Bronx Zoo 10th Anniversary of Congo Gorilla Forest

[Zooplantman]

Zooplantman, speaking of "awe", let me ask a question: The first time I experienced Congo, I felt that awe. The climax of that awe was at the end of watching their inspiring movie (about saving wildlife in the Congo), suddenly the curtains automatically pulled back and we (the audience) were surrounded by an amazing group of gorillas. At that moment, I was sure this was the best zoo exhibit in America. I've compared this experience to visiting Fort McHenry in Baltimore (where our National Anthem was written). Similarly, at the end of the Fort's movie about the history there, suddenly the curtains draw back and a huge American flag is exposed. Every American is very moved!

But the problem is that the next two times I went to Congo, this wonderful curtain-opening experience didn't happen. Once the curtains never opened at all, and the other time they only opened after the lights came on and we were already moving into the next room. Do you know what is the "regular" experience here? Did I experience something unusual that first time?

Your first experience was exactly what was intended.
In fact, the Staff looked at several approaches to see to it that the movie transitioned seamlessly into the outdoor view. We worried a bit about what were the chances that a gorilla would be in view at exactly that moment when the movie ended and the curtains parted in the darkened theater. The system is automated (although there is an attendant) - well, except for having a gorilla present. Guess the system malfunctioned.

This relates, I think, to other discussions we've all had here: American "style" vs. European "style", zoos as theme parks, etc. The long-time director of WCS was intent on creating GREAT exhibits with powerful emotional moments for the visitor. As a renowned conservationist, he believed that enabling Nature to grab visitors was an important conservation education goal of zoos. Zoo are not merely for observing animals in enclosures, nor merely for family outings. Both are important, but only in service of conservation education and, therefore a "wow! moment."

 

[Jurek7]

The system is automated (although there is an attendant) - well, except for having a gorilla present. Guess the system malfunctioned.

This relates, I think, to other discussions we've all had here: American "style" vs. European "style", zoos as theme parks, etc.

A bit off-topic. Apenheul zoo has a bit different presentation combining a film on two advertisement screens with feeding demonstration of gorillas. There they ensured that gorillas are present - when they hear the music, they come for the snack.

Less organized, but the effect was stunning.

 

[zooman]

A bit off-topic. Apenheul zoo has a bit different presentation combining a film on two advertisement screens with feeding demonstration of gorillas. There they ensured that gorillas are present - when they hear the music, they come for the snack.

Less organized, but the effect was stunning.

As l have seen both. I would say that it very clearly illistrates the differances between European and USA zoo animal presentations.

Also maybe a $25,000,000 dollar budget differance.

I do prefer Congo as the gorillas are NOT seen Begging....

 

[Jurek7]

I do prefer Congo as the gorillas are NOT seen Begging....

Gorillas in Apenheul are not begging.

Bronx said proudly that it does the same - food is put near visitor areas so animals come for a good view.

In Congo, I remember de Brazza's Guenon coming out, walking a line along the window looking down, and disappearing back. It was obviously checking for seeds or whatever small bits of food which was put in front of the glass. Gorillas looked for lettuce - I then realized that the whole planted exhibit had nothing edible for them.

 

[reduakari]

Gorillas in Apenheul are not begging.

Bronx said proudly that it does the same - food is put near visitor areas so animals come for a good view.

In Congo, I remember de Brazza's Guenon coming out, walking a line along the window looking down, and disappearing back. It was obviously checking for seeds or whatever small bits of food which was put in front of the glass. Gorillas looked for lettuce - I then realized that the whole planted exhibit had nothing edible for them.

If there were edible plants unprotected in the exhibit, how long would they last with 20+ gorillas? There is a difference between Congo's disguised automated feeders and Apenheul's keepers tossing food over a moat to animals--the public views one as natural foraging and the other as doing tricks ("begging") to get food.

 

[Zooplantman]

For what it is worth, Bronx keepers get on the building roof and toss out produce...but it is enrichment rather than a "show". No announcement is made (It is odd to be in the visitor area and see it raining salad though!)

And I certainly agree, a landscaped exhibit cannot sustainably feed animals, except grass. No other plant is sufficiently productive.

 

[zebedee101]

Zooplantman, speaking of "awe", let me ask a question: The first time I experienced Congo, I felt that awe. The climax of that awe was at the end of watching their inspiring movie (about saving wildlife in the Congo), suddenly the curtains automatically pulled back and we (the audience) were surrounded by an amazing group of gorillas. At that moment, I was sure this was the best zoo exhibit in America. I've compared this experience to visiting Fort McHenry in Baltimore (where our National Anthem was written). Similarly, at the end of the Fort's movie about the history there, suddenly the curtains draw back and a huge American flag is exposed. Every American is very moved!

But the problem is that the next two times I went to Congo, this wonderful curtain-opening experience didn't happen. Once the curtains never opened at all, and the other time they only opened after the lights came on and we were already moving into the next room. Do you know what is the "regular" experience here? Did I experience something unusual that first time?

In colder weather there is a false wall that is removed so that the gorillas can be observed inside and the admission charge is waived. This is on the left before you hit the movie theatre and the curtains dont open when the Gorillas arent outside. As stated elsewhere the all-in-one admission that includes congo/monorail/zootrain/butterfly garden/childrens zoo and carousel (and previously the cable cars) can be used to enter the congo as many times as you like.

 

[zooman]

Gorillas in Apenheul are not begging.

Bronx said proudly that it does the same - food is put near visitor areas so animals come for a good view.

So the gorillas sitting in a defined position with there hand out. Waiting for the keeper to throw some food.

Are you sure this is not begging!

 

[Jurek7]

Hijacking the thread - I saw this show twice, and gorillas were very relucant to come (they normally rest in the other part of their huge island) and keepers threw vegetables to bring them from the hilltop to close. Definitely no hands out - especially that they were too far to hit accurately! And amount of food was too small - if I counted well, each gorilla got two pieces of fruit or vegetable.

As you see, if there is any difference, it is that visitors in Bronx don't know that food is tossed to bring gorillas closer. Or don't think how it is done.

Anyway, I agree, Congo is very, very nice.

 

[zooman]

Hijacking the thread - I saw this show twice, and gorillas were very relucant to come (they normally rest in the other part of their huge island) and keepers threw vegetables to bring them from the hilltop to close. Definitely no hands out - especially that they were too far to hit accurately! And amount of food was too small - if I counted well, each gorilla got two pieces of fruit or vegetable.

You must have been there on a off day for the gorillas. Have never seen them relucatnt to be close to the water. They all seem to have there own spot.

Must have been a girl throwing the food

It is always interesting to read 2 different experiances and responses to the same "show"

 

[fkalltheway]

Does anybody know what species of fish there are in the exhibit with the hornbill? I can't really find any good pictures of the fish from this exhibit anywhere.