I was wondering now we're at the end of the summer season, have any zoo goers noticed a decline in visitor numbers at their local zoos? The reason I ask is because throughout the past 3 months I have visited Paignton, Blackpool and Twycross zoos and have been surprised at how quiet they were. (They weren't empty, just had a lot fewer visitors than I have seen previously and would expect during peak season). Has the recession hit any zoos particularly noticably? Or are people just moving away from that sort of entertainment? Or have I just been lucky/unlucky (depending on how busy you like a zoo to be when visiting) on my three trips?
Recession
- Thread starter amy
- Start date
In my experience, UK zoos have been busy in July and August this year. The only one I visited that was not well attended was Edinburgh - but it was very cold, grey, wet day (even by Scottish standards). However, this is only my impression, the actual visitor numbers may tell a different story.
I think the effect of the recession can really be seen in the very limited development of new enclosures etc recently. Cotswold's giraffe house is the only big new building I have seen this year, they also have a new wolverine enclosure. Minor developments at Blackpool (aardvarks, penguins & sealion renovation), Bristol (Zona Brazil tamarin cage) and Chester (sealion pool redeveloped for otters). In fact Chester has reduced the number of exhibits by demolishing the old Oakfield, Bird house and round aviaries, likewise Regents Park has taken the right hand side of the Clore Pavilion off-show (or is this just temporary?).
The only other substantial progress has been at Whipsnade (enclosures constructed or redeveloped for moose, wolverine, boar & lynx) and at Colchester, which always seems to be demolishing and rebuilding - the results may be idiosyncratic, but the new enclosures are much better than the ones they are demolishing, and I applaud their progress.
I think zoo managements feel they must be cautious in case visitor number fall. Indeed I remember the Development Officer at Chester telling the meeting about the plans for Natural Vision and Heart of Africa that in the last recession the zoo had its worst year when the recession was officially over, but the recovery was only just starting. If the same pattern is followed in this recession, this year and next year could both be difficult for zoos.
Alan
I think the effect of the recession can really be seen in the very limited development of new enclosures etc recently. Cotswold's giraffe house is the only big new building I have seen this year, they also have a new wolverine enclosure. Minor developments at Blackpool (aardvarks, penguins & sealion renovation), Bristol (Zona Brazil tamarin cage) and Chester (sealion pool redeveloped for otters). In fact Chester has reduced the number of exhibits by demolishing the old Oakfield, Bird house and round aviaries, likewise Regents Park has taken the right hand side of the Clore Pavilion off-show (or is this just temporary?).
The only other substantial progress has been at Whipsnade (enclosures constructed or redeveloped for moose, wolverine, boar & lynx) and at Colchester, which always seems to be demolishing and rebuilding - the results may be idiosyncratic, but the new enclosures are much better than the ones they are demolishing, and I applaud their progress.
I think zoo managements feel they must be cautious in case visitor number fall. Indeed I remember the Development Officer at Chester telling the meeting about the plans for Natural Vision and Heart of Africa that in the last recession the zoo had its worst year when the recession was officially over, but the recovery was only just starting. If the same pattern is followed in this recession, this year and next year could both be difficult for zoos.
Alan
Ok, well it sounds like maybe I was just lucky (from a peaceful visit perspective) which is good news from a conservation standpoint. I was also wondering if zoos in close proximity have shown any variations in numbers (e.g. Twycross/Dudley/WMSP, London/Whipsnade) i.e. have certain areas or collections suffered more than others? It's good to hear most zoos are able to move forward or at least consolidate during this period.
Simon McGlary
Well-Known Member
Generally across the year so far every visitor attraction throughout the UK has probably seen a slight dip in visitor numbersand zoos have been no different. Zoos, especially those run by charitable Zoological Societies will have suffered more with visitors number down slightly and costs up. This is why and increasing number of zoos are looking for additional sources of income other than relying on gate money and memberships. Additional talks that make use of lecture facilities, weddings and a whole host of other income generating activities. Some days through the main season will have been busier, especially when the weather has been at it's best!
Yes, there will have been a dip in visitor numbers but there will always be contingency plans and backup plans and well run charities always appear to run close to the edge financially. Good effective fundraisers help there!
Yes, there will have been a dip in visitor numbers but there will always be contingency plans and backup plans and well run charities always appear to run close to the edge financially. Good effective fundraisers help there!
adrian1963
Well-Known Member
It is said in the midlands that the start of the year was very poor due to weather conditions but since then the zoos and parks have managed to keep there numbers up some showing a little drop and some showing a little rise this was up until June this year.
But I have a feeling things are about to get really tough at a couple of Midland attractions due to Cut backs coming in all over next year.
People will have a lot less money to spend on days out so I think the zoological area will suffer badly.
As I have said before until this year it was easy to get to Chester by Coach not anymore only 1 coach company as run a trip as against 12 last year and yet all coaches were full. This year 5 were cancelled as due to lack of support in other words less then 15 people on each.
It's a sad fact that zoos and other day trip attractions will be first to feel the pinch when the cut backs hit.
Hey but then again there not cut backs there savings?
But I have a feeling things are about to get really tough at a couple of Midland attractions due to Cut backs coming in all over next year.
People will have a lot less money to spend on days out so I think the zoological area will suffer badly.
As I have said before until this year it was easy to get to Chester by Coach not anymore only 1 coach company as run a trip as against 12 last year and yet all coaches were full. This year 5 were cancelled as due to lack of support in other words less then 15 people on each.
It's a sad fact that zoos and other day trip attractions will be first to feel the pinch when the cut backs hit.
Hey but then again there not cut backs there savings?
I've noticed that entrance fees at quite a few places have increased significantly (i.e. well above inflation) over the last two years and wonder whether it's coincidence or some places' solutions to the above scenario.
Gigit
Well-Known Member
Likewise Paignton on my weekly visits through the summer. Passing by on other days, I've seen the carparks full. So large numbers have paid to get in but I don't know if they've been doing the normal secondary spending.
I think it may depend on the admission price. My zoo is as busy as always because we have one of the lowest admission fees in the entire AZA - only $7 adult and I think kids are $4. So a family of four could get in for the same price or less than one adult admission at some other zoos (even a couple here in Arizona).
Zoos with high admission fees may suffer, while those with low fees may actually see an increase because people are looking for a bargain outing.
Zoos with high admission fees may suffer, while those with low fees may actually see an increase because people are looking for a bargain outing.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park seems to have had a very good summer, which is excellent for somewhere that is still finding its feet, the lions have attracted lots of attention. On one bank holiday they had to close the gates & it's been all hands to the barbecue at lunch time! I preferred it empty but I guess they wouldn't last long as my personal park!
adrian1963
Well-Known Member
Just found out the last local coach firm will not be running a trip to Chester Zoo next year
Ah well that's it then no more Chester Zoo for me then
Ah well that's it then no more Chester Zoo for me then
adrian1963
Well-Known Member
I will be looking into it but the last time I checked by train and bus it will take nearly 4 hours
Yet on the coach it was just under 2 hours and the expense is completely different
coach with addmission £28.00
train and bus plus addmission £81.50
plus the first bus to the train station is 7.30 and then the first connecting train is 8.35 so in reality it would be at the earliest 12.35 and would have to leave at 3.30pm due to transport as last bus home is 7.45pm at night I could get a taxi home but that would be an extra £15.00 on top
Yet on the coach it was just under 2 hours and the expense is completely different
coach with addmission £28.00
train and bus plus addmission £81.50
plus the first bus to the train station is 7.30 and then the first connecting train is 8.35 so in reality it would be at the earliest 12.35 and would have to leave at 3.30pm due to transport as last bus home is 7.45pm at night I could get a taxi home but that would be an extra £15.00 on top
mazfc
Well-Known Member
I have been to Twycross 5 times this year, and everytime hs been very busy.
I've found that on my visits as well, even on rainier days