Ella
Dudley Zoological Gardens,UK
DOB - 11/01/12
VITAL STATS - 33 x 15 x 20cm
LOCATION - Dudley Zoological Gardens
INTERESTS - Horror movies, caving, fishing
MUSIC - Heavy Rock
FAV SONG - End to the Lies - Janes Addiction
Ella arrived at Dudley Zoological Gardens mid February, 2012, and has been overseeing the construction of Penguin Bay, a walkthrough experience where visitors can get really close to Humboldts. It will be completed for the zoo's 75th anniversary in early May.
UPDATE 27/04/12*
I travelled up to Dudley Zoo for a photoshoot and short filming session with Ella, Peter Suddock and Jill Hitchman. The weather was awful but that didn't dampen the spirits. They have created a fantastic Penguin Bay enclosure that has the penguins walking underneath the walkway from the pool to their beach/nesting area.
I had never been to the zoo before and was overwhelmed by the beauty and size of the zoo that is, basically, sited in the middle of a sprawling city suburb.
Located on a hill with Dudley castle at the top, the zoo covers the slopes and gives a feeling of vastness with plenty of trees and foliage to detract from the fact that you are overlooking suburban Birmingham!
I absolutely loved it despite the weather (especially the Lemur walkthrough that felt like being in a rainforest) and would highly recommend it.
See the pictures of the zoo I managed to take before the rain stopped play below.
Ella's Gallery 1
Ella's Gallery 2
Email Correspondence
FromGuy Wooles
Date22 September 2011
Todavid.education@dudleyzoo.org.uk
SubjectPaper Penguin Project
Hi,
My name is Guy Wooles and I’m an artist and designer. Twelve years ago I set up the Paper Penguin Project as a final year piece of work for my degree in Fine Art in Context. The project was designed to be a fun and interesting as well as educational but sadly it has lain dormant for a few years so now I've decided to reinvigorate the site and get it up and running again.
I am planning to provide educational and conservation information on the site as well as a page for penguin/wildlife related worksheets for educational establishments as well as individuals. So if there's anything you think I might include on the site or you have any ideas or information I can use I would appreciate your suggestions.
If you would like to take part in the project by taking one of my penguins and documenting its experiences with you it could be an interesting and fun way to show people the work that you do. Also you could use it as a vehicle to raise issues that you are currently dealing with.
I assume this is the first you have heard of the Paper Penguin Project so all the information can be found on the site for you to decide whether you would like to get involved in the project.
I have had penguins at the North Pole, New Zealand and Hong Kong – to name but a few. So they are already well travelled!
I have added your link to my site and was also hoping that you might place my link on your site. If you don’t think it appropriate this does not mean that I will remove your link.
Thank you for your time
Guy Wooles
FromJill Hitchman
Date17 November 2011
ToGuy Wooles
SubjectDudley Zoological Gardens / Paper Penguin Project
Hallo Guy,
Thanks for your email.
David Riley has recently left Dudley Zoological Gardens, so apologies for the delay in response, your letter has just reached me.
Fascinating project and yes, we would like very much like a DZG penguin.
As you're probably aware we have one of the largest parent-reared colonies of Humboldts in the UK; 2012 is our 75th anniversary, plus our oldest penguin, Pingu, celebrates his 21st birthday, so there's lots of reasons for a paper cousin!
Call our Chief Executive, Peter Suddock, on ***** ****** for a chat.
Kind regards,
Jill Hitchman
DZG Head of Media and Communications
FromGuy Wooles
Date3 Jan 2012
ToJill Hitchman
SubjectRE: Dudley Zoological Gardens / Paper Penguin Project
Hi Jill,
Many apologies for such a late reponse to your email. Life has been a bit hectic here, I'm afraid.
Thank you for your positive reply and I will get onto creating a special DZG Paper Penguin and will call Peter Suddock as soon as I can.
Once again, I apologise for such a long time for the reply.
Many thanks
Guy Wooles
FromJill Hitchman
Date14 February 2012
ToGuy Wooles
SubjectRe: Dudley Zoological Gardens / Paper Penguin Project
Hi Guy,
Thank you SO much for Ella, she is beautiful and travels well - arrived in perfect condition.
I'll be sorting out a press release - is there any chance you can come along to Dudley for a photo shoot, to pose alongside her?
Forgot to mention that this year's new exhibit will be Penguin Bay - a walkthrough experience where visitors can get really close to Humboldts. Work will start in the next week or so and be finished in time for our 75th anniversary in early May.
I appreciate it's quite a distance, but do let me know if you have an available date.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Kind regards,
Jill
PS The cards are fantastic, Ella was so right to include them in her case - I'm sure you'll be hearing from the Chief Exec!
FromGuy Wooles
Date15 February 2012
ToJill Hitchman
SubjectRE: Dudley Zoological Gardens / Paper Penguin Project
Hi Jill,
Glad to hear the old bird arrived safely! I would love to come to Dudley. When's the best time for you? Wednesdays or Thursdays are best for me and I should be available most weeks from now onwards. I can do next week if you wish. Just let me know when and I'll make myself available!
Speak to you soon
Guy
FromLynne Grove
Date06 April 2012
ToGuy Wooles
SubjectRe: Dudley Zoological Gardens / Paper Penguin Project
Guy,
Peter Suddock has asked me to contact you to see if you are able to come along to DZG for a photoshoot. Friday 27th April and Monday 30th April are good days for us; but if neither are suitable for you, perhaps you could let me have some alternative dates.
REGARDS
Lynne Grove
P.A. to Chief Executive
Dudley Zoological Gardens
FromGuy Wooles
Date06 April 2012
ToLynne Grove
SubjectRe: DZG
Hi Lynne,
Friday 27th April looks to be a good day for me. If you could let me know the details that would be great. I look forward to seeing you then.
Cheers
Guy
FromLynne Grove
Date11 April 2012
ToGuy Wooles
SubjectRe: DZG
Guy, if you could make it for around 11.30am. Jill will arrange everything with the photographer. If you need any details how to get here etc. let me know.
REGARDS
LYNNE
FromGuy Wooles
Date25 April 2012
ToLynne Grove
SubjectRe: DZG
Hi Lynne,
Just confirming that everything is set for Friday 27th April. I will aim to get there for 11.30am and hope that the traffic is kind to me! I take it I should introduce myself at the main reception.
Cheers
Guy
FromLynne Grove
Date26 April 2012
ToGuy Wooles
SubjectRe: DZG
Yes Guy we have your visit in the diary; look forward to seeing you.
REGARDS
LYNNE