Bobby, the silverback, died in December. There are currently just three females in this exhibit. It certainly has potential; I personally can't wait until they introduce the colobus monkeys.
They had removed access, but are now gradually working towards introducing them again. They are aware of how slowly they need to do it and so are not setting any deadlines/estimates for when it'll happen again. The number of colobus is steadily increasing, so they'll soon need more space than in their current enclosure anyway. Hope it works this time.
I would still like to see some live fast growing trees planted among all the dead ones. They could be hotwired for protection while they grow of course. That is a Eucalyptus in the background but growing outside the exhibit, imagine how even just a few more trees like that would 'break up' the landscape more as well as providing overhead cover for the gorillas.
No new Silverback has arrived yet.
I don't understand why there is such a problem with the Colobus access. A much simpler entry point than that huge fake hollow tree would help-perhaps a simple platform on top of a pole which the gorillas couldn't climb but the Colobus could jump onto from their tunnel?
With the grass growing and dead trees added since my visit (fairly soon after it opened), the exhibit now looks a whole lot better. MUCH better, still not good enough though.. some fast-growing trees and bushes would cnvert this into a really good gorilla enclosure. The indoor rom is already good, with lots of climbing opportunities.
. some fast-growing trees and bushes would cnvert this into a really good gorilla enclosure. The indoor rom is already good, with lots of climbing opportunities.
Yes, its funny the indoor 'dayroom' doesn't get discussed much- I think its actually very good though its size means it can't hold too many adults. I also like the fact it has plenty of natural daylight and is not gloomy like many indoor areas.
Yes, its funny the indoor 'dayroom' doesn't get discussed much- I think its actually very good though its size means it can't hold too many adults. I also like the fact it has plenty of natural daylight and is not gloomy like many indoor areas.
Agreed, they had also added wooden screens in the exhibit so the gorillas could hide behind them if they wish (I can't explain it clearly - the screens are in the exhibit, not on the glass...)
I like it more than Bristol's indoor area, for instance, which is tall but narrow and rather dark, particularly the side further from the island.
I've said it before but I still think GK is a good exhibit for the public as there is ample viewing along the perimeters. For the Gorillas its getting better too but they could still add improvements (as above).
