You're right of course. My post was based on the fact that theming just isn't something that attracts me to a zoo, bigger and better enclosures do, but I forget that I'm part of a tiny minority in that regard when compared to the general public.
I agree on some level that some of the enclosures are basic and not that outstanding but compared to previous paddock designs across the UK and Europe its definitely modern. A perfect example is the Banteng enclosure and the Sumatran Orangutan enclosure. They are spacious well vegetated and possess enough privacy from the public. However I still think DA should be cooperating with Chester and others sites not calling them out
The worst part of Damian's IG post is all the replies of people just believing any of the trash he says.
I deem it unprofessional and well certainly undeservedly so in the case of Chester Zoo. It seems DA has now an axe to grind there. TBH some of the accommodation at Howletts or Port Lympne was always very basic and spartan to begin with (and that has not changed too much over the last decade). I really do think and feel that DA needs to reflect very seriously on the long term future and status of both zoos he owns in terms of (better) animal management, husbandry and accommodation (the PL gorilla "cages" are esp. a sore sight ..., never mind their excellent management of the gorilla breeding over the years).
Slightly off-topic: I will try and engage with him on the "other" thread shortly. I have a nice introduction now, so ... will make a good entrance. On-topic: I am extremely perturbed at the - not unexpected - 2nd lockdown and the over riding (and probably driven at / hoped for by Westminster) inaction on this ill fated Zoo Bill. Already, some smaller zoo collections have ground to a halt and went into receivership and if this continues without any significant active direct financial support from Government this whole CoVid charade of a policy will do the zoo industry in for good. What are the options now for zoos like Chester, ZSL, Twycross, Paignton et cetera et cetera?
I just read on their website that Chester zoo will close from Wednesday 4 November until Wednesday 2 December... A message to our visitors | Chester Zoo
Due to cases of bird flu in Cheshire, all walk through bird enclosures including Monsoon Forest and the tropical realm are closed.
On the whole this a quiet time of year for zoos, and provided that this lockdown does end in early December it should not be as damaging as the previous one. Of course some zoos are already in a precarious situation and this could push them over the edge - or perhaps they will become eligible for help from the government, if the previous scheme is renewed. On the other hand if the lockdown is extended closer to Xmas or if it is relaxed for some activities, but not for zoos, there will be a much bigger losses for the collections that have already invested in special seasonal events, like the Lanterns at Chester. Ideally we would all like to see a better compensation scheme for zoos this time, and we should press for that of course. But I am afraid that those of us who are fortunate enough to be able to make donations, must be prepared to do so again.
With Chester Zoo stating that the baby is big my guess would be that the baby revel will be a Orangutan,Rhino,Jaguar,Cheetah,Lion or Giraffe. If Thai Hi-Way the Matrach of the Hi-Way family of of Asian Elephants had not passed away I would have said that an Elephant calf was pending \had been born. The baby reveal cannot be an Asian Elephant however as the only adult Elephant Sundara Hi-Way gave birth to Riva Hi-Way earlier this year and Elephant Cowes have at least a 22 month gap between giving birth.
I think you're probably right with what would count as a big birth announcement. Not an elephant, they've recently(ish) announced chimp and orang infants and bided their time over them so I don't know about them. Jaguar would be very unlikely - isn't Napo pretty much sterile? I think cheetah and lions would be unlikely too. I suspect you're right with either a rhino calf or a giraffe, maybe? Would fit with the 'big' surprise. I would be happy to see either of those - or something totally different! It would be very exciting to have something I never even thought of. Whatever it is, I am glad that they can head towards the end of the year on a positive note.
Black rhino hopefully and by process of elimination. Elephant and Andean bears have not long produced.
