Apparently not! With the possible exception of the moat, according to recent discussion in the Dudley threads. Though it's such a distinctive building that I'd like to see it retained in some capacity.
Here's my fix-all-problem solution, but if they were to use this area and net the roof over (fill in the moat too) that might be a cheap fix that works well for the apes.
If people want the "giant urinal" kept on the zoo grounds, without actually demolishing the monstrosity, then I have a suggestion. Why not evacuate all of the primates and build a large sign that says "how NOT to exhibit animals"? Or "how NOT to show respect to our closest relatives"? All in jest, as there are many enclosures that are much worse in other zoos.
If people want the "giant urinal" kept on the zoo grounds, without actually demolishing the monstrosity, then I have a suggestion. Why not evacuate all of the primates and build a large sign that says "how NOT to exhibit animals"?
This building represents Ape keeping in the 1960's. It was loosely modelled on the Bronx Zoo's former Great Apes building which was itself built a couple of decades earlier. The moat and walls are similar though Bronx's was superior, being roomier and having oblong, not semi- circular, shaped yards which were also terraced to give a bit more variety..
The only thing to do with this house now is raise it to the ground. Believe me, the indoors is dark and gloomy and the exhibit dens are substandard and have been offshow to the public for many years because they would provoke critisism if seen by visitors in this day and age. There are few modifiications that could be done to the outdoor areas without considerable expense, and I'd far rather see any money used on a completely different enclosure- one without the horrible backdrop of brick walls. The old carnivore pits which are 'listed' have been mentioned as a new home for the Orangutans- sympathetically redesigned for Orangs they would be preferable to this enclosure- which could then be bulldozed to the ground. If the moat is listed it could be incorporate in some display for an aquatic species.
Dudley zoo has been talking about replacing this House for many years but its still there and in use. I say; get that awful House down!!!
Again with the bulldozers! I'm as keen to get the orangs out of this enclosure as the next man but does history count for nothing? I'm sure the structure and site could be put to good use without the need to obliterate one of the zoo's most distinctive buildings.
Makes a really nice feature - allows for educational material on how animal keeping has developed and progressed but still providing a useful space and not requiring every old building to be torn down.
That seens to be a current question, when someone is arguing about enclosure quality and many will say that is a animal breeds, he's happy and so, everything is fine.
Well, it's not!
Animals (of any species) will do their very best to live and breed - it's their instinct!
If they have the minimun confort, they will do it, and that doesnt necessarily means that the enclosure is Ok ..
On this particular enclosure ... I've to agree that it's not that bad, but please, it's in the UK and we're over the 20's .. just get it down and built a decent enclosure for these amazing animals.
