Uhh... Okay? Not really seeing what your going for....
Dream zoo
- Thread starter CheeseChameleon1945
- Start date
Nope. It's lammergeier, based on its German name Lämmergeier (= "Lambs Vulture"). When in doubt, better use the trivial name bearded vulture.
Thank you!
The Deep sea part 2:
Leaving that marvelous breathtaking tank, will take you into more lines of typical deep sea exhibits. An interesting tank home to Manytooth Conger eels, Red king crabs, and California rock crabs. This exhibit is pretty eerie, and is supposed to simulate a whale carcass being left on the abyssal plain. The fake carcass in the center does use real bones, but not whales. And the meat is put in the carcass as sort of an enrichment for these scavenging species. The slightly curved viewing area is pretty lengthy and horizontal, and has lots of simulated dips in the ground for the eels to swim through. Smaller tanks surrounding this exhibit are also present, with curious little species such as my all-time favorite the Peacock mantis shrimp. Their tank is somewhat small but has natural coral and looks as vibrant as ever. The final tank in this section is actually a somewhat large one. It holds multiple shark and ray species, such as the wonderful Pacific sleeper shark. The entire exhibit is sloped, and has rocky terrain that jerk out of the ground. Deep-sea coral is not an option, so fake (but convincing) looking coral representing actual species is present. A large cave-like backdrop is present, and has plenty of sneaky little spaces for the various catsharks and rays to take a rest, or just chillax. The final connection hallways has the remaining species. Very large deep-sea tanks with the same mechanism I described earlier are present, with some species such as the crazy-looking Common fangtooth. This fish has the largest teeth in the ocean relative to its body living today, and has devious hunting tactics. The right side of the hallway has the imposingly charming little reef setups with Christmas tree worms. I would be fascinated by these guys, but the little ones might enjoy them as well. One of my favorite deep-sea cephalapods is in an even larger exhibit than the fangtooth. This is the otherworldly Telescope octopus. They seemingly drift though the water, with plenty of wonder sparking in the viewers eyes. They are entirely transparent and gelatinous, and are so simply because-they can. They don't need as complex bodies as their shallow-water relatives because they never hit a surface in their entire life, so simpler bodies is just enough to accommodate them in these depths.
I said connection of hallways, and this hallway might look like your standard shark tunnel, but it doesn't hold sharks. It holds hundreds of luminous Firefly squid. The technique used here to illuminate their bioluminescense without force, is pretty interesting, but not unheard of. The Little squid bump into thin-enough-to-be-invisible nets, and then their photophores shine for a few seconds. It is a pretty amazing sight for the visitors. The last hallway holds more reef tanks, with black color variant of the Ribbon eel. An amazing thing to see swimming, and their tank provides plenty of opportunity for them to do that, with small reef tunnels and crevices for the eels to explore and hang out in. The Terrible claw lobster is also showcased here, with a name that is surely... interesting. Sea spiders have also always been a favorite of mine, as when I was younger I always thought they were actually insects in the deep sea, sort of like diving bell spiders except not in freshwater. Scarlet sea spiders is the species that is exhibited, and they have simulated sponge beds for then to walk on. (those legs man!) A strange deep sea fish can be found in another tank with the same mechanism shown before, and this is the Temperate snaggletooth. This is a fantasy zoo, and I realize lots of the species shown here in the building would never be able to survive in captivity. Its fun to imagine though, and I would be pretty disappointed if these animals weren't included. The last 2 tanks are for some awesomely cool (but weird) jellyfish. Blue blubber jellyfish in all their color variants are swarming around in a low-lit tank, and they are super fun to watch in my opinion. The Beautifully bioluminescent Atolla jelly is also a resident here, and to see this animals bioluminescense would be a treat, so the mechanism is flawless and almost will ensure that you would be able to see this animals Bioluminescense every day. Sunlight fills your eyes as you exit that building, and I have to say it is one of my most creative exhibits. I like all the exhibits atmosphere, as trying to represent the deep sea in some way, and that deep sea mechanism is pretty fun to think about. But wait, were not done yet! Around the zoo their are a few introductory exhibits showing animals from all around the globe, and outside this exhibit their is one. It holds the very little known carnivore, the Meller's mongoose. The 6 individuals were rescued from poachers almost a year ago, and the mongooses are alive and doing well. Their exhibit has multiple viewing areas to see these frisky little guys, and their exhibit is grassy and lush-looking. Vegetated plateaus rise above the normal ground surrounded by a moat, and the mongooses love to play together up here.
Thanks,
Luke.
I hope you enjoyed that! I think for the next exhibit I'll let you guys see the first post I made with a list of the exhibits, and you can choose which ones you want to see there. I will make the final executive decision, but if there is one you would especially like to request I will take all of your guys's responses into consideration.
Leaving that marvelous breathtaking tank, will take you into more lines of typical deep sea exhibits. An interesting tank home to Manytooth Conger eels, Red king crabs, and California rock crabs. This exhibit is pretty eerie, and is supposed to simulate a whale carcass being left on the abyssal plain. The fake carcass in the center does use real bones, but not whales. And the meat is put in the carcass as sort of an enrichment for these scavenging species. The slightly curved viewing area is pretty lengthy and horizontal, and has lots of simulated dips in the ground for the eels to swim through. Smaller tanks surrounding this exhibit are also present, with curious little species such as my all-time favorite the Peacock mantis shrimp. Their tank is somewhat small but has natural coral and looks as vibrant as ever. The final tank in this section is actually a somewhat large one. It holds multiple shark and ray species, such as the wonderful Pacific sleeper shark. The entire exhibit is sloped, and has rocky terrain that jerk out of the ground. Deep-sea coral is not an option, so fake (but convincing) looking coral representing actual species is present. A large cave-like backdrop is present, and has plenty of sneaky little spaces for the various catsharks and rays to take a rest, or just chillax. The final connection hallways has the remaining species. Very large deep-sea tanks with the same mechanism I described earlier are present, with some species such as the crazy-looking Common fangtooth. This fish has the largest teeth in the ocean relative to its body living today, and has devious hunting tactics. The right side of the hallway has the imposingly charming little reef setups with Christmas tree worms. I would be fascinated by these guys, but the little ones might enjoy them as well. One of my favorite deep-sea cephalapods is in an even larger exhibit than the fangtooth. This is the otherworldly Telescope octopus. They seemingly drift though the water, with plenty of wonder sparking in the viewers eyes. They are entirely transparent and gelatinous, and are so simply because-they can. They don't need as complex bodies as their shallow-water relatives because they never hit a surface in their entire life, so simpler bodies is just enough to accommodate them in these depths.
I said connection of hallways, and this hallway might look like your standard shark tunnel, but it doesn't hold sharks. It holds hundreds of luminous Firefly squid. The technique used here to illuminate their bioluminescense without force, is pretty interesting, but not unheard of. The Little squid bump into thin-enough-to-be-invisible nets, and then their photophores shine for a few seconds. It is a pretty amazing sight for the visitors. The last hallway holds more reef tanks, with black color variant of the Ribbon eel. An amazing thing to see swimming, and their tank provides plenty of opportunity for them to do that, with small reef tunnels and crevices for the eels to explore and hang out in. The Terrible claw lobster is also showcased here, with a name that is surely... interesting. Sea spiders have also always been a favorite of mine, as when I was younger I always thought they were actually insects in the deep sea, sort of like diving bell spiders except not in freshwater. Scarlet sea spiders is the species that is exhibited, and they have simulated sponge beds for then to walk on. (those legs man!) A strange deep sea fish can be found in another tank with the same mechanism shown before, and this is the Temperate snaggletooth. This is a fantasy zoo, and I realize lots of the species shown here in the building would never be able to survive in captivity. Its fun to imagine though, and I would be pretty disappointed if these animals weren't included. The last 2 tanks are for some awesomely cool (but weird) jellyfish. Blue blubber jellyfish in all their color variants are swarming around in a low-lit tank, and they are super fun to watch in my opinion. The Beautifully bioluminescent Atolla jelly is also a resident here, and to see this animals bioluminescense would be a treat, so the mechanism is flawless and almost will ensure that you would be able to see this animals Bioluminescense every day. Sunlight fills your eyes as you exit that building, and I have to say it is one of my most creative exhibits. I like all the exhibits atmosphere, as trying to represent the deep sea in some way, and that deep sea mechanism is pretty fun to think about. But wait, were not done yet! Around the zoo their are a few introductory exhibits showing animals from all around the globe, and outside this exhibit their is one. It holds the very little known carnivore, the Meller's mongoose. The 6 individuals were rescued from poachers almost a year ago, and the mongooses are alive and doing well. Their exhibit has multiple viewing areas to see these frisky little guys, and their exhibit is grassy and lush-looking. Vegetated plateaus rise above the normal ground surrounded by a moat, and the mongooses love to play together up here.
Thanks,
Luke.
I hope you enjoyed that! I think for the next exhibit I'll let you guys see the first post I made with a list of the exhibits, and you can choose which ones you want to see there. I will make the final executive decision, but if there is one you would especially like to request I will take all of your guys's responses into consideration.
Not to bump or anything (please don't delete) No one really voted, so tomorrow European journey will come out. A very underrepresented country in U.S. zoos.
Can’t wait for European Journey to be posted,I’m very excited to see what you have in store.
Thanks!
No problem
European journey:
The first thing you should know about this exhibit, is it's not the number 1 place everyone wants to go to. The exhibits are still top-notch quality, but its kind of in a weird section of the zoo that is usually not very inhabited by swarms of people. It doesn't attract many crowds, but that's partially why this is a good exhibit. Its always peaceful, and its a place where people can enjoy wildlife. The individual animal exhibits located here are noticeably far more "natural", than any of the others. What I mean is, the exhibits hold natural terrain that was always growing there, and less man-made touches to make it look more lush was added. That being said, lets start our journey. The exhibit itself is sort of located near the middle, but to the left a bit, if your looking at it topographically. Its not a very populated section of the zoo, as the front and the back usually are. The trail leading to the first habitats is directly across from western ghats hitchhike, an exhibit with a similar layout as this one. The sign is very rustic, and is almost unnoticeable, since it is next to a bunch of trees with the same brown color for the trunks. But nevertheless, we shall enter. The first path is sort of a declining zigzag, that has lots of facts about wildlife of Europe on all the sides, so your getting informed as you make your way to the first animal. I have always been a huge cat fan, and this exhibit predictably holds one for the first exhibit you see. Their exhibit is glass fronted, with netting stretching to the highest point. This exhibit holds the very rare Scottish wildcat. The zoo is actually breeding this species, and around this time, kittens are frolicking around in the grassy meadow. There are 2 main sections to this exhibit. The first section, is on the far left, and has a mountainous rocky outcropping on the highest point. This section actually uses a little bit of brick on some of the landings, adding to the overall feel of this exhibit as a whole. On the mountain side facing you, a waterfall is protruding water into a small stream that feeds into the next section. The next section is supposed to be a meadow, and has some trees but not very many. This where the wildcats can sleep under the tall grass if they please. In front of the meadow, is the stream I was talking about earlier. Passing this exhibit will take you to some outdoor glass-fronted grottoes for some little friends. Anatolian crested newts are able to swim under the water here, and yes, these exhibits are outdoors. The underwater viewings are small, but entertaining to see the little newts frolic around in there. The other terrarium is home to the Vulnerable Lycian salamander, and their exhibit holds some native European water-growing plants as well, and a small land section. A small underwater mini "pond", as you might say, holds little swarms of fat spring minnows. An endangered species as well, this animal has a lake that is pretty deep, and almost holds inspiration from the blind cave fish pool in Kingdoms of the night at Omaha, except with barriers this time. You take a small curve around on the path and it takes you to another small carnivore exhibit directly behind the Scottish wildcat exhibit. Their exhibit is sloped, but has a lot more level land terrain than the Wildcat exhibit does. It holds Steppe polecats, and a fun and interesting feeding technique is used for this species. During feeding time, Live mice are actually brought out for the polecats to hunt. This is super cool to watch them do this in action, but also a little more enrichment for the polecats themselves. I only suddenly realize copying off my notebook right now, that this area has all of the small European carnivores, because surprise surprise, the next animal is the European mink. An animal I have wanted to see my whole lifetime, and you get to see them here in a nice habitat at the dream zoo. Their exhibit is mainly built on three distinct levels, so the minks can travel to any of them as they please. Each level is grassy, but also with wetland sections in the middle of each, and multiple trees at the top. The bottom section has the largest water section, but also has some wooden bridges and stepping stones for the Mink, if they choose not to get wet right now. The small river of the bottom is being fed by a waterfall, with initially that waterfall being from a small spring which in turn, is being fed by another waterfall. This exhibit is netted, but with glass viewing only for the first level. The final carnivore I have to show you, is a fun jittery exhibit for frisky Beech martens. Here they have a breeding program, and a fun wooden jungle gym for the martens. It is essentially a natural-looking playground, and really adds to the enrichment of the adult and the baby martens. Their playground stretches around the visitors, including the tunnel to the next exhibit. This tunnel actually stretches out into an indoor section holding 2 species of mollusk. The first one is the Warty bobtail squid, and has a large arctic-themed tank. On the very top of the tank is ice structures that reach halfway down through the exhibit, and a rocky surface making up the bottom of the tank. You can view the little squid bobbing around in their from most sides, as the exhibit is curved. The other exhibit is home to a curious little cephalapod, The Atlantic cranch squid. This animal is mostly transparent, and looks almost alien to its shallow water relatives. Their exhibit is dark and arid, with their appearing to be no end. Interesting anatomy signs for the squid are hung from the ceilings. Exiting into the light again will bring you to some of our avian friends. A large pond for Harlequin duck is the first aviary, and it has virtually no barriers. Cherry blossom trees surrounding the outer layer of the exhibit is a nice touch, and the ponds stretch around a center area of land for the ducks to roost. I like the color patterns on this species especially. An extravagant exhibit across from the duck ponds put that exhibit in shame. This is an exhibit for Razorbills, and they have some of the highest elevation areas of the whole zoo. Rocky plateaus and outcrops perfectly accessible for all the auks are aligned together perfectly, and mossy plateaus are stacked on top of each other for the auks to walk across. The big mossy structure Is surrounded by deeper water, with underwater viewings at the lowest point. This is so the people don't always have see them from a distance, and can connect with them underwater. The final exhibit I am going to show you is a very specialized exhibit for Barnacle goose. Its a fantasy zoo, so diet is not really considered. But Their exhibit has simulated tide pools, and large sandy land for the goose to walk around. Small pathways that bring the geese upwards to a second level of sandy terrain, 4 levels in total. The exhibit is pretty much self-explanatory, so It's not that amazing. I will do the second part later today.
The first thing you should know about this exhibit, is it's not the number 1 place everyone wants to go to. The exhibits are still top-notch quality, but its kind of in a weird section of the zoo that is usually not very inhabited by swarms of people. It doesn't attract many crowds, but that's partially why this is a good exhibit. Its always peaceful, and its a place where people can enjoy wildlife. The individual animal exhibits located here are noticeably far more "natural", than any of the others. What I mean is, the exhibits hold natural terrain that was always growing there, and less man-made touches to make it look more lush was added. That being said, lets start our journey. The exhibit itself is sort of located near the middle, but to the left a bit, if your looking at it topographically. Its not a very populated section of the zoo, as the front and the back usually are. The trail leading to the first habitats is directly across from western ghats hitchhike, an exhibit with a similar layout as this one. The sign is very rustic, and is almost unnoticeable, since it is next to a bunch of trees with the same brown color for the trunks. But nevertheless, we shall enter. The first path is sort of a declining zigzag, that has lots of facts about wildlife of Europe on all the sides, so your getting informed as you make your way to the first animal. I have always been a huge cat fan, and this exhibit predictably holds one for the first exhibit you see. Their exhibit is glass fronted, with netting stretching to the highest point. This exhibit holds the very rare Scottish wildcat. The zoo is actually breeding this species, and around this time, kittens are frolicking around in the grassy meadow. There are 2 main sections to this exhibit. The first section, is on the far left, and has a mountainous rocky outcropping on the highest point. This section actually uses a little bit of brick on some of the landings, adding to the overall feel of this exhibit as a whole. On the mountain side facing you, a waterfall is protruding water into a small stream that feeds into the next section. The next section is supposed to be a meadow, and has some trees but not very many. This where the wildcats can sleep under the tall grass if they please. In front of the meadow, is the stream I was talking about earlier. Passing this exhibit will take you to some outdoor glass-fronted grottoes for some little friends. Anatolian crested newts are able to swim under the water here, and yes, these exhibits are outdoors. The underwater viewings are small, but entertaining to see the little newts frolic around in there. The other terrarium is home to the Vulnerable Lycian salamander, and their exhibit holds some native European water-growing plants as well, and a small land section. A small underwater mini "pond", as you might say, holds little swarms of fat spring minnows. An endangered species as well, this animal has a lake that is pretty deep, and almost holds inspiration from the blind cave fish pool in Kingdoms of the night at Omaha, except with barriers this time. You take a small curve around on the path and it takes you to another small carnivore exhibit directly behind the Scottish wildcat exhibit. Their exhibit is sloped, but has a lot more level land terrain than the Wildcat exhibit does. It holds Steppe polecats, and a fun and interesting feeding technique is used for this species. During feeding time, Live mice are actually brought out for the polecats to hunt. This is super cool to watch them do this in action, but also a little more enrichment for the polecats themselves. I only suddenly realize copying off my notebook right now, that this area has all of the small European carnivores, because surprise surprise, the next animal is the European mink. An animal I have wanted to see my whole lifetime, and you get to see them here in a nice habitat at the dream zoo. Their exhibit is mainly built on three distinct levels, so the minks can travel to any of them as they please. Each level is grassy, but also with wetland sections in the middle of each, and multiple trees at the top. The bottom section has the largest water section, but also has some wooden bridges and stepping stones for the Mink, if they choose not to get wet right now. The small river of the bottom is being fed by a waterfall, with initially that waterfall being from a small spring which in turn, is being fed by another waterfall. This exhibit is netted, but with glass viewing only for the first level. The final carnivore I have to show you, is a fun jittery exhibit for frisky Beech martens. Here they have a breeding program, and a fun wooden jungle gym for the martens. It is essentially a natural-looking playground, and really adds to the enrichment of the adult and the baby martens. Their playground stretches around the visitors, including the tunnel to the next exhibit. This tunnel actually stretches out into an indoor section holding 2 species of mollusk. The first one is the Warty bobtail squid, and has a large arctic-themed tank. On the very top of the tank is ice structures that reach halfway down through the exhibit, and a rocky surface making up the bottom of the tank. You can view the little squid bobbing around in their from most sides, as the exhibit is curved. The other exhibit is home to a curious little cephalapod, The Atlantic cranch squid. This animal is mostly transparent, and looks almost alien to its shallow water relatives. Their exhibit is dark and arid, with their appearing to be no end. Interesting anatomy signs for the squid are hung from the ceilings. Exiting into the light again will bring you to some of our avian friends. A large pond for Harlequin duck is the first aviary, and it has virtually no barriers. Cherry blossom trees surrounding the outer layer of the exhibit is a nice touch, and the ponds stretch around a center area of land for the ducks to roost. I like the color patterns on this species especially. An extravagant exhibit across from the duck ponds put that exhibit in shame. This is an exhibit for Razorbills, and they have some of the highest elevation areas of the whole zoo. Rocky plateaus and outcrops perfectly accessible for all the auks are aligned together perfectly, and mossy plateaus are stacked on top of each other for the auks to walk across. The big mossy structure Is surrounded by deeper water, with underwater viewings at the lowest point. This is so the people don't always have see them from a distance, and can connect with them underwater. The final exhibit I am going to show you is a very specialized exhibit for Barnacle goose. Its a fantasy zoo, so diet is not really considered. But Their exhibit has simulated tide pools, and large sandy land for the goose to walk around. Small pathways that bring the geese upwards to a second level of sandy terrain, 4 levels in total. The exhibit is pretty much self-explanatory, so It's not that amazing. I will do the second part later today.
Now this is a very lovely exhibit.You really outdid yourself with this one my friend,can’t wait to see part 2.
That means a lot, thank you! Never really expected this one to be so loved, just to let you know that these are the smallest of all the exhibits. Tropical world has 200+ species!
The shark dies within hours, and your zoo is closed down due to animal cruelty
The end.
Maybe, the tiger shark is out for revenge.
Maybe..... He's an undead corpse staring at you from behind?
(you totally looked behind you didn't you).
Maybe..... He's an undead corpse staring at you from behind?
(you totally looked behind you didn't you).
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In which case you're the one it will be seeking vengeance against
Haha! So true! I'd better shut the doorIn which case you're the one it will be seeking vengeance against
!
I was debating if I would leave that out, but I can't really get rid of it now.
Okay how about this: Attention! An announcement has been made. The zoo no longer keeps sand tiger sharks in Extreme caves. They are now held in the aquatics building.
As a kind Zoochat citizen who loves to drink tea once told me, "The shark dies within hours, and your zoo is closed down due to animal cruelty".
As a kind Zoochat citizen who loves to drink tea once told me, "The shark dies within hours, and your zoo is closed down due to animal cruelty
".
European journey part 2:
The remaining exhibits are not as extravagant as the first exhibits, but some interesting species are held in this second section. The next area is a small reptile house, with some species that not a lot of people talk about. The first terrarium holds East canary geckos. Their exhibit is designed to look like someones back porch, with a large log out front. The geckos can climb on the large glass panels if they wish, or they can blend in with the logs. The next species is critically endangered, and it is the Hierro giant lizard. 2 individuals are kept here, and their exhibit is actually outside, but it is viewed from the inside. Large amounts of dirt and natural vegetation are populating the area of this exhibit, so it looks considerabley different from its terrarium neighbors.
European blind snakes are the next residents, and their exhibit provides plenty of cover if the residents are a little shy. A large dip in the center of the exhibit with a pool of water is a favorite of the snakes, and bent logs and surrounding shrubs make up some of the other elements of the exhibit. The reptile house also has a smaller section with some ocean life. A mixed species exhibit with Iceland catsharks and Blue pygmy skates is the largest tank, and they have a rocky slope exhibit where little light penetrates. The 2 species are located off the coast of Ireland. A fun shipwreck style exhibit with bubbles for the kids holds multiple Leopard eels, and realistic looking (admittedly fake) coral passageways for the eels to hide in is also provided, if they don't feel like they want attention at the moment. A smaller reef tank is home to Red scorpionfish, and signs on the wall tell you the dangers of scorpionfish. Finally exiting this exhibit will bring you to a marvelous free flight aviary. The aviary in total is about twice the size of the Simmon's aviary, and has multiple different landscaping techniques. It holds Ospreys, and they have plenty of room to fly around. First of all, a large island surrounded by water has a towering tree containing an osprey nest. But a large forested area with trees and waterfalls really makes up the exhibit, and the osprey's love to hang out in there. The boardwalk trail stretches over water, and a higher boardwalk trail that goes over the forested area as well. Exiting out of that aviary will essentially take you to a much much smaller aviary, this one holding Jack snipe, Reed bunting, Eurasian backcap, Golden oriole, Wallcreeper, and Chukar. An animal happily awaits us in the next exhibit, this one being the Carpathian boar. Their exhibit has a pond in the center, and surrounding oaks growing throughout the exhibit. It almost looks like a landscape photo, looking at the exhibit. Cold mountain peeks making up the back barriers, a flower-laden meadow, and large log piles. Looks nice! The exhibit is surrounded by a moat however. A small outdoor netted exhibit for Stripeless tree frogs and Boetgger's wall gecko is located directly behind the wild boar exhibit. Smooth stones and log walkways are some defining features of this enclosure. Before taking a look at the final exhibit, a few more small animal exhibits are located in a short tunnel. A small pebble-filled tank with Mud bithynaia snails swimming around is the first tank on the left. A long exhibit with large stones scattered about with Gran canaria skinks is the next one. The other 2 exhibits hold the endangered Lilford's wall lizard, with a similar exhibit to the skinks, and the pretty-looking Ratas island lizard, another endemic species of the Balearic islands. The final enclosure of this exhibit is the largest, and is so vast it is difficult to see where it ends. It is home to a large herd of European bison. I took inspiration from this exhibit thinking about the African savanna at the Columbus zoo. It is difficult to decipher where it ends. Large grassy meadows is perfect for this species, but with some large trees sticking out of the ground arranged variously. A pretty stream runs through the center of the exhibit, with land attachments in between. You can actually get 4 total viewing areas of this exhibit. A rounded viewing platform at the far left, large glass boxes in the middle, and a wooden cabin area with deck to look out of. The birch trees in the background really add, and they collide with each other, obscuring the walking space on the other side. Various artifacts dealing with the European bison is located in cabin, skulls, skins, etc. But taking the path out of the journey will bring you around in a perfect circle back to your starting point.
Not the largest section, but a fulfilling one for now.
Which exhibit would you like next? Western ghats hitchhike, or Desert Odyssey?
By the way, desert Odyssey has lots of small carnivores TLD, perhaps a tea station would be included in the building?
The remaining exhibits are not as extravagant as the first exhibits, but some interesting species are held in this second section. The next area is a small reptile house, with some species that not a lot of people talk about. The first terrarium holds East canary geckos. Their exhibit is designed to look like someones back porch, with a large log out front. The geckos can climb on the large glass panels if they wish, or they can blend in with the logs. The next species is critically endangered, and it is the Hierro giant lizard. 2 individuals are kept here, and their exhibit is actually outside, but it is viewed from the inside. Large amounts of dirt and natural vegetation are populating the area of this exhibit, so it looks considerabley different from its terrarium neighbors.
European blind snakes are the next residents, and their exhibit provides plenty of cover if the residents are a little shy. A large dip in the center of the exhibit with a pool of water is a favorite of the snakes, and bent logs and surrounding shrubs make up some of the other elements of the exhibit. The reptile house also has a smaller section with some ocean life. A mixed species exhibit with Iceland catsharks and Blue pygmy skates is the largest tank, and they have a rocky slope exhibit where little light penetrates. The 2 species are located off the coast of Ireland. A fun shipwreck style exhibit with bubbles for the kids holds multiple Leopard eels, and realistic looking (admittedly fake) coral passageways for the eels to hide in is also provided, if they don't feel like they want attention at the moment. A smaller reef tank is home to Red scorpionfish, and signs on the wall tell you the dangers of scorpionfish. Finally exiting this exhibit will bring you to a marvelous free flight aviary. The aviary in total is about twice the size of the Simmon's aviary, and has multiple different landscaping techniques. It holds Ospreys, and they have plenty of room to fly around. First of all, a large island surrounded by water has a towering tree containing an osprey nest. But a large forested area with trees and waterfalls really makes up the exhibit, and the osprey's love to hang out in there. The boardwalk trail stretches over water, and a higher boardwalk trail that goes over the forested area as well. Exiting out of that aviary will essentially take you to a much much smaller aviary, this one holding Jack snipe, Reed bunting, Eurasian backcap, Golden oriole, Wallcreeper, and Chukar. An animal happily awaits us in the next exhibit, this one being the Carpathian boar. Their exhibit has a pond in the center, and surrounding oaks growing throughout the exhibit. It almost looks like a landscape photo, looking at the exhibit. Cold mountain peeks making up the back barriers, a flower-laden meadow, and large log piles. Looks nice! The exhibit is surrounded by a moat however. A small outdoor netted exhibit for Stripeless tree frogs and Boetgger's wall gecko is located directly behind the wild boar exhibit. Smooth stones and log walkways are some defining features of this enclosure. Before taking a look at the final exhibit, a few more small animal exhibits are located in a short tunnel. A small pebble-filled tank with Mud bithynaia snails swimming around is the first tank on the left. A long exhibit with large stones scattered about with Gran canaria skinks is the next one. The other 2 exhibits hold the endangered Lilford's wall lizard, with a similar exhibit to the skinks, and the pretty-looking Ratas island lizard, another endemic species of the Balearic islands. The final enclosure of this exhibit is the largest, and is so vast it is difficult to see where it ends. It is home to a large herd of European bison. I took inspiration from this exhibit thinking about the African savanna at the Columbus zoo. It is difficult to decipher where it ends. Large grassy meadows is perfect for this species, but with some large trees sticking out of the ground arranged variously. A pretty stream runs through the center of the exhibit, with land attachments in between. You can actually get 4 total viewing areas of this exhibit. A rounded viewing platform at the far left, large glass boxes in the middle, and a wooden cabin area with deck to look out of. The birch trees in the background really add, and they collide with each other, obscuring the walking space on the other side. Various artifacts dealing with the European bison is located in cabin, skulls, skins, etc. But taking the path out of the journey will bring you around in a perfect circle back to your starting point.
Not the largest section, but a fulfilling one for now.
Which exhibit would you like next? Western ghats hitchhike, or Desert Odyssey?
By the way, desert Odyssey has lots of small carnivores TLD, perhaps a tea station would be included in the building?
Desert Odyssey