New to the Zoo

We always try and plan ahead particularly with animals. For instance these are some of our intended new animals to the zoo and dvelopments we are planning for this year.

The internal enclosure for our Sitatunga has been ongoing for over 3 years now. The cold winters of 2010 and 2011 has prioritised its completion which we would hope to have complete for the winter of 2012 -2013. This image shows the shelter floor completed and the hard standing for the antelope being created. Once it is finished we would hope to acquire at least a girl each for our two male Sitatunga.

This is an image of Cyril our male Giant Sri Lankan squirrell. Cyril is one of 3 individuals in Europe at the moment. The Rare Species Conservation Centre at Sandwich , Kent is importing a female captive bred individual from Colombo Zoo in Sri Lanka and we will quarantine her over 6 months and hopefully make Cyril a very happy squirrell! In the wild this species forms pair bonds and are often seen together and with attending family.

The otter pen built in 1995 was due for a refurbishment this year (2012). We have removed the unsightly chainlink mesh at the perimeter edges and replaced with glass viewing windows. The work was finished by the end of April. The above image on the left is that of the old enclosure showing the solid barrier walls with the angled safety chain link  fencing which has been replaced.The image on the right is that of the now renovated otter enclosure - much more professional (but a lot of glass to keep clean)!

This summer the zoo is attempting to create a natural trail through the abandoned wildlife area below the cheetah enclosure. Most of the bramble, gorse and willow is being cut back and a path that enables our more able bodied visitors (It is very steep and steps have had to be incorporated) to walk along the stream at the bottom of the valley is under construction.  This is a time consuming project and already three groups of Princes Trust volunteers have given time and effort for this. Below are some current images! Chiffchaff, siskins, spotted flycatchers, black caps and little owls are just some of the birds that regularily use this area!