TWO BABY PREVOST'S SQUIRRELS
Two baby Prevost's Squirrels are starting to explore their home at Newquay Zoo. Animal Collection Manager John Meek explains "They ...TWO BABY PREVOST'S SQUIRRELS
Two baby Prevost's Squirrels are starting to explore their home at Newquay Zoo.Animal Collection Manager John Meek explains "They are breeding very well and are wonderful to watch as they are very active during the day and can be seen jumping from tree to tree and hunting for fruit, flowers, nuts, insects and seeds."
This species originates from South-east Asia and is strikingly coloured. They communicate with each other by whistling, trilling or raising their tail.KABIR IS HERE!
Kabir, a fourteen year old lion from Longleat Safari Park arrived at 2pm on Tuesday 16th October. He joined Connie ...KABIR IS HERE!
Kabir, a fourteen year old lion from Longleat Safari Park arrived at 2pm on Tuesday 16th October. He joined Connie an eleven year old female who had recently lost her campanion 'Ronnie' to old age.
The journey from Longleat to Newquay took three and a half hours. His arrival was filmed by BBC Spotlight, ITV Westcountry and was covered by Emma Lloyd on BBC Radio Cornwall with a live show from Newquay Zoo. He also appeared on the front cover of the Western Morning News on the 17th October.
Initially he spent 48 hours in the outside enclosure while Connie was inside. They could see and smell each other during this time and on Friday the 18th at 9am, staff released Connie into the outside enclosure. Kabir was very keen to meet her! Connie was not so sure at first and ran from Kabir as he approached. After a while she moved onto one of the high platforms while Kabir, being the perfect gentleman that he is, stayed on the ground and gave her some space.
SAND LIZZARDS ARRIVE
Six endangered Sand Lizards have just arrived at Newquay Zoo into a new enclosure which has been built just outside ...SAND LIZZARDS ARRIVE
Six endangered Sand Lizards have just arrived at Newquay Zoo into a new enclosure which has been built just outside the Native Wildlife Centre.
Steve Bryant Animal Health Officer explains "These new lizards are just babies at the moment. They are here for education and to highlight awareness of native species in this country. Sand lizards are endangered mainly due to the loss and fragmentation of their heath land habitat."
Because they are so rare, the Sand Lizard is strictly protected by British and European law which makes it an offence to kill, injure or capture them, disturb them in any way, damage or destroy their habitat, possess them or sell or trade them in any way.
"During the winter they will hibernate but we hope people will be able to catch a glimpse of them from time to time under their heat lamp. We wish to thank kissesthatcount.com who donated £150 towards the building of their enclosure."
STAFF MOURN THE SAD PASSING OF RONNIE THE AFRICAN LION
6th September 2007 Newquay Zoo staff are mourning the passing of gentle giant Ronnie, a 19 year old African Lion. Stewart ...STAFF MOURN THE SAD PASSING OF RONNIE THE AFRICAN LION
6th September 2007 Newquay Zoo staff are mourning the passing of gentle giant Ronnie, a 19 year old African Lion.Stewart Muir Director comments "Ronnie had done really well reaching 19 years old but recently his age had been catching up with him and he was losing weight and on medication for his kidney problems. Late Wednesday staff noticed Ronnie was not responding at feed time and we immediately called in the vet. It soon became clear that he would not recover and the vet took the decision that it was kinder to put him peacefully to sleep. He had lived a long life for a lion and had enjoyed his retirement here at Newquay Zoo over the last few years. Connie will not be left on her own for long as we are already looking for a mate for her and will hope to have more news on this soon."
John Meek Animal Collections Manager said "We had been expecting this for a while but it is still a shock when it happens. Zoo keepers spend so much time with their animals, indeed lots of staff get to know the animals very well and you develop a great fondness for them and so it is sad for all the staff when something like this happens."
IT'S A BOY!
Staff at Newquay Zoo have been waiting patiently to see the first ever Fossa cub born at Newquay Zoo. Stewart Muir, ...IT'S A BOY!
Staff at Newquay Zoo have been waiting patiently to see the first ever Fossa cub born at Newquay Zoo.Stewart Muir, Director comments "The cub was born six weeks ago and is expected to spend another month or so in the den before he starts to venture outside. When we decided to microchip the baby on Monday everyone wanted to help. We called in our vet and carefully planned the timing and how we would do this. If you leave it too long before you microchip it can be all teeth and claws as the cub would be much more aware and find it stressful. But doing this at six weeks is perfect as the baby is not really aware of what is happening and so not stressed, and it is safer for the keepers as teeth and claws are not a problem at this age. It literally only takes two minutes to sex the baby and microchip. We are very lucky to hold this species as there are only around 100 in zoos worldwide and we are one of only 6 zoos in the UK to have them. This species is part of a managed breeding programme."
"The baby has been named ‘Geoff' after the sad passing of a retired member of staff Geoff Gerry.
Classified as Endangered, the Fossa is the largest carnivore in Madagascar and resembles an elongate cat in appearance but is actually a member of the mongoose family. There are less than 2,500 left in the wild. They spend most of their time up in the trees and are active day and night. The young are initially blind and helpless, opening their eyes after 15 days. Fossa's feed on a wide variety of small mammals, birds and reptiles. In forest areas of Madagascar lemurs can make up more than 50% of their diet. The Fossa's long tail provides balance for pursing this agile prey through the trees and pairs may cooperate to catch larger prey.
BAGS GALORE
Following the success of the World Environment Event in May, last week Newquay Zoo hosted a day in support of ...BAGS GALORE
Following the success of the World Environment Event in May, last week Newquay Zoo hosted a day in support of the United Nations World Environment Day in conjunction with Environment Agency, Cornwall County Council and Jonathan Parker from Wow-wow eco design. Ruth Grant, Environmental Officer, Newquay Zoo said "We were delighted to be able to host this event at the zoo and it was wonderful to see over 200 people walking around with their jute bags highlighting their awareness for the need to tackle climate change"Jonathon Parker, Director of wow-wow eco design http://www.wow-wow.co.uk/ commented "It‘s no longer a case of saving the environment, it's a case of saving ourselves. With huge increases of global population, we must safe guard our resources for our own survival. One world, one time."
Lesley Bower & Sarah Alcock, External Relations Officers, Environment Agency said "The Environment Agency was at Newquay Zoo to promote the summer campaign supporting the United Nations World Environment Day. We asked what is the number one thing you do to tackle climate change, what extra thing should you do and what stops you doing more. In return people got a jute re-usable bag with the message ‘The mend of the World is now". http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ http://www.mendoftheworld.org/
Richard Bower, Waste Management Officer (Education) Cornwall County Council."
"Cornwall County Council in conjunction with all 6 district/borough councils have been conducting a waste awareness campaign for a number of years and whenever the public congregate in number we like to attend. As part of our summer campaign we are focusing on waste reduction as much as recycling and to support this we have produced a ‘Smart Shopping' lists which encourage the public with hints and tips on how to reduce packaging. As well as this we are promoting home composting and applications to the mailing preference service to cut out junk mail. We are also in the process of promoting freecycle which is similar to ebay but without money which again is a waste avoidance service. We are very please to have been invited to attend Newquay Zoo Environment Day and look forward to other similar events at the zoo." http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/
PENAIR SCHOOL DONATION
Jess, Joel and Emily, members of the School Council at Penair School in Truro presented a £500 cheque to Katherine Tofield Education ...PENAIR SCHOOL DONATION
Jess, Joel and Emily, members of the School Council at Penair School in Truro presented a £500 cheque to Katherine Tofield Education Officer at Newquay Zoo after they had raised the money with a non uniform day at school.Katherine Tofield comments "This is a fantastic amount of money and we are very grateful to the children of Penair School. The money is going to the EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aqauria) Madagascar Campaign which we are supporting throughout this year, and this money will really help make a difference."
All funds raised for the EAZA Madagascar Campaign will benefit conservation projects. Initially twenty projects have been selected that will receive financial support. These twenty projects have been carefully selected ensuring that different types of projects are represented: education, community projects, habitat protection, species protection, research or a combination. The ultimate fundraising target of the campaign is €500.000.
BLACK AND WHITE RUFFED LEMURS
Two Black and White Ruffed Lemurs have just come out of quarantine at Newquay Zoo and are enjoying playing and jumping ...BLACK AND WHITE RUFFED LEMURS
Two Black and White Ruffed Lemurs have just come out of quarantine at Newquay Zoo and are enjoying playing and jumping great distances on their new island home.John Meek Animal Collections Manager said "They are really having a great time and it is lovely to see them out and so active. The pair are called 'Wakka' (the female) who came from Paris Zoo and 'Rikku' (the male) who travelled from Omega Park in Portugal last December. Since then they have been in quarantine under the care of our Animal Health Officer who has done a fantastic job looking after them.
They look stunning and we are looking forward to hopefully seeing a baby in the near future. This species is classified as endangered in the wild and are part of the EEP (European Endangered Species Programme)."
The ruffed lemur, like all other lemurs, is endemic to Madagascar. The black-and-white ruffed lemur inhabits the eastern rainforests of Madagascar. As with other lemur species, the ruffed lemurs are threatened by habitat loss through logging and development. While this is a problem in many areas worldwide, Madagascar is particularly sensitive as it is an island and therefore has a limited amount of land for its wildlife and expanding human population. The ruffed lemur species seems to be particularly susceptible due to its high dependence on large fruiting trees for food in primary forest. These animals are also at risk due to extensive hunting on the island for meat and for sale as pets.
DREAMNIGHT 2007
On Friday 15th June Newquay Zoo hosted its second annual Dreamnight event for chronically ill and disabled children, their parents ...DREAMNIGHT 2007
On Friday 15th June Newquay Zoo hosted its second annual Dreamnight event for chronically ill and disabled children, their parents and brothers and sisters. Lorraine Reed Event Organiser explains "This is the second year we have run this special event and we feel very privileged to be able to open the zoo free of charge for these very special children and their families to enjoy an evening out together. Families from Little Bridge House in Devon (The Southwest Children's Hospice) and Sennen Ward at the Royal Cornwall Hospital enjoyed everything from feeding the animals, facepainting, barbecue, animals encounters, ice cream and goody bags, and thankfully the rain held off for the evening. I have to give a very big thank you to all the staff and volunteers who gave up their time to host this evening and to the very generous businesses who helped support this event which made it all possible."The zoo's catering department donated all the food, drinks and ice creams and the following companies donated gifts for the children with Tecker Ltd donating £250 towards the children's goodybags. Thanks to The Carole Group, The Puppet Company, Gifts Galore, Oasis, Deluxebase, Ravensden, K&M Wild Republic, Bristows, Dowmans, Santora graphics and Keeltoys.
ENDANGERED RED FRONTED MACAWS
John Meek Animal Collection Manager said "These macaws are classed as endangered and are part of the European Endangered Species ...ENDANGERED RED FRONTED MACAWS
John Meek Animal Collection Manager said "These macaws are classed as endangered and are part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP. The drastic decline of this species is due to illegal trapping for the pet trade and widespread habitat loss and degradation, largely as a result of conversion to agriculture but also caused by logging and collection of firewood. The natural food sources of this bird are also being lost and it has to rely more on crops and so becomes increasingly exposed to persecution as a result."They came from Twycross Zoo and the female is three and half years old and the male is five years old. It is hoped they will breed in the next year or two.
Red-Fronted Macaws are endemic to Bolivia, South America, eco-tourists visit their nesting sites which helps supports the local community, Newquay Zoo hopes to raise awareness and contribute funding to this important conservation project.
PIED TAMARIN BABIES January 2007.
Two very cute twin baby Pied Tamarins have been named 'Bubble and Squeak' by listeners to the Emma Lloyd afternoon ...PIED TAMARIN BABIES January 2007.
Two very cute twin baby Pied Tamarins have been named 'Bubble and Squeak' by listeners to the Emma Lloyd afternoon show on BBC Radio Cornwall.John Meek Animal Collections Manager said "These babies are great news as Pied Tamarins can be difficult to breed. The adult pair only arrived last summer but very soon they had one baby, and now to have twins born in January is fantastic. They must like the Cornish climate."
"The babies may not be that visible to visitors just yet but hopefully over the next few weeks mum may be take them for a tour of their island enclosure as they cuddle up on her back."
The pied tamarin is being threatened by habitat loss in its native Brazil and is classed as critically endangered. Although not hunted for food, this species is a popular pet and urban growth and cattle ranching on the outskirts of Manaus, the state capital of Amazonas have all taken their toll.
BABY COLOBUS MONKEY being hand reared. January 2007.
A rare baby Western Black and White Colobus Monkey (also known as King Colobus Monkey) is being hand reared by ...BABY COLOBUS MONKEY being hand reared. January 2007.
A rare baby Western Black and White Colobus Monkey (also known as King Colobus Monkey) is being hand reared by staff at Newquay Zoo after the mother rejected the baby. Stewart Muir Director of Newquay Zoo explains "The baby was born on the 30th December and we kept a close eye on the mother 'Sierra' as her previous baby had not survived beyond a week. So this time we did not want to take any chances and staff kept a very close watch on how mum was treating the baby. It became evident very quickly that this baby was going to suffer a similar fate if we did not intervene. After discussions with keeping staff and the European stud book holder for this species, it was agreed to remove the baby and hand rear with a view to returning her to the main group as soon as possible. Once we had the baby we could identify that it was a girl and our Head Keeper Sam Harley, who has a lot of experience in hand rearing animals, quickly got into the routine of feeding every 2 hours night and day."
"Sam has named the baby 'Sokojoo' which means 'Hiccup' (as the baby sometimes hiccups after she has feed her) in Mandinka the language of Gambia which is where these monkeys originate."
"Our aim is as soon as the baby is onto solid food, we will place 'Sokojoo' into a small enclosure with the main Colobus enclosure so that she can get used to the sights, sounds, smells of the adult Colobus and they can get used to her. Sam will continue to feed her and check on her, and then hopefully 3 months down the line we will be able to look at reintroducing her to the main group. We really want to get this done as soon as possible so that the baby does not get too imprinted by us and becomes a fully functioning member of our Colobus family."
"Sokojoo's fur is currently mainly white with darker legs and tail, but this will begin to change after about a month when she will slowly turn black and her tail will turn white with white tuffs of hair around her face. She is very active and likes to play games which all help exercise her body . When she gets older this behaviour turns into wrestling matches and mock displays."
"The main threat to this species comes from loss of habitat as forests are cut down. At one time the Colobus was hunted excessively for its beautiful fur, leading to its extermination in some areas."
