The orangs have two islands and what you are seeing here is the small one which only has a few spindley trees. The trees you can see in the background are on the larger island.
As redpanda implies, it's impossible to take a photo of the whole area.
Do you remember when that was?
Of course, I'm trying to gauge how well the exhibit and the trees are standing up to such exciting use.
Based on the posted pictures, this is perhaps the best looking orang exhibit I know of. Paighton has a much longer growing season than many northern zoos, so plant recovery cannot be compared to, say, Chester or Seattle. But still it's a chance for me to learn something
The orangutans moved into the Ape House and islands in 1997. Male, Nakal, used to go on the small island but didn't climb a lot. He left Paignton in 2006. Meanwhile, the large island was used by 4 unathletic, overweight females.
Demo and Mali arrived in November 2007 and, since their quarantine finished, have used both islands enthusiastically for climbing, demolition and eating purposes, with the remaining two females now joining in.
The orangutans moved into the Ape House and islands in 1997. Male, Nakal, used to go on the small island but didn't climb a lot. He left Paignton in 2006. Meanwhile, the large island was used by 4 unathletic, overweight females.
Demo and Mali arrived in 2007 and, since their quarantine finished, have used both islands enthusiastically for climbing, demolition and eating purposes, with the remaining two females now joining in.
Meanwhile, the large island was used by 4 unathletic, overweight females.
Demo and Mali arrived in 2007 and, since their quarantine finished, have used both islands enthusiastically for climbing, demolition and eating purposes, with the remaining two females now joining in.
Its interesting that one of those 4 females was Chinta-and look at her in this photo! Being younger and less obese than Bulu or Senja she was obviously able to adapt to this new life- but only after she was set an example by Demo & Mali as I don't think even she climbed trees before they came?
Some additional info for Zooplantman; The original Orangs at Paignton came from London Zoo- they sadly never adapted to the wonderful new climbing opportunities available to them as the older ones were obese and inactive from years of former cage life. They didn't venture very far outdoors at Paignton, let alone (AFAIK) climb the trees. So for ten years the trees and vegetation on the larger island, apart from near the indoor area, have hardly been touched.
There has been an amazing transformation of the use of the outside enclosure since the young pair of 'active climbers' arrived from Germany. It is also certainly(and easily) the BEST outdoor Orangutan enclosure in the UK as its the only one which is almost completely natural.
There are plenty of tall trees for them to climb- mainly mature Willow & Alder, and I would imagine they can by and large withstand the punishment they get, though they will probably become a bit damaged-looking longterm. I think the tree Chinta is seen in here is a tall Alder tree that has always looked like that, maybe some branches have been broken off by the Apes, I'm not sure.
Chinta never used to be this adventurous. Gambira surprised us this morning by climbing up to the top platform here. It took some effort but she did it, and was joined by a much more nimble Mali.
I think these trees have looked like this for some time. Demo has been stripping bark off trees on both islands lately, something Nakal used to do to the lower parts of these Alders.
I have seen Chinta climbing the tree near the viewing area that is between the Gorilla and Orangs.,whilst Bulu sat at the very end of the large island whilst Gambira just chilled inside.
I think the only way to get a picture of the area the orangs have is to wait untill the leaves are of the trees and go up the bank over looking the enclosure. Climbed up there yesterday for a recay but too many leaves blocking the view. Might need a reminder as winter approaches.
