How many species will be in the new ape house? Bonobos, Lowland Gorillas and Orangutans have all been in the zoo's recent collection, and will all of those species still be present? There is certainly a vast amount of concrete in the design and a distinct lack of naturalism, but are the outdoor exhibits excellent? The big skylights are definitely a nice touch!
Have many of these would be available for each species?
Looking at your other photos of the interior of this brand new house, it seems there is a much wider enclosure for the Gorillas(not finished like this one) The design of the steps also reminds me rather of the indoor areas of the 1975-built Ape House at Bristol Zoo (now converted into a nocturnal house)
Given the Gorillas are likely to spend more time indoors than out, I think the indoor areas are more important really, however exciting they have made the outside for viewing.
wow! A nice wide space for visitors. An a lot of modern architecture. Oh, this isn't a museum of modern art but a place to keep Gorillas and it's 2013?
wow! A nice wide space for visitors. An a lot of modern architecture. Oh, this isn't a museum of modern art but a place to keep Gorillas and it's 2013?
Judging from the dimensions here(in relation to the people) I would imagine this particular enclosure is for Bonobos or another species rather than the Gorillas-for which the longer/larger more unfinished enclosure in other photos seems most likely.
This one does seem pretty much completed. I don't know if they will add more 'furniture' as its sterility does seem its most prominent attribute at present.
I apprehend that your hope will be disappointed. It is unbelievable that they built such an unnatural, ugly concrete indoor exhibit for apes in 2013!
For the record: I really like the Wilhelma Stuttgart in general. But this new ape enclosure (at least the indoor part) is a shame and a vaste of money.
