Eastern lowland gorilla fishing a leaf out of the indoor moat. Tropical House, Chester, 5th April 1972.
A little bit of Chester history. I love the kid's expression.
If anyone does not know this area, the outdoor enclosure is where the old capuchin island is now. After the hippos left the zoo, I remember it being used for bantams and Aldabra giant tortoises, although not at the same time.
I knew you'd like this photo bongorob.
I reckon that the gate in the photo would be more or less in the middle of what is now the island.
I had quite forgotten this whole film of B&W Chester photos, but I came across the negatives while looking for something else.
Excellent picture. It's a shame that the pygmy hippos didn't have access to the canal as can be seen just beyond the fence right at the end of the enclosure. In 1972 of course, this was a very busy turning circle for the waterbus. Which, in 1972 actually was a water bus! Great picture, keep them coming thanks.
I think that the boy's main expression is disgust.
The walls bring back memories for me. No stand-offs, of course, and just breeze block walls, with alternating pillars and lower sections giving a slightly crenelated appearance. I remember those walls around the rectangular paddock where RotRA now stands. It held Soay sheep and Bennett's wallabies if memory serves.
