Noah's Ark Zoo Farm Noah's Ark Zoo Farm News 2019

The zoo was busy today. Crocodile skink are on display in the reptile house (though I didn't see them /it)
They have about sixteen ostriches now.
The bird aviaries are still partly built.

 

Tupa and Sonco the Spectacled bears have left the collection for Givskud Zoo in Denmark and have been replaced by Rasu; a two year old from Zurich Zoo.

Apparently he will be joined by a "new friend" soon.

 

Visited today, primarily for the state of the art elephant exhibit. Impressed with that of course, and with the quality of the enclosures in general. Bird collection is surprisingly good:
Pairs of Steller's Sea Eagles and White-headed Vultures in appropriately huge aviaries, the latter (oddly) sharing with a Canada Goose and a Chinese X Greylag-descended domestic goose.
A select group of waterfowl in a walkthrough enclosure comprised Red-breasted and Bar-headed Geese, Indian Spotbill, Ruddy Shelduck and Red-crested Pochard. White Storks were incubating on a ground nest site. A surprise was a group of Military Macaws sharing with a single Spix's Guan -- at least, I could only see one.
Well presented bird of prey display showcased the contrasting flying and hunting skills of Aplomado Falcon, Merlin and Golden Eagle as well as the more standard Harris's Hawk and Barn Owl. The Aplomado Falcon was quite stunningly beautiful.
Grassy enclosures held a single Common and two Grey Crowned Cranes, and a mixed group of Blue Peafowl (including Black-shouldered), Guineafowl and Golden Pheasants.
Apart from half a dozen Golden Bishops, a flock of Cockatiels, Blue-fronted and Orange-winged Amazons, an Alexandrine Parrakeet, and a signed but not seen Eastern Rosella, that's all the birds. Not a large collection, but some real 'goodies' there. Oddly enough, I think I only saw a single Ostrich, as well as at least two each of Emu and Greater Rhea.
Other highlights were at least ten Coatis sharing the huge Andean Bear enclosure with a single very actively digging bear, extensive skunk and Prairie Dog enclosures, three American Bison (don't see enough of these nowadays) and a single (domestic) Yak (don't see enough Yaks either).
All in all, enjoyable visitor experience with some stunning and well accommodated animals.

 

i realise I've omitted three species that possibly take part in the flying displays, single Burrowing and European Eagle-owls, and an immature Bateleur Eagle.

 

The new bird of prey aviaries have been officially opened by Eddie the Eagle.
Wings of Wonder Launch

 

Noah's Ark now opening Sunday's during the summer.

 

On Sabbath day? A disgrace! How many Our Fathers & Hail Marys (or Cities 1 specimens sacrificed) will the owners have to say in penance?

 

That's an about turn and not good news for Bristol/Wild Place (the latter probably much more so) which was always, I feel, somewhat protected by Noah's stance.

 

I think it was only a matter of time. It only need the owners to be able to justify it to themselves. They're still closed Sundays September to May but that will change if finances need a boost.

 

Which they probably are in need of! Principles often go out of the window when money is involved!

 

A new female bear has arrived from Chester to be paired with the new male, Rasu.

 

Do you know if it is the cub that was born at Chester - Madidi?

 

Yes, that's correct!

 

Thank you - very pleased she is somewhere we can still visit her

 

I'm very happy too! Having worked with the old bears briefly, and completed a project on the enclosure, I'm so happy to see it being used for its intended purpose - breeding!

 

I visited today and they have a new arrival in the shape of an Anteater called Oliver.

 

That's great news! Where is Oliver housed? (I'd assume near the other South American animals) Do you know where Oliver came from? Thanks

 

it looks like an enclosure has been built at one end of the tapir / capybara enclosure.
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Oliver came from Drusillas Park where he was previously known as Olivia because they thought he was female.