Regardless of anything else done on the Lion Terraces, the Waterbirds Aviary is something I wouldn't mourn. As far as I'm concerned it fails on every point: not enough height, not enough cover, not enough privacy, no holding area.
What age is it? Does it have a preservation order or could it be demolished? (though it doesn't sound as if that's the case...)
I thought it was built at same time as the lion terraces(1976). Should be allowed to be demolished , if that is the case.
Pertinax, are you confusing the Lion Terraces Waterbird Aviary with the old Waders' Aviary? I quite like the present aviary (Ruffs at least, have bred in it in the past), but would shed no tears over it.
The Waterbirds Aviary was built as part of the Lion Terraces, the Waders' Aviary having been demolished in their creation. An awful lot of London's area has been squandered over the years with some insipid bird facilities. The failure to make better use of the Canal Banks is especially puzzling.
It was built as part of the Lion Terraces development (i.e. 1976); it replaced the much earlier Waders’ Aviary that was between the old Deer & Cattle Sheds and the old Lion House. Edit:- Sorry since writing the above I realise that the original question has previously been answered by others.
I noticed on the Edinburgh thread desultory discussion as to whether or not David Cameron's trip to China was likely to result in a pair of Giant Pandas for London. Does anybody have any opinions on the subject, one way or another?
We could start by guessing 'where would they put them' ? 1. Sobell pavilion cages. 2. Mappin Terraces. 3. Old Tiger enclosure. No 3 would seem the most likely but please note this is hypothetical! I would have no objection to our 'National' zoo housing Pandas again, but Edinburgh might be a bit cheesed...
IF it were to happen, I agree that the Tiger Enclosure would be most likely. I think The Mappins would be good, although doing that would mean sacrificing an opportunity for indoor viewing. They could have adjoining enclosures got Red Panda, cranes, waterfowl, primates etc. It would also get rid of the rather useless Outback exhibit. Nevertheless the whole thing is probably very unlikely.
Agreed. I think the Chinese government only allows pandas out for hard cash nowadays. If any pandas are forthcoming for 'im at No 10, I'll eat a double portion of bamboo shoots, stir-fried with chicken and oyster sauce. Alan
A commercial deal to achieve that funding ought to be more feasible in London than anywhere else in the UK. I'm not holding my breath, however...
OTOH, they don't NEED anything more substantial. If you can increase the diversity of the collection cheaply, where's the problem?
Looking at the images in the gallery, they could improve that shelter's visual appearance massively by simple application of woodstain.
It is in a very prominent position too- but I suspect that is the only level ground/situation they could put it on.
Todays (17 Jan) Daily Politics Show BBC 2 HD has a political commentary recorded at the Zoo - mainly camels , bearded pigs , tortoise , komodo dragon and penguin images.
