Europe's 100 must see exhibits

Tim Brown said:
Everything i needed to know..many thanks. I saw the white Tiger at El Bosque therefore...it must have had rather a culture shock! On the other hand it may be quite happy in its "snug" little cage with the public on either side - I shouldn`t presume that because I disliked the zoo(and it IS poor) that the Tigers feel the same way. Have you any information on the huge amount of Brown Bears in one vast enclosure at Cabarceno? Last question - promise!
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The bear situation is (I'd say) similar to the tigers, a big exhibit=big group logic. The exhibit is terrible to control to a point in which it isn't known the precise number of animals living in it. When the park first started housing bears it housed four animals, more were added, many were born,... and with time the population has been bloated. I don't know much more about the bears, but I sure don't adore the way they decided to keep these animals.
Btw, I never thought of El Bosque as an adequate facility to house tigers and I was really surprised when they decided to bring in two rehomed circus animals that passed away not so long ago and made way to the Cabárceno individual. What did you think of this facility? I haven't visited it yet.
 
Dont know how many bears they have!!! I`m hoping to find out more about this highly unusual situation before too long. Its very impressive when they(all?) emerge to be fed. 6 years ago i counted 43 animals ! That said,I was well aware that such a social grouping is far from natural.
El Bosque? The kind of zoo you just don`t see in the UK anymore - it was like going back to the 1970s. A winding path around a small hillside of metal cages occupying perhaps 2 acres at most, it seems there is genuine "love" for the animals from the staff, but it is a concept that is years out of date.Any EU Directive on zoo animal welfare has not been very evenly applied from country to country I must say....even in Spain and France (never mind Romania and Bulgaria) there are still collections that are little different than some of those from 1969.
 
The numbers of individuals in several enclosures threw a new light on things in Cabarceno. I certainly do not consider anything positive on keeping several specimen of tiger or jaguar in the same enclosure, or such a high number of brown bear, even if these enclosures are very impressive in terms of space.
 
As for today Cabárceno only has two jaguars and I'm pretty sure they aren't the youngest individuals. I'd say this species doesn't have much time at the park.
 
Jurek7 said:
Also, there is a growing number of large open-topped fox and small cat exhibits. Red foxes in Goldau, CH are partially walkthru, and serval at Arnay sous Vitteaux, FR has the luck in living in a former lion exhibit on a huge grass lawn.
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At least the European species are often kept in large enclosures in the wildpark type zoos, I know of several who have large wild cat enclosures, often even with fully accessible tall trees.

Tim Brown said:
Not being a person who spends too much of his time looking at a computer screen( I`m already forced to do too much of this in my business) I only just came across this thread and I must say what an enjoyable few hours or so I had reading it all. Im happy to say ive seen all but four of the exhibits...and could write a book on agreeing or disagreeing with each one Ive seen,but I must,and will,resist that.
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Sounds like we will have to chat in person during a future Zoohistorica (or if you make it to the Netherlands), would be interesting to see your perspective.

Tim Brown said:
Later in the trip Icame across an exhibit that would wager will not make this list... Aquarium Finisterrae at A Corruna must have the finest Common Seal exhibit ive ever seen - by some way!
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It is indeed not on the list, not because it is not good, but because I would argue there is a better one ;)
 
56. The middle kingdom
Pairi Daiza, Cambron-Casteau, Belgium
Opened: 2006
Size: 4.8 hectares
Inhabitants: Wide array of East Asian species including giant panda, golden takin, Siberian crane, Francois langur and Chinese alligator

Authenticity has a price, which Eric Domb finds well worth paying. To construct the original Chinese garden, Europe’s largest, 60 full shipping containers + 32 Chinese craftsmen were brought to Belgium. Since then the garden has undergone some major additions, like a large Buddhist temple and a cave with giant pandas. Much of the garden is still the original lay-out though and it is a maze of small pathways, hidden views, surprises and intricate details, all in authentic replicas. It is impossible to explore this garden completely in one visit, so with every repeat visit it still holds surprises. The biggest change is the shift Pairi Daiza itself has made, moving away from being a bird park towards the most comprehensive ABC collection worldwide. What were once crane enclosures, are now transformed to also hold primates, hoofstock and carnivores. In between the overwhelming, but generally high quality, theming there are thus now a number of sub-optimal enclosures that bring the area down. As a Chinese garden there is nothing comparable though.

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@KevinB

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Similar exhibits: There is nothing quite like it
 
MRJ said:
Probably just as well.
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I am inclined to agree with you there ;). Though I am still glad a place like this exists and hope other zoos can learn from it, though they should not try to be a 2nd Pairi Daiza....
 
57. Borgoriwald
Zoo Frankfurt, Germany
Opened: 2008
Size: 8200 square metres
Inhabitants: Western lowland gorilla, Bonobo, Sumatran orangutan, Red-capped mangabey, Fischer’s turaco, golden-breasted starling

The massive gorilla outdoor enclosure could be called a white elephant, as it is rarely used by the apes, but still takes up some prime real estate. What is certainly not a white elephant is the indoor housing of all the apes. Zoo Frankfurt has a long tradition with great apes but the original house was extremely outdated, despite the breeding success. The new house is all but outdated. It provides spacious indoor enclosures, which can easily be subdivided and in the case of the gorilla, the enclosure is basically a giant circle, following the Apenheul principle to allow maximum movement and conflict avoidance. Contrary to many zoos the orangutans are actually mostly arboreal here, making full use of the tall cages which are well equipped with enrichment and climbing options. This is an impressive house due to its dimensions alone, but the inhabitants were clearly not forgotten either with plenty of compartmentalisation options and enrichment. One should hope however that they never exchange their bonobo with chimpanzees, as the name of the house would then become Chorgoriwald, which sounds like a sausage-gorilla hybrid.

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Similar exhibits: The second large great ape house that has received lots of praise is Pongoland, Zoo Leipzig, Germany. And while its outdoor enclosures are mostly great, all indoor enclosures seem designed for chimpanzees and lack the compartmentalization and separation options it would need. This is most visible for the orangutans, which also lack climbing equipment and thus these apes spend most time on the ground.


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lintworm said:
56. The middle kingdom
Pairi Daiza, Cambron-Casteau, Belgium
Opened: 2006
Size: 4.8 hectares
Inhabitants: Wide array of East Asian species including giant panda, golden takin, Siberian crane, Francois langur and Chinese alligator

Authenticity has a price, which Eric Domb finds well worth paying. To construct the original Chinese garden, Europe’s largest, 60 full shipping containers + 32 Chinese craftsmen were brought to Belgium. Since then the garden has undergone some major additions, like a large Buddhist temple and a cave with giant pandas. Much of the garden is still the original lay-out though and it is a maze of small pathways, hidden views, surprises and intricate details, all in authentic replicas. It is impossible to explore this garden completely in one visit, so with every repeat visit it still holds surprises. The biggest change is the shift Pairi Daiza itself has made, moving away from being a bird park towards the most comprehensive ABC collection worldwide. What were once crane enclosures, are now transformed to also hold primates, hoofstock and carnivores. In between the overwhelming, but generally high quality, theming there are thus now a number of sub-optimal enclosures that bring the area down. As a Chinese garden there is nothing comparable though.

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@KevinB

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Similar exhibits: There is nothing quite like it
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There's something wrong about having a big chinese temple as just decoration. I understand it's the theming, but unlike just houses and architecture, it serves as a religous symbol. And it doesnt seems to imitate a certain famous temple as well.
Say maybe for jungle with indian temples. Those are mostly interpret as ruins and animal overrun it. They may serve a purpose as how nature and human exists from each other (if done correctly)
This is just a whole new temple. It looks like a real religious site but no incense, no monks, no oil money. Are there signs to show what they're trying to do? If yes that may justify a bit....……still dont think it is good in a zoo setting (maybe in a museum)

is it inappropriate?idk. It just seems wrong to do that for me. The whole chinese garden thing is fine. There are chinese garden all over the world and are beautiful to look at and enjoy.If just a chinese garden is just the same as a European style or japanese style garden. But "I have a ton of money so i need to built a buddhist temple for nothing" is....
 
Philipine eagle said:
Great exhibit. Is there any reason why the initial plans for the including of guerzza-mandrill-diana guenon didn't work?
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There has been a lot of turnover with smaller primates in those enclosures, probably partly because of problems with the gorilla, but if I remember correctly there was also a veterinary reason involved (sometimes).

aardvark250 said:
There's something wrong about having a big chinese temple as just decoration. I understand it's the theming, but unlike just houses and architecture, it serves as a religous symbol. And it doesnt seems to imitate a certain famous temple as well.
Say maybe for jungle with indian temples. Those are mostly interpret as ruins and animal overrun it. They may serve a purpose as how nature and human exists from each other (if done correctly)
This is just a whole new temple. It looks like a real religious site but no incense, no monks, no oil money. Are there signs to show what they're trying to do? If yes that may justify a bit....……still dont think it is good in a zoo setting (maybe in a museum)

is it inappropriate?idk. It just seems wrong to do that for me. The whole chinese garden thing is fine. There are chinese garden all over the world and are beautiful to look at and enjoy.If just a chinese garden is just the same as a European style or japanese style garden. But "I have a ton of money so i need to built a buddhist temple for nothing" is....
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This temple, just like the Hindu temple at Pairi Daiza, is actually consecrated, so it is, at least in theory a real place of worship. Contrary to the Hindu temple on site, I am not sure whether this one is also used for its intended purpose by local Buddhists. Pairi Daiza is a weird mix between a cultural museum and zoo, but the owner does have respect for religion (in his own way...).
 
There is certainly much about Pairi Daiza that is unique ,and probably should remain that way, yes, perhaps a mix of zoo and cultural museum, but also theme park quite honestly. Now,I am certainly not making a huge issue of this ,but I find the consecration/serious element of these temples to be ever so slightly imperialistic - as if we can put other people`s religions into a box marked "exhibit". One can imagine the uproar if Eric Domb put a catholic church in the park as part of a European area for instance. And by the way,I like P.D. very much indeed. There is nowhere quite like it at all. Nor do I believe in religion in the slightest...in any shape or form.
 
lintworm said:
56. The middle kingdom
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lintworm said:
authentic replicas
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China is actually known for erecting fake European sights in its theme parks. Somewhere in China there is a fake quaint Alpine village, and a life-size Eiffel Tower... It is the same trend in reverse.

My point is: but what it has to do with animals?

More relevant culturally would be any of the old castles, aristocratic houses, fortifications or other authentic historical buildings on grounds of European zoos.
 
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If the buildings are in zoos or are part of the architecture of zoos then it has every relevance to this chatroom,and this thread in particular. Im not saying that cultural references shouldn`t be made..either in China or Belgium or anywhere else. My specific point is with the appropriation of religious iconography and its"seriousness" by way of consecration within the framework of a visitor attraction.
 
Jurek7 said:
China is actually known for erecting fake European sights in its theme parks. Somewhere in China there is a fake quaint Alpine village, and a life-size Eiffel Tower... It is the same trend in reverse.

My point is: but what it has to do with animals?

More relevant culturally would be any of the old castles, aristocratic houses, fortifications or other authentic historical buildings on grounds of European zoos.
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See above...Marco "sniped"me!
 
58. Tiny giants (formerly known as B.U.G.S.)
ZSL London Zoo, Uk
Opened: 1999
Size: 1200 square metres
Inhabitants: wide variety of invertebrates and some fish

The smaller the zoo, the more it will need to focus on smaller species to maintain a diverse species roster. It is therefore maybe somewhat surprising that so few zoos maintain a diverse non-marine invertebrate collection. Most zoos make do with a few tarantulas, some cockroaches and a giant African snail, but that is a joke when compared to the insane diversity invertebrates have to offer. Despite recent modifications, and a silly new name, this is still the most diverse standalone display of terrestrial invertebrates in a European zoo. It is also more than just a row of small exhibits, but has a heavy educational message as well and some innovative displays like a spider walkthrough. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that otherwise ignored species like mosquitos are also displayed here. Additionally this building also shows that a zoo does not need a lot of space to function as a modern Ark with its breeding program for multiple Partula snail species. If less zoos would focus on solely large endangered species, which often already have a robust captive population and more on smaller species. This would not only save a lot of money, but also greatly enhance the conservation role zoos could play ex situ. London Zoo might have quite some issues to find its way in the 21st century, but when it comes to conservation of ectotherms it is an example for many.

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Similar exhibits: the only other large standalone invertebrate house, except the soon to close one in Bristol Zoo, is in Artis, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. A former food warehouse was completely renovated and now houses a diverse set of invertebrates. Wilhelma, Stuttgart, Germany and Tiergarten Schönbrunn, Vienna, Austria, also have a sizeable invertebrate house in a historic building, though the latter focuses mainly on grasshoppers, stick insects and praying mantises. There are naturally also zoos that cram an insane amount of tarantula etcetera in many small tanks without any story around it, but they don't deserve to be mentioned in a list of must see exhibits.

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lintworm said:
58. Tiny giants (formerly known as B.U.G.S.)
ZSL London Zoo, Uk
Opened: 1999
Size: 1200 square metres
Inhabitants: wide variety of invertebrates and some fish

The smaller the zoo, the more it will need to focus on smaller species to maintain a diverse species roster. It is therefore maybe somewhat surprising that so few zoos maintain a diverse non-marine invertebrate collection. Most zoos make do with a few tarantulas, some cockroaches and a giant African snail, but that is a joke when compared to the insane diversity invertebrates have to offer. Despite recent modifications, and a silly new name, this is still the most diverse standalone display of terrestrial invertebrates in a European zoo. It is also more than just a row of small exhibits, but has a heavy educational message as well and some innovative displays like a spider walkthrough. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that otherwise ignored species like mosquitos are also displayed here. Additionally this building also shows that a zoo does not need a lot of space to function as a modern Ark with its breeding program for multiple Partula snail species. If less zoos would focus on solely large endangered species, which often already have a robust captive population and more on smaller species. This would not only save a lot of money, but also greatly enhance the conservation role zoos could play ex situ. London Zoo might have quite some issues to find its way in the 21st century, but when it comes to conservation of ectotherms it is an example for many.

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@yousuf89

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@yousuf89

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@LaughingDove

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@LaughingDove


Similar exhibits: the only other large standalone invertebrate house, except the soon to close one in Bristol Zoo, is in Artis, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. A former food warehouse was completely renovated and now houses a diverse set of invertebrates. Wilhelma, Stuttgart, Germany and Tiergarten Schönbrunn, Vienna, Austria, also have a sizeable invertebrate house in a historic building, though the latter focuses mainly on grasshoppers, stick insects and praying mantises. There are naturally also zoos that cram an insane amount of tarantula etcetera in many small tanks without any story around it, but they don't deserve to be mentioned in a list of must see exhibits.

Artis
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@vogelcommando

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Wilhelma
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Tiergarten Schönbrunn
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can't say a "spider walkthrough" would be appealing to most!
I do like a zoo with good inverts collection. Even though I'm not really focus on this kind of exhibition, they do showcase the wider world of animal kingdom, often in an interesting way. I have been to 2 zoos with sizeable insects collection (Tama and Taipei), and i do enjoy them. Hopefully more zoo will focus on them
 
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