The Asian sanctuary is the new exhibit planned for Fota and will include new exhibits for: Sumatran tigers Asian lion Bears (unnamed species) Indian rhinoceros Warty pigs Blackbuck Gazelle (unnamed species) Takin (unnamed species) Markhor Red crowned crane Siberian crane https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=aTnbIoO7ZPE#at=17
Thanks for posting this news, kiang. It looks to be a very exciting development and will make it well worth while visiting Fota. It also mentions bears (unspecified) on the video.
Looks a great development. The species of Bear would interest me, also Fota becoming new holders for Asian lions, Sumatran tigers and Indian rhinos
In terms of taxa to be seen elsewhere in Britain and Ireland, the stand-out taxa to me are the (presumably Asian -goitered? - gazelles and Siberian white cranes.
Goitered would seem the most likely choice; they're really the only Asian gazelle that's about in Europe in sufficient numbers to be easily attainble.
Not much of a choice there: Goitred, goitred or goitred. There really is not any other Asian gazelle species around! I would then like to see them go into Persian onagers too.
The Tiger exhibit should be open by the end of 2013 (September mentioned on several articles) if everything goes to plan. The rest will be completed in stages between then and late 2015
A big day in the zoo diary tomorrow, phase 1 of islands at Chester opening and phase 2 of the Asian sanctuary is being opened up, with the Indian rhino, going on show. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOsSw75B9xg New Indian Rhino Area to Open
Two further Rhino in the Autumn and then Asian Lions and Sloth Bears next year unless plans have changed again
I would hope for sloth bears and Asiatic lions direct from India. Both EEP's need new blood urgently!!! I have an inkling where the two female rhinos may come from. But that is as far as it goes ....
One will be a second male rather than 0.2 - from Terra Natura, Benidorm Rhinos in Europe Kurznachrichten
The second stage of the sanctuary was officially opened today, with a suggestion from the Irish agricultural minister that state funding should be provided for stages 3 & 4. Along with the new Indian rhino there are plans to introduce monkeys, gibbons and red pandas to the area in the coming weeks. State should back Fota, says Coveney | Irish Examiner
1.0 Indian rhino "SHUSTI", should be arriving from Terra Natura in Spain in the next few days. https://www.facebook.com/TerraNatur...4213721949035/916445071725892/?type=3&theater
