Chimpanzee indoor exhibit at Flamingoland 19/02/12

Very dark and rather depressing.

I almost typed in the exact same response earlier today. This chimp indoor area looks like a farmer's antiquated barn. Is there a skylight anywhere? Glancing at photos of this establishment I'd guess that there is probably a better chance of locating a nearby rollercoaster.

There's no rollercoaster nearby, only the monorail around the Baboons. This was the Elephant House from opening in the late 1960s until the departure of Jangoli in January 1994. It then housed Bactrian Camels, followed by American Bison and at the moment Chimpanzees. It is much darker than when it housed Elephants (I posted a photo a few weeeks ago - it's currently on page 6). Bring back Elephants!!

I have never visited Flamingoland, so I hope this photograph gives a misleading impression. Otherwise I would question how this is acceptable to the ZLA inspector.

Alan

I have just realised that this is a facility in use for a great ape, in England in the 21st century. I am sitting down and I know that I am sober and awake. But I still don't quite believe it.

In my opinion this is a better inside facility than chester's chimpanzee house or any of twycross older facilities, come to that the voulme and climbing facilities are better than london's new gorilla house. If we are talking about the darkness, is this not a factor of where the photographer is, and not the conditions for the animals?

Hear, hear. I can't see that it's at all bad - not that I actually like Chimpanzees!

How is that relevant?

Alan

By the way there are contrasting patches of light/sunlight it does seem to be extremely dark. The area and equipment seem quite adequate for Chimps but it does look as if it needs much better lighting for them.

It reminds me a bit of Colchester's ex-giraffe Chimp accommodation of 25+ years ago.