I think they are both very flighty and very agile animals. I presume that the veterinary work included foot trimming and TB testing and that the extra fencing added around their hardstanding was intended to prevent them from getting out during treatment, but obviously with limited success. See the photos from Gigit and myself in the Paignton gallery.
They really are incredible animals - to vertically scale the fence plus the additional netting is truly something!! In a weird way, the escape now places the Tur at more risk of catching TB, negating the measures in place to prevent contact! Good luck to all the amazing staff ☘️
Tur News - from the zoo's FB page: "*TUR UPDATE* We're pleased to share with you that our female tur is now back safe and well. Yesterday evening, the tur was located in a neighbouring garden to the Zoo. Our staff went up right away, and waited for police supervision before safely tranquilising her. After jumping back into Zoo grounds, the vets and keepers were then able to collect the tur and return her safely to her paddock and the herd. We are all glad she is now safe after her brief adventure. Thank you to our neighbours, the police and to everyone who has been involved and shown support!" ( I'm afraid I can't help noticing these grammar blips - why did the vets and keepers jump back into the Zoo grounds )
( I'm afraid I can't help noticing these grammar blips - why did the vets and keepers jump back into the Zoo grounds )[/QUOTE] I saw another one recently on a website 'come and meat our animals'...
My favourite one was from (I think) an Australian zoo following an escape, that included a line to note that the most recent previous escapee 'predated all the current keeping staff'... Pre-dated, one hopes. EDIT: Now I've said that I'm not sure it was an official release, but I remember a momentary shock at reading it..!
Bruce has been moved to the nocturnal house today - apparently the other half of the house is still being prepared for a different animal (hope for the kiwi...)
I was about to mention this having seen his feeder and crate gone, his light off and no recent sign of his figure of eight circuit or toilet having been used! Being in the nocturnal house will take him a bit of getting used to. I've seen bird keepers around the house so I'm fairly sure that the Kiwi is moving in too.
Turs - I haven't been able to see them since the last escapade. Either the gate was shut or the house was, with no animals visible. Today the gate was locked and a sign instructed 'Do Not Enter Without Authorisation'.
This worries me...., with regards to the dreaded TB? I know they were the last group of stock to be tested. Hopefully its just the escapism....
I had noticed when visiting Shaldon at the weekend that they had their new Bettong split into two groups and they had quite a few! Do you think they could be 'holding' some for Paignton while the TB issue is continuing? I know they have a special relationship with the Whitley group of zoos.
I am excited for the prospect of the Kiwi moving in but I am also very glad I got to see Bruce in his outside enclosure. I assume he will be behind glass in the nocturnal house which just won't be the same are seeing / hearing him trundling around the outside enclosure.
Up the main drive towards the giraffe. Opposite the zebra paddock. It’s where the meerkat were before their recent move.
Looking through the zoo's website to see if an Annual Report has been produced recently, I came across this: "TUR QUARRY AREA CLOSURE As our tur are currently off show, our quarry area where the herd live is currently unavailable for guests to access. We apologise for any inconvenience caused." I'm none the wiser really and can only assume that they are being kept indoors until the fence is altered.
I feel more disappointed than inconvenienced! The Tur exhibit is one of my favourite parts of the zoo. The 'changes' must be the WWCT's name change mentioned on the Living Coast's thread. Wow.
