Indeed; unless there has been a very recent change of stock, Hamerton's zebras are plains zebra, definitely not Hartmann's mountain zebra.
Marwell the entrance enclosure is an empty pond with a tatty shed haha . Always thought that enclosure was better suited for the flamingos they have, than their current exhibit but thats marwell!
There are some zoos whose first animals can be seen even from outside of the zoo. I remember American black bear at Berlin, wallabies at Jardin des Plantes in Paris, and onagers at Köln zoo. Also greater rheas in London Zoo, although not so close to the zoo entry.
Yes, they were two very pleasant 'old-style' mounded paddocks, one with the Flamingoes,waterfowl etc and a little bridge over the pool. The other held the Axis Deer, Kangaroos etc as you mention. Those were the days when Bristol still had a lot of diversity.
I think there are still only the four UK holders; Marwell, Paignton, Blackpool and Linton. Its remained the same 4 for a long while now.
What a great idea for a thread!!! Here is the state of affairs in Australia's main zoos: Melbourne: Meerkats at the entrance to the right Werribee: The first thing you see are gorillas (from afar), but Meerkats are technically closest to the entrance (also to the right) Mogo: Silvery Gibbons are the first thing you see (directly in front) but again, Meerkats are technically closest - and also to the right. Sydney: Either Squirrel Monkeys (right) or Tree Kangaroos (left) - not sure which are technically closest. Dubbo: Spider Monkeys (on an island) Adelaide: Hippos (to the left), closely followed by Pygmy Hippos, Capybara and Otters (all on the left) Monarto: Meerkats (easily the closest exhibit to the entrance) Canberra: Capuchin Monkeys (directly in front)
I'm currently reading the Zookeepers wife which is a very nice book about keepers at the Warsaw zoo during the Second World War who saved Jews from the Warsaw ghetto. In the opening chapters when the zoo is described, the first animal in the zoo is the flamingos.
Oakland Zoo has the traditional flamingos, but San Francisco Zoo has their savanna exhibit viewable outside the gate! Giraffe, zebra, Greater kudu, etc. All before you pony up for admission!
Brookfield Zoo has lions and The Fragile Desert, an indoor complex with a variety of small African desert animals, closest to the gate I think... I believe Lincoln Park has hoofstock pens, llamas and camels, maybe zebras, near one entrance.
I can remember when Colchester Zoo's Rocky Mountain goats were visible on their mountain from the road approaching the zoo. They don't really have an entrance enclosure per se, although the chimpanzees and capuchin monkeys are both fairly close to the entry building.
First animals that you see at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo are the giraffes. Hard to miss as you walk up the first hill. Causes major congestion at the giraffe feeding area on busy days.
Was it one zoo in particular (or a handful) that started the trend of exhibiting flamingos near the entrance? Or did many zoos just happen to independently reach the conclusion that doing so was a good idea? I think most of us can agree that flamingos have pretty much become one of, if not the quintessential entrance species. Their bright colors, unique look, and boisterous nature make it very plain to see why. But is there any reason why they specifically are so prevalent as entrance animals over others? Sometimes their role as zoo guest greeter seems a bit arbitrary, haha.
Jersey's a bit like that, can see Andean Bears from the road outside, also Hamerkops and Pied Tamarins from the car park.
