America's 100 Must See Exhibits

[Pleistocene891]

67. Zambezi River Hippo Camp
Memphis Zoo, TN
Opened: 2016
Size: 4 Acres (1.6 Hectares)
Inhabitants: Nile Hippo, Okapi, Mandrill, Kirk’s Dik-dik, Lesser Flamingo, Nile Crocodile, assorted cichlids and roughly 15 other African bird species.

Thanks to the zoos impressive breeding record, Memphis branded itself as the hippo capital of the world. The only issue was that the former hippo enclosure was horribly inadequate and needed to be replaced as soon as possible. After years of delays, the zoo was finally able to construct an exhibit complex that is worthy of the title. While modern hippo exhibits have an unfortunate tendency to underdeliver on usable land, here is an enclosure manages to be one of the select few to provide both an adequate land area and a large pool with underwater viewing. Plans to have a separate yard exclusively for grazing were unfortunately scrapped, but credit is still due for going a step beyond what many other US zoos have done with hippos. A nearby pool for Nile crocodile is similarly excellent and is the other obvious highlight here. Between the hippo and crocodile pools is an immaculate pavilion, heavily themed as to be expected from Memphis, surrounded by an overhead viewing deck which provides further views of both exhibits from above. Besides these two exhibits, the rest of the enclosures in the complex are relatively basic in design by comparison - the mandrills in particular could use an upgrade - but otherwise are still perfectly suitable for their inhabitants.

@Milwaukee Man

@Milwaukee Man

@geomorph

@Coelacanth18

@RetiredToTheZoo

@Moebelle

Similar Exhibits: I'm not aware of a similar African wetlands exhibit, but this style of exhibitry for hippos has become increasingly common in recent years. It all began with Toledo Zoo's famous 1986 hippoquarium which was among the first to feature crystal clear underwater viewing for hippos. Numerous other zoos have copied this formula, although it's rarely to much acclaim. Fort Worth Zoo, Milwaukee County Zoo, and Cincinnati Zoo have all opened hippo exhibits with this style, although they all pail in comparison to what Memphis has done.

Toledo Zoo

@ZooNerd1234

Fort Worth Zoo

@geomorph

Milwaukee County Zoo

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

Cincinnati Zoo

@Moebelle

@Kudu21

This might be the best hippo and Nile crocodile exhibit in the country.

 

[Coelacanth18]

They also replaced the walk-through aviary with a butterfly experience, which you must pay to get into. The aviary shut down during the lockdown and never reopened. It was replaced by the butterflies last summer.

Wow, that's disappointing. When I visited in late 2021 they were doing renovations on it, with some of the walls knocked down; I just thought they were doing maintenance while the birds were indoors for the winter, I didn't think they were turning it into a non-bird habitat.

Zambezi River Hippo Camp is interesting; I had broadly positive but mixed feelings about it. From a visitor standpoint, the hippo and crocodile exhibits are fantastic: quite clear water, really long viewing windows, overhead viewing decks, and decent land space (especially for the crocodile) - though I wish they'd gone through with a grassy hippo yard. The flamingos have a nice exhibit, but the other enclosures look very functional and under-designed in a "distracting afterthought" sort of way - which is the case for some of the other themed complexes at Memphis as well. It's definitely one of the most memorable hippo displays in the country, though, so the two aquatic exhibits alone should qualify its placement on the list.

 

[Dhole dude]

They also replaced the walk-through aviary with a butterfly experience, which you must pay to get into. The aviary shut down during the lockdown and never reopened. It was replaced by the butterflies last summer.

Wow, that's really unfortunate, especially consider it may have been the only walk-through enclosure in the country that included vultures. It's a real shame when zoos replace more niche and more unique exhibits or displays with a basic and cookie-cutter replacement.

 

[Coelacanth18]

48. CHINA
Memphis Zoo, TN

Many of the enclosures are manicured lawns which is unfortunate considering how well done the gardens are for the visitor areas. This particularly hinders the primate habitats which lack opportunities for brachiation and even the star attraction giant pandas have relatively basic accommodations.

I think that this is going to be another exhibit that is controversial because it's lacking in the animal aspect, even though it's on the "must-see" list for architectural reasons. If they fixed the animal enclosures themselves, it'd be overall incredible impressive

Realizing now that I never chimed in about the other Memphis entry. As someone who has seen this complex for myself, I think the coverage of the CHINA animal habitats was honestly a bit harsh. Most of the exhibits I thought were actually pretty nice. Quick rundown:

- The giant panda exhibits are hard to square with Smithsonian's ginormous complex, but I liked the yards more than San Diego's old exhibits for them;
- The red pandas have a large yard with great climbing opportunities; when I visited they were up in a live tree!
- There is a waterfowl pond with a decent selection of species;
- The yard for Pere David's Deer is rather nice with a woodland aesthetic;
- There are various small aviaries for East Asian birds, all of which are perfectly fine. Between these and the waterfowl CHINA showcases avian diversity from that region very well;
- The langurs actually have plenty of room for climbing and perching;
- The macaques admittedly have the weakest exhibit - and are geographically out of place - but as some of the last Sulawesi Crested Macaques in the country they will not be there forever.

People who aren't big fans of theming may also think it's over the top, and maybe it is... but when I visited it felt very immersive: the courtyards, statues, pools, paths and doorways are very reminiscent of a Chinese temple. I got the same feeling of strolling around pleasant palace grounds that I get at a Japanese botanical garden. If I'm going to have theming, I'll take that over vaguely pan-Asian temples and prayer flags strung everywhere.

 

[MGolka]

They also replaced the walk-through aviary with a butterfly experience, which you must pay to get into. The aviary shut down during the lockdown and never reopened. It was replaced by the butterflies last summer.

I must have visited at the right time then because when I was there Memorial Day weekend in 2021, it was open and I'm glad I got to go through it before it was changed into a butterfly thing.

 

[CMP]

67. Zambezi River Hippo Camp
Memphis Zoo, TN
Opened: 2016
Size: 4 Acres (1.6 Hectares)
Inhabitants: Nile Hippo, Okapi, Mandrill, Kirk’s Dik-dik, Lesser Flamingo, Nile Crocodile, assorted cichlids and roughly 15 other African bird species.

Thanks to the zoos impressive breeding record, Memphis branded itself as the hippo capital of the world. The only issue was that the former hippo enclosure was horribly inadequate and needed to be replaced as soon as possible. After years of delays, the zoo was finally able to construct an exhibit complex that is worthy of the title. While modern hippo exhibits have an unfortunate tendency to underdeliver on usable land, here is an enclosure manages to be one of the select few to provide both an adequate land area and a large pool with underwater viewing. Plans to have a separate yard exclusively for grazing were unfortunately scrapped, but credit is still due for going a step beyond what many other US zoos have done with hippos. A nearby pool for Nile crocodile is similarly excellent and is the other obvious highlight here. Between the hippo and crocodile pools is an immaculate pavilion, heavily themed as to be expected from Memphis, surrounded by an overhead viewing deck which provides further views of both exhibits from above. Besides these two exhibits, the rest of the enclosures in the complex are relatively basic in design by comparison - the mandrills in particular could use an upgrade - but otherwise are still perfectly suitable for their inhabitants.

@Milwaukee Man

@Milwaukee Man

@geomorph

@Coelacanth18

@RetiredToTheZoo

@Moebelle

Similar Exhibits: I'm not aware of a similar African wetlands exhibit, but this style of exhibitry for hippos has become increasingly common in recent years. It all began with Toledo Zoo's famous 1986 hippoquarium which was among the first to feature crystal clear underwater viewing for hippos. Numerous other zoos have copied this formula, although it's rarely to much acclaim. Fort Worth Zoo, Milwaukee County Zoo, and Cincinnati Zoo have all opened hippo exhibits with this style, although they all pail in comparison to what Memphis has done.

Toledo Zoo

@ZooNerd1234

Fort Worth Zoo

@geomorph

Milwaukee County Zoo

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

Cincinnati Zoo

@Moebelle

@Kudu21

I was really looking forward to this part of Memphis zoo, and I'll admit, it felt slightly... underwhelming?

Don't get me wrong, the crocodile and hippo exhibits are very good, while the rest of the complex is simply serviceable at best, but the pictures may make the exhibit seem a bit larger and more exciting than it really is in real life.

 

[TinoPup]

67. Zambezi River Hippo Camp
Memphis Zoo, TN
Opened: 2016
Size: 4 Acres (1.6 Hectares)
Inhabitants: Nile Hippo, Okapi, Mandrill, Kirk’s Dik-dik, Lesser Flamingo, Nile Crocodile, assorted cichlids and roughly 15 other African bird species.

Thanks to the zoos impressive breeding record, Memphis branded itself as the hippo capital of the world. The only issue was that the former hippo enclosure was horribly inadequate and needed to be replaced as soon as possible. After years of delays, the zoo was finally able to construct an exhibit complex that is worthy of the title. While modern hippo exhibits have an unfortunate tendency to underdeliver on usable land, here is an enclosure manages to be one of the select few to provide both an adequate land area and a large pool with underwater viewing. Plans to have a separate yard exclusively for grazing were unfortunately scrapped, but credit is still due for going a step beyond what many other US zoos have done with hippos. A nearby pool for Nile crocodile is similarly excellent and is the other obvious highlight here. Between the hippo and crocodile pools is an immaculate pavilion, heavily themed as to be expected from Memphis, surrounded by an overhead viewing deck which provides further views of both exhibits from above. Besides these two exhibits, the rest of the enclosures in the complex are relatively basic in design by comparison - the mandrills in particular could use an upgrade - but otherwise are still perfectly suitable for their inhabitants.

@Milwaukee Man

@Milwaukee Man

@geomorph

@Coelacanth18

@RetiredToTheZoo

@Moebelle

Similar Exhibits: I'm not aware of a similar African wetlands exhibit, but this style of exhibitry for hippos has become increasingly common in recent years. It all began with Toledo Zoo's famous 1986 hippoquarium which was among the first to feature crystal clear underwater viewing for hippos. Numerous other zoos have copied this formula, although it's rarely to much acclaim. Fort Worth Zoo, Milwaukee County Zoo, and Cincinnati Zoo have all opened hippo exhibits with this style, although they all pail in comparison to what Memphis has done.

Toledo Zoo

@ZooNerd1234

Fort Worth Zoo

@geomorph

Milwaukee County Zoo

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

Cincinnati Zoo

@Moebelle

@Kudu21

I haven't made it to Memphis yet to see this in person, but I'm not really seeing what sets it apart from the very similar exhibit at Dallas?

 

[MGolka]

I haven't made it to Memphis yet to see this in person, but I'm not really seeing what sets it apart from the very similar exhibit at Dallas?

More land, a lot more underwater viewing, and a lot more varied viewing. Having seen both you mention within the last couple years, I prefer the Memphis exhibit more.

 

[Jurek7]

That would be interesting but one could also ask how much should cost a fake rock ? Taste, skills of the conception team are probably involved but in the end, I guess what makes the difference between random fake rock and amazing result such as in Zurich is the price the client is willing to pay. In this regards, how much more zoos should invest to get high-quality fake rock ? Does it have an impact on average visitor ?

At Zoolex, whole design is 7-15% of cost of whole exhibits. So accurate, beautiful models can be more expensive than fake looking ones, but perhaps 10% of total cost. For me it is no brainer to pay a little more for something which changes the final effect so much. Some zoos have it for free - Frankfurt zoo has very high quality and beautiful theming which is made by one talented zoo worker as a labor of love.

What one needs is perhaps the zoo director or curator having himself an eye to see the difference between poor and good theming, and some search for a company or a person who get things right. In Europe, best theming is often in cities where people are familiar with nearby museums, art galleries, good architecture etc. But not automatically so - Italy is full of culture and has very mediocre zoos.

Do visitors notice? Most notice, although they may not care. After some time it changes opinion about the zoo. Whether the zoo is seen as a cheap entertainment or a respected cultural centre can mean a lot in e.g. getting a big donation.

 

[Bisonblake]

Wow, that's really unfortunate, especially consider it may have been the only walk-through enclosure in the country that included vultures. It's a real shame when zoos replace more niche and more unique exhibits or displays with a basic and cookie-cutter replacement.

Actually, The Dallas Zoo has a hooded vulture in their walkthrough forest aviary. I was able to spot at least one when I visited two weeks ago.

 

[pachyderm pro]

68. Regenstein Center for African Apes
Lincoln Park Zoo, IL
Opened: 2004
Size: 29,000 Square Feet (2,700 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: Western Lowland Gorilla, Chimpanzee

Traditional ape houses are no longer as common in the US as they are in Europe. This modernistic building is one of the few exceptions, serving as the headquarters for the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes. Indeed the house is not only a superbly well done ape complex, but is also a dedicated research center where the zoo participates in studies involving captive ape welfare, biology and primate cognition. Hundreds of publications have been produced from the research done here and have been used to benefit both wild and captive apes. Two troops of gorillas and a group of chimpanzees rotate through a trio of highly stylized enclosures. One is an open-topped habitat exclusively used by the gorilla troops while the other two are essentially large mesh cages. All three enclosures are packed with artificial vines, bamboo and large tree trunks that, while not at all immersive, are pleasant to the eye. The indoor dayrooms are top-notch, so much so that the apes often seem to prefer to spend time indoors even on the nicest days. The dayrooms are separated from the outdoor yards by sliding glass windows which allow natural light to shine in. Each one is packed with enrichment and the design is incredibly successful at encouraging arboreal behavior from the apes, which is especially uncommon for full grown gorillas and it is an extremely impressive sight to see. Not many exhibits can be said to do such significant research and it's all done in an extremely attractive setting.

@ZooNerd1234

@ZooNerd1234

@Moebelle

@ZooNerd1234

@ZooNerd1234

Similar Exhibits: None.

 

[Corangurilla]

68. Regenstein Center for African Apes
Lincoln Park Zoo, IL
Opened: 2004
Size: 29,000 Square Feet (2,700 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: Western Lowland Gorilla, Chimpanzee

Traditional ape houses are no longer as common in the US as they are in Europe. This modernistic building is one of the few exceptions, serving as the headquarters for the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes. Indeed the house is not only a superbly well done ape complex, but is also a dedicated research center where the zoo participates in studies involving captive ape welfare, biology and primate cognition. Hundreds of publications have been produced from the research done here and have been used to benefit both wild and captive apes. Two troops of gorillas and a group of chimpanzees rotate through a trio of highly stylized enclosures. One is an open-topped habitat exclusively used by the gorilla troops while the other two are essentially large mesh cages. All three enclosures are packed with artificial vines, bamboo and large tree trunks that, while not at all immersive, are pleasant to the eye. The indoor dayrooms are top-notch, so much so that the apes often seem to prefer to spend time indoors even on the nicest days. The dayrooms are separated from the outdoor yards by sliding glass windows which allow natural light to shine in. Each one is packed with enrichment and the design is incredibly successful at encouraging arboreal behavior from the apes, which is especially uncommon for full grown gorillas and it is an extremely impressive sight to see. Not many exhibits can be said to do such significant research and it's all done in an extremely attractive setting.

@ZooNerd1234

@ZooNerd1234

@Moebelle

@ZooNerd1234

@ZooNerd1234

Similar Exhibits: None.

Hey, it’s my favorite gorilla habitat in the country! I have a soft spot for great ape dayrooms, and these are easily the best ape dayrooms I’ve ever seen! This habitat answers an age-old (I think) question: How do you make a top-notch ape habitat without taking up too much of your zoo’s limited space? Build upwards, of course! Are there any exhibits like this for orangutans out there? If this kind of design can get a silverback gorilla of the ground, then I’m sure it can do wonders for the most arboreal great apes! I’ve only been to the Lincoln Park Zoo 3 times, but every time I’ve gone, the Regenstein Center for African Apes has been the highlight, so I think its inclusion on this list is more than worthy!

 

[Fallax]

Hey, it’s my favorite gorilla habitat in the country! I have a soft spot for great ape dayrooms, and these are easily the best ape dayrooms I’ve ever seen! This habitat answers an age-old (I think) question: How do you make a top-notch ape habitat without taking up too much of your zoo’s limited space? Build upwards, of course! Are there any exhibits like this for orangutans out there? If this kind of design can get a silverback gorilla of the ground, then I’m sure it can do wonders for the most arboreal great apes! I’ve only been to the Lincoln Park Zoo 3 times, but every time I’ve gone, the Regenstein Center for African Apes has been the highlight, so I think its inclusion on this list is more than worthy!

Not too similar but Chester's Realm of the Red Ape is highly vertical.

 

[Coelacanth18]

68. Regenstein Center for African Apes
Lincoln Park Zoo, IL

A personal favorite of mine. The yards are not the largest in the country, but especially the mesh cages are surprisingly big in person - and as seen in the photos they are packed with climbing opportunities, hiding spots and other features. You're spot on about the gorilla day rooms too; I don't think I've ever seen a gorilla outside at Lincoln Park, but I always see them several feet up off the ground!

 

[Persephone]

Hey, it’s my favorite gorilla habitat in the country! I have a soft spot for great ape dayrooms, and these are easily the best ape dayrooms I’ve ever seen! This habitat answers an age-old (I think) question: How do you make a top-notch ape habitat without taking up too much of your zoo’s limited space? Build upwards, of course! Are there any exhibits like this for orangutans out there? If this kind of design can get a silverback gorilla of the ground, then I’m sure it can do wonders for the most arboreal great apes! I’ve only been to the Lincoln Park Zoo 3 times, but every time I’ve gone, the Regenstein Center for African Apes has been the highlight, so I think its inclusion on this list is more than worthy!

The closest thing for orangs, as far as dayroom quality goes, is probably the IOC. But it doesn’t have outdoor yards, so. Maybe Think Tank at the National Zoo?

 

[SwampDonkey]

The closest thing for orangs, as far as dayroom quality goes, is probably the IOC. But it doesn’t have outdoor yards, so. Maybe Think Tank at the National Zoo?

Personally I would think the new Columbus indoor/outdoor is closer in design.

 

[Pleistocene891]

68. Regenstein Center for African Apes
Lincoln Park Zoo, IL
Opened: 2004
Size: 29,000 Square Feet (2,700 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: Western Lowland Gorilla, Chimpanzee

Traditional ape houses are no longer as common in the US as they are in Europe. This modernistic building is one of the few exceptions, serving as the headquarters for the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes. Indeed the house is not only a superbly well done ape complex, but is also a dedicated research center where the zoo participates in studies involving captive ape welfare, biology and primate cognition. Hundreds of publications have been produced from the research done here and have been used to benefit both wild and captive apes. Two troops of gorillas and a group of chimpanzees rotate through a trio of highly stylized enclosures. One is an open-topped habitat exclusively used by the gorilla troops while the other two are essentially large mesh cages. All three enclosures are packed with artificial vines, bamboo and large tree trunks that, while not at all immersive, are pleasant to the eye. The indoor dayrooms are top-notch, so much so that the apes often seem to prefer to spend time indoors even on the nicest days. The dayrooms are separated from the outdoor yards by sliding glass windows which allow natural light to shine in. Each one is packed with enrichment and the design is incredibly successful at encouraging arboreal behavior from the apes, which is especially uncommon for full grown gorillas and it is an extremely impressive sight to see. Not many exhibits can be said to do such significant research and it's all done in an extremely attractive setting.

@ZooNerd1234

@ZooNerd1234

@Moebelle

@ZooNerd1234

@ZooNerd1234

Similar Exhibits: None.

This is how you make a primarily functional exhibit also aesthetically pleasing.

 

[Joseph G]

68. Regenstein Center for African Apes
Lincoln Park Zoo, IL
Opened: 2004
Size: 29,000 Square Feet (2,700 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: Western Lowland Gorilla, Chimpanzee

Traditional ape houses are no longer as common in the US as they are in Europe. This modernistic building is one of the few exceptions, serving as the headquarters for the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes. Indeed the house is not only a superbly well done ape complex, but is also a dedicated research center where the zoo participates in studies involving captive ape welfare, biology and primate cognition. Hundreds of publications have been produced from the research done here and have been used to benefit both wild and captive apes. Two troops of gorillas and a group of chimpanzees rotate through a trio of highly stylized enclosures. One is an open-topped habitat exclusively used by the gorilla troops while the other two are essentially large mesh cages. All three enclosures are packed with artificial vines, bamboo and large tree trunks that, while not at all immersive, are pleasant to the eye. The indoor dayrooms are top-notch, so much so that the apes often seem to prefer to spend time indoors even on the nicest days. The dayrooms are separated from the outdoor yards by sliding glass windows which allow natural light to shine in. Each one is packed with enrichment and the design is incredibly successful at encouraging arboreal behavior from the apes, which is especially uncommon for full grown gorillas and it is an extremely impressive sight to see. Not many exhibits can be said to do such significant research and it's all done in an extremely attractive setting.

@ZooNerd1234

@ZooNerd1234

@Moebelle

@ZooNerd1234

@ZooNerd1234

Similar Exhibits: None.

My only complaint about this exhibit is there aren't enough places for me to sit and observe the dayrooms for long periods of time Seriously though, if the moat didn't take up half the outdoor space, it would be a truly flawless exhibit. Much prefer the mesh on the east side or something like the outdoor dome at Columbus.

Hoping Brookfield can come close to matching this very soon!

 

[StoppableSan]

My only complaint about this exhibit is there aren't enough places for me to sit and observe the dayrooms for long periods of time Seriously though, if the moat didn't take up half the outdoor space, it would be a truly flawless exhibit. Much prefer the mesh on the east side or something like the outdoor dome at Columbus.

Hoping Brookfield can come close to matching this very soon!

I mean, the moat seems pretty accessible for the gorillas, and I'll take unobstructed views over glare on glass or obstructive mesh any day of the week.

 

[CGSwans]

I mean, the moat seems pretty accessible for the gorillas, and I'll take unobstructed views over glare on glass or obstructive mesh any day of the week.

Umm, an accessible moat is not a good thing for gorillas.

edit: I interpreted this as a water moat, but realised this isn’t specified anywhere above. Guessing it’s actually a dry moat?