Europe's 100 must see exhibits

[Jurek7]

6. Desert House

This exhibit is lovely, but I have a problem of giving so much space to essentially a common species. For example, an oversized exhibit for a large colony of some endangered reptiles could be just as unusual and more important for conservation.

9. Rimba mixed species paddock

South Asia still contains - and contained more in the past - large areas of dry forest and savanna and grassland inhabited by large mixed herds of Asian elephants, rhinos, diverse wild cattle, deer, antelope etc. just as remarkable as herds of African plains.

This habitat seems to be completely overlooked by the zoo world, who portraits South Asia as rainforest only. Even if the actual Asian mammal species are mostly present in Europe in good numbers and have conservation plans.

Then we must agree to disagree. I can of course sympathise with what appears to the message of the exhibit, just not the way in which it is conveyed. Having visited the zoo a plethora of times, I have never seen visitors react to the exhibit in any way other than being slightly bemused by the exhibitry style. On a separate note, not sure that housing turtles in a completely sterile, tiled exhibit constitutes a 'must-see' European exhibit, but as I've agreed with most of, if not all, your other picks so far, I guess I won't take this any further.

This turtle kitchen exhibit was extensively discussed in one of EAZA publications and it contains all elements needed for turtle welfare, including a sandy nesting area concealed behind one of the pots.

 

[Lafone]

Are the cats usually hiding? I've spotted them on all my visits.

I visit a lot and rarely see them — sometimes one is just unlucky!

 

[Batto]

For example, an oversized exhibit for a large colony of some endangered reptiles could be just as unusual and more important for conservation.

Which endangered desert reptile species in particular would you have in mind? While there are several reptile houses in zoos all over the world, there are far few desert houses. And only a single one dedicated to dung beetles and other usually rather neglected desert species. Isn't that far more unusual and unique than just another reptile house (whose contributions to conservation are often rather limited)?

Nevertheless, why not establish your own oversized exhibit for some endangered reptiles to show Nuremberg how it is done? #citizenconservation

 

[Jurek7]

Sorry for my post come as rather dry, I was texting from mobile. Not necessary a desert, but imagine a walkthrough of land iguanas and other Carribbean wildlife, or a swamp with several freshwater turtles or a snake walktru like in Randers (do you plan to include it?)

Having no spare old hippo barn with a heated floor, I will not make one myself...

 

[Batto]

or a snake walktrough like in Randers (do you plan to include it?)

With venomous snakes? Rather unlikely...and not even that original, given Boiga sp. walkthrough exhibits in Asia.
Given how gruff and defensive Cyclura iguanas or certain turtles can be, I doubt that they would make good candidates for such an exhibit.
And who says that you need a hippo barn to practice what you preach when it comes to (citizen) conservation?

We all have different approaches, based on different personal interests; my version of Nuremberg's former hippo house would probably include a lot more toxic species. However, such personal preference shouldn't lead to the denial of the fact that one can surely acknowledge the uniqueness of this exhibit complex.

 

[lintworm]

This exhibit is lovely, but I have a problem of giving so much space to essentially a common species. For example, an oversized exhibit for a large colony of some endangered reptiles could be just as unusual and more important for conservation.

I disagree. Not every exhibit should focus on endangered species and invertebrates did always get the short side of the stick. I would argue that a well-done invertebrate exhibit is a better educational story then another reptile exhibit. That said, dung beetles as a group might be common, but they are widely used as bio-indicator species in the tropics and populations have crashed in several areas due to insecticide use (and other causes). These crashed populations can have serious implications for nutrient cycling and seed dispersal, which are quite critical ecosystem functions. So enough reason why it is a species group worth highlighting.

 

[lintworm]

11. Egyptian temple
Zoo Antwerp, Belgium
Opened: 1856
Size: 930 square metres
Inhabitants: Giraffe, Asian elephant, Hartmann’s mountain zebra

When 19th century Egyptomania was at its full height, any self-respecting zoo would need an Egyptian themed enclosure. Although it is called a temple, its design closely reflects a basilica, so it is very much a Christian interpretation of Egypt. The hieroglyphs on the front side building, now one of its most characteristic features, were only added a few years after opening. The hieroglyphs tell of the works around the temple, it’s opening, of the royal family and more, so they are not just gibberish. Since it’s opening, the temple has housed elephants and other larger mammals. For the zebra (left) and giraffes (centre), the stables are ok, it is hard to see elephants being kept much longer on the right side of the building though. Even for two young bulls there is very little space. This is one of the great zoo buildings that survives from the 19th century and it will be interesting how it will be put to use in the future.

Similar exhibits: none

@bongowwf

@KevinB

@Valvas

@Valvas

@Valvas

 

[Sneeuwpanter]

9. Rimba mixed species paddock
Burgers’ Zoo Arnhem, the Netherlands
Opened: 2008
Size: 5000 square metres
Inhabitants: Javan banteng, Eld’s deer, hog deer, Reeves’ muntjac, southern pig-tailed macaque, siamang

Whereas African savanna mixed-species exhibits are extremely common, Asian mixed-species hoofstock exhibits are much rarer. And most that do exist, are rather standard, with axis deer and blackbuck dominant. Not so this enclosure, which houses several rarer hoofstock species and most importantly adds primates into the mix. The small troop of macaques are the star of the enclosure and go together fine with the hoofstock. Macaques and siamang were not a good combination though, so the Siamang are confined to a number of trees, to which the macaques have no access. Their regular songs do make them a vital component to the success of this exhibit for the visitors. With such a lively assembly, a generic hoofstock enclosure can easily be upgraded into something that is also appreciated by the visitors. It does help that there has been attention to attractive landscaping, but more importantly, there is always something going on. The only ones losing out are the Sumatran tigers, who are optically part of the enclosure, but separated by a mesh from their prospective lunch.

Similar exhibits: none. I am surprised there doesn't seem to be an Indian exhibit mixing hanuman langurs with deers and antelope.

@KevinB (note that you can still see that the oak trees were originally a lane from which visitors viewed the original cattle enclosures)

@KevinB

@KevinB

@EmperorTamarin

Beauval also has mixed Asian paddocks.

 

[Antoine]

Beauval also has mixed Asian paddocks.

Not that type with monkeys.

 

[Fallax]

11. Egyptian temple
Zoo Antwerp, Belgium
Opened: 1856
Size: 930 square metres
Inhabitants: Giraffe, Asian elephant, Hartmann’s mountain zebra

When 19th century Egyptomania was at its full height, any self-respecting zoo would need an Egyptian themed enclosure. Although it is called a temple, its design closely reflects a basilica, so it is very much a Christian interpretation of Egypt. The hieroglyphs on the front side building, now one of its most characteristic features, were only added a few years after opening. The hieroglyphs tell of the works around the temple, it’s opening, of the royal family and more, so they are not just gibberish. Since it’s opening, the temple has housed elephants and other larger mammals. For the zebra (left) and giraffes (centre), the stables are ok, it is hard to see elephants being kept much longer on the right side of the building though. Even for two young bulls there is very little space. This is one of the great zoo buildings that survives from the 19th century and it will be interesting how it will be put to use in the future.

Similar exhibits: none

@bongowwf

@KevinB

@Valvas

@Valvas

@Valvas

A very historical and interesting building, not surprised to see this on the list. It's future will be interesting though, elephants are not the future for sure, the enclosure is far too small for them.

 

[KevinB]

11. Egyptian temple
Zoo Antwerp, Belgium
Opened: 1856
Size: 930 square metres
Inhabitants: Giraffe, Asian elephant, Hartmann’s mountain zebra

When 19th century Egyptomania was at its full height, any self-respecting zoo would need an Egyptian themed enclosure. Although it is called a temple, its design closely reflects a basilica, so it is very much a Christian interpretation of Egypt. The hieroglyphs on the front side building, now one of its most characteristic features, were only added a few years after opening. The hieroglyphs tell of the works around the temple, it’s opening, of the royal family and more, so they are not just gibberish. Since it’s opening, the temple has housed elephants and other larger mammals. For the zebra (left) and giraffes (centre), the stables are ok, it is hard to see elephants being kept much longer on the right side of the building though. Even for two young bulls there is very little space. This is one of the great zoo buildings that survives from the 19th century and it will be interesting how it will be put to use in the future.

Similar exhibits: none

@bongowwf

@KevinB

@Valvas

@Valvas

@Valvas

The Egyptian temple is one of the oldest surviving buildings at Zoo Antwerpen, originally built in the 1850's, and has survived two world wars. It has housed a pretty baffling variety of ungulate species as well as elephants and ostriches over its long history.

It is one of my favorite buildings at Antwerp and I too am very curious to see what the future will bring for it. There have been different plans already over the years. At some point there was talk of turning it into a museum space without animal exhibits, but right now they seem to intend to continue using it as an animal house, and I think it is still quite adequate in that respect - apart from the elephant stables. Given the limited space at Antwerp I don't think it would be appropriate to not continue using this building as an animal house.

While Antwerp even as a small city zoo succeeds at keeping several large mammal species in relatively decent exhibits, their elephant housing is not one of those, and elephants are clearly the megafauna species too much for Antwerp. They should be moved out as soon as possible.

Personally I would like some North African ungulates in the current elephant area, one or two species, to fit in with the Egyptian temple theme.

 

[Mr Gharial]

Personally I would like some North African ungulates in the current elephant area, one or two species, to fit in with the Egyptian temple theme.

Fully agree here! Addax, scimitar-horned oryx, Dromedary camel or dama gazelle. Maybe one of the exhibits can be turned into a North african aviary with Egyptian vultures, European turtle doves, Carmine bee-eaters and bald ibises.

Perhaps one of the indoor areas can be transformed into a terrarium area. With mastigures, spurred tortoises, nile monitors and Egyptian cobras

Sorry, getting off-topic

 

[Batto]

With mastigures, spurred tortoises, nile monitors and Egyptian cobras

Once you've handled a pissed-off Egyptian cobra, been bitten by a nile monitor, tried to take a blood sample from a big spurred tortoise or force-feed an uromastyx, you will probably reconsider your OT renovation plans...

 

[Mr Gharial]

Once you've handled a pissed-off Egyptian cobra, been bitten by a nile monitor, tried to take a blood sample from a big spurred tortoise or force-feed an uromastyx, you will probably reconsider your OT renovation plans...

Take it from someone who has many iguana scars: I will never reconsider plans or my opinions on any animal

I am very stupid. And I will do it again

 

[Batto]

Take it from someone who has many iguana scars: I will never reconsider plans or my opinions on any animal

I am very stupid. And I will do it again

Not a very wise approach when dealing with dangerous animals. And in the case of highly venomous animals, quite life-limiting.
Maybe you should upgrade your iguana handling technique to avoid any more scars...

 

[Mr Gharial]

Not a very wise approach when dealing with dangerous animals. And in the case of highly venomous animals, quite life-limiting.
Maybe you should upgrade your iguana handling technique to avoid any more scars...

In my defence: I love iguanas

But again, getting off topic

 

[Batto]

In my defence: I love iguanas

But again, getting off topic

You don't need scars to confirm your love. And I didn't start going OT...

 

[jwer]

Ah, an obvious inclusion and the second 100% overlap with my list under construction after Nurnbergs’ desert house. You have convinced me into adding ROTRA, Zurichs’ bear exhibit (of which I was on the fence about) and Ouwehands gorilla monstrosity, so I’m now at 59. The others won’t make my list I’m afraid, but I’m 100% convinced some of mine will never reach your list or anyone elses

I doubt I will hit 100 anytime soon, but perhaps you can convince me into a few more I’m also highly curious if Duisburgs’ Rio Negro is on this list. Just to go there, look at it and think about what has been… soon, only old people will remember.

Seeing Antwerps’ Egyptian temple is truly one of ZooChats great pilgrimages. I had the “Antwerp elephant exhibit” on my list, because of the temple and although I know that it’s inadequate as an elephant exhibit, I feel that these city Zoos can arguably have a vital role in the EEP keeping young elephant bulls untill they are ready to go into the world (are you paying attention ARTIS?). The EEP needs places like this to keep going and until a better solution can be found, this would be the next best thing.

I’m also pondering your “exhibits lost” question, which I feel probably deserves it’s own thread. Since you stole my penguin exhibit, I have a hard time remembering exhibits lost that weren’t from the old Emmen Zoo. At least Emmens’ old savannah belongs on that list, how about “Antwerps bird cage system”. Woefully inadequate for the birds inside, but legendary nonetheless

 

[lintworm]

Beauval also has mixed Asian paddocks.

As mentioned by @Antoine, those 2 enclosures don't have monkeys in the mix. There are several Indian rhino paddocks that are also home to hoofstock, Vienna, la Branfere, CERZA, Plzen and Dierenrijk (as well as Basel, pictured above), all come to mind.

but I’m 100% convinced some of mine will never reach your list

It would also be technically impossible to have 100% overlap if you exclude some of my choices , at least if you make it to 100.

Going through my list I would say there are about 30 exhibits that would (and should) occur on anyones list. Then there is a whole lot of enclosures that most people would at least think about and then a smaller set of surprises

I’m also pondering your “exhibits lost” question, which I feel probably deserves it’s own thread. Since you stole my penguin exhibit, I have a hard time remembering exhibits lost that weren’t from the old Emmen Zoo. At least Emmens’ old savannah belongs on that list, how about “Antwerps bird cage system”. Woefully inadequate for the birds inside, but legendary nonetheless

From the old Emmen zoo, both the. savanna and the S-American free-flight aviary would definitely be up there. It is a shame that the architects of the new zoo didn't learn any lessons from the landscaping in the old one. The new savanna golf course is a disaster really...

Not sure about the Antwerp bird cage system, maybe I am too young for that

 

[KevinB]

I’m also pondering your “exhibits lost” question, which I feel probably deserves it’s own thread. Since you stole my penguin exhibit, I have a hard time remembering exhibits lost that weren’t from the old Emmen Zoo. At least Emmens’ old savannah belongs on that list, how about “Antwerps bird cage system”. Woefully inadequate for the birds inside, but legendary nonetheless

Specifically with regard to the Antwerp bird cage system, now recently definitively retired and replaced by an exhibition about birds, it was not just inadequate, it also did not work anymore, as the birds just flew back and forth through the dark zone between the exhibits. They have now moved their estrildid finches to a large mixed arid aviary where the macaws used to be, which is quite nice.

With regards to the "lost exhibits" topic, I think a topic about noteworthy and remarkable exhibits of the past would be very interesting and would probably provide good discussion and content.

As mentioned by @Antoine, those 2 enclosures don't have monkeys in the mix. There are several Indian rhino paddocks that are also home to hoofstock, Vienna, la Branfere, CERZA, Plzen and Dierenrijk (as well as Basel, pictured above), all come to mind.

Planckendael's Indian rhinos are also mixed, with small ungulates however. Reeves's muntjacs with the female and juvenile rhinoceros, Visayan warty pigs with the bull.