Not too many changes since my last visit in 2016, mostly just cosmetic changes like new artworks by the tigers and lions, the replacement of the wildlife area next to the Fossas with more fake rockwork, that kind of thing. The Grevy's Zebras have been separated due to infighting Saw Fossa male Sambara and the new female (whose name escapes me), still in adjoining but separate enclosures. No sign of the older female Perinet. Three lion cubs doing well Four Kirk's Dik-Dik visible in the rear half of their enclosure No sign of the Southern Ground Hornbill, a new indoor area has been built onto the existing house. The Lynx have gone and their enclosure is undergoing refurbishment. First time I've ever seen Common Eland. These may have been just brought in from the main Reserve enclosure though. Two Ankole Cattle have joined the collection. Lovebirds have gone.
Presumably, like most of the zoos in the UK, Chessington is enacting bird flu prevention protocols and the hornbills are off-show. I understand that the reptile house 'Creepy Caves' has closed and the collection dispersed. Can you confirm this?
Ah that would explain the hornbills, thanks! Like Pipaluk said the reptile house was closed. Shame to hear it's permanent. Are there plans for the building do you know @pipaluk ?
I was told that there were plans for the building, but they didn't seem keen to say what, so I didn't pursue it further.
There seems to be 10 year masterplan that was announced last year. http://www.chessingtonbuzz.co.uk/news/10-year-masterplan-unveiled/ includes an eventual Relocation of Trail of the Kings (which is where the Gorillas,tigers, lions, fossa, ocelot and binturongs are)
Yes I believe so although I didn't visit when the Lynx were there. IT is possible that it has been changed into two enclosures as the Serval was in the front and the back enclosure looked unoccupied but had clearly been recently refurbished.
Looks like there is a evening zoo event in June. Not sure on how much of the zoo is open in the evening. Perhaps someone who has attended before can comment. ROAR AND EXPLORE 17th June 2017 Join us for our Roar and Explore evening in aid of the Chessington Conservation Fund (CCF) According to their website CHESSINGTON ROAR AND EXPLORE 17th June 2017: 6.30pm – 9.30pm Tickets: £7 per person (under 5’s go free) Roar and Explore after hours at the Zoo, with our exclusive fundraising evening in aid of the Chessington Conservation Fund (CCF) Have a roarsome time with an evening ride on ZUFARI: Ride into Africa! Experience the Zoo like never before with plenty of fun and games, exiting animal presentations, special animal Meet and Greets and much more! It’s set to be an evening to remember and all for a good cause too! In previous years Roar and Explore raised a fantastic £11,160. This enabled CCF to continue their support with the Dambari Wildlife Trust in Zimbabwe with their Matobo Biodiversity Monitoring Project, which aims to encourage community-driven biodiversity monitoring. The evening is open to all visitors, and tickets are just £7 per person (under 5’s go free) with all proceeds going directly to CCF. All staff volunteer their time for free on the evening.
Thanks for posting this and bring it to my attention; I will try to attend. I went to a similar event a few years ago and it was a very enjoyable evening. On that occasion the whole zoo was open (although, fortunately, the theme park rides were not operating).
Couple of changes Looks like the female Fossa has gone , the male Fossa has access to both areas currently. There is a Caracal in the back enclosure behind the Serval enclosure.
