Denver's rotational concept does not include the locking up of any of its animals to "wait their turn" to use an outdoor exhibit (or drag them on leashes through the public area of the zoo as is apparently the practice at RSCC)--it instead allows animals to move from one outdoor space to another. And while not huge the Denver spaces are certainly more appropriate for their inhabitants than RSCC's minimalist (to be kind) cages. Let's not forget that you could fit the entire RSCC several times over into the Asian Tropics site--they are trying to do too much in that tiny place, obviously because they are "collectors of rarities." As for the palm trees--it's good to know that they have the money to replace dead ones on occasion.
Do I have to point out to you that it is common practice for zoos to lock up their cats at night. Therefore, it is likely that the pumas would be in the exhibit for the same amount of time whether rotated with the cloudie or not. Meanwhile, the clouded leopard only ever came out at night so only being let out at night does not really affect its welfare. As such, I see this as a clever way of saving space and providing enrichment on a limited site. It is, at least, better than your solution of creating two separate exhibits on a zoo which you have just pointed out is too small for the animals it currently has. And in regards to those beloved palm trees, you yourself have said the RSCC is short on funds, so how on earth could they afford to replace them?
Nicely put and ... oh boy, do I wish that I would be able to articulate myself in English... Anyway... cheap shot of mine in a way, I suppose I have to admit, redpanda! However, in my own stubborn mind, I simply cannot think that a "highly arboreal felid" can live a good life in this concrete bunker. Repeating my mantra: in my country it will by the year of 2014 be illegal to keep this species in an enclosure less big than 500 sq meters. Other requirements apply as well - climbing opportunities etc. I love this legislation, although I would like it to be even more generous towards the animals. But I understand that it is unheard of in the rest of the world.
To be fair, english is my first language so I should be able to speak it really. I actually find the fact that many forumsters have to write in a language which is not their own quite amazing seeing as my comand of French, for example, leaves much to be desired. But I digress. I understand that you cannot see an animal living a good life in this exhibit and I agree that it could be improved, however, I would personally consider it adequate for the inhabitants and the sensory enrichment gained from the rotation must occupy some of their time. Also, I didn't see any stereotypical behaviour from these cats which is anecdotal, I know, but I did spend quite a lot of time watching them so cannot be completely discounted.
It's true, the respective animals only spend as much time in this enclosure as they would in any other zoo due to being locked in at night etc. And Dan, you can't use the "I don't speak English well enough" argument when you speak English better than some English people!
Taronga Zoo is 70 acres. The last time I was at San Diego Wild Animal Park there were three separate enclosures, each of which was larger than Taronga. All this means is that SDWAP has a lot of space for some very large enclosures - it says nothing about Taronga (apart from overall size). I think it's brilliant that Sweden has such an enlightened population that they could come up with the minimum standards that they have. And I would love to visit some of these enormous zoos one day in the future. Its so good that Sweden has so much free space to be able to create such large wildlife areas - but the UK does not have the same amount of free space (if memory serves me). So they make do with what they've got. I imagine the laws regarding the keepeing of wild animals, and the requirements for getting a zoo licence, differ between the two countries too. So comparing RSCC to Borås or Kolmården is not a fair comparison as there are other pre-determining aspects which are not equal either. Having said all that I should make it clear that, based on the photos I've seen of RSCC, I'm not all that impressed with the place either. However, on my next trip to the UK - whenever that is - I will try and visit so I can speak with first-hand knowledge (and maybe more conviction!) Hix
Oh well... this thread became a bit over-heated, perhaps... I hope nobody has been offended. Like I wrote before, we will simply have to agree to disagree. I will always see these enclosures at RSCC as "shamefully small", but the majority of forumsters contributing to this thread think otherwise. It´s OK. Let´s move on (at least until the next damn picture from RSCC shows up, that is.... , NO.. sorry, REALLY... ).
Thanks buddy, but you know what I mean. "...some" actually being the keyword here. There are half-illiterates in most western societies, but in my own language I can be witty, spell everything right, even be a little bit academic when I want to. I would have loved to have that option here and other sites where we use English. Perhaps especially at this site where I gladly confess to be an amateur, lacking most of the factual knowledge that most of you forumsters have - though still being passionately interested in the subjects debated here.
Ok, it's just you speak English ridiculously well so you don't need to put yourself down all the time
