Looking back at these old photos brings back good memories. I would love an opportunity to see inside the old orang and rhino houses (and elephant for that matter) however I think it is easy to be blinded by nostalgia when looking back and comparing the old and the new. It is obvious the new enclosures are much better, if they weren't then the zoo would not spend the money it has to improve them.
There was a similar climbing frame on the island as well as a few dead trees. It's nowhere near the standard of RORA (obviously), but I feel these islands offered more climbing oppurtunities than Twycross' from the same era (for comparison)
But i do agree, it wasn't particularly suited to Orangs
