h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Has a new baby hippo - I shall report more after the weekend, cos if the weather is good we're going to cycle out to see it.

Dublin Zoo is one of the oldest in the world. I think London Zoo is the oldest, then either Paris or Dublin Zoo.

Situated in Dublin's Phoenix Park, the Zoo is one of the most beautiful in the world. It is lucky enough to feature two enormous lakes. The planting of shrubs, trees and flowers makes this a very pleasant place. The has recently been expanded to nearly twice its former size, giving much more room for the animals. Of course, this also means that a lot of the time, the animals are much further from the people, making it harder to see them.

Eating facilities have always been poor in Dublin Zoo. This year, a complete refurbishment of the restaurant is taking place, so it is closed. Although there are alternative places to get food, you are well advised to bring a pack lunch.

The zoo is being reorganised into the following areas: World of Cats, Fringes of the Arctic, African Plains, City Farm, Pets Corner, South American House and East African Reptiles. Although there are some animals which don't quite fit in with this scheme (Californian Sea Lions are in the middle of the Arctic exhibition), gradually over time these discrepancies will be sorted out.

Dublin was famous in the past for breeding lions. Nowadays, it is probably the Golden Lion Tamarins that are the zoo's greatest success story.

Went to see the baby hippo yesterday but it had had to be moved away from the public 'cos the mother was getting stressed.
The male gorilla was being very frisky however, so there may soon be an addition in that enclosure.

Does anyone remember the Dino Live show they had there a few years ago? The biggest thrill of my young life. The real animals could go hang for all I cared - they had a T REX!!!

I remember Dino Live in Dublin. I also saw a Dino Live exhibition in Brussels.

I don't think Dino Live was ready when we visited.. I gather it was good?

I want to add support to the advice 'bring a packed lunch'. We ate at the African Plains centre last year, and it was *much* worse than McDonald's.

Do they have black swans in any of the lakes there? There's one in Bray Harbour that I'm betting is a zoo escapee, but I can't remember if the zoo actually has any..

Dublin Zoo always had a few Black Swans.

Dublin Zoo is wonderful.

I go everytime I'm over. The extension is fantastic and its great to see the animals get more space.

Edinburgh zoo is another story. Very poor.

NR

Oh...and I saw one of their baby hippos a couple of years back!!Gorgeous wee face peaking out its indoor pool.

I love Dublin zoo...