ZSL London Zoo Whats happening?

Z

ZooLeopard

Well-Known Member
Read this on the ZSL London Zoo website:

We’re changing

Animal Adventure’s aardvarks, porcupines and prairie dogs have been moved temporarily whilst essential maintenance work is carried out on their homes. All work should be completed by approximately mid November.

The Clore Rainforest Lookout & Nightzone will be closed for renovation from Monday 9th November until March 2010.

ZSL London Zoo would like to apologise for any disappoint this work might cause.

We pride ourselves as being a world leading zoo and this essential work is important to maintain our high level of animal care and visitor enjoyment.

But don’t worry there’s still hundreds of animals to see, including our colony of western lowland gorillas, Asian lions and their cubs, tigers, giraffes and meerkats


Just wondered whether anyone had any idea on what is happening to Animal Adventure. Is it to do with the earlier red panda escape? as three species are off-show.
 
That's interesting news, especially as Animal Adventure is so new. I'm actually more curious about what is going on at the Clore, would love to know what they are going to do.

By the way, I did notice that the trumpeters were in one of the old parrot house aviaries this afternoon, so it looks like they've been moved out.
 
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When I was there a few months ago, two keepers were discussing the plumbing of the building and benefits of having an extra tap somewhere in the Clore.
 
Keeper tells me the Red Pandas are at Whipsnade. Their area in the AA was too noisy and the escape helped the decision along.

The area is now being used for Hornbill training which will be part of the summer season of animal displays. The coati's will eventually get access to the former panda area.
 
I get the feeling that there is something seriously wrong at ZSL. The Clore had barely been opened under its new guise before it was closed again. Likewise the Animal Adventure exhibit, it seems, is experiencing serious problems within a year of its opening. The Web of Life has had to be renamed because it failed to draw visitors in. There have been problems with the Blackburn Pavilion, Colobus escaping from Gorilla Kingdom... The list is a long one.

And they can still make statements like "We pride ourselves as being a world leading zoo..." I'm sorry but I don't think this is now the case. Certainly the ZSL WAS a leader in the world zoo community.

I do think that the site is looking better now than it has done for the past 20 years or so but wrong decisions are still being made about what is likely to appeal to visitors and, it would appear, about designing enclosures with the animal management in mind.
 
The website is still, quite frankly atrocious.

All I will say is this, yes, there is something seriously wrong, and there are growing fears as to what will happen next. For the past few years departments have been heavily relying on the work of the ever-growing band of volunteers to help with routine animal maintenance and talk to the visitors.

After the near closure in the early 1990's, the zoo has been unable to keep up with the developments of other zoos, and corners are often cut to manage valuable funds. But this is common knowledge, and quite obvious when you think about it.

The Blackburn Pavillion itself was nearly stopped, but it was only through a generous donation that it was able to be completed.

BUGS! still fails to draw visitors in, sure, they get a few, but it only ever gets busy when it's raining. It's a shame, but no one seems that bothered by invertebrates, or the axolotls. Interestingly the Clore are getting naked mole rats and an ant colony, meaning there will be two sets within the zoo. What this means for the future of BUGS! can only be speculated about.

Their problems might be solved if they weren't paying £8-£9 an hour for their summer retail/catering/toilet/gardening staff though, and there's a hell of a lot of them floating around. That and lifting some of their self-imposed regulations. One of the major problems for redevelopment is the fact that many of the buildings are listed, that benefactors have had trees planted meaning that areas can't be developed and that the collection resides within a Royal Park. Couple this with ZSL's self imposed restrictions and it's not looking good.

I could go on about this for aeons.

I shall just end this by saying that ZSL needs to stop resting on their former reputation, and past achievements. Yes, so the zoo was responsible for many 'firsts' such as having a reptile house, the creation of a children's zoo and by coining the term 'aquarium', but without continuing to be innovative they're left with nothing. They are supposedly the national collection, but these days you would never be able to guess.

I love London Zoo, dearly, and saying this seems blasphemous, but sometimes things need to be said I guess.
 
procyonlotor said:
They are supposedly the national collection, but these days you would never be able to guess.
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This is a very interesting (and illuminating) take on the current situation at ZSL. It was only a couple of years back that people on here were commenting how London seemed to be experiencing a mini 'boom phase' what with Gorilla Kingdom, the newly landscaped enclosures on the Cotton Terraces, Komodo dragons, revamped Bird House and Clore etc. Now it seems that things may be going into reverse again.

Do you know if there are any short-term plans for the Big Cat area, the Monkeys that are living there, and what is being done to the Lions enclosure?
 
I wholly disagree with this.

Really? Slash the wages of those staff zoo enthusiasts see as dispensible? So the reason you're not getting exciting enough new exhibits is because the lowest paid in the zoo are paid properly? Treating your staff properly is important, as you can expect a lot from them in return. Now I'm sure they'll be plenty of stories of how people had bad service at London zoo, but I think minimum wage staff at other zoological collections who are not invested in at all and don't really feel proud to work there do nothing for them.


The Clore Rainforest was ambitious and I think the right decision has been made to correct all the problems rather than leave the space with fewer and fewer plants. It's not a new build and that obviously came with some unforseen problems. But although I regretted some of the Clore being what appeared to be permanently used as off-exhibit/quarantine facilites, I was more impressed with the building than on previous visits. People might reminisce for the days where every glass case was filled with a different small mammal species, but that would draw sharp criticism if done today, even on here. The last incarnation of the Clore was my favorite space at ZSL and I look forward to the refurbished exhibit. Sure, I frown at the rebranding of basically the same exhibit with the same species albeit with £20,000 worth of plants and some structural work, but I realise they have to justify the capital expenditure.

Yes it is unfortunate that the public don't care to learn about biodiversity as much as seeing a lion or a gorilla, but that's not the zoo's fault. It doesn't make the building a failure, especially as some of the most important ex situ conservation work done by ZSL has has been with invertebrates. The building is fantastic and I don't think it was designed badly. The other thing about the zoo is that there are a lot of buildings to go in, and on busy summer days I would expect many families to skip one or two.

Animal adventure can weather changes in species exhibited, and I would expect this to happen anyway to keep the exhibit fresh over time. Yes the Red Panda exhibit is rubbish, yes they may have needed to do some maintenance work on the root zone during the winter, but you only know about that because they issued a press release, which is a great deal more than a lot of zoos will do.

The listed buildings are difficult, but I think in a few years once the Cat Terraces are replaced and the new entrance built there won't be too much left to do.
 
They've just repainted the cat terraces and done some replanting work, which I have to say make them look worlds better. Amazing what a lick of paint can do. They've also extended the glass in front of the moat to expand the lion viewing area. I believe this is all short-term work.

In regards to future plans I have heard some rumours that the terraces are next in line for a revamp. This however is only speculation from various educational volunteers so we'll have to wait and see. If the speculation is to be believed however, then London Zoo is about to undergo another 'boom' with rumours flying around about the pygmy hippos also. Where this money has come from is hard to say.

I believe the recession hit the zoo rather hard, I know there were a series of redundancies within the offices just before the 2009 Christmas period.

Whatever the case, nothing will be announced until peak season is over.
 
The ex situ work done in BUGS! is fantastic- the recent success of the Partulid breeding program is a prime example of that. And then there's the Seychelle's millipede, Weta crickets, all the work with ants (that is still ongoing) as well as a host more that escape my mind. The thing that concerns me is that BUGS! is becoming more geared towards education and if it were to disappear then it would be a great loss. I do not believe it's a bad exhibit, merely that it doesn't get the attention it deserves from the public or the zoo itself.

As for the Clore, it now looks how it should have done after the original revamp. It's better than before, and should provide greater enrichment for the animals as well as providing less hassle for the keepers. The money needed to be spent, and at no point do I believe the money should have been spent elsewhere.

I don't care about fancy exhibits, but I do care about footfall because the money raised is used for more than wages and revamping exhibits.

Granted, the summer staff put up with a lot of aggro from the public, and they do deserve to be paid well as a result of this, but yes, some of them are unnecessary particularly at this time of year when they stand at stalls doing nothing for the better part of the day, only to serve a handful of customers.
 
Its difficult, catering/shop rotas and weather are a tricky combination, and like you say people expect very good service after paying so much at the gate.

I am excited about the zoo today, I remember the bad times when the zoo was close to breaking point yet £750,000 was spent on installing a bird of prey flight that had piano wire, and then subsequently the next exhibit invested in being a parrot flight.

Given that the lions are raising cubs and the tigers are back to a compatible, but ageing pair, I think they can afford to wait with the cat terraces a while, and in this context the murals are a very good move.
 
I completely agree with Johnstoni. That is not to say that there haven't been mistakes at ZSL in the past but I do feel there is also unfair criticism on here sometimes. The site has limitations and yes, in the winter season maintainence work means some areas are closed - there is a reduction in entry fee to reflect this.
My understanding about the big cat terraces is that there are legally binding changes that will need to be made to the tiger enclosure but these have been put on hold for financial reasons; there is an architect on the internet claiming to have been given the design brief but the name escapes me (you'll find it if you Google 'redevelopment of big cat terraces, london').
 
My feeling about the website and magazine is that they have a very lightweight approach. You get the impression that they worry that anything deeper or more serious might alienate people so instead go for a lowest common denominator approach rather than recognising (re the magazine in particular) that if someone is a member they are probably interested in more than a fluffy in-flight magazine with some 'fascinating facts' about brown bears.

I think this approach extends to the maps, I missed the bison at Whipsnade as they weren't on the map at all.

I love London Zoo, its history especially but I feel that there seems to be a distinct lack of imagination and creativity in how recent development has been approached. On the other hand, I think some exhibits like the Komodo dragon building and giant tortoise enclosure are excellent and aesthetically very pleasing.
 
Toilet staff paid £8 - £9 an hour? You're having a laugh aren't you?! The toilet staff are paid £5.80 an hour.....minimum wage and if you were to cut back on them, the complaints about the state of them would soon start pouring in. Finding the balance for temporary and casual staff is tough. On a hot sunny day London Zoo is overwhelmed by visitors with queues everywhere for everything and when it's pouring down, the staff have little to do.

Going on to say there are there 'is something seriously wrong, and there are growing fears as to what will happen next' is scaremongering. Budgets will have to be adjusted and fund-raising is going to be tough for the indefinite future. The Zoo, like every other organisation has to live within its means and if development is slowed down as a result, then so be it.

London Zoo is in a 'lose, lose' situation. Whatever decisions are made about capital expenditure projects, some will be pleased and others angered. Some people love the new tortoise exhibit, others don't. Some people love the Clore Rainforest, others long for a time long gone. I could go on, but you get the idea!

It's an incredible balancing act to keep ZSL and its work going. It's been like that since ZSL was formed in 1826 ! Many zoos around the world are struggling with the current financial crisis (New York being the most obvious) and the shocking weather during the winter season in London will have affected ZSL's income badly. Add to the fact that it's reserves will not be earning any interest, that animals still have to be fed and staff still have to be paid then the outlook is of concern. So, some of the more ambitious projects will have to wait, the reliance on volunteers will increase and those charged with fundraising will have to work very hard indeed to justify their existence.

Having been at the Zoo today though, the minor improvements make the place look much better and the new signage is novel. I'm looking forward to having a nose around the Clore but agree that the north side of the Zoo is bleak at present.

There is a time scale for the work on the tiger enclosure - if you read the directive from the Zoo Inspectorate which is posted by the former Fellows' gate (the entrance to the Prince Albert Suite) you will gain some insightful information about the legal requirements.

As for the website, I agree with procyonlotor that it isn't great. But is now the time to spend thousands of pounds redesigning? Probably not.

As for the maps at both Zoo's they could be better, although the bison are on the maps I have of Whipsnade and the one on the website! https://static.zsl.org/images/originals/map-easter-2009-a3-3931.jpg

The magazine, Wild About, is aimed at a broad audience. However, anyone interested in zoology and the scientific publications that ZSL publish has free access to all of them at the fantastic ZSL library. The Journal of Zoology, Animal Conservation and the Year Book are all available to peruse. The library is a treasure trove and well worth a visit.

Rather than rely on rumours and speculation, get involved with ZSL. Become a Fellow and get involved with the AGM and Council Elections. Go to the Scientific Meetings - Fellows have access to some of the Directors of ZSL who attend and you can hear from them what is going on. If you really feel strongly, write to the Director General and tell him what you think. I have approached him a number of times about some of the shoddy nonsense that goes on in the Zoo and he has followed them up very quickly indeed.

Finally, remember that the only way things can continue to improve is by encouraging your friends and family to support the work of ZSL. It is a charity and if it is to survive the next 180 years needs all the help it can get. If you know anyone that has a few million pounds to spare, I'm sure the fundraising dept would love to hear from you!

LB
 
I have to agree with Londonzooboy that under the circumstance ZSL is doing a fine job. I am not particularly bothered about people not going in droves to Bugs ... and I - for one - do like the educational panels to it. Their ex situ conservation work is world reknowned .. and one could go on ..

ZSL remains an authorative organisation within the professional zoo community. Its size has always had limitations - which was the prime reason for setting up Whipsnade on Dunstable Downs -. And like Londonzooboy mentioned ..., I cannot remember a time when ZSL was not on a trapeze-string act when it comes to finances.

On a lighter note: one of us mentioned rumours re the pygmy hippos .. what are they?
 
Londonboy said:
Toilet staff paid £8 - £9 an hour? You're having a laugh aren't you?! The toilet staff are paid £5.80 an hour.....minimum wage and if you were to cut back on them, the complaints about the state of them would soon start pouring in. Finding the balance for temporary and casual staff is tough. On a hot sunny day London Zoo is overwhelmed by visitors with queues everywhere for everything and when it's pouring down, the staff have little to do.
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It was the advertised rate for this years summer vacancies on the site, which ironically, have now been taken down, but that's due to the deadlines being mid-March as employment starts over the Easter holidays. The rates change, and hey, it's only the shop staff that stand around chatting all day that make me irate.

Kifaru Bwana said:
On a lighter note: one of us mentioned rumours re the pygmy hippos .. what are they?
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It's nothing major. The educational volunteers have meetings to keep them up to date with developments in the zoo, including things that keepers don't even get wind of (as departments tend to keep themselves to themselves).

One of the senior volunteers, a former zoo keeper, and one of out longest serving members of staff, mentioned that they were considering redoing their outdoor paddock (huzzah!). There was nothing else mentioned other than it somehow tying in with the cat terraces.

Four more days until the official Clore opening :D Last time I saw it, it was very much a building site still, although there were some butterflies floating around the middle (whether they'll become enrichment food for the tamarins is yet to be discovered, but I'm betting on 'yes'. Poor l'il Helis)
 
Procyonlotor- do you know if there are any plans for the larger Monkey exhibits;

1. Is the Colobus/Gorilla mix now permanently shelved?

2. Are there any future plans to remodel the remaining older-style outdoor cages(Colobus/Diana) of the Sobell pavilions?

3. Are the Hanuman Langurs still there and how many?

4. Are there any plans you are aware of, for the Monkeys held in the Cat Terraces enclosures, or will they just stay there?

Any answers would be welcome...
 
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