Colobus enclosure. » Banham Zoo

14-09-2008

okay, I didn't know about the willow tree. Where is it now, surely they haven't destroyed it totally? I appreciate that Colobus being leaf eaters will soon denude the vegetation in anything but a large block of woodland so that in your case the 'ideal' is not possible.

Maybe when the enclosure is refurbished you could add some upright dead trees or poles which would allow them more leaping opportunity.

I never suggested your Colobus aren't well cared for- as for freely breeding, this species is virtually everywhere.

14-09-2008

Thank you robertwestby for your 'Informed and knowledgeable reply'. It does help us to understand the situation. I'm sure we can all agree that the best and brightest ideas about housing animals don't always survive when the animals put them to the test. I hope that the enclosure can be upgraded successfully.
Incidentally, the colobus at Howletts are in an even larger enclosure which is less than two years old and they have already severely damaged several small trees and clumps of bamboo: they have wooden climbing frames and ropes as well. The enclosure at Port Lympne has many mature trees, which seem to be OK to me, although an experienced forester might not agree.

Alan

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15-09-2008

Hello.
May I just say that when I took the photo I was only taking it to show the fantastic space which the monkeys have available, compared to some cramped enclosures which I have seen colobus kept in at other establishments. I was not in any way trying to be negative about it. The area in my photo only makes up a small part of the whole enclosure.
May I recommend that people should visit the zoo, and see the whole enclosure.

And maybe Robert Westby you could provide some more flattering photos of the enclosure, seeing as you were so offended by my photo!!!

15-09-2008

I don't think anyone was offended by your photo- more my initial comments about it. I would like to see a photo or two of the whole enclosure if anyone has one.

I've had many pleasant visits to Banham in the past but unfortunately haven't been able to visit since this obviously spacious enclosure was built. I'm sure from what's been said though that the zoo have every intention of improving it again..