ZSL London Zoo ZSL London Zoo News 2014

Devi said:
Went to London today for the first time in nearly 10 years, was really impressed by the newer bits, tiger territory was massive, seems a bit excessive for two tigers (I'm assuming the cubs will go at some point seeing as they're pretty much full grown).
Penguin beach was lovely, loads of opportunities to see them swim, and some of them got very close to the glass.
Got a close encounter with Tammy the Tamandua when she decided to come for a walkabout among the visitors, very pretty lady.
I don't remember the aquarium being that good when I went before but enjoyed it so much I had to go a second time.
The lion bit is all boarded off, which I think is new, no real clues around the place about what it'll look like when it's done, which was a missed opportunity.
I'll stick a few pics up if I can get them on here from my phone.

Was just reminded, it was a bit of a shame to see the old penguin pool empty, though clearly not suitable for penguins anymore, I do wonder if it could be repurposed for something else, flamingos perhaps?
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I'm afraid that nothing will become of that pool, it is totally unsuitable for any animal. Penguins, crocs and porcupines have all been tried and all have failed-if anything, it's a lesson in how NOT to keep penguins! However, I do smile when I see people walk over to it and wonder where the penguins are! I think it's latest incarnation is an anaemic-looking fountain.

My opinion? Bulldoze it-it has no worthwhile purpose. God Bless Berthold Lubetkin.
 
I believe the Malaysian Tapir calf Adi has now moved elsewhere and sadly it appears that Rinca (Komodo Dragon) has died.
 
tennisfan said:
I believe the Malaysian Tapir calf Adi has now moved elsewhere and sadly it appears that Rinca (Komodo Dragon) has died.
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How many dragons were there? I thought they had a pair and they were definitely two present on Saturday.
 
Best Christmas present for ZSL and the gorillas that I could have thought of! :)
 
Fantastic news! Practice makes perfect it would seem in Kumbuka's case!

Now, lets not make a mess of this one please ZSL?
 
Apparently all the gorillas are in together (Mjukuu is the happy mother) so that's a good start.
 
Panthera1981 said:
Now, lets not make a mess of this one please ZSL?
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Hehe...;) I did feel more confident about Kumbuka's prospects after seeing him mating on the ITV zoo series- he had the interest even if not the technique straight away. I'm sure Mjuku will be a very competent mother, just as she was with the ill-fated 'Tiny'. Lets hope for its own sake the baby is a female, though whichever sex its a welcome addition to the group and should inject more dynamic into it. Interesting to note 'Zaire' is now a great-grandmother too.

All they need now is for 'Effie' to follow suit.
 
Pertinax said:
This time they don't have the problem of the male not being the father. So hopefully all should be well.
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I think in some respects, much like the feeling when Kumbuka arrived, this birth HAS to work for the good of the group; the fact it's one of London's flagship species, and ZSL's public image. There's been too many setbacks and tragedies for this group in recent years that I care to remember!

Fingers-crossed it's a girl but, regardless, it's good news.:) Looks like your boy was packing the goods after all Pertinax!:cool:
 
Excellent news :) thought the keepers were being very attentive to the group on Saturday, all makes sense now!
 
Panthera1981 said:
I think in some respects, much like the feeling when Kumbuka arrived, this birth HAS to work for the good of the group; the fact it's one of London's flagship species, and ZSL's public image. There's been too many setbacks and tragedies for this group in recent years that I care to remember!
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Indeed - if things go wrong this time it could well be the end for the taxon at ZSL I fear.

Things are - touch wood - in a rather better situation than last time however.
 
Panthera1981 said:
There's been too many setbacks and tragedies for this group in recent years that I care to remember!
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It has been the most ill-fated and most unsuccessful (breeding-wise)of just about all the groups in Europe. Most of it hasn't been their fault, particularly the deaths of two males, then the dilemma produced by the baby 'Tiny' and finally the incredibly bad luck of discovering that 'Kesho' was infertile-that was almost the last straw. Perhaps now they can finally turn a corner.
 
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