Chester Zoo Natural Vision Plans

My previous reply to this question was BONOBO!

But I think that the site may be redeveloped. The plans are a rather vague, but I think it may become part of the Aquatic zone.

Alan
 
Yassa said:
If the old enclosure is not beng demolished (I hope not), there are many possibilities.
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The entire area is due for demolition (chimp house and island, Tropical Realm, hoof stock building, okapi and giraffe house) but when is the key question. The area is not part of phase one so I'd expect the chimp house and island to be used for a different monkey/ape species for at least an interim period. It is likely to be developed at the same time as the Tropical Realm is demolished since the two have always been closely connected (the old chimp quarters and gallery are still visible as part of the Tropical Realm).
 
Surely if bonobo were on Chesters wanted list they would be IN HoA, not as an ancillary exhibit.
That is if they were considering bonobo.
 
kiang said:
Surely if bonobo were on Chesters wanted list they would be IN HoA, not as an ancillary exhibit.
That is if they were considering bonobo.
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Very likely to be true; but it won't stop me hoping ;). It wouldn't really be awfully sensible to keep bonobo in the same building as chimps - it could wind both species up.

Alan
 
gentle lemur said:
Very likely to be true; but it won't stop me hoping ;). It wouldn't really be awfully sensible to keep bonobo in the same building as chimps - it could wind both species up.

Alan
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Touche Alan, bonobo would be a great species for Chester to get, or come to mention it any UK zoo, looks like Bristol's new zoo at Hollywood estate will be the next bonobo holder.

Just waiting for zoogiraffe to say "or is it":rolleyes:
 
How is Hollywood Towers coming along? I know they've got planning permission, but has there been anything further?
 
kiang said:
Surely if bonobo were on Chesters wanted list they would be IN HoA, not as an ancillary exhibit.
That is if they were considering bonobo.
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I don't believe they are... but if they were, I agree they would probably take precedence over the existing chimps in having a purpose-built exhibit in HOA. They could exhibit both species of course, provided they were in different parts of the building.
 
The NV masterplan is clear and to me it remains indifferent whether chimps or bonobos are displayed. Both great ape species have similar threat categories, so for conservation purposes they have similar relevance (mind W.African chimps have been reduced by 75% in the last few years). For zoo management sake it is probably the wiser to stick with the chimps. I am more than happy for Chester to stick with it. Zoogiraffe has stated aim and purpose, so .. rather final methinks!!!
 
Is anyone going to the member's meeting about Natural Vision tonight? I hope to, provided I can get away from work in time.

Alan
 
Was hoping to go myself but have only just got home from work :( oh the joys of teaching and staff meetings!
 
SMR said:
I was there this evening if anyone has questions. Clearly we need ZooChat T-shirts, although they might be an easy way for zoos to deny access. ;)
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Perhaps we need a secret handshake like the Freemasons :rolleyes: - but I don't see why anyone should deny us access; we are all zoo supporters, and just like the other members there tonight we are entitled to ask questions and criticise if we feel we have to, because that's what real supporters do.
Incidentally, I was the one who asked about the comparison with Hollywood Towers.
The meeting was interesting because it provided insight into the zoo's strategic planning. Most of the Powerpoint slides were included in the planning application documents, but it was nice to have their context explained. I took notes and I will try to pick out the major points tomorrow.

Alan
 
gentle lemur said:
...I don't see why anyone should deny us access; we are all zoo supporters, and just like the other members there tonight we are entitled to ask questions and criticise if we feel we have to, because that's what real supporters do.
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I think it's fairly likely that if you're at a zoo members' talk you're a supporter (unless you're the lady who asked that first series of questions), but unfortunately perhaps my intended humour wasn't so clear, even with the wink!

On the subject of the meeting, I was a little surprised by the average age of the attendees and the general negativity, directed mainly towards the hotel, access road and building upon the green belt. When the young woman said that she was in favour of the hotel, or "lodge", it was like a breath of fresh air. Clearly a lot of careful planning has gone into the HoA exhibit itself and it's an incredibly impressive structure, so much so I expected to hear more feedback on it specifically.

Being seated near the rear I may have only seen the back of your head, but it was a good question!
 
I do not see the harm in having an overnight stay facility at the zoo. Even on a sound day you do not have sufficient time to enjoy every part of the zoo. It is near impossible to do both East and West wing in a day.
 
Exactly. It's already pretty much impossible to get round every part of the zoo even if you're first through the gates when they open and last to leave! Once HoA is added, seeing everything at the zoo is definitely going to be a 2-day project. I think having somewhere to go a few minutes' walk away for a nice meal and an overnight stay after the zoo visit can only be a good thing, and should complement Chester's existing tourist attractions.
 
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