It is very well done but it is a shame it can only be accessed via the road train. When I took my grandson unfortunately it was not at peak time and the train driver also acted as chaperone in the enclosure which meant quite a wait between trains. (not good for a toddler and when we did get in the enclosure he was more interested in the decking) Maybe next year they will recruit more volunteers and it can be 'manned' more
I forgot to mention that this photo was taken from the cherry-crowned mangabey observation deck.
Apart from the use of the trains as access, I feel this enclosure caters very well to the average visitor.
On my visit the train drivers were also used as guides around the enclosure. There were two trains running simultaneously even though it was the end of the day, so frequency didn't seem to be a great problem, and I remember the train journey last year (also during the holidays) was significantly less busy.
A lot is asked of the Colchester train operators. Not only do they ensure passengers get on and off safely, they narrate the journey there and back, they now guide visitors around the lemur enclosure, and they awkwardly collect money at the end of the trip. Versatile, knowledgeable, devoted and helpful - I can't imagine many similar people can easily be found.
