Easily the best chimpanzee exhibit in the country, if not the world. If I remember correctly, this was the chimp exhibit praised by Jane Goodall as being the greatest home for chimps there is.33. Chimpanzee Exhibit
Kansas City Zoo, MO
Opened: 1995
Size: 3 Acres (1.2 Hectares)
Inhabitants: Chimpanzee
After moving out of the infamous great ape house, just about anything would have been a substantial upgrade for Kansas City's chimpanzees. However, the zoo truly outdid themselves when creating this masterpiece. Out of all of the enclosures unveiled in the zoos' elaborate 1995 Africa expansion, none are better designed than this first class great ape habitat. It’s a challenge keeping any primate enclosure lushly planted, but located on a spacious and heavily wooded hillside, the vegetation is so dense that the chimps can completely disappear into the forest backdrop. The trees were originally hotwired, but after the apes were somehow able to get into the trees regardless, they were given full access. There are unobstructed views via hidden moats and large glass windows without a single visible barrier in sight from many angles. The size and scope of the exhibit means some patience is required when it comes to seeing the animals, but watching a large group of apes foraging through the forest and traversing through the treetops is an experience absolutely worth the wait.
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Similar Exhibits: Few chimp exhibits are at the same level of what Kansas City has put together, but there are some other notable ones. Houston Zoo and North Carolina Zoo have well done chimp habitats, but the lack of cover and inclusion of some unnatural elements hold them back. A bit smaller, but far more visually appealing is the chimpanzee enclosure at John Ball Zoo.
Houston Zoo
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North Carolina Zoo
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America's 100 Must See Exhibits
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I don't think anything assures an exhibit's quality or popularity with guests like a sense of scale. It comes up a lot in many of the list items but especially the popular ones. It makes complete sense -- a larger exhibit can be more immersive and more naturalistic than any small exhibit can possibly be (unless it is all concrete, of course!) since they will have more visible barriers by nature, all in addition to the fact more space is inherently higher welfare for the animals. Bigger is better.
As for Kansas City, that is a gorgeous-looking enclosure and very appealing. The opportunity to see chimpanzees in realistic trees and vegetation looks like a real treat to see.
As for Kansas City, that is a gorgeous-looking enclosure and very appealing. The opportunity to see chimpanzees in realistic trees and vegetation looks like a real treat to see.
32. Watani Grasslands Reserve
North Carolina Zoo, NC
Opened: 1980
Size: 50 Acres (20 Hectares)
Inhabitants: African Elephant, Southern White Rhino and various antelope.
African savannas are commonplace in zoos worldwide and as a result are oftentimes forgettable. That is not the case for this outstanding series of grassy pastures set in the gorgeous North Carolina countryside. Size isn't everything when it comes to good exhibit design, but the sheer scale of these enclosures cannot be understated. The primary habitat containing rhinos and a delightful selection of hoofstock is larger than the entirety of some major zoos, which is both to the exhibit's benefit and detriment. The huge space is obviously fantastic for its residents, but from a visitor perspective it can appear rather void of animals at times. Many of the more shy antelope like the bongo and sitatunga choose to spend most of their time in the adjacent forest which makes them even more difficult to locate. To combat this, a drive-through tour runs during the warmer months which takes guests directly through the savanna landscape and provides a more intimate experience. The adjacent pair of multi-acre elephant paddocks are similarly brilliant, spacious and wonderfully green, being a strong contender for the best of their kind on the continent. The elephant habitats also blend in nicely with the multi-species savanna and from certain angles it appears as if there are no visible barriers. The size of these phenomenally landscaped enclosures combined with some incredible vistas add up to make it one of greatest African savanna exhibits in the US.
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Similar Exhibits: Later...
My main "gripe" on this exhibit is the difficulty in seeing the antelope. The two times I have been (admittedly small sample) I saw very few animals apart from the elephants and rhino. It just feels the overlook is wildly under sized for the amount of space.
34. Life on the Rocks
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, AZ
Opened: 2007
Size: 8,800 Square Feet (820 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: A variety of reptiles, amphibians and insects, as well as Antelope Jackrabbit, Striped Skunk, Harris's Antelope Squirrel, and Greater Roadrunner.
It's hard to believe it took nearly a decade of planning for this exhibit to finally come to fruition, but it shows that with enough thought and creativity even the most obscure species can make for a great display. Life on the Rocks is modeled after a narrow canyon with a variety of spacious outdoor enclosures for native species surrounded by granite boulders and rock outcroppings. It’s the small things that are given the spotlight here, mainly ectotherms as well as a few rarely exhibited small mammals. The real highlights are the larger exhibits which emulate ecosystems containing multiple species. The antelope jackrabbit and roadrunner display is a particularly interesting affair, as is the wonderfully scenic wetlands habitat for Chiricahua leopard frogs. It's great fun locating the residents in such well landscaped enclosures and you'll also have to look closely not to miss the smaller vivaria which are built into the rock crevices. These are placed beneath and beside the larger exhibits to simulate rock burrows and blend in quite nicely. Some terrariums for a variety of scorpions are hidden underneath rock plates that must be lifted by visitors which creates a real sense of discovery. The whole area is all cohesive and excellently designed, although the exhibit isn't without some notable flaws. Over the years many of the original inhabitants have left and a few exhibits still sit empty or underutilized - and it doesn't help that the signage hasn't always been updated to reflect that. Regardless, the setting is still beautiful and the style of exhibitry is engaging in the extreme.
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Similar Exhibits: None.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, AZ
Opened: 2007
Size: 8,800 Square Feet (820 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: A variety of reptiles, amphibians and insects, as well as Antelope Jackrabbit, Striped Skunk, Harris's Antelope Squirrel, and Greater Roadrunner.
It's hard to believe it took nearly a decade of planning for this exhibit to finally come to fruition, but it shows that with enough thought and creativity even the most obscure species can make for a great display. Life on the Rocks is modeled after a narrow canyon with a variety of spacious outdoor enclosures for native species surrounded by granite boulders and rock outcroppings. It’s the small things that are given the spotlight here, mainly ectotherms as well as a few rarely exhibited small mammals. The real highlights are the larger exhibits which emulate ecosystems containing multiple species. The antelope jackrabbit and roadrunner display is a particularly interesting affair, as is the wonderfully scenic wetlands habitat for Chiricahua leopard frogs. It's great fun locating the residents in such well landscaped enclosures and you'll also have to look closely not to miss the smaller vivaria which are built into the rock crevices. These are placed beneath and beside the larger exhibits to simulate rock burrows and blend in quite nicely. Some terrariums for a variety of scorpions are hidden underneath rock plates that must be lifted by visitors which creates a real sense of discovery. The whole area is all cohesive and excellently designed, although the exhibit isn't without some notable flaws. Over the years many of the original inhabitants have left and a few exhibits still sit empty or underutilized - and it doesn't help that the signage hasn't always been updated to reflect that. Regardless, the setting is still beautiful and the style of exhibitry is engaging in the extreme.
@Arizona Docent
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Similar Exhibits: None.
Just a tip for anyone visiting ASDM for this exhibit - it can be hard to find. I skipped over most of it somehow and then realized this after I'd left, so be careful to make sure you actually find this exhibit.
34. Life on the Rocks
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, AZ
Opened: 2007
Size: 8,800 Square Feet (820 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: A variety of reptiles, amphibians and insects, as well as Antelope Jackrabbit, Striped Skunk, Harris's Antelope Squirrel, and Greater Roadrunner.
It's hard to believe it took nearly a decade of planning for this exhibit to finally come to fruition, but it shows that with enough thought and creativity even the most obscure species can make for a great display. Life on the Rocks is modeled after a narrow canyon with a variety of spacious outdoor enclosures for native species surrounded by granite boulders and rock outcroppings. It’s the small things that are given the spotlight here, mainly ectotherms as well as a few rarely exhibited small mammals. The real highlights are the larger exhibits which emulate ecosystems containing multiple species. The antelope jackrabbit and roadrunner display is a particularly interesting affair, as is the wonderfully scenic wetlands habitat for Chiricahua leopard frogs. It's great fun locating the residents in such well landscaped enclosures and you'll also have to look closely not to miss the smaller vivaria which are built into the rock crevices. These are placed beneath and beside the larger exhibits to simulate rock burrows and blend in quite nicely. Some terrariums for a variety of scorpions are hidden underneath rock plates that must be lifted by visitors which creates a real sense of discovery. The whole area is all cohesive and excellently designed, although the exhibit isn't without some notable flaws. Over the years many of the original inhabitants have left and a few exhibits still sit empty or underutilized - and it doesn't help that the signage hasn't always been updated to reflect that. Regardless, the setting is still beautiful and the style of exhibitry is engaging in the extreme.
@Arizona Docent
@snowleopard
@Coelacanth18
@snowleopard
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Similar Exhibits: None.
They are Lowland Leopard Frogs, not Chiricahua.
I guess we can all take turns being the downer 
I've visited ASDM twice, and overall I like the zoo - mainly for the landscape and wildlife, but a lot of the enclosures and species are very cool too. However, Life on the Rocks was not a highlight for me; if anything, I was actually bewildered and a little frustrated by it.
Maybe visiting in summer is more productive (I've only been in Jan-Feb), but so far the only animals I saw - that I *know* were real - were roadrunner, jackrabbit, and leopard frog. Haven't seen the skunk, and the Elf Owl is still signed despite apparently being gone for years. The leopard frog enclosure used to be a mixed-species aviary; there appears to no longer be any birds in it, and now it looks absurdly large and terrestrial for its single aquatic denizen. There are many vivariums, several of which were clearly empty; at least two hold fake animals in them, one of which is a cardboard cutout. I've seen snakes, Gila monster, and inverts in the others; I haven't seen a single one move. A genuine question: are they real or fake? I'm embarrassed to ask... but in fairness, when I'm given fake animals and incorrect signage my eyes start to doubt themselves.
I am also interested to hear what @Arizona Docent thinks, as they are a more regular visitor than me and maybe can explain why I'm wrong or misguided. Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing if any other ASDM exhibits appear here - there are at least two I was expecting more than this one, so I'm holding out hope to see at least one other appear!
I've visited ASDM twice, and overall I like the zoo - mainly for the landscape and wildlife, but a lot of the enclosures and species are very cool too. However, Life on the Rocks was not a highlight for me; if anything, I was actually bewildered and a little frustrated by it.
Maybe visiting in summer is more productive (I've only been in Jan-Feb), but so far the only animals I saw - that I *know* were real - were roadrunner, jackrabbit, and leopard frog. Haven't seen the skunk, and the Elf Owl is still signed despite apparently being gone for years. The leopard frog enclosure used to be a mixed-species aviary; there appears to no longer be any birds in it, and now it looks absurdly large and terrestrial for its single aquatic denizen. There are many vivariums, several of which were clearly empty; at least two hold fake animals in them, one of which is a cardboard cutout. I've seen snakes, Gila monster, and inverts in the others; I haven't seen a single one move. A genuine question: are they real or fake? I'm embarrassed to ask... but in fairness, when I'm given fake animals and incorrect signage my eyes start to doubt themselves.
I am also interested to hear what @Arizona Docent thinks, as they are a more regular visitor than me and maybe can explain why I'm wrong or misguided. Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing if any other ASDM exhibits appear here - there are at least two I was expecting more than this one, so I'm holding out hope to see at least one other appear!
As I mentioned before I missed most of Life on the Rocks, but honestly I would agree with this as a general assessment of the current state of ASDM. The facility has really shifted its focus away from animals and it shows. So many exhibits stand empty or with inhabitants that you will just never see, the collection decline is obvious from the various signs for species not longer exhibit found all throughout the zoo. They've even begun exhibiting species not found in the Sonoran Desert recently, which just infuriates me.I guess we can all take turns being the downer
I've visited ASDM twice, and overall I like the zoo - mainly for the landscape and wildlife, but a lot of the enclosures and species are very cool too. However, Life on the Rocks was not a highlight for me; if anything, I was actually bewildered and a little frustrated by it.
Maybe visiting in summer is more productive (I've only been in Jan-Feb), but so far the only animals I saw - that I *know* were real - were roadrunner, jackrabbit, and leopard frog. Haven't seen the skunk, and the Elf Owl is still signed despite apparently being gone for years. The leopard frog enclosure used to be a mixed-species aviary; there appears to no longer be any birds in it, and now it looks absurdly large and terrestrial for its single aquatic denizen. There are many vivariums, several of which were clearly empty; at least two hold fake animals in them, one of which is a cardboard cutout. I've seen snakes, Gila monster, and inverts in the others; I haven't seen a single one move. A genuine question: are they real or fake? I'm embarrassed to ask... but in fairness, when I'm given fake animals and incorrect signage my eyes start to doubt themselves.
I am also interested to hear what @Arizona Docent thinks, as they are a more regular visitor than me and maybe can explain why I'm wrong or misguided. Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing if any other ASDM exhibits appear here - there are at least two I was expecting more than this one, so I'm holding out hope to see at least one other appear!
Overall, ASDM is still a super unique facility with lots of charm and an unrivaled, beautiful setting (perhaps the most naturally beautiful zoo in America). It probably still deserves its spot on the 50 Must See Zoo list. But it's far past its prime and if it continues in this direction I'm not sure it will deserve that spot any longer.
I guess we can all take turns being the downer
I've visited ASDM twice, and overall I like the zoo - mainly for the landscape and wildlife, but a lot of the enclosures and species are very cool too. However, Life on the Rocks was not a highlight for me; if anything, I was actually bewildered and a little frustrated by it.
Maybe visiting in summer is more productive (I've only been in Jan-Feb), but so far the only animals I saw - that I *know* were real - were roadrunner, jackrabbit, and leopard frog. Haven't seen the skunk, and the Elf Owl is still signed despite apparently being gone for years. The leopard frog enclosure used to be a mixed-species aviary; there appears to no longer be any birds in it, and now it looks absurdly large and terrestrial for its single aquatic denizen. There are many vivariums, several of which were clearly empty; at least two hold fake animals in them, one of which is a cardboard cutout. I've seen snakes, Gila monster, and inverts in the others; I haven't seen a single one move. A genuine question: are they real or fake? I'm embarrassed to ask... but in fairness, when I'm given fake animals and incorrect signage my eyes start to doubt themselves.
I am also interested to hear what @Arizona Docent thinks, as they are a more regular visitor than me and maybe can explain why I'm wrong or misguided. Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing if any other ASDM exhibits appear here - there are at least two I was expecting more than this one, so I'm holding out hope to see at least one other appear!
I haven’t visited in several years, but when I did I found this to be one of the most innovative and engaging exhibits I’ve ever seen. Lifting a “rock” to find a scorpion; making myself as skinny as possible to squeeze through a rock crevasse; seeing multiple animals in burrows cutaway below eye-level views of others on the surface; the beauty of a desert seep filled with frogs—it mirrored the experience of exploring a “real” desert like nothing I’ve ever seen in another zoo/museum. Totally makes my personal top 100 (maybe top 10) exhibits. Unfortunate if the subtlety and richness has faded.
I guess we can all take turns being the downer
I've visited ASDM twice, and overall I like the zoo - mainly for the landscape and wildlife, but a lot of the enclosures and species are very cool too. However, Life on the Rocks was not a highlight for me; if anything, I was actually bewildered and a little frustrated by it.
Maybe visiting in summer is more productive (I've only been in Jan-Feb), but so far the only animals I saw - that I *know* were real - were roadrunner, jackrabbit, and leopard frog. Haven't seen the skunk, and the Elf Owl is still signed despite apparently being gone for years. The leopard frog enclosure used to be a mixed-species aviary; there appears to no longer be any birds in it, and now it looks absurdly large and terrestrial for its single aquatic denizen. There are many vivariums, several of which were clearly empty; at least two hold fake animals in them, one of which is a cardboard cutout. I've seen snakes, Gila monster, and inverts in the others; I haven't seen a single one move. A genuine question: are they real or fake? I'm embarrassed to ask... but in fairness, when I'm given fake animals and incorrect signage my eyes start to doubt themselves.
I am also interested to hear what @Arizona Docent thinks, as they are a more regular visitor than me and maybe can explain why I'm wrong or misguided. Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing if any other ASDM exhibits appear here - there are at least two I was expecting more than this one, so I'm holding out hope to see at least one other appear!
When I saw this exhibit included I immediately remembered your report that a lot of the exhibits were empty or held fake animals. I seem to remember other people have reported that exhibit area has been in decline animal-wise for awhile now. Curious to hear from Arizona Docent on this one - additionally curious whether if indeed it's now a mostly empty complex, will we see a redaction?
As someone who is basically physically disabled, as innovative as it is, this sounds awful for me. One of the reasons I go to zoos is because I *can't* do those sorts of things. If I was looking for that, I'd go outside the park and do it, since it's the same exact environment.
With the exception of the (optional) narrow crevasses, all of the exhibit elements I mentioned are visually and tactilely accessible. Just like nature, except minimal slopes and no chance of getting stung by a scorpion. The photos nicely illustrate how thoughtful the design of this unique complex is in providing access to a wide range of users (with shade!).
Are you sure about that? Unless you are physically disabled, I wouldn't recommend making sweeping statements about accessibility. As an able-bodied person, I've often been surprised at some of the things that can be inaccessible are, and it's important for zoos to cater to everyone, no matter their abilities, age, height, etc. One place I've noticed this at a number of facilities is with the height of barriers, as oftentimes viewing barriers were placed at a height too high for shorter individuals (including children) to see properly. And zoos wonder why they have to keep reminding people to stay off the fence...
My first thought when reading the comment you quoted was exactly this, that it doesn't sound like a very accessible and inclusive exhibit for people of all ability levels. For what it's worth, I checked ASDM's website, and found this regarding accessibility:
Accessibility - Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
It mentions 96% of exhibits as being viewable from a wheelchair, and while ideally that would be 100%, 96% is pretty close, and I'd be curious to hear what the other 4% are. If they are newer exhibits, that's inexcusable, but I could understand some older, less accessible exhibits kicking around.
I'd be interested to hear if someone in a wheelchair agrees with that. I've often found that while a place meets, or claims to exceed, legal guidelines to comply with ADA, in practice it can be quite a different experience for those it affects. For an obvious example, look at the bathrooms at Bronx.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: Life On The Rocks.
I agree with some of the assessments already made. Both this exhibit on its own and the facility as a whole have been in a period of decline for over a decade. When the exhibit opened I thought it was truly innovative, but that was when the owl was there (now empty exhibit) and there were wading birds and another owl in the frog exhibit and the gila monster could roam freely in the expansive exhibit that now houses jackrabbit and roadrunner. Now I think the exhibit is only ok, though the two outdoor rattlesnake exhibits are still a highlight. FYI the narrrow canyon to climb through that someone mentioned is a tiny offshoot designed for children. The main path is flat and paved. The rattlesnake and frog exhibits are definitely within easy eye level for someone in a wheelchair.
As a member for nearly three decades, it is sad to see how this facility has fallen. Since I am not really into zoos any more, I only visit to photograph wild birds on the grounds and to see the art gallery. The art institute (classes) and gallery are the one area that has been improving while everything else declines. Even the food options are not as good as they were twenty years ago when they had a different vendor.
I agree with some of the assessments already made. Both this exhibit on its own and the facility as a whole have been in a period of decline for over a decade. When the exhibit opened I thought it was truly innovative, but that was when the owl was there (now empty exhibit) and there were wading birds and another owl in the frog exhibit and the gila monster could roam freely in the expansive exhibit that now houses jackrabbit and roadrunner. Now I think the exhibit is only ok, though the two outdoor rattlesnake exhibits are still a highlight. FYI the narrrow canyon to climb through that someone mentioned is a tiny offshoot designed for children. The main path is flat and paved. The rattlesnake and frog exhibits are definitely within easy eye level for someone in a wheelchair.
As a member for nearly three decades, it is sad to see how this facility has fallen. Since I am not really into zoos any more, I only visit to photograph wild birds on the grounds and to see the art gallery. The art institute (classes) and gallery are the one area that has been improving while everything else declines. Even the food options are not as good as they were twenty years ago when they had a different vendor.
Thanks for weighing in @Arizona Docent (and others).
I do think it's a well-designed complex, and if it had maintained its original collection I would've had few or no notes. Today though, it feels very underutilized and neglected compared to some other exhibits at the museum. Maybe this ties in to the whole "how much do the specific animals matter to an exhibit" discussion from earlier?
Ah okay, so the rattlesnakes I saw *are* real. Good to know!
I do think it's a well-designed complex, and if it had maintained its original collection I would've had few or no notes. Today though, it feels very underutilized and neglected compared to some other exhibits at the museum. Maybe this ties in to the whole "how much do the specific animals matter to an exhibit" discussion from earlier?
Ah okay, so the rattlesnakes I saw *are* real. Good to know!
Thanks for weighing in @Arizona Docent (and others).
I do think it's a well-designed complex, and if it had maintained its original collection I would've had few or no notes. Today though, it feels very underutilized and neglected compared to some other exhibits at the museum. Maybe this ties in to the whole "how much do the specific animals matter to an exhibit" discussion from earlier?
Ah okay, so the rattlesnakes I saw *are* real. Good to know!
This is definitely why I say that there are aspects of the exhibits mentioned here should stand out on its own even when there are no animals around. Judging by the photos alone I am very much impressed by the desert landscape of this complex, and this place, like Tropic World, is suffering huge collection dwindles over the past few years. I do absolutely agree it still a must see though, because the innovativity of it is simply hard to ignore and has become the standard of many desert exhibits out there.
Well, the facility takes advantage of being in a literal desert, so it blends right in pretty well. ASDM has some of the most naturalistic ground and exhibits around.
There's a difference though - to a large degree Tropic World has lost species but as much for better husbandry and the age of the building. For ASDM, if what I have heard is true, it is lack of interest in maintaining the live animal section by the current management. I've heard a few different people that have visited in recent years voice disappointment over the increasing number of empty exhibits. Many of the noteworthy species they held are long gone. Given what little appears to be left in Life on the Rocks, another year or two and there might just be a few herps. A real shame.
It is a splendid looking exhibit and top tier in design, but thinking of the various desert exhibits around I'm not sure if it's truly the standard. Off the top of my head I can't think of another similar exhibit, most desert exhibits are indoors or focus on larger species. I'd call it more one of a kind than the standard.
To me, the fact that the exhibits are empty (and some have fake animals) matters much more than what species the enclosure exhibits. To me, it wouldn't really matter what they exhibit at Life on the Rocks as long as the species are actually from the Sonoran Desert. The fact that ASDM has recently begun exhibiting South American Coati at the Riparian Corridor is inexcusable.