TV for orang utans at Paignton Zoo

The orang utans at Paignton Zoo have got themselves a TV.

The 47 inch flat screen telly was donated by Richards TV and Electrical of Babbacombe.

However, it’s not for the endangered South East Asian primates to watch soaps and wildlife documentaries, but for visitors to view clips of them.

The TV will play recorded videos and stills images of the Zoo’s Bornean orang utans, including babies Tatau and Natalia.

The video clips, some of which have been taken in off-show areas, were shot by Senior Head Keeper of Mammals Matthew Webb. The stills are by regular Paignton Zoo visitors and keen photographers Ray Wiltshire, Miriam Haas and Sheila Hassanein.

Matt said: “It’s the perfect way for anyone who missed the babies when they were very tiny, or who doesn’t get a good view of them on the day, to see them close up. If one of the mothers is out on an island and up a tree then it can be hard to see the youngster!”

Chris Harrington, from Richards TV and Electrical, who kindly donated the screen, said: “We are very happy to support such an important local wildlife charity as Paignton Zoo.”

Richards TV and Electrical is a small independent business that has been trading for over 40 years. Paignton Zoo’s Ape Centre is home to six Bornean orang utans and five Western lowland gorillas. For more information go to www.paigntonzoo.org.uk or ring 0844 474 2222.