TWYCROSS ZOO NEWS 2012
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No, it's at the side of the car park.
Interestingly, the Asian carnivore development has a model now set up in a tent near the elephants. The model shows three enclosures, but one of the accompanying graphics suggests they may rotate four species - the species shown being lion, hyaena, dhole and... tiger.
Think I've got a photo of the graphic - will try to remember to post it later.
Good to know it is being promoted then. As I regard the Elephant area as the best area at Twycross, if/when these enclosures get built then this side of the Zoo could eventually become its best feature.
I've seen this model about 3 years back which was on display in the zoo centre.
It all looks to be good, and it looks like a species of Tiger will be coming back along with Asiatic Lions again. If those do come back, then the zoo will have 5 species of Cat.
I would also like to see the Asian Otters move over to this area along with Asian Bird species (Hornbills, Fairy Bluebirds etc).
It all looks to be good, and it looks like a species of Tiger will be coming back along with Asiatic Lions again. If those do come back, then the zoo will have 5 species of Cat.
I would also like to see the Asian Otters move over to this area along with Asian Bird species (Hornbills, Fairy Bluebirds etc).
The other thing I noted on my last visit was that the African/South American primate house is now empty (the one across from the sea lion pool). This leaves a huge 'empty' area as there are large lawns around it, plus the old Children's farm exhibit and the two 'nursery' chimp/quarantine exhibits (plus the 'being-run-down' Green Mile and the small mammal run that now only has Bat-eared Foxes).
I believe this is where the new ape house discussed elsewhere is due to go.
I believe this is where the new ape house discussed elsewhere is due to go.
As you said, its a 'self-proclaimed' title and is largely meaningless. They do have a very large selection of primates, but don't attempt to embrace all of the scientific primate classes & families, nor is there much breeding from many of them(some being elderly or non-breeders anyway).
So despite their recently acquired title I think Twycross is still very much a 'general' zoo aiming to exhibit an 'across the board' collection and the emphasis is on providing new exhibits for species that will draw in more visitors- such as these Asian carnivores. While the sad truth is that few people apart from Primate specialists/zoo enthusiasts would worry too much about the existing Primate accomodation.
That said I think there are still future plans for a major Chimpanzee exhibit but that will be the first new primate exhibit for many years.
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Mr T
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Does the model not show 4 enclosures? If they were to only have three would that mean that one of the 4 species would be kept in their house for 25% of their time at the zoo?
The model showed three large paddocks - I just figured the model was made before four species were being considered! There's never really been any consistency in what would be included besides lions and this has been in planning for years. There should be enough space to move the boundaries to make four enclosures instead of three if they wanted.
the photo on the right with the rough sketch shows four paddocks. I can't imagine they would keep one species offshow like that. My main concern about the rotation is for the Hyaenas and Dholes- they could be stressed constantly finding themselves in the bigger predators' territories? Or, being in a zoo, would they quickly come to realise there was no danger?
Interesting point. Many years ago when carnivores were not commonly kept on grassy paddocks, a zookeeper told me that hyenas were such prolific territory markers that to reduce the very strong smell, the staff unwisely/constantly hosed down the area and so the hyenas then were forced to continuiously try to remark which caused them stress and dehydration leading to bad health and death. And this was the reason why so few zoos kept them.
This explanation sounded logical to me then, but I am wondering what the current thinking is on this type of situation.
Haven't seen this posted yet, Twycross have had a female baby Bonobo born, but is under the care of the keepers as the mother rejected it. More information on the Zoos Facebook page as Website.
Jordan-Jaguar97
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Diesel the one of the two male Amur leopards has gone to a zoo in USA. His son Davidoff, is the only Amur leopard at the zoo. This may mean the arrival of a female.
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