This is new, and sad. This was quite a big part of one of the very early seasons of the Zoo TV programme, and I think her mother died soon afterwards too.
Did you find the other two orangs? I think there might be one near Rajah.
This is new, and sad. This was quite a big part of one of the very early seasons of the Zoo TV programme, and I think her mother died soon afterwards too.
Did you find the other two orangs? I think there might be one near Rajah.
I didn't look for the other two. I'm in two minds over this baby being on display. I'm not a sentimental person so on that level it doesn't bother me, but it does as you say seem sad to have her stuffed on display like this.
Surprising to see an ape that died so recently - and at such a young age - on display. What sort of reaction was she getting from the public? I honestly think that my partner, my children, and hers, would all be upset.
I'm not over critical myself - but I am aware that many would be.
same. To me it is just a museum piece, but for a lot of visitors (especially younger ones) it might be a bit upsetting. It is displayed right outside the Weird and Wonderful section which is aimed largely at children. The sign with it is (I'm guessing) to show that this animal wasn't shot or anything but at the same time it is basically saying outright "hey this was that cute baby orangutan from the zoo, look at it now!"
There wasn't anybody else looking at it when I was there so I don't know reactions.
Leaving all that aside, I actually am very impressed with how well it has been prepared. It looks very life-like. Perhaps the expression is a little sad though....
I was back at the museum yesterday. The display case now has Darli and another orangutan from Auckland Zoo named Ginger Rogers, and it has been decorated in "jungle foliage" (when the above photo was taken the case was bare).
There are no longer any live exhibits at the museum either (photos of the former live exhibits are elsewhere in this gallery).
