Writhedhornbill
Well-Known Member
Yes, so do San diego ( Both zoos). Zurich also exhibits them in the fabulous masoala Exhibit. I didn't see them sadly.
new exhibits in British zoos
- Thread starter kiang
- Start date
Not a lot, I'm afraid. I was there in June. The old Tortoise and Cactus House was closed and the tortoises had been moved into the existing Reptile House. Another greenhouse building next to the existing house (which I believe was an off-show area) was also being demolished. There was a sign up explaining that the works were Phase 1 of the reptile house redevelopment. The redevelopment will include a new exhibit for the pair of American Alligators.
bongorob,
Your question regarding their wild status:
R.o.China
The crested ibis in China are well on their way to recovery. When first discovered in the wild in Shaanxi Province only 7 birds were left. Rigourous protection was then enforced on the only nesting colony and this helped the birds to slowly claw back the numbers. A captive-breeding project was also initiated. The Louguantai Wild Animal Rescue Center was set up to house a back-up colony. In June 2002 the population both wild and captive stood at 400 birds already with 65-70 fledglings from the wild colony, 40 at feeding plants and another 20 at Louguantai. The current wild population numbers 500 birds (January 2007) with a further 418 birds in 2 captive-breeding centers.
Japan
In Japan, the Sado Center maintains crested ibis and is planning a reintroduction scheme on .. Island. The conservation center was set up in 1981 with the last 5 remaining wild crested ibis. Alas, these birds only 1 hatchling that died in 2003. In 1998 the first exchange with China took place to augment the breeding pool. More have followed since, captive-breeding really took off here in 2003 and the present captive population stands at 98 birds (January 2007) all of Chinese descent. Reintroduction is scheduled to start in 2008 using both Sado Center birds and birds from the wild flocks in Shaanxi Province as teacher birds.
Wouldn't you say that is a remarkable recovery and testament to the fact that species recovery programmes with both an in situ and captive-breeding component make conservation sense!
bongorob,
I did not mean to put you on the spot or anything. So, sorry if it felt that way. I just merely wanted to point out that it made far better sense from a perspective of conservation and captive-breeding to look into other Chinese species of conservation value that might be better off. The species like Sichuan takin, Thorold's deer, Central Chinese goral - rarely kept in zoos - all seem to qualify for this. To round off the exhibit a reptilian like the Chinese alligator might be useful.
Actually, the China Alligator Propagation Research Center in Anhui Province houses more than 10,000 captive China alligators with only some 150 left in the wild. The Yang-Ze River is heavily used and polluted and few can be released to the wild at present as had been planned. The Anhui Center is now looking for European and US zoos to take some stock from the breeding center. Something, for Chester .. again one might think.
I did not mean to put you on the spot or anything. So, sorry if it felt that way. I just merely wanted to point out that it made far better sense from a perspective of conservation and captive-breeding to look into other Chinese species of conservation value that might be better off. The species like Sichuan takin, Thorold's deer, Central Chinese goral - rarely kept in zoos - all seem to qualify for this. To round off the exhibit a reptilian like the Chinese alligator might be useful.
Actually, the China Alligator Propagation Research Center in Anhui Province houses more than 10,000 captive China alligators with only some 150 left in the wild. The Yang-Ze River is heavily used and polluted and few can be released to the wild at present as had been planned. The Anhui Center is now looking for European and US zoos to take some stock from the breeding center. Something, for Chester .. again one might think.
Writhedhornbill
Well-Known Member
The bajji has been spotted again apparently. I just thought that I'd post it here as we're talking about Chinese animals.
Great news for Patrick!
Great news for Patrick!
Sadly, one sighting does not make a species. The survey this spring failed to find any on the Yang-Ze River and it is .. for fear of a better word a functionally extinct species. I do think though the Chinese conservation authorities should follow it up and look whether it is a loner or really a population of baijis. Fingers crossed here!
But only the other day in the British Press and radio news it was announced the species was extinct(again) Which was first, this announcement, or another sighting?
Regarding the Crested Ibis;
Presumably this is a single species which occurs in both China and Japan? A few decades ago it was always referred to as the 'Japanese Crested Ibis' I think. I thought the last one in Japan died on Sado Island. So then they found another very small colony elsewhere in Japan, as well as in China?
Anywhere, its very good news that they have recovered their numbers as they have- it seemed at one stage they were doomed to extinction.
Presumably this is a single species which occurs in both China and Japan? A few decades ago it was always referred to as the 'Japanese Crested Ibis' I think. I thought the last one in Japan died on Sado Island. So then they found another very small colony elsewhere in Japan, as well as in China?
Anywhere, its very good news that they have recovered their numbers as they have- it seemed at one stage they were doomed to extinction.
No problem Jelle. I am amazed that there are so many ibis alive today. It's nice to see some good news once in a while.
The last Japanese crested ibis were taken into captivity when already fairly old. They simply died out naturally. The Japan program has simply been revived by sending over birds from the Chinese captive-breeding programs. Originally, though the species existed across China, Japan, Korean Peninsula and Siberian Russia. All but the Chinese colony went extinct.
Writhedhornbill
Well-Known Member
I found this lovely link to an oragami site:
http://www.origami.gr.jp/~komatsu/etc/shelves/ibis.html
http://www.origami.gr.jp/~komatsu/etc/shelves/ibis.html
i did mean the madagascan crested ibis
Back to the new exhibits...
The regeneration of the Dudley Zoo and Castle site is finally scheduled to begin later this year. The total cost of the redevelopment is £38.7 million, with £10 million of that being spent on the zoo. The funding will come in part through a commercial development on the south east corner of the zoo site, so the animals in this area will have to be relocated. A new dinosaur/paleontology attraction called Origins will also form part of the project. New or redeveloped exhibits planned for the zoo include a 20m high rainforest dome, a nocturnal house, orang-utan enclosure and tiger and lion enclosures. The nine listed Lubetkin structures are being retained and incorporated into the masterplan, which was granted outline planning permission in 2005.
On another note, does anyone know the status of Paignton Zoo's long-planned rainforest exhibit? See Zoos - Kay Elliott Architects. It was originally submitted to the planners in 1998, but then one of the major investors (BP) pulled out and the project was put on hold. A year later Paignton set up a new company to try and raise more money (by which time the budget had been revised upwards to £12 million). The fundraising company was disbanded in 2004 and all has gone quiet. Were they simply being too ambitious?
The regeneration of the Dudley Zoo and Castle site is finally scheduled to begin later this year. The total cost of the redevelopment is £38.7 million, with £10 million of that being spent on the zoo. The funding will come in part through a commercial development on the south east corner of the zoo site, so the animals in this area will have to be relocated. A new dinosaur/paleontology attraction called Origins will also form part of the project. New or redeveloped exhibits planned for the zoo include a 20m high rainforest dome, a nocturnal house, orang-utan enclosure and tiger and lion enclosures. The nine listed Lubetkin structures are being retained and incorporated into the masterplan, which was granted outline planning permission in 2005.
On another note, does anyone know the status of Paignton Zoo's long-planned rainforest exhibit? See Zoos - Kay Elliott Architects. It was originally submitted to the planners in 1998, but then one of the major investors (BP) pulled out and the project was put on hold. A year later Paignton set up a new company to try and raise more money (by which time the budget had been revised upwards to £12 million). The fundraising company was disbanded in 2004 and all has gone quiet. Were they simply being too ambitious?
More news on new exhibits:
Newquay
Originally announced in 2004, Newquay Zoo are planning to create a new exhibit with a savannah theme on a 3-acre field next to the existing site. It will comprise a mixture of indoor and outdoor enclosures, a restaurant and education centre. The plans were drawn up by David Sheppard architects DSA-Newquay Zoo. No news since 2004, so I suspect that there may be funding difficulties.
Chessington
Something we probably all know about but which hasn't been mentioned before in this topic is the planned redevelopment at Chessington, which will involve relocating the gorillas and big cats and moving the other animal exhibits to a currently empty part of the site.
Edinburgh
Following Budongo and Rainbow Landings, future projects in the zoo's masterplan include a new enclosure for its Indian rhino (next to Rainbow Landings) and a new entrance plaza to the north of the car park.
Twycross
Following this year's redevelopment of its waterfowl displays and the construction of the Bornean long house free flight aviary, Twycross will next embark on plans to redevelop its main entrance (at last). The plans include more primate enclosures and a 'night exhibit', whatever that may be!
Newquay
Originally announced in 2004, Newquay Zoo are planning to create a new exhibit with a savannah theme on a 3-acre field next to the existing site. It will comprise a mixture of indoor and outdoor enclosures, a restaurant and education centre. The plans were drawn up by David Sheppard architects DSA-Newquay Zoo. No news since 2004, so I suspect that there may be funding difficulties.
Chessington
Something we probably all know about but which hasn't been mentioned before in this topic is the planned redevelopment at Chessington, which will involve relocating the gorillas and big cats and moving the other animal exhibits to a currently empty part of the site.
Edinburgh
Following Budongo and Rainbow Landings, future projects in the zoo's masterplan include a new enclosure for its Indian rhino (next to Rainbow Landings) and a new entrance plaza to the north of the car park.
Twycross
Following this year's redevelopment of its waterfowl displays and the construction of the Bornean long house free flight aviary, Twycross will next embark on plans to redevelop its main entrance (at last). The plans include more primate enclosures and a 'night exhibit', whatever that may be!
UK Wildlife Attractions - Capital Projects ranked by value
1. Nirah (National Institute for Research into Aquatic Habitats)
A new aquarium planned in Bedfordshire on the site of an old brickworks, designed by Nicholas Grimshaw architects. The aquarium will focus mainly on freshwater species in a series of biomes. The project has run into financial difficulties as costs have spiralled and has attracted controversy for the amount of public money that has been spent trying to get it off the ground. Total budget = £375m (unconfirmed figure)
2. Chester Superzoo
The Superzoo plans will see the zoo treble in size, re-organise itself into themed areas by habitat type and incorporate a safari-style attraction. Projects completed so far include Elephants of the Asian Forest and Realm of the Red Ape. A new aquarium called 'Origins' is the next major project on the cards. Total budget = £300m.
3. Biota!
Designed by Terry Farrell architects and operated by ZSL, this new aquarium forms part of the Silvertown Quays development in East London and is scheduled for completion in 2009. Farrell is also responsible for London Zoo's masterplan which was begun in 2002, although no budget has been disclosed. Budget for Biota = £85m.
4. Edinburgh Zoo Masterplan
Currently underway with the construction of the Budongo chimpanzee exhibit and soon to be opened Rainbow Landings lorikeet aviary, the Edinburgh zoo masterplan will see the zoo transformed with exhibits arranged into 4 habitat zones. Total budget = £58m.
5. National Wildlife Conservation Park
Bristol Zoo are currently fundraising for their proposed second site on the Hollywood Estate at Cribbs Causeway. Planning permission was granted for a zoo in the 1960s, the current plans have been broadly accepted but there are concerns over traffic impact in the local area. The project suffered a setback in 2006 when a bid for £25m of lottery funding was turned down, but the first phase is still scheduled to open in 2011. Total budget = £50m.
6. Chessington World of Adventures Redevelopment
Chessington is aiming to reserve years of declining visitor numbers with ambitious plans to redevelop the site. Plans include a new 'Safari Lodge' hotel, new services buildings, staff accommodation and parking improvements as well as a series of improvements to the animal attractions. The Trail of the Kings (big cat and gorilla enclosures) will be relocated and a new safari trail featuring indoor and outdoor enclosures will be built on a 22-acre field to the south of the site. Plans attracted controversy for expansion on green belt land but were eventually approved in 2005. The hotel is due to open this year and the safari trail in 2009. Total budget = £50m (this covers all new developments, not just the animal attractions)
7. Dudley Zoo Masterplan
A long-gestating project to regenerate the zoo and castle site was granted planning permission in 2005. Plans include new commercial developments and a new visitor attraction on a paleotological theme as well as a "mini-Eden Project" style tropical house and a new orang-utan enclosure. Expected to start on site later this year. Total budget = £39m (this covers all new developments, not just the animal attractions)
Other major projects include the Paignton Zoo 10-year masterplan (budget undisclosed) and the major redevelopment of the Highland Wildlife Park (budget £7-10m, depending on which source you read). Marwell are about to embark on a new masterplan too. Seems like masterplans are very much in vogue!
1. Nirah (National Institute for Research into Aquatic Habitats)
A new aquarium planned in Bedfordshire on the site of an old brickworks, designed by Nicholas Grimshaw architects. The aquarium will focus mainly on freshwater species in a series of biomes. The project has run into financial difficulties as costs have spiralled and has attracted controversy for the amount of public money that has been spent trying to get it off the ground. Total budget = £375m (unconfirmed figure)
2. Chester Superzoo
The Superzoo plans will see the zoo treble in size, re-organise itself into themed areas by habitat type and incorporate a safari-style attraction. Projects completed so far include Elephants of the Asian Forest and Realm of the Red Ape. A new aquarium called 'Origins' is the next major project on the cards. Total budget = £300m.
3. Biota!
Designed by Terry Farrell architects and operated by ZSL, this new aquarium forms part of the Silvertown Quays development in East London and is scheduled for completion in 2009. Farrell is also responsible for London Zoo's masterplan which was begun in 2002, although no budget has been disclosed. Budget for Biota = £85m.
4. Edinburgh Zoo Masterplan
Currently underway with the construction of the Budongo chimpanzee exhibit and soon to be opened Rainbow Landings lorikeet aviary, the Edinburgh zoo masterplan will see the zoo transformed with exhibits arranged into 4 habitat zones. Total budget = £58m.
5. National Wildlife Conservation Park
Bristol Zoo are currently fundraising for their proposed second site on the Hollywood Estate at Cribbs Causeway. Planning permission was granted for a zoo in the 1960s, the current plans have been broadly accepted but there are concerns over traffic impact in the local area. The project suffered a setback in 2006 when a bid for £25m of lottery funding was turned down, but the first phase is still scheduled to open in 2011. Total budget = £50m.
6. Chessington World of Adventures Redevelopment
Chessington is aiming to reserve years of declining visitor numbers with ambitious plans to redevelop the site. Plans include a new 'Safari Lodge' hotel, new services buildings, staff accommodation and parking improvements as well as a series of improvements to the animal attractions. The Trail of the Kings (big cat and gorilla enclosures) will be relocated and a new safari trail featuring indoor and outdoor enclosures will be built on a 22-acre field to the south of the site. Plans attracted controversy for expansion on green belt land but were eventually approved in 2005. The hotel is due to open this year and the safari trail in 2009. Total budget = £50m (this covers all new developments, not just the animal attractions)
7. Dudley Zoo Masterplan
A long-gestating project to regenerate the zoo and castle site was granted planning permission in 2005. Plans include new commercial developments and a new visitor attraction on a paleotological theme as well as a "mini-Eden Project" style tropical house and a new orang-utan enclosure. Expected to start on site later this year. Total budget = £39m (this covers all new developments, not just the animal attractions)
Other major projects include the Paignton Zoo 10-year masterplan (budget undisclosed) and the major redevelopment of the Highland Wildlife Park (budget £7-10m, depending on which source you read). Marwell are about to embark on a new masterplan too. Seems like masterplans are very much in vogue!
Yes, compared to the situation 15 or 20 years ago zoos are enjoying a very succesful period. To think that London almost closed down in the early 1990s, and now look at how much money it's spending!
Why the sudden turnaround? I guess that TV exposure helps and a lot of zoos have their own behind-the-scenes series on national or regional TV. Not forgetting all the other animal programmes - there's a strong conservation message coming through right now which zoos are benefiting from. Maybe the warmer, drier summers have helped? (This year excepted!) Maybe it's better marketing (annual passes, adoptions, special events, keeper for a day etc). More disposable income?
Why the sudden turnaround? I guess that TV exposure helps and a lot of zoos have their own behind-the-scenes series on national or regional TV. Not forgetting all the other animal programmes - there's a strong conservation message coming through right now which zoos are benefiting from. Maybe the warmer, drier summers have helped? (This year excepted!) Maybe it's better marketing (annual passes, adoptions, special events, keeper for a day etc). More disposable income?
I think that's it. During a recession, people have less money for leisure pursuits like zoo visiting- lets face it a family visit for four of five people to a zoo isn't cheap nowadays... So the zoos suffer badly from the reduced visitor numbers, which is what happened -particularly at ZSL -in 1990.
The current 'boom' in new exhibit building in zoos all around the UK perhaps reflects the better economic times at present- but what will happen when the next recession comes around?
