Themed Orangutan Enclosure at Paignton Zoo

Case Study

Orangutan Enclosure at Paignton Zoo

Introduction

At Playscheme, we recently had the incredible opportunity to build a brand new orangutan enclosure at Paignton Zoo, a facility renowned for its dedication to animal welfare and conservation.

The project involved designing, manufacturing, and installing a themed play area on the island where the orangutans reside. This marked our first venture into zoo enclosures, expanding our rich history of playgrounds for schools and local councils into the exciting world of zoo enclosure designs.

The Vision

Our vision was ambitious: to create a ‘Jungle Book’ themed play area within the orangutan enclosure that would not only engage and entertain the orangutans but also mimic their natural habitat. Drawing inspiration from the lush forests of Borneo, the native home of the orangutans, we designed a spectacular combination of The Bornean Temple and The Temple Ruins. We chose robinia wood for its natural preservatives, which required no chemical treatment and promised longevity and durability.

Design and Manufacturing

A standout feature of this orangutan enclosure is the use of robinia wood. Its natural twists and curves allowed us to create an authentic tree-like structure, offering the orangutans a stimulating and realistic climbing experience. Our design team and installers meticulously shaped the wood, ensuring every curve and twist was safe and enticing for the primates.

We conducted extensive research to meet the unique needs of orangutans. With their incredibly strong fingers capable of manipulating and even dismantling poorly designed structures, we countersunk the bolts and covered them with wooden pegs to completely hide them from the orangutans.  Thus ensuring they could climb and explore without compromising the integrity of the structures.

Installation and Reception

The installation phase was a significant milestone for us, marking our first foray into creating a zoo enclosure. Steve Danby, our Managing Director, reflected on this achievement: “If zoos are looking for something a little different and a bit more exciting for their animals, then we’re the company for them.”

The response from Paignton Zoo staff and the orangutans themselves was overwhelmingly positive. Lisa Britton, Head of Conservation at Paignton Zoo and Wild Planet Trust, shared her enthusiasm: “The orangutans are loving the climbing frames, especially the younger female, she can’t wait to get on it in the morning.” This immediate positive feedback was a testament to the success of our design and its appeal to the animals.

Michael Carr, part of our sales team, expressed the collective excitement of our company: “We can’t tell you enough how excited we have all been at Playscheme seeing this project come together. Seeing the orangutans on the equipment for the first time was incredible for us all.”