Gorilla House left

The gorilla house is showing its age now, but I know that Durrell would like to provide their gorilla group with a new enclosure (though the outdoor area remains one of the best in a UK zoo). How time flies past. I remember this when it was first opened. Frightening to think that was over 30 years ago now.

I thought plans for a new enclosure had been scratched for now, given the general financial situation? With only 1.3 Gorillas currently(until they start breeding again into a larger group), this house still seems adequate though it does look its age now.

How does this place rate as a zoo? The field conservation work of the place is legendary of course, but is the zoo worth going to visit relative to the other famous zoos of the UK and Europe...what makes it special beyond Gerald Durrell's reputation? Unique collection of animals not found most other places?

Yes, it has a unique collection of animals, plus a very picturesque setting with exhibits arranged on both sides of a shallow valley. But it is small, though a zoo 'addict' or specialist in endangered species could happily spend a whole day or more here, given the unusual species held. When I've been to Jersey in the past I've usually visited the Zoo over two consecutive days to make the stay more worthwhile.

Don't expect many big spectacular mammals, look for the species that many other zoos overlook. If you study their website you will see how effective the Zoo and the Trust have been with a wide range of species, and I'll bet that you have never even heard of some of them before

Alan

I believe thast the ambitious plans to build an even larger gorilla enclosure have ben suspended, and efforts have been put into upgrading existing facilities. If the money did become available I'd love to see a new gorilla enclosure built on previously undeveloped land to the south of the orang-utan islands, and the old 1980 enclosure revamped for something else. It's only a pipe dream but I'd like to see it redeveloped for Ethiopian Wolves, which would fit in very well with the "Highlands" theme that Jersey is currently promoting. We can dream!

This interior section is undergoing a renovation, with much generosity from local businesses providing materials and labour at huge discounts. Even Jersey Fire and Rescue Service have contributed with firehoses for gorilla hammocks!

I presume the plans for an entirely new 'Bai' style enclosure that were unveiled a few years ago are still on hold/cancelled?

Hi Pertinax. It's still 'on hold', there are conservation project related developments to attend to first, as the stated mission of 'saving species from extinction' paves the way for wildlife park development projects. I have to admit, an updated gorilla enclosure is on my personal 'wish list' - I'd love to see a Bai with our red river hogs included.

The trouble with Red River Hogs is there wouldn't be a blade of grass left in the enclosure, it would soon look like their existing one- unless their access was strictly limited.