they probably could have just painted a couple of them black and white, and saved themselves millions. Nobody would have even noticed.
I actually quite like Giant Pandas. However, I would Iike to see them used as a flagship species for their faunal region. It would not beyond the resources of any zoo investing in the species, to have associated exhibits for geographically appropriate species. I'm thinking pheasants, laughingthrushes, hoofstock (serow/musk deer?), maybe a small carnivore (ferret badger/marten?) with appropriate planting, maybe even work in invert/fish/herp species? Not so much 'look at the pandas!', as 'pandacountry'. I've never connected with Koalas, maybe I will feel differently if I dove get to Australia. I'm sure they're fascinating, but they don't do it for me. (Yawns, falls out of tree....... Again).
Agreed, it will take a clogged on curator to get a faunal / zoogeographic region around giant pandas at Edinburgh. Some of the species they even held or still do. I am afraid not any time soon though.
I think it is Beauval (or the French Zoo with Pandas anyway) that have attempted something like this.
A Malayan Tapir was born on the 18th September.It is a female and her name is Maya. Article about the new arrival. Reasons to cheer as tapir appears | Edinburgh Zoo
Ah you beat me to it with the tapir news! I saw her today The remaining Indian Rhino (Bertus I think) is moving to another zoo fairly soon and they'll replace him with another rhino, probably a pair and probably the Indian species, but nothing's certain. (I'm holding out foolish hope for a Black) There's major development going on in the Pelican pool. They've cut down the willow tree at the centre, which is a real shame because I always liked the 'lagoon' feel it gave the exhibit. And they've cornered off the pelicans in one corner of the exhibit. (I don't remember if there was a roof over the exhibit before, but if there was it's gone now). And the zebras and nyalas have been separated in the African plains paddock. Don't know the reason why but probably for aggression reasons. (Also, I saw the margay outside for the first time today!)
The Koala joey has recently been health checked and has been sexed as a male.He has been named Toorie.
Visited today, a few points of interest: Witnessed Chimpanzee mating Asiatic Lion area totally closed off due to "breeding season", I overheard a member of staff telling other visitors that the female gave birth to cubs about 10 months ago, but that she ate them The former Barbary Macaque enclosure looks very close to completion for the new residents Seen the young Malayan Tapir for the first time, my four year old son was very taken with her
As I mentioned earlier For anyone interested here's the official link: Endangered Visayan spotted deer fawn born at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo | Edinburgh Zoo
