ZOOS & AQUARIUMS NEWS Ambitious Chester Zoo launches Islands
Following the launch of Chester Zoo’s Islands development, managing director Jamie Christon has said the £40m ($62m, €56m) project is only the start of the UK visitor attraction’s ambitious masterplan, as it aims to become a world leader in the sector. Speaking exclusively to Atractions Management, Christon said that the Islands development, the first phase of which opened in July, is the beginning of a multi-year plan currently in development. “Heart of Africa was the original name for part of Islands,” said Christon. “What we want to do if this works, which clearly it’s going to, is geographically theme the rest of the zoo based on our field programmes worldwide.”
INDUSTRY OPINION
Zoos and aquariums attract more visitors with creative offerings Hope Rezendes
■■Chester Zoo hopes to create a cageless feel
The zoo currently runs 10 major field programmes globally in an attempt to save species threatened with extinction. Each programme has a species or regional biodiversity focus and looks at the conservation of Asian elephants, black rhinos
jaguars and red apes conservation among others. Christon said that the zoo wants to reflect the conservation work being done across these programmes at the zoo. l See The New Zoo, this issue, page 64
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Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)- accredited facilities are exploring ways to increase attendance by connecting with visitors on new levels. In addition to animal exhibits, it’s now common to see train rides, carousels, waterparks, 4D theatres and ropes courses at zoos and aquariums. These experiences encourage guests to visit and stay longer. Milwaukee County Zoo in
Thousands of fish die as Brazil aquarium stalls
Prosecutors are investigat- ing who is to blame after more than 10,000 fish died while waiting to be moved to a brand new Brazilian aquarium development. Billed as the largest
freshwater aquarium in Brazil, the $53m, (€48m, £34m) Aquario do Pantanal in the western city of Campo Grande was originally scheduled for completion at the end of 2014. However, construc- tion work was significantly delayed and the aquarium is yet to be finished. Imported from Africa, Asia and Oceania, the fish had been in quarantine with a company called Anambi since November. According to Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper, 80 per cent of the population of
22 ■■Aquario do Pantanal was scheduled top open in late 2014
more than 12,000 fish died from a temperature drop as winter approached in the southern hemisphere country. However, government officials have said technical failures in the temporary tanks were to blame, including poor oxygenation, the presence of bacteria
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and inadequate cleaning. If everything had gone according to plan, the fish would have been transferred to their new home more than six months earlier. Designed by Brazilian architect Ruy Ohtake, the expected completion date is still unknown.
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Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Centre in Virginia Beach, Virginia, have both recently opened ropes courses with zip lines, giving visitors a chance to experience the sights from above. Zoos and aquariums are also hosting a variety of events designed to reach audiences with special interests. Quite often these events involve collaborations with other local organisations and businesses. The Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin, hosts Strings and Wild Things, inviting families to enjoy a summer evening with a performance by a local orchestra. The zoo put last year’s event proceeds from ticket sales and concessions towards the newly-opened Arctic Passage exhibit. ABQ BioPark in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has hosted beer tastings at its zoo. Visitors can try local craft beers and microbrews while observing and learning more about the animals during evening hours. Henry Vilas Zoo and Albuquerque
BioPark have both said these events were some of their top revenue- generating activities last year. With these additional funds, AZA-accredited facilities are able to continue and expand research efforts, improve animal care and support ongoing conservation work.
Hope Rezendes, communications intern, Association of Zoos and Aquariums
AM 2 2015 ©CYBERTREK 2015
PHOTO: RUY OHTAKE
PHOTO: CHESTER ZOO
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