The tiny ledge, with a few ropes hanging down, forms the diana monkey exhibit on the far right hand side of this photo. The seemingly tiny space is separated from the lion enclosure by a small moat, and there are at least 1-2 other examples of similar enclosures at Riverbanks. Essentially these exhibits are basic, outdated grottoes that should in reality be demolished into oblivion.
Is that all the Diana Monkeys have to climb on- just the few ropes I can see in the photo? No branches, tree trunks, nothing else? I think that's appalling for a USA exhibit in 2011.
By the late 80s, exhibits like Seattle's Savanna and gorilla, Bronx's Jungleworld and Himalayan Highlands, San Diego's Kopje and Tiger River were all well established as examples of good zoo design, so it's really not an excuse for this sort of pedestrian, cliched grotto design that it was built during that time period.
I do believe, however, that these Riverbanks grottoes actually date from the mid-70s, as part of the original zoo that opened in 1974. That provides a slightly better excuse for this uninspired lump of gunite.
Is that all the Diana Monkeys have to climb on- just the few ropes I can see in the photo? No branches, tree trunks, nothing else? I think that's appalling for a USA exhibit in 2011.
Overall Riverbanks is a fairly poor zoo, except for the fact that it contains arguably one of America's 10 best reptile houses. Here is a close-up view of the entire diana monkey exhibit:
Thanks for posting that. It is a bit larger/roomier than I first thought and they are constrained by the Grotto walls as to how much 'furniture' they can put in there. I'd still prefer to see more equipment for them though. Its too bare really for Forest Monkeys..
I can understand them still having to use these outdated Grottoes they are stuck with, but do feel they should make best use for the animals in them though- same comment for Hamadryas grotto.
