Edinburgh Zoo Masterplan shelved?

[kiang]

Can i just say, that in my previous post there was NO hint dropping whatsoever, Edinburgh zoos long term plan is to eventually bring in 1 or 2 female rhino, until that time, males will be kept (obviously), to enhance their expertise with the species.
Pertinax, it was the current enclosure in which Fanindra and Babu, were introduced, but for a male/female combination, i would say it is far from ideal.

 

[taun]

I can answer that one to the best of my knowledge they are getting another male.

Thanks Zoogiraffe, it does make sense with the current enclosure to do so.

 

[Gentle Giant]

I'm afraid zelda is right - apart from Belfast (which is owned by the city council), none of the UK's larger zoos receive any particular government funding. They can sometimes get development agency money, but (as far as I'm aware) this is obtained by application in competition with all the other worthy (and sometimes not so worthy!) causes.

There are one or two smaller places that are local council-supported - Leeds City Council in particular maintains a municipal tropical house at Tropical World and a municipal bird garden at Lotherton.

Like Camperdown Wildlife Centre funded by Dundee City Council, a new development for 2010 - the old wildlife centre entrance building will be demolished and replaced with a new entrance facility, cafe with outdoor terrace, retail area and an education room.

And also Birmingham Nature Centre runs by Birmingham City Council and Curraghs Wildlife Park owned by the Isle of Man Government.

Some zoos received the grants from government e.g Business Link, Scottish Enterprise and DEFRA etc, to support innovative ideas to help the zoo business grow.

 

[Mr Gelada]

Does that mean the plans for Mercedes old enclosure are not going ahead either !!!!

 

[cracker]

They are still going ahead with this development as it has already started.

 

[Mr Gelada]

Thats good thanks for that do you know what has been achieved so far in the demolition of the old enclosure

 

[Simon McGlary]

The re-development of Mercedes old enclosure is well underway. The glass and bars on top of the wall have already been removed.

The main immediate focus over the next few years will be the work highlighted in the report in reference to the zoo licence. The more I have thought about it I wouldn't be surprised if the RZSS suggested the points that the council came up with in ordere to make it easier to get planning permission for what is required. Already there is some refurbishment work going on in the Mansion House, including the kitchens! The infrastructure (electricity supplies, water supplies etc) are very much in need of upgrading and would make other developments much more achievable.

Don't be surprised if you find Edinburgh becoming a holding zoo for young male Indian rhinos!

Remember, Edinburgh Zoo keeps its plans very flexable and, to quote from some of there presentation slides, it's always evolving!