First proper shot I've seen of the indoors. I like it, its light and airy, spacious and with not too much equipment filling the space- I like the big tree trunk arrangement too.
This indoor area looks much better than what is found at many other zoos worldwide, but what is the visitor viewing area like? Is there adequate space for visitors or could large crowds cause a problem? I wonder if the gorillas will spend a lot of time in here, as their outoor island (while quite impressive) is also very open with little overhead cover.
This indoor area looks much better than what is found at many other zoos worldwide, but what is the visitor viewing area like? Is there adequate space for visitors or could large crowds cause a problem? I wonder if the gorillas will spend a lot of time in here, as their outoor island (while quite impressive) is also very open with little overhead cover.
You're right, I forgot to make a proper picture of the inside viewing area. I've just got this one
The inside is pretty simple, there is just one bench and that's it. (On the left from this big window is the small window where you can watch the keepers.
I think summer will show, if it is an adequate space for crowds of visitors... But then again, the crowds are there only when the weather is nice and then I woudl expect the gorillas to be outside... We'll see
I wonder if the gorillas will spend a lot of time in here, as their outoor island (while quite impressive) is also very open with little overhead cover.
I think they'll discover that the Gorillas behave exactly as in so many other 'open' exhibits, preferring a roof over their heads and staying inside a lot (if allowed to). The island is heavily planted with a huge range of plants including many(deliberately) unpalatable species, including trees, so there may be more cover for them, given time.
The tree appears to be a beech (Fagus). If that is so and if it is real, then I feel sorry for them when, in the near future, it rots and needs to be replaced! I expect they are aware of this, of course.
The tree appears to be a beech (Fagus). If that is so and if it is real, then I feel sorry for them when, in the near future, it rots and needs to be replaced! I expect they are aware of this, of course.
Hadn't thought of that but I expect the Gorillas will soon spoil it by debarking it anyway- as they are evidently doing with the horizontal trunk on the right. So by the time it rots it will probably need replacing anyway.
That is a excellent design feature, the first time l have heard of a roof opening, normally for gorillas at least the outdoor exhibit will have gates suitable for heavy machinery, but this is great and it will no doubt further enrich the gorillas.
I am sure they will be careful but l would be concerned about trees or logs being placed into the enclosure and breaking and injuring a gorilla.
I think captive primates are very accustomed to extremely sturdy climbing structures that do not require testing for weight bearing abilities or ongoing endurance.
