It is just the top cage and house that is for Drill, the bottom one is golden bellied mangabey, middle one King Colobus. The Drill enclosure held 2 chimps previously
Score update. Chester are currently miles ahead with nearly 90% of the vote. It would appear they have been able to most accurately recreate the natural environment of the Mandrill. In my view as others have mentioned the standard of exhibitory is not too high here with some really poor enclosures.
Still curious to hear what arguments - if any - those voting for Colchester, Paignton and Port Lympne have up their sleeves!
To be fair all those enclosures are OK, I would be far more concerned if someone voted for any of the others!
For Colchester: - Ample climbing opportunities - One of, it not the, best breeding records (must count for something surely?) - Family group has always looked extremely content and playful - Though the photo may not show, there are plenty of areas for the inhabitants to hide away - Private indoor accommodation - From a visitor point of view, I feel this exhibit has some of the best viewing (this is after visiting 7 of the exhibits in this poll) - Ultimately I have gone for practicality over aesthetics Good enough?
About two-three years ago now. The Drills have actually moved at the same time, from near the Palace of the Apes to near the 'Base Camp' of the truck safari- in fact their enclosure is just within the 'no pedestrians' area which is a bit daft but it is close enough that you can sneak in for a look.
Don't forget this is just a functional 'rescue' cage and I think there is only one Mandrill anyway- its not an exhibit in the normal sense of the word.
Not sure PL's is the best enclosure as the covered area is typical old-style Aspinall primate cage, but the new part is okay. They do have the best UK drill group though, 10 or 11 compared to most others that are single figures still.
There appears to be 2 Mandrills in the image,although things could have changed,but being social animals either number isn’t good.If it was just a ‘functional’ rescue cage then shouldn’t they of provided the Mandrills with a more natural home,or at least have plans to do so in the future.Do they?
The enclosure would be worthy of criticism if it was JUST the old style cages, but combined with what I see in the outside area it looks good. Those old style cages provide cover and lots of climbing opportunities, so I won’t be too critical providing its combined with an outside area as above.
I'm not defending it at all, but they obviously have limited funds and can only build basic enclosures. Its not a zoo exhibit as such. I don't like it either actually but felt it was worth pointing out the reasoning.
The combination of old wood and netting cage and open enclosure works well. They have plenty of space and facilities. I can't remember what is in their previous cage now.
I voted for Paignton as the exhibit is a good size with decent climbing, large indoor area from memory. It's also just off the main path giving the animals a slightly quieter environment. Trees line the edge of the exhibit to one side help to buffer the noise from the school parties also! Just my preference really.
Trees - it seems a long time ago, but I think it all changed just before lockdown. They were cutting down the trees around the enclosure, presumably so that they could erect anti-badger fences like the ones around the maned wolf enclosure next door. I thought I'd taken a photo of it but apparently not.
Poll closed. Congratulations to Chester for winning the vote for Best UK Mandrill/Drill enclosure. It was an extremely comfortable victory and their 9th so far. No other collection had an exhibit that could gain over 5% of the vote making it one of the most one sided polls so far. Chester: 87.8% Colchester: 4.1% Paignton: 4.1% Port Lympne: 4.1%
