There is quite a contrast between the exhibit in 2001 and the way it appears today, as the new partition (while necessary) has taken some of the edge off of the brilliance of this 30 year-old gem.
It was definately the best Chimp enclosure I had ever seen anywhere, at least until they divided it- which I haven't seen. Its not complicated, its all to do with both the overall size and the slope down toward the public viewing- making the whole enclosure clearly visible. Mind you, I do wonder if a really determined Chimp couldn't jump that moat, from the concreted section at least.
It was definately the best Chimp enclosure I had ever seen anywhere, at least until they divided it- which I haven't seen. Its not complicated, its all to do with both the overall size and the slope down toward the public viewing- making the whole enclosure clearly visible. Mind you, I do wonder if a really determined Chimp couldn't jump that moat, from the concreted section at least.
Have a look in the gallery to see how it looks now. Being divided makes it looks smaller but it makes it easier to introduce new individuals into the group or separate individuals if necessary.
I prefer the exhibit as it is today, there seem to be many more climbing opportunities since the enclosure was upgraded. The division of the enclosure may not be all that attractive, but the net covering over the smaller section has allowed for more climbing structures than would have been possible otherwise.
