Is that observation deck for zoo visitors? I ask because it doesn't appear to be very large, even though I realize that there are plenty of other viewing opportunities around this massive enclosure.
It is interesting to compare this evidently lavish enclosure, both the indoors and outside, with what they built for Gorillas(and Orangtan) when they kept them only comparatively recently. That was a VERY badly designed(worst in UK I think) house- a dingy cell-like inside House with gloomy sunken dens while outside were plain grassy yards which were amazingly difficult to view properly as they were mostly obscured by hedges. The orangs died, the last pair of Gorillas were sent away (now are both dead) and the 'Ape' house currently houses a large baboon troop from Paris Zoo.
Edinburgh have come a long way with design, from that house to this topclass Chimpanzee exhibit.
It is interesting to compare this evidently lavish enclosure, both the indoors and outside, with what they built for Gorillas(and Orangtan) when they kept them only comparatively recently. That was a VERY badly designed(worst in UK I think) house- a dingy cell-like inside House with gloomy sunken dens while outside were plain grassy yards which were amazingly difficult to view properly as they were mostly obscured by hedges. The orangs died, the last pair of Gorillas were sent away (now are both dead) and the 'Ape' house currently houses a large baboon troop from Paris Zoo.
Edinburgh have come a long way with design, from that house to this topclass Chimpanzee exhibit.
Amazing what a change at the top can do
Completely agree 100% with you pertinax, but it looks as though we may be stuck with the old ape house for a few years longer
As long as they only keep Baboons in it, its okay. I really thought it was abysmal though. Maybe they will build something wonderful for Orangutans one day and have them back again....
Im not normally one for the big new modern enclosures but when i saw Budongo i was filled with Awe.It offers the Chimps everything they need - Loads and Loads of Climbing Oppurtunities a mixture of Floor covering,light,vegitation,rocks and humidity so they can choose between and privacy.The Chimps showed no stereotypic behavior and all appeared enjoying what they were doing if it was sleeping,climbing,building a nest and of course eating!
In my opinion i thought Budongo was excellent it does for me look very good and impressive from the outside and the indoor is full of displays,a film area,viewing deck for outside and plenty of visitor space.
Theres no doubt that it is the best Chimp Enclosure in the Uk - Possibly the World.
Also Pertinax in the Wonders Never Cease Guidebooks Orangutans are seen in the masterplan in a Tropical Forest Biome with Malayan tapir and more - And in the Master Plan Map that is shown to be in the Budongo/Polar Bear/Pygmy Hippo Area right in the Center of the Zoo.
Hope this is useful Pertinax,
So the fallen trees at the front of the exhibit.....were these live trees that they have pulled down, or were these place here since the exhibit opened to allow for an escape route out of the moat if any animals fall in?
I think they were always there. That whole area of plants is hotwired, so the chimps can't get near the moat. I'd guess they can't get any closer than about 4 metres from the waters edge.
