Marwell Wildlife My Monthly Updates 2009 #1
- Thread starter Zambar
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Thanks MarwellDalek
Update 17/05/09.
- The giraffe's access gates to the valley has being built. One gate is in the hardstand with the other in the bongo paddock opposite. The gates form a gangway across the vistor's path, and once in the bongo paddock, the giraffes enter the valley through another gate linked directly to it. The giraffes were not in the valley today due to the wet weather this morning. On the subject, I am sad to announce the death of Mary, the last of Marwell's older giraffes. On a light note, the results of her operation is to be used in helping giraffe healthcare in the future.
- Births include a dorcas gazelle, a roan antelope and three penguins.
- 240 partula snails have gone to Chester, and two kangaroos have gone to Blackpool in exchange for a male. The kangaroos have also swapped yards with the capybara.
- I saw an ostrich in the valley sitting by two eggs, meaning that the valley's first births should hopefully not be far away.
- The giraffe's access gates to the valley has being built. One gate is in the hardstand with the other in the bongo paddock opposite. The gates form a gangway across the vistor's path, and once in the bongo paddock, the giraffes enter the valley through another gate linked directly to it. The giraffes were not in the valley today due to the wet weather this morning. On the subject, I am sad to announce the death of Mary, the last of Marwell's older giraffes. On a light note, the results of her operation is to be used in helping giraffe healthcare in the future.
- Births include a dorcas gazelle, a roan antelope and three penguins.
- 240 partula snails have gone to Chester, and two kangaroos have gone to Blackpool in exchange for a male. The kangaroos have also swapped yards with the capybara.
- I saw an ostrich in the valley sitting by two eggs, meaning that the valley's first births should hopefully not be far away.
6/6/09
As today was a casual visit and not an oryx club meeting, it means there won't be any definitive collection news, more a jumble of observations:
- Giraffes weren't in the valley, still staying in the bongo paddock. I spoke to one of the keepers about this after they let the giraffes back into the house, and he didn't give a definite date, more it would depend on how brave the giraffes got each morning. Apparentley, this morning Kismet went into the valley and one of the calves went into the slipway, but there wasn't enough time for the others to join him.
- Grass is growing in the valley creating a more savanna like effect.
- Dwarf Mongoose enclosure in Aridlands empty.
- Demoiselle Cranes with a chick.
- Stanley Cranes now in the hornbill avairy; former enclosure empty.
- New species in Tropical World: Central American Tree Python in former leaf insect vivarium.
- Two capybara sharing the tapir paddock.
As today was a casual visit and not an oryx club meeting, it means there won't be any definitive collection news, more a jumble of observations:
- Giraffes weren't in the valley, still staying in the bongo paddock. I spoke to one of the keepers about this after they let the giraffes back into the house, and he didn't give a definite date, more it would depend on how brave the giraffes got each morning. Apparentley, this morning Kismet went into the valley and one of the calves went into the slipway, but there wasn't enough time for the others to join him.
- Grass is growing in the valley creating a more savanna like effect.
- Dwarf Mongoose enclosure in Aridlands empty.
- Demoiselle Cranes with a chick.
- Stanley Cranes now in the hornbill avairy; former enclosure empty.
- New species in Tropical World: Central American Tree Python in former leaf insect vivarium.
- Two capybara sharing the tapir paddock.
mhale
Well-Known Member
Marwell Dalek, a couple of questions, if you don't mind:
Were the bat-eared foxes back in their enclosure, as it was empty last weekend (as was the dwarf mongoose enclosure in Aridlands, already mentioned by you)?
Did you see the frogs in the Amphibian Centre? They are so tiny
Interesting information regarding the giraffes and the African Valley. Also, I was interested to hear about the capybaras mixed with the tapirs, as they weren't last weekend.
Were the bat-eared foxes back in their enclosure, as it was empty last weekend (as was the dwarf mongoose enclosure in Aridlands, already mentioned by you)?
Did you see the frogs in the Amphibian Centre? They are so tiny
Interesting information regarding the giraffes and the African Valley. Also, I was interested to hear about the capybaras mixed with the tapirs, as they weren't last weekend.
Bat-Eared Foxes still empty. Seemed to be some renovation stuff going on in there.
Yes I did, and I agree, those amazon milk frogs are very titchy.
I suspect it was downsize the group a bit, with all the recent litters they're looking very crowded and I imagine there were disputes. And have you noticed the way the tapirs have changed the smell of the SAM House?
Yes I did, and I agree, those amazon milk frogs are very titchy.
I suspect it was downsize the group a bit, with all the recent litters they're looking very crowded and I imagine there were disputes. And have you noticed the way the tapirs have changed the smell of the SAM House?
mhale
Well-Known Member
Went to Marwell today and had the following observations, to follow on from what Marwell Dalek has already said:
1) Yet another litter of 4 capybaras were born on Monday 1st June 2009 which means there are now 13 in one enclosure and 2 in with the tapirs
2) Kismet the giraffe was actually in the African Valley today (the others stayed in the bongo paddock)
3) The Into Africa building was closed to the public at the time I went past, but I don't know why
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw yet another 4 capybaras in the paddock - they really are a big family now
1) Yet another litter of 4 capybaras were born on Monday 1st June 2009 which means there are now 13 in one enclosure and 2 in with the tapirs
2) Kismet the giraffe was actually in the African Valley today (the others stayed in the bongo paddock)
3) The Into Africa building was closed to the public at the time I went past, but I don't know why
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw yet another 4 capybaras in the paddock - they really are a big family now
Kismet has been in the African Valley daily for a week now. Into Africa was closed for a while as a (male) giraffe calf was born on Sunday. Not sure why it was considered that the capybara area was "crowded" but there is certainly a very attractive family group of 13 animals together which spend most of the day in the paddock. The two that are with the tapirs are two older males.
I presume Isabella is the mother of the giraffe calf? Is this Kismet's first offspring, or did he breed before arriving at Marwell? What great news
Indeed I think I'll be making another trip this Sunday to see the giraffe out, given that I can't go to the next oryx club and I don't think the valley animals will be out in the evening on the annual pass member's picnic in July.
You a keeper Zooboy? Be great to know we have more official voices on the site.
You a keeper Zooboy? Be great to know we have more official voices on the site.
mhale
Well-Known Member
I visited Marwell on Friday (12th) and these are my observations:
1) I saw the three young warthogs for the first time - normally I only see the adults
2) The new giraffe calf is absolutely gorgeous (as you can see in my photos) and he and Isabella (his mother) seem to have formed a good bond. They were kept in the house (with access to the hardstanding) whilst the other females and calves were in the bongo paddock and Kismet (the male) was in the valley (the gate was open between the two)
3) The leopards have swapped back again - I had a long chat with one of the keepers and she said they will continue to swap the leopards around all the time Akin (the male) is happy with the arrangement
4) The Arabian spiny mice have moved to the opposite end of the Aridlands building (I don't know where the shrew has gone!) and were very active
5) The dwarf mongoose enclosure is still empty in Aridlands
6) I asked about the possibility of the ocelots having kittens and was told that the male has had the snip so no chance there!
7) The bat-eared foxes will remain offshow indefinitely in the stable yard until their enclosure has had a make-over
1) I saw the three young warthogs for the first time - normally I only see the adults
2) The new giraffe calf is absolutely gorgeous (as you can see in my photos) and he and Isabella (his mother) seem to have formed a good bond. They were kept in the house (with access to the hardstanding) whilst the other females and calves were in the bongo paddock and Kismet (the male) was in the valley (the gate was open between the two)
3) The leopards have swapped back again - I had a long chat with one of the keepers and she said they will continue to swap the leopards around all the time Akin (the male) is happy with the arrangement
4) The Arabian spiny mice have moved to the opposite end of the Aridlands building (I don't know where the shrew has gone!) and were very active
5) The dwarf mongoose enclosure is still empty in Aridlands
6) I asked about the possibility of the ocelots having kittens and was told that the male has had the snip so no chance there!
7) The bat-eared foxes will remain offshow indefinitely in the stable yard until their enclosure has had a make-over
taun
Well-Known Member
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