The design and redevelopment of New World primate accommodation at Jersey Zoo: A naturalistic approach

In line with the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust's policy of constantly improving and evolving its animal management techniques, the three New Wor ld primate complexes at Jersey Zoo have been modified extensively over seve ral years, with very large increases in the size of the enclosures both ins ide and outside. Utilisation of large sections of tree trunk means that, in effect, each outside area simulates an area of forest. Bromeliads provide a natural means of environmental enrichment outside. Ropes allow full acces s to the entire area, but will in time be replaced as the live planting gro ws, providing further foraging opportunities. The animals' quality of life has been greatly enhanced, and husbandry and management have been greatly f acilitated; as a result, stress levels are noticeably lower. An important f eature of these modifications is that they were designed by keeping staff, and where possible construction work was carried out in-house. This new app roach to the design and furnishing of accommodation for these primates has therefore resulted in an efficient low-cost upgrade, which is also flexible enough to take account of changing requirements in the future.