Paighton Zoo Installs Rhino Web Cam For Daytime Viewing

By Philip Knowling

Paighton, UK - Paignton Zoo’s rare black rhinos are making their internet comeback.

Female black rhino Sita became an international celebrity when the birth of her calf Zuri was broadcast on the internet in March 2007.

Now, Paignton Zoo Environmental Park has installed a web cam inside the rhino house to allow fans to watch the pair. The camera will show live video footage every day from 9.00am until 7pm.

Paignton Zoo spokesperson Phil Knowling said: “We want to build on the success of the project with the BBC which showed Zuri’s birth to the whole world via the internet. Now fans of both Zuri and Sita can log on to see them throughout the day.

“A good time to see the rhinos is around 12.30pm, when they are usually indoors eating. Images are in colour during daylight hours and switch to black and white when light levels are low. There is no sound, but viewers will be able to watch the rhinos feeding - and see their keepers working hard as they clean up after their charges!”

The camera equipment has been provided, supported and installed by fiNETra Ltd of Wellington in Somerset. Mark Welch of fiNETra said: "The service we provide, which uses the latest WiFi technology, enables businesses of all kinds to transmit live, TV quality, streamed images of their activities to a global audience. Paignton Zoo is at the forefront of those organisations realising the opportunities."

fiNETra plan to become members of BIAZA (the British & Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria) and encourage all the country’s top zoos to go live.

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. For more information go to www.paigntonzoo.org.uk or ring (01803) 697500.
 

PHOTO #2:  Paignton Zoo web site coordinator Leza Wall with Sita and Zuri.