ZSL London Zoo ZSL London Zoo News 2025
- Thread starter aquilla1
- Start date
Reading it again, you’re right. My bad.
Kalaw
Well-Known Member
Visited today for what was (and I can't believe I'm saying this in June 
) my first zoo visit of the year to any collection!
The Casson is closed again. It seems as though they close and reopen it every couple of months or so with no explanation as to why and no evident changes to the inside after the closures.
Would be interested to hear from anyone who knows why this keeps happening. Lion cubs look very mature now, with one individual in particular starting to develop his mane very nicely. Very active throughout the early afternoon, very lazy towards closing time, but with the mother and all three cubs sticking together throughout the day.
Some major news potentially was that the coatis opposite Blackburn Pavilion are no longer in said enclosure. The whole area was enclosed, and from a distance it was obvious that the enclosure was empty with the glass panels in the fence all removed. With their other enclosure in the Children's Zoo now inhabited by eagle-owls (which has been the case since late last year if I'm not mistaken), I certainly hope they are still at the collection and just offshow, but time will tell.
This was my first time in Blackburn since the signage was redone. It's a serious upgrade, with the font far more legible and the pictures of the birds making identification for much easier, with some basic information and images that highlighted sexual dimorphism, or the lack thereof. Interestingly, in one of the smaller aviaries in the entry lobby, an Orange-headed Thrush could be seen providing food for some rather mature chicks that are fully capable of flight in and of themselves, but still had the chick colouration - I was convinced it was courtship until the aforementioned signage made it clear that both males and females look the same in the species. One slight annoyance: a screen playing some audio, which was very informative, but took away from the mesmerising quiet of the hall in which one can usually only hear wingbeats, calls and waterfalls. I only saw two Scarlet-chested Sunbirds at any one time, so will be very interested to hear from anyone else who visits the collection soon if they also note four or five individuals as reported by @Typhlonectes upthread. Not doubting that their information is correct, merely fearing that it may have been a short-lived affair and the other sunbirds have now been moved on. The Mountain Peacock-pheasants do indeed look excellent in the walkthrough, skulking about the undergrowth with a dinosaur-like look. They are still signed in two of the outdoor aviaries, but the Grosbeak Starlings that arrived last year are worryingly not. Another worrying moment came when I realised the Splendid Sunbirds were no longer signed, but thankfully I could see one.
A major disappointment came when I realised that is well as the black shutters to prevent sunlight and aid with temperature control, some curtain blinds in the Darwin's Frog vivarium were drawn and therefore completely obscured the enclosure to vistors. Hopefully this is only temporary, as I am yet to have seen them - the sign was still there, a minor reassurance (why let visitors know that there is an animal inches away from them they can't see?). Capybaras were very cute, and proved a major hit among visitors, with a lot of children able to recognise them and one overheard adamantly arguing with her parents who read the sign and assumed they were Pygmy Hippos. The gift shop had a huge double-sided shelf packed with all sorts of capybara plushies, clearly highlighting the zoo's belief that they can profit from the popularity of the species. More merchandise than any other species at the zoo despite the fact that they have only just arrived and will be leaving soon! Fair play to ZSL, despite my gripes about the species' intended future as hippo replacements at Whipsnade.
There was no evidence that the new female African Hunting Dog has been introduced to the enclosure yet, and indeed (although I didn't see it myself) a fellow visitor mentioned that the Warthogs were still in the enclosure. I wonder whereabouts in the zoo she is being kept offshow for the time being. The zoo had a really nice educational display in the Giraffe House for world giraffe day, which peaked the curiosity of many visitors. The highlight for my younger cousins who I was visiting with proved to be the lollipops that turned your tongue the same blue colour as that of a giraffe! At the (more informative than usual) talk, the zoo hosted a competition where the visitor who guessed the mass of the zoo's youngest giraffe the best won a free giraffe encounter, a really fun idea. Another highlight was watching a giraffe peel the bark of some branches with its tongue, something that I knew they did, but had never observed. It could just be that I've never noticed it in the past, but the Okapi House seemed to have a lot more natural substrate and plants than before, in both okapi and zebra stables, with there even being waterfalls in both okapi stables.
I am delighted to say that I finally saw the Small Indian Mongoose after nearly two years of no luck.
Despite the reflective glass, I could get some very prolonged views of both individuals; although one was reluctant to stray far from its tunnel, the other even ventured outside. And in some good news, the mongooses are no longer confined to the cage as far as outdoor access goes, and now have the whole space, hopefully an indication that they have been settling in well. Ended the day in SLoRA where a nice surprise was seeing that the crocodile pool (that had to be emptied and redone due to drainage issues) has been landscaped much better now, presumably the zoo taking advantage of the opportunity of the crocodile being offshow to improve it. A lot more branches making for a much more attractive display. I also got some fantastic views of the giant salamander, the best that I have ever been treated to at London, and something that I didn't think was possible with the bright lights, hence my love for the more purpose-built space at Prague. A wonderful way to close a very good visit.
EDIT: and somehow I forgot the biggest news of all. Grey Mouse-lemur triplets recently born! I didn't see them, as I didn't go into the Lemur House, but as I was leaving I noted a sign on a notice board that mentioned them. However, judging from the dates on the sign for the voting rounds of the 'Peng-Win' competition in which one of the zoo's penguins is competing, this news is actually from about March. Has anyone seen them? I am surprised that there hasn't been a more public announcement if they are so old, and even this sign wasn't exactly visible to the public, being pinned to a notice board in one of the staff car parks (which members can also use if they commuted via bicycle as I did, due to it offering more secure bike locks).
(the TV screen in the lobby of Blackburn Pavilon)
(very active giant salamander)
(crocodile pool with far more vegetation than before)
) my first zoo visit of the year to any collection!The Casson is closed again. It seems as though they close and reopen it every couple of months or so with no explanation as to why and no evident changes to the inside after the closures.
Would be interested to hear from anyone who knows why this keeps happening. Lion cubs look very mature now, with one individual in particular starting to develop his mane very nicely. Very active throughout the early afternoon, very lazy towards closing time, but with the mother and all three cubs sticking together throughout the day.Some major news potentially was that the coatis opposite Blackburn Pavilion are no longer in said enclosure. The whole area was enclosed, and from a distance it was obvious that the enclosure was empty with the glass panels in the fence all removed. With their other enclosure in the Children's Zoo now inhabited by eagle-owls (which has been the case since late last year if I'm not mistaken), I certainly hope they are still at the collection and just offshow, but time will tell.
This was my first time in Blackburn since the signage was redone. It's a serious upgrade, with the font far more legible and the pictures of the birds making identification for much easier, with some basic information and images that highlighted sexual dimorphism, or the lack thereof. Interestingly, in one of the smaller aviaries in the entry lobby, an Orange-headed Thrush could be seen providing food for some rather mature chicks that are fully capable of flight in and of themselves, but still had the chick colouration - I was convinced it was courtship until the aforementioned signage made it clear that both males and females look the same in the species. One slight annoyance: a screen playing some audio, which was very informative, but took away from the mesmerising quiet of the hall in which one can usually only hear wingbeats, calls and waterfalls. I only saw two Scarlet-chested Sunbirds at any one time, so will be very interested to hear from anyone else who visits the collection soon if they also note four or five individuals as reported by @Typhlonectes upthread. Not doubting that their information is correct, merely fearing that it may have been a short-lived affair and the other sunbirds have now been moved on. The Mountain Peacock-pheasants do indeed look excellent in the walkthrough, skulking about the undergrowth with a dinosaur-like look. They are still signed in two of the outdoor aviaries, but the Grosbeak Starlings that arrived last year are worryingly not. Another worrying moment came when I realised the Splendid Sunbirds were no longer signed, but thankfully I could see one.
A major disappointment came when I realised that is well as the black shutters to prevent sunlight and aid with temperature control, some curtain blinds in the Darwin's Frog vivarium were drawn and therefore completely obscured the enclosure to vistors. Hopefully this is only temporary, as I am yet to have seen them - the sign was still there, a minor reassurance (why let visitors know that there is an animal inches away from them they can't see?). Capybaras were very cute, and proved a major hit among visitors, with a lot of children able to recognise them and one overheard adamantly arguing with her parents who read the sign and assumed they were Pygmy Hippos. The gift shop had a huge double-sided shelf packed with all sorts of capybara plushies, clearly highlighting the zoo's belief that they can profit from the popularity of the species. More merchandise than any other species at the zoo despite the fact that they have only just arrived and will be leaving soon! Fair play to ZSL, despite my gripes about the species' intended future as hippo replacements at Whipsnade.
There was no evidence that the new female African Hunting Dog has been introduced to the enclosure yet, and indeed (although I didn't see it myself) a fellow visitor mentioned that the Warthogs were still in the enclosure. I wonder whereabouts in the zoo she is being kept offshow for the time being. The zoo had a really nice educational display in the Giraffe House for world giraffe day, which peaked the curiosity of many visitors. The highlight for my younger cousins who I was visiting with proved to be the lollipops that turned your tongue the same blue colour as that of a giraffe!
At the (more informative than usual) talk, the zoo hosted a competition where the visitor who guessed the mass of the zoo's youngest giraffe the best won a free giraffe encounter, a really fun idea. Another highlight was watching a giraffe peel the bark of some branches with its tongue, something that I knew they did, but had never observed. It could just be that I've never noticed it in the past, but the Okapi House seemed to have a lot more natural substrate and plants than before, in both okapi and zebra stables, with there even being waterfalls in both okapi stables.I am delighted to say that I finally saw the Small Indian Mongoose after nearly two years of no luck.
Despite the reflective glass, I could get some very prolonged views of both individuals; although one was reluctant to stray far from its tunnel, the other even ventured outside. And in some good news, the mongooses are no longer confined to the cage as far as outdoor access goes, and now have the whole space, hopefully an indication that they have been settling in well. Ended the day in SLoRA where a nice surprise was seeing that the crocodile pool (that had to be emptied and redone due to drainage issues) has been landscaped much better now, presumably the zoo taking advantage of the opportunity of the crocodile being offshow to improve it. A lot more branches making for a much more attractive display. I also got some fantastic views of the giant salamander, the best that I have ever been treated to at London, and something that I didn't think was possible with the bright lights, hence my love for the more purpose-built space at Prague. A wonderful way to close a very good visit.EDIT: and somehow I forgot the biggest news of all. Grey Mouse-lemur triplets recently born! I didn't see them, as I didn't go into the Lemur House, but as I was leaving I noted a sign on a notice board that mentioned them. However, judging from the dates on the sign for the voting rounds of the 'Peng-Win' competition in which one of the zoo's penguins is competing, this news is actually from about March. Has anyone seen them? I am surprised that there hasn't been a more public announcement if they are so old, and even this sign wasn't exactly visible to the public, being pinned to a notice board in one of the staff car parks (which members can also use if they commuted via bicycle as I did, due to it offering more secure bike locks).
(the TV screen in the lobby of Blackburn Pavilon)
(very active giant salamander)
(crocodile pool with far more vegetation than before)
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@Kalaw The African Wild Dog certainly was in the first of the two Hunting Dog enclosures (the one by the tunnel) when she arrived , The Warthogs being in the other "Hunting Dog " enclosure . That was still the case the following week although temporary screening had been placed which will have restricted viewing. As she is only here temporaily I would be suprised if she were introduced/moved to the other Hunting Dog enclosure that the warthogs are using. That was situation about 10-11 days ago.
I imagine the curtain blinds for the Darwin Frogs window were drawn either due to the heat or possibly they might have closed them for the Friday Late Night and not reopened them.
I imagine the curtain blinds for the Darwin Frogs window were drawn either due to the heat or possibly they might have closed them for the Friday Late Night and not reopened them.
The gift shop had a huge double-sided shelf packed with all sorts of capybara plushies, clearly highlighting the zoo's belief that they can profit from the popularity of the species. More merchandise than any other species at the zoo despite the fact that they have only just arrived and will be leaving soon! Fair play to ZSL, despite my gripes about the species' intended future as hippo replacements at Whipsnade.
All this recent Capybara popularity has gone over my head but if Whipsnade want to capitalise on it further when they move there, maybe they should have a big sign TO THE CAPYBARA at the top of that little road that runs down there. Its an area left out by some folk I think. And if they are so popular why don't they have them at both sites? Must be pretty easy to obtain more.
Jambi
Well-Known Member
This is something I could see London doing eventually, it definitely sounds like the capys have been a smash hit, so once they move to Whipsnade it wouldn't surprise me if London sourced some more to have as a permanent fixture.
The remaining coatis where euthanised due to old-age related health conditions. The Zoo is getting new white nosed coatis soon.
The hunting dog which was only there for quarantine wasn't having a great time, so the decision was made to move her to Whipsnade sooner than planned where she is now happier with the other hunting dog.
Capybara are still planned to leave in September to Whipsnade, but it has not been lost on the Zoo how popular they are and there are plans underway to also get them for London.
A new male pygmy hippo arrives in September, hence the need to move the capybara on by then.
The hunting dog which was only there for quarantine wasn't having a great time, so the decision was made to move her to Whipsnade sooner than planned where she is now happier with the other hunting dog.
Capybara are still planned to leave in September to Whipsnade, but it has not been lost on the Zoo how popular they are and there are plans underway to also get them for London.
A new male pygmy hippo arrives in September, hence the need to move the capybara on by then.
Kalaw
Well-Known Member
I fully agree, and would quite like to see this, although they would have to find a new space for them at London as last I heard the intent is still to find a mate for Amara (they may even already have one lined up) and breed Pygmy Hippos which would require both enclosures. The only vacant space I can think of that would be appropriate is the former muntjac enclosure between LotL and the flamingos, but that would make a mess of the Indian theme in that area. Not as though that prevented ZSL from placing them right in the heart of the African zone at Whipsnade!
One other thing that I forgot to mention - not only are they popular, but they aren't afraid of visitors whatsoever, and throughout the entire hour so that I so that I spent in Into Africa they were very much content eating right up by the fence completely unbothered by the noise that crowds are making. An essential guarantee of activity is also something that zoo animals need and is probably another reason as to why they will be such a success.
Excellent news about White-nosed Coati with how few UK zoos hold the species and with them (in my opinion) being the more visually interesting of the coati taxa. Also good to know a date for the planned arrival of the new hippo; may I ask where he will be arriving from?
Could the former anteater enclosure be used for capybara? Sort of tie it in with the squirrel monkeys?
Jambi
Well-Known Member
That's so sad to hear, I was certainly lucky to see both coatis when I visited last month, and indeed that was my first time seeing a coati, I had no idea they were both suffering from health issues.
With the coatis, I think its due to the fact of the EU regulations that forbid breeding of the South American species due to them being on the invasive list? Someone will have to correct me on the exact specifics...
It does make me wonder if over the next decade we might see a massive decline in the South American species in favour of the White-Nosed.
A good idea should you wish to lose a finger or two perhaps, considering the short work they can do to a sweet potato or squash! Speaking from experience, though not necessarily highly strung, they’re not to be messed with if theres youngsters involved.
Kalaw
Well-Known Member
Not a bad idea. There was also a Vicuña paddock just below them, which used to make a small South American section of sorts. I say bring back the vicuña and the anteaters, mix the latter in with some capybara, and reconnect the squirrel monkey walkthrough (i.e. so it is no longer a dead end) and therefore make the coatis part of the whole S.A. affair. Purely speculative at the moment, but if it were my decision I would certainly consider it for the future.
Nasua nasua was on the list of invasive species as of 2016; as a result of escaped cases in the north of England and on warmer Spanish islands. Although the feral UK populations survived only a few years at most, the Spanish populations managed to thrive for several years from being fed by tourists. Though I am not sure if they are still there. These laws prohibit the breeding of listed species; but allow the keeping and regulated display of individuals of the species until the end of their natural life.
Obviously since the UK is no longer part of the EU [currently, anyways] this means in theory the list could be changed to include/exclude other things... but as of yet there has been no motivation to do such a thing.
I'd reckon quite a few zoos in Europe have already made the switch to white-nosed... saw the species in Berlin Zoo where ring-tailed coatis were at one point... though at my time of visit the map still had a picture of a ring-tailed coati on it
Whenever these directives come into force ... I get the feeling they are just window dressing and be seen to be doing "something", however with a captive-breeding operation ban for Nasua nasua the authorities in EEC countries and UK are doing nothing to combat the actual released invasives .... where a simple trapping program would have sufficed. FFS..., I would say.
Sorry, I meant with some barrier for the capybara (maybe with a remodeling of the central and southern section and paths), not that they would be in contact with visitors!
Kalaw
Well-Known Member
Hagenbeck had free-roaming capybara until recently. I imagine that a walkthrough certainly would be achievable.
If the capybara craze is this strong (and I have to say, it has entirely passed me by), I'd be more concerned for the capybara being constantly petted than the odd visitor's finger!