Chester Zoo New Otter and Babirusa Exhibit

The new enclosure is still fenced off from the public, but it looks almost ready (water circulating in the pools and so on). The otters are enjoying life in the orang enclosure, but I don't think the orangs approve at the moment as they are shut out. This afternoon Subis was hanging around the nearer door on the left hand side of the last indoor enclosure and Emma gave the further one two hefty thumps while I was watching.
They did give a pretty good show in the back enclosure in the morning, with Padang having a starring role. I hope he will go to a nice new home soon, I think he will become very popular wherever he goes.

Alan
 
Just seen this image on the Chester Zoo facebook page showing Puluh and the otters

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Puluh likes to chase the otters and attempt to hit them with a stick. He is far too slow to catch any though.
 
Have they changed the orang moat from the waterfall to accommodate the otter, or is it the same? Also, how do the otters get into the orang enclosure?
 
bongorob said:
Puluh likes to chase the otters and attempt to hit them with a stick. He is far too slow to catch any though.
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Enrichment!

ashleyh said:
Have they changed the orang moat from the waterfall to accommodate the otter, or is it the same? Also, how do the otters get into the orang enclosure?
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The moat is exactly the same. I think there are two pop-holes under the public walkway down from the RotRA building.

Alan
 
I hope to see some interaction when I visit next, RoRA is getting better and better ;)
 
I saw the babirusa exhibit today for the first time and I'm very impressed. The two otters are inseperable and make a great exhibit as they run and dive from pool to pool. They were keeping the distance from the babirusa who seemed happy enough to rummage through the dense planting. I like the themed house as well.

Some photos (taken on a cameraphone, so apologies for the quality)









 
Do the exhibits have anysort of underwater viewing for the otters?
 
Slightly off-topic: are there plans to relocate the anoa to this part of the zoo in proximity to RORA exhibit? It would very much compliment the orang, otter and babirusa exhibit and general Indonesia theme. Realistic or not?
 
Kifaru Bwana said:
Slightly off-topic: are there plans to relocate the anoa to this part of the zoo in proximity to RORA exhibit? It would very much compliment the orang, otter and babirusa exhibit and general Indonesia theme. Realistic or not?
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It could be possible on the lawn near RoRA, however it would mean Chester would then be stuck as to what to place on the island.
 
I saw this exhibit for the first time today. It seems very good for the babirusas... they were very active, but this included the female charging after the otters, who (understandably) looked pretty nervous for the rest of the time I was watching. They didn't go far from their hole.
I also went to look at the otters in the orang enclosure, but the orang utans were sticking their faces in their entrance hole, and whilst the apes hung around that area I didn't see the otters come out.
I just wonder whether it is better to have these particular mixed exhibits or whether it would be better for the otters to still have their own enclosure.
 
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