Whether they are for children...or gorillas, play areas need to be built to last. Three of the play areas at Paignton Zoo are being improved for children – and at the same time, keepers have been rebuilding a climbing frame for even more demanding creatures – gorillas!
The Zoo’s bachelor troop of Western lowland gorillas has extensive indoor and outdoor play areas with climbing frames, ropes, hammocks and platforms.
Matthew Webb, the Senior Head Keeper of Mammals, explained: “The old frame needed replacing and we wanted to take the opportunity to give the gorillas more usable space with larger platforms closer to the public. It took two weeks of solid work spread out over days here and there. We used larch poles and steel bars to bolt it all together.”
Five critical – and Critically Endangered - Western lowland gorillas watched as the work was completed by keepers and volunteers. Matt is very pleased with the results – but what do the gorillas think? “The gorillas “tested” it all, looking for weak points – but I’m pleased to say that there aren’t any! Now, they regularly use the platforms and the frame to sit on.”
When it comes to facilities for children, the Zoo’s Jungle Fun indoor play area is being expanded and improved, while the Hangout play area and Lakeside play area will both be rebuilt with new equipment.
The charity’s bachelor group of Western lowland gorillas – a Critically Endangered species - plays a vital role in international gorilla conservation, providing somewhere for young males to grow up in a social environment. Some may move on to be the dominant males in bachelor or family groups in other collections as part of the European breeding programme. Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. For more information go towww.paigntonzoo.org.uk or ring 01803 697500.
< Back to the newsA vast collection of animals await visitors at Paignton Zoo including the rare Cuban crocodile, black rhino, sumatran tiger and giant tortoise.
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