I don't like to criticise the zoo, but this is just horrific. I appreciate that the undergrowth will grow back but, judging by the freshly cut stumps around the island, more substantial shrubs/trees have been eliminated.
I don't like to criticise the zoo, but this is just horrific. I appreciate that the undergrowth will grow back but, judging by the freshly cut stumps around the island, more substantial shrubs/trees have been eliminated.
Apparently to make the Orangutans more visible. The trees were also extensively pruned to prevent risk to the animals using the weakened/broken and overused branches.
It will be interesting to see what it looks like by mid-summer, as there will be some regeneration obviously. But I fear the unique sight of Orangutans climbing in natural tree foliage in a UK zoo could be a thing of the past now.
This does look utterly dreadful, but some of the trees had suffered pretty badly already. Perhaps this was the right time for action before the young orangs become more independent and adventurous. I trust that only trees which were potentially unsafe or which could not recover have been removed totally. The next step must be to provide more climbing materials on the island. I wonder if they will be forced to consider hot-wiring the remaining trees while they regrow their crowns.
I think the lesson to be learned is that running three female orangs individually in one house and two islands is not compatible with natural vegetation, even in Paignton's mild climate.
I hope they will regrow their crowns. Afaik they are Willows(?) of some sort, so likely to be pretty resilient and cutting back can stimulate more growth, but aren't they only likely to grow bushy crowns now, rather than any more strong branches. Am I wrong there?
I can understand them having to remove all the broken and weakened branches,which could be dangerous but it looks like they have gone a lot further now. If the Orangs can only climb up and down the remaining unconnected 'poles' they will soon not bother to use them. Unfortunately adding connecting ropes etc isn't going to bring back the natural effect either. But I guess we need to see what it looks like in July...
