London zoo news 2012 » ZSL London Zoo

14-06-2012

Thanks FBBird and DevilFish, I hope you can confirm the other species in that aviary too.

I have another question, does anybody know what species of white-eye is kept in the Blackburn Pavilion? Neither ZSL website nor zootierliste is helpful for this species.

14-06-2012

I don't have access to the hard drive with my photos on at the moment, so maybe someone else will be able to get back to you before me.

I think the white-eyes are just labelled as Zosterops, with no specific name.

EDIT: They're even labelled as only 'Zosterops' on the 2012 animal inventory:
http://static.zsl.org/files/lz-2012-...klist-1791.pdf

14-06-2012

Thanks for that, that might have been why I didn't take a photo of that sign.

14-06-2012

Is the aviary you are talking about the one opposite the reptile house and just before the gorillas? This aviary was home to the following species on tuesday - Im guessing some had come from the closed african bird safari - a great aviary none the less.
white-faced whistling duck
lilac breasted roller
hammerkop
white-crowned robin chat
superb starling
madagascan teal
bearded barbet
and a pair of hornbill which were unidentified - either red-billed or von der deckens

Also do London still keep Aye-aye? I couldn't find any on tuesday.
Cheers

14-06-2012

Two aye-ayes are listed in the 2012 animal inventory but they have been off-show for a number of years now – one of those ongoing mysteries of London Zoo!

14-06-2012

No, that isn't the aviary, the one I'm talking about was quite small, certainly not suitable for any of the larger species you mention, and Devilfish said it has recently been demolished. But thanks anyway, I'll have to have a read of these threads and find out what has happened to the African Bird Safari now.

14-06-2012

The African Bird Safari is temporarily closed while they build the new "Tiger Territory" behind it. The buildings that provide indoor shelter for the birds is being renovated as part of the new enclosure, and also the building noise being so close would disturb the birds. So they are currently scattered throughout the zoo (including, as someone said, the little walk-through aviary on the way to gorillas) till the tiger enclosure is finished, next Easter.

14-06-2012

Can anyone bring more light to this subject? Are they still in the round house, just off show? I must admit, I've never actually seem out whereas I have at Bristol and Jersey.

Hoping to make a visit here sometime in July/August.

14-06-2012

No, they're not in the Round House any more, that is now home to some wonderful Rodriguez fruit bats which are well worth a visit.

15-06-2012

0:0:2 Slender Loris born
Second set of twins for proud loris parents - News - ZSL London Zoo - ZSL

15-06-2012

They are in the closed off area of the Clore.

New Camel Enclosure
15-06-2012

A planning application has been made to Westminster Council for a new camel enclosure.

It's due to be located on the spare land (currently grass and path) bordering, Animal Adventure, the Casson outdoor area, Tiger Territory and Regents Park.

The plans can be found here:-

12/02834/FULL | Alterations to camel enclosure including the construction of a new shelter and alterations to railings/fencing. | London Zoo Outer Circle Regents Park London NW1 4RY

15-06-2012

Presumably this is to free up their current enclosure so as to enable it to be incorporated into the new tiger thing. Am I right in thinking that the artist's impression showed Malayan tapirs in this space? And, if so, is that a definite, or was it simply a 'possibility'?

Although camels don't really set my pulses racing, I do think it's good that London are to be continuing with a real 'zoo' animal species, the like of which the average visitor is very pleased to see.

15-06-2012

The section plans also mention the tapir enclosure.

15-06-2012

Sorry, we'll have to disagree here.

ZSL already has a sizeable group of domestic Bactrian camels at Whipsnade (those voodoo descriptions of them being critically endangered push my buttons I'm afraid!). I wish that long-disused piece of land (out of commission for most of my lifetime) could be given over to something a bit more exotic.

Prince Alfred's or brow-antlered deer, or warty pigs, would all fit in with UK zoos' breeding programmes, the surrounding "theming" of the zoo masterplan, and (IMHO!) the duty of the site to inspire visitors with the rare and the unusual.

Once again, as evinced by the damn carousel on Barclay Court, the impression is being given of marketing calling the shots.