Not the space leading to the southern outdoor exhibit; the construction of the mesh chutes and slides is causing the delay. Islands, Chester, 19th August 2015
Not the space leading to the southern outdoor exhibit; the construction of the mesh chutes and slides is causing the delay. Islands, Chester, 19th August 2015
One enclosure has sway poles, I posted a pic on the gallery.
Chester tried planting inside their current exhibit and the orangs soon destroyed it all. The plants behind the netting, once mature, will offer a lush forest backdrop.
Chester tried planting inside their current exhibit and the orangs soon destroyed it all. The plants behind the netting, once mature, will offer a lush forest backdrop.
A common problem when planting exhibits for primates, leading to a famous quote of the former Zoo Atlanta director to replant the exhibit again and again.^^
Instead of fake rockwork, why not use naturalistic ingredients, such as real wood, and more options for brachiation?
the other indoor enclosures have more trees and sway poles in them. This does look quite bare, and although I anticipate the addition of lots of ropes/straps I think there could be more 'trees' to give a forest look and feel
The sway poles are at the other end of this enclosure, see my other photo of it, and in the others as well. I imagine there will be more straps hanging from the roof and perhaps hammocks too (or they may cover those mesh 'nests' to provide resting places). Hanging straps will allow the orangs to climb up for the scatter feeds on the mesh roof (which I am told will happen) and to travel by swinging as well as by swaying their poles.
I have no doubt that all these elements of cage furniture in the indoor enclosures, plus the space and planting in the outdoor ones and all the choices provided for the orangs and the gibbons will make a first rate exhibit. I look forward to spending many happy hours watching them and I would be prepared to forgive much uglier fake rockwork than this to enjoy this spectacle
One enclosure has sway poles, I posted a pic on the gallery.
Chester tried planting inside their current exhibit and the orangs soon destroyed it all. The plants behind the netting, once mature, will offer a lush forest backdrop.
ZooChatters should realise that these enclosures are designed with the welfare of the animals as the primary concern. Visitors' aesthetics come some way down the list of priorities. I agree that black mesh would look nicer, but I am sure that the team at the Chester would not have specified this type of mesh unless it has real advantages.
I think this is the same as the mesh used in RotRA, which has been very satisfactory. If so, it is stainless steel and will carry Puluh's weight, so all the orangs will be able to climb on it, if they wish.
