Gorillas on a high!

Wednesday 21 May 2014

They are one of Durrell’s main attractions - but its the gorillas who will soon be getting a bird’s-eye view of the visitors after their enclosure got a make-over.

With no money in the pot to make it any bigger, keeper Jonathan Stark decided to make the most of the existing space, and design the ultimate place for the primates to monkey around: up high.

He added: "The completion of our new gorilla climbing frame is going to help us keep our gorilla group active and healthy. It not only allows more available space for movement, but it provides overhead cover for the gorillas as well and better viewing opportunities for visitors. None of this would have been possible without the kind help of the Jersey Field Squadron, who not only proved their building expertise as members of the Royal Engineers, but did so without causing any undue stress to Badongo and his family."

Over the last few weeks members of the Jersey Field Squadron have helped his idea become a reality and have been busy putting it all together - which is no mean feat considering each of the nine metre telegraph poles weigh 250 kgs.

With wooden platforms on different levels, the new gym will give the gorillas plenty of room to climb, and will help keep them fit.

And the new monkey bars are sure to be a big hit with alpha male Badongo, who isn’t keen on rain and doesn’t like to get his feet wet!