Jackwow
Well-Known Member
I did warn you....
You did indeed, thanks!
I still enjoyed the visit, just wouldn't rush back.
The Lynx exhibit was probably the best IMHO.
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo Whipsnade 2014 #2
- Thread starter Nisha
- Start date
You did indeed, thanks!
I still enjoyed the visit, just wouldn't rush back.
The Lynx exhibit was probably the best IMHO.
Work will soon begin upon the 3 projects stated earlier. Some more info: the new main entrance will be along the lines of the Dunstable Downs visitor centre (I've never visited so don't know what to expect!).
The area between the entrance and the lemurs will become pedestrianised, with the Lubetkin elephant house being incorporated further down the line. This building has now been deemed uninhabitable for any animal, big or small, so will probably end up being a shelter/cafe/picnic area.
The area between the entrance and the lemurs will become pedestrianised, with the Lubetkin elephant house being incorporated further down the line. This building has now been deemed uninhabitable for any animal, big or small, so will probably end up being a shelter/cafe/picnic area.
The visitor centre on the downs is a nice, smart building. Its not too big, but I guess that's because its on top of the downs. The style would make a good entrance. Photo number 5 is of the centre.
Whipsnade and Dunstable Downs walk - National Trust
With the old elephant house, I'm not surprised its been deemed uninhabitable, at least if its turned into a shelter/café or picnic area it will be used. Good and exciting times ahead for both ZSL's collections!
Good question! If the area in front of the lemurs is pedestrianised(as mentioned), they will have to create a new exit for cars. Also, unless they build a new road you will have to leave the zoo to drive around a second time, doesn't seem a good idea to me!
I believe the general idea will be modelled around London's Exhibition Road. Cars will still be able to enter, but I think the zoo wants to lessen their impact in the long term-for a start, I've never seen anyone stick to the speed limit!
IanRRobinson
Well-Known Member
IMHO, there is a serious need to get in more buses. There are too many cars inside the Park now, and it has to be dealt with as an issue.
Personally, I'd say that unless a vehicle is carrying small children, passenger(s) with special needs, or the elderly, then it should be left outside - certainly in peak periods. The land near Bluebell Wood, and that near the elephants, could both be put to better use than car parks.
I think that's the general plan Ian-though don't expect anymore double-deckers! Years of continual use have severely damaged some of the roads around the park.
The small minority are a law unto themselves when driving around Whipsnade (driving the wrong way, speeding etc) but has the zoo always allowed car entry?
There has certainly been an increase in cars at peak Times over the last 2 or 3 years, which why they might have stopped charging for the car park(only noticed this recently), in order to discourage taking cars in.
Personally, I only take my car in now that it is free for me, I have never paid, so it wouldn't matter either way.
Making better use of those car parks would be great, but the question is, would they? Anything that boosted the collection would be great, but recent history suggests that might not be their priority!
The Wolf Wood car park would probably be a no-go as it's used by the local red kites and, more recently, buzzards as a nesting site. So, in some perverse way, the collection has been added to!
The Elephant car park is an intriguing one, most definately underused for it's purpose unless the zoo reversed the route around the site to anti-clockwise! I think this area is ear-marked for the, ongoing, elephant stable developments in the next few years.
I'd personally concentrate on developing the Ouseley Way area behind the bears and the Escarpment section housing the American bison-an idea not lost on the keepers. Also the area behind the hippo house and kudu/impala stables...although "something" is currently being constructed down there!
IanRRobinson
Well-Known Member
Always. Whipsnade is so big, and it can be very bleak; "shanks's pony" isn't fir for everybody!
The one way system used to work in the opposite direction until about 25 years ago, and in some ways I think that worked better: I remember parking near the Cloisters, where nobody seems to park anymore.
I suppose that it was reversed when the Asian drive-through area was opened, and this really is the stumbling block as far as restricting private vehicles into Whipsnade; the buses don't go through.
That needs fixing - as indeed, does the whole area.
Certainly as far back as the 1950's, and continuously ever since then. Probably before that too but not certain when it started.
IanRRobinson
Well-Known Member
An intelligently chosen woodland ungulate would probably not be a problem here; in fact, given that fencing off the area would reduce human disturbance it might even make things better!
Often wondered why not- presumably the suitability/narrowness of the road in Asian Plains is the reason for this?
Agreed but what I didnt realise, and what I only found out recently, is that the potential for development for PTA is hampered by the Jumbo Express. The trains and railway are owned/operated by an outside company and any devolpment on the drive-thru (e.g off road safari experience) would eat into their profits and put them at loggerheads with ZSL. BUT it is an area that very much needs looking at in the longer term.
An interesting point -any reduction in the third party's profits would presumably reduce any monies (I assume) they pay to ZSL.
I'd imagine any decision(s) on reducing cars in the park would be a bit of a financial balancing act. I think there's a chance they may be out of pocket if they largely prohibited cars as purchasing/running more buses whilst simultaneously losing "car entrance" fees would probably lead to a financial shortfall which I doubt they'd be able to cover solely by an increase in the entrance fees (upping other secondary spend items might help though).
I personally see no issue with taking the car in, its a very useful and unique feature of the zoo. We always take the car in, it just makes life much easier. There are many people who would find walking around the park very difficult without the use of a car, and having car parks all around the zoo is just a good thing and not a 'waste of space'.
And just my opinion on the passage thru asia, I personally always enjoy it. We always make one trip through it every visit and its just a nice quiet part of the park where deer, antelope etc and just get on without much noise. I would like to write more but I feel that I wouldn't be able to get everything across.
And just my opinion on the passage thru asia, I personally always enjoy it. We always make one trip through it every visit and its just a nice quiet part of the park where deer, antelope etc and just get on without much noise. I would like to write more but I feel that I wouldn't be able to get everything across.
The Thomson's gazelle have produced a baby! No news on gender, but the fawn is being hand-reared.
ah cool! great news!