Yorkshire Wildlife Park South America Viva Author: Simon Marsh (Animal Development Manager) Editors: Monika Fiby and Jonas Homburg for ZooLex http://www.zoolex.org/zoolexcgi/view.py?id=1525

LOCATION Branton, Doncaster, DN3 3NH Phone: 0044-01302-535057 URL: http:// www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com

DESCRIPTION This open, naturalistic exhibit allows the different South American species to roam freely. Visitors can walk through along a designated pathway. The 2m high perimeter fence is built using fine zoo mesh which allows visitors to view the enclosure from outside along one edge. It also should make the exhibit feel even more open when inside. The mesh is strong enough to contain the larger species and smooth enough to prevent the squirrel monkeys from climbing out.

The total area of the exhibit Three of five species in South America Viva includes a covered entrance with a magnetic locking double gate system for entry and exit, a hand wash station, push chair park and introductory signage. The visitor pathway is 200m long and loops through most of the exhibit. It is a one way walk which helps control flow and stop congestion at the gates. Once inside the exhibit, the visitors turn left and follow the path towards the lake. A 10m long bridge spans a narrow point in the lake where the visitors get to view the capybara. Differently planted zones within the exhibit allow the species to have their own areas but also interact if they wish too. There is grazing throughout the exhibit and all but the squirrel monkeys utilise Interaction between species the whole exhibit. pen. A climbing frame is attached monkey climbing frame but it The design encourages the squirrel to the building. covers all the species in the exhibit monkeys to stay at their end of and focuses on the biodiversity of the open exhibit which allows staff The interpretation is placed at South America and the BIAZA to closely monitor the monkeys' intervals along the visitor path Nature reserve and conservation behaviour towards the visitor while with various topics, such as projects. being able to also monitor the rest biodiversity, geography, habitats, of the exhibit. The squirrel conservation and species monkey area has a stable block information. The keeper All Photos ©Yorkshire Wildlife with a squirrel monkey isolation, a presentation is held at the squirrel Park, 2012 yard, indoor housing and on-show

ZOO’s PRINT, Volume XXX, Number 1 January 2015 42 ANIMALS The middle third of the exhibit has a large soil mound with small Family Species Common Name Capacity shelters for the rodents and a Caviidae Dolichotis patagonum Patagonian mara 5.5.10 large field shelter for all species. Caviidae Hydrochoerus Capybara 1.1.5 hydrochaeris The last third of the exhibit is Cebidae Saimiri sciureus Common squirrel 10.0.0 designed for the squirrel monkeys monkey and agouti and has a large Dasyproctidae Dasyprocta azarae Azara's agouti 2.2.2 climbing frame with planting Rheidae Rhea americana Rhea 1.2.0 among it. As well as the shelters there are log piles in the exhibit to create naturalistic cover for the agouti in particular and small nest boxes for each agouti. This also acts as visual barriers for the animals and furniture for the rodents to gnaw on and shelter under.

FEATURES DEDICATED TO KEEPERS The main feature of the exhibit for the staff is that the squirrel moneys stay in one area while being kept in a large, mixed species, walkthrough exhibit. As the monkeys are the main species for the visitors, it is important that staff could manage the monkeys while being able to still monitor the other species and the exhibit.

FEATURES DEDICATED TO VISITORS In a walk-through, mixed species exhibit visitors can experience a variety of species from the same region, interacting naturally in a naturalistic environment, as close as possible, and learn about conservation issues.

INTERPRETATION As the visitors walk through the exhibit they can find several information boards and ID signs Overview giving details on each species and conservation messages on them Total size of the exhibit is 5625m². grasses and low shrubs to create a and their habitats. Three keeper This includes a 425m² lake, a grasslands habitat for the presentations throughout the day 50m² undercover visitor entrance, Patagonian mara and Rhea. The aim at reinforcing the conservation and a 200m long path covering other end of the exhibit is heavily messages and information on what 650m² of the exhibit. planted with trees to create a the visitors can do to help. forest for the squirrel monkey and PLANTS agouti. MANAGEMENT The exhibit is designed and This exhibit is staffed by a keeper planted to encourage the different FEATURES DEDICATED TO whenever it is open to the public. species to inhabit certain areas. ANIMALS There is no food, drink, and The lake is planted with marginal The first third of the exhibit is smoking allowed in the exhibit. plants and sparse bamboo and designed mainly for the capybara Pushchairs are not admitted willow trees to create a wetlands with low roof shelters in a soil because they often are a good habitat for the capybara. The mound, shallow areas of the lake source of food that is kept in central part of the exhibit is for mud wallows and grazing. pockets. landscaped and planted with

ZOO’s PRINT, Volume XXX, Number 1 January 2015 43 Entrance to the walk-through Mara with young ©Yorkshire Wildlife Park, 2012

Interpretation along the path

Forest part of the exhibit

Squirrel monkey close-up Wetland part of the exhibit

Very little negative interspecific behaviours have been CONSERVATION observed. The main issues are managing the visitors We fundraise at each of the three keeper and their adherence to the exhibit rules and visitor/ presentations for the BIAZA and World Land Trust squirrel monkey interaction. No encouragement is Nature Reserve in Brazil. The presentation and given to monkeys to jump on staff. This prevents interpretation aim at educating the visitors on any doubts for staff, visitor or monkeys about conservation issues for the species and habitats in acceptable behaviours. South America and at encouraging sustainability.

RESEARCH LOCAL RESOURCES We have carried out visitor impact and enclosure All materials were locally and sustainably sourced usage studies to assess the management of the when possible. The plants are from a local supplier, exhibit and the welfare of the animals. planting and construction were completed by local companies. This is to support local businesses and to reduce transport costs and emissions.

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