Dinnerladies (TV series) and Chester Zoo: Difference between pages
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{{coor title dms|53|13|36|N|2|53|3|W|type:landmark_region:GB}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name=Chester Zoo
|logo=Chester-zoo-logo.png
|logo_width=70
|logo_caption=Chester Zoological Gardens
|date_opened=[[1931]]
|___location=[[Chester]], [[Cheshire]], [[England]]
|area=111 [[acre]]s (0.449 [[square kilometers|km²]])
|coordinates={{coor dms|53|13|36|N|2|53|3|W|type:landmark_region:GB}}
|num_species=424 (2006)
|num_animals=7602 (2006)
|exhibits = Elephants of the Asian Forest, Realm of the Red Ape, Tsavo Black Rhino Experience, Spirit of the Jaguar
|website=http://www.chesterzoo.org.uk
}}
'''Chester Zoo''' is a Zoological Garden located in the North of England. It was opened in [[1934]] by George Mottershead<ref>{{cite web | title= About Us | work = Chester Zoo website | url = http://www.chesterzoo.co.uk/corporate.asp| accessdate=2007-02-27}}</ref> and is the UK's largest zoo at 111 acres.<ref>{{cite web | title = Chester Zoo | work = Goodzoos website | url = http://www.goodzoos.com/UK%20Zoos/chester.htm | accessdate=2007-02-27}}</ref> The zoo has a total land holding of approximately 400 acres.
The zoo is currently operated by the North of England Zoological Society, a [[registered charity]] founded in [[1934]]. The zoo receives no government funding. The current zoo director is Gordon McGregor Reid.
==History==
===Early history===
The Cheese family market garden business was based in [[Shavington]], Crewe. George Mottershead would collect the animals - lizards and insects - that arrived with exotic plants from abroad to the market garden. In [[1903]] his interest in creating a zoo was further developed by a visit to [[Belle Vue Zoo]] in [[Manchester]].
Mottershead was injured in [[World War I]] and spent several years in a wheel chair. Despite this, his collection of animals grew and he began to search for a suitable home for the zoo. He chose Oakfield House in [[Upton, Cheshire|Upton]], a suburb of Chester. The house had nine acres of gardens and provided easy access to the railways and to Manchester and [[Liverpool]]. There were local objections, but Mottershead prevailed, and Chester Zoo had its public opening in [[1931]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Chester Zoo | work = Goodzoos website | url = http://www.goodzoos.com/UK%20Zoos/chester.htm | accessdate=2007-02-27}}</ref>
Rapid expansion followed after [[World War II]]. ''Always Building'' was the zoo's slogan of the time. Mottershead received the [[OBE]], an honorary degree of MSc, and served as President of the International Union of Zoo Directors. He died in [[1978]] aged 84.
=== Zoo design ===
Mottershead wanted to build a zoo without the traditional Victorian iron bars to cage the animals. Mottershead was influenced by the ideas of Carl Hagenback, who invented the modem zoo concept, and by Heine Hediger, a pioneer of [[ethology]].
At Chester Mottershead took Hagenback's idea for moats and ditches as an alternative to ironwork, and extended their use throughout the zoo, often with species that Hagenback had not considered. For example, when [[chimpanzee]]s were released into their new enclosure at Chester in [[1956]], a group of grassy islands separated the apes from visitors by no more than a 12 foot (3.6 metre) strip of water. Nobody knew then if chimps could swim. It turned out that they could not, and today the chimp islands are a centrepiece of Chester Zoo.
In [[1986]] the zoo was enclosed with a fence in line with the [[Zoo Licensing Act 1981]].<ref>{{cite web | title = The Zoo Estate | work = Chester Zoo website | url = http://www.chesterzoo.co.uk/corporate.asp?Page=130 | accessdate = 2007-02-28}}</ref>
==Management structure==
The zoo is split into three separate directorates under the management of the Director General, Gordon McGregor Reid:
*Conservation and Education
*Corporate Services
*Commercial Services
==Species and animals==
The following information is valid at the end of [[2006]]<ref>{{cite web | title = Chester Zoo Annual Review 2006 - Livestock Summary | work = Chester Zoo | url = http://www.chesterzoo.org/downloads/012%20Livestock%202006%20Summary%20-%20SECTION%204.pdf | accessdate = 2007-06-13}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! Number of species
! Number of animals
|-
| Mammals
| 69
| 1553
|-
| Birds
| 166
| 1118
|-
| Reptiles
| 55
| 258
|-
| Amphibians
| 20
| 571
|-
| Fishes
| 84
| 2902
|-
| Invertebrates
| 30
| 1200
|-
| '''Total'''
| '''424'''
| '''7602'''
|}
==Animal exhibits==
=== Elephants of the Asian Forest ===
Chester was the first [[zoo]] in the UK to successfully [[breed]] [[Asian elephant]]s in captivity. The most famous of these was "Jubilee" ([[1977]]-[[2003]]), so named as he was born in [[1977]], the year of the Queen's [[Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Silver Jubilee]]. The zoo has a breeding herd of ten elephants<ref>{{cite web | title = Elephant calf makes debut | work = Chester Zoo website | url = http://www.chesterzoo.org/newsitem.asp?ID=254 | accessdate = 2007-03-03}}</ref>, including three calfs: Tunga (male, born [[2004]]), Sundara (female, born [[2004]]) and Raman (male, born [[2006]]).
A £2 million breeding facility modelled on an [[Assam]] rainforest called ''Elephants of the Asian Forest'' opened at Easter [[2006]]. In the elephant house other indigenous species are exhibited, including [[Great Hornbill|great Indian hornbills]], [[azure-winged magpie]]s, [[green peafowl]], [[Callosciurus|Prevost's squirrels]], [[red-bellied squirrel]]s, [[spiny turtle]]s and [[Northern treeshrew|northern tree shrews]]. There is an aquarium for [[Barb (fish species)|Pla Eesok]] , [[Australasian Pig-nose Turtle|Fly River turtles]] and [[Asian arowana]] fish<ref>{{cite web | title = Elephants of the Asian Forest | work = Zoolex website | url = http://www.zoolex.org/zoolexcgi/view.py?id=859 | accessdate = 2007-06-13}}</ref>.
=== Spirit of the Jaguar ===
''Spirit of the Jaguar''<ref>{{cite web | title = Spirit of the Jaguar | work = Zoolex website | url = http://www.zoolex.org/zoolexcgi/view.py?id=864 | accessdate = 2007-06-13}}</ref> was opened in [[2001]] and is sponsored by [[Jaguar (car)|Jaguar cars]]. The exhibit is split in four sections. The two inside are a rainforest, and a dry and arid savannah, and the two outside contain rivers and pools so that the cats can exercise their swimming skills. There are five [[jaguar]]s - four spotted and one black. A male and female named Salvador and Sophia had cubs in [[2005]] that died soon after birth. As well as jaguars, the exhibit also contains a colony of [[leaf-cutter ants]], [[poison arrow frogs]], [[emerald tree boa]]s and numerous [[rainforest]] [[fish]] including [[Ameca splendens|butterfly goodeid]].
===
''Realm of the Red Ape'' is a £3.5 million extension to the existing orangutan house, home to [[Bornean Orangutan|Bornean]] and [[Sumatran orangutan]]s, and is the most expensive capital project in the zoo's history. The exhibit opened to the public on 26 May [[2007]] after a two-year construction period. It comprises a new two-storey building linked to the existing orangutan house with three indoor and two outdoor enclosures, providing accommodation for a larger number of apes. The outdoor areas have a mesh roof supported by tree-like structures which act as climbing frames for the orangutans. Two outdoor enclosures can be viewed from a first floor public gallery as well as from other outside vantage points. Inside, the exhibit has been themed as an Indonesian rainforest and also houses a wide variety of invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals such as [[lar gibbon]]s as well as indigenous plants, trees and shrubs. Reptiles on display include the [[Papua monitor|crocodile monitor]], mangrove monitor, [[reticulated python]], red tailed racer, [[emerald tree monitor]] and [[Green Tree Python|green tree python]]. Birds include the scissor billed starling, [[Timor Sparrow|Timor sparrow]], chestnut-backed thrush, [[orange-headed thrush]] and [[Bali Starling|Bali starling]]. Others include surplus male [[tree shrews]] from the elephant house, [[White's tree frog]]s, giant walking sticks, [[leaf insect]]s, giant orb-weaving spiders and [[Elaphe carinata|king ratsnakes]].
=== The Chimpanzee Breeding Centre ===
This pavilion was opened in [[1989]] by HRH the [[Princess of Wales]] and is home to 30 [[chimpanzee]]s. This is the largest colony of chimps in Europe, housed in a conical indoor enclosure (the Roundhouse) linked to an outside moated island. The island is planted with many bushes and has large pole for the chimps to climb on. The inside area has a climbing frame that allows the chimps to stay close together on several levels of platform. There are seven interconnected off-show dens. Dylan is the current dominant male of the Chester Zoo colony.
=== Tsavo Rhino Experience ===
The zoo's [[black rhinoceros]] exhibit, modelled on the [[Tsavo]] national park in [[Kenya]], was opened in [[2003]] at a cost of £2 million. The zoo has a successful rhinoceros breeding programme and currently keeps a herd of 7 animals. [[Meerkat]]s are kept in a small enclosure nearby, and the surrounding paddocks are home to [[lechwe|red lechwe]], [[banded mongoose]] and [[warthog]].
=== Twilight Zone Bat Cave ===
''Twilight Zone Bat Cave'' is the largest free-flying [[bat]] cave in Europe. The cave holds three species of bat: [[Rodrigues fruit bat]], [[Livingstone's Fruit Bat|Livingstone's fruit bat]] and [[Seba's short-tailed bat]]. It is also home to together with various species of freshwater fish, [[Madagascar hissing cockroach]]es, [[spiny mouse|Turkish spiny mice]], and [[blind cave fish]].
=== Monkey Islands ===
''Monkey Islands'' was opened in [[1997]] (replacing the old monkey house) and is currently home to five monkey species: Colombian black [[spider monkey]]s, [[mandrill]]s, [[lion-tailed macaque]]s, [[Celebes Crested Macaque|Sulawesi crested macaques]] and [[guenon|Campbell's guenons]]. [[Porcupines]] were housed with the guenons and mandrills until [[2001]]. Visitors enter the monkey house and view the animals from a central corridor. Each species has a glass-fronted indoor enclosure with climbing apparuatus and an outdoor enclosure, moated and heavily planted. The lion-tailed macaques are currently off-show because of the arrival of a new breeding male.
=== Miniature Monkeys ===
''Miniature Monkeys'', opened in May [[2004]], is a walk-through exhibit consisting of two enclosures. The first is home to two female [[pied tamarin]]s and the second is shared by a family of [[White-headed marmoset|Geoffroy's marmosets]] and a pair of [[Black Lion Tamarin|black lion tamarins]]. Both of the latter species have successfully bred. Until [[2006]] a male [[Azara's Agouti|Azara's agouti]] was also housed here.
=== Bears of the Cloud Forest ===
''Bears of the Cloud Forest'' opened in [[2004]] and is home to a pair of [[spectacled bear|spectacled bears]] and other South American animals. The purpose-built exhibit is designed to mimic the bear's natural habitat by providing trees and a rocky terrain. Sharing the bears' enclosure with them are a group of [[Coatimundi|ring-tailed coatis]]. Nearby are paddocks housing [[vicuña]] and [[guanaco]] (wild relatives of the [[llama]]), [[capybara]], [[Brazilian tapir]]s and [[Rhea (bird)|common rheas]].
=== Secret World of the Okapi ===
Formerly the camel house, this enclosure was remodelled in [[2006]] to house [[okapi]]. Initially two males were kept, but one has since left and been replaced by a female as part of a breeding programme. Other animals that can be seen here include the [[giant pouched rat]], [[dormouse|African dormouse]], several species of [[cichlid]] from Lake Barombi Mbo in [[Cameroon]], [[gaboon viper]] and a group of [[shrew]]s.
=== Islands in Danger ===
[[Image:fountain chester zoo.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The fountain and gardens in front of ''Islands in Danger'']]
This exhibit is primarily a [[herpetarium]] for the zoo's [[Komodo dragon]]s, originating from the [[Lesser Sunda Islands]]. It was opened in [[1998]] and extended in [[2003]] to include an outdoor enclosure used by the dragons in the warmer summer months.
The ''Islands in Danger'' exhibit also houses various Indonesian and Philippine rainforest birds, such as [[Red Bird of Paradise|red birds of paradise]], [[Socorro Dove|Socorro doves]], [[Palawan Peacock-pheasant|Palawan peacock-pheasants]] and [[Victoria Crowned Pigeon|Victoria crowned pigeons]]. Another aviary, based around a wrecked fishing-boat, houses the critically endangered [[Amazon parrot|St Lucia amazon]]. Recently added was a small group of Mindanao bleeding heart [[dove]]s which have successfully bred.
=== Childrens Farm and Marmot Mania ===
This includes a collection of domestic animals such as [[goat]]s, [[rabbit]]s, [[pig]]s, [[sheep]], [[guinea pig]]s and [[poultry]] to be met and petted. The nearby ''Marmot Mania'' houses [[Black-Tailed Prairie Dog|black-tailed prairie marmots]], and features tunnels beneath the enclosure which allow children to crawl through, popping up thir heads into plastic domes to give them a marmot's eye view of the world.
=== Sea Lion Beach and Penguins ===
The pool for [[California sea lion]]s was recently restyled ''Sea Lion Beach''. There is now a larger 'beach' area, more naturalistic planting and softer barriers. In the summer of [[2006]] a pup named Sophia was born.
In the neighbouring enclosure a large group of breeding [[Humboldt penguin]]s have their own pool, and visitors can watch the birds from an underwater viewing window.
=== Tropical Realm ===
Chester's ''Tropical Realm'' is Britain's largest tropical house at over 26,000 cubic metres. Opened in 1964, most of the interior is an open-plan space extending to roof level and themed with pools and mature tropical plants, with pathways for visitors through the undergrowth. Here, more than 30 species of birds are free-flying, including [[Nicobar pigeon]]s, various species of [[starling]] and ground birds such as [[Crested Wood Partridge|roul-roul partridges]]. Aviaries and vivaria are arranged around the sides of the building.
The aviaries are on two levels and house birds such as the [[great Indian hornbill]], [[Rhinoceros Hornbill|rhinoceros hornbill]], [[tarictic hornbill]], [[writhed-billed hornbill]], [[Wrinkled Hornbill|wrinkled hornbill]], [[Red-crested Turaco|red-crested turaco]], [[Palawan Peacock-pheasant|Palawan peacock-pheasant]], [[Congo Peafowl|Congo peafowl]], [[Bali Starling|Bali starling]], [[Western Crowned Pigeon|blue crowned pigeon]], [[White-rumped Shama|white-rumped shama]], [[Montserrat Oriole|Montserrat oriole]] and [[Curassow|red-billed curassow]].
The ''Tropical Realm'' is also the centre of the reptile collection. There are [[dwarf crocodile|West African dwarf crocodiles]] in the jungle pools. Close to the entrance and with access to an outside pen, are the [[tuatara]] from [[New Zealand]]. This lizard-like animal is the last surviving species of sphenodont, a prehistoric group of reptiles. There are also many varieties of snake; [[anaconda]], [[boa constrictor]], snouted [[cobra]], [[rat snake]], [[Jamaican Boa|Jamaican boa]] and [[green mamba]] to name a few. Lizards include the [[rhinoceros iguana]]s, [[gila monster]]s and various species of [[monitor]] and [[gecko]].
Tortoises are represented by the [[Galápagos tortoise|Galápagos]], [[pancake tortoise|pancake]], [[radiated tortoise|radiated]], [[Egyptian Tortoise|Egyptian]] and yellow-footed species. There are more than ten kinds of [[poison dart frog]] and the highly unusual [[Puerto Rican crested toad]], plus invertebrates such as the [[partula]] snail.
=== Europe on the Edge ===
This is the zoo's largest aviary, and is one of the biggest in the UK. It was opened in [[1993]] on the site of the former polar bear enclosure. It houses a variety of European birds, including the [[European black vulture|European black]] and [[griffon vulture]]s and the rarer of the two European storks, the [[black stork]]. There are [[spoonbill|spoonbills]], [[ibis]] and [[egret]]s as well as a selection of waterfowl. Smaller birds include the [[rock dove]], [[northern lapwing]], [[red-legged partridge]] and the native but rare [[chough|red-billed chough]].
=== Condor Cliffs ===
This aviary was constructed to rehouse the zoo's breeding pair of [[Andean condor]]s, who have since parent-reared a chick for the first time. It is now also home for the [[American black vulture]] from South America and several species of waterfowl. The aviary is dominated by a large sandstone waterfall, and a fake llama skeleton is used at feeding time.
=== Rare Parrot Breeding Centre ===
Parrots on display here include [[Blue-eyed Cockatoo|blue-eyed cockatoos]], [[Red-vented Cockatoo|red-vented cockatoo]]s, [[palm cockatoo]]s, [[Short-billed Black-Cockatoo|short-billed black cockatoos]], [[Red-and-blue Lory|red-and-blue lories]], [[Chattering Lory|yellow-backed chattering lories]], Mount Apo lorikeets and [[Blue-and-yellow Macaw|blue and yellow macaws]]. Most of the birds were moved to the ''Rare Parrot Breeding Centre'' from the old parrot house when it was demolished in [[2005]] to make way for the ''Realm of the Red Ape'' development.
=== Mythical Macaws ===
This enclosure consits of several aviaries housing rare and endangered South American parrots and macaws. These include the [[hyacinth macaw]], [[Blue-winged Macaw|blue-winged macaw]], [[Blue-throated Macaw|blue-throated macaw]], [[golden conure]], [[golden-capped parakeet]], [[Blue-chested Parakeet|blue-throated conure]], [[Red-crowned Amazon|green-cheeked amazon]] and [[red-tailed amazon]]. The first aviary was opened in [[2001]] and the remainder in [[2004]]. The male [[Azara's Agouti|Azara's agouti]] that used to reside in the ''Miniature Monkeys'' exhibit has now taken up residence here.
=== Aquarium ===
The aquarium is a small and traditional building (one of the oldest at the zoo, built by George Mottershead's daughter and son-in-law in the 1950s) housing a varied collection of freshwater and marine fish, aquatic invertebrates and amphibians. It has had notable success breeding [[Seahorse|seahorses]] and achieved the first captive breeding of the freshwater motoro stingray.
Other notable fish include the [[electric eel]], [[African lungfish]], tropical reef fishes and various [[Lake Malawi]] [[cichlid]]s. Amphibians include the [[Surinam toad]], [[Japanese Fire Belly Newt|Japanese fire belly newt]] and [[axolotl]].
=== Asian Plains and Paddocks ===
In the 1990s the zoo opened a new enclosure called ''Asian Plains'' which housed [[blackbuck]], Burmese brow-antlered [[deer]] and [[barasingha]], the latter departing in [[2003]]. In [[2007]] the enclosure was re-modelled and the deer and [[antelope]] were joined by a male [[Indian rhinoceros]].
Other paddocks on the west side of the zoo support grazing herds of [[Grevy's zebra]], [[sitatunga]], [[scimitar-horned oryx]], [[gemsbok]], [[Pere David's deer]] and [[Przewalski's horse]]. The sitatunga share their paddock with [[ostrich]]. Australian fauna is represented by [[emu]]s and [[red-necked wallaby|red-necked wallabies]] in a mixed exhibit.
=== Forest Zone ===
The north-east area of the zoo is where many forest-dwelling species are kept. As well as the chimpanzees, okapi, jaguar and ''Tropical Realm'' there are enclosures for [[African Forest Buffalo|Congo buffalo]], [[red river hog]]s and endangered [[Visayan warty pig|Negros Island warty pigs]]. Nearby is a large paddock for the zoo's [[giraffe|giraffes]]. [[Golden-bellied capuchin|Buffy-headed capuchins]] are housed near the exit of the ''Tropical Realm'' as well as a group of native [[sand lizard]]s.
=== Lions and Tigers ===
As well as jaguars, Chester keeps [[lion]]s and [[tiger]]s in its big cat collection. The [[Asiatic Lion|lions]] are the Asiatic [[subspecies]] found only in the [[Gir Forest]] in [[India]] in the wild.
In [[2007]] a male [[Sumatran tiger]] called Kepala arrived from [[Dudley Zoo]] to join the two female [[Bengal tiger]]s. The zoo hopes to acquire a female within the next year to form a breeding pair of Sumatrans, the rarest subspecies of tiger in the wild.
=== Other Exhibits ===
Other animals exhibited at Chester Zoo include [[Bactrian camel]] and [[onager]] in a large paddock in the centre of the zoo. Bordering the paddock is a waterway running north-south along which the water bus travels, past island groups of Black and White Ruffed Lemurs, Aloatran Gentle Lemurs and [[Red Ruffed Lemur|red ruffed lemurs]]. In the south east corner of the zoo is a second pedestrian entrance, and nearby enclosures housing an assortment of animals including [[bongo]]s, [[Pudú|Chilean pudú]], [[bush dog]]s, [[red panda]]s, [[Oriental Small-clawed Otter|Asian small-clawed otters]], [[western grey kangaroo]]s, [[Southern Cassowary|southern cassowaries]] Red Crowned Cranes and [[anoa|lowland anoa]].
Near the ''Rare Parrot Breeding Centre'' are aviaries holding [[kea]] parrots from New Zealand, a variety of Bird species such as Derbyan Parakeets and the zoo’s [[owl]] collection. Aviarys for Snowy Owls and [[Mauritius kestrel]]s are located behind ''Sea Lion Beach''. Flocks of [[Chilean flamingo|Chilean]] and [[Caribbean flamingo]]s live in shallow water alongside a large Island housing a group of Ring tailed Lemurs. Pelicans, Storks, Cranes and a variety of Waterfowl are housed in large pens alongside Tsavo the Rhino Experiance.
== Future Developments ==
Chester Zoo is working with consultants and local government on its masterplan for development and expansion called 'SuperZoo', with the aspiration of becoming a world-class visitor attraction<ref>{{cite web | title = Chester Zoo Annual Review 2006 - Part 4 | work = Chester Zoo website | url = http://www.chesterzoo.org/downloads/NEZS%202006%20Annual%20Review%20Part%204.pdf | accessdate = 2007-06-13 }}</ref>. The SuperZoo will be constructed in four phases totalling over £300 million of capital investment, with phase one being in the region of £100 million, and will treble the size of the existing zoo. The plan will divide the zoo into four zones representing African savannah, grassland, forest and island and wetland habitats. The estimated completion date is 2020.
''Realm of the Red Ape'' (expansion of the orangutan exhibit, opened May [[2007]]) and ''Beginnings'' (redevelopment of the main entrance, opened Easter [[2007]])<ref>{{cite web | title = £1 million face lift for zoo | work = Chester Zoo website | url = http://www.chesterzoo.co.uk/newsitem.asp?ID=268 | accessdate = 2007-02-28 }}</ref> both form part of the long-term SuperZoo project.
Over the next 18 months, Chester will be embarking on its next major development, a new aquarium building called ''Origins''. It is scheduled to open late 2008.
==Facilities==
[[Image:chester zoo train.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Chester Zoo Monorail]]
The zoo has a [[monorail]] transportation system called the Zoofari Railway. A water bus operates on a canal network within the zoo in peak season.
Chester's catering facilities include the Tsavo Café near the main entrance which opened in 2006. The Ark restaurant is located in the middle of the zoo. The Oakfield Restaurant, located in a Victorian mansion house near the lion enclosure, and the Acorn Bar are both used for private functions as well as catering to zoo visitors.
There are children's play areas, shops, kiosks and several picnic lawns sited around the zoo.
== Membership and Adoption ==
The zoo has a scheme whereby people can adopt an animal of their choice. They can also become zoo members. Every three months members and adopters receive the zoo magazine, called Z, which provides updates and information about what is happening at the zoo.
== External links ==
*[http://www.chesterzoo.org/ Chester Zoo Website]
*[http://www.goodzoos.com/UK%20Zoos/chester.htm Goodzoos Website]
== References ==
<references/>
{{Zoos}}
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Cheshire]]
[[Category:Chester]]
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