America's 100 Must See Exhibits
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85. Oklahoma Trails
Oklahoma City Zoo, OK
Opened: 2007
Size: 8 Acres (3.2 Hectares)
Inhabitants: >60 species including Grizzly Bear, American Bison, Cougar, Coyote, Whooping Crane, Bald Eagle and more.
It's not at all uncommon for zoos to have exhibit complexes showcasing native wildlife of their respective states. A number of them are fairly surface level however, focusing mostly on popular megafauna. Here is one of the most holistic native species exhibits in the US where diversity is prioritized and celebrated. 11 different ecosystems are represented and show the unique and somewhat surprising diversity of the state of Oklahoma. A winding boardwalk takes guest past scenic fields, through dense woodlands, and over rushing streams coming from a 25 foot tall waterfall modeled after Turner Falls, the largest and most famous waterfall in the state. Bears and bison are treated to simple but spacious meadows that are quite attractive. These enclosures do tend to have the appearance of a manicured lawn, but the aesthetic is quite similar to that of local farmland and it looks works well with that context. A highlight is the heavily wooded walkthrough aviary for an impressive assortment of native birds, plus several side aviaries for birds that don't mix well with others. A few buildings are included as well, such as a house for native ectotherms with a circular freshwater fish tank acting as the centerpiece. One of the most notable areas for enthusiasts is the red barn which has been thoughtfully converted into a nocturnal house which features some choice species like ringtail and nine-banded armadillo. Numerous other carnivores and larger birds also have excellent enclosures and the whole complex flows really well. I'm unaware of any other exhibit which aims to show such a high density of native species is such exceptional accommodations.
@Coelacanth18
@geomorph
@Coelacanth18
@geomorph
@geomorph
@geomorph
@jbnbsn99
Similar Exhibits: None.
Oklahoma City Zoo, OK
Opened: 2007
Size: 8 Acres (3.2 Hectares)
Inhabitants: >60 species including Grizzly Bear, American Bison, Cougar, Coyote, Whooping Crane, Bald Eagle and more.
It's not at all uncommon for zoos to have exhibit complexes showcasing native wildlife of their respective states. A number of them are fairly surface level however, focusing mostly on popular megafauna. Here is one of the most holistic native species exhibits in the US where diversity is prioritized and celebrated. 11 different ecosystems are represented and show the unique and somewhat surprising diversity of the state of Oklahoma. A winding boardwalk takes guest past scenic fields, through dense woodlands, and over rushing streams coming from a 25 foot tall waterfall modeled after Turner Falls, the largest and most famous waterfall in the state. Bears and bison are treated to simple but spacious meadows that are quite attractive. These enclosures do tend to have the appearance of a manicured lawn, but the aesthetic is quite similar to that of local farmland and it looks works well with that context. A highlight is the heavily wooded walkthrough aviary for an impressive assortment of native birds, plus several side aviaries for birds that don't mix well with others. A few buildings are included as well, such as a house for native ectotherms with a circular freshwater fish tank acting as the centerpiece. One of the most notable areas for enthusiasts is the red barn which has been thoughtfully converted into a nocturnal house which features some choice species like ringtail and nine-banded armadillo. Numerous other carnivores and larger birds also have excellent enclosures and the whole complex flows really well. I'm unaware of any other exhibit which aims to show such a high density of native species is such exceptional accommodations.
@Coelacanth18
@geomorph
@Coelacanth18
@geomorph
@geomorph
@geomorph
@jbnbsn99
1. American Black Bear Exhibit
2. American Bison and Prairie Dog Exhibits
3. Cougar Exhibit
4. Aviary
5. Reptile Exhibits
6. Nocturnal House Exterior
7. Turner Falls Replica
2. American Bison and Prairie Dog Exhibits
3. Cougar Exhibit
4. Aviary
5. Reptile Exhibits
6. Nocturnal House Exterior
7. Turner Falls Replica
Similar Exhibits: None.
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This exhibit looks amazing, but I'm kind of surprised it was chosen over Louisville's Islands or Jacksonville's Range of the Jaguar, which means both zoos are certainly not gonna appear now due to what pachy said earlier.85. Oklahoma Trails
Oklahoma City Zoo, OK
Opened: 2007
Size: 8 Acres (3.2 Hectares)
Inhabitants: >60 species including Grizzly Bear, American Bison, Cougar, Coyote, Whooping Crane, Bald Eagle and more.
It's not at all uncommon for zoos to have exhibit complexes showcasing native wildlife of their respective states. A number of them are fairly surface level however, focusing mostly on popular megafauna. Here is one of the most holistic native species exhibits in the US where diversity is prioritized and celebrated. 11 different ecosystems are represented and show the unique and somewhat surprising diversity of the state of Oklahoma. A winding boardwalk takes guest past scenic fields, through dense woodlands, and over rushing streams coming from a 25 foot tall waterfall modeled after Turner Falls, the largest and most famous waterfall in the state. Bears and bison are treated to simple but spacious meadows that are quite attractive. These enclosures do tend to have the appearance of a manicured lawn, but the aesthetic is quite similar to that of local farmland and it looks works well with that context. A highlight is the heavily wooded walkthrough aviary for an impressive assortment of native birds, plus several side aviaries for birds that don't mix well with others. A few buildings are included as well, such as a house for native ectotherms with a circular freshwater fish tank acting as the centerpiece. One of the most notable areas for enthusiasts is the red barn which has been thoughtfully converted into a nocturnal house which features some choice species like ringtail and nine-banded armadillo. Numerous other carnivores and larger birds also have excellent enclosures and the whole complex flows really well. I'm unaware of any other exhibit which aims to show such a high density of native species is such exceptional accommodations.
@Coelacanth18
@geomorph
@Coelacanth18
@geomorph
@geomorph
@geomorph
@jbnbsn99
1. American Black Bear Exhibit
2. American Bison and Prairie Dog Exhibits
3. Cougar Exhibit
4. Aviary
5. Reptile Exhibits
6. Nocturnal House Exterior
7. Turner Falls Replica
Similar Exhibits: None.
Well then, you'll be surprised to hear that only one of these zoos will be making an appearance.Most of these places are very good all-rounders that lack anything particularly unique, although there are certainly a few candidates for this list among them.
Range of the Jaguar would be a surprising omission. When making my list of guesses for what exhibits would be included, it was amongst the first I thought of, and I expected it to be a shoe-in for the list. Islands is another one I expected to see, but perhaps @pachyderm pro prefers Asian Forest Sanctuary at Point Defiance Zoo and give that exhibit the nod for a rotational exhibit. I'm not surprised Oklahoma Trails got chosen though, although if it were up to me I would've included Fort Worth Zoo's Texas Wild as a similar exhibit, unless that exhibit is one of the fifteen still remaining.
I would think of the Minnesota Trail as a similar exhibit, right?85. Oklahoma Trails
Oklahoma City Zoo, OK
Opened: 2007
Size: 8 Acres (3.2 Hectares)
Inhabitants: >60 species including Grizzly Bear, American Bison, Cougar, Coyote, Whooping Crane, Bald Eagle and more.
It's not at all uncommon for zoos to have exhibit complexes showcasing native wildlife of their respective states. A number of them are fairly surface level however, focusing mostly on popular megafauna. Here is one of the most holistic native species exhibits in the US where diversity is prioritized and celebrated. 11 different ecosystems are represented and show the unique and somewhat surprising diversity of the state of Oklahoma. A winding boardwalk takes guest past scenic fields, through dense woodlands, and over rushing streams coming from a 25 foot tall waterfall modeled after Turner Falls, the largest and most famous waterfall in the state. Bears and bison are treated to simple but spacious meadows that are quite attractive. These enclosures do tend to have the appearance of a manicured lawn, but the aesthetic is quite similar to that of local farmland and it looks works well with that context. A highlight is the heavily wooded walkthrough aviary for an impressive assortment of native birds, plus several side aviaries for birds that don't mix well with others. A few buildings are included as well, such as a house for native ectotherms with a circular freshwater fish tank acting as the centerpiece. One of the most notable areas for enthusiasts is the red barn which has been thoughtfully converted into a nocturnal house which features some choice species like ringtail and nine-banded armadillo. Numerous other carnivores and larger birds also have excellent enclosures and the whole complex flows really well. I'm unaware of any other exhibit which aims to show such a high density of native species is such exceptional accommodations.
@Coelacanth18
@geomorph
@Coelacanth18
@geomorph
@geomorph
@geomorph
@jbnbsn99
1. American Black Bear Exhibit
2. American Bison and Prairie Dog Exhibits
3. Cougar Exhibit
4. Aviary
5. Reptile Exhibits
6. Nocturnal House Exterior
7. Turner Falls Replica
Similar Exhibits: None.
Aardwolf
Well-Known Member
I could see that, but in my opinion what makes Oklahoma Trails a more unique exhibit is that it integrates a lot of smaller species and non-mammals through the reptile/aquarium building, aviary, and nocturnal house. I enjoyed Minnesota Trail a lot, but I definitely had been hoping for more non-mammals to offer a more representative view of the state's wildlife.
There used to be a lot more birds and herps at the Minnesota Trail then there are now.
Antimony96
Well-Known Member
Louisville would have made the list if they had a badger exhibit
Pleistocene891
Well-Known Member
I don't understand how Jacksonville didn't make the list at all.
Subjectiveness? Jacksonville looks pretty nice but I can't say I've seen any photos of really unique exhibits from there personally.
Since this post indirectly deconfirmed a few exhibits for this list, I'll take a moment to address the ones brought up:
There's no denying that the concept of the Islands is very innovative, but I find the execution to be mediocre. The chosen inhabitants all have vastly different needs which requires the enclosures to be rather generic in order to accommodate every species. One exhibit may be good for the tigers, but much less effective for the orangutans or tapirs. The primates in particular have very few climbing opportunities in the outdoor habitats. It's a fun idea, but perhaps one that would have benefited from more thought put into the needs of each species. Exhibits like this would be far more successful if they selected species with similar husbandry needs, such as Denver Zoo's Elephant Passage or Saint Louis Zoo's Primate Canopy Trails.
While it does look a bit more impressive than Louisville's take on the concept, it suffers from many of the same issues. All of the enclosures are rather small and bare, with the exception of the much larger one which I believe is used exclusively by the tigers. Truthfully, the most impressive part of the exhibit is the very nice clouded leopard complex which was added later on.
Jacksonville is in an odd position. There's a lot that is good and very little that is poor, but at the same time, I struggle to think of a single part of the zoo that particularly stands out to me. If there was to be something from the zoo featured, it would be Range of the Jaguar. Like most of the zoo it's very well done, but not particularly unique or groundbreaking in any aspect. There is another Amazon exhibit coming up that I believe to be superior and RotJ will get an honorable mention during that time.
Completely agree. Seeing a tapir indoors in an exhibit clearly designed for primates was very uncomfortable. The set up is also confusing. I see tigers multiple times and didn't see babirusa at all.
Antimony96
Well-Known Member
The Louisville exhibit I expected was Glacier Run, actually. Might have been an HM earlier?
If Columbus' Polar Frontier didn't make the list, then Louisville's Glacier Run also certainly wouldn't qualify. I'm not saying Glacier Run is a bad Polar Bear exhibit, but it's not of the caliber Polar Frontier is, so when I saw Polar Frontier get an honorable mention, my immediate thought was that Arctic Ring of Life would be the only polar bear exhibit to make this list.
86. Florida: Mission Everglades
Zoo Miami, FL
Opened: 2015
Size: 4.5 Acres (1.8 Hectares)
Inhabitants: American Black Bear, Florida Panther, Bobcat, North American River Otter, Bald Eagle, Burrowing Owl, American Crocodile and more.
Somewhat recently there have been a number of exhibit complexes featured on this list that are dedicated to local species, which have become increasingly common. This is even more true for Floridian collections, as it seems every major zoo in the sunshine state features a well rounded collection of native wildlife. While this is one is not the most attractive, it may just be the most creative. Here is there is a big emphasis on animal to visitor interactions and having unique ways to view the inhabitants. Almost every enclosure has some sort of interactive element whether that be underwater viewing tunnels and slides for river otters and American crocodiles, rope bridges above alligators, or windows looking into burrows for burrowing owls and gopher tortoises. Some of these aren't the most pleasing to the eye, like the giant walk-in log at the center of the black bear enclosure, but they provide a rewarding experience none-the-less. There are also a variety of flex habitats that are designed to host a selection of different species, primarily small carnivores that are rotated through numerous enclosures. Admittedly the complex as a whole doesn't succeed very well when it comes to naturalistic design; barriers and holding buildings are clearly visible and the boat ride running through the area can also make things a bit awkward at times. Overall however, this is probably the most creative showcase of Floridian species to be found with a lot to appreciate.
@geomorph
@Leaf Productions
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@geomorph
@geomorph
@geomorph
Similar Exhibits: Many Florida zoos have fairly comprehensive Florida zones that are quite well done. If I made this list last year, this spot may have gone to Zoo Tampa's Florida Wildlife Center with an even larger collection. However, a recent renovation has arguably made the exhibit worse by adding some rather bad enclosures for black bears and panthers. For whatever reason a few enclosures had most of their vegetation removed which ruined some of the most naturalistic exhibits in the zoo. The manatee building is still a highlight though, featuring dozens of the ectotherms alongside the seacows.
@Moebelle
@SwampDonkey
@SwampDonkey
@SwampDonkey
Zoo Miami, FL
Opened: 2015
Size: 4.5 Acres (1.8 Hectares)
Inhabitants: American Black Bear, Florida Panther, Bobcat, North American River Otter, Bald Eagle, Burrowing Owl, American Crocodile and more.
Somewhat recently there have been a number of exhibit complexes featured on this list that are dedicated to local species, which have become increasingly common. This is even more true for Floridian collections, as it seems every major zoo in the sunshine state features a well rounded collection of native wildlife. While this is one is not the most attractive, it may just be the most creative. Here is there is a big emphasis on animal to visitor interactions and having unique ways to view the inhabitants. Almost every enclosure has some sort of interactive element whether that be underwater viewing tunnels and slides for river otters and American crocodiles, rope bridges above alligators, or windows looking into burrows for burrowing owls and gopher tortoises. Some of these aren't the most pleasing to the eye, like the giant walk-in log at the center of the black bear enclosure, but they provide a rewarding experience none-the-less. There are also a variety of flex habitats that are designed to host a selection of different species, primarily small carnivores that are rotated through numerous enclosures. Admittedly the complex as a whole doesn't succeed very well when it comes to naturalistic design; barriers and holding buildings are clearly visible and the boat ride running through the area can also make things a bit awkward at times. Overall however, this is probably the most creative showcase of Floridian species to be found with a lot to appreciate.
@geomorph
@Leaf Productions
@geomorph
@geomorph
@geomorph
@geomorph
1. Wading Bird Exhibit
2. General View
3. American Black Bear Exhibit
4. North American River Otter Exhibit
5. Bald Eagle Aviary
6. Boat Ride with Visitor Boardwalk
2. General View
3. American Black Bear Exhibit
4. North American River Otter Exhibit
5. Bald Eagle Aviary
6. Boat Ride with Visitor Boardwalk
Similar Exhibits: Many Florida zoos have fairly comprehensive Florida zones that are quite well done. If I made this list last year, this spot may have gone to Zoo Tampa's Florida Wildlife Center with an even larger collection. However, a recent renovation has arguably made the exhibit worse by adding some rather bad enclosures for black bears and panthers. For whatever reason a few enclosures had most of their vegetation removed which ruined some of the most naturalistic exhibits in the zoo. The manatee building is still a highlight though, featuring dozens of the ectotherms alongside the seacows.
@Moebelle
@SwampDonkey
@SwampDonkey
It’s been a while since I visited but I can affirm that Range of the Jaguar and The Aftican Forest aren’t really what I would call eye candy. The other exhibits are fine or even great albeit the Australian area felt a bit lacking.
Joseph G
Well-Known Member
86. Florida: Mission Everglades
Zoo Miami, FL
Opened: 2015
Size: 4.5 Acres (1.8 Hectares)
Inhabitants: American Black Bear, Florida Panther, Bobcat, North American River Otter, Bald Eagle, Burrowing Owl, American Crocodile and more.
Somewhat recently there have been a number of exhibit complexes featured on this list that are dedicated to local species, which have become increasingly common. This is even more true for Floridian collections, as it seems every major zoo in the sunshine state features a well rounded collection of native wildlife. While this is one is not the most attractive, it may just be the most creative. Here is there is a big emphasis on animal to visitor interactions and having unique ways to view the inhabitants. Almost every enclosure has some sort of interactive element whether that be underwater viewing tunnels and slides for river otters and American crocodiles, rope bridges above alligators, or windows looking into burrows for burrowing owls and gopher tortoises. Some of these aren't the most pleasing to the eye, like the giant walk-in log at the center of the black bear enclosure, but they provide a rewarding experience none-the-less. There are also a variety of flex habitats that are designed to host a selection of different species, primarily small carnivores that are rotated through numerous enclosures. Admittedly the complex as a whole doesn't succeed very well when it comes to naturalistic design; barriers and holding buildings are clearly visible and the boat ride running through the area can also make things a bit awkward at times. Overall however, this is probably the most creative showcase of Floridian species to be found with a lot to appreciate.
@geomorph
@Leaf Productions
@geomorph
@geomorph
@geomorph
@geomorph
1. Wading Bird Exhibit
2. General View
3. American Black Bear Exhibit
4. North American River Otter Exhibit
5. Bald Eagle Aviary
6. Boat Ride with Visitor Boardwalk
Similar Exhibits: Many Florida zoos have fairly comprehensive Florida zones that are quite well done. If I made this list last year, this spot may have gone to Zoo Tampa's Florida Wildlife Center with an even larger collection. However, a recent renovation has arguably made the exhibit worse by adding some rather bad enclosures for black bears and panthers. For whatever reason a few enclosures had most of their vegetation removed which ruined some of the most naturalistic exhibits in the zoo. The manatee building is still a highlight though, featuring dozens of the ectotherms alongside the seacows.
@Moebelle
@SwampDonkey
@SwampDonkey
@SwampDonkey
Iffy on this choice solely because it is so dependent on having a good interaction with the animals. Otherwise, it just feels like a concrete oven.
Everywhere in Florida feels like an oven in summer at least, so not exactly unique.
But not everyplace in Florida is ugly and as replete with poorly executed and cliched zoo design elements as this. I have a real problem with this as a “must see,” except as a tutorial on what not to do when building new exhibits.
Pleistocene891
Well-Known Member
I don't really want to say this, but I'm sensing a huge "anti-Jacksonville" bias. From its omission in the "America's top 50 zoos" to it not even making this list even once despite having multiple exhibits that certainly qualify as at least contenders for it, to now placing this ugly exhibit from Zoo Miami on the list over any Jacksonville exhibit.