Chester Zoo "Superzoo"- rumours, confirmed etc...
- Thread starter brokehalo7
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zoogiraffe
Well-Known Member
My moneys on it running late its been done by the ZSL,they seem to cut everything close to the opening time just lately.
Was it not once scheduled for 2008?
Indeed it was once 2008, if you trawl through some of the newspaper articles from the original announcement. This is another seriously delayed major zoo project, but the reasons are probably complicated because it is part of a much larger development at Silvertown Quays. The projected opening date is 2010 or 2011 depending on whether you believe ZSL or the Silvertown Quays developer. There won't be an acclimatisation period beyond the necessary testing and commissioning of the aquarium systems and the initial cycling of the tanks. On an £80 million development (and there's another number that's creeping upwards), ZSL will risk losing a massive amount of revenue if they delay opening.
I think some of these recently announced projects at UK zoos are very ambitious. Often, the zoo will spend a relatively small chunk of money developing a masterplan and getting a planning application. But actually securing the finances for the capital cost of the project is nearly always the stumbling block. One reason American zoos are more successful at pushing through big developments is that there is a culture of big donations from rich individuals.
I really do wish the best for Chester's Superzoo but they are going to have a hard time raising £300m.
I think some of these recently announced projects at UK zoos are very ambitious. Often, the zoo will spend a relatively small chunk of money developing a masterplan and getting a planning application. But actually securing the finances for the capital cost of the project is nearly always the stumbling block. One reason American zoos are more successful at pushing through big developments is that there is a culture of big donations from rich individuals.
I really do wish the best for Chester's Superzoo but they are going to have a hard time raising £300m.
Thanks, I take it this info comes from the 2007 annual report? Any other news on the project?
Let's hope this "Vision" becomes a reality
£160,000 has been spent on the planning of the Natural Vision (Super Zoo) project. The final bill for the planning is estimated at £3.8 million. Half of this is to be provided by the North West Regional Development Agency. Plans will be submitted to Chester City Council in September 2008, with a start date of summer 2009 if all goes well. The first area to be opened up will be the land south of the oryx and zebras which borders the A41. This will become an African area. The present path running alongside the oryx and zebras will be refurbished and the whole area will be made more welcoming.
Future developments could face opposition because of green belt restrictions.
An exhibit for common hippos is proposed, and it will include underwater viewing.
"Copied from the AGM thread."
Future developments could face opposition because of green belt restrictions.
An exhibit for common hippos is proposed, and it will include underwater viewing.
"Copied from the AGM thread."
Just because an animal species is also at another collection, doesn't mean people shouldn't get excited (especially if they have a fondness for that species and it is coming to their 'home' zoo)
The only collection that you have mentioned that is in reasonable travelling distance from Chester is West Midlands Safari Park. I myself had never seen a cheetah in a UK zoo (and only once briefly abroad) before I saw them at Chester a couple of months ago, so forgive me for being a bit excited.
Not to mention, the enclosure at Chester appears far greater that the other ones (exclu. Whipsnade).
People still get excited about orangs and chimps which can be found at nearly every major collection, yet a lot of hype went into the Budongo chimp exhibit at Edinburgh and the Realm of the Red Ape at Chester.
Just make an indoor house with heating control, thats what they do at sea world. It looks and feels like the artic!
What are you referring to here?
taun
Well-Known Member
The exhibit is behind the steppe asian exhibit that houses Camels and Onagers.
I too was excited that chester got cheetahs back into their collection having only seen them twice before
Biota is the ZSL's new project which is opening in the London Docklands. It will be a huge state-of-the-art aquarium and will be split into 4 themed areas.
Biota! - ZSL
As for chester's cheetah enclosure, I have some pictures...
[photo=6606;557;DSCF2508.JPG]Cheetah Exhibit[/photo]
[photo=6617;557;DSCF2712.JPG]Cheetah viewing dome (under construction)[/photo]
[photo=6614;557;DSCF2649.JPG]Cheetahs[/photo]
Writhedhornbill
Well-Known Member
Chester's cheetah are also the Soermerringi subspecies... Aren't they?