South Lakes Wild Animal Park South Lakes 2014 #3

It is a non-debate. We all know full well that most if not all captive African lions have mixed origins and do not resemble in any form or function any valid African lion subspecies.

Aside, there is good scientific evidence for quite a few African lion subspecies and an interesting linkage between some African subspecies with Asiatics. Further, to base one's conclusions on some mixed origin captive population is the least valid one could think of. That mistake was more or less borne out by the erstwhile - and unfortunately many times over quoted US-based study. We know better now ...

 

Wonder if Nero came from West Midlands, the same place as Shikar.

I still cannot see why they have taken another lion but there you go.

 

Sorry, I meant that is he an Asiatic Lion, a Barbary Lion, or just a random lion with unknown background. Lion's aren't really my forte, sorry.

 

I found the informartion, South lakes is keeping Spectacled bears together with this species, but I don't know, if this is currently the case, and if all these species live together. Any infos on that ? Thanks.

:Brown-headed Spider Monkey, Ateles fusciceps (primates have their own enclosure)

Brown Capuchin, Cebus apella

Capybara, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris

Oriental Small-clawed Otter, Aonyx cinereus

Brazilian Tapir, Tapirus terrestris

 

Thank you for the information-so also the spider monkeys have access to the bear enclosure , but also have their own exhibit ?

 

They can walk over using the ropes that link the two enclosures. The primate exhibit they have they share with the tortoise in the summer months.

 

I am very surprised that the zoo inspector has allowed this mix.

 

Why ? Dosen't he likes mixed exhibits, or had he doubts this combination could work ?

 

Popped into the zoo early this week. No sign of the pregnant giraffe giving birth. The tiger and anteater remain shut inside. Workers all about the place. Lions were off show.

 

It is a predator and a prey species in the same enclosure

 

You mention that the tiger and anteater remain shut inside. Do they have and have they had any access to the outside at all? Is there a reason given for this and when can they expect both animals to be outside?

 

No idea - there's fencing all over the main enclosure and sharp metal edges, it's basically all a big mess so I doubt that the tiger has been out at all.

They said that they are 'improving' the enclosure. Anteater will be moving to where the hippo's are. Hippos moving to new site. Tiger gets the whole enclosure to itself! The tiger was pacing up and down, but did see someone feeding it meat with long tweezer type things. It seemed to calm down after that.

Will be popping again soon on the next good childless day I have. Will keep you updated!

 

Seems like Santa's disappointed a load of kids AGAIN this year!

And as usual, the park give a rather weak apology for the fiasco about failing technology!.

Want your kid's dreams to be dashed? Think its time for them to stop believing in silly myths anyway? Then head to South Lakes Safari Slum, where childhoods are perennially ruined!

 

Went to the park today for an hour before closing. The removing of the partition between padangs enclosure and the next has made it into a fantastic exhibit! Shame on the anteater who is yet to move thus always indoors but he'll move soon.

Also with the arrival of Nero , the old jag/amurtiger exhibit could've been more lion enclosure? To avoid rotating the males? Who knows.

Only the females lions were outside. The wolves seemed very active.

Also the jag cubs and Bonita were inside locked in the back on a small den seperate to the male. Perhaps they sleep seperate to avoid any costly accidents.

The new aviary looked good and a lot more seemed to be going on with the expansion.

 

Padang as in Sumatran tigers?

Expansion area refurb / building: what is the envisaged / planned completion date?

 

Yes padang is the only remaining Sumatran tiger at south lakes.

I think by summer 2016 it should be finished but I could be wrong there?

 

I think they plan to open some of it in Spring 2015 but they will open it in stages from what I have gathered.

There are no other tigers - the Amurs passed away to old age a while ago.