Colchester Zoo Orang Utan Forest

[GillP]

I am finding it quite difficult hearing all this negativity (however justified) as you may know I am slightly biased and love my old Rajy to death!

I think this is why people have expressed so much disappointment about his new home. He's such a wonderful animal and I find myself welling up simply from being able to look straight into his eyes (that probably sounds a bit pathetic, but I think it's awe at his appearance) .... something I fully appreciate is a privilege.

He's 41 this year, Colchester's oldest resident and very deserving of a comfortable old age ........ I think if you were going to spend well in excess of a million (almost 2 isn't it ?) then you'd surely choose the most appropriate enclosure you could possibly build, with as much enrichment as you could cram in, and as much vegetation as you could plant to mimic his natural environment. This would not only benefit Rajang now but any future orangs too.

I suppose I find it hard to understand why the finished design was chosen ...... what the rationale was for the relative lack of climbing/swinging opportunity, the lack of planting and all the faux rock (obviously not mimicking his natural habitat). I'm sure I've also read that orangs don't like getting wet so am baffled by the large (slimy green) pond.

It'd be really interesting and perhaps could put quite a few minds to rest if Colchester explained their thinking - who they consulted and so on.

 

[Gigit]

I suppose I find it hard to understand why the finished design was chosen ...... what the rationale was for the relative lack of climbing/swinging opportunity, the lack of planting and all the faux rock (obviously not mimicking his natural habitat). I'm sure I've also read that orangs don't like getting wet so am baffled by the large (slimy green) pond.

It'd be really interesting and perhaps could put quite a few minds to rest if Colchester explained their thinking - who they consulted and so on.

It makes you wonder if they even had a look at other zoos - even Twycross has grass!

 

[karenZOO]

I think this is why people have expressed so much disappointment about his new home. He's such a wonderful animal and I find myself welling up simply from being able to look straight into his eyes (that probably sounds a bit pathetic, but I think it's awe at his appearance) .... something I fully appreciate is a privilege.
QUOTE]

I am so glad I am not the only one I could stare into those eyes for hours (I used to in his old enclosure sat on the floor in the freezing cold, we are more winter goers when its quiet) in fact he always comes and gives me a kiss where ever I am standing I like to think he recognises me

I bought a brick of that enclosure I feel like contacting them and asking them to buy a plant with my donation I just hope it didnt go on the pink rock!

I have tried to wangle and invite to the opening but its going to be open to all the puiblic but not sure when it is I gather over the easter weekend!

OH no I hope they dont get Connie Chuck (huq) to open it

 

[Gigit]

I think this is why people have expressed so much disappointment about his new home. He's such a wonderful animal and I find myself welling up simply from being able to look straight into his eyes (that probably sounds a bit pathetic, but I think it's awe at his appearance) .... something I fully appreciate is a privilege.
QUOTE]

I am so glad I am not the only one I could stare into those eyes for hours (I used to in his old enclosure sat on the floor in the freezing cold, we are more winter goers when its quiet) in fact he always comes and gives me a kiss where ever I am standing I like to think he recognises me

I'm sure he does recognise you! Why wouldn't he? Enjoy it while you can. I had a special relationship with Bulu at Paignton. She died last year aged 47 and the Ape House hasn't been the same since. She enjoyed watching people too - a constantly changing part of her otherwise predictable environment.

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

It seems the new orang habitat is somewhat of a "missed opportunity". Considering the energy and dedication usually put towards enclosure design in Colchester, it seems they might have learned a few things off RORA at Chester, Pongoland in Leipzig and the new Great Ape House in Frankfurt in regards to captive orang habitats.

I really cannot understand the lack of environmental enrichment ... in the form of trees, climbing structures, bedding areas and some trees (even artificial ones)!

On top I feel that the orang habitat should have been an at least 3 enclosure number! This would have allowed for maintaining multiple groupings and separation of a hybrid orang while a much needed further captive-breeding programme participant might have been established.

Now, our heads are under the floorboards, while there is not the least indication that any pure-bred orangs will come Colchester's way any time soon!

 

[Andiii]

He's such a wonderful animal and I find myself welling up simply from being able to look straight into his eyes (that probably sounds a bit pathetic, but I think it's awe at his appearance) .... something I fully appreciate is a privilege.
QUOTE]


I totally agree here - I could sit and watch him for hours too!! I've only just had the privilege of meeting Rajang after seeing him on Zoo Days. I was besotted the moment I saw him and have had 4 days at the Zoo since (2 visits with overnight stop as I am 200 miles away in Yorkshire ). I also believe, as others have said, that he does remember you - we were visiting so often on the last 2 day visit that he came straight over to us from the other side of the enclosure where he was sat with a crowd to sit straight in front of us watching everything with 'those' deep intelligent eyes. My only hope is that he is around for many years to come so I can get many more planned visits in to have the pleasure of his fascinating and awesome company further. I do sincerely think that he enjoys his interaction with humans and he has plenty of space to escape if he needs to. He's very much the boss and does what he likes!! If he didn't like the company I'm sure he wouldn't grab as much food as he could from around the enclosure to sit at the front with his public whilst eating it. As I think GillP said, the Summer will probably show Rajang's preferences of being alone or enjoying his public interaction. I hope to make plenty of visits to see for myself.

Whilst I appreciate the comments being made re the rocks, slimy water pool and lack of greenery outside (which I agree could easily be rectified by planting it up) I do feel the negativity is tainting the overall enclosure. Rajang seems far from miserable in his new enclosure and surely his keepers would have had some input into his behavioural preferences and tendencies in the enclosure's design?

He is an awesome ambassador of his species with a lovely disposition and whilst not in the breeding program he does serve to make us aware of what an amazing and lovely species they are and how they need to be saved from their plight of extinction. How anyone can infer that he is 'surplus to requirements' because he is an hybrid, old and not breeding is beyond me and certainly insults his magnificence. Just how many 41 year-old Orangs with his demure will we be fortunate enough to see? I totally agree with previous comments that having been lucky enough to meet Rajang is, indeed, a privilege.

 

[Pertinax]

Rajang seems far from miserable in his new enclosure and surely his keepers would have had some input into his behavioural preferences and tendencies in the enclosure's design?

Rajang is probably contented enough in this enclosure. Animals tend to just get on with their lives whatever their surroundings. But think how much richer his existence could have been in an enclosure designed as a small version of .e.g. Chester's 'Realm' Building where he could climb and swing in a fashion comparable to the Wild..

The keepers are employees and unlikely to be consulted too much over the style of construction of new buildings, which is normally an ownership/management/architectural decision. Though they may well have had some input with the internal designs and climbing equipment etc.

 

[GillP]

But think how much richer his existence could have been in an enclosure designed as a small version of .e.g. Chester's 'Realm' Building where he could climb and swing in a fashion comparable to the Wild..

I'm going to Chester for the 1st time ever on Monday and am ridiculously excited about seeing RORA. However, am also a little bit apprehensive because I will inevitably compare it to Rajang's enclosure and, by all accounts, find his even more sadly lacking than I already do ...............

 

[Pertinax]

I'm going to Chester for the 1st time ever on Monday and am ridiculously excited about seeing RORA.

RORA is an example of the best style of new Orangutan accomodation constructed in the bigger zoos nowadays. There are several other examples in Europe too. At Chester you will see the indoor enclosures have very high ceilings from which are suspended a 'forest' of plastic 'vines' which the Orangutans swing on and travel around as they would in the wild. The outdoor areas are more traditional but very spacious and well vegetated with plenty of climbing (and swinging)equipment.

You will certainly compare Colchester's enclosure unfavourably after seeing Chester's.

 

[GillP]

At Chester you will see the indoor enclosures have very high ceilings from which are suspended a 'forest' of plastic 'vines' which the Orangutans swing on and travel around as they would in the wild.

It sounds great, and this is what I don't understand about Colchester. Am I being naiive, or isn't the prime objective when constructing a new enclosure for any sort of animal, to recreate (as far as possible in an artificial setting) that animal's natural environment so it's caused least stress, maximum enrichment and maximum opportunity to exercise as it would in the wild ? Does anyone at Colchester truly believe Orangutan Forest mimics the forests of Borneo & Sumatra ?

The more I think, and read, about this, I can't help feeling that at some point along in the project "someone" said "right, that'll do". I appreciate of course, that as with everything, money is probably at the bottom of all this, but then I also understand that in order to utilise that particular site a great deal had to be spent on restoring and making safe the church ruins, let alone constructing the connecting tunnel from the sealion area. Was there really no alternative (and immediately accessible) site where ALL the money spent on the overall project (involving significant "extra" construction works) could have been used on making the enclosure (specifically) far better ?

 

[Gigit]

Whilst I appreciate the comments being made re the rocks, slimy water pool and lack of greenery outside (which I agree could easily be rectified by planting it up) I do feel the negativity is tainting the overall enclosure. Rajang seems far from miserable in his new enclosure and surely his keepers would have had some input into his behavioural preferences and tendencies in the enclosure's design?

The enclosure isn't just for Rajang. As I understand it, Colchester want to have a breeding group of orangs. While Rajang, at his advanced age, might not miss climbing opportunites and different enrichments, younger orangs brought in from other zoos will be used to better things.
I used to enjoy visiting him when I lived in the London area. I once took a photo of me and him to the nursery where I worked to illustrate Orangutan Awareness Week. None of those who passed through my care ever called an orangutan 'a monkey'! I explained that I was 'talking' to him and was asked 'can orangutans talk?' The joys of literally minded children!

 

[CZJimmy]

The enclosure isn't just for Rajang. As I understand it, Colchester want to have a breeding group of orangs. While Rajang, at his advanced age, might not miss climbing opportunites and different enrichments, younger orangs brought in from other zoos will be used to better things.
I used to enjoy visiting him when I lived in the London area. I once took a photo of me and him to the nursery where I worked to illustrate Orangutan Awareness Week. None of those who passed through my care ever called an orangutan 'a monkey'! I explained that I was 'talking' to him and was asked 'can orangutans talk?' The joys of literally minded children!

When it was mentioned Colchester were after a pair of sumatrans for the then-under construction enclosure, i think it was Pertinax or might've been myself that mooted Chester's Padang could be a potential male for Colchester. If that is the case, then Padang will surely suffer some "disappointment" after finally upgrading from Chester's old islands to RORA, then back to this...

 

[Pertinax]

When it was mentioned Colchester were after a pair of sumatrans for the then-under construction enclosure, i think it was Pertinax or might've been myself that mooted Chester's Padang could be a potential male for Colchester.

Actually after seeing this design I do rather hope now that they can't get Sumatrans, as being much more active, they will suffer more from the lack of climbing facilities. I'd hate to see young Padang stuck in here. In fact I rather hope they will stay with just Rajang and(probably)a nonbreeding female companion- I feel that is sufficient for this enclosure unless they make alterations..

 

[Gigit]

I guess the original plan for Sumatrans was because of Djambe. As a result of her death, this may no longer be the case. However, they couldn't have foreseen her death and planned for less active Borneans, so that still doesn't excuse the enclosure.

 

[Pertinax]

I guess the original plan for Sumatrans was because of Djambe. As a result of her death, this may no longer be the case. However, they couldn't have foreseen her death and planned for less active Borneans, so that still doesn't excuse the enclosure.

I doubt very much that they would take any species differences into account as in their eyes its a highly suitable enclosure for Orangutans 'per se'...

I do hope now they just stay with a hybrid/Bornean pair.

 

[taun]

I guess the original plan for Sumatrans was because of Djambe. As a result of her death, this may no longer be the case. However, they couldn't have foreseen her death and planned for less active Borneans, so that still doesn't excuse the enclosure.

I would of guessed their plans to exhibit Sumatrans was because they had lower numebrs in the wild and the fact that they are rarer in UK zoos.

 

[Pertinax]

I would of guessed their plans to exhibit Sumatrans was because they had lower numebrs in the wild and the fact that they are rarer in UK zoos.

correct- so they probably still want to have them. But maybe nothing can happen while they've still got 'Rajang' - except to get him a partner.

 

[taun]

correct- so they probably still want to have them. But maybe nothing can happen while they've still got 'Rajang' - except to get him a partner.

Would expect that is the case, maybe they could take on an elderly sumatran female companion, so that when Rajang does go they should have less problems with acquiring a breeding pair.

 

[karenZOO]

It says in there latest newsletter (see link) that they are having problems locating a new 'friend' for Rajang

hmmm should rephrase that ... from newsletter 'Sadly, we have not yet been allocated a partner for him but I can assure you we are doing our very best to bring this forward and hopefully it will not be too long before it happens.'

http://www.colchester-zoo.co.uk/index.cfm?fa=involve.newsletters

 

[Pertinax]

It says in there latest newsletter (see link) that they are having problems locating a new 'friend' for Rajang

I am surprised they are having problems locating a companion as there are very many Orangutans in all the European, as well as the UK zoos. Finding an older or over-represented female which isn't required for breeding anymore is probably the hard part. Hybrids are far less frequent than previously as they die off- so perhaps another hybrid is far less likely.