Charles
Well-Known Member
I suspect they will probably add another female to the pride and then she would be the breeding female if they ever do decide to breed them
Bristol Zoo Project The Wild Place news 2023
- Thread starter Charles
- Start date
You disregarded what I said - they will not be permitted to breed Asiatic Lion at all, no matter which individuals they hold, until they no longer hold African Lion.
Lafone
Well-Known Member
Very interesting! Is there a particular reason for the restriction? Was thinking it was about limiting any risk of cross breeding but it seemed a bit unlikely.
It's a while since I had the conversation where I was first told about this rule, but from memory it relates to the risk of disease passing from one population to the other.
Lafone
Well-Known Member
interesting stuff.
cerperal
Well-Known Member
Lovely first visit to Wild Place today (12/03/23). Apologies if this ends up being a long, fairly useless ramble.
Got there about midday, rather chilly but the weather held for as long as we were there. Mainly families, but oddly enough there were several older teenagers there and they appeared to be very interested - a strange think to note perhaps but it was nice to see an interest from all generations.
As for the animals, knew this would likely be the least species-rich zoo I've visited from a purely numbers view. However, I genuinely did not care - in fact, I had a better afternoon there than at some larger zoos I've visited. The giraffe/zebra/eland? house was perhaps nothing special but clearly gave the animals lots of room. All 3 giraffes were inside hiding from the cold and giving a great feeding demonstration to the kids watching. The zebras were, perhaps for the first time, a real highlight. They were very active indeed, and once outside came right up to the fence to inspect the visitors (one woman stroked one's nose, which is perhaps something for keepers to consider). I've never seen zebras so animated, a theme that would continue later on. The eland were braving the cold in the paddock, until the giraffes came to say hello. It was a lovely sight, all 3 species interacting.
Even stuff like the bird hide was brilliant, having spotted several jays and wrens in the stream. But the highlight for me was Bear Wood, certainly an exhibit that should be in the running in a "best of". All 4 bears were active and seemed undeterred from their daily bear activities by visitors. The lynx were equally easy to spot, being right by the fence. A little later on one had a chunk of meat, and seemed to enjoy showing it off to the visitors. The wolverines were less visible, with one grooming itself in the second enclosure and another further down the hill bolting about with his lunch. It was still great to see them, and I look forward to my upcoming Whipsnade trip. The wolves were also very active, a change from my most recent Longleat trips. Overall, a lot can be learned from such a fantastic exhibit. Well worth the entrance fee alone to me.
The geladas were a nice addition, as I'd only seen them at Tierpark Berlin previously. However, the cheetahs were truly fantastic. All 3 were active all day, and one gave us a brilliant view. For such a simple exhibit (a field, with some stuff in it), it may be up there with the best. The lemurs were also great, with the ruffed group deciding to have a shout while having lunch. The ring-tailed and mongoose lemurs were also very visible inside. The meerkats were very active attempting to uproot a plant, and I know it's a bit taboo to say but I can't help but love them in an enclosure done right. The hornbill was active (and noisy), along with the village weavers. The laughingthrush made a brief appearance too. There was clearly another bird being kept behind the hornbill, presumably the bleeding heart doves? Red river hogs were the only no-shows, but keepers were in the exhibit stringing up some meat so they were assumedly inside. The exhibit by the entrance and visible from the car park I'm assuming will be for the ostrich?
Again apologies for the meandering ramble. Overall, it was a brilliant day. Fantastic exhibits, lovely staff and above all animals that seemed happy. There were clearly signs of work starting, and if they can maintain the general exhibit sizes then I look forward to seeing how the new Bristol Zoo develops.
Got there about midday, rather chilly but the weather held for as long as we were there. Mainly families, but oddly enough there were several older teenagers there and they appeared to be very interested - a strange think to note perhaps but it was nice to see an interest from all generations.
As for the animals, knew this would likely be the least species-rich zoo I've visited from a purely numbers view. However, I genuinely did not care - in fact, I had a better afternoon there than at some larger zoos I've visited. The giraffe/zebra/eland? house was perhaps nothing special but clearly gave the animals lots of room. All 3 giraffes were inside hiding from the cold and giving a great feeding demonstration to the kids watching. The zebras were, perhaps for the first time, a real highlight. They were very active indeed, and once outside came right up to the fence to inspect the visitors (one woman stroked one's nose, which is perhaps something for keepers to consider). I've never seen zebras so animated, a theme that would continue later on. The eland were braving the cold in the paddock, until the giraffes came to say hello. It was a lovely sight, all 3 species interacting.
Even stuff like the bird hide was brilliant, having spotted several jays and wrens in the stream. But the highlight for me was Bear Wood, certainly an exhibit that should be in the running in a "best of". All 4 bears were active and seemed undeterred from their daily bear activities by visitors. The lynx were equally easy to spot, being right by the fence. A little later on one had a chunk of meat, and seemed to enjoy showing it off to the visitors. The wolverines were less visible, with one grooming itself in the second enclosure and another further down the hill bolting about with his lunch. It was still great to see them, and I look forward to my upcoming Whipsnade trip. The wolves were also very active, a change from my most recent Longleat trips. Overall, a lot can be learned from such a fantastic exhibit. Well worth the entrance fee alone to me.
The geladas were a nice addition, as I'd only seen them at Tierpark Berlin previously. However, the cheetahs were truly fantastic. All 3 were active all day, and one gave us a brilliant view. For such a simple exhibit (a field, with some stuff in it), it may be up there with the best. The lemurs were also great, with the ruffed group deciding to have a shout while having lunch. The ring-tailed and mongoose lemurs were also very visible inside. The meerkats were very active attempting to uproot a plant, and I know it's a bit taboo to say but I can't help but love them in an enclosure done right. The hornbill was active (and noisy), along with the village weavers. The laughingthrush made a brief appearance too. There was clearly another bird being kept behind the hornbill, presumably the bleeding heart doves? Red river hogs were the only no-shows, but keepers were in the exhibit stringing up some meat so they were assumedly inside. The exhibit by the entrance and visible from the car park I'm assuming will be for the ostrich?
Again apologies for the meandering ramble. Overall, it was a brilliant day. Fantastic exhibits, lovely staff and above all animals that seemed happy. There were clearly signs of work starting, and if they can maintain the general exhibit sizes then I look forward to seeing how the new Bristol Zoo develops.
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Charles
Well-Known Member
Charles
Well-Known Member
It is where the reindeer used to be I’m guessing as a temporary paddock till the ostrich house is constructed
Charles
Well-Known Member
Sorry to double post but just wanted to share this, the old new Bristol zoo plan view as i found it on my laptop and there isn't anywhere else you can find them now, trying to trace it on the current site at the moment but bad with technology, if anyone wants that version/labeled version lmk
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Lafone
Well-Known Member
First visit to wild place today and I have to say my experience was very similar to Cerperal’s.
Enjoyed it a lot.
Clearly it’s not a lot of animals quantity wise compared to other collections but it’s done what it has well and the amble through the woods, open spaces and nature hides is fun. The general atmosphere is great with shady woodland and decent paths that are accessible but not too ‘finished’.
The site was pretty busy and the car park full up by the time I left. It was sunny / cloudy and pretty warm so a nice day for a zoo trip.
I only went to Bristol a couple of times and not for years, so I suppose I’m quite fortunate as I don’t have a ‘not Bristol’ view of it.
I have to echo bear wood being one of the best enclosures for lynx, bears and wolves I’ve visited. The wolverine enclosure is also good though they were asleep somewhere and the viewing to them is a bit top down. They do climb the trees apparently though (as they do at CWP) so that would be a good way to see them on the same level.
The lynx were all very active including climbing to the top of the tallest trees which was great. You don’t always see lynx being given lots of tall trees and high natural spaces but they always look like they enjoy them (here and Beale Park being good examples).
The bears were simply lovely. Active and busy and then went back to bed as bears do, but right near the walkway.
The viewing walkway itself is excellent, really well designed with the lynx on one side and bears and wolves on the other. Wide enough for double buggies / motorised wheelchairs etc as well as people which was good to see and made it easier not to be run over.
First time I’ve seen bears and wolves mixed in together and it was awesome to spend quite a lot of time watching both sets of animals being active and using the whole enclosure. The glass fronted pod (which doubles as an evacuation space for the 10 people who could fit in it while the bears eat the rest, j/k) also works well and the wolves came right next to it. Lots of interest being shown by visiting kids on the wall of facts, Roman history material and the info about tree aging. Lots of education effort appears to have gone in.
Overall I found bear wood a well done, enjoyable space with lovely groups of animals - worth the price of admission by itself. Fantastic to see these European species made such a feature.
The geladas looked happy ripping up the grass in their enclosure and while lacking lots of height differences it has some rocks, frames and great viewing. Enjoyable space to sit near (handy benches). Indeed I’d call out the fact there is decent seating around the place so you can pause and watch the day go by a bit vs the conveyer belt feel you can have in some collections.
Giraffe, zebra and common eland were all out. The latter were play sparring which made for some good pictures.
The cheetahs were very active, exploring some treats in a stump. In the sunshine there’s few prettier cats to spend time looking at. The enclosure is a good large space though a bit sparse in terms of planting or trees or what have you. Guess that may change over time.
The lemurs were good - I do enjoy lemurs and having ‘ring tailed plus’ in walkthroughs is great as you get such good views of the different types without wire or glass.
I also enjoyed the birds in the walled garden - the weavers were weaving new nests at a frantic pace making loads of noise which was great to observe. Good size free flight aviary for them and a large number of birds which was very atmospheric. The hornbills, thrush, pigeons and doves were all active. The meerkats chased a gull which delighted everyone watching (and taboo as it might be I enjoy any of the mongoose family including meerkats!).
The new paddock / enclosure for ostriches looks good.
Overall it was quality over quantity - it’s not species dense by any means (it’s got to be the fewest things in the largest space I’ve seen) thought that will change over time. It has a good feel to it and the bear wood in particular will be something I definitely go back to.
Enjoyed it a lot.
Clearly it’s not a lot of animals quantity wise compared to other collections but it’s done what it has well and the amble through the woods, open spaces and nature hides is fun. The general atmosphere is great with shady woodland and decent paths that are accessible but not too ‘finished’.
The site was pretty busy and the car park full up by the time I left. It was sunny / cloudy and pretty warm so a nice day for a zoo trip.
I only went to Bristol a couple of times and not for years, so I suppose I’m quite fortunate as I don’t have a ‘not Bristol’ view of it.
I have to echo bear wood being one of the best enclosures for lynx, bears and wolves I’ve visited. The wolverine enclosure is also good though they were asleep somewhere and the viewing to them is a bit top down. They do climb the trees apparently though (as they do at CWP) so that would be a good way to see them on the same level.
The lynx were all very active including climbing to the top of the tallest trees which was great. You don’t always see lynx being given lots of tall trees and high natural spaces but they always look like they enjoy them (here and Beale Park being good examples).
The bears were simply lovely. Active and busy and then went back to bed as bears do, but right near the walkway.
The viewing walkway itself is excellent, really well designed with the lynx on one side and bears and wolves on the other. Wide enough for double buggies / motorised wheelchairs etc as well as people which was good to see and made it easier not to be run over.
First time I’ve seen bears and wolves mixed in together and it was awesome to spend quite a lot of time watching both sets of animals being active and using the whole enclosure. The glass fronted pod (which doubles as an evacuation space for the 10 people who could fit in it while the bears eat the rest, j/k) also works well and the wolves came right next to it. Lots of interest being shown by visiting kids on the wall of facts, Roman history material and the info about tree aging. Lots of education effort appears to have gone in.
Overall I found bear wood a well done, enjoyable space with lovely groups of animals - worth the price of admission by itself. Fantastic to see these European species made such a feature.
The geladas looked happy ripping up the grass in their enclosure and while lacking lots of height differences it has some rocks, frames and great viewing. Enjoyable space to sit near (handy benches). Indeed I’d call out the fact there is decent seating around the place so you can pause and watch the day go by a bit vs the conveyer belt feel you can have in some collections.
Giraffe, zebra and common eland were all out. The latter were play sparring which made for some good pictures.
The cheetahs were very active, exploring some treats in a stump. In the sunshine there’s few prettier cats to spend time looking at. The enclosure is a good large space though a bit sparse in terms of planting or trees or what have you. Guess that may change over time.
The lemurs were good - I do enjoy lemurs and having ‘ring tailed plus’ in walkthroughs is great as you get such good views of the different types without wire or glass.
I also enjoyed the birds in the walled garden - the weavers were weaving new nests at a frantic pace making loads of noise which was great to observe. Good size free flight aviary for them and a large number of birds which was very atmospheric. The hornbills, thrush, pigeons and doves were all active. The meerkats chased a gull which delighted everyone watching (and taboo as it might be I enjoy any of the mongoose family including meerkats!).
The new paddock / enclosure for ostriches looks good.
Overall it was quality over quantity - it’s not species dense by any means (it’s got to be the fewest things in the largest space I’ve seen) thought that will change over time. It has a good feel to it and the bear wood in particular will be something I definitely go back to.
charliejb
Well-Known Member
‘Drummer’ the ostrich has arrived.
According to the latest member’s newsletter, Drummer the ostrich arrived at Wild Place on Wednesday 22 March having moved from the Welsh Mountain Zoo in a 4 hour journey via a specially prepared horse box. A copy of the member’s update with Piece on Drummer is pasted below:
Welcome to your Member Update
Dear Supporter,
Our bears have woken from hibernation and that can only mean one thing, that spring has definitely arrived!
Spring flowers, such as crocuses and daffodils, are coming into bloom throughout Wild Place Project which is rich in native wildlife. As many as 40 species of birds have been spotted including blue tits, ravens, wrens and woodpeckers.
You may have seen Sir David Attenborough’s Wild Isles and like us been inspired. With your help, we are aiming to raise £10,000 to help protect native wildlife in crisis through our Recover Local Wildlife Appeal.
Read on to discover how you can get closer to nature this spring with an eggstraordinary Easter family trail, visit our newest animal resident, and feel refreshed with seasonal treats from our new caterers.
Warm wishes
Katherine Grant
Individual Giving and Membership Manager
What's on - Easter Eggsplorers!
Join in our egg-citing ‘Easter Eggsplorers!’ trail between 1 and 16 April. Find 8 giant eggs to reveal a secret word and win a chocolate prize.
Discover amazing animals, including our new ostrich, and learn eggstraordinary facts about eggs along the way. Say hello to our giraffes, lemurs, cheetahs, zebras, wolves and bears – recently awake from their big sleep!
Surrounded by nature and wildlife, with plenty to entertain the kids, you’re guaranteed an egg-ceptional day out, and all included within your free Annual Membership Pass admission.
See what's planned
Meet Drummer the ostrich
What has wings but doesn’t fly, weighs more than a grand piano and is taller than a standard door? - it’s our newest resident, Drummer the ostrich!
Drummer traveled the four hour journey from Welsh Mountain Zoo, in North Wales, in a specially-adapted horse box and was welcomed by his new keepers on 22 March.
“We are really excited to be working with a new bird species at Wild Place Project. Ostriches are amazing, majestic birds. I’m sure that Drummer will be a really popular resident”, said Trevor Franks, curator of birds at Wild Place Project.
In the coming years, we plan to bring critically endangered North African red-necked ostriches to the attraction, learning top tips from caring for Drummer before their arrival.
“The North African red-necked ostrich once had an expansive habitat across Africa, however, hunting and habitat destruction have rendered the animal critically endangered”, added Trevor.
Visit Drummer in his enclosure next to the site entrance, and you can learn all about these amazing animals in our new ostrich talks held daily at 10.30am over the Easter holidays and May half term
According to the latest member’s newsletter, Drummer the ostrich arrived at Wild Place on Wednesday 22 March having moved from the Welsh Mountain Zoo in a 4 hour journey via a specially prepared horse box. A copy of the member’s update with Piece on Drummer is pasted below:
Welcome to your Member Update
Dear Supporter,
Our bears have woken from hibernation and that can only mean one thing, that spring has definitely arrived!
Spring flowers, such as crocuses and daffodils, are coming into bloom throughout Wild Place Project which is rich in native wildlife. As many as 40 species of birds have been spotted including blue tits, ravens, wrens and woodpeckers.
You may have seen Sir David Attenborough’s Wild Isles and like us been inspired. With your help, we are aiming to raise £10,000 to help protect native wildlife in crisis through our Recover Local Wildlife Appeal.
Read on to discover how you can get closer to nature this spring with an eggstraordinary Easter family trail, visit our newest animal resident, and feel refreshed with seasonal treats from our new caterers.
Warm wishes
Katherine Grant
Individual Giving and Membership Manager
What's on - Easter Eggsplorers!
Join in our egg-citing ‘Easter Eggsplorers!’ trail between 1 and 16 April. Find 8 giant eggs to reveal a secret word and win a chocolate prize.
Discover amazing animals, including our new ostrich, and learn eggstraordinary facts about eggs along the way. Say hello to our giraffes, lemurs, cheetahs, zebras, wolves and bears – recently awake from their big sleep!
Surrounded by nature and wildlife, with plenty to entertain the kids, you’re guaranteed an egg-ceptional day out, and all included within your free Annual Membership Pass admission.
See what's planned
Meet Drummer the ostrich
What has wings but doesn’t fly, weighs more than a grand piano and is taller than a standard door? - it’s our newest resident, Drummer the ostrich!
Drummer traveled the four hour journey from Welsh Mountain Zoo, in North Wales, in a specially-adapted horse box and was welcomed by his new keepers on 22 March.
“We are really excited to be working with a new bird species at Wild Place Project. Ostriches are amazing, majestic birds. I’m sure that Drummer will be a really popular resident”, said Trevor Franks, curator of birds at Wild Place Project.
In the coming years, we plan to bring critically endangered North African red-necked ostriches to the attraction, learning top tips from caring for Drummer before their arrival.
“The North African red-necked ostrich once had an expansive habitat across Africa, however, hunting and habitat destruction have rendered the animal critically endangered”, added Trevor.
Visit Drummer in his enclosure next to the site entrance, and you can learn all about these amazing animals in our new ostrich talks held daily at 10.30am over the Easter holidays and May half term
Alwaysevergreen
Well-Known Member
That post has been there quite a while. I am pretty sure that is meant to be were the Gorilla exhibit is being built.
I noticed something on the "Wild Place" plan the other day.
During last year, they gave the impression that the "rebranded" zoo will be ready for Summer 2024, originally stated for Spring 2024. However latest news bulletins suggest "building will start on new exhibits" during 2024, and that the plans announced are a plan until 2035.
Therefore whilst their species plan is exciting and some nice new additions, it is quite clear now, that this is not what is expected to be there from the start of the rebrand, nor would it appear that Summer 2024 looks realistic anymore, given they now say building on new exhibits will start during 2024.
Charles
Well-Known Member
My guess would be maybe the Nile lechwe as when they start the construction of the gorilla house by that time they’ll probably have moved to the giraffe enclosure
cerperal
Well-Known Member
I hope this doesn't come across as pretentious, as that is most certainly not the intention, but I thought that was obviously always going to be the plan. The rebranding would likely come with the addition of a few big hitters - black rhino, gorilla, etc - next year presumably to get the Bristol Zoo branding as early as possible and the collection would develop over the next 10 years. Over that time animals will be shifted around as their dedicated enclosures are built (we've already seen this with the ostriches) until eventually their initial plans are complete.
Also, I'm fairly sure despite what they may claim construction (or at least the preparation for it) has started. They've cut back a decent amount of wood for the gorillas from what I've heard and the presence of heavy machinery was quite clear on my visit.
Again apologies if my opening statement came off as rude. Given my total visits of 1 to the collection I'm certainly no expert and I agree 2024 seems...optimistic.
Charles
Well-Known Member
I agree with you I think they’re doing as much as they can at the moment with what they have because I’m quite uncertain on if anything has sold yet
although I think after the ostrich and the new animal arrive that will pretty much be it until full construction starts as the only other enclosure they could use would be gelada rocks for mandrills however the gelada are staying so that won’t happen
Alwaysevergreen
Well-Known Member
The remaining Gelada are very old. Some of them already beyond life expectancy for the species, so I doubt they will still be there in 1-2 years.
What new animal as well as the Ostrich? The zoo haven’t announced anything, and there are no exhibits started, let alone completed, and as said above, the sign by where the old Wolves exhibit was, has been there about 9 months and that is where the Gorilla exhibit will be built, but that is not to be started until next year according to the zoos own postings.
By summer next year, it is possible the Gorilla exhibit may well be finished and them moved over, but I would be very surprised if much else transpires until closer to 2025, and into 2025.
I wouldn’t imagine Okapi returning until construction is finished, as they don’t like lots of noise and whilst some of their original Okapi were loaned to other collections, I’m not sure the same animals will return, but possibly offspring from other collections who hold the species.