Meet the Residents: A Spotlight on Our Unique Species
Ready for a wild adventure? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of the unique species at our zoo. From quirky habits to amazing adaptations, we’ll explore the behaviours that make our animals truly one-of-a-kind. This is more than just a peek behind the scenes—it’s an exciting opportunity to learn and discover how these incredible creatures thrive. Grab your pen and paper, because you’re about to become an animal expert!
Guanaco
IUCN: Least Concern
Fun fact about Guanacos, baby Guanacos are adorably known as Chulengos, and the little four-legged ones can walk competently only five minutes after birth.
Come visit and see how our amazing animals thrive in their wild-inspired home
Guanacos are incredibly adaptable, with thick fur that keeps them warm in cold mountain air and the ability to graze on various vegetation to survive in tough landscapes. They’re fast runners, reaching speeds of up to 35 mph, and can make sharp turns to evade predators. Known for their distinctive “humm” vocalisations, guanacos use these sounds to communicate with their group, especially when responding to threats. So, how have they adapted at our zoo?
While the UK’s climate is much milder than the harsh mountain conditions of their native South America, Guanacos’ thick, dense coats still serve them well, providing warmth during colder months. We ensure they have plenty of space to roam, mimic their natural behaviours, and graze on a variety of vegetation that meets their dietary needs.
Chacoan Mara
IUCN: Least Concern
Did you know that we’re home to one of, if not the only baby Chacoan Mara in the UK? We’re one of the few zoos that house this incredible species and proudly the only UK zoo to have successfully bred them in the last two years!
Chacoan Maras are large rodents, often compared to rabbits due to their appearance, but they’re actually closely related to guinea pigs.
Growing up to 18 inches tall and weighing around 16 pounds, they are among the larger rodent species. However, unlike most rodents, they are excellent runners, reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, helping them escape predators. They run with a distinctive “bouncing” gait, using their long legs to take powerful strides. So, how have they adapted at our zoo?
Although their natural habitat in Argentina’s dry grasslands and scrublands differs from the UK’s temperate climate, Chacoan Maras thrive in a controlled environment that mimics their native surroundings. Our zookeepers provides plenty of enrichment activities to keep them physically and mentally stimulated, as these social rodents thrive with engagement. Their strong social structure is maintained, allowing them to live in small herds, which helps them feel secure and comfortable. Despite the UK’s cooler weather, the maras have proper shelter and warmth during colder months, ensuring they stay healthy and happy.
Tayra
IUCN: Least Concern
Fun Fact about Tayras, they may travel at least 6 km (3.7 mi) in a single night.
Tayras are incredibly elusive and agile creatures, native to the forests of Central and South America. These skilled climbers and swimmers are perfectly adapted to navigate dense foliage and scale trees, helping them avoid predators. Their striking appearance, with sleek dark fur, a long tail, and sharp claws, gives them a resemblance to a large weasel or small jaguar, making them both formidable predators and effective foragers. One of their most impressive traits is their powerful jaw strength, which enables them to crack open tough nuts and seeds, a key part of their diet. This combination of agility, appearance, and jaw strength makes tayras truly unique in the wild. So, how have they adapted at our zoo?
In our zoo, our Tayras are provided with an environment that mimics their native tropical and subtropical forests of Central and South America. This ensures that they have a controlled environment that accommodates their need for climbing activities. Their enclosures are designed to allow them to climb and move through dense foliage, similar to the forest canopy in their natural habitat.
Ring-Tailed Lemur
IUCN: Endangered
Fun fact about Lemurs, they are active during the day and they spend more time on the ground than other Lemurs and move around on four feet across the forest floor.
Ring-tailed lemurs are known for their distinctive, bushy tails adorned with alternating black and white rings, which are crucial for maintaining balance while leaping between trees and are used in “tail wagging” displays to communicate with each other. These Lemurs live in large, matriarchal groups called “troops,” where females hold the dominant position, making key decisions for the group while the males typically defer to them. They are highly vocal, using a range of calls, including distinctive “whooping” sounds to stay connected, warn of predators, or mark territory. So, how have they adapted at our zoo?
While the UK’s cooler climate may not suit them naturally, our Lemurs are housed in enclosures with ample shelter and access to both outdoor and indoor spaces to help regulate their body temperature. Their diet is specially tailored to ensure they get the right nutrients that they would typically find in the wild, including fruits, leaves, and vegetables. To stay mentally stimulated, they are given enrichment activities such as climbing structures and foraging opportunities that mimic the natural behaviours they would perform in their native environment. These adaptations ensure that our lemurs can thrive and engage socially, while also staying healthy and comfortable.
Come visit and see how our amazing animals thrive in their wild-inspired enclosures.