Colchester Zoo orangutans 'intrigued' by roof repairs

The orangutans were watching with interest as their roof was inspected.

Orangutans at Colchester Zoo have been "intrigued" by maintenance crews who have been investigating damage to their enclosure.

Engineers from France have been called to fully assess the roof, which was damaged when winds of about 50mph (80km/h) hit the area on Monday.

The three orangutans - Tiga, Mali and Tatau - were not harmed.

Rajang's Forest would likely be closed to the public until the weekend, Colchester Zoo said.

"Orangutans are really curious creatures, but the roof blowing off of their enclosure wasn't what we'd planned for them to be interested in," said Andy Moore, director of science, education and training at the zoo.

He said they were reacting to subtle changes in sound, smell and temperature caused by the damage.

An expert from France may be required to assess the damage to the roof of the orangutan enclosure.

Due to the proximity of the orangutan's enclosure to the main entrance, visitors could experience some delays on entry and exit while repairs take place.

A tunnel connecting the sea lion enclosure to Rajang's Forest remains open.

• Listen: French expert to assess orangutan enclosure damage

Chris Elsey, head of maintenance, said the enclosure was built by a specialist company in France in the early 2000s.

"We're currently working out when they're going to get an engineer to come and have a look as to what we can do to fully repair this building," he said.

Andy Moore says orangutans are sensitive creatures and have detected changes in their environment caused by the roof damage.

Mr Moore added that the zoo was keen to allow the public to return to the orangutan enclosure as visitors provide "enrichment".

"The different clothes and behaviours that our visitors bring keep the animals stimulated," he added.

The enclosure is named after Rajang - a 50-year-old orangutan who died in 2018 having lived at Colchester Zoo since 1980.

The zoo celebrated its 60th anniversary last year.