Plus new viewing points for visitors
Siamang gibbons pictured at Fota this summer(Image: Fota Wildlife Park)
Fota Wildlife Park’s family of Siamang gibbons have just been treated to an upgrade – as they’re moved into a posh new facility onsite.
The new facility provides the five gibbons with an expansive modern indoor environment and access to a large island habitat whenever the family chooses. Inside, specially designed heated walls – known as ‘cuddle walls’ – let the family choose where to spend their time and how warm to be.
The indoor accommodation is four times bigger than the previous house, and is designed with an emphasis on climbing and swinging. And visitors will also be treated to new features, with sheltered viewing areas and multiple viewing points that allow them to observe the gibbons’ acrobatic movements – and their distinctive “vocal duetting.”
It comes after a summer of good news for one of Cork’s top tourist attractions, which is still celebrating the birth of endangered red panda cubs.
Tom Cassin, Board of Governors, Fota Wildlife Park; Simon Coveney, Chair, Board of Governors, Fota Wildlife Park; Aileen Tennant, Park Director, Fota Wildlife Park and Minister Kevin “Boxer” Moran and Carmel O’Connor, Board of Governors(Image: Alison Miles / OSM PHOTO)
Aileen Tennant, Park Director, explained: “The new Siamang gibbon habitat provides significantly improved, enriched accommodation for the family, supporting their natural behaviours, while meeting the highest standards of animal husbandry and care.
Good animal welfare and good visitor experiences go hand in hand. A well-designed habitat, such as this new house, allows animals to express their natural behaviours while helping visitors develop a greater understanding and appreciation of the species in our care.
We are delighted to celebrate the continued partnership between Fota Wildlife Park and the Office of Public Works which has enabled us to invest in modern animal habitats, environmentally sustainable operations, and a better experience for our visitors.”
Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin “Boxer” Moran TD, officially opened the gibbon house today. He said: “The OPW’s support over the past number of years has enabled Fota Wildlife Park to progress important capital projects across animal care, education, conservation and sustainable infrastructure.
“Partnerships such as this play an important role in protecting our natural heritage, supporting vital conservation work and ensuring that visitors can enjoy high-quality facilities for generations to come.”
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