Had my first visit in about 5 months today, only a few things to report;
1. Orangs/Bonobo; The orangs have had netting put up to cover the windows inside as part of an experiment and is expected to take around 4 weeks. This does block viewing though for the public. Nothing new with the bonobos with only a few on display today. The slides were open so some might have been staying in their off-show quarters.
2. Giraffe; The zoo now only has two giraffes (keisha and harriet; both female) after justin the male died back in december. The keeper didnt go into detalis of what happened to him and she just walked off.
3. Tapir/ Capybara; The capybara have had 3 new babies and i was also suprised to see all 3 tapirs today. I thought one of the brazilian ones had died some time ago.
4. Elephants; No news. Tara is now looking very large, waddling around the enclosure taking her time. I think it will be interesting to see how the herd (especially Noorjahan) react the the calf?
5. Amur/Snow Leopard; Only managed to see two snow leopards, have the cubs been moved on? Also the amur was harder to spot being the only one with the whole enclosue to himself now. Its also starting to look a little worn down, but with a bit of planting and fresh vegetation should be alright.
6. Gorilla; The old gorilla house is now closed to the public as they have started work indoors (getting ready for the chimps). Boulas and Biddy are in 'Joe's den' and cannot access the larger side indoors or out. New equipment/frames have been built for them, and also in the larger outdoor bit for the future chimps. Boulas seemed stressed out today, chest beating/ hitting the window and walls and chasing biddy around alot. Was slightly vocal too. Oumbies group seemed very relaxed today including Asante. She was even on the group and by the windows at one point with was rare to see. She is looking very thin (compared to Ozala), and has fresh cutts on her neck, back of head and wrists, im guessing from oumbie- So fighting is still taking place. Oumbie was very relaxed aswell and not doing his usual routine of climbing etc. maybe this is becasue he can no longer see Boulas?
7. Chimps; The group housed near the 'Gorilla Cafe' were shut outside, with Tommy and Danny still being alone. Not sure if the zoo has tried mixing them yet. Greenmile- I'd say there are still around 6/7 chimps left in there. Benjie was in a very playful mood sitting with me for a good while, copying my movements, trying to get at the camera after seeing himself and he also picked up a single strand of hay and was trying to place it in my hands which i found fascinating. The bald male thats left (mongo?) has a very large growth/lump on his neck-have took pictures but arnt good quality. The chimps housed behind Greenmile have been breaking out into squables and fights all day. Keepers were constantly running to and from trying to solve the situation and see who the culprits were. I believe Jomor was picking on Tojo, and Jmabo was trying to help him and stick up for him. There is also two chimps inside who are sectioned off from the others. Alot of them have little scratches cuts from the fighting. Genet was being very vocal and it seemed everytime she made some noise they all went for it.
Negatives; The zoo has now placed some bark on some of the ape house's floors. It not only makes the place look dirty and messy but is also hard to walk on as its so thick. There was a group of wheelchair users and parents with prams who also found it hard go over.
Although i would say i've had a pleasant visit, the zoo does now feel empty with a lack of animals on display.
I think i have covered everything but will add if needed
couldn't resist 
