A question for Bristol zoo. » Bristol Zoo

A question for Bristol zoo.
21-09-2008

i've been lokking at the photos of bristol zoo on the gallery and it appears the gorilla island has a few trees and lots of vegetation can the gorilla's acess the trees?

And looking at their park map on their website theres an area of roofed area (i presume mesh, from looking on google maps) witha symbol of a bird, what species live in this aviary/s?

21-09-2008

Bristol's gorilla island has one large chestnut tree (branches lopped back) and several smaller trees & clumps of foliage. The Chestnut is definately hotwired so the Gorillas can't climb it and at least one of the other clumps too but I think the younger gorillas can get into the clumps and probably the De Brazza monkeys if they want to. There is also a large wooden climbing structure and a four sided 'windbreak' shelter.

The Aviary you describe is probably the Wallace aviary attached to the old Bird House, by the Lake. It is a large walkthrough Aviary featuring birds from South East Asia.

21-09-2008

cool thanks, a shame the gorillas cant acess the tree but i understand they'll destroy it

21-09-2008

If you look at my recent photo of Namoki at Bristol, you can see an old insulator on the plane tree. It has been severely pruned and the hot wires removed so that the young gorillas can climb in it (although I'm not sure if the tree will survive). I did get some shots of Namoki high among the remaining branches, which I haven't posted. There is also a good deal of elder growing beside it, which is excellent for climbing, eating and general abuse (as the photos show).

Alan

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21-09-2008

I visited Bristol zoo about 4 years ago, and i have to say i was disappointed with the Wallace aviary, it is connected onto the old bird house, which has been transferred into a walk through aviary connecting into the Wallace aviary, in the indoor aviary there were groups of crowned pigeon, bleeding heart pigeon and hornbills amongst others, but out in the aviary all i can remember seeing is cattle egret!, the aviary itself is a cracking exhibit, well planted, an expansive free flying area, but severely lacking in birds!
Has this changed?

21-09-2008

Kiang, you must have been unlucky. I've seen plenty of birds in the Wallace Aviary. I remember little egrets, wandering whistling ducks and masked plovers. I've also seen numerous pigeons and doves in there.

22-09-2008

I remember Nicobar Pigeon, and also some sort of partridge- maybe Roul roul.

23-09-2008

i have to agree with you there! it seemed very empty when i went last year