Paignton Zoo Paignton Zoo 2022
- Thread starter Gigit
- Start date
Gigit
Well-Known Member
In other words: Come to Paignton and see the exciting new paths.
Yes. PZ has always been a good place to see our amazing British Wildlife and the quarry nature walk behind Lemur Wood has always highlighted this. I believe visiting families on holiday won’t appreciate being ‘fobbed off’ with signage about native species whilst exotic animal enclosures lay bare. Clearly there was a need to upgrade paths, structures, bridges etc, but I find the ‘exciting developments’ PR somewhat patronising.
On a positive note, the Newquay Lions should arrive soon and at Easter time the Giraffe herd should move ‘next door’. Hopefully the Bongo breed and summer will bring in much needed cash!
Newquay lions ....? What subspecies Asian or have PZ gone out of them?
Edit: just read in the Asian lions thread. Affirmative, gone out of Asians.
A bit of a loss (and the conservation message).
It's a shame to see so much negativity surrounding the positive steps PZ are making towards the visitor experience, safety, the sites longevity, and highlighting important local habitats.
You also forget to highlight that the former cusimanse exhibit will soon be welcoming new inhabitants.
I for one look forward to these new developments, and I'm sure many others feel the same!
You also forget to highlight that the former cusimanse exhibit will soon be welcoming new inhabitants.
I for one look forward to these new developments, and I'm sure many others feel the same!
Not so, just lamenting the loss of Asian lions solely. I was not commenting anything other.
For what it is worth and be clear: I very much welcome the new changes and how PZ is trying to get back on track from the long CoVid/animal disease control restrictions that brought some of its future plans to a right stand still.
It is nice to see the giraffe moving shortly over. And very much looking forward to what other changes are upcoming this year.
My comments weren't aimed at you, but I appreciate your response.
I know they've had big problems trying to entice the Giraffes into the old Elephant paddock. But exactly why do they want them to move- is there more space on that side (I cannot remember...)?
Where are the giraffes moving to exactly?
Hopefully to the other half of the building/enclosure, which used to house their elephants.
The Hedgehog
Well-Known Member
Will the Zebra’s be moving to the old Elephant House this year?
I’m not negative about the structural improvements, rather the inflated marketing and poor decision making from management. I suppose it comes down to how one perceives how ‘exciting’ nature paths are in a zoo?
I think it’s to get the zebra out of their current paddock.
That still doesn't explain why they want to move the Giraffes to the other side though..is it bigger?.
True. Could be something to do with the fencing?
Definitely a bigger paddock on the former elephant side.
Gigit
Well-Known Member
I don't understand why PZ is considered above criticism while other zoos - Edinburgh, Whipsnade, ZSL to name a few - seem to be fair game with everybody welcome to air their views.
The last great change they refer to must be the demolition of the Small Mammal House and old winter quarters. There were plans for moving the baboons to that area but they never came to fruition, and it's now a play area.
In my opinion, the exciting new path isn't going to be a major attraction, although some people commenting on FB feel it's worth coming to see, so what do I know? But in my experience, nature trails are the least likely places to observe wildlife as they know to steer well clear of crowds of people. There are lots of places around Torbay where you can wander around without having to pay to observe wildlife and nature. I don't even have to leave home to see a good selection. Maybe the management need to spend more time out of their exciting new offices to remind themselves of what zoos are for.
I visit zoos to see and get close to exotic animals. There are always some highlights at PZ, such as the zebra foals, and little surprises, but currently my main feeling is one of disappointment. It's not how I want to feel but it's a genuine feeling and I don't see why I should stop myself from expressing it.
I think that's an incredibly rude and short sighted thing to say - staff are more than in touch with the zoo itself, and understand the important role that they (zoos) play.
The new path with allow for new up-close views of the big cats, all of the primate islands in the main lake, and into the new gibbon house... Precisely what you've stated you visit zoos for!
Gigit
Well-Known Member
I'm sorry if you think that. You obviously know far more about the zoo than I do.