Chimpanzee Forest exhibit at Chester Zoo

In 2000 an exhibit was altered substantially for Chimpanzees Pan troglodytes at Chester Zoo. A flat grass-covered island was initially planted with over 300 plants of 31 species and a complex climbing structure, made from poles, hammocks, tyres and cargo nets, was erected in the centre of the enclosure. In this article the new Chimpanzee Forest exhibit is described and details of the plantings are given. The ways in which the structure and vegetation have improved the environment and how the Chimpanzees use the redesigned space are also reported.