West Country Peregrinations

Thank you - any idea how many ??

Checked my photos from my last visit and there were at least 14 individuals in December. :)
 
( I remember that small enclosure with the rocky outcrop in the centre for them a few years ago at Paignton.)

That is where the Takin brothers are now. I think I can remember the Barbary Sheep being in what is now the Giant Tortoise house before that. And the Giraffes were in there before them.
 
Chucky had certainly not forgotten me. Eventually she had to be left with me during the shows with an explanation to the rest of the audience that I was an old friend. The only thing that really stands out for me was when she bit my presenter friend during the final show one Friday, possibly in 2008, (I don't think the rest of the audience noticed the blood) and we walked down to the First Aid Post afterwards (it was closed).

Never a dull moment on your zoo visits :D
 
That is where the Takin brothers are now. I think I can remember the Barbary Sheep being in what is now the Giant Tortoise house before that. And the Giraffes were in there before them.

The Barbary Sheep were in the old Giraffe House when I visited in 1998 (my first visit since 1966). I think they were in there when they were filmed being caught up in the first series of The Zookeepers.

What would have been on the rocky outcrop then? Where the African Pygmy Goats there between the Barbary Sheep and the Takins, or before the Barbary Sheep? If I check my photos I should be able to solve that for myself.
 
Never a dull moment on your zoo visits :D

From a Herring Gull stealing my fish to my disaster with an ice-cream I had just bought having sped from my guest house to the zoo on arrival in Paignton in 2012.........................
 
That is where the Takin brothers are now. I think I can remember the Barbary Sheep being in what is now the Giant Tortoise house before that. And the Giraffes were in there before them.

Blimey that "single rock" enclosure is pretty small for Takin surely ?

I believe they were housed in that open concreted enclosure near the Camels, which used to contain Pygmy Goats, when they first arrived.
 
I believe they were housed in that open concreted enclosure near the Camels, which used to contain Pygmy Goats, when they first arrived.

Oh, I thought it was that exhibit we were talking about - two connected areas next to the Camels with the one nearer the public having rocks in its centre.
 
Here's the Takin enclosure - the hard standing with Takin Tor and the grassy area behind (they don't always have access to the grass):

http://www.zoochat.com/62/paignton-zoo-08-03-2014-a-357577/

http://www.zoochat.com/62/paignton-zoo-08-03-2014-a-357576/

The Camel paddock is on the other side of the fence on the left. The Pygmy Goats used to live in the stable block in between the Takin and Camels but I haven't seen them there recently. There's still a good number of them in the Ranch, having fun with the people who ignore the notices about bringing food in :D

I haven't had chance to check who lived in the Takin enclosure before the Barbary Sheep yet.
 
I like "Takin Tor". The Pygmy Goats did used to have access to it though didn't they? I am sure I have photographs of them in there (I too have not yet had chance to check any photographs or other information).
 
I like "Takin Tor". The Pygmy Goats did used to have access to it though didn't they? I am sure I have photographs of them in there (I too have not yet had chance to check any photographs or other information).

I'm sure they did, I have some photo's from around 2009 somewhere and I'm sure you can see the goats using "Takin Tor" in one! I too like the name, even if it is rather grand for a pile of rubble... :p
 
Paignton's Barbary Sheep

I went to do a census this morning and couldn't see any Barbary Sheep. This doesn't, of course, mean there weren't any there but I'm inclined to think their days are over. The house has been opened up inside to form just one 'stable' rather than two and the Tur were wandering around the section used by the Sheep until recently. The Barbary Sheep sign is still in situ but that doesn't mean anything. Unfortunately, there were no keepers about to ask.
 
Paignton's Bird Show

It's definitely happening. The 12 noon show was on as I passed the theatre. I've pencilled in a performance for next week :)
 
I'm sure they did, I have some photo's from around 2009 somewhere and I'm sure you can see the goats using "Takin Tor" in one!

I agree about the goats. Judging by Parrotsandrew's photos of early guide book maps, this area wasn't open to the public before the great revamp of the zoo.
 
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