Chester Zoo My Chester Zoo Visits

[lechweoryx]

Visited today finally managed to see the Duiker! albeit very briefly. She looks like i fine speciemin and look forward to seeing her alot more when she has gotten use to the enclosure and the people passing through. After a few minutes she retreated to a dark corner at the back of the enclosure behind the snake exhibit. Both of the Okapi were locked outside. Iblis and Asha were very vocal towards each other with alot of dominating behaviour comingfrom Iblis. Which can only be a good thing, though today for the first time Asha was starting to look her age. Noticed that Ema and Bashira are now in the Enclosure nearest to the Tsavo Aviary side path where Margardi was previously kept.

Great news about the Duiker sighting!

 

[SMR]

I'm also very fond of the West Zoo paddocks - they've been basically unchanged for so long that they are always rather nostalgically 'Chesterish' to me.

And to me. I once read a report on the zoo that said it was instantly recognisable due to the design of ha has, moats, sandstone walls and flower beds as stand-offs, building on the Hagenbeck theme. I also like the fact that it's a quieter area of the zoo.

...But, as the Natural Vision concept develops, and from the look of the model (note: still very much a work in progress), nothing of the old West Zoo will be recognisable, except perhaps the avenue of lime trees.

Since that has been put right a few years ago I would now say the big gap was hippos. I don't see that changing until (all being well) Heart of Africa opens.

Hippos aren't part of HoA, they'll be in the West Zoo in a later phase, somewhere in the region of where the oryx paddock is today based on the model. A long, long time off I would say.

We always sit on the bench upstairs in the Tropical Realm in the corner (near the keeper access door). I like seeing the birds... Ive never seen anyone else sit there but Im sure more people do....

They will now!

 

[Maguari]

Hippos aren't part of HoA, they'll be in the West Zoo in a later phase, somewhere in the region of where the oryx paddock is today based on the model. A long, long time off I would say.

You're right about the Common Hippos. Pygmy Hippos are in the HoA plans, though.

 

[adrian1963]

The reason I've called the indoor area for the Orangutans is quite simple a small area that you have to look down on with no outside view point that has a living being in it human or animal is useally called a pit.
This is not meant as a bad remark I was just writing what I saw, I do understand that they have a great outside area but on this visit all the orangs were inside and on the floor of the enclosures.
Only the male was climbing up the outside of the cage and within a few minutes he to was back on the floor.
All animals should have a large portion of there enclosure be it inside or outside that they can use as a privacy area as you rightly pointed out there may be an area under the walk way if this is the case, I didn't realise and would appologise if I've upset anyone (didn't mean to).

I would say I only wished my local zoo Dudley had such a good overall exhibit for there Orangutans as this is for Chester.

 

[SMR]

Pygmy Hippos are in the HoA plans, though.

Oh pygmy hippos, I thought you meant proper hippos!

I don't remember Chester's previous pygmy hippo exhibits - I might not have been born - but have seen the photos, and given the public interaction presumably they're far more gentle than their common cousins!

 

[taun]

The reason I've called the indoor area for the Orangutans is quite simple a small area that you have to look down on with no outside view point that has a living being in it human or animal is useally called a pit.
This is not meant as a bad remark I was just writing what I saw, I do understand that they have a great outside area but on this visit all the orangs were inside and on the floor of the enclosures.
Only the male was climbing up the outside of the cage and within a few minutes he to was back on the floor.
All animals should have a large portion of there enclosure be it inside or outside that they can use as a privacy area as you rightly pointed out there may be an area under the walk way if this is the case, I didn't realise and would appologise if I've upset anyone (didn't mean to).

I would say I only wished my local zoo Dudley had such a good overall exhibit for there Orangutans as this is for Chester.

Not a problem and I don't think anyone was upset, just the term 'pit' was used so I gathered you thought it was bad. Hence me asking what you actually thought about it.

Just a misunderstanding thats all.

Taun

 

[Paix]

Hippos aren't part of HoA, they'll be in the West Zoo in a later phase, somewhere in the region of where the oryx paddock is today based on the model. A long, long time off I would say.

What exactly was the model, an actual 3D Model of the whole Natural Vision plan, or just an extensive version of the plans on paper, or was it virtual?

 

[adrian1963]

Not a problem Taun
Another exhibit I did really enjoy and forgot to mention was the Butterfly walkthrough for me (someone who is not over keen on butterflies) I thought this was very interesting

 

[Maguari]

Oh pygmy hippos, I thought you meant proper hippos!

I'd absolutely prefer Proper Hippos, but I'll take their squiddy little cousins as next best thing!

All animals should have a large portion of there enclosure be it inside or outside that they can use as a privacy area as you rightly pointed out there may be an area under the walk way if this is the case, I didn't realise and would appologise if I've upset anyone (didn't mean to).

No-one's upset, just a bit confused I think!

You can find plans of the exhibit here: ZooLex Picture 16

This shows the offshow dens under the visitor walkway for the Sumatran Orangs. The Borneans have access to the old indoor exhibits in the old house next door, which are completely offshow.

Here's the Zoolez description of how the ape areas are used, just for information.

The enclosures are equipped with high climbing structures, hammocks and ropes, high ledges, and natural vegetation. The Bornean and Sumatran orang-utans are kept separate at all times, while the gibbons share enclosures with the Sumatran orang-utans. Due to the size and structure of the enclosures the primates have the opportunity to hide from the visitors whenever they want, although they often spend time interacting with the public. Importantly, the primates also have 24-hour access to their enclosures, meaning that they are not required to retire to a designated sleeping area during the night. During the day the primates have access to their enclosures by passing through tunnels, giving them space and the choice of where to roam. The open outside enclosures give access to all kinds of natural influences that stimulate exploration behaviour of the orang-utans. A number of enrichment feeders are being developed to increase foraging opportunities and arboreal feeding.

Actually, the Zoolex article also confirms the rationale of the viewing height:

The ‘canopy walk’ provides visitors with an insight into the lives of the orang-utan and gibbon. From an elevated position the animals can be seen together swinging from branch to branch at eye level. The height of the viewing ports offers views through a number of large glass panels into all the enclosures. The exhibit is also designed to promote intimacy with orang-utans who can reach the viewing panels and make eye-to-eye contact with visitors. Young children in particular enjoy this feature.

I too am very keen on the butterfly house - when it was announced I feared a London/Bristol style polytunnel affair, but luckily Chester were sensible enough to go for a much more permanent greenhouse. They just need to put some labels up, is all.

 

[SMR]

What exactly was the model, an actual 3D Model of the whole Natural Vision plan...

Yes, a physical scale model in a perspex case, about four feet square. It encompassed the entire site, from the pedestrian entrance on Caughall Road right across to the new access points into the main car park from the A41.

 

[SMR]

"From an elevated position the animals can be seen together swinging from branch to branch at eye level. The height of the viewing ports offers views through a number of large glass panels into all the enclosures. The exhibit is also designed to promote intimacy with orang-utans who can reach the viewing panels and make eye-to-eye contact with visitors."

Reminds me of a description of the old orang house, before it was absorbed into RoR.

 

[Paix]

Yes, a physical scale model in a perspex case, about four feet square. It encompassed the entire site, from the pedestrian entrance on Caughall Road right across to the new access points into the main car park from the A41.

Interesting.

 

[Maguari]

Reminds me of a description of the old orang house, before it was absorbed into RoR.

True - the old house was a more basic attempt at a similar thing.

 

[Pertinax]

True - the old house was a more basic attempt at a similar thing.

Chester were the first place at least in the Uk to try and exhibit Orangs in a way that they could be seen at eyelevel wih visitors. But while the concept was novel, they didn't follow it through in other ways- there were just the horrid metal climbing frames in bare concrete enclosures, while outside there was no attempt at really getting the animls off the ground much or providing 'eye level' viewing. RORA is very much an updated version but its also a big improvement.

 

[LeeMac13]

Forgot to mention the other day that the Prewaslki horse exhibit has been converted for the Porcupines.

 

[Indlovu]

sorry about short notice, but Sunday's visit has been brought forward to tomorrow. Anything that needs finding out?

 

[Javan Rhino]

sorry about short notice, but Sunday's visit has been brought forward to tomorrow. Anything that needs finding out?

Have they started work on the Wild Dog enclosure yet? If not do they know when it will start. Are they still going ahead with it because it implies on the map they will be on-show in 2010, so if they haven't even started yet they will have to be very quick to build and get them through quarentine.

Thanks

 

[SMR]

Have they started work on the Wild Dog enclosure yet? If not do they know when it will start.

This has been mentioned in a number of threads. The African hunting dogs are on hold until next year. Initially the project was delayed as the zoo wanted to develop the area around the enclosure - improved visitor facilities, toilets/shop - and then again as it'll likely be encompassed within the hotel development as was discussed at the AGM.

 

[Javan Rhino]

Ahhh right, that's a shame. I heard that it was delayed but I thought it would still be this year. In that case, just find out whatever good stuff you can and have a good day . I've been watching this thread for a while before I joined and have learnt some interesting things. Thanks for doing it

Also, does anybody know a date for Heart of Africa plans being returned (to find out whether it is granted or not) and if it is granted when (approx.) building would start. Can anybody tell me if there are any more long/short stages between planning permission being granted and building starting, and how long they could take. My guess is that Heart of Africa will open to the public in 2013, but I don't know the whole process so I'm probably wrong.

 

[bongorob]

No decision has been made on The Heart of Africa plans as yet. As soon as it is, I'm sure you'll hear about it on ZooChat.