I always think this is a disappointing exhibit-a huge island but only the very small group of Chimpanzees (about 6, nearly all males). Nice for them but not much for people to see. I actually preferred it when it was simpler with an electric fence instead of the wide watermoat- they were more visible than they are now.
I think it would improve things if they could increase their numbers- that would make them a better display visually and increase their interactions etc. A pity they don't/can't take back the 6/7 females (from ZSL) from Dudley Zoo!!
The current group of chimpanzees are four males and two females. The males are Phil, Elvis (Born 14th August 2002), Grant, Koko and the two females Nicky and Bonnie. When I went in December 2010 I was actually pretty impressed with this enclosure but thought they could have had more enrichment and/or more foliage. I thought this area was pretty nice until I saw the difference between this and Edinburgh's 'Budongo trail'.
Emmett and two of the elephants were given access outdoors in 2010 although it was partially off-show. The chimps were confined indoors as were the female elephant and calves. I have to say not a lot of the animals were given access outdoors- although I don't blame them.
No, it definately doesn't shut down. Its open to visitors all year but obviously some animals are confined indoors or on hardstandings etc in the worst winter weather and Whipsnade has a rather exposed location on the top of the Dunstable downs, so it does catch any bad weather.
The chimps have a large indoor area and a small outdoor cage as well as the big island. I imagine they have access outside if they want it unless the weather is very bad, or the watermoat freezes.
The Elephants have a large barn but I suspect they are allowed out as much as possible in winter too, and probably still exercised around the grounds on a daily basis, weather permitting.
I was up at Whipsnade in the snow on Sunday and agree with Pertinax, it definitely hadn't shut down! Quite a few families sledging down slopes and enjoying the cold weather. Was nice to see the red pandas, lynx and wolverine being very active! The only animals you couldn't see were the cheetahs and the otters, because their moats were frozen so could have wandered across them if let out. All the elephants were outside in the large paddock enjoying the snow including little Scott the new calf. The chimps were curled up inside although a couple were outside throwing snow and eating it, Koko is a female and I think the oldest of the group if I remember correctly from the chimp talk at Christmas, whilst Nicky is the dominant male.
Yes, Koko is the eldest, and most recent addition, as she and Jonny came from London zoo where they were the last two chimps- sadly Jonny had to be shot when they escaped but Koko allowed herself to be recaptured. After that she was integrated into the main group. She was born at Dudley and is the only(surviving) offspring of their old male Pepe- its a pity she has no offspring to continue that line.
