Orangutan Island/Lemur Wood » Paignton Zoo

04-09-2008

1. I think there may have been a pair of chimpanzees and yes,I seem to remember they had the end cage in the Small Mammal House at one stage.

2. When the Orangutans lived in there, what was their indoor housing like?. Was it specially redesigned for them? Did I imagine that? I've always been puzzled about this as when the Mandrills later lived in it,(after the Orangs moved out) it looked like the same old caging as before...

3. Are you saying the 'cave shelter' on the Gorilla island has gone? I got my only decent photo of Pertinax just there, and that still took FOUR seperate visits to achieve... I'm surprised they haven't replaced it as it was a popular spot for individual gorillas.

4. See my post in 'Paignton Gorillas' about the younger males driving off Pertinax....

04-09-2008

2. I'm pretty sure they didn't adapt the cage in any way. It looked cramped and dark and Bulu was sitting on a shelf with Gambira.

3. Yes, the shelter is no more. I expected it to be rebuilt but it's all grown over there now.

04-09-2008

Both interesting things to know. I'm surprised they haven't redone the Gorilla cave shelter(the gorillas may have partly destroyed it themselves because they like to strip timber..)- it was about the only place on the island to see a Gorilla up close. I think the outdoor viewing is long overdue for improvement...

05-09-2008

I'll answer this on 'paignton gorillas' in case of repercussions!

11-10-2008

Pertinax, you'll be pleased to hear that the vegetation alongside the orangutan island - between the play area/avian area and the island - is being cut back. The island is now in full view though devoid of orangutans as they are indoors. The first two platforms just past the bridge have been taken down (not sure if one didn't come down of its own accord) so there are no ropes up for them at the moment.
You'll probably be more even pleased if I'm able to report the same for the gorilla island

11-10-2008

yes I would as I feel the viewing of the Gorillas' island is the poorer of the two because of the vegetation in the way- also the gorillas seem to be outside more than the orangutans- though neiher are exactly open air fanatics...

11-10-2008

Gigit,

So, what is happening with outside enclosure refurbishment at the orangs in Paignton. I would like to see orangs in a tree top exhibit and not drenched in full sunlight (unnatural). Any plans to make it more arboreal attuned?

11-10-2008

jelle.

Paignton's Orangutan Island is very natural- at its further end there's a grove of very tall trees(willow & alder) which quite possibly the Orangutans have never climbed!! (Gigit?) Partially the reason for this is because Paignton's Orangutans came from London Zoo where they had lived all their lives in traditional zoo cages- hence they had little or no desire as adult animals to leave the ground, explore or climb when given the opportunity. The island remains largely unused except for the area nearest their indoor housing, which they seem to prefer to stay in(when given the choice that is)

Its a very natural enclosure- I hope that with additional ropes inter connecting with the trees, at least the newer pair of Orangs(demo & Mali) will use it better. I'm sure the Gibbons when introduced will use these trees without any hesitation- maybe the Orangutans will follow suit.

11-10-2008

Ok, thanx for the explanation. Any photos of the current exhibit in the gallery? I was first a little concerned with the talk of these platforms.

I am a little hopeful that with the new introducees natural orang behaviour may improve as orangs have some of the greatest capacity at interpreting and learning complex behaviours in a social setting. They tend to look over at the new orang with new knowledge and then copy it down to the last letter!

Where did Demo and Mali come from originally? What was the enclosure set up over there?

11-10-2008

There are some photos in the Gallery. (try 'Paignton orangutan')
Demo and Mali came from Munster. They are very active. Chinta and Gambira have become more adventurous since being mixed with them.
The island originally had 4 or 5 platforms on poles among the trees but the poles have gradually rotted/ been removed (the island can get very waterlogged) and new poles are being put in. I have seen orangs on the platforms and in some of the trees, but not in the ones Pertinax mentions. On the, unfortunately, rare occasions when they have been outside lately, they have been all over the island - exploring, dismantling a platform, tightrope walking, climbing the new poles......
There is a lot of cover and it can be difficult to spot them and presumably this is why they are cutting back the vegetation, not only along the path but also around the edge of the island. I have mixed feelings about this. Naturally I want to see them, but I think their needs should take priority. They will now be exposed to a busy, noisy area with a playground and snack bar.
I'm wondering if this is linked to the building work now going on next to the nearby tiger enclosure. Apparently people complain that they can't see the tigers, who usually like to stay as far away from the viewing area as possible, so they are erecting a large ramp and platform to make things easier. It's possible that this will also give a view over to the orangutan island, if there's less vegetation in the way.

11-10-2008

are all the orangutans together or are they separated?

11-10-2008

They are all together now. There was some tension at first but it's been resolved and they look relaxed with each other.

12-10-2008

Pertinax

Having read some of your work on other threads you clearly know a lot about primates. Do you have a zoo back ground. Obviously you are far more knowledgeable than myself but I have to say I strongly disagree with you concerning the gorilla island viewing and you are painting a very grim picture of it for other readers who may not be regular visitors. Especially as you haven't been to the zoo yourself since 2005!

The whole point of Paignton zoo is it's natural settings for the animals. I expect they get many complaints from today's impatient society who want everything handed to them on a plate and more besides. Personally I like the challenge of "animal spotting" and I imagine the animals are happier being able to retreat from the jeering crowds when they want to. So what if you have to wait or go back a few times to catch a glimpse - they are not circus performers! Some people would prefer it if zoos went back to concrete cages perhaps.

In reference to the gorillas, now that it is a younger group they are much more active and can often be seen on the edge of the island, sometimes even paddling in the water! In fact most of the time they seem to prefer to be indoors.

Sorry I didn't mean this to be quite so match of a rant!!!! I visit a lot of zoos and think it would be dreadfully dull if they copied each others enclosures. Also sorry about the bad grammar the question mark key on this computer is broken!

12-10-2008

so how many orangs do they have?

12-10-2008

Four - male, Demo, and three females - Mali, Chinta and Gambira. Chinta came from London, Gambira was born at Paignton, and Demo and Mali arrived from Munster last November.