There are definitely a ton of climbing structures inside this cage, and the mesh surroundings allow the monkeys to grasp and climb every nook and cranny of the exhibit. Obviously far from a natural environment for the primates, but in terms of strictly functional terms it is superb.
There are definitely a ton of climbing structures inside this cage, and the mesh surroundings allow the monkeys to grasp and climb every nook and cranny of the exhibit. Obviously far from a natural environment for the primates, but in terms of strictly functional terms it is superb.
All the original primate enclosures at both parks are similar to this and a lot of them, (for about 90% of the primates they have) are still in use. Even the rare Drills live in one of these older style cages at Port Lympne.
But the new style Primate enclosures at both parks(one at Port Lympne, three at Howletts) are very different- electrified fencing surrounding either large natural trees or a mixture of grass, natural trees and artificial climbing poles. They are far more spacious than the old-style 'cages' and have similar but larger modern log-cabin-type indoor areas with viewing windows inset. There is one for Colobus and De Brazzas(mixed) at PL. One each for Lion Tailed Macaques and Javan Langurs at Howletts. Plus the most recent, a truly enormous one for Colobus and a pair of Gelada baboons at Howletts. There are photos of it somewhere in the Gallery.
Thanks Pertinax, and I have seen and perhaps even commented on the fairly new developments at the Howletts and Port Lympne parks. It appears as if both zoos are going in the direction of the more modern enclosures.
The size or type of enclosure has nothing to do with whether they will breed or not...
The same pair of Drills bred several offspring previously(some came with them) while living in a much smaller cage at Stuttgart Zoo. So the 'old style' PL enclosure is in fact much roomier and better for them. However they could also make their area much bigger by opening up an area of Woodland with an electrified fence- the enclosure has extensive woodland surrounding it so it could be done quite easily.
