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Chester Zoo New Babirusa and Otter enclosure

Discussion in 'United Kingdom' started by mjmorg89, 11 Mar 2009.

  1. mjmorg89

    mjmorg89 Well-Known Member

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    I was at the zoo today and there was work going on with plans up for a new Babirusa and Otter enclosure that is due to be completed this summer. The enclosure is between the old outdoor orang enclosure and the exit ramp of ROTRA. It will allow the otters to have access to the new orang outdoor enclosure on the other side of the ramp.

    I have tried to upload a photo of the plans in the gallery but for some reason it won't let me. If anyone is desperate to see it I can e-mail it to them.

    Matt :)
     
  2. taun

    taun Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for that update. Nice to see its going ahead.
     
  3. CZJimmy

    CZJimmy Well-Known Member

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    Great news!

    The Babirusa will be back on show and it will be fun to spot the otters in the Orang pool (and how they interact with the youngsters!)

    I wonder what will replace the old Otter pool?

    I would like to see those plans, so I think my email is on my profile?
     
  4. gentle lemur

    gentle lemur Well-Known Member 15+ year member

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    It'll be nice to see the babirusa properly again. But I guess this means that phase 2 of RotRA is not going to happen in the forseeable future.

    Alan
     
  5. bongorob

    bongorob Well-Known Member 15+ year member

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    I believe the old otter pool will become part of the proposed Chinese area aviary.
     
  6. James27

    James27 Well-Known Member

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    Sounds good, will the otters be able to use the moat though? I imagine they'd have a hard time getting out of there.
     
  7. CZJimmy

    CZJimmy Well-Known Member

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    The moat is fine. I'm sure the zoo will "otter-proof" the waterfall though if that's what you meant
     
  8. James27

    James27 Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, that is what I meant.
     
  9. Maisie

    Maisie Well-Known Member

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    Chinese area aviary?!?
     
  10. taun

    taun Well-Known Member

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    I imagine if it does go ahead that this area will have to be not used by the animals due to stress from the construction, so maybe more time with Babirusa off-show in the future :(
     
  11. ZooMania

    ZooMania Well-Known Member

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    Fantastic to know that they are finally putting something in that area and that also of course it's great to see the Babirusa being placed somewhere where they can be seen.
     
  12. bongorob

    bongorob Well-Known Member 15+ year member

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    A Chinese aviary will be built in this area, can't remember the details now of the exact location, it will house pheasants, ducks and babblers. I'll try and find out on Sunday.
     
  13. LeeMac13

    LeeMac13 Well-Known Member

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    Is this the proposed area??
     

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  14. Pygathrix

    Pygathrix Well-Known Member 15+ year member

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    No. I think the area referred to is the lawn on your right as you exit RORA down the ramp. There is a small pond with a low fence around it near the old part of the orang house.
     
  15. taun

    taun Well-Known Member

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    The Otters will have access to thse outdoor enclosure, which may have to be modified to ensure its safe for the otters
     
  16. Maisie

    Maisie Well-Known Member

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    Spot on. I may be going to the zoo on Sunday and will take photos if I do.
     
  17. bongorob

    bongorob Well-Known Member 15+ year member

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    Expected to be open by June.
     
  18. Woodbine

    Woodbine Well-Known Member

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    The young Babirusa born last year was moved a few months ago to the old Anoa enclosure on the Bat Bridge. Today (15th April) was his first day out. He had been out 10 minutes when we arrived and was being watched over by a keeper. He was having a good sniff around and seemed to be settling in OK. :)
     
  19. CZJimmy

    CZJimmy Well-Known Member

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    So that's why there were keepers on the island yesterday!

    It had been bugging me slightly because I saw a couple raking and generally straightening it up
     
  20. lloyd200

    lloyd200 Member

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    i heard they are going to extend the giraffes to where the babirusa are now as part of the natural vision
    :)