Your five favourite UK Zoos and Why?

[Sausagefingers]

My comment about it not being for breeding purposes is in regards to the individual exhibit the animals are in more then anything. However some of the animals moved to different collections weren't done for breeding either.
I get that I have a different opinion/point of view then most would as I was lucky/unlucky to be involved with things that had shaldon of been a bigger zoo I wouldn't of. In many cases it seems that the more endangered animals have moved on and been replaced by more generic species, of course there are exceptions to this.
When I started 15 years ago the zoo realised it was a key part of the local community and a significant amount of income was from legacy/donations from those who had a great connection to this and a species, this has dwindled.
While there is no denying that the zoo has had and continues to have a positive conservation contribution, my issue is more with the social/community role. Of course it makes conservation sence to hold certain species but when your involved in incident etc that help build a bond with species/animals your view isn't necessarily what the majority of other will have.

For instance some of the things I had involvement with that have affected my view are. (and I suppose that I could be involved in these as a volunteer ment it felt more significant).
Sadly I discovered that animals had been stolen during morning rounds. And being involved in the quick planning of restocking the zoo when other collections rallied around to support us.
Booking vet visits and performing welfare checks.
Recapture of escapees on several occasions.
Being involved in the planning of new additions to the zoo and transportation of those animals solo to the zoo.
Lucky enough to have some basic involvement to an ESB.
Looking after work experience students, often with learning disabilities.

And I know that to many on here that work in collections or have done that won't sound like it should matter but I studied to become a zookeeper and due to health reasons couldn't continue along that line so being involved in these things affected my view, and as I said it was purely my view.

I'm sure alot of people on here have strong feelings about a collection they have been involved in and some opinions would be questioned by others.

 

[Onychorhynchus coronatus]

Pretty much all of these sound like they were done for very sensible reasons... most of these moves sound as though they were intended for captive breeding purposes even though you say they weren't?

~Thylo

Yes, I agree, they seem very sensible reasons to me too .

My comment about it not being for breeding purposes is in regards to the individual exhibit the animals are in more then anything. However some of the animals moved to different collections weren't done for breeding either.
I get that I have a different opinion/point of view then most would as I was lucky/unlucky to be involved with things that had shaldon of been a bigger zoo I wouldn't of. In many cases it seems that the more endangered animals have moved on and been replaced by more generic species, of course there are exceptions to this.
When I started 15 years ago the zoo realised it was a key part of the local community and a significant amount of income was from legacy/donations from those who had a great connection to this and a species, this has dwindled.
While there is no denying that the zoo has had and continues to have a positive conservation contribution, my issue is more with the social/community role. Of course it makes conservation sence to hold certain species but when your involved in incident etc that help build a bond with species/animals your view isn't necessarily what the majority of other will have.

For instance some of the things I had involvement with that have affected my view are. (and I suppose that I could be involved in these as a volunteer ment it felt more significant).
Sadly I discovered that animals had been stolen during morning rounds. And being involved in the quick planning of restocking the zoo when other collections rallied around to support us.
Booking vet visits and performing welfare checks.
Recapture of escapees on several occasions.
Being involved in the planning of new additions to the zoo and transportation of those animals solo to the zoo.
Lucky enough to have some basic involvement to an ESB.
Looking after work experience students, often with learning disabilities.

And I know that to many on here that work in collections or have done that won't sound like it should matter but I studied to become a zookeeper and due to health reasons couldn't continue along that line so being involved in these things affected my view, and as I said it was purely my view.

I'm sure alot of people on here have strong feelings about a collection they have been involved in and some opinions would be questioned by others.

I don't mean to come across as patronising but I do understand what you are saying here.

You worked for Shaldon for many years in your free time and voluntarily (I think this is brilliant and commendable ! ) and felt that certain managerial actions regarding the animal collection eroded a sense of community and identity that was meaningful to you and a great many other people you know / knew too.

There is nothing inherently wrong in you feeling that these decisions were not for the best of the zoo. A sense of community is also an enormously important component / dynamic of any organization and I'm sorry to hear that you and others experienced this.

However, I do personally see the ex-situ conservation value in the actions that you have described the zoo taking in terms of the animal collection.

 

[FBBird]

Oh dear, can I list my five favourite British zoos? Let’s try.....
1/ Axe Valley Wildlife Park. Partly because it’s my local zoo, partly for the amazing collection of small carnivores, partly for the relaxed and informal atmosphere of the place. They have some nice birds too.
2/ Newquay Zoo. Such a great little zoo, with enough ABCs to attract the ordinary punter, enough rarities for the zoo nerd, and yes, an important bird collection. Also quite a strong herp section, with some great breeding results (Black Tree Monitors, Lemur Leaf Frogs). Also a strong personal connection.
3/ Exmoor Zoo. Again a personal connection, wide range of breeding successes with difficult species. Some really good enclosures.
4/ Whipsnade. Partly on the strength of past glories, but current goodies include Indian Rhinoceros (history of success with these over many years), Gaur, European Bison, rather a nice new aquarium.
5/ Jersey. Far-reaching conservation achievements. Very strong collection in the species it works with. In many ways, should be higher up the list. Ranking zoos is pretty impossible!
6/ Everything else!

 

[Pertinax]

Oh dear, can I list my five favourite British zoos? Let’s try.....
1/ Axe Valley Wildlife Park. Partly because it’s my local zoo, partly for the amazing collection of small carnivores, partly for the relaxed and informal atmosphere of the place. They have some nice birds too.
2/ Newquay Zoo. Such a great little zoo, with enough ABCs to attract the ordinary punter, enough rarities for the zoo nerd, and yes, an important bird collection. Also quite a strong herp section, with some great breeding results (Black Tree Monitors, Lemur Leaf Frogs). Also a strong personal connection.
3/ Exmoor Zoo. Again a personal connection, wide range of breeding successes with difficult species. Some really good enclosures.
4/ Whipsnade. Partly on the strength of past glories, but current goodies include Indian Rhinoceros (history of success with these over many years), Gaur, European Bison, rather a nice new aquarium.
5/ Jersey. Far-reaching conservation achievements. Very strong collection in the species it works with. In many ways, should be higher up the list. Ranking zoos is pretty impossible!
6/ Everything else!

It is very hard to leave places like Newquay and Jersey out of a top five, as I did. Would come in my top 7...

 

[Gavialis]

A tricky one! With the caveat that, should you ask tomorrow, the zoos and the order may be completely different:

5) Paignton. In some ways, the lush, almost subtropical setting and steep pathways remind me of San Diego. Smashing collection of birds and herps in particular, but a shame the mammal collection has suffered recently.
4) Whipsnade. Still, just about, though at one stage it would have been number one. The collection may not be what it was but it is still probably one of the best hoof stock collections in the country with a fair few choice species (gaur, sloth bears, wattled cranes). Stunning parkland setting, whether on a sunny summer's day or snow-covered winter morning.
3) Bristol. Delightful small zoo with lovely gardens and oodles of history that has been beautifully modernised. Excellent collection of quirky, smaller species and the upcoming sifaka will only enhance it. The tiny bird collection is the only weak spot.
2) Chester. Would probably make it to number one on another day. Amazing, comprehensive collection, often housed with pizazz. I'm not a huge fan of the new themed exhibits (though, granted they are far more tasteful than some other zoos’ attempts) and lament the decline of the ‘proper’ gardens but it is the only British zoo that competes the international ‘big hitters’ like SDZ. Nothing compares with the excitement of walking into a collection that might take a full day or more to see!
1) Cotswold Wildlife. Dormitator has covered most of the points for me - fairly large collection with a fair number of rarities. Quintessentially British with its manor house, stone animal houses and beautiful gardens. Truly wonderful!

London would have made it on five or so years ago - and wouldn’t have been far too from the top! Still a top ten zoo for me (perhaps sentiment again?) and only narrowly misses out on the top five. Highland Wildlife Park was also a contender - high quality and full of character - but I think Paignton easily edges it out.

 

[Gigit]

5) Paignton. In some ways, the lush, almost subtropical setting and steep pathways remind me of San Diego. Smashing collection of birds and herps in particular, but a shame the mammal collection has suffered recently..

I'm afraid the bird collection is rather depleted now too. A consequence of Covid, I think.

 

[Dylan]

Personally my main view is zoos should be bastions of conservation so that drives my list.

5 - Scottish Owl Centre

An excellent little collection, focusing on an underrepresented selection of species. You want owls, come to Whitburn for a different focus on owls. A lot of places have a fairly basic and simple talk about owls, regardless of the species, which doesn't examine the interesting biology that makes owls unique. However the owl centre focuses on the unique aspects that make owls, well owls. Many unique species in excellent quality aviaries (mostly) makes it a very nice visit

4 - Highland Wildlife Park

A beautiful setting for a very interesting park. The number of species is sadly lacking however the enclosures are vast and excellently suited to their inhabitants. As a member of RZSS, it is often overlooked in preference for Edinburgh Zoo which a shame. Its management doesn't seem like it doesn't want to remove the animals from the zoo so many of the endangered species actually breed. Its Safari area gives you excellent quality views of the animals without any fences in the way, making it seem like wisent roam the Scottish Highlands.

3 - Chester Zoological Gardens

In my view, and many others, the UK's national zoo since whatever London is doing. I love this zoo and its collection. The collection, particularly of birds, makes Chester worth visiting every time you can. The enclosure and quality of care is excellent and deserves all the praise everyone bestows on it. However there are some counterintuitive arguments that don't make Chester higher up the list. Its too big to make it easy to do in one day to the uninitiated and it is daunting to even try. I spent two days there and still missed areas because the map is quite an experience. The other major problem is it develops too quickly. This sounds stupid but lets review. I first visited in 2014, just before Islands opened. I when round in the boat, got excited over all the construction and it opened shortly after I visited. Then I visited in 2017, when round and enjoyed my day. Since 2017, three major developments have opened, including one (Islands phase 2) that opened the week after I visited). However their conservation is legendary and I like their historical commitment to it

2 - Bristol Zoo Gardens

Historical, diversity collection, well appointed gardens and well maintained enclosures. Bristol Zoo Gardens really leans into the name and it really improves the zoo. Not many zoos have the foliage level that I would expect from a zoo but not Bristol. It also has the best invertebrate and reptile houses I've seen, plus a beautifully designed aquarium and a nice collection of primates and birds. Some enclosures need a redesign (penguins, lions, pygmy hippos and gorillas mainly) but even those are well maintained and the animals don't look in poor condition. Also their commitment to conservation, mainly that of inverts, is admirable.

1 - Jersey Zoo

All this talk of conservation, Jersey was an obvious choice for no. 1. An impressive list of conservation success since the 1960s, especially amongst the 'little brown jobs'. Husbandry and enclosure design is excellent and as they are designed for the animals means you need to go round the zoo several times to see everything. The site itself is amazing, with mature trees and native planting everywhere in the grounds, making the site a pleasure to walk round. Black lion tamarin, pied tamarin, hooded pittat, javan green magpie and an alright collection of reptiles. The collection swings between extremely rare and common as dirt but is still worth a gander.

 

[Onychorhynchus coronatus]

The collection swings between extremely rare and common as dirt but is still worth a gander.

When you say "common as dirt" what species are you referring to that are kept by Jersey zoo ?

Is it the meerkats, ringtailed lemurs, short clawed otters etc ?

If so, why do you think the zoo continues to keeps these animals ?

 

[Dylan]

When you say "common as dirt" what species are you referring to that are kept by Jersey zoo ?

Is it the meerkats, ringtailed lemurs, short clawed otters etc ?

If so, why do you think the zoo continues to keeps these animals ?

Meerkats, ring-tailed coati, ASCO, white-faced whistling-duck, Rio Fuerte bearded lizard and cane toad. These are the species I would like to see phased out. There are other super common species in Jersey zoo however they either fit Jersey zoo well (i.e lemurs) or act as model species (day-geckoes). Some of these species (like ASCO and lar gibbon) are old and non-breeding animals, just there to attract visitors and Jersey doesn't work with these species. It is a complex issue though, especially as Jersey has lost part of its tourism industry, so Jersey needs something to draw in visitors so I accept the species are there for that reason

 

[Onychorhynchus coronatus]

Meerkats, ring-tailed coati, ASCO, white-faced whistling-duck, Rio Fuerte bearded lizard and cane toad. These are the species I would like to see phased out. There are other super common species in Jersey zoo however they either fit Jersey zoo well (i.e lemurs) or act as model species (day-geckoes). Some of these species (like ASCO and lar gibbon) are old and non-breeding animals, just there to attract visitors and Jersey doesn't work with these species. It is a complex issue though, especially as Jersey has lost part of its tourism industry, so Jersey needs something to draw in visitors so I accept the species are there for that reason

I agree with you about how satisfying it would be to see these phased out and I've wondered why these species are kept and especially the meerkats and Asian short claw otters (frankly it sort of bothers me that a zoo of Jersey's calibre would continue to keep these animals).

I know that some of the commoner species may make good model species but I don't buy that this is why the species I've mentioned above are kept.

Do you think that these animals actually draw in the visitors or that their absence would make a difference or reduce visitor numbers to the zoo ?

Personally I'm not convinced it would as I don't believe they draw in crowds anyway and I think it would be amazing if these could be replaced with species that would truly benefit from being there.

 

[MRJ]

I agree with you about how satisfying it would be to see these phased out and I've wondered why these species are kept and especially the meerkats and Asian short claw otters (frankly it sort of bothers me that a zoo of Jersey's calibre would continue to keep these animals).

I know that some of the commoner species may make good model species but I don't buy that this is why the species I've mentioned above are kept.

Do you think that these animals actually draw in the visitors or that their absence would make a difference or reduce visitor numbers to the zoo ?

Personally I'm not convinced it would as I don't believe they draw in crowds anyway and I think it would be amazing if these could be replaced with species that would truly benefit from being there.

Back in the day the zoo financed many of Durrell's conservation projects. Wth the collapse of Jersey's tourism industry and with most of Durrell's conservation work in-situ the zoo has become more of a liability. The question has been asked do they need a zoo? If it is to remain open it needs to address all markets open to it. Possibly the biggest market for zoos world wide are young children, brought by their parents of course. Kids love meerkats and otters, and for a zoo that is never going to have elephants or giraffes, they are a small compromise to assist in making the zoo viable.

 

[pendraig_milnerae]

Alright then, I’ll give it a go:
5 - Paignton Zoo - This is a zoo with a fantastic collection of animals and plants, some not found in other UK zoos like the Maribou stork and Short-beaked echidna. It is also built in a prime location, not just in terms of the large town of Paignton, but also because it contains a flat area near the entrance, a lake in the centre, a gentle hill on the north and south sides of the zoo and a steep hill at the back, basically the terrain is interesting. However, there are definitely a few exhibits, particularly in the Savannah area, that are in need of an upgrade (yes I know they’re working on it).
4 - Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve - This one might be slightly biased because it is my local. The size of the park allows it to contain many large and naturalistic exhibits, as well as function as a world-class conservation facility, and is notable for its frequent release of rare species back into the wild. Unfortunately the park is built on a steep hill, making it quite difficult to walk around, and there are many exhibits that have changed very little since the 70s and 80s.
3 - Colchester Zoo - A zoo of a good size with a diverse collection and a consistent high quality of exhibits and architecture. There really isn’t much to say about it that hasn’t been said a million times already. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have as much interesting history as some of the other zoos on this list, and several of the exhibits can be quite repetitive (*cough* Edge of Africa *cough*).
2 - London Zoo - One of the worlds oldest zoos, and as such they embrace a lot of their history by renovating outdated exhibits, in addition to building modern immersion exhibits. Has an interesting collection that has more of a focus on smaller animals. It also takes a long time to get around and is surprisingly complex for a zoo of its size. Easily accessible by public transport. However some of the zoo’s intended changes don’t entirely make sense or fit the quality.
1 - Chester Zoo - I don’t have a bad word against Chester. It has a large size (but not too large) a huge and diverse collection of animals, many of which like the Tuatara cannot be seen anywhere else in the UK. They have many newer immersion exhibits like Madagascar and the obvious one, and all of their older exhibits, with the possible exception of the giraffe house, still hold up fantastically. Also the zoo’s master plan reveals many new developments that will definitely improve on this already amazing zoo.

 

[Onychorhynchus coronatus]

Back in the day the zoo financed many of Durrell's conservation projects. Wth the collapse of Jersey's tourism industry and with most of Durrell's conservation work in-situ the zoo has become more of a liability. The question has been asked do they need a zoo? If it is to remain open it needs to address all markets open to it. Possibly the biggest market for zoos world wide are young children, brought by their parents of course. Kids love meerkats and otters, and for a zoo that is never going to have elephants or giraffes, they are a small compromise to assist in making the zoo viable.

I know that the zoo often struggles financially but I really never imagined that its future in favour of just in-situ work had been contemplated.

Honestly, I truly hope that this decision is never taken as the zoo and its ex-situ work does complement the in-situ conservation work very well and I don't think the Durrell trust would be anything without the famous zoo also (strangely I really don't feel the same sense of concern somehow with ZSL zoo nor Chester or the Aspinall parks).

I suppose that you are right that it is ultimately a small compromise to make but I just wonder whether they are actually a decisive factor that really matters and whether there would be other equally interesting options / alternatives that would be entertaining for children and families.

 

[Bubalus]

Alright then, I’ll give it a go:
5 - Paignton Zoo - This is a zoo with a fantastic collection of animals and plants, some not found in other UK zoos like the Maribou stork and Short-beaked echidna.

Just got to say that both Maribou's and Echidna are found in other UK collections, particularly Maribou that are found in several collections

 

[pendraig_milnerae]

Just got to say that both Maribou's and Echidna are found in other UK collections, particularly Maribou that are found in several collections

I was previously unaware of the individual(s) at Hamerton as I know virtually nothing about it, and as for the Maribou’s, other than Paignton they are all in fairly obscure collections, with the exception of Colchester, as I have no recollection of them when I visited a few years ago, but I may have missed them, and Marwell, which I have not yet had the good fortune to visit, which is weird because I live about 2 hours from it.

 

[Bubalus]

I was previously unaware of the individual(s) at Hamerton as I know virtually nothing about it, and as for the Maribou’s, other than Paignton they are all in fairly obscure collections, with the exception of Colchester, as I have no recollection of them when I visited a few years ago, but I may have missed them, and Marwell, which I have not yet had the good fortune to visit, which is weird because I live about 2 hours from it.

Hamerton is absolutely well worth a visit. A zoo nerds dream, substantial Australian collection including the wombat, dingo and tiger quoll (the only ones outside Oz), fabulous small carnivore collection and not a let down either for a Birdie.

Marwell is also worth a visit especially for hoofstock fans. Lots of new additions planned down the line as well

 

[pendraig_milnerae]

Hamerton is absolutely well worth a visit. A zoo nerds dream, substantial Australian collection including the wombat, dingo and tiger quoll (the only ones outside Oz), fabulous small carnivore collection and not a let down either for a Birdie.

Marwell is also worth a visit especially for hoofstock fans. Lots of new additions planned down the line as well

I’ll give them a go as soon as I get the chance!

 

[TNT]

Just got to say that both Maribou's and Echidna are found in other UK collections, particularly Maribou that are found in several collections

But they aren't on show (echidna), so Hamertons don't really "count" yet.

 

[Bubalus]

But they aren't on show (echidna), so Hamertons don't really "count" yet.

Won't be long until they are. A lovely mixed exhibit being built currently for them

 

[Keelan]

Thought I would have a go at this
5. Dudley zoo
Yes it is a small zoo with some outdated enclosures but I believe they are doing their best to improve for a smaller and I enjoy going
4. Chester zoo
This is my local zoo and I do enjoy a trip there. Not number one as I'm growing less enthusiastic about it due to going a lot. Still a nice zoo with some good enclosures and rare species
3. Blackpool zoo
Another smaller zoo with some great enclosures like elephants and sea lions and also some good mix of species. I think a little expensive entry price but I still enjoy it.
2. Knowsley safari
Would have been number one until recently. We are now a member and go frequently and it is such a good place. Although it has its faults and could be much better for what it is I really enjoy it.
1. Yorkshire wildlife park
Such an amazing place. Large enclosures a great range of species and just a really good place