Lakeland's side of the forum is looking pretty empty and has been for a while now so I thought I'd give a detailed update from our end at the zoo. 2015 has seen many developments at the zoo, including building work and multiple arrivals/births; New Builds - The zoo has recently undertaken a large new build by the entrance of the zoo. This new enclosure will be a mixed exhibit for Callitrichids and birds, and runs along side our conservatory that is used by the cafe. The cafe itself will soon be managed as a seperate entity to the zoo itself, allowing individuals to eat in the cafe without paying a full admission price to the zoo. Cafe customers will therefore still be able to view animals within the adjacent exhibit without having to pay full admission. A new outdoor sitting area alongside the new exhibit has also been constructed for cafe use in the summer. An outdoor aquarium tank has been constructed towards the rear of the zoo beside the Fossa enclosure. The tank will house a native amphibian or reptile species (which is yet to be decided). The two aviaries which once housed Ibis and Lemurs have now been demolished, and the site of the old walk-through aviary is currently being developed as an outdoor interactive classroom. Snow Leopards - Luna and Loki, the two Snow Leopard cubs born last year are progressing incredibly well. They recently had their first birthday, and will soon move on to other zoos (most likely nearing the end of summer). Loki (M) will be moving onto a Polish zoo and Luna (F) is heading to Italy. Primates - The Ring-tailed lemur troop is growing in size. This spring has seen the birth of four young. The group currently shares the walk-through lemur exhibit with four Red-fronted brown lemur. The Black and white ruffed lemurs have now left the zoo. The zoo's Callitrichid collection has also grown this year, with the birth of a Common marmoset. A newly arrived female Goeldi's marmoset currently shares the indoor exhibit with our single female Pygmy marmoset and a male for each is currently being sourced. Finally the new exhibit by the entrance of the zoo will also contain a new Tamarin species. Small Mammals - Earlier this year three Long-nosed potoroo arrived from Blackpool Zoo. They now occupy the large indoor waterfall exhibit (which previously held the Argentine black and white tegu (who has now been moved to the smaller exhibit to the side of the waterfall)). The outdoor Degu enclosure has recently been renovated and rebuilt, and the foundations for a new Tamiops squirrel enclosure have been laid. A new group of Harvest mice have also taken residence in the Small Mammal enclave. Birds - Two male Violet turaco have arrived from Chester and have settled well into the tropical hall. Reptiles and Amphibians - The Reptile Amphitheatre used for educational displays is now complete. The Argentine black and white Tegu which arrived earlier this year appears to be more settled in her new exhibit. New on-show additions include Cane toads and a Mossy tailed leaf gecko. Photos will follow soon!
Personally I'd quite like smooth snake or adder, though sand lizard or natterjack toad would also be nice! Seen outdoor exhibits for all four taxa on quite a few occasions, so the temperature would not be an issue I suspect.
Confirmation that male Snow Leopard, Loki is going to Plock Zoo, Poland shortly. His sister (Luna) has been placed at Parco Faunistico Le Cornelle, Italy Northern snow leopard twins to go separate ways - Lancaster Guardian
Total of five Emperor Tamarins have arrived from Shaldon Wildlife Trust, held in the new enclosure at the entrance of the zoo.
UPDATED UPDATE! Luna Leopard has now moved to Parco Faunistico , Italy. The move went well and we have confirmation she is well and settling in! We have had a move around in our aquarium. The African Lungfish now lives where the Paladarium set up once was, replacing him in his old tank are some teeny Blind Cave Fish. We have had 2 broods of Golden Pheasant chicks. 6 in total and all are now free ranging with the rest of our birds. Our male Bearded Dragon moved to Knowsleys education department and we now have a group of 3 Oscellated Lizards that arrived from The Lakes Aquarium. Lots of exciting things happening at this little zoo this year!
Price-winning conservation project : Fen raft spider raising : Wildlife park hand-rears miniscule spiderlings to win gold conservation award (From The Westmorland Gazette)
