Visited the zoo today; -In the invert area of the Monsoon Forest, the Golden Orb Weaver Spiders have been removed and signage has now been added for the Cinnamon Frogs. -The vivariums by the Macaques in the Monsoon Forest has had a new species added; Beautiful Pit Viper (Trimeresurus venustus) have taken up residence in the small viv which has held the Skinks and Lined Lizards in the past. -The signage in Fruit Bat Forest has been updated which looks much better than the previous signage IMO. -I saw 2 Indian Muntjac today, lifer for me. -A few changes around in the aquarium, the tank which originally was planned for the Omani Blind Cave Fish now has is home to Bermuda Killifish (Fundulus bermudae). The Omani Blind Cavefish are now in the tank next to the Upside Down Jellyfish, I counted 5 Cavefish (there are also still some in Fruitbat Forest). -The outdoor Giant Otter enclosure has been re-opened with the new play-area (now called 'Wildlife Wood', based around local wildlife) is nearing completion. [MOD'S EDIT: Part of the ensuing discussion to this post has been moved to the Discussion, Speculation & Questions thread. This thread is now the 'Reports' thread, for minor news you have observed around the zoo, very much in the style of MagpieGoose in this post. More information about this change can be found here.]
New year, new thread. Goal for this year: 5 threads?? Anyway, Wildlife Wood sounds interesting, maybe this means the nearby area will become home to some native species to Britain or just some more European species.
I remember the start of the 2017 leaving a bitter taste in my mouth because people were arguing about 'news' threads being started, without actually containing news. I might just stay clear of the forum for a couple of weeks or so
two pages already and only 4 days into the year. I didn't see this thread untila few minutes ago. approximately 1,000 fish have been introduced into the tank in Spirit of the Jagiar, one is a twig catfish. Only another 999 to identify
By the time you've counted them correctly and worked them all out, that twig may have grown into whole tree
I will hopefully be visiting the zoo this weekend, i'll see if I can come up with a list of species in there.
The zoo is planning a new staff canteen, as the current one is above the fountains shop and ice cream shop, maybe that building will be going soon.
I doubt that. It will probably become a small madagascar themed cafe or an extension to the gift shop. The shop was rebranded recently to fit with the play area anyway.
Went to the zoo briefly today. Was rather cold but still saw a fair amount. The Aardvarks have moved to the Meerkat enclosure with no sign of any Meerkats of Porcupine. Any one any idea where these have moved to? also are the Pademelons moving to Islands with the Tree Kangaroos that will be arriving soon?
I can only find mention of 1 baby Spider monkey birth on the website Oct 17 (so I think I’ve chosen the correct thread) but on my last 2 recent visits there were 2 very young Spider monkeys; I would guess both under 3 months old & what seems like 1 very heavily pregnant female.
I've moved this post to Reports as, although it is to some extent speculation, it is speculation based on personal observation and so this seems the correct location.
Tonights episode of SLOTZ Bactrian camel Shan Shan died in the summer of 2017 from kidney failure, leaving 0:2. I`m guessing this was when she died, as Zuri (black rhino) gave birth to Ike in same episode. Also sun bears Toni & Millie were moved to their new enclosure.
The series is not chronological in the slightest so I doubt all these events happened at the same time. Also confirmed the birth of 3 Asian short clawed otter, including 1 male on secret life of the zoo today.
No you`re right I keep forgetting about being out of sequence, shame about Millie & Toni losing their cub earlier in 2017 but fingers x for the future.