These gibbons really do need a new exhibit, and one that might allow them some access to the "great outdoors". The ugly metal climbing frame, smeared plexiglass and small area all add up to form a disappointing enclosure.
Yes definatley a sub standard exhibit for a highly active aboreal primate.
I actually like the climbing frame concept. It is not put to good use here.
Apenheaul use monkey bars to great effect. Allowing the monkey to swing a couple of meters between bars. A very gracefull and educational display. Unlike this !!!!
There is alot more space, and i think there are few more climbing structures (not sure). You have to keep in mind the majority of the exhibits in the pavilions are out dated and haven't been renovated at all.
There's one thing that everyone seems to miss. Unlike alot of primate exhibits across the world, these gibbons have full access to live trees to climb and do as they please. A new enclosure would be nice, but Toronto Zoo has enclosures right now with more pressing needs. The gibbons are supposed to get a new outdoor/indoor exhibit by 2014
I visited the Toronto Zoo in the summer of 2008, and both the gibbon and orangutan exhibits are very poor. I understand that due to poor weather conditions the zoo is packed with over half a dozen pavilions, but the animals kept indoors for their entire lives could really use an upgrade with their surroundings.
The Indonesian section is probably my least favorite part of the zoo because of the outdated enclosures but seeing other poor enclosures, yes, they can certainly be worse off. I'm glad to hear they'll be getting a renovated exhibit
