Chester Zoo Primates

[Thonoir]

My main comment on the inside area ... was designed for the very strong Common Chimpanzees and any other species(even Bonobos) would look dwarfed by it. But it could quite easily be replaced by logs, branches and more sympathetic modern 'vine' type climbing equipment (as used in ROTRA)- to suit the needs of whatever species was going to go in there.

I completely agree. There are a number of species which would make good use of the current chimpanzee enclosure but there would ideally be considerable work done before a new species was housed there. In response to your earlier comment, I disagree that mandrills would be suitable as they are predominantly terrestrial and would likely not make full use of the exhibit.

I'll also agree with a previous poster (I forget their name, sorry *edit - haz-cat at the top of this page*) who stated that most lemurs would be unsuitable for the islands. Personally, I'd love to see squirrel monkeys, Pithecids (titis, sakis, uakaris), grivet or colobus. But that's just a personal wish-list and is free of any objectivity.

 

[Pertinax]

In response to your earlier comment, I disagree that mandrills would be suitable as they are predominantly terrestrial and would likely not make full use of the exhibit.

Yes, on reflection I would agree with that. Something like Guenons, Langurs or Gibbons would use it better. But I still think Bonobos would perhaps be the best choice if it ever becomes vacant.

 

[bongorob]

Thats something i've been meaning to ask regarding the Ruffed Lemurs. I've never seen them on the island, are they given acsess or do they just stay in the house and adjoining cage by choice?

I've seen black and white ruffed lemurs on the island. They're more often heard than seen though. I've never seen the gentle lemurs anywhere apart from in the house. I think the bridge is closed in cold weather in case the water freezes, but other than that I think they come and go as they please.