Chester Zoo Chester Zoo Discussion, Speculation & Questions 2018

How cute is Kyra !!!!

 

Absolutely adorable!! I was just watching the last episode of this series of The Secret Life of the Zoo with my parents, and I really enjoyed it, especially Kyra!

 

I was wondering if the following bird species are at the collection on or off show –


Philippine scops owl
Passerini’s tanager
Red headed tanager
Lavender waxbill
Sunda laughingthrush
South African firefinch
Spotted laughingthrush

If on show could you point me in the right direction.
list taken from Zootierliste 20/12/2018

 

I believe the spotted laughing thrush is in the rainbow aviary I could be mistaken however.

 

Many thanks folks a good reason to visit in January now then.

 

Do we have any idea when the new Madagascar development is set to open?

 

I can safely say it's not likely to be this year...

But seriously, I'd guess either next half term (February) or the Easter holidays would be the most likely dates.

 

It was nearly finished a few weeks ago and they were planning to move species in. Originally they had suggested the new year, but imagine the recent events have delayed matters. I would go for Easter at a guess.

 

I was wondering with recent events wether they would try to open it quicker to try and turn people’s attention away from islands and the building work which is almost certain to commence.

 

I can't see any sense in that. Everyone knows about the fire, so why try to divert attention from it? I think that the zoo should want everyone to know about and to see the progress of the reconstruction of the Monsoon Forest. It ought to be a good positive story.

 

To be fair it would do something to offset the fact that a popular part of the zoo will be off limits to guests for the forseeable - if nothing else it would help spread the crowds if a the new section is opened.

 

I completely understand your point. However I also agree with Zia as well. All in all I think it’s safe to say we are all extremely excited to see the new development whenever it opens.

 

I'd say after a settling in period they would aim for a feb half term opening, or just before, also looks like most of Islands is open again, pictures on Instagram of the sun bears.

 

Do you think they might use the new exhibit to house some of the " refuges " from the monsoon forest or at least some of the species moving into the new exhibits old enclosures for housing. I would think to rebuild the monsoon exhibit quicker and safer they would empty the building, allowing building / demolition works to move more swiftly. If this happened wouldn't this also slow down any redevelopment work planed for the new exhibits species former enclosures.

 

Monsoon Forrest is empty apart from the large tanks containing the fish, turtles and crocs. So this not an issue with rebuilding work. And all the displaced animals already have homes around the zoo.

 

Yes, the majority of Islands is open again. The zoo was packed today - I know it's school holidays, but I don't think I've ever seen it so busy at this time of year.

 

Would still think they would have to move these species also for speedy work to commence there would be a lot of dirt / rubbish to clear before rebuilding and the amount created in rebuilding would defiantly contaminate there pools plus not knowing the extent of the electrical fire may need a rewire of the building to satisfied insurance plus I wouldn't like to work above a croc pool

 

I'm sure that the zoo will be able to either move them elsewhere to suitable locations in due course, or to screen that side of the building whilst work is completed.