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  #31
Old 18-01-2008

I suppose having it arranged zoogeographically isn't that important really, as long as all the animals have decent enclosures, and each small section sticks to some sort of theme. I don't think the average visitor will care, I won't.
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  #32
Old 19-01-2008

Maguari, I wasn't arguing for London to become geographically arranged I was just stating why I thought they hadn't become so. I do quite like the taxonomic arrangement for some of the same reasons that you gave.
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  #33
Old 19-01-2008

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Originally Posted by Maguari View Post
To be honest, I'd prefer they didn't try to get out of it too much. The site isn't large enough for decent-sized themed displays; something the size of Into Africa is about as large as an individual area could go without taking over the place.

Besides, where would the fun be if every zoo were arranged in exactly the same way? Most of the current zoo Master Plans look unnervingly similar.
I couldn't agree more. There is nothing wrong with biogeographical layouts - but the ZSL could not adopt one without a 50 year masterplan, and a lot of de-listing and demolition too.
Some sort of themed planning and design is important - even if you only notice it when it's not there! I remember my first visit to Colchester, where there is no way of knowing which animal is going to be in the next enclosure. The layout should guide and educate the visitor in some way, but there is no one-size-fits-all formula: the design must suit the site, the building style(s), the needs of the visitors and the needs of the animals (of course). I think there is plenty of scope for more imaginative and sensitive planning at London and in most other zoos as well.

Alan
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  #34
Old 19-01-2008

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Originally Posted by CZJimmy View Post
Maguari, I wasn't arguing for London to become geographically arranged I was just stating why I thought they hadn't become so. I do quite like the taxonomic arrangement for some of the same reasons that you gave.
Oh, I undestand that; I was just throwing my thoughts into the mix!
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  #35
Old 20-01-2008

Saw this on youtube, of the hippos in their "new" pool
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  #36
Old 20-01-2008

Wow, that was inaccurate...

His wife..?

Now heaps of kids are going to think Pygmy Hippos are running around killing thousands of Afrcians... Oh dear...

Methinks Jimmy or Jonathan may be doing that interview in a few years..!
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  #37
Old 20-01-2008

I thought it was odd that it was referring to pygmy hippos being Africa's top killer of humans, what with living in dense forest...

Also the use of the term "breed"... they're not dogs!

Although I shouldn't expect too much accuracy with it being in the "and finally" section, Bill Bailey sums it up perfectly "It's the type of light-hearted story which makes you go 'aww' such as the otter skateboarding to the school to put out a fire!"

Just a point, has that wooden backdrop always been there? I can swear it was tiles and concrete when I last visited...
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  #38
Old 20-01-2008

[quote=CZJimmy;34750] Bill Bailey sums it up perfectly "It's the type of light-hearted story which makes you go 'aww' such as the otter skateboarding to the school to put out a fire!" [quote]

Actually, I think Bill Bailey says weasel but precisely, yep. Your point is fairly spot on- its all spin. The wood was being put up last time i was there, (summer 07) so yeah, fairly new.
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  #39
Old 20-01-2008

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Originally Posted by ^Chris^ View Post
The wood was being put up last time i was there, (summer 07) so yeah, fairly new.
This is an example of the kind of aesthetic use of money we talk about quite frequently on this site, that doesn't add much of the functionally to the exhibit but sure looks better...
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  #40
Old 20-01-2008

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This is an example of the kind of aesthetic use of money we talk about quite frequently on this site, that doesn't add much of the functionally to the exhibit but sure looks better...
The phrase, "polishing a turd" springs to mind...

The hippos need a brand new house!

Can't the old ostrich house be torn down and replaced with heated indoor quarters and the anoa paddock combined with the old sealion pool?
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  #41
Old 21-01-2008

I've certainly never seen any other Pygmy Hippos kept under such a complicated system!
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  #42
Old 25-01-2008

What exactly is new about their 'hot tub'? The houseplants? What with the new wallaby mountain looming and the most dysfunctional Gorilla group in the Uk, London really is at the cutting edge of the zoo world.
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  #43
Old 25-01-2008

I can't disagree with that....
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  #44
Old 02-02-2008

ZSL's website has announced the birth of 11 beaded lizards...
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  #45
Old 16-02-2008

Is there any sign that London will be getting any female African Hunting Dogs any time soon?

They've had the 4 males for a while now...
 


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