Blackpool Zoo Blackpool Zoo, UK

Hi all,

When I have more time I will write a review of the zoo, but for now you can see a history of the zoo at www.zooarchives.50megs.com and click on the UK Zoos page.
Interestingly in 1996, the former manager of the zoo, Steven Stanley, left to become director of Auckland Zoo, NZ.
I will also post my memories of the now defunct Southport Zoo, Seacombe Aquarium, the new aquarium at World Museum Liverpool, the Welsh Mountain Zoo and a few others.

 

Is blackpool zoo worth a visit?

 

Yes it is. They have a number of interesting species there, including Arabian Oryx, Mountain Zeba, Bongo, Gorillas, Orangutans, reasonable monkey collection, huge sealion pool etc.

However, the zoo is quite small, on flat ground and rather featureless, it also looks a bit rundown generally. If you visit it after seeing Chester, there's a huge contrast with Chester's obvious prosperity, huge animal collection and great new buildings ( the best zoo in UK by far)

 

Is it true that they have helmeted currasow. I've always wanted to see one. They look rather comical.

 

I don't know- but they to tend to have some unusual species there. They have, or used to have Markhor.

 

Whats the Gorllia group like there is it a breeding group?.

 

I saw a group of Markor at Los Angeles. They have a lot of Wild goat species there.

 

Unfortuately not. They first had a trio of gorillas in about 1971. These original ones never bred and the two females died some years ago. The male Kumba was replaced and sent to Europe and has now ended up in Rostov(or Rostock?) where he lives with one old female. He has had a very bad deal,as he is a perfectly normal, well socialised male with no problems, but has just never been paired with good wellsocialised(and unfamiliar) females to try and breed with him. He is a valuable wildcaught male and its a shame how wasted genetically,he has been.

Anyway, Blackpool adapted the enclosure by connecting it to an island which previously held Chamois- now its a 'gorilla island' with lots of vegetation,and is quite effective plus the original old house and simple glass- walled outdoor area..

The current animals(4) are; male Jitu- adult,born Stuttgart handraised.
females; Miliki & Njeema, both young, from Apenheul PP in Holland(where Taronga group came from) a third, older proven female was added from Barcelona recently(she is a (normal) daughter of Snowflake, the White Gorilla)
No pregnancies/babies born there so far though they are still hoping for success. Jitu does mate at least one of the females. Last time I went there he hurled a branch at me and I thought he had cracked the glass it was such a powerful throw....

 

Isn't snowflake dead?

 

Yes, he died a year or so ago(skin cancer) He has several daughters still alive, plus six grandchilden. They kept him with one of his daughters for a long time- presumably hoping to produce another white gorilla by this genetic mix, but nothing happened. Several of the grandchildren are at the Stuttgart nursery presently but will later enter the breeding population.

 

It's sad that there will be no more white gorillas. Was he albino or just white like the white lions?

 

Albino,though I think he had blue eyes, not pink/red.

 

Thanks. What other animals can be albino? There are gorillas, wallabies.....

 

I think you will find most animals can be albinos, mammals, reptiles and birds, we have a Humpback whale thats lives on the east coast of Australia that is snow white which they call Migaloo.

 

Wow. Do you have a picture of him/her?

 

Sorry I dont , but you may find one on the Google if you have a look around, as he has been on the tv and in the news papers quite a lot over the last few years.

 

Theoretically you could produce another white gorilla if two of Snowflake's grandchildren both carrying his white gene were bred together,though the chance of a white baby would be a mathematical one I think. I doubt if zoos would do this when these babies grow up though?

 

Thanks Mark. I'll have a look. Grantsmb Where have snoflakes children/grandchildren gone.

 

One daughter (maybe two) still at Barcelona
One at Blackpool

Grandchildren are four females and two younger males. 4 are at Stuttgart nursery. Other two in other European zoos(can't recall which...)

 

Thanks grantsmb.