Durrell Wildlife Park - History

History

Gerald Durrell began his career capturing animals for other zoos, but thought that the facilities needed to concentrate more on animal conservation rather than mere entertainment. He tells the story of starting the zoo in his book "Menagerie Manor" and others.

In January 2008 plans were unveiled by Durrell and were titled New Vision. They were brought up to help ensure another 50 years of the trust in Jersey. These ambitious plans had an emphasis on the notion of 'TopSpots'; places where the greatest diversity of animals are found such as islands and highlands. It was budgeted that the cost of the redevelopment would be in the region of £46 million pounds over the next five years. All funds needed to be raised through public and private donations. There were nine main aspects of development with animal welfare in its mind. Most of the plan was eventually cancelled due to costs.

• African Bai — The idea was to recreate an environment mirroring the ecology of the African Habitat, that the Western Lowland Gorillas would need to adapt to, if one day it would be safe for them to be left alone in the wild. The multi-million pound complex would include a gym and updated facilities for the gorillas. The family size could expand, or have an additional group to live alongside the current group. With the African Bai theme, it was planned to bring in new species from the region, considered animals included Red River Hog, African Clawless Otter, and Guenon monkeys.
• Mascarenia, — The idea was to integrate the mammals, birds and terrapins of Madagascar together in one walkthrough enclosure. It is also possible that species from Mauritius, Comores and Seychelles might be included. Surrounding the walkthrough area, which would include the bats, were enclosures which would house the lemurs, Aye-ayes, Narrow-striped mongoose and Malagasy Giant Rats.
• A new visitor centre, which was designed to enhance the guests overall experience. A restaurant, and a hall of fame would become part of the experience.
• Eco-lodge cabins, which would allow people to stay at Durrell for a holiday, all environmental modern experience
• New Reptile and Amphibian Centre, which would allow Durrell to expand and enhance the care for species more prone to the changing environment
• Redevelopment of Les Augres manor, which would allow people to stay there for holidays, by turning part into a kind of hotel
• Improvements to training facilities
• Improvements to the centres
• Develop the Royal Pavilion into a full time conference suite

In May 2011, a new visitor centre and restaurant was officially opened by Princess Anne. Access to the zoo is not required for access to the restaurant. A webcam service has been recently developed at Durrell Wildlife Park. Cameras have been installed in the meerkat enclosure, as well as in those of the Telfair's skinks, the Livingstone's Fruit Bats and in the Kirindy Forest, the home of a rare and colourful bird collection. The webcam lets viewers to those species at times when they are often inaccessible, including watching the fruit bats during the evening when they are most active.