Thanks Taun ! The greater challenge for me was being let loose with my recently acquired birthday present camera, which, as yet, is scaring and exciting me in equal measure as I have only the most basic idea of how to use it. There's going to be an awful lot of trial and error I think ..........
This is what we were discussing when we saw him. I don't know how much longer Puluh will tolerate him for ....... he's 11 isn't he ? The same age Puluh was when Padang was born.
I might be talking rubbish here but would it be possible to create a 2nd breeding group at Chester by restricting access to particular areas, instead of allowing free rein everywhere as the group has at the moment ? Presumably this could be done practically ...... for example, I understand that the gibbons and orangs are separated at feeding times. However, even if separated by closed doors etc., would the close proximity of 2 mature males then cause problems - as they'd still be able to see and hear each other indoors.
Durrell Zoo (appreciate not strictly UK) keeps them doesn't it but presumably has its own breeding male. It would be a shame to see him go ...... he's very handsome.
I might be talking rubbish here but would it be possible to create a 2nd breeding group at Chester by restricting access to particular areas, instead of allowing free rein everywhere as the group has at the moment ? Presumably this could be done practically ...... for example, I understand that the gibbons and orangs are separated at feeding times. However, even if separated by closed doors etc., would the close proximity of 2 mature males then cause problems - as they'd still be able to see and hear each other indoors.
They could keep the middle section free and allow two seperate groups access to the seperate outdoor areas. Using the middle area for Gibbons if needs be.
However this presents problems when they re-plant an indoor area and restrict access to allow the plants to establish themselves.
I might be talking rubbish here but would it be possible to create a 2nd breeding group at Chester by restricting access to particular areas, instead of allowing free rein everywhere as the group has at the moment ?
Certainly not rubbish. They could start a 2nd group and they hae room both indoor and out to keep them seperate. Puloh and Padang wouldn't live together as adults but I doubt they would be a problem living in the same house, if seperated. Perhaps they do indeed intend to do so- it would be interesting to know their longterm plans in that direction.
I would think they will have to make a decision about Puluh within the next couple of years- it rather depends on several variables- Chester's own plans and whether somewhere else in Europe needs a young breeding male and the EEP studbook keepers choose or recommend a move for him.
Jersey don't need a male of Puluh's age. Bristol's plans seem to be rather static at present(i.e. no actual development of the Conservation Park?) but that could be an obvious(and very good) home for him in due course.
Perhaps the studbook keeper might consider moving both Puluh and Padang. All Chester's females are closely related, so I'm not sure whether there is much benefit in producing more offspring from Puluh with Emma and Subis. An exchange of males could shuffle the pack beneficially. One or other of the current males might even go to the USA, because as far as I know, they have no relatives there.
Anything is possible I guess. I do wish a couple of other UK collections would go into Sumatran orangutans. They are so interesting to watch- but if you don't live near Chester there's currently no chance to see them easily(Jersey being the only other alternative)
