Paignton Zoo Paignton Zoo 2022
- Thread starter Gigit
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Mabel
Guest
Has anybody been over the weekend to see what they have done so far on the Thursday and Friday closure days?
Pity about the Brookside Aviary. It was lovely when it opened….
Gigit
Well-Known Member
I visited today briefly - most of the birds have been moved from Brookside to the spare aviaries behind the big cats; some more trees have been cut down round Brookside; the orangs have a new climbing structure on the small island and the gorillas have 'something' made of poles on theirs - guessing it's not finished. Photos in the gallery.
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Mabel
Guest
There seemed to be just a very few remaining birds in Brookside, presumably the ones they were having difficulty catching up. I couldn’t find anyone who could confirm what was happening with it, although I did notice some building or conversion work taking place on the wooden shed type building to the right of the current entrance. I’ve been eagerly awaiting the promised regular updates on the website but nothing yet, I do hope the two weeks are used to best advantage for positive changes that will give Paignton a fresh start in 2022 rather than just losing more things such as Brookside and the abandoned railway, the gardens will look lovely in Spring and it has such potential.
I’m disappointed that, as far as I’m aware, there have been no updates on the progress of the upgrades & refurbishment as promised. The zoos Ed team have released some fantastic quizzes and videos in recent weeks. I can’t see anything exhibit wise taking place, other than the ape island climbing structures. I think the works are to sort infrastructure only. There is a strong possibility that the first exhibit you see on arrival, if turning ‘right’ will be the tigers.
Did the zoo actually promise updates on the work being done now? Looking back at the closure announcement it reads as if the social media accounts would share Paignton Zoo/Wild Planet Trust's work in general, and not specifically these current projects. I also doubt that any major exhibit overall would be completed in this short closure.
Maybe I mis-read it. If so, I’m sorry.
Fingers crossed Paignton will bounce back in 2022.
Gigit
Well-Known Member
No need for apologies. It was in their email to 'Members' just before Christmas that they said they'd update their website and social media channels on a regular basis to keep us informed of any decisions over the coming weeks. They will also give details of their new strategic plan and update us on how they plan to develop their zoos and reserves for the future.
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Mabel
Guest
Much missed. Gave a very different set of views of the lake and animals. Yet another nice feature gone….
it's a sad day and time for everyone as the railway has been at Paignton for many years now and it's a firm favourite with all the visitors but due to Coronavirus Restrictions the railway had to be closed
The Hedgehog
Well-Known Member
Where will The Jungle Express's new home be? I hope it remains in Devon so I can still take a trip on it. On my first ever trip to Paington Zoo back in 2008 my Dad and I took a trip on the Jungle Express. My Dad filmed part of our journey,so at least I can reminisce about the Jungle Express when I watch this home video.
And so goes another part of my childhood.
A very unique, and innovative feature for Paignton.Was the train a private enterprise, and how much money did it generate for the zoo? I can’t remember if the price was included in the entrance fee!
Gigit
Well-Known Member
It was run by the zoo - think it was 70p a go last time it ran.And so goes another part of my childhood.
Was the train a private enterprise, and how much money did it generate for the zoo? I can’t remember if the price was included in the entrance fee!
Gigit
Well-Known Member
From the zoo's website:
January Closure: Week 2 update
As our 2 week closure comes to an end, many of you may have heard about a particularly noteworthy development – the departure of the Jungle Express railway. Further detail on this momentous event can be found elsewhere on our website.
Our new entrance path which leads to the tigers and into the rest of the zoo is complete. Our Maintenance, Botanics, and Graphics teams have done a fantastic job during the closure weeks to bring everything together to create this new entrance in such a short space of time. We’re not done yet, however, and future weeks will see the removal of further trees, ongoing development of planting and artwork and the removal of the netting and poles that formed the former Brookside Aviary. As you’ll appreciate, this last job is a very significant undertaking and we’ll need to wait until work on the boardwalk replacement is complete before we can schedule this in.
Tree work has continued around the site, and some areas now look very different as a result of this essential upkeep. It hasn’t just been tree removal however, and exciting plans are coming together for replanting the zoo to further boost its value as a home for native wildlife. We have also removed the walkway to the old big cat viewing platform, and there has been ongoing work revolving around office moves, classroom refurbishments, store room clear-outs and a refresh of the gift shop. Although we are reopening, our work continues, and visitors can look forward to a number of new developments as we head into 2022. We look forward to sharing these with you as they happen.
I haven't been to see for myself, but it appears that more has gone than arrived, and no mention of animals apart from native wildlife (presumably this excludes badgers). Good news about the offices though - they've been at the top of my list of things to worry about.
January Closure: Week 2 update
As our 2 week closure comes to an end, many of you may have heard about a particularly noteworthy development – the departure of the Jungle Express railway. Further detail on this momentous event can be found elsewhere on our website.
Our new entrance path which leads to the tigers and into the rest of the zoo is complete. Our Maintenance, Botanics, and Graphics teams have done a fantastic job during the closure weeks to bring everything together to create this new entrance in such a short space of time. We’re not done yet, however, and future weeks will see the removal of further trees, ongoing development of planting and artwork and the removal of the netting and poles that formed the former Brookside Aviary. As you’ll appreciate, this last job is a very significant undertaking and we’ll need to wait until work on the boardwalk replacement is complete before we can schedule this in.
Tree work has continued around the site, and some areas now look very different as a result of this essential upkeep. It hasn’t just been tree removal however, and exciting plans are coming together for replanting the zoo to further boost its value as a home for native wildlife. We have also removed the walkway to the old big cat viewing platform, and there has been ongoing work revolving around office moves, classroom refurbishments, store room clear-outs and a refresh of the gift shop. Although we are reopening, our work continues, and visitors can look forward to a number of new developments as we head into 2022. We look forward to sharing these with you as they happen.
I haven't been to see for myself, but it appears that more has gone than arrived, and no mention of animals apart from native wildlife (presumably this excludes badgers). Good news about the offices though - they've been at the top of my list of things to worry about.
So went today to see the work…., think it must have been mainly off-show areas and at Newquay? There was clearly a lot of tree surgery work done and the egrets from Brookside have been moved into at least 5 aviaries (including the ex snowy owl aviary) around the zoo. On entry, the first aviary after the tigers had 6-8 egrets and one escapee on the netting outside. When we left, all egrets had gone with the lone escapee outside and aviary doors open? The keepers may have left a trap for the lone bird? I did not visit the Takin, Lemurs, Cheetah or Baboons, but in the areas I visited I did not see any major work, other than the new entrance which is an open shelter. I did not see any new signage (as promised) outside of this area? The crocodile pools looked brilliant - not sure if they’ve had new filters or a clean but the water was so clear and a real treat. I really do think they should relocate the lone Maned Wolf and move in some bush dogs, dingo or Serval. The Roadrunner appear to be nesting again. There are some temporary electric fence posts opposite the badger hide and so I’m hoping this will become an exhibit in an area that really needs a new lease of life. The train track has been ripped up but no new paths have been added, yet.