... And money. I'm not sure how the economics have worked out with regards to the panda's overall profit for the zoological society, very positively I've heard, but spending millions on panda diplomacy does leave me with a feeling of unease.
You and me both. And I also don’t think that the overall profit has been quite as high as they had hoped it would be.
Wonder if they were banking on them breeding then? Coincidentally I'll actually be at the zoo on Saturday for the first time. Should be an interesting experience!
We all hope so. I have some news from the bird department: -1.1 Rainbow lorikeet and 1.0 Bali starling were killed in the storm. The starlings mate is now off-show at brilliant birds in the hope she can be re-introduced to her daughter -0.1 Chesnut-backed thrush and 1.0 Madagascar teal have also died. Also the gibbons have moved out of their enclosure as it is renovated. Also a new playground is planned between the Sun bears and chimps
Iain Valentine was Edinburgh Zoo's director of animals, conservation and education at the time (2011). I remind everyone he was succeeded there and then by Darren McGarry as Animal Collection Manager. So, Iain's role was really very marginalized. If you have any concerns as to animal management and collections you are barking up the wrong tree methinks.
Edinburgh Zoo’s senior management team overall seems to be quite unstable - in recent years there has been an awful lot of movement, resignations, suspensions and so on. Is that normal?
Hmm, I've long wondered of the lack of gestational success was down to environmental factors. It's been reported they don't like the wind on the hillside, and the nearby male may not help.
Visited today, couple of things worth noting: Macleay's Spectre now on show in Wee Beasties, replacing the Egg Eating Snake. 0.2 Visayan Spotted Deer have been moved to the enclosure on the hill just past the female tiger enclosure - I'm assuming these are the offspring of the breeding pair and have been moved to fill an empty space in preparation for the Easter holidays. 1.0 Visayan Spotted Deer, previously in with the Grey Kangaroo's is no longer in the enclosure, signage has been removed, not sure if he is still in the zoo. In addition to the play area between the chimps and sun bears which has been previously mentioned, a new play area is also being built between the penguins and Indian rhino, both new play areas look pretty impressive - my 4 year old thought so anyway! The Binturong area is still closed off due to breeding season. The Pelican walk through was closed as well although no reason was given. The Banteng appear to be reduced in number to 1.2 The Gibbons are all still in the Monkey House and are split into several groups/enclosures. Bertus (Indian Rhino) is still in the zoo awaiting transfer. The female Cassowary has laid a clutch of eggs. A new female Chimpanzee has arrived, Tupelo from Blair Drummond Safari Park, she is still being introduced to the group.
I thought Bertus’s transfer had been all wrapped up and due to happen ages ago? Any ideas where he is going, or what is taking so long? Excellent news on the cassowary eggs, fingers crossed!
A zoo in Indonesia. So there might be some problems with transport or something I really hope Sydney (female Cassowary) hatches this clutch. Or rather Billy
I have no idea, although I would assume this is the case as I can't really think of any other reason they would be introducing an additional female. The zoo have confirmed that Binturong cubs have been born and that this spring they will be introducing two new female Natal Dwarf Chameleons to resident male Bradley.
