Twycross Zoo Twycross Zoo news 2013 #1
- Thread starter Nisha
- Start date
Went today, and this area is all fenced off, it looks a pretty big space, some of it is well planted with conifers.
In fact lots of the zoo was fanced off, it looked quite a mess to be honest, but I'm thinking that it has to be done and the winter months are the time to do it, and I do look forward to seeing how things look when it's all finished.
Have to say I like the new bush dog / coati enclosure.
I looked for tapirs, but saw only a baby South American one with no parents visable.
mazfc
Well-Known Member
I went today as well and didn't see any adult tapirs, though they do like the bigger she'd at the back.
Danny and Tommy chimp enclosure has been opened up. Looks like its a monkeyish kind of place - lots of hanging ropes. Wondered if it was for the langurs?
Saw ozala carrying the baby gorilla on her arm, he's so tiny, very sweet. I though Asante looked a bit porky but that's probably just her winter shape, unless oumbie has been very nimble
EDIT: the bush dogs and the coatis were out together and are a real joy to watch.
2nd EDIT: I thought the snow leopards looked a bit frisky, with one stalking the other
Danny and Tommy chimp enclosure has been opened up. Looks like its a monkeyish kind of place - lots of hanging ropes. Wondered if it was for the langurs?
Saw ozala carrying the baby gorilla on her arm, he's so tiny, very sweet. I though Asante looked a bit porky but that's probably just her winter shape, unless oumbie has been very nimble
EDIT: the bush dogs and the coatis were out together and are a real joy to watch.
2nd EDIT: I thought the snow leopards looked a bit frisky, with one stalking the other
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josh_08
Well-Known Member
Twycross Visit (3/2/13)
I also went today;
- Camels; The enclosure they are now in is much better, they have a pair of rhea in their old enclosure.
- Tapirs/Capybara; The capybara have a new baby. I also noticed the baby tapir on her own so spoke to a keeper who informed me that sadly both adult brazillian tapirs (pele and muffin) have died from different illness recently (within a week of each other) so the baby is being given milk from keepers, the current plan is for her to stay at the zoo. Also asked about madge, and was told she has also died so 3 tapir deaths recently.
- Elephants; Nothing new to report, tonzi was enjoying a bit of browse and decided she preferred to wear it as a hat.
- Amur/Snow Leopard; Didnt see the snow leopards. Still no sign of a second amur leopard (was meant to arrive in January), although the male was calling at one point so maybe she is in quarantine somewhere and can sence her?
- Orangutan/ Bonobo; Nothing new with orangs, Molly the youngest is a joy to watch thought! shame she hasnt got any playmates like other babies have had. The bonobos have had a mix up, with all youngsters in one group.
- Bushdog/ Coati; The first time ive seen this exhibit and do like it, they seem to get along, with both species on the ground.
- Chimps; No news really, the access from 'joes den' to the larger side has been completely blocked off, so i dont think they plan to introduce coco, noddy and mongo to the larger group. Genet was trying to destroy the fixtures and fittings and in the end always turns into a game. Even blew a few raspberries at me and you can hear her doing it.
- Gorillas; Saw the new baby (still no clue on sex). Ozala sat by the windows nearly all day with oumbi also near to keep an eye on them. Her and biddy have been interacting alot with biddy touching and smelling the baby, and even the pair themselves touching and holding hands. Biddy looks very scruffy and old now, and has a bald patch on her shoulder and back of thighs. As mazfc said, asante does look a little larger but has a bald patch on her upper arm so might still be plucking.
The Green-mile/ New amur leopard enclosure is looking better (from the outside atleast). I did want this to be demolished but hopefully it will be updated to a good standard.
I also went today;
- Camels; The enclosure they are now in is much better, they have a pair of rhea in their old enclosure.
- Tapirs/Capybara; The capybara have a new baby. I also noticed the baby tapir on her own so spoke to a keeper who informed me that sadly both adult brazillian tapirs (pele and muffin) have died from different illness recently (within a week of each other) so the baby is being given milk from keepers, the current plan is for her to stay at the zoo. Also asked about madge, and was told she has also died so 3 tapir deaths recently.
- Elephants; Nothing new to report, tonzi was enjoying a bit of browse and decided she preferred to wear it as a hat.
- Amur/Snow Leopard; Didnt see the snow leopards. Still no sign of a second amur leopard (was meant to arrive in January), although the male was calling at one point so maybe she is in quarantine somewhere and can sence her?
- Orangutan/ Bonobo; Nothing new with orangs, Molly the youngest is a joy to watch thought! shame she hasnt got any playmates like other babies have had. The bonobos have had a mix up, with all youngsters in one group.
- Bushdog/ Coati; The first time ive seen this exhibit and do like it, they seem to get along, with both species on the ground.
- Chimps; No news really, the access from 'joes den' to the larger side has been completely blocked off, so i dont think they plan to introduce coco, noddy and mongo to the larger group. Genet was trying to destroy the fixtures and fittings and in the end always turns into a game. Even blew a few raspberries at me and you can hear her doing it.
- Gorillas; Saw the new baby (still no clue on sex). Ozala sat by the windows nearly all day with oumbi also near to keep an eye on them. Her and biddy have been interacting alot with biddy touching and smelling the baby, and even the pair themselves touching and holding hands. Biddy looks very scruffy and old now, and has a bald patch on her shoulder and back of thighs. As mazfc said, asante does look a little larger but has a bald patch on her upper arm so might still be plucking.
The Green-mile/ New amur leopard enclosure is looking better (from the outside atleast). I did want this to be demolished but hopefully it will be updated to a good standard.
That is what I like to hear.
I suspect despite many years of seperation, that these two still have a familial bond. Though by most zoo standards its only a small group and Asante is something of an outsider, this is probably the best ever group set-up they have had for the Gorillas.Tapirs- losing three in such a short space of time was very bad luck.
I guess they will never keep Malayans again and they have not had a successful history with this unusual species. It will be easy to aquire a new partner for the handraised Brazilian baby in due course.
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Any photos you can post of this development, or failing that, a description of exactly what has been done?
https://www.facebook.com/#!/TwycrossZoo facebook link to twycrosses page regarding the leopard enclosure
Clever transformation of Twycross' famous 'blot on the landscape', and they have been pretty speedy with it too. I wonder if they are planning a 'Valentine special' for the Leopards?
Yes, judging by the photo, when they get the bark attached to the outside walls it will look quite good, although to describe it as a "brand new Amur leopard enclosure" is pushing it a bit in my opinion. I am pleased to see the zoo is housing animals in enclosures that were previously vacant with a bit of refurbishment and alteration, far better than just leaving them empty which gave the "closing down soon" look which has been commented upon on here. Sorry to hear about both Brazilian tapirs dying, hope they are successful in rearing the baby, and as you say, there will probably be no more Malayan tapirs at the zoo, in the near future anyway.
I think the 'closing down look' has been a necessity in the grand scheme of things. There are a lot of delapidated or unsuitable enclosures, and a lot of empty enclosures. Now they have a few enclosures vacant they can do their best to make simple moves and renovations.
In my opinion, Twycross is going to have a future [at least for now] of small/inexpensive developments that make a big difference. Forget Kuno! or million pound dirt tracks, forget the likes of Himalaya or an art gallery. I'm glad to see that they are now focusing time/money on the things that needed doing in the first place, ie. great ape moves, getting rid of the green mile etc.
In my opinion, Twycross is going to have a future [at least for now] of small/inexpensive developments that make a big difference. Forget Kuno! or million pound dirt tracks, forget the likes of Himalaya or an art gallery. I'm glad to see that they are now focusing time/money on the things that needed doing in the first place, ie. great ape moves, getting rid of the green mile etc.
IMO the Chimpanzee moves are the single biggest improvement there in the last thirty years, maybe ever!
That and whittling down the Gorillas to one single workable group. Next stop on this theme - more improvements for the Orangutan housing?Tapirs- losing three in such a short space of time was very bad luck.
I was always impressed that a primate focused zoo kept both South American and Malayan tapirs. How many other zoos have kept (or are keeping?) both species? Howletts and/or Port Lympne spring to mind as possibilities and now Chester? Any others?
Not sure, but possibly Marwell held both for a while during the 20 years i didn't visit, someone will know though?
The inside of the leopard enclosure looks good. The chimps would have liked it in there with some more stimulation eh? Anyway, the moves are positive and the management are being creative and sensible which is what we all asked for, for so long.
Is the 'old' leopard enclosure being kept for a solitary animal or is this for the Langurs?
I correctly predicted that the camels would move into the Giraffe paddock when that was first announced. Another 'sensible' move, although it would be nice to use the height of the house to display birds/primates?
The outdoor Orang enclosure could be extended with some effort and minimal cost.
Nice feedback about the coati/bush dog exhibit, so again well done to the staff.
Since the Elephant paddock is themed Udawalawe, could there be an exhibit in or nearby this enclosure of the Purple Langurs and Peacocks? I was in Udawalawe at New Year (had two great safari's) and I could not find any display, sponsor board or label with Twycross's name on it. I asked at the Elephant transit centre for orphans and at the reserve office and nobody had heard of Twycross. I thought this was a shame because I assume the Zoo has an in-situ conservation relationship with the park - since they are using their name and attempting to educate the UK's public about the demise of the Sri Lankan elephant and the conflict with farmers etc.....
I'm excited about the sudden turnaround in fortune for this once great Zoo. I believe it can once again be a place to be proud of.
Is the 'old' leopard enclosure being kept for a solitary animal or is this for the Langurs?
I correctly predicted that the camels would move into the Giraffe paddock when that was first announced. Another 'sensible' move, although it would be nice to use the height of the house to display birds/primates?
The outdoor Orang enclosure could be extended with some effort and minimal cost.
Nice feedback about the coati/bush dog exhibit, so again well done to the staff.
Since the Elephant paddock is themed Udawalawe, could there be an exhibit in or nearby this enclosure of the Purple Langurs and Peacocks? I was in Udawalawe at New Year (had two great safari's) and I could not find any display, sponsor board or label with Twycross's name on it. I asked at the Elephant transit centre for orphans and at the reserve office and nobody had heard of Twycross. I thought this was a shame because I assume the Zoo has an in-situ conservation relationship with the park - since they are using their name and attempting to educate the UK's public about the demise of the Sri Lankan elephant and the conflict with farmers etc.....
I'm excited about the sudden turnaround in fortune for this once great Zoo. I believe it can once again be a place to be proud of.
Purple(faced) Langurs are no longer there. Last ones went to Cotswold and it was reported on here that some have since moved to South Africa .
The small group of Chimps(Coco, Noddy & Mongo) that now occupy the old Gorilla Joe's 'half' of the ex-Gorilla House have virtually nothing to climb on outdoors presumably for safety reasons,(see photo) but the indoor space and showden do constitute a big improvement for them though.
There's a photo here confirming it's actually for siamangs: https://twitter.com/Spr1969/status/299251666719481856
The Gibbon House was looking very siamang-dominated at my last visit.