Animals
In 2003, in common with other urban zoos, Dudley parted with their two female African Elephants so that they could benefit from more spacious surroundings. The remaining large animals include giraffes, tigers, lions, reindeer, wallabies, and 2 snow leopards. Primates are well represented, and there are several aviaries and a reptile house. The zoo has over 1,000 animals from over 200 species; most of these are endangered and are the product of captive breeding programmes.
The Dudley Zoo was once home to Cuddles, a male orca, or Killer Whale. He was housed at the zoo from 1968, until his death in February 1974. The dolphin and whale pools were modified seal and sea lions pools with the walls being built up to create more depth. However, these plans fell foul of the local planning laws and the zoo was ordered to return the pools to the original state. As the zoo was not prepared to invest in new purpose built pools the whale 'Cuddles' was put up for sale, but died before being moved, from long-term gastro-intestinal problems. The pools were returned to their original design and now house sea lions.
The zoo is currently expanding its education department with a variety of workshops available for schools.
Read more about this topic: Dudley Zoo
Famous quotes containing the word animals:
“Feet are considered a delicacy among certain animals, you know.... In fact, there are certain man-eating animals who will eat only the feet, leave everything else, will not touch one other thing.”
—Blake Edwards (b. 1922)
“Lions, wolves, and vultures don’t live together in herds, droves or flocks. Of all animals of prey, man is the only sociable one. Every one of us preys upon his neighbour, and yet we herd together.”
—John Gay (1685–1732)