NewquayZoo

The Lost Worlds Trail

Get into detective tracking mode and you solve clues and codes.

Discover dinosaur fossils, 'living fossils' still around at the zoo (such as insects, invertebrates, birds, mammals and 'Jurassic Bark' plants), Madagascar, rainforests, extinct animals and their surviving ancestors, conservation of endangered animals, "who / what killed the dinosaurs?" 

The Trail runs from 1st January through to 30th April 2009.

Pictured in the photograph: Left Dick Strawbridge, middle Ruth Grant and right Kerrina Peshkes.
Ruth Grant from Newquay Zoo scooped first prize in her category at the Cornwall Sustainability Awards 2008, which were held at the new Pavilion Centre, Royal Cornwall Show Ground, Wadebridge on Friday 5^th December.

Fighting off intense competition from Julie Tamblin (Learn English) and Mark Picken (Mpad) to win the ‘Best Individual Award' Ruth Grant said: "I'm passionate about the environment and Cornwall and it's great that this award combines the areas that make my work so enjoyable.

"I hope this prize will help promote the fantastic projects from Newquay Zoo, Coast, Envision and Newquay Chamber of Commerce in the cause of sustainability and to create a better environment for everyone."

Ruth has shown tremendous commitment in helping other businesses on top of her work at Newquay Zoo and acts as an ambassador for Coast, (the Cornwall Sustainable Tourism project), and Envision also chairing the Green Map community for the Newquay Chamber of Commerce.  In her spare time Ruth teaches a BTEC in sustainable tourism to other tourism businesses in the County.

Dick Strawbridge, TV presenter and environmentalist who was on the judging panel and presented the 2008 awards said: "Ruth has shown an incredible commitment to the environment and because tourism is so important to Cornwall her work is even more appreciated.

"It was great to see such high standards and innovation amongst all the contestants and winners. I realise only too well that ‘being green' takes belief, planning and investment but the rewards are great not just environmentally but economically, so today plays a key part in the process of encouraging people along their eco-journey."

The Sustainability Awards 2008 Over-All Winner was the Launceston based abattoir Jaspers who also won Best Managed Large business.

Jaspers has become environmental leaders for the abattoir sector of the food industry and was the first in the UK to be awarded a Certificate of Environmental Benefit from Defra for its approach to water recycling (recycling up to 90%). Its work is used as a case study by South West Water who has awarded the company a Certificate of Exceptional Water Use.

This annual event is funded and organised by the Environment Agency, Cornwall County Council and the five district and borough councils in Cornwall. It is sponsored by Envision, Rezolve Kernow Ltd, Cornwall Business College, Groundwork Devon and Cornwall, Community Energy Plus, Global Action Plan and Stralfors plc.

Gitty Ankers of The Environment Agency said: "The atmosphere here today was fantastic and a great testament to the progress made by large and small businesses across the county.

"Cornwall has really proved that it leads the way in sustainable business practices and we are only too pleased to reward those that have put in the effort, raising the bar for everyone.

The Cornwall Sustainability Awards 2008 full list of winners and runners up

Best Managed Large Business
1st Jaspers
2nd Bedruthan Steps
3rd St Austell Brewery
Shortlisted: Headland Hotel and MPG Books

Best Managed Medium Business
1st Enact Energy
2nd equal Newquay Zoo and Primrose Valley Hotel
3rd Monkey Sanctuary 
Shortlisted: Celtic Sheepskin

Best Managed Small Business
1st Woodland Valley Farm
2nd Mpad
3rd Finisterre
Shortlisted: Learn English and Ecohouse

Low Carbon award
1st Bedruthan Steps Hotel
2nd Treyone Woodcraft
3rd Carrick Housing

Products and Services
1st Finisterre
2nd Arco2 / Ecofab
3rd Food4myholiday
Shortlisted: Ellerslee and Cloud Nine (scored equal 5th) and Natural Fibre company

Best Individual
1st Ruth Grant (Newquay Zoo)
2nd Julie Tamblin (Learn English)
3rd Mark Picken (MPAD)

Overall Winner
Jaspers

Cornwall Sustainability Awards 2008 judges panel

Dick Strawbridge: BBC ‘It's not easy being green'
Matt Coleman: Waste and Recycling Manager at CORMAC
Mark Summers: Head of Environmental Services for Cornwall NHS Trusts
Caron Thompson: Sustainable Construction Manager for the Eden Project
Gitty Ankers: Senior Environment Officer (Business Advice) Environment Agency
Matt Hocking: Managing Director, Leap Media (Last year's over-all winner)

For more background on The Cornwall Sustainability Awards go www.cornwallsustainabilityawards.org

The Newquay Art Society had a two day exhibition on the 13th and 14th December at Newquay Zoo displaying some of their finest artwork.

It was a delight to have them at the zoo for the weekend . The artwork includied everything from Corninsh coastlines to tiger cubs.

They generously donated £50 to the zoo which was fantastic.

If you would like to find out more about the Newquay Art Society please contact them direct on carla.vermaat@btinternet.com.

Celebrate Christmas this year by joining Newquay Zoo staff at their annual Carol Service on Sunday 14^th at 3:30pm.

Lorraine Reid Event Organiser comments ‘It is a wonderful time of year for everyone to get together and celebrate as the year draws to a close. We will be looking back at a fantastic 2008 and looking forward to what is going to be one of the most exciting years at Newquay Zoo with the new African Savanna Exhibit due to open in Easter 2009. Reverend Peter Long will conduct the service, plus the Newquay Amateur Operatic Society will lead us in seasonal carols and songs. Wrap up warm and enjoy a festive afternoon at the Zoo with roasted chestnuts, mince pies and mulled wine available. After the service we will have extra animal encounters and you are welcome to walk around the Zoo and take in some of our festive lights. The Zoo gates close at 6pm with last entry at 4pm.
Santa's Grotto will be open from 11:30am with special present tickets available at reception for £2.50 and roast lunch will be available in the Café Lemur from 12 noon.

Newquay Arts Society will be putting on a lovely exhibition at the Zoo of their finest work on Saturday 13^th and Sunday 14^th from 10am for all to enjoy.

Michelle Turton Spokesperson said "The atmosphere is very relaxed and it is nice for everyone including the staff to take some time out and catch up and chat with visitors and annual members. We look forward to seeing you there."

New for 2009 is a wonderful AFRICAN SAVANNA exhibit with three acres of grassland including stunning Wildebeest, entertaining Ostriches, fun tusky Warthogs, beautiful and elegant Zebra, Waterbuck and Nyala Antelope. The new exhibit is planned to be open for Easter 2009.

Adrian Hare Project Manager said "This is our biggest development for over a decade and a lot of work has been going on during the last year. An external and internal animal fence have gone up over the summer months plus landscaping and drainage. We are now in the process of building the animal housing and creating a hard standing area for the animals. Inside there will be 13 state of the art stalls which will be ideal for managing and moving the animals as well as a food preparation area. We are also creating a large viewing platform for visitors giving them a fantastic view of the whole enclosure. "

John Meek Animal Collections Manager comments "The animals will be coming from all over the UK and some from Europe and we expect to see the first of them arrive in January/February time.

Two of our current species, the Chapman's Zebra and Lechwe Antelope will move over to the new filed. This means we can then create another new exhibit in the space this creates with some unusual Philippine species. The Visayan Warty Pig, Fishing Cat and Philippine Spotted Deer are all under threat and will become another important part of the breeding programmes here at the Zoo. We expect to start work on the Philippines Exhibit in January and again ready to open for Easter".

Michelle Turton Spokesperson said "This is an exciting time for everyone, we are delighted that work is now well under way and the animal moves are planned ready for the New Year. It is going to be a big learning curve for us all with so many new species. I can't wait to see the warthogs running around the new field, I love them and think they are great little characters. People can keep up to date on the developments on the zoos website where we will be adding photos and video as things happen in the build up to Easter."

Click here for more photographs and information.

The World Land Trust is working with Brazilian non-governmental organisation REGUA to purchase and protect threatened Atlantic Rainforest. Newquay Zoo has donated £1000 as part of the  BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria) Reserve which will be helping to protect over 4,000 acres of this rapidly shrinking forest.

Michelle Turton spokesperson for Newquay Zoo said "I was amazed to find out that only 7% of the original Atlantic Rainforest is left intact with so many species now under threat. It is important for us to do all we can to help the World Land Trust to protect and save this amazing forest. With the help of our visitors we are already making a difference and we would like to thank everyone for supporting Newquay Zoo as we can then in turn support other projects overseas. We really do appreciate it."

Kelly Jacobs of World Land Trust said "I would like to thank Newquay Zoo and its visitors for the support in raising funds. Congratulations on this tremendous effort to help save this threatened habitat and the wealth of wildlife it contains!"

To find out more about the work of the World Land Trust visit http://www.worldlandtrust.org/ or ask the staff next time you are at Newquay Zoo.

Of the 260 mammal species found in the Atlantic forest, 70 are endemic, including the manned sloth, the thin-spined porcupine, 4 species of lion tamarins and two species of woolly spider monkeys. There are over 930 bird species, of which 144 are endemic, including the endangered red-billed curassow, currently being reintroduced into the REGUA Reserve.

South West Environmental Parks Ltd. - made up of Newquay Zoo in Cornwall, Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, Living Coasts in Torquay  - won the Best Sustainable Zoo category at the annual BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) awards. A certificate was presented by Chairman of BIAZA Simon Tonge, who is also Executive Director of South West Environmental Parks Ltd.

The award was given for the way in which the zoos targeted and achieved gold level in the Green Tourism Business Scheme, a Europe-wide initiative recognising organisations that are taking action to support both the local area and the wider environment. The award highlights efforts to set an example in environmental issues.

Dr Miranda Stevenson, Director of BIAZA, said: "This award demonstrates how much time and effort our leading zoos are investing to help change public behaviour and ensure the future of Planet Earth."

BIAZA, British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, is a conservation education and scientific wildlife charity which acts as the principal professional zoo body representing the responsible zoo and aquarium community in the UK and Ireland. With over 90 members, its role is to develop and spread best practice within the UK and international zoo community, combining lobbying and campaigning with the development of policy in collaboration with the government and scientific organisations. Over the last 12 months, BIAZA members have supported more than 609 projects by providing financial support in excess of £7 million and by supplying skills, staff and equipment for conservation programmes worldwide.

These beautiful birds have bright red, blue, green and yellow feathers and are stunning to look at. The zoo has had great success with this being the second youngster to be born in the last two years.

Animal Collections Manager John Meek comments " Scarlet Macaws make their nests high up in the empty cavities of tree trunks. They lay 1 to 2 plain white eggs that take 24 to 25 days to incubate. The parents will not rear another clutch until the young have left the nest. They originate from South America and eat seeds, fruits, nuts and berries. We also house the endangered Red-fronted Macaw and hope that they will breed in the future as well."

The youngster hatched on July 27th and already looks like an adult. Staff have still not named the youngster as its sex is still not known. The parents are called Freya and Boyo.

"What's the name for a group of ?" is a question keepers at Newquay Zoo are often asked about their animals.

November's activity trail from November 3^rd to 30^th at Newquay Zoo is just the thing for a ‘gaggle' of trivia hounds of any age (or a ‘huddle'  of pub quiz enthusiasts?).

As well as discovering our favourite and funny strange names for groups of animals, you can enter your completed trail sheet into our prize draw.

Looking for somewhere to take the children? Join us every Wednesday in August as the zoo stay open late with special animal encounters, talks and games based around our Madagascan animals. Enjoy an evening barbecue plus other tasty food selections in the relaxing sub-tropical lakeside gardens. ( Normal entry prices apply - Please note that food is not included in the entry price).

Lots to do and see with fun for all the family with new animals for 2008 including Emperor Tamarins, Capuchin Monkeys new baby penguins and very cute Breton sheep, the world's smallest sheep plus lots more.

Last entry 7:30pm and the zoo closes at 8:30pm. Open late on the 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th August.

Extra talks include:
5pm: Talk about our Asian Short-clawed otters who live in the Oriental Garden.
6pm: Find out more from our staff about the amazing Fossa and the unusual looking Vasa Parrot from Madagascar and look to see who is awake in the Lion and Lynx Houses.
6:45pm Madagascan Mini Tour plus animal encounter.
A talk about our Black and White Ruffed Lemurs and Ring-tailed Lemurs plus meet Kevin the Madagascan Hissing Cockroach and a Madagascan Radiated Tortoise. Meet one of our lovely frogs and find out about the EAZA Year of the Frog campaign.
7:30pm Last entry to the zoo.
7:45pm: There will be a scatter feed in the Tropical House which is home to a variety of exotic animals including sloths, toucans, pygmy marmosets and reptiles from Madagascar.
Don't miss the minibeasts room, home to beautiful poison dart frogs and another chance to meet one of our toads and help protect the world's amphibians as part of the EAZA Year of the Frog.
8:30 Zoo closes.

On Saturday 14^th  June, Newquay Zoo staff hosted their third annual  ‘Dreamnight' event for chronically ill and disabled children and their families.

‘Dreamnight at the zoo' started back in 1996 by Diergaarde Blijdorp Zoo in Rotterdam and has now grown to include zoo's from all around the world including Australia and Japan.

Each zoo organises this event in its own way, but in all the zoos the children are welcomed and treated as V.I.P.'s. They get a warm reception, they can come into close contact with the animals and get a more intimate view of the zoo than the average zoo visitor and ask the keepers lots and lots of questions.

Lorraine Reed Event Organiser explains "The weather and atmosphere during the evening was fantastic and we welcomed over 130 children and their families for an evening of entertainment at the zoo. Staff were in fancy dress as fairies, tigers and of course Ziggy our Zoo Mascot who was a real hit with the children. Families explored the zoo and enjoy talks, feeding times, face painting, animal encounters, barbecue, ice creams, bouncy castle and goody bags to take home. This is the third 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 came from Little Bridge House in Devon (The Southwest Children's Hospice), Sennen Ward at the Royal Cornwall Hospital and from the local authority autistic group. I have to give a huge thank you to all the staff and volunteers who gave up their time to host this evening by cooking, face-painting, doing animal encounters and talks and looking after our special visitors. Plus a big thanks goes out to all the very generous local and national businesses who helped us by supporting this worthwhile event making it an amazing evening for all ."

Many thanks to the sponsors of the evening, they were;

Veals meats, Newquay Fruit Sales, Bookers and M.J Baker generously donated goods for the BBQ while Walker Crisps and Cornish Farmhouse Ice-cream also donated goods for the event.

Jelly cat, Autumn Publishing and the Carole Group for very generous donations of toys and books so every child went away with party bag.

Scott from Jumping Rascals for not only providing the bouncy castle but for dressing up as a tiger!

Special thanks to ;

Sue Turk and staff from Sennen Ward in Treliske Hospital and Anne Newman and staff from Little Bridge House in Devon (The Southwest Children's Hospice) for coordinating the distribution of invitations.

Children's Hospice  http://www.chsw.org.uk/index.cfm?type=N
Dreamnight http://www.dreamnightatthezoo.nl/English/index_EN.htm

Animal Collections Manager John Meek comments "These are Ouessant or Breton Sheep, the smallest breed of sheep in Europe. We have three adults Tufty and her one year old son Dumpling and baby Douglas, plus new mum Rufty and baby Dougal. The two females were sent to a local farmer earlier in the year to mate and we have been keeping our fingers crossed ever since. The births were very quick with no problems and Dougal and Douglas are looking very healthy. The three adults originally came from Paradise Park in Hayle. They are proving to be a real stars and getting very used to all the attention."

Until the 1900 this species only lived on Ouessant, a small French island off the Brittany coast. The small size is hereditary, the result of sparse and harsh weather on the island, so they are ideally adapted to small spaces.

Viking sheep?

Ouessant sheep might be descended from a Viking breed carried onboard ships and left behind in Viking settlements. The breed was saved from extinction by aristocrats, who allowed the sheep to graze on the land around their chateaux.
 
www.ouessantsheep.com

Tortoises come in a vast array of shapes and sizes and the latest new arrivals to Newquay Zoo are no exception. Pancake tortoises are just that, flat as a pancake.

Animal Collections Manager John Meek comments "This pair are living in an enclosure in the Tropical House which they share with Spiny Lizards. They can be very hard to see as they like to squeeze in-between the rocks and hide away. They are most active in the early morning or late afternoon. They originate from Kenya, Tanzania and their diet consists of leaves, grasses and fruit."

Pancake tortoises rely on speed of escape rather than the retraction of their body into their shell, as their shells are flexible and flattened, using rock crevices to hide in if threatened.

Threats include agricultural impact, overgrazing by livestock, habitat destruction and demand by the pet trade.

These fantastic looking Spiny-tailed or Dabb Lizards originate from Morocca, Egypt and the Sahara.

Animal Collections Manager John Meek comments "The male has been showing great interest in the two females. We have some eggs currently in the incubator and are keeping our fingers crossed that it will not be too long before they start to hatch. So watch this space for more news soon."

Their enclosure is situated at the top of the staircase on the top-flight of the open jungle rainforest exhibit in the Tropical House where you can see an array of wonderful exotic animals from Pygmy Marmosets to Rodrigues Fruit Bats.

The spiny and muscly tail is a useful defence against predators. Bedouin desert dwellers hunt this lizard due to the fat reserves stored in the tail. To survive in their natural habitat, spiny-tailed lizards use their thick, sharp tail as a weapon.  They rarely need to drink as they extract most of their water from their food.

A pair of Emperor tamarins called Mr Miyagi and Waxon are settling in well to a newly refurbished enclosure at the zoo. They are both around 3-4 years old.

Animal Collections Manager John Meek comments "The pair spent 6 months in quarantine at the zoo before they were released into their new home. They started to explore every corner of the island straight away, climbing high into the trees and calling to each other. They have a really long moustache which is very striking. Fingers crossed they will breed and help in the conservation of beautiful species."

This vulnerable species is part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) which coordinates the management and breeding of the species throughout Europe. They are classed as vulnerable in the wild by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) which means that they face a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future.

Video filmed on 27th March as one of the babies tries to eat the video camera.

Animal Collections Manager John Meek explains "We are absolutely devastated. The keepers noticed early on Saturday that something was wrong and immediately called in the vet. Once Kabir had been darted the vet quickly concluded that he had broken his leg. We can only assume he twisted his leg or landed badly. Thankfully we do not think he was in pain for very long as it was spotted very quickly. He was a gorgeous lion and had only been with us for just over 4 months. Connie the female seems fine at the moment but obviously we will have meetings and discussions this week to ensure Connie is not on her own for too long."

Kabir came from Longleat Safari Park back in October 2007 to retire to Newquay Zoo.

Date: 7th March 2008
Brothers ‘Pataxo' (aged 8 years) and ‘Tuxa' (aged 7 years) arrived at Newquay Zoo on the 2^nd March.

Animal Collections Manager John Meek explains "They came from Edinburgh Zoo and their reputation preceded them as this pair are known for being very confident and quite a handful for keepers. This we could tell as soon as they were released into the enclosure at Newquay as they immediately explored and settled in straight away. They have great characters and we are delighted to have them here. I am sure they will prove very popular with visitors and staff."

This species originates from the last 2% of the endangered coastal Atlantic  Rainforest of Brazil and is classed as Critically Endangered. This highly  fragmented rainforest habitat has been mostly deforested for farmland. Another threat is trapping for the pet trade and for meat. Capuchins are very intelligent and can use a variety of tools, such as stones to crack hard nuts. Hunting & habitat loss make them one of the world's top 25 most endangered primates.

Newquay Zoo is participating in the European breeding of the species and giving financial support to the conservation efforts in Brazil.

Capuchin-o coffee monk-eys?

The strange capuccio hood of Capuchin monks and friars has given these white and dark headed monkeys their unusual name and also that of frothy Cappuccino coffee! 

Cute baby Gollum will steal your heart!

It was Christmas Day and all was quiet at Newquay Zoo . . . . except that is for our Ring-tailed Lemur family who had the best Christmas present of all, a baby!

Head Keeper Sam Harley comments "Christmas Day is the one day we are closed to the public. The zoo takes on a very different atmosphere and makes Christmas feel that little bit more special for the keepers. We take it in turns to come in during the day to care for and feed the animals. I had my suspicions that mum Jill was pregnant, and it was not until later that night that she gave birth. He is doing really well and spends most of his time holding onto mum, but it should not be too long before he starts to explore on his own. After much debate we have decided to name him Gollum."

Threatened by habitat destruction, Ring-tailed Lemurs are classified as Vulnerable (by the IUCN Red List www.iucnredlist.org) on their island home of Madagascar. Indeed all lemur species today are endangered due to the rapid destruction of their forest habitat for agricultural development, cattle grazing, and human settlement.

The word Lemur comes from old Latin, and refers to ghosts or spirits. The staring eyes, haunting sounds, and nocturnal ways of the lemur inspired early observers to think of them as ghosts or forest spirits.

Females are generally dominant to males. The long, bushy, black-and-white banded tail is used as a visual signal. In aggressive encounters, the Ring-tail will wave its scent-covered tail in the direction of a rival. Loud calls alert other members of the social group to danger.

As many visitors will have noticed they love to sunbathe. They communicate with short grunting sounds as a contact call within the troop, sometimes followed with a quick bark. Their diets consist mainly of leaves, fruits and berries.

Two beautiful Red Pandas arrived at Newquay Zoo to become a new breeding pair, and just in time for Valentine's Day!

Our previous male who was called Beijing and has gone to join a female in Dublin Zoo. It was arranged that while staff where there they could pick up 'Sandy' the new female who is three and a half years old. She has been joined at Newquay by Julius a seven year old male from Marwell Zoo. Fingers crossed it will not be too long before we hear the patter of tiny feet.

John Meek Animal Collections Manager commented "The two journeys went very well. As they arrived over night of the 31st January and we kept them in their crates so they could rest and settle down. Then first thing on the Friday morning we released them into their enclosure which they have been exploring with delight. They are spending most of their time climbing and resting in the tree branches while they get to know each other."

A breeding pair of Red Pandas has just arrived (31st January) and will be on display from February 1st, just in time for Panda Cake Day on Sunday 3rd February. They may be a bit shy at first as they get used to each other and their new surrounds so it may be a few days or a week or two before we are able to get some photographs. As soon as we have something we will get it posted on this website. Watch this space!

Newquay Zoo has become the first Visitor Attraction in Cornwall to be accredited GOLD by the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS).

The aim of the scheme is to encourage businesses to reduce their environmental impact by improving the management of any resources they use such as energy or water, thereby increasing their market potential in a market place with an ever growing environmental conscience. The scheme also encourages visitors to stay local, using local transport, local restaurants, local pubs and other facilities and be appreciative but sensitive when visiting local sites and amenities.

Environmental Officer Ruth Grant Comments "This is so fantastic and a credit to all the staff that work so hard in each department to make this possible. This is a prime example of how taking small steps can go so far, we are a charity organisation with very little in the budget to invest in expensive renewable technology, it's about commitment not necessarily resources. This accreditation is achievable for tourism organisations across the board and we hope that we have inspired others to do the same."

Over the last few years the zoo has introduced a wealth of measures throughout all departments and more recently introduced a cardboard baler which crushes and helps to reduce transport miles. The catering department have researched more locally sourced food and items such as biodegradable straws all of which form part of their new Catering Policy, and Ruth Grant has instigated a Green Map community project with other local businesses.

Two of the latest arrivals are Scratch and Sniff two young adult Six Banded Armadillos. Animal Collections Manager John Meek comments "They came from Montpellier Zoo in the South of France and I picked them up from Heathrow Airport. They are wonderful, I love them. They scurry around their enclosure in the Wildlife at Night exhibit which they share with Orinocco the Anteater and Sebas bats. They have that strong external armour to protect themselves and are just over 1 foot long, they are also quite hairy. When we go in to feed them they love to play with your shoe laces."