Bristol zoo

[lizzy k]

Bristol Zoo is only an hour away for me. I haven't been for many, many years so I hope it has changed as some of the animals used to look so sad!.

[kreacher]

Bristol zoo sounds a fab idea...only half hour for me and I could give someone a lift from over the welsh side of the bridge if anyone is stuck

I can't do august this year so please don't do it then

[EJ]

I really dislike these kind of posts... I've been corresponding with the keeper who takes care of the Aldabras at the Bristol Zoo for about 10 years now. The work he puts into his job is mind boggling.

This reminds me of another story of the first 'Tortoise Friends' meeting at the London zoo. I got to speak with the keepers before any of the members showed up. The Zoo was nice enough to provide a behind the scenes tour. As I followed the group I heard many members slagging off the conditions and the way the animals were kept... they obviously had no clue as to the work involved... the hours and pay for that work... or the resources available to the keepers.

Just curious... how does an animal 'look sad'?

Originally Posted by lizzy k

Bristol Zoo is only an hour away for me. I haven't been for many, many years so I hope it has changed as some of the animals used to look so sad!.

[lizzy k]

I haven't been for over 20 years and some of the animals were 'weaving' back and forth, and look depressed. That's what I meant and I do not intend spoiling this thread. I am happy to meet there as I am sure it has improved since as so many places have. Animal husbandry in places like zoos appears to have changed for the better so much in recent years.

[EJ]

Then... why mention it. I tend to defend my friends when attacked. These people work very hard for very low wages...

Originally Posted by lizzy k

I haven't been for over 20 years and some of the animals were 'weaving' back and forth, and look depressed. That's what I meant and I do not intend spoiling this thread. I am happy to meet there as I am sure it has improved since as so many places have. Animal husbandry in places like zoos appears to have changed for the better so much in recent years.

[tortydat]

I think after 20 years you will really notice a difference the reptile house, aquarium and Twilight zone are really great. The tortoises and turtles are kept very very well in separate species and the larger animals are all gradually being phased out. This zoo is a really great place and cannot be and indeed shouldn't be compared to the past without an up to date visit.

Mary

[ME SHELL]

I do understand what Liz meant, when I went there as a kid, thats about 25 years ago the big cats were in such small enclosures and would pace back and for. I did feel sorry for them. But over the years it has got better and better. I love it there and have been going there all my life normally once maybe twice a year, tho not this year at all. The enclosures are much, much better and the animals all look relaxed. I suppose all zoos were the same and have all changed things for the better. The more people who go, the more money goes towards the animals.

[Alan1]

Originally Posted by EJ

Then... why mention it. I tend to defend my friends when attacked. These people work very hard for very low wages...

Why not mention it? It's a Bristol Zoo thread, what is your point caller?

Just because the staff work very hard doesn't mean their employers are beyond criticism.. not that the poster was criticising anyone anyway

[Sylvia1]

I would be interested in this too! Haven't been there for years

[ME SHELL]

woohoo Sylvia, be lovely to meet you and have a proper chinwag haha god you'll be glad to see the back of me