ZSL Whipsnade Zoo ZSL Whipsnade Zoo News 2024
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Lafone
Well-Known Member
Had a lovely visit to Whipsnade today (was also there yesterday, Whipsnade weekend!) including a preview slot for the new monkey forest. Weather was sunny and not too cold and it had brought a good few people out.
Was lovely to see the new baby rhino, though it was a rugby scrum early in the day (a long queue had formed outside the house) so I went back before closing when it was easier to see. One of the keepers mentioned the baby will be starting to go outside tomorrow.
Saw the female anoa next to the Bongo - she looked very pretty. The new baby meerkats were sweet and just before closing the porcupine were all around and the aardvark were out in their outside enclosure having a snack, which was excellent.
Had a peaceful and undisturbed half an hour sitting on a log in the trees at the top of the zoo near the penguins where a good number of wallabies were resting in the sun (ten or so) with five joeys in pouches and venturing out. It's very cool to have a quiet moment with a bunch of the animals on a busy day.
The new monkey forest was a treat and I really enjoyed it. I think it's going to be a super popular area and it's a great addition, though in the cooler weather it'll be an indoor focus for the primates. Photography was permitted all the way through the preview (I asked before I started snapping away).
The paths are well laid and there is enough space to pass buggies and kids playing on the new play areas without everyone falling all over each other. At the moment the path isn't fenced in so you can go up to the passage through asia fence on both sides (lovely). It's such a treat to go down that side of the zoo on foot and some deer obliged by wandering by. A whole new perspective on the zoo from the new footpaths.
The updated signage has extended to the langur and Babirusa space, with the outside of their house having the same theme treatment as the new spaces.
Entry to the new area for the preview was by the emus who are back in place (well one is) though there was no sign that when open you won't be able to drift in to the area from both sides.
Well laid paths take in the new viewing windows for the langur and Babirusa outside area>
Obviously planting is in it's infancy around the new area at the moment, though some of the turf has been replaced, other areas are bare earth, but will look even better as they area planted / grow in.
With the new bright signage and education messages.
The new windows are nice (there are two like the one in the picture above) and this side of the enclosure also offers better pictures through the fence in the sun (if you are into that sort of thing!). The langurs were tempted outside with cabbage and so offered some nice views. Inside the house (which isn't accessible from this path but all fits now in a loop), the baby was very visible and the other younger langur was using the Babirusa as a ladder to climb down to the floor and back which was fun to see (the Babirusa didn't seem to mind).
Coming into the new area for the macaques and anoa there are also new signs
And then three enclosures, with seperated access for the anoa, but shared for the macaques. Branches have been placed to allow the macaques to cross the fence from the left hand side enclosure to the centre without going back to the top of the enclosure or through the house (see left of the picture)
There's a good sized viewing window into the left hand area with additional signage
And a panoramic gives an idea of the overall space on the left hand side
Moving along around the curving path (with great views of passage through Asia) the covered viewing area which could be seen under construction looks great in person.
The male anoa was out in the enclosure and making full use of the space
And there are full views to be had all round the enclosure at this end, so when the monkeys are out they should be good to spot.
Was lovely to see the new baby rhino, though it was a rugby scrum early in the day (a long queue had formed outside the house) so I went back before closing when it was easier to see. One of the keepers mentioned the baby will be starting to go outside tomorrow.
Saw the female anoa next to the Bongo - she looked very pretty. The new baby meerkats were sweet and just before closing the porcupine were all around and the aardvark were out in their outside enclosure having a snack, which was excellent.
Had a peaceful and undisturbed half an hour sitting on a log in the trees at the top of the zoo near the penguins where a good number of wallabies were resting in the sun (ten or so) with five joeys in pouches and venturing out. It's very cool to have a quiet moment with a bunch of the animals on a busy day.
The new monkey forest was a treat and I really enjoyed it. I think it's going to be a super popular area and it's a great addition, though in the cooler weather it'll be an indoor focus for the primates. Photography was permitted all the way through the preview (I asked before I started snapping away).
The paths are well laid and there is enough space to pass buggies and kids playing on the new play areas without everyone falling all over each other. At the moment the path isn't fenced in so you can go up to the passage through asia fence on both sides (lovely). It's such a treat to go down that side of the zoo on foot and some deer obliged by wandering by. A whole new perspective on the zoo from the new footpaths.
The updated signage has extended to the langur and Babirusa space, with the outside of their house having the same theme treatment as the new spaces.
Entry to the new area for the preview was by the emus who are back in place (well one is) though there was no sign that when open you won't be able to drift in to the area from both sides.
Well laid paths take in the new viewing windows for the langur and Babirusa outside area>
Obviously planting is in it's infancy around the new area at the moment, though some of the turf has been replaced, other areas are bare earth, but will look even better as they area planted / grow in.
With the new bright signage and education messages.
The new windows are nice (there are two like the one in the picture above) and this side of the enclosure also offers better pictures through the fence in the sun (if you are into that sort of thing!). The langurs were tempted outside with cabbage and so offered some nice views. Inside the house (which isn't accessible from this path but all fits now in a loop), the baby was very visible and the other younger langur was using the Babirusa as a ladder to climb down to the floor and back which was fun to see (the Babirusa didn't seem to mind).
Coming into the new area for the macaques and anoa there are also new signs
And then three enclosures, with seperated access for the anoa, but shared for the macaques. Branches have been placed to allow the macaques to cross the fence from the left hand side enclosure to the centre without going back to the top of the enclosure or through the house (see left of the picture)
There's a good sized viewing window into the left hand area with additional signage
And a panoramic gives an idea of the overall space on the left hand side
Moving along around the curving path (with great views of passage through Asia) the covered viewing area which could be seen under construction looks great in person.
The male anoa was out in the enclosure and making full use of the space
And there are full views to be had all round the enclosure at this end, so when the monkeys are out they should be good to spot.
Attachments
Lafone
Well-Known Member
The path leads up to the Anoa house
Which has inside viewing and educational material
And an exit leading to a covered viewing area back into the outside enclosures through large glass windows
The entrance to the Macaque space also has two large viewing windows, fortunate as the one inside window was pretty crowded with people (you can see the monkey forest exit on the right of the picture)
But despite the crowd at the windows (only to be expected), the inside viewing is clear and the space is well lit (the union jack was someones pram cover!)
Overall, a lovely new area, well constructed with lots of viewing points, spaces to see the animals, good use of trees and terrrain and interesting and colourful new signage. Lovely to have such a nice new exhibit to enjoy.
Which has inside viewing and educational material
And an exit leading to a covered viewing area back into the outside enclosures through large glass windows
The entrance to the Macaque space also has two large viewing windows, fortunate as the one inside window was pretty crowded with people (you can see the monkey forest exit on the right of the picture)
But despite the crowd at the windows (only to be expected), the inside viewing is clear and the space is well lit (the union jack was someones pram cover!)
Overall, a lovely new area, well constructed with lots of viewing points, spaces to see the animals, good use of trees and terrrain and interesting and colourful new signage. Lovely to have such a nice new exhibit to enjoy.
Attachments
Kalaw
Well-Known Member
Thank you, @Lafone , for this excellent review and the photos attached. I have long been looking forward to Monkey Forest, but had not expected the scale of it - it looks tremendous in the photos provided, and the number of viewing areas is remarkable as well. Surely, between the size, the mature trees provided in certain regions and the excellent-looking indoor area, this is one of the very best primate exhibits in the country. Macaques aside, I love Whipsnade's new style of theming (the anoa-gaur size comparison pictured above is shocking!) and it is great to have some better pedestrian views of Passage through Asia, seeing as I rarely visit Whipsnade by car these days. Looking forward to seeing it in person later this year, perhaps taking advantage of the new bus route from Luton to the zoo that will be provided in the coming weeks. Whipsnade has a very bright future ahead indeed!
Lafone
Well-Known Member
It is lovely! It looks even better close up than I had hoped it would having driven past it taking long distance shots from Passage through Asia for however long it has been since we first set eyes on it.
High quality stuff and the viewing is great and the space for the animals excellent. Will be interesting to see how the primates in particular use it. Watching the langurs come all the way along the enclosure today (using all the ropes and then leaping along the floor) was great to see and I should think in warmer weather in particular they will max it out.
It's very well designed for viewing too. I particularly enjoyed the new views of Passage through Asia (both sides). Overall, top notch result for Whipsnade and with the new reptile house in London, super new spaces at ZSL.
Further to the above post, I also visited Whipsnade today as part of a test event for Monkey Forest! It has a very “different” feel to any Whipsnade exhibit I’ve visited previously.
I won’t say much on the langur/babirusa area, as it’s essentially a refurb of the old Sloth bear exhibit. The macaque/anoa side is incredibly impressive, more so when the trees are in full leaf again. Both parts enormous. The education and immersion points are also of a high quality, though the pessimist in me fears this will be degraded/vandalised very quickly. The area also gives you very different views of Passage thru Asia and the railway, which runs parallel to it.
There’s a lot of “dead” space around the entire area which, personally, made me feel the zoo missed a trick-there’s certainly space for Malayan tapir (you can envisage them in the anoa paddocks) as well as one or two aviaries. However, overall it’s a mightily impressive addition to the zoo.
Aside from this, the area where the sealion house once was looks throughly depressing. I was expecting more than four undercover picnic shelters. The indoor viewing area for the chimps is now permanently closed to the public and is now staff access only.
I won’t say much on the langur/babirusa area, as it’s essentially a refurb of the old Sloth bear exhibit. The macaque/anoa side is incredibly impressive, more so when the trees are in full leaf again. Both parts enormous. The education and immersion points are also of a high quality, though the pessimist in me fears this will be degraded/vandalised very quickly. The area also gives you very different views of Passage thru Asia and the railway, which runs parallel to it.
There’s a lot of “dead” space around the entire area which, personally, made me feel the zoo missed a trick-there’s certainly space for Malayan tapir (you can envisage them in the anoa paddocks) as well as one or two aviaries. However, overall it’s a mightily impressive addition to the zoo.
Aside from this, the area where the sealion house once was looks throughly depressing. I was expecting more than four undercover picnic shelters. The indoor viewing area for the chimps is now permanently closed to the public and is now staff access only.
Rajang-GOAT
Well-Known Member
I couldn't agree more, thanks @Lafone for your photos and coverage. I am a fan of this from what I can tell and this new style of theming for ZSL is very nice, I can't wait to come and see it myself (along with the rest of Whipsnade) later in the year after which I will decide my opinion on it. A great year so far for ZSL!
Lafone
Well-Known Member
Ref the old sealion area I agree it's a bit underwhelming though I guess it's all they said it would be, which wasn't much, I didn't bother to post photos of the new picnic area though I did take a few. I guess they might plant a few trees or something.
If I recall correctly, the indoor viewing doors for the chimp space never reopened post covid. I remember them signing it early on with 'coming soon' and then they blocked it off completely. I can't recall the last time I went in it. I am guessing pre pandemic.
I wonder if they might add other things into monkey forest as time goes on (I doubt birds, due to the wind, but something else might work well). The trees are going to look great in full leaf.
Edited to add re the area I think most of it will be robust and hold up well. The one thing I think they will change fairly fast are the headphone / talk boards in the Macaque indoor area, they have long cables and a small child was busy strangling another with it! Apart from that it all looked fitted for being knocked about (the signage in the window areas being reinforced for people sitting on it for example).
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Kalaw
Well-Known Member
A fairly insignificant change regarding the chimpanzees, but a tragic nostalgic blow for me on a personal level. At Whipsnade, the buildings where I saw my first elephants and chimpanzees are now closed to the public, that in which I saw my first sea lion has been demolished, and my first ever moose and wolves are now a thing of the past.
However, even still, I am more optimistic than ever for ZSL's future. The years before lockdown saw low after low in terms of failed new exhibits, departures / closures of old favourites, maintenance issues and a lack of new arrivals, problems that were naturally only worsened by restricted funds and decreased footfall due to the pandemic. There was a serious feeling of ruin at both zoos, especially London. However, the years since then have seen a slow and steady rate of development that seems to be taking the Society in the right direction - both zoos have received successful new exhibits, delightful new species, and seen the rate of departures and closures grind to a halt. If they can continue this rate of development over the coming years, then the future holds endless possibilities for London and Whipsnade Zoos.
Lafone
Well-Known Member
On the chimp front you can still see the indoor habitat under the covered viewing windows and as they are usually in the open space at the back under the lamps (even in the height of winter), it doesn't really remove much viewing to have the old space closed.
I think there are great green shoots as you say. I felt pretty sad about the whole thing when the last of the old lion pride died (followed by both the then cheetahs and Columbo the sloth bear) and things stood empty and looked a bit sad, but things have been improving for a while. Whipsnade was always a charming and wonderful space at heart, so hoping for lots of good things at both zoos.
Lafone
Well-Known Member
I also had a small sentimental moment photographing Malik the young male lion sitting where Max and Kia used to sit in the enclosure today. It's a combination sunny and then shady spot, on the edge, never busy visitor wise as people are too busy hurrying to the windows, ideal for lion lazing. Neither set of visiting lions took a liking to it, but the new ones have started lying around there recently. Bit of lion nostalgia.
For my part, a bit of “chimp nostalgia”
(Especially when you know that once this group are gone, they’re gone)
Lafone
Well-Known Member
For my part, a bit of “chimp nostalgia”
(Especially when you know that once this group are gone, they’re gone)
Indeed, I always try to enjoy them on every visit. Nikky going marked a bit of a moment. I hope the others stay around for a long time. I do hope Whipsnade stay in Chimps, when the time comes, but that the time is significantly delayed!
Your post made me think of species I saw for the first time at Whipsnade.
Whipsnade was where I saw my first Indian rhinoceros, musk-ox, Chinese water deer and pronghorn.
Out of interest, does anyone know when Whipsnade were at peak capacity for their chimpanzee group. My knowledge includes the current individuals, along with Nikky, Zephyr, Primrose and Johnnie (roughly mid 2000s up to present)
Reptile House
Well-Known Member
I just looked at last years’ inventory and see they have 23 Panther Chameleons listed, in the new aquarium I only see 1 on display, where do they house the other 22?
Lafone
Well-Known Member
Someone may have a better idea, but there are quite a lot of off show vivariums and tanks in the butterfly house / aquarium, behind the visible research area, so they might be held in there if they are actively breeding them.
I'm sure at least two exhibits were signed for them when I was there a few weeks ago and there may be more than one in each
Excellent news for public-transport bound zoochatters (and the general public)!
"New for 2024! The ZOO bus
From 2024 onwards, the ZOO bus service, operating on weekends and school holidays between Easter and the end of the Summer holidays, will run every 90 minutes from Luton Parkway, through Dunstable and to Whipsnade Zoo. Get your timetables and find out more on the ZOO bus page."
Directions to Whipsnade Zoo | Whipsnade Zoo
"New for 2024! The ZOO bus
From 2024 onwards, the ZOO bus service, operating on weekends and school holidays between Easter and the end of the Summer holidays, will run every 90 minutes from Luton Parkway, through Dunstable and to Whipsnade Zoo. Get your timetables and find out more on the ZOO bus page."
Directions to Whipsnade Zoo | Whipsnade Zoo