What a nasty little cage! I was just scanning the ZooChat gallery and admiring Nashville Zoo's lush, jungle-like pair of gibbon islands this morning and so I'm a tad disheartened to see an ape in such an outdated metal box. Was there just the one gibbon?
Yes, and there was I believe a siamang in the enclosure next door. Despite the bad exhibit, the gibbon was taking full advantage of its swinging capabilities.
Yes, and there was I believe a siamang in the enclosure next door. Despite the bad exhibit, the gibbon was taking full advantage of its swinging capabilities.
@blospz: we generally agree with each other on this forum (other than perhaps the infamous all-indoor gorilla exhibit at Buffalo Zoo). However, I know that there are some folks who will probably have little to no issue with this gibbon cage, as shocking as that may seem.
The crazy thing about this metal cage is that I know that there are some ZooChatters who will point out that the basic needs of these animals are being met, with food, shelter, water and space being provided. Is there a need for a naturalistic environment? Is anything more required other than a few bars to cling on, an assortment of ropes, a water bowl and a food dish? Some folks are happy with substandard captive conditions as long as the most basic needs are supplied. In my opinion an enclosure like the one in this photo simply perpetuates the myth within the mindset of many humans that zoos are awful prisons, as this photo could easily be used to damage the hard-won reputation of many zoological establishments. Once an individual visits a zoo with some kind of lush, naturalistic primate island complete with all types of enrichment then seeing such a pathetic cage is extremely disheartening.
I often find that cages are pretty good solutions for gibbons as it does give them some extra climbing possibilities. Like you @snowleopard I do prefer a lush island for gibbons but not at the expense of the animals. Some zoos insist of making islands because they look better but if there is a lack of space resulting in most of the area being used for a water moat, a netted cage will be a thousand times better and these can also be done very successfully and naturalistic.
HOWEVER, just because I think cages can be good for gibbons this one certainly isn't. I do not see the shelter you mention (at least not adequate) and there is hardly space for a gibbon to move about.
Regarding cages like this, I recommend Terry Maples book "Inside the Zoo Revolution". I also recall an article a long time ago from someone working at Atlanta titled "Why build a forest for gorillas", where the first time a gorilla set foot on natural ground in a new enclosure is described. While I have my problems with "naturalistic" gorilla enclosures like at San Diego, "natural" enclosures are always better and both the book and the article might be an interesting read for the people at Catoctin ...
@Saro: Terry Maple's book is very well written, and it reveals a wealth of experience from the man who is credited with turning Zoo Atlanta from one of the worst zoos in America to one of the better establishments.
@Toddy: I agree that many netted enclosures for primates are hugely successful, and as you correctly point out can also create an area of naturalism for the public. The flex of the netting/mesh and the brachiating opportunities are almost endless, while in a small, metal, barred cage there are many limitations both in appearance and use.
