I think its mainly the size and shortcomings in the existing buildings that are preventing them going any further forward with this at present. It would be easier in a modern, larger building. With the interior of the 'main group' house now permanently closed, and the interior of the colony building looking really primitive in this age, they do really need that new enclosure to be built now.
Wingham Wildlife Park Wingham Wildlife Park news 2014-2016
- Thread starter DesertRhino150
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I think its mainly the size and shortcomings in the existing buildings that are preventing them going any further forward with this at present. It would be easier in a modern, larger building. With the interior of the 'main group' house now permanently closed, and the interior of the colony building looking really primitive in this age, they do really need that new enclosure to be built now.
Managed to get there today. Have added photos, including the Chimp House, to the gallery (for some reason a bunch got duplicated, if someone could please delete the duplicates that would be great, thanks!)
As some posters have said, a random group of chimps would not work, but an already established group, on a short-term basis, until the others are ready is more possible. Even though it is designed for chimps, there is nothing stopping them housing another group of smaller primates in there just as a filler for now? Whether that is animals brought in from elsewhere, or what about surplus primates already within the collection perhaps ?
An empty enclosure, for a long period, and especially of that quality and size, is a great shame to see.
An empty enclosure, for a long period, and especially of that quality and size, is a great shame to see.
It should also be possible to amalgamate two seperate groups into one e.g. if the USA ones were later to arrive. It might take time and skill but just within in the UK places like Twycross and Edinburgh achieved it recently.
I think there are still issues to resolve with Samantha, Peter and Danny, nevertheless my point still stands that taking a group of random oddments and trying to amalgamate them is neither simple nor quick. Twycross have made great progress but it wasn't done overnight, it's years since they started putting together the chimps from the green mile and the old house.
I believe at Twycross if/when those Chimps still in the two small subgroups were added to the larger group, that their differences would quickly disappear as they forged new relationships with other chimps, ones they might prefer as their companions, thus cancelling out any current unsatisfactory relationships. Space dictates that might not be possible at present though.
With regard to Wingham, yes, trying to make a group from individuals would be very time-consuming and probably unworkable. But a small established unit-of say 4 chimps (or more) -if they could source them, might fit the bill.
If only they could talk… I would love to know what Kibale makes of it all!
I looked out for him on my recent visit but with the inside of the House now closed off, and only about half a dozen of the group coming outside, I am not sure if I saw him or not- probably not.
I do think if they can build a chimp enclosure to the same standard as Gibbon Forest, that finally their era of keeping chimps by 'dated' methods will come to an end.
I only suggested Wingham to take on an entire group of chimps from the EEP quite possibly some of the hybrid - surplus - groups only. Not individual animals from here and there ...
This video is from way back but still instructive for ZC forumsters. It was the move of the 2 hybrid Cuban crocs ex Paignton here in July 2010.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2A2RbRw_L3M.
Enjoy.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2A2RbRw_L3M.
Enjoy.
The lawsuit brought by animal rights activists in the US has failed. The chimps should arrive at Wingham in the next month or so.
CNS - Court Defeat for Britain-Bound Chimps
CNS - Court Defeat for Britain-Bound Chimps
Good news for the Chimps and it will be good to see the new facility in use, when (if) it finally happens
that was the stupidest court case ever. Reading that article, the case that NEAVS was putting forward was idiotic. This particular bit which I'll quote was especially so:
The judge's responses were apt.
The judge's responses were apt.
After a long journey (in more ways than one) the Chimps finally touched down in the UK this afternoon and are now settling in at Wingham: Statement from the parks Facebook
We are very excited to inform everyone Agatha, Elvira, Faye, Fritz, Georgia, Lucas and Tara, the 7 chimpanzees from the USA, are now at Wingham Wildlife Park. The chimpanzees all arrived fit and happy, and were accompanied by two veterinary employees from the Yerkes National Primate Research Center who traveled with the chimpanzees to assist in their transition to their new, forever home at our park.
We know you are excited to meet them, and we are excited to introduce them to you, but our focus is allowing them to settle in and get to know our park and their Wingham keepers. During this settling-in period, the small primates that live in other parts of the chimpanzee building will not be on display.
We will let you know as soon as the new chimpanzee exhibit and the rest of the animal exhibits in the same area are open to visitors. At this time, we cannot confirm when the exhibit will open, but we will post pictures for you in the interim. The settling-in process is different for each animal, and we want to make sure all animals are comfortable before opening the exhibit.
Thank you for your continuing patience and support.
We are very excited to inform everyone Agatha, Elvira, Faye, Fritz, Georgia, Lucas and Tara, the 7 chimpanzees from the USA, are now at Wingham Wildlife Park. The chimpanzees all arrived fit and happy, and were accompanied by two veterinary employees from the Yerkes National Primate Research Center who traveled with the chimpanzees to assist in their transition to their new, forever home at our park.
We know you are excited to meet them, and we are excited to introduce them to you, but our focus is allowing them to settle in and get to know our park and their Wingham keepers. During this settling-in period, the small primates that live in other parts of the chimpanzee building will not be on display.
We will let you know as soon as the new chimpanzee exhibit and the rest of the animal exhibits in the same area are open to visitors. At this time, we cannot confirm when the exhibit will open, but we will post pictures for you in the interim. The settling-in process is different for each animal, and we want to make sure all animals are comfortable before opening the exhibit.
Thank you for your continuing patience and support.
The chimps have been given access to the grassed enclosure. Video shared on facebook gives a good impression of the enclosure. Good to see that the chimps can access the wire area at the top of the wall!
Enclosure looks nice but I had given the walls another color.. white doesn't look very natural.
FunkyGibbon
Well-Known Member
I've wondered about this. There must be a reason for the whiteness. Maybe they just don't see the need to dress up what is never going to be a naturalistic enclosure.
It's wonderful see the chimp brachiating at the end of that clip.
I wish more places used 'cages' for certain primates. It gives so many more climbing opportunities than an open top with a few ropes and platforms, but some people seem to think it's more important for it to look natural to the expense of the animal's welfare