Edinburgh Zoo Edinburgh zoo
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monkeyworld
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cant wait isnt a another troup coming to the zoo ? and how many chimps dose the zoo have ? names sex would be very nice
Where is the old chimp block situated and where is the new Budongo exhibit in this relation.
Regarding the overall theme of the old chimp enclosure. That is to be Congo rainforest if Drills are to move in (or is it another species: mangabeys or guenons).
Regarding the overall theme of the old chimp enclosure. That is to be Congo rainforest if Drills are to move in (or is it another species: mangabeys or guenons).
History of Edinburgh Chimps
The chimps originally lived in the c.1930's Ape House(also the site of the first Orangutan birth in the UK) The barred outside cages were deconstructed and turned into one single larger area when the chimps were amalgamated into one group some years ago.
When the two Gorillas (SamSam and Yinka) left Edinburgh in August 2006, the chimps were moved temporarily into the newer ape House originally built for Gorillas & Orangs. (There haven't been Orangutans at Edinburgh for many years now). I'm not sure but I think 'Budongo' is on the site of the old original ape/chimp House (Bongo?) which is why they had to be moved while it was built..
The Gorilla/orang Ape House is very simple and rather dark inside- I guess it may be renovated slightly before the Drills and AyeAyes are moved in.
The chimps originally lived in the c.1930's Ape House(also the site of the first Orangutan birth in the UK) The barred outside cages were deconstructed and turned into one single larger area when the chimps were amalgamated into one group some years ago.
When the two Gorillas (SamSam and Yinka) left Edinburgh in August 2006, the chimps were moved temporarily into the newer ape House originally built for Gorillas & Orangs. (There haven't been Orangutans at Edinburgh for many years now). I'm not sure but I think 'Budongo' is on the site of the old original ape/chimp House (Bongo?) which is why they had to be moved while it was built..
The Gorilla/orang Ape House is very simple and rather dark inside- I guess it may be renovated slightly before the Drills and AyeAyes are moved in.
I am very impressed with Budongo Trail at Edinburgh Zoo. To reach the front entrance you pass by the outdoor exhibit which has a water moat which is fed by a small waterfall at the front. The outdoor exhibit is a jungle of natural climbing frames which will be heavily planted.
In the entrance foyer there are exotic plants and Information about Budongo project in Uganda which the Zoo funds. The first indoor exhibit is also situated here (the zoo are calling the indoor exhibits pods). There are also 2 smaller rooms were students will be able to carry out studies with the chimps (they are on view to the public).
To reach the next level you can either take the stairs or a lift.
There are numerous interpretive devices for the public in the main hall of exhibit. There are 2 further pods for the chimps on this level. Each pod will have a different temperture and humidity as well as climbing frames and floor substrate. All 3 pods are connected by overhead tunnels and the chimps can choose which environment they prefer. Off show dens and tunnels are under the main hall and are not on show. There is a lecture theatre, with a screen which can show films, which then can be raised and overlooks one of the pods.
In 2 of the pods the windows are placed near the top of the pod, which in turn makes the bottom of the pod dark this is to represent forests which do not allow much light to the forest floor.
That is my review of Budongo Trail. It is difficult to describe and so you all need to come to Edinburgh to see the exhibit as my review and photos do not do it justice. It is the largest chimp exhibit in the world and most probably the best in terms of animal welfare. The exhibit will hopefully open on the 7th of April. If anyone is thinking of visiting please contact me and if I am free I would be happy to meet you and show you around.
In the entrance foyer there are exotic plants and Information about Budongo project in Uganda which the Zoo funds. The first indoor exhibit is also situated here (the zoo are calling the indoor exhibits pods). There are also 2 smaller rooms were students will be able to carry out studies with the chimps (they are on view to the public).
To reach the next level you can either take the stairs or a lift.
There are numerous interpretive devices for the public in the main hall of exhibit. There are 2 further pods for the chimps on this level. Each pod will have a different temperture and humidity as well as climbing frames and floor substrate. All 3 pods are connected by overhead tunnels and the chimps can choose which environment they prefer. Off show dens and tunnels are under the main hall and are not on show. There is a lecture theatre, with a screen which can show films, which then can be raised and overlooks one of the pods.
In 2 of the pods the windows are placed near the top of the pod, which in turn makes the bottom of the pod dark this is to represent forests which do not allow much light to the forest floor.
That is my review of Budongo Trail. It is difficult to describe and so you all need to come to Edinburgh to see the exhibit as my review and photos do not do it justice. It is the largest chimp exhibit in the world and most probably the best in terms of animal welfare. The exhibit will hopefully open on the 7th of April. If anyone is thinking of visiting please contact me and if I am free I would be happy to meet you and show you around.
Writhedhornbill
Well-Known Member
Any other animals in here?
Writhedhornbill
Well-Known Member
Are any more planned to go in?
i can't wait to get to the zoo next month!
It was touched on by another thread, Budongo is situated on the site of the former reptile house, tropical birdhouse, parrot garden and former chimpanzee house, losing some 40-50 species from the collection, i do hope that the zoo will not continue to lose its diversity of species.
For me if the only other species in the exhibit is African land snail, then it is an opportunity lost!
I do not want to be too harsh until i see the exhibit for myself, and it is not the exhibit itself i am criticising, just the exhibit it could have been.
It was touched on by another thread, Budongo is situated on the site of the former reptile house, tropical birdhouse, parrot garden and former chimpanzee house, losing some 40-50 species from the collection, i do hope that the zoo will not continue to lose its diversity of species.
For me if the only other species in the exhibit is African land snail, then it is an opportunity lost!
I do not want to be too harsh until i see the exhibit for myself, and it is not the exhibit itself i am criticising, just the exhibit it could have been.
@Bongo: thanks a lot for the comprehensive review. It's wonderful to hear about the world's largest chimpanzee exhibit, and the photos make it appear as if it's an ape paradise.
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