Paignton Zoo Paignton Zoo 2021

Not animal related, but a few weeks ago I was chatting to someone at the zoo and learned that the Jungle Express railway is out of action not because of Covid, as I'd assumed, but because it's in need of repair. Apparently the track needs to be rebuilt at a cost of £thousands - a bit of a problem in view of the current difficulties. Trains have been trundling around the lake since 1937 and it's a popular attraction in the high season, providing a source of income. Obviously it would take a considerable time to recoup the cost of a rebuild. But it would be a shame if nothing was done after all this time. Maybe they could try crowd-funding among visitors and miniature railway enthusiasts?
 
Gigit said:
Not animal related, but a few weeks ago I was chatting to someone at the zoo and learned that the Jungle Express railway is out of action not because of Covid, as I'd assumed, but because it's in need of repair. Apparently the track needs to be rebuilt at a cost of £thousands - a bit of a problem in view of the current difficulties. Trains have been trundling around the lake since 1937 and it's a popular attraction in the high season, providing a source of income. Obviously it would take a considerable time to recoup the cost of a rebuild. But it would be a shame if nothing was done after all this time. Maybe they could try crowd-funding among visitors and miniature railway enthusiasts?
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That’s really sad to hear. I agree with your points Gigit. I wonder if it also creates an opportunity to do something different - a long term plan to increase revenue even more? A re-route? I hope it works out.
 
A couple of things I noticed yesterday - the red panda enclosure has been taped off so that you can't get too close; could suggest a birth? The staff entrance to the giraffe house has been enlarged, the gate removed and tarmac laid; could suggest access for vehicles involved in maintenance work?
 
The zoo has announced that the booking of time slots will continue until 5 September. From Monday 19 July, masks will be optional and all indoor exhibits will be open, except for the Giraffe House which will stay closed for essential maintenance. I understand all the tables will be back in the restaurant.
 
Gigit said:
The zoo has announced that the booking of time slots will continue until 5 September. From Monday 19 July, masks will be optional and all indoor exhibits will be open, except for the Giraffe House which will stay closed for essential maintenance. I understand all the tables will be back in the restaurant.
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I wonder how many visitors they might lose by continuing with this system, and why they are doing so...
 
Gigit said:
It must be much more convenient for them as regards catering and staffing to know exactly how many visitors will turn up. But an inconvenience for the visitors.
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I agree. It is a fairly long-winded way to purchase tickets unfortunately, especially when doing it for four. But if it helps them control finances it’s worth it - less about C19 now & more about money? I wonder how many visitors they’ll lose medium term or repeat visits due to the empty exhibits?
 
Gigit said:
It must be much more convenient for them as regards catering and staffing to know exactly how many visitors will turn up. But an inconvenience for the visitors.
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I wonder if it spells the end of paydesks and walk-ins at many of our zoos? It would save them some staffing perhaps, though they still have to check in the booked visitors of course so not a lot of difference overall?
 
Pertinax said:
I wonder if it spells the end of paydesks and walk-ins at many of our zoos? It would save them some staffing perhaps, though they still have to check in the booked visitors of course so not a lot of difference overall?
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The cynic in me predicted that this would happen. It's probably more of an advantage for them with the catering staff. They only need to call in the number of 'zero hours' staff they think they'll need and can send them home early if demand for food diminishes. They're using disposable 'crockery' so don't need anybody to wash up. They have four gates staffed when the zoo opens to check in visitors but this decreases as the day progresses. No money changes hands there or in the restaurant, and presumably not in the other food outlets either, so cashing up and banking isn't needed. From the point of view of running a business, it must be ideal.
 
Gigit said:
The cynic in me predicted that this would happen. It's probably more of an advantage for them with the catering staff. They only need to call in the number of 'zero hours' staff they think they'll need and can send them home early if demand for food diminishes. They're using disposable 'crockery' so don't need anybody to wash up. They have four gates staffed when the zoo opens to check in visitors but this decreases as the day progresses. No money changes hands there or in the restaurant, and presumably not in the other food outlets either, so cashing up and banking isn't needed. From the point of view of running a business, it must be ideal.
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Yes, some good advantages for them there that I can see. Dudley already announced a similar continuation of booking system until September 5th. Wouldn't surprise me if others announce similar too- then maybe extend it more permanently..;)
 
I know that Chester works on a larger scale than other zoos, but since June 7th members have been able to just walk up and scan their membership cards without needing to book. It is refreshingly familiar.
 
gentle lemur said:
I know that Chester works on a larger scale than other zoos, but since June 7th members have been able to just walk up and scan their membership cards without needing to book. It is refreshingly familiar.
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But non-members still have to book presumably, I wonder if it will change there after Monday.
 
Pertinax said:
But non-members still have to book presumably, I wonder if it will change there after Monday.
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According to Chester's website, booking will still be required for non-members. I haven't checked every website, but I expect that most zoos will maintain their current policies.
 
gentle lemur said:
I know that Chester works on a larger scale than other zoos, but since June 7th members have been able to just walk up and scan their membership cards without needing to book. It is refreshingly familiar.
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Colchester doesn't require pass holders to book either. Surely PZ could cope with this? I've noticed while queuing to get in over the last however long that we pass holders appear to be in the minority.
 
A sign at the Red Panda enclosure confirms the birth of cubs.
After observing over a few visits, I think I can safely say that there is now just 1.0 Squirrel Monkey (were 2.0), and just 0.1 Red River Hog (were 0.2). Also I couldn't see any Red-billed Blue Magpies today. I haven't been able to confirm with keepers as there are usually very few about.
The 1.1 Brown Spider Monkeys were unusually active with the male chasing the female around. They normally look as though they're trying to ignore each other.
 
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Gigit said:
A sign at the Red Panda enclosure confirms the birth of cubs.
After observing over a few visits, I think I can safely say that there is now just 1.0 Squirrel Monkey (were 2.0), and just 0.1 Red River Hog (were 0.2). Also I couldn't see any Red-billed Blue Magpies today. I haven't been able to confirm with keepers as there are usually very few about.
The 1.1 Brown Spider Monkeys were unusually active with the male chasing the female around. They normally look as though they're trying to ignore each other.
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I also observed the Spider Monkeys playing & chasing. I hope it’s courtship. I agree about the lone Squirrel Monkey unless he’s off show for medical? I’m not sure if the Macaques from Newquay are still off show or have been integrated into main group? Shame about Magpies if they’ve left as always good on show. Pity they couldn’t have been moved to one of the aviaries near the cassowary that are all empty!
 
TriUK said:
I also observed the Spider Monkeys playing & chasing. I hope it’s courtship. I agree about the lone Squirrel Monkey unless he’s off show for medical? I’m not sure if the Macaques from Newquay are still off show or have been integrated into main group? Shame about Magpies if they’ve left as always good on show. Pity they couldn’t have been moved to one of the aviaries near the cassowary that are all empty!
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My zoo visits these days mainly involve doing a census! I've wondered about the macaques - it's impossible to see the vet's cages now with all the summer foliage. I have a note of there being 6.2 at the end of 2019 and Honeysuckle has been born since then, but I'm not sure just how many there are. Almost impossible to count unless they're all outside or in the showden. I think the Newquay group were 1.2? I certainly haven't seen 4 adult females.

Presumably there is still a three-banded armadillo in with the Goeldi's and marmosets? If I hadn't seen her on her very first day in there (February 2020), I wouldn't believe she existed!
 
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