Behind the glass | Robyn Brown

Wildlife and Conservation Photographer

Behind the glass

This series focused on documenting a range of animals found in Newquay and Bristol Zoo. My focus was to highlight the concerns over the enclosures that the animals are kept in. Ultimately though, zoos play an important role towards conservation efforts.

Here in the oriental gardens at Newquay Zoo lays this Asian Short Clawed Otter (Aonyx cinereal). With his slight eyes looking up at the lock that separates him and his family from the constant enjoyment of water, he studies it. Many otters can be found in zoos all over the world, but in their natural environments many are taken as pets. These species are considered vulnerable on the IUCN red list and despite being on the lower scale for conservation concern, breeding programmes are in place. Last year a litter of five otter pups graced Newquay Zoo. Once separated they can go on to different zoos to continue this breeding cycle – in the wild most otter pups won’t separate from their mother until a new litter of pups arrives.

Sirana wonders out of her indoor swimming space, past her barriers and into her outdoor segment. While waiting for this shot, I could determine the exact location that she would breach at and follow due to the repetitive movements. This instant behaviour that could be noticed so promptly after arriving felt poignant. As a Pygmy hippo (Choeropsis liberiensis) her species is endangered, which is why they have been trying to breed Sirana. In 2016 she gave birth to a baby boy named Hugo at Bristol Zoo. A skewed sex ratio means that Hugo is key to continuing captive breeding for his species.

White Throated Capuchin (Cebus capucinus). A young baby clings to its mother for safety and warmth on a rainy day in Newquay Zoo. Despite being of least concern these monkeys are breeding within this environment. With a population that is stable there is little reasoning to have human help for breeding. There is the possibility that this early intervention will alleviate the strain on these monkeys when they reach a higher stage on the IUCN red list, but with no justification other than providing us with a continuous supply of captive species. I struggle to understand our validation for the number of species in captivity that are of least concern on the IUCN list.

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Humboldt Penguin (Spheniscus Humboldt) drift throughout their pools at Newquay Zoo. The species are currently vulnerable but mainly through insufficient evidence of their Chile population. If the population is found stable, then they would almost certainly downgrade to being of ‘least concern’. Humboldt penguins have been known to dive to depths as deep as 53m and swim at high speeds when travelling and foraging. These typical behaviours that are unrealistic to provide in a zoo environment mean that drifting around in their pools is as close as they will get to wild penguin behaviour.

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At Bristol Zoo the South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis) can be seen swimming via the underwater walk through, featuring glass viewing sections. You don’t have to wait long to catch a glimpse of these seals as they hastily swim past. Endlessly swimming up and down they provide entertainment for kids and adults. This is another example of a species that can be found in a zoo that is of least concern on the IUCN red list.