The Grounds of Jersey Zoo -25th Anniversary Brochure

The Grounds of Jersey Zoo -25th Anniversary Brochure

It seems the most natural thing in the world that the grounds of Jersey Zoo should be beautifully landscaped and that individual cages should be planted with attractive plants.

But by no means all zoos have this approach, many preferring bare cages, concrete and dusty paths. Jersey Zoo has led the way in landscape environmentalism.

But attractive landscaping has been an essential part of Jersey Zoo’s policy since the late 1960s and under the guidance of a landscape committee, major work was carried out during the 1970s.

A decision was taken to create a park-like environment, rather than more costly formal gardens, with groves of trees and lawns sweeping down to the lakes.

Wherever possible flora and fauna are married together, a prime example being the waIlaby enclosure, which features Australasian eucalyptus and birds from ’down under’.

The majority of the landscaping has now been done and it is a question of ensuring that the grounds are well maintained and all the plants are kept in good order, said Zoo director Jeremy Mallinson.

“The grounds are now looking magnificent and we are seeing the benefits of long term planning as they mature. I am very proud of the culmination of what was planned. Attention to detail is important in the planning, not only of an attractive landscape between major animal houses, but of attractive enclosures for the animals themselves.”

“No matter how well you look after the animals it is important to give them a good environment”, said Mr Mallinson.

Nowhere is this more obvious than in the reptile house and the bird aviaries, the mammals tending to be less appreciative of such efforts and liable to ruin any attempt at an attractive display.

 

Maintenance of the animal enclosures on a day-to-day basis is done by the individual staff, although there is a head gardener, Mark Williams, and three groundsmen with overall responsibility for the Zoo’s appearance.

This requires a high calibre of staff, who are interested not only in the birds and animals in their care but in the controlled environment being provided for them.

“It is very important that they are proud of what they are doing”, says Mr Mallinson. “A sterile environment is very depressing.”

Usually the public appreciate the efforts, too, and many remark on the attractive nature of the animal enclosures and the zoo as a whole, but sometimes it is possible to walk past a row of bird aviaries and think there is nothing in them.

But pause for five minutes to admire the attractive plant displays and it is almost certain that you will see every bird, perhaps partly hidden, but enjoying the pleasant surroundings.