July 2008. This is an unusual enclosure, because there is a metal walkway for the gorillas high up in the air. I watched apes stroll around the exhibit without ever touching the ground.
July 2008. This is an unusual enclosure, because there is a metal walkway for the gorillas high up in the air. I watched apes stroll around the exhibit without ever touching the ground.
I've never seen the gorillas' outdoor home, but I hope it is large. I see that they have
very little bushes and trees around. Wish they did so the gorillas would have more
privacy away from gawking noisy humans.
Howlett's cages have got that sort of thing, criss-crossing bars all over the roof, it's a pretty good idea. I would have thought they would have put some sort of straw or bark or something down though, I would think the gorillas would prefer it to astro turf though (unless they let this grass grow?).
I would have thought they would have put some sort of straw or bark or something down though, I would think the gorillas would prefer it to astro turf though (unless they let this grass grow?).
This was my immediate reaction too, I can't stand to see short green grass in exhibits when longer grasses and vegetation or - as in this case - a covering of interesting and enriching material would add so much to the space.
What is interesting is that this gorilla exhibit is I believe the only one of its kind in North America. The Columbus Zoo has copied the Howletts design, but to my knowledge no other zoo on this side of the Atlantic has duplicated the approach to enclosure design. Most of the top zoos have built rainforest environments and green pastures, with varying degrees of success.
The Columbus Zoo exhibit is wonderful, plenty of climbing and recreational opportunities for the gorillas. That is what I look after when judging gorilla exhibits and enclosures. I have only been to Howletts Zoo once, but me and those with me would just stand there in silence and observe gorillas young and old at play. No one said anything, it was magical and I can still recall it eight years later. Put the animals first; take care of their recreational and nutritional needs, then they will reward you with breeding and longevity. Gorillas that have never been to Central Africa will not need a fake rainforest. The fake rainforests are for us, not the animals, and then we are back one hundred years at least in zoo design. Did they build the Egyptian Temple at Antwerpen Zoo in 1856 for the guests or for the animals? Why do the Howletts and Columbus gorillas breed like rats? If anyone can give me another reason than the one suggested above, I will take off my hat for him or her.
I could not have worded that better myself. I agree with everything you've just said and it's 100% true. Some would argue the education of the public would come over all of your mentioned points but I'd disagree completely.
Want to see gorillas properly, go to Howletts
I could not have worded that better myself. I agree with everything you've just said and it's 100% true. Some would argue the education of the public would come over all of your mentioned points but I'd disagree completely.
Want to see gorillas properly, go to Howletts
Why are people in denial that both can't be accomplished? They think an exhibit has to be ugly for it to work for the animals. Yes, this exhibit works for the gorillas, so does Howletts, but they are not that inspiring. Congo Gorilla Forest is both inspirational and works for the gorillas. So it accomplishes everything Howletts does, and then some.
Errr, no...
I'm not in denial about other forms of gorilla exhibit working, it just so happens that every naturalistic exhibit I've seen is nothing compared to Howletts. That's all.
