Paignton Zoo Paignton Zoo News 2013

Giraffes

Male Rothschild's Giraffe 'Tonda' (born 24 February 2010) is moving to Chessington today.
 
The Gavial was seen swimming in a different part of its pool recently, so it's alive if not kicking.
 
Sorry Andrew, should have made myself clear. I really must have a look at the Gavial next time I'm there. When did we stop calling them Gharials?
 
FBBird said:
Sorry Andrew, should have made myself clear. I really must have a look at the Gavial next time I'm there. When did we stop calling them Gharials?
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'Gavial' is a name that has been used for years - I seem to recall it originates from a mis-transliteration. 'Gharial' is the 'correct' form (in as much as terms like 'correct' mean anything in English!).
 
FBBird said:
Sorry Andrew, should have made myself clear. I really must have a look at the Gavial next time I'm there. When did we stop calling them Gharials?
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That's all right - my mistake. I must confess I have not been into Crocodile Swamp on my last few visits as it does not do anything for me and it is far too hot for my liking - I just pass by on my way to the Bird Show theatre or to the parrot aviaries in the other direction. Pleased to hear the creature in question is alive though.
 
Maguari said:
'Gavial' is a name that has been used for years - I seem to recall it originates from a mis-transliteration. 'Gharial' is the 'correct' form (in as much as terms like 'correct' mean anything in English!).
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Being False Gharials, the original term loses even more meaning. True/Indian Gharials are named after the 'ghara' or pot-shaped end of the snout in breeding males. False gharials don't have one. I prefer the name Tomistoma, but for many they wouldn't even realise it was a crocodilian.
 
I always call them Tomistoma too. One of a few species which I prefer to call by their latin name :p
 
TeaLovingDave said:
I always call them Tomistoma too. One of a few species which I prefer to call by their latin name :p
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'Tomistoma' is derived from Greek, not Latin (it means "cutting/sharp mouth") - 'scientific name' is therefore more appropriate than 'Latin name'. :D



Well, we were on the subject of crocodilian etymology... :p
 
True; the Latin equivalent would be something along the lines of Acareos.
 
I prefer the term "binomial name" I find most people working in various biological sciences use this and its what my professors used at university!
 
After several minutes of concentration and work with my fingers and thumbs, I have concluded that Tomistoma cannot be binomial :)

Alan
 
Whilst I don't care for describing any species as the antithesis of another, I just can't get my head round "Tomistoma". Maybe when consensus is reached on the animals's taxonomic home we can have a rethink.
 
Crocodilian collection?

Maybe someone could help?
I'm confused as to the current collection of crocs at Paignton. What do they currently hold?
I thought they had: 2 Salties, 2 Niles, 3 Cuban, 2 Caiman.
I seem to recall a Nile and/or a Saltie passing away and being replaced with X 1 or 2 Phillipines from Chester and I've heard about a False Gharial.
If so, how does the off-show area work (how many tanks) or are some off-show animals back in the area that held the Cubans before Crocodile Swamp was built?
Thanks.
 
New Developments

1. Someone (maybe Gigit) posted recently about some work going on near the Maned Wolves and East African Crane enclosures.......any news on what that was?
2. Any movement on the situation with the Takin, Barbary Sheep and/or Hamadryas Baboon Rock?
3. Is there still some 'escapees' from the aviaries (Azure Magpies)?
Thanks
 
TriDV said:
Maybe someone could help?
I'm confused as to the current collection of crocs at Paignton. What do they currently hold?
I thought they had: 2 Salties, 2 Niles, 3 Cuban, 2 Caiman.
I seem to recall a Nile and/or a Saltie passing away and being replaced with X 1 or 2 Phillipines from Chester and I've heard about a False Gharial.
If so, how does the off-show area work (how many tanks) or are some off-show animals back in the area that held the Cubans before Crocodile Swamp was built?
Thanks.
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Maybe this is the evening for you

Reptile & Amphibian Evening Tour - Paignton Zoo

I'm not a croc expert, or even a fan, and usually only visit Croc Swamp a few times a year (or when it's very cold outside!). I have been in more regularly since the arrival of the Tomistoma with the challenge of getting a photo of it, or at least spotting it. That said, I'd still have to revisit to answer your questions :o
 
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