A new development at Chessington World of Adventures has hit its first hurdle due to a shortage of tropical birds. The popular Surrey Theme Park has launched a ‘Lorikeets Wanted’ appeal to populate a brand new Lorikeet Walkthrough in Wild Asia, its new land due to open in March 2010. -
Marc Boardman, Zoo Manager, said: “Lorikeets are a type of small parrot with brightly coloured plumage native to Southeast Asia; a perfect fit for our exciting new adventure, Wild Asia. -
Part of the plan is a Lorikeet Lagoon where guests can hand feed nectar to these beautiful and friendly parrots; an amazing and unique experience for anyone interested in the wild or wildlife. The aim is to find 100 Lorikeets so that they make a real impact when they fly down for guests to feed them but, unfortunately, so far we have a grand total of two!” -
Chessington Zoo, which is a member of BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) and EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquariums) has issued an urgent request to the database controlling the movement of animals and birds within Britain and Europe in a bid to get these stunning birds flocking to Surrey. Whilst there has been some support from as far afield as Holland, because the birds are so popular, few attractions are prepared to part with their attractive residents! -
David Smith, Chief Explorer at Chessington World of Adventures, said: “The launch of Wild Asia is our biggest project for 2010 and as such our experienced project managers had allowed for all possible contingencies associated with building a new coaster and ensuring guest comfort but one thing we hadn’t foreseen was an international shortage of Lorikeets! Of course, we will work very hard to ensure we can deliver a memorable Lorikeet experience when we open as Britain’s Wildest Adventure in March 2010.”
