Realistic Ethiopian Highlands Zoo section

[OkapiJohn]

This idea is, to look at which species are currently held in zoo collections (so forget wolves or nyalas please!) and imagine what would be a very complete and diverse Ethiopian zoo section. I am more acknowledgeable with European collections, so I am not sure which species can be found elsewhere.
If you know of more species (especially herpts and birds, please comment)

Terrarium

• Ethiopian mountain adder (Bitis parviocula) EN

Aviary (similar to the African aviary in BioParc Doue de la Fontaine (which makes you feel surrounded by cliffs), but I imagine it way lusher and greener like the high altitude woodlands of Ethiopia):

• Yellow-necked spurfowl/francolin (Pternistis leucoscepus) LC
• Blue-winged Geese (Cyanochen cyanoptera) NT
• Northern red-billed hornbill (Tockus erythrorhynchus) LC although not endemic, its distribution is more restricted to the horn of Africa (compared to the other Tockus species)
• Black-winged lovebird (Agapornis taranta) LC
• Yellow-Fronted Parrot (Poicephalus flavifrons) LC
• White-cheeked Turaco (Tauraco leucotis) LC
• Colobus Guereza (Colobus guereza) LC

Gelada and Ibex cliffs (similar to the Zurich Zoo enclosure):

• Gelada (Theropithecus gelada) LC
• Nubian Ibex (Capra nubiana) VU

Kudu enclosure:

• Lesser Kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis) NT is an approximation to the mountain nyala, however, the lesser kudu is mostly restricted to the horn of Africa.
• Soemmerring's gazelle (Nanger soemmerringii) VU (Only present in American and middle eastern collections)
• Abyssinian Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus abyssinicus) VU

African Rocks (Similar to San Diego enclosure):

• Klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus) LC (not present anymore in European collections)
• Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis) LC

None of the two above are endemic to Ethiopia or the horn of Africa, but they are two examples of African fauna associated with rock formations and higher altitudes.

 

[lintworm]

This idea is, to look at which species are currently held in zoo collections (so forget wolves or nyalas please!) and imagine what would be a very complete and diverse Ethiopian zoo section. I am more acknowledgeable with European collections, so I am not sure which species can be found elsewhere.
If you know of more species (especially herpts and birds, please comment)

Terrarium

• Ethiopian mountain adder (Bitis parviocula) EN

Aviary (similar to the African aviary in BioParc Doue de la Fontaine (which makes you feel surrounded by cliffs), but I imagine it way lusher and greener like the high altitude woodlands of Ethiopia):

• Yellow-necked spurfowl/francolin (Pternistis leucoscepus) LC
• Blue-winged Geese (Cyanochen cyanoptera) NT
• Northern red-billed hornbill (Tockus erythrorhynchus) LC although not endemic, its distribution is more restricted to the horn of Africa (compared to the other Tockus species)
• Black-winged lovebird (Agapornis taranta) LC
• Yellow-Fronted Parrot (Poicephalus flavifrons) LC
• White-cheeked Turaco (Tauraco leucotis) LC
• Colobus Guereza (Colobus guereza) LC

Gelada and Ibex cliffs (similar to the Zurich Zoo enclosure):

• Gelada (Theropithecus gelada) LC
• Nubian Ibex (Capra nubiana) VU

Kudu enclosure:

• Lesser Kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis) NT is an approximation to the mountain nyala, however, the lesser kudu is mostly restricted to the horn of Africa.
• Soemmerring's gazelle (Nanger soemmerringii) VU (Only present in American and middle eastern collections)
• Abyssinian Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus abyssinicus) VU

African Rocks (Similar to San Diego enclosure):

• Klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus) LC (not present anymore in European collections)
• Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis) LC

None of the two above are endemic to Ethiopia or the horn of Africa, but they are two examples of African fauna associated with rock formations and higher altitudes.

Interesting set-up and it is a region with loads of interesting stuff and a pity its most high profile endemic mammals are not kept in captivity.

Some remarks: several of your species are very much lowland or medium altitude species, mostly of arid country. Lesser kudu, Soemmering's gazelle, yellow-necked francolin and both hornbills aren't highland species. Though both hornbills would occur in the higher portions of the rift valley. Both gazelle and lesser kudu are typical of the arid lowlands of Ethiopia. Greater kudu would be a better fit if you aim for a mountain nyala replacement. They are more alike and in Ethiopia greater kudu do occur at higher altitudes.

The most commonly seen typical species in the highlands are warthog, spotted hyena and loads of vultures. Another good one is the red-billed chough that has a remnant population in the highest mountain areas. Wattled crane are also typical of wetlands very high up.

 

[OkapiJohn]

Interesting set-up and it is a region with loads of interesting stuff and a pity its most high profile endemic mammals are not kept in captivity.

Some remarks: several of your species are very much lowland or medium altitude species, mostly of arid country. Lesser kudu, Soemmering's gazelle, yellow-necked francolin and both hornbills aren't highland species. Though both hornbills would occur in the higher portions of the rift valley. Both gazelle and lesser kudu are typical of the arid lowlands of Ethiopia. Greater kudu would be a better fit if you aim for a mountain nyala replacement. They are more alike and in Ethiopia greater kudu do occur at higher altitudes.

The most commonly seen typical species in the highlands are warthog, spotted hyena and loads of vultures. Another good one is the red-billed chough that has a remnant population in the highest mountain areas. Wattled crane are also typical of wetlands very high up.

Thanks for the feedback. The idea is not to be strictly highlands. The selected birds are a balance between having Ethiopian species and a vibrant aviary vs having an empty and boring aviary. We must not forget that this is to be appealing to general zoo visitors (hence the realistic).

My reasoning for choosing the lesser kudu over the greater is:
It is a less-known species
it has a higher threatened status
its geographical distribution is restricted to the horn of Africa vs being widespread across Africa.
Maybe it was not clear, but the idea is not to get an antelope that resembles (in appearance) to the mountain nyala, but an antelope (close enough taxonomically) that carries a similar conservation message (being threatened and having a limited distribution).

 

[OkapiJohn]

Interesting set-up and it is a region with loads of interesting stuff and a pity its most high profile endemic mammals are not kept in captivity.

Some remarks: several of your species are very much lowland or medium altitude species, mostly of arid country. Lesser kudu, Soemmering's gazelle, yellow-necked francolin and both hornbills aren't highland species. Though both hornbills would occur in the higher portions of the rift valley. Both gazelle and lesser kudu are typical of the arid lowlands of Ethiopia. Greater kudu would be a better fit if you aim for a mountain nyala replacement. They are more alike and in Ethiopia greater kudu do occur at higher altitudes.

The most commonly seen typical species in the highlands are warthog, spotted hyena and loads of vultures. Another good one is the red-billed chough that has a remnant population in the highest mountain areas. Wattled crane are also typical of wetlands very high up.

You can even imagine the design of the section as: You start at the Kudu enclosure (at low altitude) then (if the zoo has an elevation/cliff/height difference) you enter an aviary that makes you go up ("the mountains") surrounded by dense vegetation of the mountain woodlands. Finally, after the aviary you pass by rocks with the hyrax and klipspringers and on the top, you get the geladas and the ibexes. Imagine kind of the same route that the Hymalayan section of Tierpark Berlin has.

 

[OkapiJohn]

Interesting set-up and it is a region with loads of interesting stuff and a pity its most high profile endemic mammals are not kept in captivity.

Some remarks: several of your species are very much lowland or medium altitude species, mostly of arid country. Lesser kudu, Soemmering's gazelle, yellow-necked francolin and both hornbills aren't highland species. Though both hornbills would occur in the higher portions of the rift valley. Both gazelle and lesser kudu are typical of the arid lowlands of Ethiopia. Greater kudu would be a better fit if you aim for a mountain nyala replacement. They are more alike and in Ethiopia greater kudu do occur at higher altitudes.

The most commonly seen typical species in the highlands are warthog, spotted hyena and loads of vultures. Another good one is the red-billed chough that has a remnant population in the highest mountain areas. Wattled crane are also typical of wetlands very high up.

A vulture aviary as part of the section would be cool indeed. I will add it.

 

[lintworm]

You can even imagine the design of the section as: You start at the Kudu enclosure (at low altitude) then (if the zoo has an elevation/cliff/height difference) you enter an aviary that makes you go up ("the mountains") surrounded by dense vegetation of the mountain woodlands. Finally, after the aviary you pass by rocks with the hyrax and klipspringers and on the top, you get the geladas and the ibexes. Imagine kind of the same route that the Hymalayan section of Tierpark Berlin has.

That would have been my response reading your first reply .

There are some more Ethiopian highland birds that you could add, which do occur in European collections, such as dusky turtle dove, African black duck, speckled mousebird, African yellow white-eye, common bulbul, red-winged starling, rueppel's robin-chat and some canary and waxbill of choice.

Hoofstock mixed with wing-clipped birds is not great, especially for a species like ground hornbill, they would do better in a vulture aviary.

 

[OkapiJohn]

That would have been my response reading your first reply .

There are some more Ethiopian highland birds that you could add, which do occur in European collections, such as dusky turtle dove, African black duck, speckled mousebird, African yellow white-eye, common bulbul, red-winged starling, rueppel's robin-chat and some canary and waxbill of choice.

Hoofstock mixed with wing-clipped birds is not great, especially for a species like ground hornbill, they would do better in a vulture aviary.

Is the rueppel's robin-chat present in public collections?
I did not include some of those birds because I am imagining that if a zoo builds such a specialised section probably will have other African areas and aviaries to fill with species as well, so I restricted myself to birds that are not so widespread across Africa, and more restricted to the horn of Africa. But I do like your suggestions.

 

[Jurek7]

This is a similar concept which I written some time ago. Maybe it inspires you? As Lintworm mentioned, from all the endemic Ethiopian mammals, only geladas are in zoos, and from the birds, only the blue-winged geese and black-winged lovebirds.

ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS

Canyon exhibit. Presents a valley with gelada baboons and warthogs, which have two separate but visually continuous exhibits. Geladas can access all exhibits, while warthogs are confined to the flat area close to the visitor path. Theming includes a tall but narrow waterfall, juniper trees, fake giant lobelias and close to visitors, real tritoma plants. Views are across the dry moat, water moat. There is a traditional Ethiopian hut which has a glass widow opening into the exhibit. The visitor side of the canyon is a walk-through area for rock hyrax.

There is a walk into a rocky crevice, with look through the glass into the two indoor areas for geladas modelled as a cave. A smaller glass-fronted part in the cave shows egyptian fruit bats and cave crickets.

Going out, visitors enter a walk-through rocky aviary for birds. The aviary is accessible to geladas from their indoor quarters, and is meant to be a holding for bachelor group of geladas. The geladas have a grassy hill with scattered bushes, which is separated from the visitor area by a long pool. Vultures have access to steep rocky walls not accessible to geladas, and rocky hillside and rock cliffs on the visitor side. Rocks are fit with diverse rocky overhangs and caves, which are carefully done so that they have ledges and breeding holes of different sizes, so that large birds cannot raid nests of smaller birds. At the same time, the design is such that breeding boxes are easily accessible from beind and easily reconfigured to different size and numbers.

The aviary holds blue-winged geese, bearded vultures, ruppel's, white-backed, hooded and egyptian vultures, waldrapp ibises, hadada ibises, hammerkops, speckled pigeons, red-winged starlings and lilac-breasted rollers. The aviary can be also seen from the outside after the visitor path goes out, in case it must be closed for breeding animals.

The last exhibit shows hamadryas baboons mixed with black rhinos. It includes caves, tree branches, pampas grass and thorny bushes planted in vertical rocks poorly accessible to baboons. Again, baboons have their own area but can go to two paddocks where male and female rhinos are normally kept separate. The rhino and baboon house is hidden under the baboon rocks.

Other species possible: klippspringer, mountain reedbuck, elephant, aardvark, leopard, spotted hyena, crested porcupine, ruddy shelduck, wattled cranes, chough, heaps of lowland African birds including pelicans, hornbills, bee-eaters. NOT: buffalo.

 

[OkapiJohn]

This is a similar concept which I written some time ago. Maybe it inspires you? As Lintworm mentioned, from all the endemic Ethiopian mammals, only geladas are in zoos, and from the birds, only the blue-winged geese and black-winged lovebirds.

ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS

Canyon exhibit. Presents a valley with gelada baboons and warthogs, which have two separate but visually continuous exhibits. Geladas can access all exhibits, while warthogs are confined to the flat area close to the visitor path. Theming includes a tall but narrow waterfall, juniper trees, fake giant lobelias and close to visitors, real tritoma plants. Views are across the dry moat, water moat. There is a traditional Ethiopian hut which has a glass widow opening into the exhibit. The visitor side of the canyon is a walk-through area for rock hyrax.

There is a walk into a rocky crevice, with look through the glass into the two indoor areas for geladas modelled as a cave. A smaller glass-fronted part in the cave shows egyptian fruit bats and cave crickets.

Going out, visitors enter a walk-through rocky aviary for birds. The aviary is accessible to geladas from their indoor quarters, and is meant to be a holding for bachelor group of geladas. The geladas have a grassy hill with scattered bushes, which is separated from the visitor area by a long pool. Vultures have access to steep rocky walls not accessible to geladas, and rocky hillside and rock cliffs on the visitor side. Rocks are fit with diverse rocky overhangs and caves, which are carefully done so that they have ledges and breeding holes of different sizes, so that large birds cannot raid nests of smaller birds. At the same time, the design is such that breeding boxes are easily accessible from beind and easily reconfigured to different size and numbers.

The aviary holds blue-winged geese, bearded vultures, ruppel's, white-backed, hooded and egyptian vultures, waldrapp ibises, hadada ibises, hammerkops, speckled pigeons, red-winged starlings and lilac-breasted rollers. The aviary can be also seen from the outside after the visitor path goes out, in case it must be closed for breeding animals.

The last exhibit shows hamadryas baboons mixed with black rhinos. It includes caves, tree branches, pampas grass and thorny bushes planted in vertical rocks poorly accessible to baboons. Again, baboons have their own area but can go to two paddocks where male and female rhinos are normally kept separate. The rhino and baboon house is hidden under the baboon rocks.

Other species possible: klippspringer, mountain reedbuck, elephant, aardvark, leopard, spotted hyena, crested porcupine, ruddy shelduck, wattled cranes, chough, heaps of lowland African birds including pelicans, hornbills, bee-eaters. NOT: buffalo.

I like the ideas, but with that scope, it almost looks like an entire African section of a zoo. Why have 2 species of baboon that are very similar and for the average zoo visitor they are basically the same? What makes the aviary to be Ethiopian? all the species occur in Ethiopia but are not exclusively Ethiopian. And the rhinos do not make much sense to me. But don't take me wrong the idea as a whole looks very good.

 

[lintworm]

I like the ideas, but with that scope, it almost looks like an entire African section of a zoo. Why have 2 species of baboon that are very similar and for the average zoo visitor they are basically the same? What makes the aviary to be Ethiopian? all the species occur in Ethiopia but are not exclusively Ethiopian. And the rhinos do not make much sense to me. But don't take me wrong the idea as a whole looks very good.

That is a problem with representing the Ethiopian Highlands in general, most endemics do not occur in zoos. Birdwise only Blue-winged goose, white-cheeked turaco and the 2 parrots are endemic to the highlands. But plenty of other birds are also relatively common in the Ethiopian highlands, that are more widespread on the continent.

Some of the most commonly encountered animals are warthog, spotted hyena and hooded vulture. While none are anywhere near to restricted to Ethiopia, they are typical of the landscape (and the relationship Ethiopians have with animals, just google the hyena man).

What makes the Ethiopian highlands interesting is, is that they are a sub-saharan link to the palearctic. There are several palearctic species that were left in the Ethiopian highlands and are very rare in sub-saharan Africa or otherwise absent. This includes ruddy shellduck, red-billed chough and lammergeier, but also the Starck's hare, which is very closely related to European hare. That link is also visible in the vegetation, which is in some regards quite close to European mountains with thyme and Alchemilla.

 

[OkapiJohn]

That is a problem with representing the Ethiopian Highlands in general, most endemics do not occur in zoos. Birdwise only Blue-winged goose, white-cheeked turaco and the 2 parrots are endemic to the highlands. But plenty of other birds are also relatively common in the Ethiopian highlands, that are more widespread on the continent.

Some of the most commonly encountered animals are warthog, spotted hyena and hooded vulture. While none are anywhere near to restricted to Ethiopia, they are typical of the landscape (and the relationship Ethiopians have with animals, just google the hyena man).

What makes the Ethiopian highlands interesting is, is that they are a sub-saharan link to the palearctic. There are several palearctic species that were left in the Ethiopian highlands and are very rare in sub-saharan Africa or otherwise absent. This includes ruddy shellduck, red-billed chough and lammergeier, but also the Starck's hare, which is very closely related to European hare. That link is also visible in the vegetation, which is in some regards quite close to European mountains with thyme and Alchemilla.

Very interesting information, I had no idea about the biogeography of that region in such detail!

 

[pichu]

i would love to see a thread like this for madagascar sections

 

[15399]

i would love to see a thread like this for madagascar sections

There's no reason for a Madagascar thread like this though because there are countless species from Madagascar kept in both US and European zoos. The big challenge with the Ethiopian Highlands is so many of the species aren't present in zoos (e.g. Mountain Nyala, Ethiopian Wolf), whereas with Madagascar a pretty representative mix of the island's biodiversity can be found quite regularly in zoos. There's over half a dozen reasonably common lemur species, fossas are kept by a number of institutions, a few tenrec species are fairly common, there's at least a few Madagascar bird species in both US and European zoos (Crested Coua, Madagascar Teal, Madagascar Sacred Ibis, Madagascar Pond Heron, Vasa Parrots, Red Fodies, etc.), a number of Madagascar chelonian species are managed, as are a number of other herps, fish, and even a few inverts (e.g. Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches). Zoos can (and some have) made good, representative Madagascar exhibits with species reasonable to acquire. That's a whole lot more difficult with Ethiopian Highlands, which has no where near as many species that are common, or even present, in zoos.

 

[JVM]

If this visit were really, I would absolutely love to see it! Also spotlights some exhibits I've not seen before which is fun here.

 

[lintworm]

There's no reason for a Madagascar thread like this though because there are countless species from Madagascar kept in both US and European zoos. The big challenge with the Ethiopian Highlands is so many of the species aren't present in zoos (e.g. Mountain Nyala, Ethiopian Wolf), whereas with Madagascar a pretty representative mix of the island's biodiversity can be found quite regularly in zoos. There's over half a dozen reasonably common lemur species, fossas are kept by a number of institutions, a few tenrec species are fairly common, there's at least a few Madagascar bird species in both US and European zoos (Crested Coua, Madagascar Teal, Madagascar Sacred Ibis, Madagascar Pond Heron, Vasa Parrots, Red Fodies, etc.), a number of Madagascar chelonian species are managed, as are a number of other herps, fish, and even a few inverts (e.g. Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches). Zoos can (and some have) made good, representative Madagascar exhibits with species reasonable to acquire. That's a whole lot more difficult with Ethiopian Highlands, which has no where near as many species that are common, or even present, in zoos.

It would however be worth it because Madagascar exhibits in zoos tend to be geographically incorrect. The island is very diverse with 3 (or 4) clearly separate climatic zones and even within those zones different regions of endemism.

One of my future pet projects is to create geographically correct lists for (more narrowly defined) geographic zones.

 

[OkapiJohn]

There's no reason for a Madagascar thread like this though because there are countless species from Madagascar kept in both US and European zoos. The big challenge with the Ethiopian Highlands is so many of the species aren't present in zoos (e.g. Mountain Nyala, Ethiopian Wolf), whereas with Madagascar a pretty representative mix of the island's biodiversity can be found quite regularly in zoos. There's over half a dozen reasonably common lemur species, fossas are kept by a number of institutions, a few tenrec species are fairly common, there's at least a few Madagascar bird species in both US and European zoos (Crested Coua, Madagascar Teal, Madagascar Sacred Ibis, Madagascar Pond Heron, Vasa Parrots, Red Fodies, etc.), a number of Madagascar chelonian species are managed, as are a number of other herps, fish, and even a few inverts (e.g. Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches). Zoos can (and some have) made good, representative Madagascar exhibits with species reasonable to acquire. That's a whole lot more difficult with Ethiopian Highlands, which has no where near as many species that are common, or even present, in zoos.

I think I can do a Madagascar thread like this. I believe you missed the goal I have with the thread. My idea is not to make a list of species from places A or B that are available in zoos. The idea is not to put a bunch of animals of a certain country or geography in a bunch of enclosures clumped on a section. It is really about if you can really create a narrative, a story or a portrait of that country or region carrying a message or an experience. I privilege a good exhibition with a well-constructed message over the number of species it has, because that is what people take home. As @lintworm also suggests, Madagascar sections tend to be very messy, taxonomically poor (usually is just and only lemurs), mixing species that do not share the same range (you see that with lemurs a lot!) or completely missing to show or represent how diverse is the geography and climate of Madagascar itself. That island is a continent by itself with at least 4 different climatic areas. Masoala in Zurich Zoo is the best out there in my opinion. They are presenting you an ecosystem, not just a bunch of species. They stuck to that northeast area of Madagascar to the point that you do even see ring-tailed lemurs in that exhibit, the most charismatic and recognisable species of lemur worldwide. And do you know why? They do not occur in the tropical forests of Masoala National park. I think it is impossible to leave Masoala, after being surrounded by geckos, Chameleons, birds, etc, and do not realise how unique, diverse and precious is to preserve the biodiversity of Madagascar. That is what the perfect zoo exhibit should be, about ecosystems, not about species. It does not matter if you don't have mountain nyala or Ethiopian wolf. You do not need to showcase those animals to make people understand the uniqueness of that ecosystem. You just have to show them something with a good story/narrative/experience, and make them feel as if they were there, in Ethiopia. For that everything plays; the vegetation, the landscape, the design of the enclosures, etc. Not just the animal species that you exhibit, but more importantly, how you exhibit them, how you mix them, how well you portray faunistic communities, interspecies ecological relations, etc.

 

[Rayane]

I think I can do a Madagascar thread like this. I believe you missed the goal I have with the thread. My idea is not to make a list of species from places A or B that are available in zoos. The idea is not to put a bunch of animals of a certain country or geography in a bunch of enclosures clumped on a section. It is really about if you can really create a narrative, a story or a portrait of that country or region carrying a message or an experience. I privilege a good exhibition with a well-constructed message over the number of species it has, because that is what people take home. As @lintworm also suggests, Madagascar sections tend to be very messy, taxonomically poor (usually is just and only lemurs), mixing species that do not share the same range (you see that with lemurs a lot!) or completely missing to show or represent how diverse is the geography and climate of Madagascar itself. That island is a continent by itself with at least 4 different climatic areas. Masoala in Zurich Zoo is the best out there in my opinion. They are presenting you an ecosystem, not just a bunch of species. They stuck to that northeast area of Madagascar to the point that you do even see ring-tailed lemurs in that exhibit, the most charismatic and recognisable species of lemur worldwide. And do you know why? They do not occur in the tropical forests of Masoala National park. I think it is impossible to leave Masoala, after being surrounded by geckos, Chameleons, birds, etc, and do not realise how unique, diverse and precious is to preserve the biodiversity of Madagascar. That is what the perfect zoo exhibit should be, about ecosystems, not about species. It does not matter if you don't have mountain nyala or Ethiopian wolf. You do not need to showcase those animals to make people understand the uniqueness of that ecosystem. You just have to show them something with a good story/narrative/experience, and make them feel as if they were there, in Ethiopia. For that everything plays; the vegetation, the landscape, the design of the enclosures, etc. Not just the animal species that you exhibit, but more importantly, how you exhibit them, how you mix them, how well you portray faunistic communities, interspecies ecological relations, etc.

Well, quite a few species in Masoala Halle can't be found in Masoala National Park in the wild. But you have to work with what's available. The Wattled jacanas from South America thrive in the exhibits. Of course the Madagascar jacana should have been the logical choice but sometimes sourcing the birds is difficult!

But I totally agree otherwise. Madagascar is often seen as one big tropical island. Sometimes an island split between tropical and arid areas, but reality is far more complex and deserves more recognition.

 

[OkapiJohn]

Well, quite a few species in Masoala Halle can't be found in Masoala National Park in the wild. But you have to work with what's available. The Wattled jacanas from South America thrive in the exhibits. Of course the Madagascar jacana should have been the logical choice but sometimes sourcing the birds is difficult!

But I totally agree otherwise. Madagascar is often seen as one big tropical island. Sometimes an island split between tropical and arid areas, but reality is far more complex and deserves more recognition.

You are completely right!! It was a downturn to see a south American bird in there, but exactly as you said, sometimes you have to work with what you have. Unfortunately, African jacanas (the closest option available in captivity) are also not doing that great in zoo collections. But those wattled jacanas in Masoala are really thriving, I saw a lot of chicks last September when I visited.

 

[Jurek7]

There is more to Ethiopia than highlands. There are lots of habitats, and you could make a whole set of exhibits, for example focusing on the Great African Rift, of which the highlands are only a small part. There is Danakil depression, soda lakes, Somali semidesert, mountain forests... And many species which are really more north-east African than general African. And the best is that all this knowledge and habitats is at your fingertips if you want to search for info about Ethiopia on the internet.

GREAT AFRICAN RIFT
The signage discusses geological forces which split Earths crust to create Great African Rift. The walk-though aviary shows strongly mineral lake formed by volcaninc activity. The background shows black rocky lava field, where few animals can exist.it would be best if the visitor path could shake slightly, simulating earthquake tremors.
Species:
- Greater flamingo
- Lesser flamingo
- Black-winged stilt
- Rock hyrax

DANAKIL DEPRESSION
Open mixed paddock shows desert of Danakil, one of most inhospitable places on Earth. Near the visitors there are colorful mineral pools of Danakil depression, the only place on Earth devoid of life - even bacteria.
Species:
- Somali wild ass
-Somali ostrich

BORANA SEMIDESERT
Open exhibits with thorny scrub protected by piles of thorny branches and bizarre rocky formations
Species:
- Beisa oryx
- Grevvy zebra
- Gerenuk
- Helmeted Guineafowl
- Vulturine Guineafowl
Terrarium: naked mole rat

MODERN ETHIOPIA
It is a restauant which shows replicated houses of Ethiopian cultures. It overlooks an aviary with birds which thrive in Ethiopian towns and hyena paddock themed as a colrful Omo people village.
Species:
-Spotted hyena
- Marabou
- Hooded vulture
- White-backed vulture
- Cattle egret
- Speckled pigeon
- Blue-eared glossy starling

 

[Rayane]

You are completely right!! It was a downturn to see a south American bird in there, but exactly as you said, sometimes you have to work with what you have. Unfortunately, African jacanas (the closest option available in captivity) are also not doing that great in zoo collections. But those wattled jacanas in Masoala are really thriving, I saw a lot of chicks last September when I visited.

They are and it's great to know there is a place where Jacana can be bred. For now it's a south American species but it could be replaced with a more threatened more relevant species someday, who knows.