Twycross Zoo Twycross Zoo news 2016 #1

Pertinax said:
If they can't mix these two smaller groups, eventually moving them and then offering a completely new dynamic in the form of integration in the bigger group would probably cancel out whatever social issues they have. They'd either unite together as a clan against their perceived 'rivals', or quite possibly forge entirely new/seperate relationships with other chimps.'
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Exactly what I was thinking. Likely Danny and Peter would form a coalition against Jambo and Mongo's coalition, eventually integrating in as high-ranking males. Samantha I would assume would get on with high-ranking females like Lottie and Holly may like being put back in with her mother Choppers? William and Tommy I think would get on with the other males and some of the other females.
 
Regarding potential unification of the Chimps. Its worth remembering that only a couple of years ago none of the group of 15 were living in units of more than three either, yet look what's already been achieved with them now- with admittedly just one or two possibly stress-related losses along the way. So I think adding the other two smaller units from the other building is entirely possible. Exactly how it would pan out as far as them making new 'friends and allies' and building new relationships would only become evident at that time I think.
 
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haydn said:
- but the fact they're building tunnels to one of the existing houses, suggests no immediate plans to completely merge them,
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The tunnels will allow them to use the older house as auxillary housing. It would also facilitate introduction of newcomers, living in the old house, to the main group in the new enclosure. I wouldn't expect them to attempt adding anymore to the main group until this building is done however.
 
ShonenJake13 said:
One of Twycross' main ways of generating interest is "the only collection in the UK to house all 4 types of great ape".

Personally I think just get rid of the indoor picnic area, and extend round that bend for the orangutans. Or even extend partways onto the big green in the middle of the zoo. I don't think it's necessary for them to leave.
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I cannot see them ever letting the Orangutans go either. Their 'four species of Great Apes' claim is still important publicity for them, even after dropping the 'World Primate Centre' tag.

IMO the current housing probably still doesn't really do them justice. As is sometimes commented, providing 'A grade' housing for Orangs, particularly the less sociable and more inactive Borneans, is never easy or cheap. I suspect they will just stay with what they have for now, for some years to come.
 
Pertinax said:
I cannot see them ever letting the Orangutans go either. Their 'four species of Great Apes' claim is still important publicity for them, even after dropping the 'World Primate Centre' tag.

IMO the current housing probably still doesn't really do them justice. As is sometimes commented, providing 'A grade' housing for Orangs, particularly the less sociable and more inactive Borneans, is never easy or cheap. I suspect they will just stay with what they have for now, for some years to come.
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It's a shame they won't let them go, despite improvements in their enclosure, it's still not great and it seems unsustainable to keep them in the collection. I don't know if the all 4 great apes in the UK are a great sale point to the average Joe.
 
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canaryboy2 said:
It's a shame they won't let them go, despite improvements in their enclosure, it's still not great and it seems unsustainable to keep them in the collection. I don't know if the all 4 great apes in the UK are a great sale point to the average Joe.
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You'd be surprised! :) it's actually very good to see people learn about the bonobo, and the differences between each ape. Which is one of the reasons why Twycross won't relinquish their orangs! I do agree that they need to build a better enclosure for them.
 
Pertinax said:
The tunnels will allow them to use the older house as auxillary housing. It would also facilitate introduction of newcomers, living in the old house, to the main group in the new enclosure. I wouldn't expect them to attempt adding anymore to the main group until this building is done however.
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Completely agree, this is likely why they're doing it, and if they ever get new western chimps to breed (which will likely happen due to Coco, Choppers and Noddy being too old to breed now) it will be good for them to both have outdoor access until they're fully integrated.
 
Pertinax said:
I don't either but the Zoo obviously think it is.
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Whilst they lack any headline big cats, I think they have to go with whatever angle they can to sell the place. So I can't see any of the big four going until we at least see Lions return to the zoo, which I don't think will happen anytime soon.
 
Now the accommodation of the chimps has improved immensely I would say the bonobo accommodation is not much, if at all better than the orang-utans. One unexciting typically Twycross circa 1970 outside enclosure for the two groups. At least it looks a bit less like they are living in a ladies loo indoors than it did a few years ago but I would love to see bonobos in the UK exhibited as they deserve. Not really a jewel in the Twycross crown at the moment.
 
OrangePerson said:
Now the accommodation of the chimps has improved immensely I would say the bonobo accommodation is not much, if at all better than the orang-utans......but I would love to see bonobos in the UK exhibited as they deserve. Not really a jewel in the Twycross crown at the moment.
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IMO while the Chimp social organisation is much better now, their accomodation, while a distinct step forward on previously, is still not ideal - that will only be rectified if and when this new house gets built.

Have to agree about the Bonobos also. IMO of all their Apes only the Gorilla accomodation is functionally suitable for the current small group, and that is only because its more modern than the other houses- its no more attractive.
 
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