Orang Utan Forest » Colchester Zoo

Orang Utan Forest
06-08-2008

I've started this thread because not much has been mentioned about Colchester's new enclosure which will cost over £1milion.

The colchester mini-site says summer 2008, but seeing as that leaves about a month left, I'm assuming it is opening very soon?

Does anyone know what the exhibit will look like? What are the indoor areas and outdoor areas like? Are there any plans that can be seen?

What other species are going to be included?

Does anyone have any photos of the construction?

Colchester Zoo - Orangutans

06-08-2008

I was thinking exactly the same and looked on their website today- but just the same information which has been there several years now. I think maybe its behind schedule so they aren't updating the information yet?

They have recently had one each of L'Hoests, Gelada and Mandrill babies born though.

06-08-2008

I seem to think that there'll be butterflies involved. I quite like the idea of including a butterfly house as part of another exhibit- should go well with the rainforest theming. That said, this isn't mentioned on the website, it only says about fish, seahorses and reptiles. MAybe I've got my wires crossed, and the butterfly house will be a separate development?

Anyway, looking forward to seeing some photos of it when it's finished.

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Chris

06-08-2008

I read somewhere that construction of the outdoor area will start only after the indoor exhibit is finished, so I'm guessing they'll move the orangs in as soon as the main building is done, while they work on the outdoor enclosure.

06-08-2008

The new building featured in Zoo Days . I do not know when it was filmed but it looked as if there was a lot of work to do still . Seemed to be a big structure .

06-08-2008

I emailed Colchester a couple of days ago. In their reply they said that the building would be finished later this year. Call me pessimistic but that doesn't sound like summer. I'll be going in a couple of weeks so if there's any info about the new enclosure I'll be sure to bring it back

11-08-2008

Edit. I went to Colchester today and there are signs up saying that the enclosure is due for completion in LATE 2008. Whether this means the outside enclosure as well I don't know. *Fingers crossed*

14-08-2008

im sure the original date was easter this year, why are exhibits in this country always delayed! well im looking forward to seeing it finished

are there any plans to bring in more orangutans, as i heard that it can house upto four adults.

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James Butcher

My Photos

14-08-2008

Yeah, Colchester are planning to bring in more Sumatrans, because their current male is a hybrid and therefore, genetically useless.

14-08-2008

yep knew that, sounds great! is the female to old to breed now as well?

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James Butcher

My Photos

14-08-2008

Djambe is 30 now, which may or may not be too old to breed (I think it depends on the Orang), but I think she will be kept with Rajang once the new enclosure is open, as I believe they've been together for 10 years now so seperating them will cause added stress.

I can see Colchester trying to get 1.1 for the new enclosure

14-08-2008

Colchester applied to EEP for another pair of Sumatran orangs some while ago so that is still pending. One possible candidate might be Chester's young male who is now of breeding age. A new female(or any other male) would have to come from Europe.

Djambi could still be bred from, though she has never had a baby. (At Twycross she lived with the infertile male Toby) She is from a well represented line so breeding from her has never been a priority. Personally I would like to see her have at least one baby for her own wellbeing.

14-08-2008

Yeah I imagine Padang would be moved on soon. He's 10 in a few months and is related to all the other Sumatran females at Chester, so he is wasted at the moment.

14-08-2008

Padang is a little beauty... I'd like to see him stay in the Uk but Colchester is the only option for him here- he will have to leave Chester sometime soon.

14-08-2008

monkey world or jersey if they have the room?

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James Butcher

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