why was John Aspinall not fond of Orangutangs ? seems quite strange as he was fond of gorrillas and chimpanzees ,he seemed to think that the gorrillas were the image of the "noble savage i read he wasnt as fond of chimpanzees because "they were more given to their emotions and less dignified" , he certainly was quite an eccentric man although noble in his efforts in conservation
Port Lympne Wild Animal Park New species/Personal vision for port lympne wild animal park and gardens@Ashford Kent
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why was John Aspinall not fond of Orangutangs ? seems quite strange as he was fond of gorrillas and chimpanzees ,he seemed to think that the gorrillas were the image of the "noble savage i read he wasnt as fond of chimpanzees because "they were more given to their emotions and less dignified" , he certainly was quite an eccentric man although noble in his efforts in conservation
The parks are still managed in his spirit and ahead of their time with captive-born -to -wild introductions of gorillas and black rhinos.
indeed he was
As many have said, I'd love to see Indian Rhinos in one of the Water Buffalo paddocks at the bottom of the park. I'd also like to see Cape Buffalo, Gaur and Banteng return to the park, along with more African hoofstock in the reserve and perhaps brown bears or lynx in the conifer wood near the Manor, to create a northern theme with the adjacent amur tigers and wolves.
I also think that some Indian rhinos would be suitable for the bottom of the park , the last time i visited the parks there were some large empty enclosures near to the water buffaloes that could be put to good use if they are sill empty. The brown bears certainly sound interesting , i wonder if they have ever considered keeping bears again.
I think that in terms of making PL more attractive to vistors the first move would be to improve visitor accessibility. Currently, any visitor with any kind of mobility problem is in trouble: if you are elderly, or disabled, or even pushing a pushchair then the hills and steps will defeat you; as far as I can tell, even the army surplus lorries which do the safari run have no kind of wheelchair accommodation. The similarly steep Edinburgh Zoo is way ahead in terms of its ability to accommodate visitors with mobility problems, and I can't help thinking that improving access would lead to a significant increase in visitor numbers, and especially in repeat visits.
I agree enitely with the access thing, the road/path at the botom of the zoo leading up between the iberian wolf and brown hyena enclosure (just past the lions) is a killer! its so steep i have to walk in zigzags to make it up the hill! The issue as always is money however. When the zoo loses over £2million a year the belt is required to be pulled in considerably. If no provision is made for wheel chair users on the safari lories, then in this day and age really it should be.
The Park websites and various videos give some information but of course they are more focused on success not failure.
I believe from the first 'pilot' reintroduction of six young males, (which featured in the 'Gambling for Gorillas' TV film some years ago) that two of them died. I believe that two of that original group were born at Howletts, while the others were born in Africa. I don't know about later reintroductions but would be surprised if they hadn't had at least a few other losses.
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The interesting thing here is that until the 'Africa Experience' started, Port Lympne had a system of regular 'tractor/trailer buses' that gave lifts all around the Park, with about five or six stops to get on or off e.g. Lions, Gorillas etc. But now the Safari Lorries have replaced them, but only to the African Experience side of the Park, and assisted transport round the larger part of the main Park has been dropped.
So Visitors to the rest of the Park are now left to struggle round on foot and its a very long haul, even for a fit person, let alone disabled folk or small children.
Regarding rhinos- Port Lympne were offered a number of Indian Rhinos some years ago(from India/Nepal- ones that were misfits from the wild) but for some reason did not take them on. As discussed previously, the flat lowlying area at the bottom of the Park would have made an ideal exhibit location for Indian rhino. I think Zambar's other suggestions for both this area and the 'Pinewood' area near the Road are well thought out and realistic too.
Gigit
Well-Known Member
New series "Gorilla School" on Animal Planet at 8pm on Tuesdays has been charting the progress of 3 infant Aspinall gorillas in Africa. It has shown Damian Aspinall being reunited with some of the older gorillas now living in the wild.
I always go the other way round (ignoring the recommended route), straight down the hill - after watching Djala's group and the other primates. There used to be a very nice seat opposite the water buffalo's wallow, which was a good place for a rest before turning uphill again, but it wasn't there when I visited last summer. The walk up towards the elephants is long and tiring, but I always like to spend some time watching the fishing cats which are more or less half way, and I turn left along the little path between the rhino paddocks to see the bachelor gorillas.
Alan
Smart man!
I'll have to go around the otherway next time.
Last time I went at the end of september they were building a new enclosure just down form the bush dogs, does anyone know if this is complete or what it is for?
I noticed on their new website the other day is says they have binturoungs now, is it for these?
I'll have to go around the otherway next time.
Last time I went at the end of september they were building a new enclosure just down form the bush dogs, does anyone know if this is complete or what it is for?
I noticed on their new website the other day is says they have binturoungs now, is it for these?
Port Lympne is a classic example of a Park that was purchased and laid out for animal enclosures rather than for the public who would visit it. I'm assuming when John Aspinall bought it that he knew he would have to open it to the public though it would have been a secondary consideration in the purchase. Some areas do still seem rather devoid of animals though- from the Lions up to the Elephants for example and I tend to avoid that stretch particularly on a hot day. But where else- at one time- could you see Sumatran Rhino and Gorillas within just a short distance of each other?-quite unique.