The plans and the location seem a natural progression for the zoo. This area is fast becoming an S.E. Asian jungle. If you look at the new map carefully, you will see that right across from the elephant / giraffe there is a huge ... almost unused open area of space. LINK: https://twycrosszoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Summer-2018-MAP-WEB.pdf
That space has always been a lawn. The new tiger enclosures will be at numbers 16 and 21 in this current map.
And probably 22 I think, which is the former Dhole enclosure and tufted deer. Tufted deer are mentioned in the article as a former inhabitant of the development area.
Any idea if the tufted deer are likely to be relocated elsewhere within the zoo? Was only a short while ago that they had the new fawn with the article saying that Twycross was one of 2 UK zoo's to keep this species and the only one breeding them? Just seems a shame to lose them...
It mentions both Tufted Deer and Nyala as 'former inhabitants' of these 'now derelict enclosures'. Both were still there a few months ago- I wonder where in the Zoo they are now? Or relocated somewhere else?
I thought the Tufted Deer had always been in the same enclosure. (It talks about former Tufted Deer enclosure..) But it looks like the Nyala are the ones that will/have moved.
Nyala will have moved to the African part (zebra, giraffe et cetera). Looking at the zoo map and all: the tufted deer - IMO - would brighten up the Himalaya theme (along with red pandas). Not that it will happen ....
I'm trying to remember if there have been Tufted Deer in the ex-Dhole/Cheetah enclosure - that might be what they're driving at.
What an unusually shaped enclosure! If the footprint is going to include the deer paddocks I wonder if the tufted deer might be moved down to the old crane paddock at the bottom of the zoo?
The plans showed it taking up the original Lion enclosure (16) and old Camel enclosure (21) and also the play area and part of the lawn. I think the otters and other paddocks were safe for now.
So it looks like the Nyala will be (or they've already been) moved back into the Zebra paddock where they previously were when they arrived at Twycross. And as for the Tufted deer, I think the best possible place to put them would have to be the crane paddocks at the bottom. And I know I could be wrong, but weren't the Dik-diks moved into the former Dhole enclosure last year after their last one had died? Either way, I am GLAD to hear that Twycross are bringing Tigers back to their collection! Let's hope and see if they can do the same thing here with Rhinos moving into the Elephant paddock... Fingers crossed!
Afaik they've only ever been where they are now, at least ever since I've seen them at Twycross( five/seven years?). Maybe the publicity blurb got it wrong.
The Nyala used to be in with the Zebra, but were moved out for some reason. The Tufted deer would make a good Himalayan display with e.g. Red Panda as you suggest. Patricularly as they already have the 'Himalaya' focus with the Snow Leopards.
The tufted deer were originally beside the tapir, close to the entrance from the main road. But hayden is right about the plans.
But what they referred to as 'derelict enclosures that housed tufted deer etc' is not quite correct is it...for where the Tiger enclosure will be sited? But its good news another quality exhibit will soon appear here.
Rebooking at the amended plans. It seems the zoo have downsized the outside areas and indoor areas marginally. So it all now remains within the existing zoo between boundary. It states the reason is a boundary/licence issue and also a review of the species minimum requirements. Perhaps the zoo plan to hold a smaller number of tigers than originally expected. It also looks as though the first section of the paddocks (22 on the map) will go. So I stand corrected but this appears to be more landscaping/pathways rather than the enclosure running that far. If it turns out anything like the visuals though, it will be pretty impressive!
The remaining two elephants, Noorjahan and Esha, have now left the zoo and been transferred to Blackpool Zoo where they will be reunited with Minbu and Tara.