible to see them just when you read a book in the library !
We can leave now the Salonga complex to discover the other parts of the African Zone (including the newly renamed Maasai complex).
You can now post your comments about the Salonga Complex, the animals and the exhibits.
As much as I like ball pythons: an enclosure that size is wasted on them. Neither will any visitor see any hero shrew in that kind of scenario.
The sex ratio of the Egyptian fruit bats would be rather stressful for the females - and, given their fertility, not stay like that for long.
Nobody sende crocs back to Africa.
The sex ratio of the Egyptian fruit bats would be rather stressful for the females - and, given their fertility, not stay like that for long.
Nobody sende crocs back to Africa.
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
"given their fertility, not stay like that for long."
What would you say? I don't understand.
"Nobody sende crocs back to Africa"
Sometimes the customs send back confiscated animals (birds, reptiles, monkeys.. ) to African facilities, if they exist.
I thought it would be possible for crocs, as a few African zoos (such as Abidjan) have managed to breed Slender-snouted Crocs.
Last edited:
Since you seem to like rarer species, you might be interested to learn that Pelomedusa subrufa has been split quite extensively. The actual captive stock is therefore hard to track and probably not pure, although much of the imports came from Togo/Benin I believe.
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
They belong probably to the type (sub?)species, according to the information available on ZTL.
The species reproduces well and quickly under the right circumstances. Up to the point that you'll soon need a bigger enclosure. Or keep males and females separated.
Regarding crocs: unlikely.
Last edited:
The information available on ZTL states no species or subspecies status.
It will be hard to tell for sure, but I guess most of the imported specimens were probably Pelomedusa variabilis or Pelomedusa olivacea but it's impossible to be certain, and since turtle live a quite long life, it's possible they have been sourced in many different countries over the years.
But the captive stock is now pretty much useless conservation wise.
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
Hello,
after the Salonga Pavilion (30) we are now in a more "classical" exhibit designed for large African herbivores, the Maasai complex (31).
This one, that is among the "old" structures of the Zoo, is quite large (1,14 ha) but basical in the settings, as it is a mostly sandy plain with short ray-grass and a shallow pond (0,75 m depth).
2 high poles have been erected to provide food to the Giraffes.
The displayed species array hasn't changed but, as they are popular zoo animals, the enclosure remains one of the most popular exhibits of the African Zone.
To remind, we can see here three large animal species :
The Maasai Plain :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
Masai Giraffes :
(Credits : Thegerenuk)
Grevy's Zebras :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
Common Ostrich :
(Credits : Babyrousa)
The night quarters of these large animals can be visited in the Maasai Pavilion (32).
Map of the Maasai Pavilion (it's the 2021 version as the setting hasn't changed) :
The pavilion includes several large aviaries (A-B-C-D). All of them are netted, dry and reproduce an arid landscape with sand, rocks and thorny trees.
Artificial nests have been implemented for species.
The A and B aviaries, that are the largest, can be seen from the visit path, without coming into the building.
The first aviary (A) is the largest (120 m²) with a clay cliff in the bottom and a recently created shallow pond with a mudflat.
In the beginning of 2022, the following species are present :
Some straw has been disposed, to be used by the Weavers and other songbird species to build their nests too.
Some birds hatched in 2021 in the aviary : 0.2 Little Bee-eaters and 1.3 Blacksmith Lapwings.
Three species have left the exhibit and the Zoo : the African Grey Hornbills, Green Woodhoopoes and Cut-throat Finches. A few Masked Lovebirds (4.2) have left the Zoo and 1.0 Little Bee-eater died in 2021.
Possible look of the African outdoor aviary :
(Credits : KevinB)
Masked Lovebird :
(Credits : KevinB)
African Pygmy Kingfisher :
(Credits : Laughingdove)
Little Bee-eater :
(Credits : lintworm)
Southern Masked-weaver :
(Credits : ro6ca66)
Speckle-fronted Weaver :
(Credits : vogelcommando)
Blacksmith Lapwing :
(Credits : Casuarius_casuarius)
The second aviary (B) is realized on the model of the previous one, but with more bushes and without any pond.
It's slightly smaller in size (80 m²) and displays now the following species :
The Southern Red Bishops previously housed here have left the Zoo in late 2021, as well as the entire colony of adult Red-billed Queleas (only the young hatched here remain for now ; the arrival of a new breeding group of adults is planned).
Peach-faced Lovebird and Quelea aviary :
(Credits : KevinB)
Peach-faced Lovebird :
(Credits : Parrotsandrew)
Red-billed Queleas :
(Credits : Gavial)
Laughing Dove :
(Credits : vogelcommando)
Meves's Long-tailed Starling :
(Credits : Vision)
In the coming days I'll decribe the inner parts of the Maasai Pavilion.
Now I let you post your impressions about the exhibits, the species and the general design of the enclosures.
Stay in touch !
after the Salonga Pavilion (30) we are now in a more "classical" exhibit designed for large African herbivores, the Maasai complex (31).
This one, that is among the "old" structures of the Zoo, is quite large (1,14 ha) but basical in the settings, as it is a mostly sandy plain with short ray-grass and a shallow pond (0,75 m depth).
2 high poles have been erected to provide food to the Giraffes.
The displayed species array hasn't changed but, as they are popular zoo animals, the enclosure remains one of the most popular exhibits of the African Zone.
To remind, we can see here three large animal species :
- Masai Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi (1.2 ; the male NAKURU and the females NAIROBI and NAIVASHA ; this Giraffe subspecies is unique in European zoos nowadays even if it has been quite frequent in the past) ;
- Grevy's Zebra Equus grevyi (0.2 ; only the females LALIBELA and LAIKIPIA remain in the Zoo, while 2.2 animals have left the collection ; a male could join the remaining females in the near future) ;
- Common Ostrich Struthio camelus (3.0).
The Maasai Plain :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
Masai Giraffes :
(Credits : Thegerenuk)
Grevy's Zebras :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
Common Ostrich :
(Credits : Babyrousa)
The night quarters of these large animals can be visited in the Maasai Pavilion (32).
Map of the Maasai Pavilion (it's the 2021 version as the setting hasn't changed) :
The pavilion includes several large aviaries (A-B-C-D). All of them are netted, dry and reproduce an arid landscape with sand, rocks and thorny trees.
Artificial nests have been implemented for species.
The A and B aviaries, that are the largest, can be seen from the visit path, without coming into the building.
The first aviary (A) is the largest (120 m²) with a clay cliff in the bottom and a recently created shallow pond with a mudflat.
In the beginning of 2022, the following species are present :
- Masked Lovebird Agapornis personatus (6.6) ;
- African Pygmy Kingfisher Ispidina picta (2.0), unique in Europe ;
- Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus (2.10), unique in Europe ;
- Southern Masked-weaver Ploceus velatus (9.10) ;
- Speckle-fronted Weaver Sporopipes frontalis (8.5), new species for the Zoo and unique in Europe ;
- Blacksmith Lapwing Hoplopterus armatus (2.5), new species for the Zoo.
Some straw has been disposed, to be used by the Weavers and other songbird species to build their nests too.
Some birds hatched in 2021 in the aviary : 0.2 Little Bee-eaters and 1.3 Blacksmith Lapwings.
Three species have left the exhibit and the Zoo : the African Grey Hornbills, Green Woodhoopoes and Cut-throat Finches. A few Masked Lovebirds (4.2) have left the Zoo and 1.0 Little Bee-eater died in 2021.
Possible look of the African outdoor aviary :
(Credits : KevinB)
Masked Lovebird :
(Credits : KevinB)
African Pygmy Kingfisher :
(Credits : Laughingdove)
Little Bee-eater :
(Credits : lintworm)
Southern Masked-weaver :
(Credits : ro6ca66)
Speckle-fronted Weaver :
(Credits : vogelcommando)
Blacksmith Lapwing :
(Credits : Casuarius_casuarius)
The second aviary (B) is realized on the model of the previous one, but with more bushes and without any pond.
It's slightly smaller in size (80 m²) and displays now the following species :
- Peach-faced Lovebird Agapornis roseicollis (6.7) ;
- Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea (1.2) ;
- Ruwenzori Hill-babbler Sylvia atriceps (2.5), new species for the Zoo, unique in Europe for now ;
- Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis (0.4), new species for the Zoo ;
- Meves's Long-tailed Starling Lamprotornis mevesii (4.5), new species for the Zoo, unique in Europe for now.
The Southern Red Bishops previously housed here have left the Zoo in late 2021, as well as the entire colony of adult Red-billed Queleas (only the young hatched here remain for now ; the arrival of a new breeding group of adults is planned).
Peach-faced Lovebird and Quelea aviary :
(Credits : KevinB)
Peach-faced Lovebird :
(Credits : Parrotsandrew)
Red-billed Queleas :
(Credits : Gavial)
Laughing Dove :
(Credits : vogelcommando)
Meves's Long-tailed Starling :
(Credits : Vision)
In the coming days I'll decribe the inner parts of the Maasai Pavilion.
Now I let you post your impressions about the exhibits, the species and the general design of the enclosures.
Stay in touch !
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
Hello,
today I describe some of the other bird aviaries of the Maasai Pavilion, this time inside the building.
They existed already last year, but the animal collection has somewhat changed.
These aviaries are smaller than the two previous exhibits, and they mimic arid environments. Some large glass panels on the roof provide a lot of light year-round, and these windows can be opened when the weather is hot. Some mesh is disposed between the top of tha aviaries and the roof to prevent collisions of both captive and wild birds.
The third aviary (C) has a surface of 75 m². In this aviary a palm tree and mock rock complete the landscape.
It hosts the following species :
(Credits : Canihelpyou?)
Livingstone's Touraco :
(Credits : vogelcommando)
Senegal Coucal :
(Credits : vogelcommando)
Wattled Lapwing :
(Credits : ronnienl)
A female Senegal Coucal has joined the lonely male, but the pair of Rock Hyraxes once kept in this exhibit have left the Zoo recently.
The last aviary (D) is the smallest with only 30 m².
It hosts only two bird species now :
Some nectar feeders are disposed for the Sunbirds because of their special feeding habits.
The Zoo has welcomed two clutches of Scarlet-chested Sunbirds, totalizing 2.2 fledglings, in 2021.
Superb Starling :
(Credits : amur leopard)
Scarlet-chested Sunbird :
(Credits : amur leopard)
In the following days I'll describe the indoor enclosures of the large herbivores of this pavilion (see enclosure n° 31 for more details about the species displayed).
Now I let you post your comments about these two aviaries and their species.
Stay in touch !
today I describe some of the other bird aviaries of the Maasai Pavilion, this time inside the building.
They existed already last year, but the animal collection has somewhat changed.
These aviaries are smaller than the two previous exhibits, and they mimic arid environments. Some large glass panels on the roof provide a lot of light year-round, and these windows can be opened when the weather is hot. Some mesh is disposed between the top of tha aviaries and the roof to prevent collisions of both captive and wild birds.
The third aviary (C) has a surface of 75 m². In this aviary a palm tree and mock rock complete the landscape.
It hosts the following species :
- Livingstone's Touraco Tauraco livingstonii (2.2) ;
- Senegal Coucal Centropus senegalensis (1.1), this species is unique in Europe now although it exists in a Middle Eastern collection ;
- Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus (3.5), new species for the Zoo.
(Credits : Canihelpyou?)
Livingstone's Touraco :
(Credits : vogelcommando)
Senegal Coucal :
(Credits : vogelcommando)
Wattled Lapwing :
(Credits : ronnienl)
A female Senegal Coucal has joined the lonely male, but the pair of Rock Hyraxes once kept in this exhibit have left the Zoo recently.
The last aviary (D) is the smallest with only 30 m².
It hosts only two bird species now :
- Superb Starling Lamprotornis superbus (5.3)
- Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis (7.6).
Some nectar feeders are disposed for the Sunbirds because of their special feeding habits.
The Zoo has welcomed two clutches of Scarlet-chested Sunbirds, totalizing 2.2 fledglings, in 2021.
Superb Starling :
(Credits : amur leopard)
Scarlet-chested Sunbird :
(Credits : amur leopard)
In the following days I'll describe the indoor enclosures of the large herbivores of this pavilion (see enclosure n° 31 for more details about the species displayed).
Now I let you post your comments about these two aviaries and their species.
Stay in touch !
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
Hello,
today I'll present a short description of the indoor ungulate paddocks of the Masai Pavilion (E).
That's a complex of enclosures of various sizes for the Giraffes, Zebras and Ostriches, with fences and wooden partitions to separate them, feeders on the sides, and straw on the floor.
It's nevertheless possible to connect two or more enclosures for each species, and even to divide the enclosures in smaller parts (up to 10 m²) for some specific needs like the veterinary care.
Some enclosures can be seen by the public, but not all of them.
Four middle-sized enclosures (75 m²) have been built to house one or two Zebras each ; the two largest enclosures (225 m² each) host the Giraffes (the first enclosure for the male and the other for the two females and possibly offspring) ; the four smallest (25 m² each) are the home of the Ostriches, with a capacity of one or two birds in each enclosure.
The animals stay in night or when the weather is cold or too wet (to avoid the slipping risk on ice/mud, that could be deadly to the Giraffes and Ostriches especially).
Conversely the Zebras can go outside nearly year-round.
Zebras' indoor enclosures :
(Credits : MagpieGoose)
Giraffes' indoor enclosure :
(Credits : MagpieGoose)
Ostrich Boxes (possible look) :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
After the Masai Pavilion, we go in a second large pavilion (33), that replaces the former African Mammal House that housed Bats, Naked Mole-Rats, Aardvarks and other small to medium-sized species.
It has a 1.190 m² surface, the two-thirds are used for animal exhibits and the remainder to commodities.
I'll describe it in the following days.
Stay in touch !
today I'll present a short description of the indoor ungulate paddocks of the Masai Pavilion (E).
That's a complex of enclosures of various sizes for the Giraffes, Zebras and Ostriches, with fences and wooden partitions to separate them, feeders on the sides, and straw on the floor.
It's nevertheless possible to connect two or more enclosures for each species, and even to divide the enclosures in smaller parts (up to 10 m²) for some specific needs like the veterinary care.
Some enclosures can be seen by the public, but not all of them.
Four middle-sized enclosures (75 m²) have been built to house one or two Zebras each ; the two largest enclosures (225 m² each) host the Giraffes (the first enclosure for the male and the other for the two females and possibly offspring) ; the four smallest (25 m² each) are the home of the Ostriches, with a capacity of one or two birds in each enclosure.
The animals stay in night or when the weather is cold or too wet (to avoid the slipping risk on ice/mud, that could be deadly to the Giraffes and Ostriches especially).
Conversely the Zebras can go outside nearly year-round.
Zebras' indoor enclosures :
(Credits : MagpieGoose)
Giraffes' indoor enclosure :
(Credits : MagpieGoose)
Ostrich Boxes (possible look) :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
After the Masai Pavilion, we go in a second large pavilion (33), that replaces the former African Mammal House that housed Bats, Naked Mole-Rats, Aardvarks and other small to medium-sized species.
It has a 1.190 m² surface, the two-thirds are used for animal exhibits and the remainder to commodities.
I'll describe it in the following days.
Stay in touch !
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
The new pavilion is dedicated to a single species, the Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius.
Of course this species is an ABC and megafauna popular species, but it's threatened in the wild (VU worldwide status). It also introduces a new set of enclosures dedicated to savannah and wetland hoofstock (I'll describe it later). It's the heaviest animal living in the African Zone, as there aren't any Elephants nor Rhinos.
Map of the Hippo Pavilion :
The pavilion is organized with a large restaurant (A), "Le Limpopo" (pun between the French name of the animal and the Limpopo river in Southern Africa), in a corner of the building, with two stairs and a terrace where it's possible to eat seeing the Giraffes and Zebras in the neighbouring enclosure.
The inside quarters of the building can be visited along a corridor.
Longing it, the visitor can see panels about conservation actions done in Democratic Republic of the Congo in favour of the Hippos, to prevent poaching and human-wildlife conflicts.
There's a row of five 100 m² paddocks (B-F) able to carry an equal number of adult animals plus up to 3 offspring. Every paddock has a concrete soil to ease the daily washing, and a 20 m² pool.
They are used at night, in bad weather conditions and when special circumstances need it (health issues, motherhood, behaviour...).
But the animals can usually go outside everyday except in freezing days or during violent storms.
Hippo night quarters :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
There's also a toilet block (G) on a corner of the pavilion, without special interest.
The two next enclosures (34-35) are the newly built outdoor quarters of the Hippos, that have respectively 2.245 and 2.030 m² surfaces.
They include large pools, glass panels with submarine view and large sandy areas where the animals can roam and sunbathe.
The two enclosures are usually separated but can sometimes be linked, for example to facilitate breeding.
They host respectively the following animals, all of them are young (<5 years old) :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
In the next days I'll describe the complex of savannah enclosures for many carnivore and hoofstock species (the collection has changed since 2021 in favour of the latter).
I let you comment the design of the exhibits, the animals and the general philosophy of the Zone.
Of course this species is an ABC and megafauna popular species, but it's threatened in the wild (VU worldwide status). It also introduces a new set of enclosures dedicated to savannah and wetland hoofstock (I'll describe it later). It's the heaviest animal living in the African Zone, as there aren't any Elephants nor Rhinos.
Map of the Hippo Pavilion :
The pavilion is organized with a large restaurant (A), "Le Limpopo" (pun between the French name of the animal and the Limpopo river in Southern Africa), in a corner of the building, with two stairs and a terrace where it's possible to eat seeing the Giraffes and Zebras in the neighbouring enclosure.
The inside quarters of the building can be visited along a corridor.
Longing it, the visitor can see panels about conservation actions done in Democratic Republic of the Congo in favour of the Hippos, to prevent poaching and human-wildlife conflicts.
There's a row of five 100 m² paddocks (B-F) able to carry an equal number of adult animals plus up to 3 offspring. Every paddock has a concrete soil to ease the daily washing, and a 20 m² pool.
They are used at night, in bad weather conditions and when special circumstances need it (health issues, motherhood, behaviour...).
But the animals can usually go outside everyday except in freezing days or during violent storms.
Hippo night quarters :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
There's also a toilet block (G) on a corner of the pavilion, without special interest.
The two next enclosures (34-35) are the newly built outdoor quarters of the Hippos, that have respectively 2.245 and 2.030 m² surfaces.
They include large pools, glass panels with submarine view and large sandy areas where the animals can roam and sunbathe.
The two enclosures are usually separated but can sometimes be linked, for example to facilitate breeding.
They host respectively the following animals, all of them are young (<5 years old) :
- n° 34 : 2.0 animals (KIMBO'O and KIBOKO)
- n° 35 : 0.1 animal (LOUANNA).
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
In the next days I'll describe the complex of savannah enclosures for many carnivore and hoofstock species (the collection has changed since 2021 in favour of the latter).
I let you comment the design of the exhibits, the animals and the general philosophy of the Zone.
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
A bit of supplementary explanations about the Hippo outdoor enclosures.
Each enclosure contains a large pool with shallow sectors and deeper ones, up to 3 m depth.
The land part of the enclosures are partially planted with ray-grass, partially covered with sand and even concrete.
The night quarters are hidden by mock-rock.
The visitors path is longing the enclosures, sometimes a bit under the ground level (with glass panels offering underwater vision), sometimes above with a raised viewing platform : it could be possible to see the Hippos either in the water either on ground.
As the Hippos are young, it's planned to have females in an enclosure, and a small bachelor male group in the other for a time, then to maintain only one male and to export the others, for a breeding plan.
The Hippos are kept alone, but it could be planned to introduce a few ducks in the future.
Hippo enclosure :
(Credits : Tiger)
Hippo viewing platform :
(Credits : MagpieGoose)
We can see now a row of large enclosures and plains dedicated to the savannah large mammals.
The carnivore collection has been reduced : the pack of African Wild Dogs and even the breeding group of Cheetahs have left the Zoo, only the Spotted Hyaenas Crocuta crocuta (1.1) remain in a 1.585 m² enclosure (36) with a single pair (departure of 4.0 animals).
The enclosure is partially a grassy plain, and partially a piece of broadleaf forest with gentle slopes.
There are plenty of explanations along the enclosure about the quite bad role of Hyaenas in the folklores, both in Western countries and in Africa ; and about a project, supported by the Zoo, dedicated to large carnivore (including Hyaena) conservation in Northern Benin, Niger and Burkina Faso.
Spotted Hyaena :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
Spotted Hyaena enclosure :
(Credits : Maguari)
The following enclosures are dedicated to hoofstock (antelopes and zebras).
The collection of this species has largely increased since 2021 ; before it was limited to Bushbucks (gone now) and two Gazelle species.
The first one (37) is a grassy and quite swampy plain of 2.020 m² for a large herd of Lechwes Kobus leche (10.7), a new acquisition of the Zoo. They complete the Hippos as large wetland African mammals in a "wet savannah" biome as it's possible to see in Zambia or Northern Botswana.
There are a few trees in the enclosure to provide shade to the animals, but they are fenced to avoid depredations.
The visitors are separated from the animals by low fences and 2,5 m depth moats (where animals can walk) immediately behind.
Lechwe :
(Credits : MagpieGoose)
Lechwe exhibit :
(Credits : snowleopard)
The second one (38) is drier but built on the same model, with a much larger surface (10.045 m²), and hosts three species, popular and common in zoos but representative of the large African grassland ungulates :
In 2021 there has been a Greater Kudu birth (0.1) ; the young female has been called SIDONIE.
Burchell's Zebra :
(Credits : ThylacineAlive)
Greater Kudu :
(Credits : TheGerenuk)
Defassa Waterbuck :
(Credits : HungarianBison)
Mixed Zebra and Antelope enclosure :
(Credits : Tiger)
After these quite common species, the next enclosures will be dedicated to much rarer animals, both in zoos and in the wild (I don't say more for now, you'll discover in the following days...).
I let you post your comments, impressions and advices about these exhibits and the species displayed.
Stay in touch!
Each enclosure contains a large pool with shallow sectors and deeper ones, up to 3 m depth.
The land part of the enclosures are partially planted with ray-grass, partially covered with sand and even concrete.
The night quarters are hidden by mock-rock.
The visitors path is longing the enclosures, sometimes a bit under the ground level (with glass panels offering underwater vision), sometimes above with a raised viewing platform : it could be possible to see the Hippos either in the water either on ground.
As the Hippos are young, it's planned to have females in an enclosure, and a small bachelor male group in the other for a time, then to maintain only one male and to export the others, for a breeding plan.
The Hippos are kept alone, but it could be planned to introduce a few ducks in the future.
Hippo enclosure :
(Credits : Tiger)
Hippo viewing platform :
(Credits : MagpieGoose)
We can see now a row of large enclosures and plains dedicated to the savannah large mammals.
The carnivore collection has been reduced : the pack of African Wild Dogs and even the breeding group of Cheetahs have left the Zoo, only the Spotted Hyaenas Crocuta crocuta (1.1) remain in a 1.585 m² enclosure (36) with a single pair (departure of 4.0 animals).
The enclosure is partially a grassy plain, and partially a piece of broadleaf forest with gentle slopes.
There are plenty of explanations along the enclosure about the quite bad role of Hyaenas in the folklores, both in Western countries and in Africa ; and about a project, supported by the Zoo, dedicated to large carnivore (including Hyaena) conservation in Northern Benin, Niger and Burkina Faso.
Spotted Hyaena :
(Credits : Haliaeetus)
Spotted Hyaena enclosure :
(Credits : Maguari)
The following enclosures are dedicated to hoofstock (antelopes and zebras).
The collection of this species has largely increased since 2021 ; before it was limited to Bushbucks (gone now) and two Gazelle species.
The first one (37) is a grassy and quite swampy plain of 2.020 m² for a large herd of Lechwes Kobus leche (10.7), a new acquisition of the Zoo. They complete the Hippos as large wetland African mammals in a "wet savannah" biome as it's possible to see in Zambia or Northern Botswana.
There are a few trees in the enclosure to provide shade to the animals, but they are fenced to avoid depredations.
The visitors are separated from the animals by low fences and 2,5 m depth moats (where animals can walk) immediately behind.
Lechwe :
(Credits : MagpieGoose)
Lechwe exhibit :
(Credits : snowleopard)
The second one (38) is drier but built on the same model, with a much larger surface (10.045 m²), and hosts three species, popular and common in zoos but representative of the large African grassland ungulates :
- Burchell's Zebra Equus quagga burchellii (2.3) ;
- Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros (4.5) ;
- Defassa Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa (1.2).
In 2021 there has been a Greater Kudu birth (0.1) ; the young female has been called SIDONIE.
Burchell's Zebra :
(Credits : ThylacineAlive)
Greater Kudu :
(Credits : TheGerenuk)
Defassa Waterbuck :
(Credits : HungarianBison)
Mixed Zebra and Antelope enclosure :
(Credits : Tiger)
After these quite common species, the next enclosures will be dedicated to much rarer animals, both in zoos and in the wild (I don't say more for now, you'll discover in the following days...).
I let you post your comments, impressions and advices about these exhibits and the species displayed.
Stay in touch!
Last edited:
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
Now we are in the last hoofstock enclosures of the African Zone, more accurately in the former enclosure for Mountain Zebras and Blue Cranes (both have left the Zoo) that has been splitted in two.
They have been replaced by rare antelope species, both new for the Zoo and unique in Europe, that live in flat and bushy landscapes.
The first enclosure (39) is the longest, with a 1.755 m² enclosure. It has been dedicated to a rare herd of Hunter's Hartebeests Beatragus hunteri (2.2). The two pairs of this CR species come from a Kenyan refuge where they have been rescued as orphans.
We hope that some calves will be born in the coming years.
There's some information about a conservation program supported by the Zoo in Kenya, dedicated to the limitation of the human/wildlife conflicts, whose purpose is to protect many carnivore and herbivore species, including Hirola (but also Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Vultures...).
Hunter's Hartebeest :
(Credits : Giant Eland)
The latter (40) is a little bit smaller, with a surface of 1.730 m² and hosts a discreet species, hard to see in its enclosure, the Southern Grysbok Raphicerus melanotis (2.0).
These animals have been rescued as orphans too, but their tame behaviour made them unable to be brought back to the wild. The breeding of this LC species isn't planned.
Southern Grysbok :
(Credits : Giant Eland)
In the next days I'll describe the Mascarene/Malagasy section of the African Zone, that I'll have soon described entirely.
I let you post your comments about these two enclosures.
They have been replaced by rare antelope species, both new for the Zoo and unique in Europe, that live in flat and bushy landscapes.
The first enclosure (39) is the longest, with a 1.755 m² enclosure. It has been dedicated to a rare herd of Hunter's Hartebeests Beatragus hunteri (2.2). The two pairs of this CR species come from a Kenyan refuge where they have been rescued as orphans.
We hope that some calves will be born in the coming years.
There's some information about a conservation program supported by the Zoo in Kenya, dedicated to the limitation of the human/wildlife conflicts, whose purpose is to protect many carnivore and herbivore species, including Hirola (but also Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Vultures...).
Hunter's Hartebeest :
(Credits : Giant Eland)
The latter (40) is a little bit smaller, with a surface of 1.730 m² and hosts a discreet species, hard to see in its enclosure, the Southern Grysbok Raphicerus melanotis (2.0).
These animals have been rescued as orphans too, but their tame behaviour made them unable to be brought back to the wild. The breeding of this LC species isn't planned.
Southern Grysbok :
(Credits : Giant Eland)
In the next days I'll describe the Mascarene/Malagasy section of the African Zone, that I'll have soon described entirely.
I let you post your comments about these two enclosures.
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
Hello,
today I finish the description of the 2022 version of the African Zone, with the Malagasy/Mascarene sector.
The species list has changed a bit.
We see first a complex of 3 densely vegetalized aviaries (41), once occupied by Mauritian endemics (Echo Parakeet, Pink Pigeon, Olive White-eye) that have all left the collection [another Mauritian species arrived in the Zoo, with 2.2 Mauritius Kestrels, see earlier]).
For now the main aviary (200 m²) keeps only a flock of Red Fodies Foudia madagascariensis (10.11). It's a common species, but it remains popular given to the bright colours of the male, and it's kept waiting for rarer birds.
In 2021, two clutches of Red Fodies fledged, producing 2.6 young (respectively 2.2 and 0.4 birds).
There has been the departure of 0.5 birds, and the arrival of 8.0 birds.
Red Fody :
(Credits : evilmonkey239)
Red Fody main aviary :
(Credits : Daniel Sörensen)
The two smaller aviaries (70 m² each) displays a Madagascar endemic, that's a new species for the Zoo and unique in Europe : the Hook-billed Vanga Vanga curvirostris (4.2), the aviaries hosting respectively 2.2 and 2.0 birds.
Only the first aviary can be seen by the visitors, the second is off-exhibit.
The last exhibits are part of a complex for Malagasy mammals, including the famous Lemurs in large, clear aviaries.
There's first a 465 m² trapezoidal aviary (42) for Eastern Woolly Lemurs Avahi laniger (4.3), a species unique in Europe. The group is composed of 3 adult pairs and 1 young male born in 2020 ; a fourth male deceased in late 2021.
They can be quite difficult to see in daytime hours, the visitors often see one or two furballs sleeping in the trees (the other may be hidden in nest boxes).
Eastern Avahis :
(Credits : lintworm)
A second exhibit is a long, 245 m² aviary with a classical design (43), resulting for the merging of two former enclosures keeping 2 lemur species.
We can see here another unique in Europe species, the Gray Bamboo Lemur Hapalemur griseus (5.4).
The group has experienced the arrival of a new male from Tsimbazaza Zoological Gardens (Madagascar), changed for a young female born in the Zoo, and mainly the birth of 1.0 new baby, that's a huge and long-waited success for the Zoo and the conservation of this species that has a VU status according to IUCN.
In contrary to the Avahis, these ones are easy to see during the day.
It's interesting for the public, also because it's a little-known species, and an alternative to the 2 or 3 Lemur species kept nearly everywhere.
A third Lemur species, the Gray Mouse-Lemur, was once kept here but the all-female group has left the Zoo during the last year.
Gray Bamboo Lemur :
(Credits : Tomek)
Bamboo Lemur enclosure :
(Credits : Morgan)
Both Lemur species have indoor quarters for night (or day, in the case of the Avahis) and inclement weather. These quarters are entirely off-exhibit.
We close the African Zone with the third Malagasy mammal enclosure of 760 m² (44), that used to keep two common species in zoos (Ring-tailed and Crowned Lemurs).
This enclosure has a semi-circular shape and displays a mainly rocky landscape with some climbing structures (logs and ropes).
The Lemurs have been replaced by a little-known species, rare in zoos, the Spotted Fanaloka Fossa fossana (2.0).
The Zoo displays two brothers, and the import of females for breeding isn't planned for this species.
One of their night quarters can bee seen by the public behind a window.
Spotted Fanaloka :
(Credits : gulogulogulo)
This is the end of the African Zone, I hope you have enjoyed it.
In next days I'll describe the following zone : the Aquarium.
You can now post your impressions and comments about the African Zone, and suggestions for future releases of this part of the Zoo.
Stay in touch !
today I finish the description of the 2022 version of the African Zone, with the Malagasy/Mascarene sector.
The species list has changed a bit.
We see first a complex of 3 densely vegetalized aviaries (41), once occupied by Mauritian endemics (Echo Parakeet, Pink Pigeon, Olive White-eye) that have all left the collection [another Mauritian species arrived in the Zoo, with 2.2 Mauritius Kestrels, see earlier]).
For now the main aviary (200 m²) keeps only a flock of Red Fodies Foudia madagascariensis (10.11). It's a common species, but it remains popular given to the bright colours of the male, and it's kept waiting for rarer birds.
In 2021, two clutches of Red Fodies fledged, producing 2.6 young (respectively 2.2 and 0.4 birds).
There has been the departure of 0.5 birds, and the arrival of 8.0 birds.
Red Fody :
(Credits : evilmonkey239)
Red Fody main aviary :
(Credits : Daniel Sörensen)
The two smaller aviaries (70 m² each) displays a Madagascar endemic, that's a new species for the Zoo and unique in Europe : the Hook-billed Vanga Vanga curvirostris (4.2), the aviaries hosting respectively 2.2 and 2.0 birds.
Only the first aviary can be seen by the visitors, the second is off-exhibit.
The last exhibits are part of a complex for Malagasy mammals, including the famous Lemurs in large, clear aviaries.
There's first a 465 m² trapezoidal aviary (42) for Eastern Woolly Lemurs Avahi laniger (4.3), a species unique in Europe. The group is composed of 3 adult pairs and 1 young male born in 2020 ; a fourth male deceased in late 2021.
They can be quite difficult to see in daytime hours, the visitors often see one or two furballs sleeping in the trees (the other may be hidden in nest boxes).
Eastern Avahis :
(Credits : lintworm)
A second exhibit is a long, 245 m² aviary with a classical design (43), resulting for the merging of two former enclosures keeping 2 lemur species.
We can see here another unique in Europe species, the Gray Bamboo Lemur Hapalemur griseus (5.4).
The group has experienced the arrival of a new male from Tsimbazaza Zoological Gardens (Madagascar), changed for a young female born in the Zoo, and mainly the birth of 1.0 new baby, that's a huge and long-waited success for the Zoo and the conservation of this species that has a VU status according to IUCN.
In contrary to the Avahis, these ones are easy to see during the day.
It's interesting for the public, also because it's a little-known species, and an alternative to the 2 or 3 Lemur species kept nearly everywhere.
A third Lemur species, the Gray Mouse-Lemur, was once kept here but the all-female group has left the Zoo during the last year.
Gray Bamboo Lemur :
(Credits : Tomek)
Bamboo Lemur enclosure :
(Credits : Morgan)
Both Lemur species have indoor quarters for night (or day, in the case of the Avahis) and inclement weather. These quarters are entirely off-exhibit.
We close the African Zone with the third Malagasy mammal enclosure of 760 m² (44), that used to keep two common species in zoos (Ring-tailed and Crowned Lemurs).
This enclosure has a semi-circular shape and displays a mainly rocky landscape with some climbing structures (logs and ropes).
The Lemurs have been replaced by a little-known species, rare in zoos, the Spotted Fanaloka Fossa fossana (2.0).
The Zoo displays two brothers, and the import of females for breeding isn't planned for this species.
One of their night quarters can bee seen by the public behind a window.
Spotted Fanaloka :
(Credits : gulogulogulo)
This is the end of the African Zone, I hope you have enjoyed it.
In next days I'll describe the following zone : the Aquarium.
You can now post your impressions and comments about the African Zone, and suggestions for future releases of this part of the Zoo.
Stay in touch !
Lota lota
Well-Known Member
What kind of books are in this library?
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
Mainly books about wildlife and conservation.