Paignton Zoo Paignton Zoo 2021

Highly unlikely, I think, for an organisation that's strapped for cash to consider setting up a new penguin exhibit with all its associated infrastructure. Much easier to imagine wildebeest sweeping majestically over Paignton's plain.
Loving the Fawlty Towers reference....
 
@Gigit I am worried that Newquay Zoo is being sold or closed. A number of their species have ended up at Paignton. If Newquay does close I hope Paignton obtain the Penguins. I think Penguins are a perfect fit for the Zoo.
The Newquay website is quite categorical about the lions:-
'we will be replacing them with a new exhibit so there’ll still be plenty for our visitors to see'.
I don't know whether there are any plans to modify that enclosure for a new species, perhaps that might have to wait until work on the old macaque exhibit is complete.
I can't see Paignton exhibiting penguins again in the foreseeable future, but I do wonder if they might find room for a couple of small-clawed otters from Newquay, which I think would appeal to visitors.
 
The zoo has announced the birth of a pileated gibbon (born roundabout the middle of October). The pair has two sons still living at the zoo, born 2016 and 2019.
Now announced as having been born on 26 September.
 
A sign on the empty Ring-Tailed Coati enclosure says "We are going to be working on this exhibit to get it ready for some new residents arriving very soon... please bear with us!"

Any suggestions as to which Newquay residents might suit it? ;)
 
A sign on the empty Ring-Tailed Coati enclosure says "We are going to be working on this exhibit to get it ready for some new residents arriving very soon... please bear with us!"

Any suggestions as to which Newquay residents might suit it? ;)
I’ve always thought it would be great for Binturong (it was always the intention to hold this species again)? Maybe Owstons Civet, but the outside enclosure would then need a ‘daytime’ resident perhaps - otherwise, a small primate?
 
A sign on the empty Ring-Tailed Coati enclosure says "We are going to be working on this exhibit to get it ready for some new residents arriving very soon... please bear with us!"

Any suggestions as to which Newquay residents might suit it? ;)
This adds to the growing list of empty and/or closed enclosures/exhibits:
- nocturnal house
- 3 aviaries in cassowary/big cat area
- old echidna area
- at least 3 parrot row aviaries
- lechwe paddock
- cusimanse enclosure
- elephant house & paddock
- camel house
- coati enclosure
- crayfish ponds
- reptile nursery
- summer tortoise lawn (empty for two summers)
- Giraffe house
- UK’s only kiwi off show
- We can add rarely/never seen lone Maned Wolf in the centre of the zoo, a solitary Male Lion (rarely seen but soon to be moved), deforested Orang islands, walkthrough wallaby & kangaroo paddock that doesn’t work and closed walkways.
We’ve had Dik-Dik and a few additions of late but, it’s pretty bad at present!
For the first time since I was 5 years old, I won’t be re-joining in 2022 unless there is MAJOR change. The state of my home zoo breaks my heart.
 
This adds to the growing list of empty and/or closed enclosures/exhibits:
- nocturnal house
- 3 aviaries in cassowary/big cat area
- old echidna area
- at least 3 parrot row aviaries
- lechwe paddock
- cusimanse enclosure
- elephant house & paddock
- camel house
- coati enclosure
- crayfish ponds
- reptile nursery
- summer tortoise lawn (empty for two summers)
- Giraffe house
- UK’s only kiwi off show
- We can add rarely/never seen lone Maned Wolf in the centre of the zoo, a solitary Male Lion (rarely seen but soon to be moved), deforested Orang islands, walkthrough wallaby & kangaroo paddock that doesn’t work and closed walkways.
We’ve had Dik-Dik and a few additions of late but, it’s pretty bad at present!
For the first time since I was 5 years old, I won’t be re-joining in 2022 unless there is MAJOR change. The state of my home zoo breaks my heart.

I'm certainly not as invested as you and I’ve only citied twice (once being last week) but IMO theres more to love than hate. Nobody likes empty paddocks though.
 
I visited with my girls at the weekend and I was impressed with the zoos attempts to provide a Xmas experience (reindeer food making!). The staff, dressed as elves, were truly superb and stayed in character for so long. Though dialled in and low budget, the efforts are welcome.

The Brookside aviary is fun to walk through now all the leaves have fallen. One has no choice, but as a result, the growing flock of Egret and Ibis are becoming more relaxed around visitors.

Both female tigers were resting in a large tree which was good to see.

The Magpie Geese, Seriema and various Cranes are now in their winter quarters.

The aviary between the desert & tropical house is empty following storm damage to the roof.
 
The aviary between the desert & tropical house is empty following storm damage to the roof.
That's bad luck. We always try to stop in that very attractive area rather than being swept along by the queue of people who think there's nothing there.
 
The aviary between the desert & tropical house is empty following storm damage to the roof.
Isn't this the third time that part of this whole building's roof has been damaged in a storm? Is there an underlying reason why this keeps happening?
 
Isn't this the third time that part of this whole building's roof has been damaged in a storm? Is there an underlying reason why this keeps happening?
I don't know but had a look today. Maybe when the wind's in the north it can get under the ventilation panels at the roof's apex?
 
@TriUK I wonder if the Ape House is having a mini refurbishment?
A new update on their website now states that the Ape House ‘will be closed until further notice’. I hope the customer service team are offering slightly reduced entry fees or at least half price returns. Though it’s the off-season, it’s a very expensive family day out when so many areas are closed/empty at once.
At least there is a flag pole!
 
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