ZSL London Zoo The Mappin Terraces inhabitants, London Zoo
- Thread starter DCzootripper
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You are not mistaken, Rob; there were definitely chamois on the Mappin Terraces between 1984 and 1986.
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Thanks Tim. I just looked at the London stock list for 1985. They held 4.1 Chamois during the year. September 7 1985 was the first visit to London that I remember. I saw dozens of species for the first time. I went back on 28 September to try and photograph animals I missed on my first visit. 39 years ago, I can't believe it.
Thanks, Rob.
According to the ZSL Annual Reports for 1984, 1985 and 1986:
- 1.3 chamois were acquired in 1984
- there were still 1.3 chamois throughout 1985 (although new homes were found for them "in preparation for the planned redevelopment of the Mappin Terraces")
- all four chamois left London Zoo in 1986
I stand corrected, and apologise to Rob! Whoops
Just as blue sky: If ZSL had unlimited budget to fix the structure and could modify it however they wanted, what ideas would people put forward?
I think it would be interesting if the aquarium was transformed into a cave themed nocturnal exhibit (perhaps with a bat walkthrough) with a second entrance for it coming out by the mountains. Then as suggested before a Southeast Asian inspired exhibit on the Mappins (sun bears, binturong, otters)
I think it would be interesting if the aquarium was transformed into a cave themed nocturnal exhibit (perhaps with a bat walkthrough) with a second entrance for it coming out by the mountains. Then as suggested before a Southeast Asian inspired exhibit on the Mappins (sun bears, binturong, otters)
I've said they should do polar bears for a while, I actually ran an experiment in Planet Zoo where I built a to-scale (as much as possible) representation of the Mappins and found that it does make a decently sizable polar bear enclosure, albeit for two adults or for a mother and one or two cubs.
(Mappin Pavilion by @Digyduf on BroNation, habitat by myself)
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That looks really good! I need to get back to Planet Zoo
cerperal
Well-Known Member
Great, now I want to drop my exam revision and boot up PZ to remind myself of why I'm not doing an architecture degree.
This may be an unpopular opinion but I would much rather see polar bears (not that ZSL are ever likely to obtain them again) at Whipsnade, given the much larger space available. I do wonder if ZSL would be hesitant to house bears on the Mappins again, given the song and dance made about the legendary sloth bears moving in - but I guess advertising bears as returning for a second time would still work, and there's probably a new generation that would get tickled by the nostalgia of a species coming back.
It's such a ubiquitous and unique exhibit that I do think anything outside of large carnivores or interesting ungulates would feel like a bit of a waste. Sun bears and binturongs would be my likely best call, but it would also be nice to see something like takin held there.
I’ve said before on similar discussions I see no reason why you couldn’t house Polar bear again at Whipsnade. Space is not the issue as the most feasible area of the zoo would be dedicating the entirety of the deer area of Passage thru Asia. With the addition of a few extra pieces of “furniture,” and constructing viewpoints for visitors, the general footprint for a substantial bear exhibit is there. Whipsnade does seem to be hamstrung by its dedication to grouping animals to geographic region, but, as shown with Monkey Forest, it’s proved it can repurpose and create something significant from existing infrastructure.
If Peak can hold Polar bear, why not Whipsnade?
Kalaw
Well-Known Member
I would hate to see the deer area of Passage through Asia transformed into anything. The size of the herds and scenery of the paddock between the rolling hills and large lakes make for a special experience indeed, even as someone who isn’t all that interested in deer. It is easily one of the best drive-through enclosures in the country in my opinion.
However, I agree that the return of Polar Bears to Whipsnade would be incredible and is very much possible - their return to London less so. Around 2/3, if not more, of the 600 acre site that is Whipsnade is either unused or offshow, so they could certainly add Polar Bears without having to abolish anything existing. I would love to see them on the hills overlooking the Dunstable Downs between the penguins and reindeer, creating a polar zone of sorts.
Restricted by SSSI regulations I’m afraid
London Zoo was the first zoo in the world to exhibit a takin; it would be wonderful to have takin at Regent's Park again.
In another thread, sometime ago, I commented that I'd love to see a herd of takin (preferably golden) on the "mountains" of the top level of the Mappin Terraces. I'm not holding my breath though!
Kalaw
Well-Known Member
Interesting, but unfortunate - I wasn’t aware of this before. Even still, Whipsnade has plenty of unused lands, such as the fields behind the elephants (some of which partially visible from the train ride) and those above the hippos (which I believe currently serve as an offshow fallow deer enclosure). Replacing what is already excellent is by no means necessary.
When was the last time a species was housed at the Mappins' mountain? Was it the Chamois or did it have new residents afterward?
I am not naturally a fan of caprids but the fact I seem to find so many caprid exhibits that have failed to be repurposed (or at least, I personally have visited multiple zoos with that situation) fascinates me.
I am not naturally a fan of caprids but the fact I seem to find so many caprid exhibits that have failed to be repurposed (or at least, I personally have visited multiple zoos with that situation) fascinates me.
I would love to hear more about the "song and dance" regarding the sloth bears! What was the controversy at the time?
cerperal
Well-Known Member
My apologies, I thought that my wording might have been misleading - I meant that ZSL made a big campaign about 'the return of the bears', or words to that effect. Although given they moved to Whipsnade only a couple of years later, I suppose there may have been some level of controversy there, but Whipsnade was clearly the correct choice anyway.
You’re referring to “The Bears are Back!,” certainly a very well run advertising campaign from ZSL. Pretty much on every London bus and billboard if I remember!
If there was any “controversy” surrounding the Sloth bears, it may have concerned the behavioural issues surrounding the female Lanka. The family certainly stayed at London for more than a “couple of years” though!