Chester Zoo News from visits 2012

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At last the Komodo Dragon starter kit has left,which means the zoo can start converting the exhibit to house something far more interesting!!

There was a sign saying what was going in that space.. it's a python, but I can't remember what type... sorry.
 
a sign on the enclosure says a Boeleon Python will be displayed :)

Boelen's pythons are a very nice species and will be very interesting to see in the enclosure. I personally cannot wait to see them on a regular basis :D

As an aside, there is only London that keep these in the UK other than Chester. There are only 3 collections in all of Europe I think, but don't know how many private collections they may be knocking around in.
 
Boelen's pythons are a very nice species and will be very interesting to see in the enclosure. I personally cannot wait to see them on a regular basis :D

As an aside, there is only London that keep these in the UK other than Chester. There are only 3 collections in all of Europe I think, but don't know how many private collections they may be knocking around in.

They are indeed very pretty snakes can't wait to get a good close lok at them and hopefully if it co operates some pics .....
 
Glad to see the plan is still to put the Boelen's Pythons on show here,as those members of this site that were lucky enough to do the walk and talk,with Richard Gibson just before he left the zoo,will know what a stunning species it is and that this was a species,that he very much wanted to get on-show.
 
The wall behind the bench has been removed so that the exhibit is set back a little. There's room for keeper access around the back too.
I don't particularly approve, it means less floor space for the birds. That area was popular with both roul-roul partridge who raised young behind the bench, pekin robin who nested in the bush and the Victoria crowned pigeon, who sit on the wall of the old ramp.

If they want more herps in the Tropical Realm, spend the money and re-open some of the old exhibits! Either that, or use all the space in Spirit of the Jaguar that's now wasted on the theatre.
 
I don't particularly approve, it means less floor space for the birds. That area was popular with both roul-roul partridge who raised young behind the bench, pekin robin who nested in the bush and the Victoria crowned pigeon, who sit on the wall of the old ramp.

If they want more herps in the Tropical Realm, spend the money and re-open some of the old exhibits! Either that, or use all the space in Spirit of the Jaguar that's now wasted on the theatre.

I can't believe the "less space for birds" comment. It is the largest zoo tropical house in the UK. I like seeing birds but love other animals as well. Much perfered it when it first opened- large reptile collection and mammals as well. You could get lost for 3 hours without realising that amount of time had passed. I do agree with your comment about spending money and re-opening the reptile exhibits. It probably just needs a new insulated roof. Couldn't understand closing exhibits just after putting in new lighting. But I don't think I will see it in my lifetime! They have reduced the collection (with a few species exceptions) to that of a good private collection or very good pet shop.:D
 
Glad to see the plan is still to put the Boelen's Pythons on show here,as those members of this site that were lucky enough to do the walk and talk,with Richard Gibson just before he left the zoo,will know what a stunning species it is and that this was a species,that he very much wanted to get on-show.

Fantastic species to have at the zoo. It would be nice for Chester to set a first breeding record. I don't think they have been bred in Europe or the USA yet.
 
I can't believe the "less space for birds" comment.
Perhaps "less ground space for birds" would have been more specific. The Tropical Realm is home to a number of species that either nest close to the ground or are ground-dwelling, so the floor area is just as important as the trees and perches. In recent years a large chunk of ground has been lost to tortoise exhibits (they're cordoned off behind glass and wooden fences) and some numpty even came along and dropped a large wooden and tin shack into the area to the left of the ramp. The last thing the partridges, robins, thrushes and pigeons need is to lose yet another area.
 
Perhaps "less ground space for birds" would have been more specific. The Tropical Realm is home to a number of species that either nest close to the ground or are ground-dwelling, so the floor area is just as important as the trees and perches. In recent years a large chunk of ground has been lost to tortoise exhibits (they're cordoned off behind glass and wooden fences) and some numpty even came along and dropped a large wooden and tin shack into the area to the left of the ramp. The last thing the partridges, robins, thrushes and pigeons need is to lose yet another area.

OK, I can see where you are coming from with your comment. tortoise exhibits also closed off a large number of reptile exhibits (nearly all the larger ones). Also the big glass frog exhibits have taken land area away. Now I think about it, I now agree with your comment:D Also agree with large tin shack comment, maybe the numpty's are taking over! We'll probably find another TV in there in the future.:eek:
 
Excellent about the Sloths, I do love them as species because they are so unusual in their behaviour and appearance.
Does anybody know if they are the two or three toed variety?
 
Excellent about the Sloths, I do love them as species because they are so unusual in their behaviour and appearance.
Does anybody know if they are the two or three toed variety?

They are Linnaeus' two-toed [and I know I've probably spelt that wrong, many people will have heard me get frustrated with that name and in the end giving up and calling them Southern two-toed sloths :p]
 
We shouldn't just let the news of Fred Williams' death pass without comment. He played a hugely important role in the zoo and was far more than just the "zoo keeper" he's described as in the article.

He built many of the zoo's enclosures as it rapidly expanded - developing new techniques of building along the way - and a number of the buildings that still stand today. He travelled the world with his wife June (George Mottershead's younger daughter) collecting animals and observing their behaviour in the wild.

He had an active retirement and along with his wife, continued to play a role in the zoo's development almost right up to the present day. He'll be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.
 
Thanks. :)
Suppose it was a very long shot to expect any of the three toed species in a British zoo. Having recently seen Hoffmans Sloths, it will be nice to see this pair of Linnaeus's.
 
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O i am so glad they are having Sloths..I saw some in the trees when i was in Costa Rica recently.one was even in a town centre with a baby.
I have been to the Zoo today.I saw.
The Cheetah cubs,1 tiger cub and i got to see Pele outside for the first time today.I was so lovely to see him out there.all 4 where out today.the Ants are not back yet....and i saw the Rock hyrix making babies.lol.The one thing i missed was the Baby Tapir.The Parents where in their bed but i could'nt see the Baby...
 
O i am so glad they are having Sloths..I saw some in the trees when i was in Costa Rica recently.one was even in a town centre with a baby.
I have been to the Zoo today.I saw.
The Cheetah cubs,1 tiger cub and i got to see Pele outside for the first time today.I was so lovely to see him out there.all 4 where out today.the Ants are not back yet....and i saw the Rock hyrix making babies.lol.The one thing i missed was the Baby Tapir.The Parents where in their bed but i could'nt see the Baby...

The ants ARE on-show in Spirit of the Jaguar, they're just not easy to spot yet as the colony needs to establish itself a bit more. Here is a photo from yesterday, albeit not a very good one, although if you look carefully you can see the ants :).
 

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