For those who would like a copy of the Ark here's a link to amazon -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Molly-Dine...ection,+Vol.+2:+The+Ark&qid=1595363746&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Molly-Dine...ection,+Vol.+2:+The+Ark&qid=1595363746&sr=8-1
ZSL London Zoo ZSL London Zoo News 2020
- Thread starter aquilla1
- Start date
Ah great thanks!
The latest campaign video has been released, this is the one where famous people provide the voices to animals. Is it wrong to say I am glad they didn't pay for this?
I've just seen part of that as a television advert. Took me some time to work out what it was! Which may not be ideal.
It was broadcast during an S4C programme about the Royal Welsh Show.
Not sure how many Welsh-speaking farmers are going to put their hands in their pockets for the ZSL . . .
Andrew Swales
Well-Known Member
Memories come flooding back of Johnny Morris on Animal Magic.
I think I prefer silly voices coming out of animal mouths, in black and white...
With Dotty the Ringtail Lemur,
25 07 2020 10.25am
REPTILE HOUSE –
Today I had to walk round the reptile house the other way than normal due to the one-way system so here we go.
First as you walk in is the Central American Bushmaster it took me a little time to sight him but I did eventually he was under one of the rocks at the front of the exhibit.
Next exhibit was the Inland Taipan curled up in the corner of the exhibit.
Next I managed to see the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake again in a corner of the exhibit but in the open.
Next was a first for me Greek Spur-Thighed Tortoise right out in the open in the middle of the exhibit.
Next we had the Lake Oku Clawed Frogs I did manage to see at least 4 and one right at the front of the exhibit with the other 3 swimming around at the back.
Now we have the first of 3 exhibits that hold Black Headed Python managed to see them in 2 of the exhibits but missing in one.
On to the next one now and we have an African Bull Frog this was quite easy to spot just by the nature of the species I still say they look slimmy and wet all the time.
My next visit was to the Pueblan Milksnake exhibit unfortunately I didn’t see any in the exhibit.
I then had great views of the Sidewinder which was right in the open in the open sanded area of the exhibit.
Now we have the Vietnamese Mossy Frog sometimes very hard to spot but not today one on the large rock at the front of the exhibit didn’t see any others mind you I didn’t really look that hard.
On to the next one this used to be a mixed exhibit but now it only holds Blue Poison Dart Frogs unsure as to the location of the others maybe off show.
Egyptian Tortoise only managed to catch a glimpse of the species as it was at the very back of the exhibit moving around the back of the rocks.
Another quick glimpse this time as the Chinese Giant Salamander disappeared behind the rocks in the water never to re-appear for me anyway.
Now up the steps to a short 3 exhibit area this included Gila Monster, Philippine crocodile (with cage in the exhibit) & Roti Island Snake Necked Turtle (one of 2 exhibits in the house) I managed to get great views of all three species.
The Gila Monster was at the front of the exhibit with2 on the right and 1 one the left of the exhibit.
The Philippine Crocodile was right at the front of the exhibit you had to stand right up against the barrier and lean over slightly to get the view though.
The Roti Island Snake Necked Turtles were both swimming around the front of the exhibit.
Next exhibit was a no show Caiman Lizard.
The Emerald Tree Boa took a while to stop but it was there towards the back of the exhibit with the dense foilage in the exhibit, lucky for me it moved and that’s when I caught view of it
A second no show today was the Jungle Carpet Python still it may have and I just didn’t see it.
Now for the Round Island Skink at least 2 in the exhibit today both at the front of the exhibit.
Rio Fuerte Beaded Lizard a beautiful looking species at least 3 in the exhibit today that I saw all at the front of exhibit.
The Blue Tree Monitor was very mobile today climbing over the branches and over the rocks only managed to see just the one though.
Now for 3 more no shows these were Fiji Banded Iguana, Chinese Crocodile Lizard & Emerald Monitor
Chameleon was showing really well by being on a branch out in the open half way up the window and you could see it from well before you got there unfortunately I forgot to get an image of the sign but will upload one to the gallery shortly.
Spiny Hill Turtle I could only find one of the species in the exhibit I am sure there are more.
The Reticulated Python was lying among the rocks today a little hard to find but got there in the end.
Dumeril’s boa this was in the corner of the exhibit but unfortunately you couldn’t see the snakes head it was hiding behind the rocks.
Another no show for me the Tokay Gecko.
At least 2 Gidgee spiny tailed lizards in the exhibit today one was very well hidden all you could see was it’s head the other just lay on top of one of the rocks close to the window
Jamaican Boa curled up in the corner of the exhibit but still visible again with the head behind the rocks.
The Glass Lizard was hard to spot as it was under some of the bedding the staff had put in the exhibit.
Mindanao Water Dragon was very active and moving between the rocks but did manage to get some views of it as it made it’s way around the back of the rocks at the back of the exhibit and then it dropped down the open space in front of the back door to the exhibit
I could only see one Utila Spiny Tailed lizard in the exhibit and this was on top of a rock just to the left and at the front of the exhibit.
A no show in the exhibit for the Big-Headed Turtle haven’t seen one of these yet so may return towards the end of the year, that’s if we don’t have a second wave of the corvid-19 virus.
Black Spotted Turtle were in 2 exhibits next to each other, sure there must be a reason for this but both had 1 species in each.
King Cobra one was very mobile for a snake today moving up and over the rocks and eventually curling up in the corner of the exhibit to the back of the rocks on the right hand side.
Thats the end of the reptile review but would like to say that the social distancing was very well kept too by all in the reptile house while I was in there.
Next on to the Tiger exhibit this was a well grown outside area with much grass and shrubs some tree trunks and platforms were a single tiger was well asleep.
Bactrain Camels a clean and tidy exhibit with 2 Camels out and about today.
On the walk up into the top viewing area for the tigers we have on the left the White Cheeked Gibbons this exhibit as many climbing wooden areas and looks very well looked after.
Next I made it to the Komodo Dragon indoor exhibit it was a little dark inhere compared to other areas of the zoo but at least the Komodo was giving great views the exhibit was open with a few tree trunks and shrubs scattered around it also had a few rocks placed around it looked clean and well maintained.
Now for the old vulture aviaries along past the toilet block on way to Penguin Beach, some of the birds from the Snowdon aviary now under refurbishment.
The first aviary now holds 3 Black Kite, Northern bald ibis and Sacred Ibis all seemed to be comfortable in the new aviary.
The next aviary along held African Harrier Hawk and Woolly Necked Stork this seems to be 2 aviaries now knocked in to one.
As you carry on around the path we have the Diana Monkey’s on the right hand side of the path a little back from the path, the exhibit was well balanced with climbing equipment and room for the monkey’s to roam on the floor.
Only one Diana Monkey in the outdoor exhibit today while I was there.
Now round on to the Macaw Aviaries (didn’t go in to the Penguin Beach as this was a little crowded) the aviaries now only hold two species of Macaw that being Hyacinth and Blue Throated at least 5 Blue Throated out today but no Hyacinth anywhere to be seen again.
Next along I made my way to the new Red River Hog exhibit (ex-Bearded pig exhibit) They have made a really good refurbishment of the enclosure and to be honest it’s better then many I have seen in the past so well done to the zoo.
Many rocks and great amount of open areas for the pigs to get stuck into and right at the end a great mud patch to witch they seem to have taken a very-good liking too.
I think there were 5 Pigs out today may be wrong and one could have been hiding at the back.
Next I walked round to the Children’s area of the zoo first I saw the Llama and Alpaca exhibits these used to have a Donkey in but didn’t see it today.
In the small aviary we now have the Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo at one time these were in the end aviary which the Macaws now have.
On the opposite side of the path to the Llama’s we have a small exhibit back off the path this holds Green Winged Macaw I did see one bird but it was on the edge of the door to the inside exhibit.
Walking up the path towards the Lions now I was surprised to see the Old Penguin Tecton exhibit newly painted and cleaned up to be honest it does look impressive considering how old it is.
Just past this on the right as you carry on walking we have a small aviary this contains a Common Buzzard who was at the front of the Exhibit I do think this is a little small for this bird though with not much room for it to stretch its wings at all.
Next one of my favourite species the Ruppell’s Griffon Vulture and today I saw 4 birds in this great exhibit nice and large with plenty of flight room the birds were pretty mobile today so some great chances for photography, when taking photographs I would recommend you go to the furthest viewing point a small meshed area toward the lion walk way this gives you more chance to get rid of the mesh from your images.
Now onto the new area where the fire destroyed everything we now have a new Yellow Mongoose exhibit with a small outdoor area and as you walk through the tunnel you also have a small indoor viewing area for the Yellow Mongoose and also for the Crested Porcupines and at the end we have the Meerkat (my pet hates) with a small outside area.
Now we have the Brown Nosed Coati with outside area split by the bridge we the public walk across today the Coati’s were very active with at least 3 outside and mobile the exhibit looks a little crowded on the other side of the bridge but that maybe because of the time of year with new growth on the shrubs.
As you walk past the opening for the exit through the tunnel to the bridge on the right hand side up the corner we have the old Burrowing Conure aviary this now holds a Spectacled Owl which was up the corner of the aviary looking quite content with life.
After leaving this area on to one of my favourite exhibits in the collection the Blackburn Pavilion this I know isn’t as good as it used to be but I think is still a great addition for a bird lover like me.
Will list the species I saw below and where I saw them.
Aviary right infront of you when you walk in -
Scarlet-Chested Sunbird
Black Necked Weaver
Montserrat Oriole
Black-naped fruit dove
Aviary on the right hand side first one –
Emei Shan Liocichla
Blue Crowned Laughingthrush
Aviary number 2 on the right –
Orange Headed Ground Thrush
Mindanao Bleeding-Heart Dove
Scarlet Chested Sunbird
Northern White-Faced Owl
Now the Main walk through –
Southern Red Bishop
Black Necked Stilt
Spendid Sunbird
Socorro Dove
Hartlaub’s Turaco
Orange Headed Ground Thrush
Crested Wood Partridge/Roul-Roul
Brazilian Tanager
Red & Yellow Barbet
Blue Crowned Laughingthrush
Violet-Backed Starling
Sunbittern
Red Whiskered Bulbul
Emerald dove
As I left the main walk through we have another small room with a few small aviaries in it in the first one on the right we have Egyptian Tortoise a small and sandy floored exhibit.
Small aviary number one holds Forbes Parrot Finch along with Red Cheeked Cordon-Bleu
The next small aviary holds Timor Zebra Finch quite a few of these wonderful little birds
Free flying in this area were Red Whiskered Bulbul, Java Sparrow & Black Naped Fruit Dove
Now back out into the entry/exit area with one more aviary to sort for viewing the first after exiting the small aviary area we have Scarlet Chested Sunbird, Chestnut Backed Thrush & Black Naped Fruit Dove
After exiting Blackburn Pavillion I turned left to view the old Scarlet Ibis aviary now holding a pair of Southern Crested Caracara a great addition to the collection me thinks.
Now we go on to the aviaries leading away from the Pavillion first aviary holds
Hartlaub’s Turaco & Victoria Crowned Pigeon
Aviary 2
Sulawesi Hornbill, Victoria Crowned Pigeon, Black Necked Stilt, Western Crowned Robin Chat, Black Cheeked Lovebird
Aviary 3 –
Bali starling, Black necked weaver, Emerald Starling & White crowned robin chat
Aviary 4 –
Red-Billed Hornbill & Edward’s Pheasant
After this I took a short break for a sandwich and drink.
I then moved on to the lion exhibit this was now very mature in the shrub and grass department and the water shall we say was in extreme need of a very good clean.
Did mange to see one male and three female lions today but all were fast asleep.
Now onto BUGS walk around this includes one of my favourite walk throughs the spider exhibit I will list all the species I managed to see below –
Desert Locust
American Cockroach
Garden Fruit Chafer
Golden Eyed Stick Insect
Giant African Land Snail
Giant Asian Mantis
Giant Katydid
Bull’s Horn Cockroach
Red Legged Millipede
Hissing Cockroach
Two Spotted Assassin Bug
Question Mark Cockroach
Jewel Wasp
Cave Cricket
Magnificent Flower Beetle
Golden Apple Snail
Sunburst Diving Beetle
Giant Dead Leaf Mantis
Now for the walk through –
Brazilian Salmon Pink Bird Eating Spider (Tarantula)
Australian Golden Orb Spider.
Please note that there were other species that I didn’t see in this area.
Notice on the boards blocking the tanks for the aquarium part are claiming it’s only coral in this area.
The walk through was a great place with only the Australian Golden Orb spiders in the free area mind you there were quite a few around and some were quite a nice size.
From here I started to walk down to the start again pacing the Greater Flamingo and Great White Pelican exhibit a large area for some great species we also had our usual Grey Heron in this area.
On to the waterfowl aviary opposite the Gorilla Kingdom this was closed but you can still see many of the species from the outside I managed to see Scarlet Ibis, Adbim’s Stork, Plumed Whistling Duck, Comb Duck, Hammerkop, Sacred Ibis & Woolly Necked Stork
After this I moved under the road and started to visit the exhibits from the African Wild dogs a exhibit that I feel needs a bit of work on it or they should move the dogs to a better exhibit somewhere else in the collection but I couldn’t see where to be honest.
Next come the Beautiful Warthogs again even though I love this species I think a new exhibit would be more in placing these wonderful species.
Okapi only one individual out today in the end exhibit the outside was little overgrown/well grown in some minds.
The Okapi House was closed today so I moved on to the Zebra exhibit they had 3outside all lying down for a change and looking less interested in the visitors than any other animal I had seen today.
The Rothchild’s Giraffe House was closed but we did have 2 out in the exhibit both feeding from different feeding stacks the exhibit was lacking a grass area but then again I should imagine if they had a grassed area it would turn to mud in no time.
Next we came to the Pygmy Hippopotamus who was fast a sleep in the hut provided for it the House again was closed to be expected really.
Didn’t go through the Lemur enclosure or The Clore Exhibits leaving these till next time I visit later in the year.
I did see a couple of Asian Short Clawed Otters in there exhibit which is starting to look like it could do with a small clear out.
Additional info –
Very few drinking or food selling areas open the one-way system could be a little confusing at times when paths cross.
Social distancing was very well adhered to by most people in the zoo and there were many staff around to ask information from and they freely gave it to you with a friendly response
All members of staff take a bow very well done and very friendly and helpful keep it up and the zoo will be back on its feet before you know it.
The Shop was open and you have to wash your hands before entering and mask is required before you entre the one way system in the shop works really well.
PLEASE NOTE IF A SPECIES IS NOT MENTIONED THIS DOES NOT MEAN ITS NOT AT THE ZOO.
REPTILE HOUSE –
Today I had to walk round the reptile house the other way than normal due to the one-way system so here we go.
First as you walk in is the Central American Bushmaster it took me a little time to sight him but I did eventually he was under one of the rocks at the front of the exhibit.
Next exhibit was the Inland Taipan curled up in the corner of the exhibit.
Next I managed to see the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake again in a corner of the exhibit but in the open.
Next was a first for me Greek Spur-Thighed Tortoise right out in the open in the middle of the exhibit.
Next we had the Lake Oku Clawed Frogs I did manage to see at least 4 and one right at the front of the exhibit with the other 3 swimming around at the back.
Now we have the first of 3 exhibits that hold Black Headed Python managed to see them in 2 of the exhibits but missing in one.
On to the next one now and we have an African Bull Frog this was quite easy to spot just by the nature of the species I still say they look slimmy and wet all the time.
My next visit was to the Pueblan Milksnake exhibit unfortunately I didn’t see any in the exhibit.
I then had great views of the Sidewinder which was right in the open in the open sanded area of the exhibit.
Now we have the Vietnamese Mossy Frog sometimes very hard to spot but not today one on the large rock at the front of the exhibit didn’t see any others mind you I didn’t really look that hard.
On to the next one this used to be a mixed exhibit but now it only holds Blue Poison Dart Frogs unsure as to the location of the others maybe off show.
Egyptian Tortoise only managed to catch a glimpse of the species as it was at the very back of the exhibit moving around the back of the rocks.
Another quick glimpse this time as the Chinese Giant Salamander disappeared behind the rocks in the water never to re-appear for me anyway.
Now up the steps to a short 3 exhibit area this included Gila Monster, Philippine crocodile (with cage in the exhibit) & Roti Island Snake Necked Turtle (one of 2 exhibits in the house) I managed to get great views of all three species.
The Gila Monster was at the front of the exhibit with2 on the right and 1 one the left of the exhibit.
The Philippine Crocodile was right at the front of the exhibit you had to stand right up against the barrier and lean over slightly to get the view though.
The Roti Island Snake Necked Turtles were both swimming around the front of the exhibit.
Next exhibit was a no show Caiman Lizard.
The Emerald Tree Boa took a while to stop but it was there towards the back of the exhibit with the dense foilage in the exhibit, lucky for me it moved and that’s when I caught view of it
A second no show today was the Jungle Carpet Python still it may have and I just didn’t see it.
Now for the Round Island Skink at least 2 in the exhibit today both at the front of the exhibit.
Rio Fuerte Beaded Lizard a beautiful looking species at least 3 in the exhibit today that I saw all at the front of exhibit.
The Blue Tree Monitor was very mobile today climbing over the branches and over the rocks only managed to see just the one though.
Now for 3 more no shows these were Fiji Banded Iguana, Chinese Crocodile Lizard & Emerald Monitor
Chameleon was showing really well by being on a branch out in the open half way up the window and you could see it from well before you got there unfortunately I forgot to get an image of the sign but will upload one to the gallery shortly.
Spiny Hill Turtle I could only find one of the species in the exhibit I am sure there are more.
The Reticulated Python was lying among the rocks today a little hard to find but got there in the end.
Dumeril’s boa this was in the corner of the exhibit but unfortunately you couldn’t see the snakes head it was hiding behind the rocks.
Another no show for me the Tokay Gecko.
At least 2 Gidgee spiny tailed lizards in the exhibit today one was very well hidden all you could see was it’s head the other just lay on top of one of the rocks close to the window
Jamaican Boa curled up in the corner of the exhibit but still visible again with the head behind the rocks.
The Glass Lizard was hard to spot as it was under some of the bedding the staff had put in the exhibit.
Mindanao Water Dragon was very active and moving between the rocks but did manage to get some views of it as it made it’s way around the back of the rocks at the back of the exhibit and then it dropped down the open space in front of the back door to the exhibit
I could only see one Utila Spiny Tailed lizard in the exhibit and this was on top of a rock just to the left and at the front of the exhibit.
A no show in the exhibit for the Big-Headed Turtle haven’t seen one of these yet so may return towards the end of the year, that’s if we don’t have a second wave of the corvid-19 virus.
Black Spotted Turtle were in 2 exhibits next to each other, sure there must be a reason for this but both had 1 species in each.
King Cobra one was very mobile for a snake today moving up and over the rocks and eventually curling up in the corner of the exhibit to the back of the rocks on the right hand side.
Thats the end of the reptile review but would like to say that the social distancing was very well kept too by all in the reptile house while I was in there.
Next on to the Tiger exhibit this was a well grown outside area with much grass and shrubs some tree trunks and platforms were a single tiger was well asleep.
Bactrain Camels a clean and tidy exhibit with 2 Camels out and about today.
On the walk up into the top viewing area for the tigers we have on the left the White Cheeked Gibbons this exhibit as many climbing wooden areas and looks very well looked after.
Next I made it to the Komodo Dragon indoor exhibit it was a little dark inhere compared to other areas of the zoo but at least the Komodo was giving great views the exhibit was open with a few tree trunks and shrubs scattered around it also had a few rocks placed around it looked clean and well maintained.
Now for the old vulture aviaries along past the toilet block on way to Penguin Beach, some of the birds from the Snowdon aviary now under refurbishment.
The first aviary now holds 3 Black Kite, Northern bald ibis and Sacred Ibis all seemed to be comfortable in the new aviary.
The next aviary along held African Harrier Hawk and Woolly Necked Stork this seems to be 2 aviaries now knocked in to one.
As you carry on around the path we have the Diana Monkey’s on the right hand side of the path a little back from the path, the exhibit was well balanced with climbing equipment and room for the monkey’s to roam on the floor.
Only one Diana Monkey in the outdoor exhibit today while I was there.
Now round on to the Macaw Aviaries (didn’t go in to the Penguin Beach as this was a little crowded) the aviaries now only hold two species of Macaw that being Hyacinth and Blue Throated at least 5 Blue Throated out today but no Hyacinth anywhere to be seen again.
Next along I made my way to the new Red River Hog exhibit (ex-Bearded pig exhibit) They have made a really good refurbishment of the enclosure and to be honest it’s better then many I have seen in the past so well done to the zoo.
Many rocks and great amount of open areas for the pigs to get stuck into and right at the end a great mud patch to witch they seem to have taken a very-good liking too.
I think there were 5 Pigs out today may be wrong and one could have been hiding at the back.
Next I walked round to the Children’s area of the zoo first I saw the Llama and Alpaca exhibits these used to have a Donkey in but didn’t see it today.
In the small aviary we now have the Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo at one time these were in the end aviary which the Macaws now have.
On the opposite side of the path to the Llama’s we have a small exhibit back off the path this holds Green Winged Macaw I did see one bird but it was on the edge of the door to the inside exhibit.
Walking up the path towards the Lions now I was surprised to see the Old Penguin Tecton exhibit newly painted and cleaned up to be honest it does look impressive considering how old it is.
Just past this on the right as you carry on walking we have a small aviary this contains a Common Buzzard who was at the front of the Exhibit I do think this is a little small for this bird though with not much room for it to stretch its wings at all.
Next one of my favourite species the Ruppell’s Griffon Vulture and today I saw 4 birds in this great exhibit nice and large with plenty of flight room the birds were pretty mobile today so some great chances for photography, when taking photographs I would recommend you go to the furthest viewing point a small meshed area toward the lion walk way this gives you more chance to get rid of the mesh from your images.
Now onto the new area where the fire destroyed everything we now have a new Yellow Mongoose exhibit with a small outdoor area and as you walk through the tunnel you also have a small indoor viewing area for the Yellow Mongoose and also for the Crested Porcupines and at the end we have the Meerkat (my pet hates) with a small outside area.
Now we have the Brown Nosed Coati with outside area split by the bridge we the public walk across today the Coati’s were very active with at least 3 outside and mobile the exhibit looks a little crowded on the other side of the bridge but that maybe because of the time of year with new growth on the shrubs.
As you walk past the opening for the exit through the tunnel to the bridge on the right hand side up the corner we have the old Burrowing Conure aviary this now holds a Spectacled Owl which was up the corner of the aviary looking quite content with life.
After leaving this area on to one of my favourite exhibits in the collection the Blackburn Pavilion this I know isn’t as good as it used to be but I think is still a great addition for a bird lover like me.
Will list the species I saw below and where I saw them.
Aviary right infront of you when you walk in -
Scarlet-Chested Sunbird
Black Necked Weaver
Montserrat Oriole
Black-naped fruit dove
Aviary on the right hand side first one –
Emei Shan Liocichla
Blue Crowned Laughingthrush
Aviary number 2 on the right –
Orange Headed Ground Thrush
Mindanao Bleeding-Heart Dove
Scarlet Chested Sunbird
Northern White-Faced Owl
Now the Main walk through –
Southern Red Bishop
Black Necked Stilt
Spendid Sunbird
Socorro Dove
Hartlaub’s Turaco
Orange Headed Ground Thrush
Crested Wood Partridge/Roul-Roul
Brazilian Tanager
Red & Yellow Barbet
Blue Crowned Laughingthrush
Violet-Backed Starling
Sunbittern
Red Whiskered Bulbul
Emerald dove
As I left the main walk through we have another small room with a few small aviaries in it in the first one on the right we have Egyptian Tortoise a small and sandy floored exhibit.
Small aviary number one holds Forbes Parrot Finch along with Red Cheeked Cordon-Bleu
The next small aviary holds Timor Zebra Finch quite a few of these wonderful little birds
Free flying in this area were Red Whiskered Bulbul, Java Sparrow & Black Naped Fruit Dove
Now back out into the entry/exit area with one more aviary to sort for viewing the first after exiting the small aviary area we have Scarlet Chested Sunbird, Chestnut Backed Thrush & Black Naped Fruit Dove
After exiting Blackburn Pavillion I turned left to view the old Scarlet Ibis aviary now holding a pair of Southern Crested Caracara a great addition to the collection me thinks.
Now we go on to the aviaries leading away from the Pavillion first aviary holds
Hartlaub’s Turaco & Victoria Crowned Pigeon
Aviary 2
Sulawesi Hornbill, Victoria Crowned Pigeon, Black Necked Stilt, Western Crowned Robin Chat, Black Cheeked Lovebird
Aviary 3 –
Bali starling, Black necked weaver, Emerald Starling & White crowned robin chat
Aviary 4 –
Red-Billed Hornbill & Edward’s Pheasant
After this I took a short break for a sandwich and drink.
I then moved on to the lion exhibit this was now very mature in the shrub and grass department and the water shall we say was in extreme need of a very good clean.
Did mange to see one male and three female lions today but all were fast asleep.
Now onto BUGS walk around this includes one of my favourite walk throughs the spider exhibit I will list all the species I managed to see below –
Desert Locust
American Cockroach
Garden Fruit Chafer
Golden Eyed Stick Insect
Giant African Land Snail
Giant Asian Mantis
Giant Katydid
Bull’s Horn Cockroach
Red Legged Millipede
Hissing Cockroach
Two Spotted Assassin Bug
Question Mark Cockroach
Jewel Wasp
Cave Cricket
Magnificent Flower Beetle
Golden Apple Snail
Sunburst Diving Beetle
Giant Dead Leaf Mantis
Now for the walk through –
Brazilian Salmon Pink Bird Eating Spider (Tarantula)
Australian Golden Orb Spider.
Please note that there were other species that I didn’t see in this area.
Notice on the boards blocking the tanks for the aquarium part are claiming it’s only coral in this area.
The walk through was a great place with only the Australian Golden Orb spiders in the free area mind you there were quite a few around and some were quite a nice size.
From here I started to walk down to the start again pacing the Greater Flamingo and Great White Pelican exhibit a large area for some great species we also had our usual Grey Heron in this area.
On to the waterfowl aviary opposite the Gorilla Kingdom this was closed but you can still see many of the species from the outside I managed to see Scarlet Ibis, Adbim’s Stork, Plumed Whistling Duck, Comb Duck, Hammerkop, Sacred Ibis & Woolly Necked Stork
After this I moved under the road and started to visit the exhibits from the African Wild dogs a exhibit that I feel needs a bit of work on it or they should move the dogs to a better exhibit somewhere else in the collection but I couldn’t see where to be honest.
Next come the Beautiful Warthogs again even though I love this species I think a new exhibit would be more in placing these wonderful species.
Okapi only one individual out today in the end exhibit the outside was little overgrown/well grown in some minds.
The Okapi House was closed today so I moved on to the Zebra exhibit they had 3outside all lying down for a change and looking less interested in the visitors than any other animal I had seen today.
The Rothchild’s Giraffe House was closed but we did have 2 out in the exhibit both feeding from different feeding stacks the exhibit was lacking a grass area but then again I should imagine if they had a grassed area it would turn to mud in no time.
Next we came to the Pygmy Hippopotamus who was fast a sleep in the hut provided for it the House again was closed to be expected really.
Didn’t go through the Lemur enclosure or The Clore Exhibits leaving these till next time I visit later in the year.
I did see a couple of Asian Short Clawed Otters in there exhibit which is starting to look like it could do with a small clear out.
Additional info –
Very few drinking or food selling areas open the one-way system could be a little confusing at times when paths cross.
Social distancing was very well adhered to by most people in the zoo and there were many staff around to ask information from and they freely gave it to you with a friendly response
All members of staff take a bow very well done and very friendly and helpful keep it up and the zoo will be back on its feet before you know it.
The Shop was open and you have to wash your hands before entering and mask is required before you entre the one way system in the shop works really well.
PLEASE NOTE IF A SPECIES IS NOT MENTIONED THIS DOES NOT MEAN ITS NOT AT THE ZOO.
Thanks for this interesting review! One question: when you say that you didn't visit the Clore, does that mean it is open again?
Yes but they do have staff at the door.
Just to make everyone aware I will be visiting Chester 18/08/20 & 12/09/2020
Birdland Park and garden &Cotswold falconry centre before the end of September and will put a review out for the bpg & cfc
Just to make everyone aware I will be visiting Chester 18/08/20 & 12/09/2020
Birdland Park and garden &Cotswold falconry centre before the end of September and will put a review out for the bpg & cfc
I've read all 13 of them and a lot don't even mention the zoos! I know who is definitely getting my vote, but he won't be elected!!
Not sure if anyone saw the interview on Good Morning Britain this morning with Bill Bailey regarding the ZSL fundraising campaign. Not bad (if you can get past the smug self-satisfaction that is Christine Lampard!) and it’s clear his hearts in the right place.
I read through most today too. Sadly though I think the main one who did mention the zoos (a very young chap) does not quite grasp the corporate institution that is ZSL and that one council member alone will not be able to change the current path the zoos are taking. We can all dream...
I normally vote for the most animal/zoologically minded people that stand for election. I am sure they have enough corporate/business experience employed within. It is the 'zoological' society of London after all. That's what I think anyway.
Unfortunately he does
- in fact, this was exactly why I decided to stand. From what I have been told, there are a few current members of Council who take the zoos seriously so there may be some hope. The influence as an individual Council member is, at the very least, far greater than as a Fellow. @pipaluk - Thanks for the support!
I remember an election many years ago, where chosen candidates were marked with an asterisk. One of these did not mention zoos, animals or conservation. Why would such a person be a good candidate for a zoo council? It's a bit like getting someone who isn't interested in history to help run the British Museum or someone who isn't interested in art in charge of the National Gallery.
I think we might be on the same page here...
Unfortunately he does
.
Wishing you every bit of luck. I really hope that your age and your passion for the zoos count in your favour, as they should do.
One would also question how this person even manage to get as far as candidate status in the first place!