Random Thoughts On "West Country" Collections

[Shorts]

Jemima Parry-Jones (International Bird of Prey Centre) is fantastic, like a bizarre, but ultimately good, combination of Anne Widdecombe and John Lydon. Great collection including the brilliant Oriental Bay Owls.

Bristol Zoo don't seem to be trying too hard on the promotional side, I stopped off at a service station less than 10 miles away and saw brochures for everywhere (Paignton, Longleat, Monkey World, Noah's Ark, etc) but Bristol. Maybe they're already at capacity (see later point)?

Living Coasts, still nice but having no guide books for the week I was in the neighbourhood seemed very poor (apparently the new one will have otters on). The otter enclosure looks nice (green grass, etc.) but suffered by that one downfall of many otter exhibits, the otters were nowhere to be seen. Personally I'm not sure of the logic of filling space in a very small, finite space, zoo with a species which is a common "no show". Also, I'm not sure otters fit the theme of the place (coastal zoo, seas) that tightly.

Shaldon, new extension very well done, lovely little place. Does anyone know if the £170,000 touted in the leaflet was the full cost of the extension? If so some bigger zoos want to hire the Shaldon team as consultants to show them how to get value for money. Also great new restaurant in the nearby car park is well worth checking out.

National Marine Aquarium, labelling a bit hit and miss but a great collections covering a lot of bases and including some real gems. Very disappointed they don't currently have a guidebook though.

Dartmoor, didn't visit but picked up a leaflet. Think they're pushing things a little with their claim to hold "five big cat species" -on a generous day I'd let them have Cheetahs, but Lynx seems to stretch the definition beyond breaking point.

Paignton, great general collection ticking a lot of bases (I don't think Echidnas could ever become boring, Takins always nice too) but, as I've stated before, the whole always seems less than the sum of it's (admittedly very good) parts to me and I'd never rate as one of my favourites. I think I understood why on this visit, the place is a little too dispersed and contains quite a few walks between exhibits with nothing or little to look.

Exmoor, I love this place, they've got so much crammed in there of interest to the seasoned zoo goer (including Tayra and New Guinea Singing Dogs, Blue Tailed Monitor) and the cat collection is very strong (Leopard, Rusty (not) Spotted Cat, Asian Fishing Cat, Cheetah, Caracal (fantastic), Puma (with adorable cubs), Sand Cat, Jaguarundi (off show at present)). Always a pleasure to visit and should be on the itinerary of any serious zoo goers in the South West.

Bristol, the place was heaving to the point of struggling to cope (maybe this is why they don't advertise too much) -car parking capacity was full and I gave up queueing for an ice cream after almost 15 minutes waiting. The zoo's still good and personally I think they use their small space well (though in a poorer mood I might bemoan the unused lawns and gardens). They've even squeezed in a couple of new, fairly modest enclosures (for "animal antics" performers (near building in centre) and Lac Alaotra Gentle Lemur (behind otters indoor enclosure). I've never visited a zoo with so many "children under 10" families, they must have made up over 80% of all visitors (as "visitor units", not just numbers).

Overall I had a great near-week and the weather was generally kind. One final point (and it may be due to it being a tourist hot spot) was that the staff at all places were, noticeably and vocally, very friendly and helpful. One would think that this would be a default for all zoos but, when I think about it, it isn't. Pondering the matter made me realise how "matter of fact" and near-surly some entrance staff are at a number of places I regularly visit closer to home.

Apologies for any poor spelling or English in the above, I'm rushing to report so I have enough time to catch up on my recorded TV programmes, and carrying out post holiday chores before going back to work tomorrow.

 

[Chlidonias]

Living Coasts, still nice but having no guide books for the week I was in the neighbourhood seemed very poor (apparently the new one will have otters on). The otter enclosure looks nice (green grass, etc.) but suffered by that one downfall of many otter exhibits, the otters were nowhere to be seen. Personally I'm not sure of the logic of filling space in a very small, finite space, zoo with a species which is a common "no show". Also, I'm not sure otters fit the theme of the place (coastal zoo, seas) that tightly.

really - a common "no show"? I always think of otters (I'm presuming small-clawed here) as being a very good "public" animal: noisy, active, identifiable. Very rarely do I not see otters being all active and otter-y when looking at otter enclosures. Maybe you have bad luck with otters (or maybe I have good luck?).

 

[Shorts]

really - a common "no show"? I always think of otters (I'm presuming small-clawed here) as being a very good "public" animal: noisy, active, identifiable. Very rarely do I not see otters being all active and otter-y when looking at otter enclosures. Maybe you have bad luck with otters (or maybe I have good luck?).

To be fair, I think it depends on species. I find European (as held at Living Coasts) and Asian Short-clawed to be the worst offenders. Whilst you can usually see them some time during the day (usually start and end) I find they're nowhere near as active/showy and as good an exhibit as say Coatis or small primates (not that they fit in with the Living Coasts theme). Maybe you get different daylight down your way.

 

[zooman64]

I think the European Otter (if that's the kind Living Coasts has got - haven't visited for some years now) does fit the coastal theme, as this species is quite often to be found in the sea, particularly around Scotland. But I agree it doesn't make a terribly good exhibit animal, being largely crepuscular. The only otter species that is a good exhibit as far as the public is concerned is the gregarious and perpetually active Oriental Short-clawed species, which in my view is now too common in zoos, probably for that reason.

I think Dartmoor is stretching things in its claim to exhibit five kinds of big cat. I wouldn't even classify Cheetah as a big cat. In my opinion, only five types of feline can be considered a big cat, namely Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Jaguar and Snow Leopard. Am I right in saying Dartmoor currently has Tigers, Lions and Jaguars? In that case, only 3 kinds of big cat are represented. The definition of a big cat is one that roars, rather than purrs, although, having said that, I think (someone correct me if I'm wrong) that the Snow Leopard doesn't roar, so is the exception that proves the rule, but it's still generally considered one of the big cats.

I completely agree about the woeful labelling at the National Marine Aquarium. Admittedly, this is another collection I haven't visited for a few years, but last time I was there, there were few "proper" labels on the aquariums; instead, most of the occupants were shown on touch screens beside each exhibit, and very often you had to go through the entire sequence to find the species you wanted to identify.

I agree entirely about Shaldon Zoo/Wildlife Trust: a lovely little gem of a zoo, that's punching well above its weight in the wider zoological community.

 

[Shorts]

Am I right in saying Dartmoor currently has Tigers, Lions and Jaguars? In that case, only 3 kinds of big cat are represented.

You're right, as far as I know, on what they hold and therefore, in my opinion, your conclusion's also correct.

the National Marine Aquarium......... most of the occupants were shown on touch screens beside each exhibit, and very often you had to go through the entire sequence to find the species you wanted to identify.

Seems it's got worse, the screens aren't touch sensitive, they just (very slowly) scroll through a sequence of the tanks inhabitants (which is not always consistent with what's in the tank) and you can wait three or four minutes for the species you're after to come up. It's excruciating.

 

[Pertinax]

really - a common "no show"? I always think of otters (I'm presuming small-clawed here) as being a very good "public" animal: noisy, active, identifiable. Very rarely do I not see otters being all active and otter-y when looking at otter enclosures. Maybe you have bad luck with otters (or maybe I have good luck?).

I always find Asian Short Clawed to be very active and easy to see, but the European Otter(as at Living Coasts) is usually quite the reverse
and totally invisible. I have seen a number of European Otter exhibits in the UK but never the occupants.

But the one exception recently for me was at the New Forest Wildlife Park where they have a number of 'rescue' European Otters (brought in as lost cubs and then reared to adulthood there and later released) in different pens and most of them, including a mother with cubs born there, were active /visible at some stage in the day, reaching a crescendo before the feeding times. This may have been because they were either handraised or born there.

 

[Javan Rhino]

I always find Asian Short Clawed to be very active and easy to see, but the European Otter(as at Living Coasts) is usually quite the reverse
and totally invisible. I have seen a number of European Otter exhibits in the UK but never the occupants.

But the one exception recently for me was at the New Forest Wildlife Park where they have a number of 'rescue' European Otters (brought in as lost cubs and then reared to adulthood there and later released) in different pens and most of them, including a mother with cubs born there, were active /visible at some stage in the day, reaching a crescendo before the feeding times. This may have been because they were either handraised or born there.

Interesting you say that as I've always had the same problem, until I visited Chestnut Centre earlier this year. Seems that the two parks between them are the place to see European otters

 

[Pertinax]

Bristol, I've never visited a zoo with so many "children under 10" families, they must have made up over 80% of all visitors (as "visitor units", not just numbers).

I have always noticed this at Bristol in recent years too- the very high percentage of young mums/parents with pushchairs and toddlers/small kids or sometimes grandparents with little ones. Maybe Bristol has an exceptionally high birthrate!

Actually I suspect the reason for this is that being a centrally located City Zoo it is easily accessed for people with all the 'baggage' attendant to small families-plus no doubt a lot of Bristolians can get there easily by bus too so its a good day out venue. Maybe that's why they have so much play equipment nowadays?

 

[Pertinax]

Interesting you say that as I've always had the same problem, until I visited Chestnut Centre earlier this year. Seems that the two parks between them are the place to see European otters

And of course they are under the same management so maybe its a husbandry thing.

 

[Chlidonias]

I always find Asian Short Clawed to be very active and easy to see, but the European Otter(as at Living Coasts) is usually quite the reverse
and totally invisible. I have seen a number of European Otter exhibits in the UK but never the occupants.

I did actually assume it was small-clawed otters Shorts was talking about (that seemed most likely in a small zoo setting), and I can quite well imagine that common otters wouldn't normally display too well. In Australasia the only species is the small-clawed (hence why I almost always see them active), but I find smooth-coated to also always be active when I see them in Asian zoos.

 

[gentle lemur]

Bristol, the place was heaving to the point of struggling to cope (maybe this is why they don't advertise too much) -car parking capacity was full and I gave up queueing for an ice cream after almost 15 minutes waiting. The zoo's still good and personally I think they use their small space well (though in a poorer mood I might bemoan the unused lawns and gardens). They've even squeezed in a couple of new, fairly modest enclosures (for "animal antics" performers (near building in centre) and Lac Alaotra Gentle Lemur (behind otters indoor enclosure). I've never visited a zoo with so many "children under 10" families, they must have made up over 80% of all visitors (as "visitor units", not just numbers).

I think both Bristol and Regents Park are concentrating on the young family market. I don't think there's anything wrong with that, so long as it doesn't inconvenience other visitors too much. Parking can be a problem at Bristol, but there is always space on the Downs which is only a short stroll away.

Alan

 

[Shorts]

I did actually assume it was small-clawed otters Shorts was talking about (that seemed most likely in a small zoo setting), and I can quite well imagine that common otters wouldn't normally display too well. In Australasia the only species is the small-clawed (hence why I almost always see them active), but I find smooth-coated to also always be active when I see them in Asian zoos.

Having thought about it, it's Twycross I visit most (because it's nearest) and where I usually (don't) see the Short-clawed Otters, they seem to be fairly visible elsewhere. Either I'm very unlucky at Twycross or the otters have found the Chimps' Mogadon stash.

 

[Shorts]

I think both Bristol and Regents Park are concentrating on the young family market. I don't think there's anything wrong with that, so long as it doesn't inconvenience other visitors too much. Parking can be a problem at Bristol, but there is always space on the Downs which is only a short stroll away.

Alan

Absolutely, I think it's a good strategy for Bristol as their size is ideal for small legs that don't have the stamina or attention spans for larger zoos. I'd imagine the merchandise sales soar as a result of "pester power" too (maybe the NWCP dream has a slim chance as they don't have that much scope to spend all the (presumed) excess profits at the city site).

 

[Pertinax]

Absolutely, I think it's a good strategy for Bristol as their size is ideal for small legs that don't have the stamina or attention spans for larger zoos. I'd imagine the merchandise sales soar as a result of "pester power" too (maybe the NWCP dream has a slim chance as they don't have that much scope to spend all the (presumed) excess profits at the city site).

I think young families are the lifeblood of any zoo quite honestly- this is the section of society (apart from zoophiles of course) most likely to keep revisiting and its obviously replenishing itself all the time. So zoos are very sensible to tap into that resource in every way they can. So I can't really knock Bristol for being so 'child-friendly' nowadays-but its a far cry from how I first remember it when it was simply animal exhibits and manicured lawns. The only child-friendly entertainment then was a picnic on the lawn and an elephant or camel ride.

 

[TriGB]

Interesting you say that as I've always had the same problem, until I visited Chestnut Centre earlier this year. Seems that the two parks between them are the place to see European otters

I have been to Living Coasts each day now for a week at different times and not seen the European 'Lutra-Lutra' Otters apart from when they're sleeping. They have been out on alternate days for short periods but the keepers believe it is due to the openess of the exhibit as the one in Edinburgh where they were before had lots of tree coverage. They are going to plant more trees though soon. As I've said many times before, it is Sea and/or Marine otters that would thrive here. Another Zoochatter mentioned that it could be possible to obtain Sea Otters (for which the LC pools were originally designed!) from Japan rather than Monterey?
The Bank Cormorants are now spending most of their time out of sight (near the quarantine cage) and the Oystercatchers are hiding on the shelf behind the estuary. Added to the fact that Puffin and Pigeon Guillemot and Common & Sand Tern numbers are down I'm a wee bit worried!
Still great place but a slide is easy with an exhibit this size!

 

[Maguari]

I did actually assume it was small-clawed otters Shorts was talking about (that seemed most likely in a small zoo setting), and I can quite well imagine that common otters wouldn't normally display too well. In Australasia the only species is the small-clawed (hence why I almost always see them active), but I find smooth-coated to also always be active when I see them in Asian zoos.

In my experience, Short-clawed, Smooth-coated and Canadian Otters are pretty reliable 'shows'; Giants are probably 50/50; Europeans very shy (although Chestnut is good for them). Only seen Spot-necked once but they showed well. Sea Otters are never a problem!

 

[Tunanta]

I have been to Living Coasts each day now for a week at different times and not seen the European 'Lutra-Lutra' Otters apart from when they're sleeping. They have been out on alternate days for short periods but the keepers believe it is due to the openess of the exhibit as the one in Edinburgh where they were before had lots of tree coverage. They are going to plant more trees though soon. As I've said many times before, it is Sea and/or Marine otters that would thrive here. Another Zoochatter mentioned that it could be possible to obtain Sea Otters (for which the LC pools were originally designed!) from Japan rather than Monterey?
The Bank Cormorants are now spending most of their time out of sight (near the quarantine cage) and the Oystercatchers are hiding on the shelf behind the estuary. Added to the fact that Puffin and Pigeon Guillemot and Common & Sand Tern numbers are down I'm a wee bit worried!
Still great place but a slide is easy with an exhibit this size!

Even with the trees, I never found it easy to see the european otters at Edinburgh either-I have seen them twice I think-once quite late, just before closing time in winter so it was getting dark and they were up and playing, the other time they had just been fed and were grabbing food and taking it away to eat-so I'm not convinced trees will make them any more visible.

I'm certain that Living Coasts has considered all possible options with getting hold of sea otters, and right now at least, it isn't going to happen, but we can always hope! I'm with you on the concerns for the declines of some of the bird species, I imagine the pigeon guillemots will not be there too much longer unless there was any breeding success this year?

Back on the original post, I'm interested to see all the positive stuff about Exmoor-I never really heard of it when I lived down South, will definitely have to make an effort to visit when I'm down next.

 

[Pertinax]

In my experience, Short-clawed, Smooth-coated and Canadian Otters are pretty reliable 'shows'; Giants are probably 50/50; Europeans very shy

Agree regarding the different otter species- its Lutra lutra that is the shy one. I have seen more in the wild (several times) than in captive settings- apart from at the New Forest Park.

With both them and the Giant Otters there I also noticed that they were very active before the advertised feeding times, then they retired to sleep, then became active again an hour or so before the next feed. Maybe they are like that elsewhere too?

 

[gentle lemur]

I think there are two factors at play here, apart from the characteristics of the species - the history of the specimens (if they are hand-raised or bred from hand-raised parents, they are likely to be more familiar with people and easier to see) and the feeding regime. Zoos that feed their otters frequently but to an irregular schedule get much more exhibit value from their otters.
Otters have large appetites and fast digestions. I remember reading a piece by the late Frances Pitt (there's a name from the distant past) that most otters in zoos were half-starved - although that was in the bad old days, which were indeed very bad for otters. The prospect of food, such as recognising a keeper walking past the enclosure, produces much interest, activity and noise from healthy otters.

Alan

 

[Pertinax]

. The prospect of food, such as recognising a keeper walking past the enclosure, produces much interest, activity and noise from healthy otters.

The Giant Otters at NFWP raced towards me as they were expecting a keeper to come to feed them, but they quickly realised their mistake. I noticed that after the feeding and they had disappeared, that there were some fish left lying around uneaten. But approximately an hour before the next feed the two otters re-emerged from their sleeping house and ate up all the left overs- those that were lying on the land were carefully carried into the water to be cleaned before consumption.

As I said I think severel of the Lutra lutra at this park were reared as orphaned cubs which is maybe why they are more conspicuous than elsewhere. They were also most active before and during the feeding sessions.