NewquayZoo

2012 is the Chinese Year of the Dragon, and Newquay Zoo is celebrating the start of this exciting year with a days worth of great activities.

Lorraine Reid, Events Manager said; ‘‘We have some brilliant themed events going on for Chinese New Year.  Meet some amazing Asian animals, take a tour of the Gems of the Jungle trail (back for one day only!) and a dragon mask making workshop – perfect for mums and little ones who can still get in on the ‘Prams and Pushchairs’ discount. That’s a great price of £4.85 for an adult accompanying in an under 3, with a complimentary hot drink. Normal entry price applies for other visitors – please see the official website for details.’’

Chinese New Year is on Monday 23^rd January. The newly refurbished Café Lemur will also be offering an Asian themed special for the day.

Visit Newquay Zoo for a wonderful way to start the festive season.

On the 10th and 11th of December you can take a festive elf tour of the Zoo and see all of our animals up close. For an extra £4 take your little ones to see Santa in his Grotto and receive a special gift. Learn about Christmas past and presents on our self-guided trail, where you can find out about all the traditions old and new that make up our modern Christmas. Amazing festive menu available at Café Lemur, and of course some fascinating keeper talks and animal encounters with your favourite species.

Also on Sunday – visit in time to catch the beautiful carol service which starts at 3.30pm.

NEW for this year – stay on late after the carol service for a lantern walk of the Zoo with the Christmas elves. Return to the Café Lemur for a delicious, warming bowl of homemade soup and some scrummy mince pies.

Staff at Newquay Zoo are celebrating after World War Zoo, a unique wartime garden project, has won a prestigious award in the zoo world.

The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) annual awards ceremony are dubbed the ‘zoo oscars’ as they recognise outstanding contributions and achievements made by member zoos in the fields of conservation, animal welfare advances, animal husbandry, enclosure design, marketing, PR, education and research.

The BIAZA award for best use of plants in a landscape feature went to Newquay Zoo for the World War Zoo gardens project.

Mark Norris, Head of Education and leader of the wartime garden project said; ‘‘I am thrilled that this project has received this award. It was two years ago that I asked Newquay Zoo Director Stewart Muir if we could dig up lawns and flower beds to recreate a ‘Dig for Victory’ garden. Since then the project has gone from strength to strength – providing food for the animals, a talking point for visitors and a living memorial to many men, women and children involved in the war effort, reflecting the gardens that sprung up in unlikely places all over the country during World War Two, including zoos. To be recognised by peers in the zoo world for the wartime garden project is extremely rewarding, especially because the standard of nominations is usually very high.’’

The history and garden project has proved a great talking point with visitors, and Mark has picked up some useful gardening tips ‘over the fence’.

‘‘I have learnt a lot from talking to visitors of all ages and to garden societies. I have really enjoyed listening to visitors’ stories and views about food, rationing, animals, green issues, zoos and family history.’’

The project forms part of the Zoos education programme, which runs successful curriculum linked workshops from Early Years Foundation Stage through to Higher Education. Mark is currently blogging and doing research for a book on zoos in wartime, which will highlight how zoos survived during World War Two and how we can learn from this for the future. Visit the official website for links to the Wartime Garden Blog.

Paignton Zoo, which alongside Newquay Zoo and Living Coasts in Torquay is part of the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, was highly commended by BIAZA for a research project on howler monkeys.

Dr Miranda Stevenson, Director of BIAZA said: “The BIAZA awards highlight the significant achievements within the zoo world and once again this year’s award-winning projects show the exceptional contributions our members make to conservation and education each year. Equally, they are standard bearers for excellence in animal husbandry and welfare. We congratulate all the winners.”

Newquay Zoo requires a practical gardener with at least 5 years experience to take responsibility for the development and general maintenance of our beautiful sub-tropical gardens.

This permanent position is very hands on, therefore experience in a similar environment is necessary.

Please apply in writing with CV to;

Adrian Hare, Project Manager or telephone 0844 474 2244 (local rate).

Photo caption: Now you can get even closer to the family of penguins at Newquay Zoo as Penguin Encounters is launched at a special introductory rate. A perfect Christmas present too!

When popular animal experience Lemur Feeding was launched at Newquay Zoo earlier this year, Zoo staff were thrilled at how popular it was with visitors.

Now the Zoo has launched a brand new experience – Penguin Encounters!

Polly Vogel, Education Officer said; ‘‘Penguin Encounters has been launched in response to the number of visitors who have asked if they can meet the penguins up close – they certainly are some of the most popular animals we have here! Don’t forget your camera as you will have the chance to enter the penguin enclosure at midday, feed the beautiful birds, watch their graceful swimming and learn more about them from their dedicated keeper.’’

‘‘This amazing experience will cost £45 for two people, but as it makes such a perfect Christmas present for any penguin lover we are offering a discount until 24th December. So two people can have all day admission at the Zoo, a hot drink and an additional extra treat from Café Lemur – a mince pie – all for £42.’’

The popular lemur feeding experience is also reduced to the same amazing price, so whether you prefer penguins or lemurs you can get even closer for less at Newquay Zoo.

Newquay Zoo is one of the largest not-for-profit charities in Cornwall – with all money made going directly back into the Zoo and its conservation projects. As the Zoo receives no grants or financial aid, the support of the local community is paramount to its success. 

For more information please click here

Christmas has come early at Newquay Zoo!

Popular animal experience Lemur Feeding was launched earlier this year and has been highly successful. Now Newquay Zoo staff are giving you the chance to purchase this amazing experience for two people with a cool discount.

Polly Vogel, Education Officer said; ‘‘Lemurs are one of the most popular species that we hold at the Zoo, being friendly, inquisitive and one of the only species that it is possible to get even closer to. As a special offer for Christmas shoppers we are offering this amazing experience - which includes a hot drink, mince pie, zoo entry and lemur feeding on the island with the lemur family and a member of zoo staff for two people - for only £42.’’

‘‘The discount runs until the 24th December, so makes a perfect present for a loved one.’’ 

Newquay Zoo celebrated earlier in the year when twin ring-tailed lemurs were born, and even though they are now much bigger it is wonderful to see the adolescent lemurs, the result of the Zoo’s successful breeding programme, up close.

Newquay Zoo is one of the largest not-for-profit charities in Cornwall – with all money made going directly back into the Zoo and its conservation projects. As the Zoo receives no grants or financial aid, the support of the local community is paramount to its success.

Helen Cavilla, a member of the education department at Newquay Zoo, is currently in Brazil, helping REGUA and the World Land Trust protect an area of threatened rainforest which straddles the equator. This strip of forest is home to thousands of species of birds and mammals which are under threat due to the rapid disappearance of their habitat. This is a project which Newquay Zoo supports financially, and the project is benefiting from Helen’s help with establishing an eco-tourism facility.

She has been kind enough to share her photos of the vast array of animals and plants that are in the area with us at Newquay Zoo – click here to see them

A new species of beautiful crowned crane can now be seen at Cornwall’s biggest zoo.

Newquay Zoo have long held East African crowned cranes, but found that there was room for new species of crane at the Zoo.

Animal Collection Manager John Meek explains; ‘‘At first glance the black necked crowned crane looks the same as the East African species – and they are very similar apart from the different colour of their plumage. But these black crowned cranes originate from West Africa, where they have been upgraded to Vulnerable on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This is not good, as it means that the species are more endangered than we originally thought. We hope that we will be able to breed the species - they look amazing and have settled well into their lakeside home.’’

Illegal capture and trade for the pet industry is the most serious threat to black crowned cranes. There is an ancient tradition in some West African countries to keep domesticated cranes at household compounds. However, in the past 30 years international trade in the species has accelerated. Other threats facing the black crowned crane are the loss, transformation, and degradation of habitat. Wetlands and grasslands in their native habitat have been devastated by natural forces such as drought, as well as by the human interference. That is why it is really important to form breeding pairs in reputable zoos, to increase the captive population.

Newquay Zoo is one of the largest not-for-profit charities in Cornwall – with all money made going directly back into the Zoo and its conservation projects. As the Zoo receives no grants or financial aid, the support of the local community is paramount to its success.

About the IUCN Red List

IUCN (the International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species, which has long been established as the world’s most comprehensive list on the global conservation status of animal and plant species. Based on an objective system, the list is used to assess the risk of extinction for a species.

Extinct
No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died.

Extinct in the wild
Survives in cultivation, captivity or naturalized population only.

Critically Endangered – CR
Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild, in the immediate future of 10 years.

Endangered - EN
Facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild, in the near future of 10 - 20 years.

Vulnerable – VU
Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild, in the medium term future of 10 - 100 years.

Near Threatened – NT
Close to qualifying for a threatened category in the near future of 10 – 20 years.

Least Concern – LC
A species is Least Concern when it is widespread and abundant.

Winter doesn’t have to mean doom and gloom – the return of Newquay Zoo’s special winter prices means you can have a great day out for less!

Lorraine Reid, Events Manager said; ‘‘Every Monday one adult and one child under the age of 3 can visit the Zoo for the bargain price of £4.85! And for the same price senior citizens can visit the Zoo every Tuesday. This discounted entry price is not available during school holidays, and ends on 27th March 2012."Set amongst sub-tropical gardens and home to over 130 species, there is plenty to entertain all ages at Newquay Zoo, with keeper talks, animal encounters and feeding times throughout the day, and the site is mainly level and wheelchair friendly.

Newquay Zoo is one of the largest not-for-profit charities in Cornwall – with all money made going directly back into the Zoo and its conservation projects. As the Zoo receives no grants or financial aid, the support of the local community is paramount to its success. 

At Newquay Zoo we are getting very excited by the imminent Zoo BOO Party which starts at 6.30pm on Monday 31^st October….. witches will be swooping in for witchy tales and brewing up a storm in their coven, trick or treating and spooky zoo tours with jolly pumpkins, scary ghosts and ghastly ghouls.

Meet our creepiest animals who will be out and about to celebrate Halloween and play some fantastic family fun games.

NEW for this year – be amazed by fire-eaters and stilt walkers, and have a go at making your own magic wand and the wand making workshop. This fantastic evening event is ticket only, and tickets are flying away quickly. £9.95 adult and £6.95 child – includes witches brew and a Halloween cookie.

To book your ticket please call the Zoo on 0844 474 2244 (local rate).

A rare deer that was born as part of Newquay Zoo’s managed breeding programme for the species has been moved to a zoo in Spain to form a new breeding pair.

Phylis the Philippine spotted deer was born in March 2010 to parents Alfie and Ameli after the breeding programme for the species at Newquay proved successful. Now she is flying to Malaga in Spain to contribute towards the captive breeding efforts at Fuengirola Zoo.

John Meek, Animal Collection Manager said; ‘‘Philippine spotted deer are probably the most endangered species of deer in the world – with 95% of their natural habitat having disappeared. They are also threatened by illegal hunting, which is why it is so important to breed these beautiful animals in reputable zoos. I feel so proud of our efforts here at Newquay that not only have we successfully managed to breed a Philippine spotted deer, but we are also contributing to the long term conservation programme for this species. I am sure that Phylis will be very happy at her new home, and am looking forward to hearing of her progress.’’

Newquay Zoo is one of the largest not-for-profit charities in Cornwall – with all money made going directly back into the Zoo and its conservation projects. As the Zoo receives no grants or financial aid, the support of the local community is paramount to its success.

On the 4th,5th and 6th November The Lighthouse cinema in Newquay plays host to the 2011 Cornwall Film Festival – and Newquay Zoo are sponsoring two of the animal films.

The beautiful classic film The Black Stallion is one of Francis Ford Coppola’s most breathtaking pieces and the gorgeous Fly Away Home tells the story of migrating geese.

Check out these films, and other exciting releases over the course of the weekend.

PHOTOGRAPH: Meet scary witches and slithery skinks at the Halloween Zoo BOO Party

BOO! You are invited to join scary witches, jolly pumpkins, black cats and wizards who will all be at Newquay Zoo to celebrate a spooky, ghostly and ghoulish Halloween!

Lorraine Reid, Events Manager said; ‘‘Halloween is without a doubt the most amazing event at the Zoo! Meet our slithery snakes, creepy crawlies and scary skinks at spooky animal encounters throughout the evening and see Hubble and Bubble in their witches coven brewing up a storm. Take the trick or treat night-time tour of the Zoo – but be careful who you bump into. Prizes for the best and scariest fancy dress – yes for adults too – and family fun games throughout the evening make the Zoo BOO Party the place to be seen on Halloween!’’

NEW for this year is our wand making workshop, where you can make your own magic wand with the help of the Zoo’s resident witches.

Lorraine added; ‘‘This is a ticket only event, and tickets tend to fly away quickly so booking is essential. An adult ticket costs £9.95 and a child gets in for £6.95. This includes a yummy Halloween cookie, wicked witches brew and a goodie bag for the children.’’

For more information and to book your ticket please phone the Zoo on 0844 474 2244 (local rate).

Newquay Zoo would like to invite teachers throughout Cornwall to come and see for themselves the unique teaching environment and range of educational products available at the Zoo.

Polly Vogel, Education Officer said; ‘‘Newquay Zoo’s Teachers Evening event starts at 2pm on Thursday 20^th October, where teachers can enjoy free entry to the Zoo and explore for themselves the amazing resources we have here. At 5pm there is a presentation which will explain our education programmes and an opportunity to speak to our friendly education officers about specific needs. Refreshments are included, and the evening should finish at 6.30pm. This is a great opportunity for teachers to sample our wonderful Zoo and see how we can provide an amazing educational visit for their class.’’

Stewart Muir, Zoo Director said; ‘‘Education is an important role of a modern Zoo, and Newquay Zoo takes its responsibility to raise awareness and educate the next generation extremely seriously. The Zoo education department can cater for all ages from pre-school right through to further education groups, providing curriculum linked workshops, animal encounters and tours.’’

Please note – this is a reserved place event only. For more information and to reserve your place at the Teachers Evening event at Newquay Zoo please telephone 0844 474 2244 (local rate). We look forward to seeing you there!

Throughout the summer Newquay Zoo has given Cornish residents the opportunity to come into the Zoo for less every Saturday.

And with the offer expiring at the end of October there has never been a better time to come to the Zoo.

Lorraine Reid, Events Manager said; ‘‘We have had an amazing year so far with loads of beautiful baby animals born, including Sulawesi crested black macaques, Owston’s civets, nyala antelope, black wildebeest, Visayan warty piglets and an elongated tortoise. So the Zoo is full of inquisitive and playful baby animals, and the amazing discounted locals price gives Cornish residents the chance to see them up close. Bring proof of Cornish address and get in for only £5 per person, but this offer finishes on 29th October so there is only limited time left to enjoy this great offer.’’

Newquay Zoo is one of the largest not-for-profit charities in Cornwall – with all money made going directly back into the Zoo and its conservation projects. As the Zoo receives no grants or financial aid, the support of the local community is paramount to its success. 

When students at Cornwall College Camborne announced to Newquay Zoo Director Stewart Muir that they wanted to create some banners for the Zoo, he was delighted.

Now the results of their hard work can be seen at the Zoo, as the banners have been put up in prime positions on-site. They are the result of a lot of hard work from students studying for the Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design who chose a new module ‘working with site-specific briefs’. The module gave students the chance to work with actual clients to a specific brief – following the project from initial rough design ideas through to finished artwork and a completed project.

The set of banners were all rendered in a similar painted style with a clear representation of the animal and a caption to catch visitors attention. Students will have the added benefit of having real hands on client experience on their CV’s. The banners have been receiving really positive comments from visitors and staff members alike.

Stewart said; ‘‘I am really pleased with the results of these banners. They are helping to promote everything we do at the Zoo by highlighting a number of our most endangered species.’’

Cornwall College Camborne lecturer Peter Goldsworthy added; ‘‘This was a real life experience for the students and a challenge for them to actually have to meet a clients brief.’’

Carl Lamb, Marketing Manager said; ‘‘The banners are a great addition to the Zoo’s promotional materials and really show off everything we do here. They have also saved me a job – brilliant! I hope that all the students involved continue with their design work and everyone at the Zoo wish them every success in their future careers.’’

There are 12 banners in total all of which are now on-site at Newquay Zoo. For more information on education at the Zoo, please click here or phone 0844 474 2244 (local rate).

Cornwall College runs a range of courses from their campuses around the county, for more information please visit the official website www.cornwall.ac.uk.

From left Roz Merriman, Chris Winbow, Carl Lamb and Pippa Connelly all celebrate as Chris arrives into Newquay Zoo two hours earlier than expected.

160 miles – five days - one Panda – that is the unique charity challenge facing Chris Winbow. He is raising money for The Whitley Conservation Trust – a charity which owns Newquay Zoo, Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts - after working as an employee at Paington has inspired him to do what he can for the Trust’s conservation projects.

And Newquay Zoo staff celebrated as on the 19th September he completed the first leg of his journey in record time!

Carl Lamb, Marketing Manager said; ‘‘We were amazed when, despite the pouring rain, Chris managed to get here two hours early. Not only had he cycled all the way here, he then held a python despite a serious snake phobia – so we would all like to say well done to Chris and wish him luck on the next stage of his challenge.’’

Chris will start walking from Newquay Zoo to Living Coasts on the 20th September and will then be kayaking from Living Coasts back to Paignton Zoo. The trek has been dubbed the Pandathon because Chris’s nickname is Panda. “I’m big and I used to teach kung-fu – so, Kung Fu Panda!”

“I am doing this to raise money for one of my favourite charities. I chose the walking-cycling-kayaking combo as I wanted to do a real challenge and the idea came from watching a triathlon on TV.’’

To support Chris you can donate at www.justgiving.com/pandathon.

Help Newquay Zoo celebrate the greatest journeys of all time and ‘Expl-awe’ the latest Zoo trail.

Learn about the strangest, bravest or unluckiest journeys and explorers of the world and join Newquay Zoo to learn handy survival tips.

Mark Norris, Head of Education said; ‘‘Without the great explorations of the last two hundred years Cornwall would have been a very different place – as famous explorer Darwin landed in this beautiful county with many exotic plant, bird and animal species, some of which you can see at the Zoo. It has been 175 years since Darwin returned from his journey around the world, and by taking a trip on the Expl-awe trail, you can help the Zoo mark the occasion.’’

The trail also includes a few choice sections from Francis Galton’s the Art Of Travel – illustrated survival and travel tips for Victorian explorers which make often very amusing reading today! Galton was Darwin’s cousin, and died 100 years ago this year.

The Expl-awe trail is a must for any budding explorers - don’t forget your compass, top hat or pith helmet!

160 miles – five days - one Panda – that is the unique charity challenge facing Chris Winbow. He is raising money for The Whitley Conservation Trust – a charity which owns Newquay Zoo, Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts - after working as an employee at Paington has inspired him to do what he can for the Trust’s conservation projects.

Chris will be walking from Paignton Zoo to Newquay Zoo, cycling from Newquay Zoo to Living Coasts and kayaking from Living Coasts back to Paignton Zoo. The trek has been dubbed the Pandathon because Chris’s nickname is Panda. “I’m big and I used to teach kung-fu – so, Kung Fu Panda!”

He sets out on the 160 mile trip on 19th September and expects to take five days, raising £5,000 for the charity’s overseas conservation projects. He is due to arrive at Newquay Zoo at approximately 6pm on Tuesday 20th September, after an 80 mile hike from Paignton. On 21st September the two day cycle ride to Living Coasts in Torquay begins, and on Friday 23rd September Chris will kayak across the bay from Living Coasts to Paignton beach followed by a walk back to Paignton Zoo. He hopes that this will raise £5,000 for the Trust’s overseas conservation projects.

“I am doing this to raise money for one of my favourite charities. I chose the walking-cycling-kayaking combo as I wanted to do a real challenge and the idea came from watching a triathlon on TV.’’

Here at Newquay we wish him all the best and are looking forward to welcoming him to Newquay on 20th September.

To support Chris you can donate at www.justgiving.com/pandathon.

The Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust - a Devon-based conservation charity that runs Newquay Zoo, Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts as well as some nature reserves - has compiled a top ten of the most significant species in its collections. And the list contains a few surprises.

The top ten includes very few of the large, charismatic species people associate with zoos. Instead there are frogs, seabirds - and an unremarkable-looking grass.

The Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust spokesperson Philip Knowling said; ‘‘ We have some very good examples of what you might call joined-up conservation – endangered species which you can see in our Zoos and with which we work in the wild. The Sulawesi crested black macaque, which you can see at both Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo, the bank cormorant at Living Coasts and the Owston’s civet, also at Newquay, for example. Local people and visitors help our work every time they visit one of our Zoos.”

The list has been compiled by staff and students from the thousands of animals and many hundreds of plant species cared for in the Trust’s collections.

Newquay Zoo Director Stewart Muir said; ‘‘The list is a really interesting read – because it serves as a reminder as to how much we at Newquay Zoo, and the Whitely Wildlife Conservation Trust as a whole - contributes to conservation worldwide. The Sulawesi crested black macaques and the Owston’s civet can both be seen at Newquay, alongside many other beautiful (or not!) species.’’

Philip Knowling added; ‘‘Our animal experts have identified species that may seem less obvious to many people. It shows that conservation is not all about the big, charismatic species like elephants and giraffes – while these are important species, they didn’t make our top ten. This was not a beauty contest or a popularity contest – it was about identifying the species with the most urgent conservation needs.”

The full list:
1.    Sulawesi crested black macaque – both Newquay Zoo and Paington Zoo work with this Critically Endangered primate and the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust runs a field project in Indonesia.
2.    African penguin – Living Coasts has an excellent breeding record with this Endangered species and contributes to conservation by supporting a South African wildlife charity.
3.    Black rhino - Critically Endangered. One of the conservation icons of Africa, Paignton Zoo is one of only 3 zoos in the UK to hold them. The worldwide publicity Paignton Zoo gained following the first ever birth of a black rhino live on the internet was crucial for awareness raising.
4.    Socorro dove – classed as Extinct in the Wild, Paignton Zoo has bred this species and is part of an international project to release birds back onto Socorro Island off the coast of Mexico.
5.    Cuban crocodile – Paignton Zoo is working to establish a pure breeding population of these Critically Endangered reptiles in European zoos.
6.    Golden mantella frog – Endangered. Paignton Zoo is one of only a few zoos keeping this species and has bred it in its state-of-the-art Amphibian Ark centre.
7.    Bank cormorant – Living Coasts is the only zoo in the world caring for this Endangered southern African coastal species.
8.    Owston’s civet, the flag-ship species for Newquay Zoo’s work in Vietnam which aims to tackle the illegal trade in small carnivores in South East Asia. Newquay is one of only 3 zoos outside Vietnam to hold the species and the most successful in breeding them, with 9 born to date. Classed as Vulnerable.
9.    Interrupted brome – classed as Extinct in the Wild. Seeds grown at Paignton Zoo have been used to re-introduce this species – thought to be a first for an extinct plant in the UK.
10.    Lar gibbon – Endangered. The Chinese sub-species is now almost certainly extinct – the first ape known to have gone extinct in modern times.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature rates species on a scale from Least Concern, through Near Threatened and Vulnerable to Endangered, Critically Endangered and Extinct in the Wild. The next stage after that is Extinct.

The traditional cream tea is a favourite amongst Cornish residents and holiday makers alike, and now Café Lemur is offering you a chance to get this amazing tasty treat at a special reduced price.

For just £2.95 you can get a yummy home-made scone, served with fresh Cornish clotted cream and tasty jam, alongside a generous mug of tea in the beautiful setting of Café Lemur, which overlooks the black and white ruffed lemurs on their island.

Lucy Roe, Catering Manager said; ‘‘This is the perfect way to spend an afternoon at Newquay Zoo – a wonderful view of some of our favourite species and a lovely Cornish cream tea.’’

The offer is available every day throughout the summer holidays.

On Sunday 31^st July, visitors to Newquay Zoo enjoyed a special early morning Wild Breakfast event with great tours of the Zoo, fun animal information from the dedicated team of keepers, a chance to make animal enrichment tours and a tasty cooked breakfast included.

Now the Zoo is offering people the chance to come again as Wild Breakfast returns on Sunday 14^th August.

Stewart Muir, Zoo Director said; ‘‘Wild Breakfast is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to see the Zoo at a totally different time of day – with some of the nocturnal animals heading off to bed and the others waking up, it is a truly great experience. It is also a chance to learn more about your favourite species and have a go at making some animal enrichment toys – which are used to stimulate the species we hold here and prevent boredom.’’

Lorraine Reid, Events Manager agreed; ‘‘It is an early start (5am!) but well worth it, as the Zoo is so lovely first thing in the morning. As breakfast is included, as well as some great memories and the opportunity to stay at the Zoo all day if you wish, it really is a Wild Breakfast!’’

And for those who don’t want such an early start, there is also another Early Bird Breakfast event, with a slightly later start time of 7am, on 21^st August.

Both these events are ticket only. Adult £14.95 Child £9.95. To book your ticket please call the Zoo on 0844 474 2244 (local rate).

Newquay Zoo Director Stewart Muir has expressed his excitement at the birth of a rare black wildebeest, saying he is ‘delighted’.

The baby, which was born last week at the Zoo, is already up and about with its mother on the African Savanna field, which is one of the most popular exhibits at the Zoo.

Stewart said; ‘‘I am delighted that once again we have managed to breed a baby black wildebeest. This is fantastic news for the population of the species, as less than a hundred years ago wild herds of black wildebeest were almost extinct.’’

John Meek, Animal Collection Manager added; ‘‘The black wildebeest are my favourite species that we hold at Newquay, so I am especially thrilled at the birth of the new baby.’’

The African Savanna exhibit at Newquay Zoo is also home to stripey zebra, beautiful Nyala antelope and the majestic waterbuck living in a mixed species herd, mimicking the large migratory herds that travel across the great plains of Africa avoiding droughts and searching for food. The baby wildebeest is the most recent in a spate of births at the Zoo, which include two Owston’s civets, three gorgeous and playful Sulawesi crested black macaques, capybara and a Philippine spotted deer fawn.

About black wildebeest

Wild herds of black wildebeest were nearly extinct a hundred years ago through over hunting. Now they are protected in game reserves in their native South Africa, and zoos worldwide have contributed to the population. At just over four feet tall, they are the smallest of the wildebeest family, but they are still impressive animals and with large horns that point straight upwards, making them potentially very dangerous. According to Bushmen the lazy wildebeest was last in line during the creation of the world and so he received all the other animal’s unwanted body parts.

Want to start the weekend with a morning tour of Newquay Zoo and a hearty cooked breakfast? Join Zoo staff for the popular Early Bird Breakfast event, which includes entry to the Zoo for as long as you like – you can stay all day if not too tired.

Lorraine Reid, Events Co-ordinator said; ‘‘Early Bird Breakfast starts at 7am on 6^th August and is a ticket only event, with an adult ticket costing £14.95 and a child £9.95. It is a great opportunity to see all the animals at the Zoo waking up and having their breakfast - a lovely and special experience for any animal lover.’’

To book your ticket please call the Zoo on 0844 474 2244 (local rate).

Click here for more information on our year long events programme.

Help Newquay Zoo celebrate one of their most popular species – the fun, friendly and inquisitive Sulawesi crested black macaques in a series of fun filled events throughout the summer.

From July 27^th to September 4^th, you can learn more about the beautiful and critically endangered macaques, take part in daily family fun activities and get closer to the animals in our fascinating feeding time talks and story telling – it’s a macaque adventure!

Lorraine Reid, Events Co-ordinator said; ‘‘This summer is a perfect opportunity for the whole family to learn more about our family of black macaques, and to see the three babies that have been born this year. With fun trails, face-painting, craft making and a chance to make your own macaque enrichment toys, it really is a Sulawesi summer!’’

Stewart Muir, Zoo Director added; ‘‘Sulawesi crested black macaques are considered critically endangered on the IUCN red list of threatened species. That is why it is fantastic news that we have managed to successfully breed three healthy babies this year. Sulawesi summer at Newquay Zoo is a great chance to see the babies frolicking in the sun with the rest of their family.’’

About Sulawesi Crested Black Macaques

Sulawesi macaques are mainly found in forested areas on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi but also occur on some smaller adjacent islands. They spend about 60% of their day travelling and foraging for food. Predominantly the diet is made up of fruit but they will consume a wide variety of food items including things like seeds, leaves and small invertebrates. Characterized by their large ‘crest’ of hair. They have entirely black faces and bodies apart from their pink ‘ischial callosites’ which are hairless pads on their rump.
They are a highly social species and live in large groups governed by strict dominance hierarchies. Interactions such as playing, grooming and ‘mutual embraces’ are important in maintaining these social bonds. Wild macaque numbers have gone down by 80% in the last 40yrs. Reasons for decline include, hunting for bush meat, and habitat destruction. As a result of this decline they are now classed as critically endangered.

About Selamatkan Yaki

In Sulawesi, macaques are known locally as ‘Yaki’. Selamatkan Yaki, is an integrated conservation programme which aims to save Yaki habitat. As part of the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, Newquay Zoo is playing an important part in the campaign by developing education materials and contributing to the captive breeding programme. Education methods used in Sulawesi villages are working, as there has been an increase in empathy towards the species and an increase in efforts to help preserve their natural habitat. Education Officer at Newquay Zoo Kathy Baker is the Education Co-Ordinator for the Selamatkan Yaki campaign, and has worked to produce posters and other educational materials alongside the children’s book to be read to Sulawesi schoolchildren. She has also created the sock puppet kits, which allows you to make your own macaque sock puppet and all money raised from the sale of these kits will go towards the conservation of the macaques. The aim for 2011 is to produce a promotional conservation film on the project and the plight of the endangered habitat and species from Sulawesi.

The 13th Annual Symposium on Zoo Research was recently held at Bristol Zoo, and Newquay Zoo, alongside sister Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust zoos Paignton and Living Coasts, were there to support their students.

The symposium traditionally has a prize for the best poster presentation and the best talk by someone new to conference speaking and also highly commended awards for another two posters and two talks. This year Newquay Zoo research students received nominations in several categories, and we are pleased to announce that they received commendations in their fields.

Kayley Bryan (research intern supervised by Zoo Educator Kathy Baker) received Highly Coomended for her poster which compares two contrasting environments for breeding Pekin robins, one of the beautiful species of birds that will go into the Gems of the Jungle exhibit once completed.

Lindsey Taylor also received an excellent award during the symposium (undergraduate placement supervised by Kathy Baker) for her talk highlighting the effects of various enrichment types and quantity on behaviour of yellow-breasted capuchin monkeys.

Newquay Zoo would like to say well done to our students for all their hard work on these presentations and posters.

The beautiful striped Owston’s civet is Stewart Muir, Zoo Director’s favourite species at Newquay Zoo – and it was a personal labour of love to get the Vietnamese government to allow the species out of their native country. But it was a worthwhile battle, as has been demonstrated over the years by the successful breeding of the species at Newquay.

Now Stewart and all the staff at the Zoo are celebrating as two more baby civets have been born to two different sets of parents – adding to the 2011 baby boom at Newquay that has also seen the birth of capybara, ring-tailed lemurs, pygmy marmosets and Visayan warty piglets. The baby civets, one boy and one girl, are thriving under the watchful eyes of their parents as well as Newquay Zoo keepers.

Stewart said; ‘‘Owston’s civets are classed as vulnerable on the IUCN red list of threatened species – this means that they are now one of the rarest creatures in the world. We were the first Zoo ever outside Vietnam to hold the species, and it is fantastic that we have yet again managed to successfully breed the animals. Unfortunately their beautiful striped coat is their downfall as they are hunted illegally for fur. By increasing the zoo population of these animals we are ensuring that they have a future.’’

The civets can be seen in their spacious enclosure in the newly refurbished Oriental Garden at the Zoo, along with Asian short-clawed otters and beautiful plants in a traditional Japanese garden style.


Owston’s civets live in the forests of Vietnam, spending most of their days asleep and starting their foraging for food at dusk. They will occasionally venture up the trees to look for food but prefer to spend most of their time on the ground using their long snouts to dig into the soil for food. They produce a pleasant musky scent, which along with their striking coat has led to them being over-hunted.

The IUCN (the International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species, which has long been established as the world’s most comprehensive list on the global conservation status of animal and plant species is based on an objective system, which assesses the risk of extinction to a species. The Owston’s civet is currently considered Vulnerable on this list, meaning that it faces a high risk of extinction in the wild, in the medium term future of 10 - 100 years.

Newquay Zoo’s latest project Gems of the Jungle is one of its most ambitious – with the aim being to raise enough money to build a brand new aviary and exhibit, highlighting the plight of beautiful and endangered Asian songbirds, thousands of which are captured each year in South East Asia to face solitary lives in tiny cages for the amusement of people.

And now Cornish Horizons, a holiday company based in Padstow that offers over 190 self-catering holiday cottages around the county, have joined Newquay Zoo to help protect these beautiful birds, by donating £1000 to the project.

Stewart Muir, Zoo Director, said: ‘‘We are extremely grateful for this generous donation from Cornish Horizons to this very worthwhile project.  As a charity, donations are an important source of income, particularly for building new facilities. Gems of the Jungle will provide a safe home for some of the world’s rarest songbirds and I am looking forward to our continued partnership with the staff from Cornish Horizons.’’

Managing Director of Cornish Horizons Cathy Osborne agreed: ‘‘Cornish Horizons is absolutely delighted to be associated with this project, and we applaud Newquay Zoo for their sterling conservation work in this and all other areas.’’

Cornish Horizons has also become the latest members of award winning Newquay Zoo’s Conservation Club. The aim of the club is to create an opportunity for businesses to engage with the Zoo and demonstrate their green credentials by helping to protect endangered species and preserve their natural habitats. For their generous donation to the Gems of the Jungle project Cornish Horizons have demonstrated its green credentials and are helping the Zoo protect endangered species and preserve their natural habitats.

If your business would like to get involved with Gems of the Jungle or the Conservation Club then please contact the Zoo for more details. There are also loads of ways that visitors can get involved and help the Zoo reach the overall target of £50,000. One of the most popular new experiences at the Zoo is Lemur Feeding, with all the money raised being donated directly to the Gems of the Jungle project. You can visit the ring-tailed lemur island, hand feed fruit to the friendly animals and learn more about them in this unique experience.

Visitors are also being given the chance to feed our mob of meerkats with their favourite food of mealworms. For just £1 a pot, you can directly contribute towards the Gems of the Jungle project and get closer to these amazing animals (please note – the number of pots of mealworms available will be limited due to meerkat diets).

About Gems of the Jungle

The lush, verdant, tropical forests of Asia are home to a dazzling array of exotic song birds, that are unfortunately under serious risk. In the Philippines and throughout Indonesia, the rapid deforestation is shrinking this complex, fragile habitat, whilst in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, tens of thousands of these birds are illegally trapped for the pet trade each year.  Having a fine voice and fine feathers is their downfall and most are destined to lead solitary lives in tiny cages for the amusement of their owners.

As well as raising awareness and hopefully a sense of concern to the plight of these birds, the design of the Gems of the Jungle aviary at Newquay Zoo will enable us to participate in the conservation breeding programmes to protect these remarkable species for generations to come. A range of sheltered breeding areas will be incorporated into the facility to ensure that the exact conditions are provided for them to successfully raise their young. Newquay Zoo needs to raise £50,000 to complete the project, and you can help in a number of ways. From sponsoring a leaf or bird at the exhibit, to panning for gems at the Zoo, or even providing business support, every penny raised takes us one step closer to completing the project.

About Cornish Horizons

A family run business that started in 1991, Cornish Horizons has been going from strength to strength and now offers over 190 holiday cottages throughout Cornwall, with their main office in Padstow. As well as offering an amazing visitor experience, Cornish Horizons is also comitted to sustainable tourism, being recognised by the Cornwall Sustainable Tourism Project (COAST), who are working to recruit as many people as possible to the green tourism cause.  They have also been awarded a Silver award under the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS).

About the Conservation Club

As well as supporting wildlife conservation and the environment, businesses can expect the following benefits when they become a member of the Conservation Club:

• Listing and link from our Business Supporters page of our official website (listed alphabetically)
• Complementary entry tickets
• Conservation Club A4 plaque to display at your business
• Plaque on view to our 200,000 visitors each year
• Free subscription to the Zoo News newsletter
• Discounts to events and special invitations to talks and seminars
• Special rates of hire of facilities

Rise and shine! You know the summer has started when Wild Breakfast returns to Newquay Zoo! This popular event gives visitors the chance to join Zoo staff for an atmospheric early morning tour of the Zoo, as well as the opportunity to watch the animals wake up and help us prepare their breakfast! Enjoy a hot cooked breakfast at the Café Lemur and stay for as long as you like (or can stay awake for!)

And for those not-so-early risers there is the Early Bird Breakfast. Join Zoo staff for a morning tour, enjoy a hearty cooked breakfast from the Café Lemur and then stay all day if you can stay awake that long.

Lorraine Reid, Events Manager said; ‘‘ The morning tour at both these events is a great opportunity to see all the babies that have been born in 2011 so far, the most recent being a third baby Sulawesi crested black macaque. Other babies include ring-tailed lemur twins, Visayan warty piglets, Philippine spotted deer and Ouessant lambs, so 2011 has definitely been a baby boom for the Zoo. Both the Wild Breakfast and the Early Bird Breakfast events are a fantastic way to start the day for the whole family, with amazing animal enrichment, keeper tours and talks to keep everyone entertained.’’

Wild Breakfast starts at 5am and will be running on 31^st July and 14^th August. Early Bird Breakfast takes place on 6^th and 21^st August, with a slightly later start time of 7am. Please note – both are ticket only events. Adult £14.95 Child £9.95. To book your ticket please call the zoo on 0844 474 2244 (local rate).

Newquay Zoo has succeeded for the third time this year in breeding a healthy Sulawesi crested black macaque baby – and staff and visitors are ecstatic!

John Meek, Animal Collection Manager said: ‘‘It is fantastic that yet again we have managed to breed a healthy macaque baby – a real triumph. The species are critically endangered in the wild, so to add to the Zoo population is brilliant. The little one is currently spending most of its time cuddled up with mummy macaque, but it won’t be long until its playing, wrestling and scampering around its large enclosure with the rest of its family.’’

The baby has yet to be sexed, and therefore does not have a name, but staff are open to suggestions. This year it is a Sulawesi Summer at the Zoo, with themed activities demonstrating how you are helping save our Sulawesi crested black macaque’s and other endangered Asian wildlife. Trails, craft making, face painting and meerkat feeding will be running throughout the summer holidays – starting 27th July - to help raise money for our vital conservation work.

About Sulawesi Crested Black Macaques

Sulawesi macaques are mainly found in forested areas on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi but also occur on some smaller adjacent islands. They spend about 60% of their day travelling and foraging for food. Predominantly the diet is made up of fruit but they will consume a wide variety of food items including things like seeds, leaves and small invertebrates. Characterized by their large ‘crest’ of hair. They have entirely black faces and bodies apart from their pink ‘ischial callosites’ which are hairless pads on their rump.

They are a highly social species and live in large groups governed by strict dominance hierarchies. Interactions such as playing, grooming and ‘mutual embraces’ are important in maintaining these social bonds.Wild macaque numbers have gone down by 80% in the last 40yrs. Reasons for decline include, hunting for bush meat, and habitat destruction. As a result of this decline they are now classed as critically endangered.

About Selamatkan Yaki
In Sulawesi, macaques are known locally as ‘Yaki’. Selamatkan Yaki, is an integrated conservation programme which aims to save Yaki habitat. As part of the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, Newquay Zoo is playing an important part in the campaign by developing education materials and contributing to the captive breeding programme. Education methods used in Sulawesi villages are working, as there has been an increase in empathy towards the species and an increase in efforts to help preserve their natural habitat. Education Officer at Newquay Zoo Kathy Baker is the Education Co-Ordinator for the Selamatkan Yaki campaign, and has worked to produce posters and other educational materials alongside the children’s book to be read to Sulawesi schoolchildren. She has also created the sock puppet kits, which allows you to make your own macaque sock puppet and all money raised from the sale of these kits will go towards the conservation of the macaques. The aim for 2011 is to produce a promotional conservation film on the project and the plight of the endangered habitat and species from Sulawesi.

The 4^th July to the 8^th July is work experience week for students at Treviglas Community College, with students on a variety of placements. One student chose to come to Newquay Zoo, but not for the usual reasons of experiencing the job as a keeper.

Lerryn Martin is currently a year 10 student at Treviglas with specific interests in media and marketing, so when work experience week cropped up, a job in marketing seemed the best option and so she was joined by Carl Lamb and Rosalind Smith in the marketing department at Newquay Zoo. For this particular week she was thrown in to different activities; such as delivering leaflets to holiday parks, editing and writing her own press releases, interviewing and questioning keepers and experiencing first hand what it’s like to be part of a marketing team and to get involved.

As she found out, marketing is not only delivering leaflets, designing adverts and taking pictures as first thought - it also involves budget reports, keeping track of money and proofing everything to make sure there are absolutely no errors. This means checking everything that is going to be published over and over until it’s not possible that there could be any more mistakes. However, it’s not as boring as it seems as it’s mixed in with visiting radio stations, showing around photographers, thinking about new exhibits or attractions being brought to the zoo and drinking lots of coffee!

Lerryn said “This week has been really fascinating and given me a lot of insight into what it will be like if I ever pursue a career in marketing. Thanks to the Zoo, Roz and Carl I now understand some of the principles and would definitely like to work in this field of work in the future.”

Carl Lamb, marketing manager said “It has been great to have Lerryn around for the past week, she has been really helpful and professional and she’s welcome to come back and work with us anytime.”

Newquay Zoo works widely with the school community and also with Cornwall College, where students can study zoological courses allowing them to come in to the zoo once a week to experience work. However, it’s not just animal based work – the zoo also offers office based work or even working in retail at the zoo shop. Many schools visit every year to let the pupils experience the whole process of conservation and how it’s helping many animals in danger of becoming extinct. Furthermore, the zoo allows schools to adopt a particular animal if they wish and are happy to oblige by sending an adoption pack filled to the brim with information and extra goodies for the children.

Newquay Zoo has shown itself to be at the top of the class for educational visits by being awarded a Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge. We also have two indoor classrooms and an inspiring 10 acre animal-filled room outdoors as well. Special rates are available for Nurseries, Schools, Colleges, Brownies, Cubs and various other youth groups.

For more information on how to get involved with the zoo through Cornwall College, work experience and school trips please see the education link on the tool bar above or phone 0844 474 2244 (local rate).

A second waterbuck has arrived at Newquay Zoo to join the existing resident.

Jenny the waterbuck has been living happily as part of a mixed species herd on the African Savanna at the Zoo for a number of years, but after the recent births of the two baby nyala antelope at the Zoo, she has started to feel a little lonely and not part of a family group.

So John Meek, Animal Collections Manager at the Zoo arranged for a male waterbuck to come to Newquay from Marwell Zoo in Hampshire to keep Jenny company.

‘‘Jenny has been very happy since her arrival last year with our group of nyala antelope for company.  Recently the nyala females had two calves and we felt that it was time Jenny had the opportunity to have a companion and to start a family of her own. It is hoped that the new waterbuck, who is only one year old, will get on well with Jenny and they will form a breeding pair here at Newquay.’’

As their name suggests, these antelope remain close to wetland. Water is very important to them as they rely on it to avoid predators, as well as grazing on reeds and rushes.  Smelly sweat glands waterproof their coat and allow escape of predators by hiding in water.  Even Bushmen avoid their meat if not skinned properly, as it smells and tastes foul!

Whilst not currently endangered in the wild, waterbuck numbers have declined recently due to habitat destruction and hunting.

About waterbuck

Waterbuck are a brown-grey antelope species characterised by a white ‘bib’ under their throats and white ring around their rumps.  They spend the majority of their time grazing in savannah and woodland, but as the name suggests, remain close to wetland.  As well as browsing on reeds and rushes, they drink a large amount for an antelope.  Water is very important to them as they also rely on it to avoid predators.  Smelly sweat glands waterproof their coat and allow escape of predators by hiding in water.  Even Bushmen avoid their meat as if not skinned properly, it smells and tastes foul!

Groups of cows, calves and young bulls gather in herds.  Females will mate with a male who guards the best territory.  Such males often have short life-spans as are constantly fighting off younger, stronger bulls.  Hence only the males have long, forward curving horns that can reach up to 40cm in length.

The countdown to the Royal Wedding is almost over, and Newquay Zoo invites you to help celebrate!

Lorraine Reid, Events Manager said: ‘‘Join us and celebrate a piece of British history in the making! On the 29th April, all children in Royal fancy dress will receive free Zoo entry and there will be extra special wedding cake enrichment for the animals at feeding time talks throughout the day. You can eat a traditional British menu at the Café Lemur and even see our own animal royal family – Charlie and Connie the African lions (our very own king and queen of the jungle!) – plus Monty the royal python and the Emperor tamarins. We hope to see you there!’’

Note: please click on the image to see it in full

Newquay Zoo has been working hard in conjunction with Cornwall Wildlife Trust to install a detailed information plaque in the popular native wildlife exhibit at the Zoo.

Newquay Zoo has long been a supporter of Cornwall Wildlife Trust, and vice versa, as both organizations recognise that wildlife preservation is vital locally as well as globally. Together they have developed an interactive ‘garden shed’ in which can be found information on wildlife gardening and species to spot whilst in Cornwall, as well as details on the work of Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Stewart Muir, Zoo Director said: “It’s great to be working with Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Although many of our projects focus on wildlife preservation abroad, we appreciate the importance of our native species.  This is why we have worked with Cornwall Wildlife Trust to develop what we hope will be an interesting Native Species Exhibit at the zoo”.

Serena Pettigrew-Jolly, Marketing and Fundraising Co-ordinator at Cornwall Wildlife Trust said: “We are very proud to be working with Newquay Zoo to raise awareness of the importance of protecting our native wildlife as well as overseas, which the Zoo already does so well. The Trust is the only charity dedicated to protecting all of Cornwall’s land and marine habitats for the benefit of wildlife, and we are happy to provide information to engage, educate and enthuse the many visitors of Newquay Zoo with this unique and interesting space.”

For more details on Cornwall Wildlife Trust please visit www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO SEE IT IN FULL

The baby boom at Newquay Zoo continues with the birth of three baby Visayan warty piglets.

Stewart Muir, Zoo Director said: ‘‘I am very happy to celebrate the birth of these piglets - with only around 200 of them left in their native habitat it is so important that zoos are able to breed them successfully. I am so proud of our work here that has enabled the pigs to breed successfully over the past three years.’’

He added: ‘‘We are learning more about these friendly and inquisitive animals all the time. For example, when the time came for the female to give birth, she made herself a massive nest out of straw and sticks - something that I never expected!’’

The triplets were born last week and can already be seen running around their enclosure, which is part of the Philippine species exhibit. As they grow older they will lose their soft, stripy fur and grow their darker, tougher adult coat.

Habitat destruction, over hunting for sport, reprisals for raids on crops and inadequate protection have resulted in the dramatic decline and likely extinction of the warty pig. Newquay Zoo provides support in situ by financially assisting an education and breeding programme in the Philippines, as well as working alongside other European zoos to ensure the species survival.

On Sunday 3rd April Newquay Zoo held its first Mothers Day Flower Show, and it was a huge success!

Visitors flocked to the Zoo to treat their mums to a great day out. Mums who brought their favourite cup received a hot cup of tea form the Café Lemur and children under 14 who brought a posy of flowers for the flower competition received free entry. Better still – it was sunny all day, and the atmosphere was great too.

Lorraine Reid, Events Co-ordinator said: ‘‘ The flower tent looked absolutely amazing with all the entries displayed for the show. Visitors had gone all out with their displays, from homegrown posies to intricate displays and handmade paper flowers – the results were breathtaking! It was a fantastic event and thank you to everyone who came and made it a great success.’’

For more information on our range of year long events at Newquay Zoo, please click here.

Click on the photograph to see then larger.

In honour of this months impending royal nuptials, Newquay Zoo is offering all William’s and Kate’s free entry until the end of April.

Stewart Muir, Zoo Director said: ‘ This is a great way for Newquay Zoo to show support to the royal couple on their special day, as well as enabling a large proportion of our visitors the chance to see the Zoo for free!’’

Whilst at the Zoo you can meet our own royal family – king and queen Charlie and Connie the African lions, Monty the royal python and the Emperor tamarins.

So if you are a William or a Katherine, Wills or Katie, Will or Kate, get down to the Zoo throughout April and make the most of this fantastic opportunity. Please note – proof of ID is required.

And on the special day itself the Zoo is hosting a royal fancy dress competition. All children in royal fancy dress will receive free Zoo entry and there will be extra special wedding cake enrichment for the animals at feeding time talks throughout the day.

Photograph: The latest addition to Newquay Zoo’s family of Sulawesi crested black macaques, snuggles up to its mother

On New Years Day 2011 staff at Newquay Zoo celebrated after the birth of a female critically endangered Sulawesi crested black macaque.

Now they have another reason to celebrate as another baby has been born!

John Meek, Animal Collections Manager said: ‘‘To breed two healthy macaques in one year is truly an achievement – we are so proud of everything that we do here at Newquay in order to ensure the future survival of this critically endangered species. The baby can be seen snuggled up to its mother and bonding with its family – it is a firm favourite with Zoo staff and visitors already!’’

The baby has been identified as a little girl. She is currently without a name, however keepers have a number of suggestions ready and are waiting to see what suits her character best. Mum Maggie is bonding well with her new arrival, as is the rest of the macaque family group.

Newquay Zoo participates in the Selamatkan Yaki campaign, which works to protect the macaques native habitat on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. The Zoo develops educational materials for Sulawesi schoolchildren and contributes successfully to the captive breeding programme.

Newquay Zoo is holding a special Mother’s Day Flower Show!

For all the wonderful mums who visit the Zoo, we would like to offer half price entry as a thank you for being the best mums in the world!

Lorraine Reid, Events Co-ordinator said: ‘‘We hope to see lots of pretty and inventive flower displays on Mothers Day. For all children under 14 – bring a posy of flowers for the competition and receive free entry to the Zoo! There are loads of great prizes to be won, and with a chance to leave messages for your mum on our wall of hearts, the Flower Show at Newquay Zoo promises to be an unforgettable Mothers Day! As well as the beautiful flowers, bring your favourite cup and receive a free cup of tea from Café Lemur. We hope to see you there!’’

On the 19^th and 20^th March Cornish residents were given a wonderful weekend of family fun at Newquay Zoo, at a special discounted rate of £2 per person!

The weekend was a huge success, with over 7000 local people flooding to the Zoo, where they were entertained by fascinating keeper talks, animal encounters and enrichment, tombola, games, arts and crafts, flying displays and a range of stalls from other businesses, ensuring the day had a special village fete atmosphere.

Stewart Muir, Zoo Director said: ‘‘Our Locals Weekend was an enormous success .We wanted to give something back to the Cornish community in appreciation of the support they give us during the rest of the year. Despite some long queues people seemed very happy particularly those with large families. We organized many stalls and events which gave the Zoo a carnival atmosphere and helped to raise over £1200 specifically or our wildlife conservation projects. I would like to thank the Zoo staff who worked flat out all weekend to ensure our visitors had an enjoyable experience.’’

Newquay Zoo is one of the largest not-for-profit charities in Cornwall – with all money made going directly back into the Zoo and its conservation projects. As the Zoo receives no grants or financial aid, the support of the local community is paramount to its success. So not only was Locals’ Weekend a fantastic way for the Zoo to give back to the community, it was also a great way for the Cornish community to support a lovely local charity.

Newquay Zoo wants to give back to the local community! Staff are very excited as on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th of March the Zoo will be hosting a special weekend for local residents at an amazing price!

Bring a utility bill/ID that shows you live in Cornwall and get in for £2 per person (except under 3’s – who are FREE!!)

Stewart Muir, Zoo Director said: ‘‘We are immensely proud of all the good work that we do as a conservation and education charity around the globe. However this would not be possible without the brilliant Cornish community which we are proud to be part of. As a thank you for all the support we have received over the years we would like to offer Cornish residents a chance to visit our lovely Zoo at a special price – and have a great day out for less!’’

Lorraine Reid, Events Co-ordinator said: ‘‘We have some fantastic family fun activities happening throughout Locals’ Weekend at Newquay Zoo. Not only can learn about your favourite animals at fascinating keeper talks, there will also be extra special animal enrichment, a chance to feed the meerkats and a range of encounter animals for you to meet!’’

‘‘There are loads of fun filled activities for children including badge making, mask making, amazing Zoo trails, raffle and tombola. Our friends from Countryside Hawking will also be here on the 20th between 10am and 1pm with their close up birds of prey flying displays. This will be an exciting weekend and a chance for Newquay Zoo to say a special thank you to all of our local supporters!’’

A GREAT DAY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! We look forward to seeing you!

Our missing gnome from the World War Zoo wartime gardens project at Newquay Zoo has turned up somewhere else  … and sent a postcard home from London Zoo.

A postcard has arrived at Newquay Zoo, picturing our gnome visiting London Zoo with a message from him on his travels. It reads: “It’s really good to see this after hearing so much about the London Zoo staff who died during the war. Lest We Forget …”

We covered some of the poignant stories of ZSL London Zoo staff lost on active service in both world wars in our November and December 201o blog posts. 12 staff were lost in World War 1, 5 more in World War 2.

To learn more about World War Zoo project please click here to see our wartime zoo blog!

2011 has been a great year for new babies born at Newquay Zoo, and this time it is the turn of the ring-tailed lemurs to delight staff and visitors alike by having not one, but two babies!

The twins are now just over a week old, and they live on Lemur Island with their family, including mum Jill and dad Harrison.

John Meek, Animal Collections Manager said: ‘‘Our ring tailed lemurs are a very happy family and great fun to watch. Twins are not uncommon as long as food is plentiful – which at Newquay Zoo it is! Visitors and staff are having fun spotting the two tiny babies, who are still cuddled up to their mum, but it won’t be too long before they are clinging onto her back like jockeys and having a good look around!’’

He added: ‘‘They are classified as a ‘vulnerable’ species, so their births are important and we are really pleased with the new arrivals.’’

As the twins are still so young and stay cuddled up to their mother, they have still not been sexed or named.

Ring-tailed lemurs are native only to the tropical dry and scrub forests of Southern Madagascar. With a population of between 10,000 and 100,000 left on the island, they are considered a vulnerable species, as the forest in which they live is being destroyed by slash and burn agriculture, charcoal production and mining for gemstones and minerals. This has resulted in the species has been declared vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat destruction.

Ring tailed lemurs are distinguished by their wide-round eyes and white and black, long banded tails. They eat fruit, leaves, flowers and nectar, are excellent climbers and can live to around 20-years-old in captivity.

 PHOTO: Mother Jill cuddles up to her two precious new babies, who are welcome new additions to Newquay Zoo.

Keepers at Newquay Zoo have chosen a name from the entries of the Newquay Voice naming competition.

The baby deer, which is a boy, has been named Teasel, and can be seen out and about with its family at the Zoo. The winning entry was suggested by Stephen Gregory, aged 9.

John Meek, Animal Collections Manager said: ‘‘We are always thrilled when a new baby is born at the zoo. This is the third year in a row that we have had a healthy baby born at the Zoo, which is a great achievement. Thank you to everyone who sent in their suggestions for the name – however all the keepers agreed that Teasel should be the winning entry as it suits him so much!’’

As part of his prize Stephen will receive a free entry to the Zoo and an adoption of the baby deer.
 
Newquay Zoo has held Philippine spotted deer since 2009, where they are part of the Philippine Species Exhibit. The exhibit is also home to the rare Visayan warty pig, and the beautiful fishing cat, and is a highlight of many visitors day at the Zoo.

Celebrate what it means to be Cornish with the return of Newquay Zoo’s annual pasty flinging competition!

A fantastic family fun event, with prizes for big kids and little kids alike!

Lorraine Reid, Events Co-ordinator said: ‘‘Join Zoo staff for pasty flinging fun! There are a number of categories to enter – with prizes for Best Man, Best Woman, children’s competition and Zoo staff categories. Adult prize is a pair of delicious pasties fresh from Café Lemur, with cuddly toy prizes for children. The competition starts at 1pm on Saturday 5th March, but don’t worry – no pasties will be harmed during the event!’’

Selamatkan Yaki! Save the Macaque monkeys! Join Newquay Zoo for a week long series of fun filled events to celebrate these beautiful monkeys.

PHOTOGRAPH: Kasih - the latest arrival to the family of macaques at Newquay Zoo - is out and about exploring.

Lorraine Reid, Events Manager said: ‘‘Half term at the Zoo is promising to be a fantastic week out for the entire family! You can join us for Sulawesi story telling, fascinating Macaque enrichment and feeding time talks, and you can even have a go at making a Macaque sock monkey! Take a self guided tour of the Sulawesi Story trail, which highlights conservation efforts to save the species.’’

Visitors to the Zoo will be able to see the latest addition to the Macaque family, a baby girl who was recently named ‘Kasih’ (meaning love in Indonesian) by a Year 7 form at Cape Cornwall School. Born on New Years Day, Kasih is now busy exploring her surroundings and bonding with her family, and will be an important part of the managed breeding programme for the species that Newquay Zoo contributes to.

During half term you can also see fantastic flying displays on Monday 21st February 10am-1pm from our friends at Countryside Hawking. Our team of face painters will be here, and there will also be mask making fun! Yaki monkey half term at the Zoo is running from 19th-21st February – animals and staff hope to see you there!


About Sulawesi Crested Black Macaques
Sulawesi macaques are mainly found in forested areas on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi but also occur on some smaller adjacent islands. They spend about 60% of their day travelling and foraging for food. Predominantly the diet is made up of fruit but they will consume a wide variety of food items including things like seeds, leaves and small invertebrates. Characterized by their large ‘crest’ of hair. They have entirely black faces and bodies apart from their pink ‘ischial callosites’ which are hairless pads on their rump.
They are a highly social species and live in large groups governed by strict dominance hierarchies. Interactions such as playing, grooming and ‘mutual embraces’ are important in maintaining these social bonds.Wild macaque numbers have gone down by 80% in the last 40yrs. Reasons for decline include, hunting for bush meat, and habitat destruction. As a result of this decline they are now classed as critically endangered.

About Selamatkan Yaki
In Sulawesi, macaques are known locally as ‘Yaki’. Selamatkan Yaki, is an integrated conservation programme which aims to save Yaki habitat. As part of the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, Newquay Zoo is playing an important part in the campaign by developing education materials and contributing to the captive breeding programme. Education methods used in Sulawesi villages are working, as there has been an increase in empathy towards the species and an increase in efforts to help preserve their natural habitat. Education Officer at Newquay Zoo Kathy Baker is the Education Co-Ordinator for the Selamatkan Yaki campaign, and has worked to produce posters and other educational materials alongside the children’s book to be read to Sulawesi schoolchildren. She has also created the sock puppet kits, which allows you to make your own macaque sock puppet and all money raised from the sale of these kits will go towards the conservation of the macaques. The aim for 2011 is to produce a promotional conservation film on the project and the plight of the endangered habitat and species from Sulawesi.

You could be joining our team very soon in the position of Marketing Manager! We are looking for reliable, conscientious and hard working candidates to apply for this exciting position!

Stewart Muir, Zoo Director said: ‘‘ Working at Newquay Zoo is like no other role – no two days are the same.  It’s not everywhere that you can listen to the lions roar whilst at your desk – it is truly special! We are looking for a team player, someone who enjoys a challenge with lots of fresh new ideas to join our friendly team!’’

So if you think you are up to the challenge, and want more information on the role, please visit the jobs page of this website or visit www.unlockingcornishpotential.co.uk.

Good luck to all applicants!

Calling all die hard romantics! This year you can celebrate Valentines Day somewhere truly special – Newquay Zoo!

Lorraine Reid, Events Manager said: ‘‘Our special Love Birds Valentines Weekend is the place to impress your loved one! Express your love for that special someone on our wall of love hearts. Fed up of fully booked out restaurants with no atmosphere? A special Valentines themed lunchtime menu at Café Lemur is sure to impress even the most hardened cynics. We look forward to seeing you!’’

You love birds could also win an adoption of a pair of Love Birds in our prize draw. Learn more about conservation at the zoo at our fascinating keeper talks and have an intimate up-close experience with your favourite animals at the animal encounter. You can also help to raise money for the new Gems of the Jungle aviary, which will raise awareness of the plight of endangered Asian songbirds.

The Zoo is helping you and your loved one celebrate Valentines Day on the 12th, 13th and 14th of February and look forward to seeing you!

Local residents have been making the most of the glorious sunny weather and enjoying a day out at Newquay Zoo – for less!

‘Prams and Pushchairs’ and ‘Senior Citizens’ discounts have returned for the winter, and proved a great success!

Every Monday one adult and one child under 3 can gain entry to the Zoo and have a great cup of tea for only £4.85. Senior citizens can enjoy the Zoo for the same price, including tea, every Tuesday.

Kerrie Williams from Truro said: ‘‘ I have enjoyed coming to the Zoo for Prams and Pushchairs – Isabella loves seeing all the animals and I get to enjoy a nice hot cup of tea included in my entry price. Such a bargain! I’ll be recommending it to all my friends.’’

Visitors only have until 28th March (excluding school holidays) to enjoy these special winter discounted rates, so make the most of the offers whilst you can!

There is plenty to entertain the entire family at Newquay Zoo, including animal encounters, fascinating keeper talks where you can learn about more about your favourite species, tarzan trail, outdoor play area and on selected days you can even feed the meerkats! A perfect day out for all the family.

Newquay Zoo is celebrating after the birth of a Philippine spotted deer!

The baby, which is a boy, was up and about within hours, and now can be seen trotting around next to its mother, keeping close to the stable area of the Philippine species exhibit.

John Meek, Animal Collections Manager said: ‘‘ We are always thrilled when a new baby is born at the zoo. What makes this fawn extra special is that it is an endangered species. Philippine spotted deer are threatened in the wild, mainly due to habitat destruction, which is why we are part of a managed breeding programme for the species. This is the third year in a row that we have had a healthy baby born at the Zoo, which is a great achievement.’’

Newquay Zoo has held Philippine spotted deer since 2009, where they are part of the Philippine Species Exhibit. The exhibit is also home to the rare Visayan warty pig, and the beautiful fishing cat, and is a highlight of many visitors day at the Zoo.

Winter doesn’t have to mean doom and gloom – the return of Newquay Zoo’s special winter prices means you can have a great day out for less!

From 1st November ‘Prams and Pushchairs’ and ‘Senior Citizens’ discounts return, making a great day out even better!

Every Monday one adult and one child under 3 can gain entry to the Zoo and have a great cup of tea for only £4.85. Senior citizens can enjoy the Zoo for the same price, including tea, every Tuesday. Set amongst sub-tropical gardens and home to over 130 species, there is plenty to entertain all ages at Newquay Zoo, with keeper talks, animal encounters and feeding times throughout the day, and the site is mainly level and wheelchair friendly.

These offers end 28th March 2011, so make the most of the special prices whilst you can!

PLEASE NOTE: The discounts only apply during term time and not during school holidays.

Volunteers at Newquay Zoo have welcomed in the New Year with improved customer service skills thanks to a unique project accredited by the Cornwall Development Company as part of a Community Grants programme.

With the help of Volunteer Cornwall, the Zoo searched for suitable candidates for the Volunteer Visitor Experience Project, which was funded by the European Social Fund (ESF). 22 volunteers were then given a unique training opportunity with the team from CREW Training on their Performance Enhancement Course. The course introduced practical skill sets, combined with role-play and professional performance techniques to enable the volunteers to realise their full potential.

Dee Rawson, a volunteer on this project said: ‘‘I thought that the CREW training course was absolutely amazing, never a dull moment! I absorbed everything through pure enjoyment!’’

Di Eade, Head of HR at Newquay Zoo, said: ‘‘The project was a great opportunity for the Zoo to assist the volunteers back into work, by helping them see a real improvement in their work related skills. Alongside the excellent training course run by CREW, we enabled the volunteers to access computers in order to prepare CV’s and research information for job opportunities and further training. The volunteers also received on-site training from Zoo staff. We are thrilled to have been involved in this worthwhile project.’’

The project, which concluded on 31st December 2010, has been highly successful in achieving community targets, with a number of the volunteers still helping at the Zoo on a regular basis.