Benedict, a male two-toed sloth, has arrived from Staten Island, and is on display in the Central Zoo section.
Fort Wayne zoo adds a sloth!
Fort Wayne zoo adds a sloth!
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
- Thread starter groundskeeper24
- Start date
Other 2023 News:
On January 24th, it was reported that the zoo transferred a (1.0) Canada lynx named Monty to the Woodland Park Zoo in Washington.
Meet the new Canada lynx at the Woodland Park Zoo
On July 12th, the zoo announced they started construction on a new 2 story ropes course called the Bamboo Forest Adventure Play & Marketplace which will open to the public in fall 2023.
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
NEW Bamboo Forest Adventure Play and Marketplace | Blog | Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
On June 7th, the zoo announced that a (0.1) Irish Dexter cow named Ellie passed away at age 16 due to age-related health concerns.
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
On January 24th, it was reported that the zoo transferred a (1.0) Canada lynx named Monty to the Woodland Park Zoo in Washington.
Meet the new Canada lynx at the Woodland Park Zoo
On July 12th, the zoo announced they started construction on a new 2 story ropes course called the Bamboo Forest Adventure Play & Marketplace which will open to the public in fall 2023.
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
NEW Bamboo Forest Adventure Play and Marketplace | Blog | Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
Persephone
Well-Known Member
I was really hoping that plot would be used for an outdoor orang area. Kind of looking like that isn’t in the cards now. The untouched areas of Asia Trek are the free flight aviary, orangutans, tigers, and boardwalk. I think the aviary and tiger habitats are broadly fine. Boardwalk could probably use something as it’s pretty empty right now. Unsure what they plan on doing with the orangutans.
Bactrian Deer
Well-Known Member
I could see them phasing orangutans out for gibbons or another Asian primate. Bummer that they put another entertainment attractions rather than space for the animals, which some need dearly.
On July 25th, the zoo announced that a (0.1) African penguin named Nova hatched on February 9th, and is now on exhibit. The zoo also announced they acquired (0.0.2) African penguins named Indigo and Ruby which are now on exhibit.
You’ve seen them waddling on Penguin Beach, but now it’s time to be formally introduced to Nova, Indigo, and Ruby! Executive Director Rick Schuiteman is... | By Fort Wayne Children's Zoo | Facebook
You’ve seen them waddling on Penguin Beach, but now it’s time to be formally introduced to Nova, Indigo, and Ruby! Executive Director Rick Schuiteman is... | By Fort Wayne Children's Zoo | Facebook
Sumatran orangutan, Tara, gave birth to a healthy male infant on August 16th! The sire is male Tengku and this is his second offspring with Tara.
Persephone
Well-Known Member
Just got back. As someone who was a regular a long, long time ago it’s fun to see how the zoo does and doesn’t change every season.
This season’s changes (and notable non-changes):
-There are a lot more feeding or interactive upcharge opportunities. Penguins, chickens, stingrays, probably some others I didn’t see.
-No horses or cows anymore. Donkeys occupy the left side of the barn. No sheep, either: two of the right side exhibits are for even more goats.
-Still no devils. Still a sign posted saying that COVID messed up their import plans. Black swans are still in an exhibit with a water feature way too small for a pair of birds that big.
-The lorikeets are getting moved to their own aviary. I was told this was part of downsizing the main Australian aviary. Not physically, but species wise.
-California sea lion exhibit was closed off and drained. Signage says for repairs. I would be surprised if they weren’t going for a full renovation for 2024 or 2025 given the patterns of revamping Central Zoo.
-Red Panda Ridge is fine. The two red panda exhibits are each a big step up from the last one. The smaller exhibit also has muntjac. The only other exhibit in the complex is a decent sized aviary. Probably room to expand for a few other small exhibits. The middle of the path is occupied by a maze for young children.
-I am still disappointed in most of the Indonesia renovations. The rope course is being built in what was probably the only good place to build an outdoor orangutan habitat. The new entry to the rainforest still feels like it has much less character than the old lab. It didn’t even age that poorly since it was meant to look dated.
-The Komodo dragon statue at the end of Indonesia has been removed. Safe to assume there are no plans to bring them back.
-The pond in the African Village area has been replaced with a playground.
-The leopard exhibit being smaller than the two primate exhibits in the village still feels wrong. I hope someday they expand it to at least include one of the primate exhibits. Feels like a cheap fix to just make a path connecting the two.
-The Lionfish have been replaced by an exhibit for “Nemos.” Parents also helpfully pointed out Dories and Turning Reds. I think I hate Pixar.
-The zoo felt more crowded than ever today. Outside of Africa and the kangaroo exhibit most of the viewing areas are narrow and can get congested really easily, especially if families have strollers.
-The trail between the tigers and the ribbons feels like a massive waste of space. The tiger pavilion signage was sparser than usual. I hope they expand the tiger exhibit someday.
-Not anything new or anything but the Javan gibbons were very active and often walked bipedally, which fascinated a lot of visitors.
-I still uncritically like all of the Central Zoo renovations except the ambassador space. Feels like a waste to have a decent size exhibit space only in use twice a year.
-Ordered chicken tenders at the Australian restaurant, wasn’t expecting much. They were about the size of my hand and very good. I was impressed.
-The giant grouper is, well, giant now. Really solid trifecta of species with the adult blacktip reef sharks zooming around, the zebra shark occasionally showing up as a bigger shark, and the giant grouper swimming around. I think the visitors around me liked the grouper better than the sharks. I also saw feeding. The zebra shark and grouper struggled to get food with the faster blacktips snapping it up.
-The garter snake in the farm has more water than land in its exhibit. The snake seemed to be using them both, too. Is this normal for the species?
Overall it does feel like they’re tripling down on their status as a children’s zoo with a new playground, maze, ropes course, and plenty of new feeding encounters. I know that’s their target demographic and focus but it just feels… less than what it could be. Every time I visit Africa I expect it to be worse than I remember, but it’s always pretty spectacular with the landscaping, species list, and exhibit size. The Australia revamp was never as good. I’m starting to doubt the Asia one will be any better by the time it finishes.
Also not a huge fan of the sheer number of up charges there will be by the end of this summer. Feels like the industry as a whole is pivoting that way with private encounters and the like. Almost always rubs me the wrong way.
This season’s changes (and notable non-changes):
-There are a lot more feeding or interactive upcharge opportunities. Penguins, chickens, stingrays, probably some others I didn’t see.
-No horses or cows anymore. Donkeys occupy the left side of the barn. No sheep, either: two of the right side exhibits are for even more goats.
-Still no devils. Still a sign posted saying that COVID messed up their import plans. Black swans are still in an exhibit with a water feature way too small for a pair of birds that big.
-The lorikeets are getting moved to their own aviary. I was told this was part of downsizing the main Australian aviary. Not physically, but species wise.
-California sea lion exhibit was closed off and drained. Signage says for repairs. I would be surprised if they weren’t going for a full renovation for 2024 or 2025 given the patterns of revamping Central Zoo.
-Red Panda Ridge is fine. The two red panda exhibits are each a big step up from the last one. The smaller exhibit also has muntjac. The only other exhibit in the complex is a decent sized aviary. Probably room to expand for a few other small exhibits. The middle of the path is occupied by a maze for young children.
-I am still disappointed in most of the Indonesia renovations. The rope course is being built in what was probably the only good place to build an outdoor orangutan habitat. The new entry to the rainforest still feels like it has much less character than the old lab. It didn’t even age that poorly since it was meant to look dated.
-The Komodo dragon statue at the end of Indonesia has been removed. Safe to assume there are no plans to bring them back.
-The pond in the African Village area has been replaced with a playground.
-The leopard exhibit being smaller than the two primate exhibits in the village still feels wrong. I hope someday they expand it to at least include one of the primate exhibits. Feels like a cheap fix to just make a path connecting the two.
-The Lionfish have been replaced by an exhibit for “Nemos.” Parents also helpfully pointed out Dories and Turning Reds. I think I hate Pixar.
-The zoo felt more crowded than ever today. Outside of Africa and the kangaroo exhibit most of the viewing areas are narrow and can get congested really easily, especially if families have strollers.
-The trail between the tigers and the ribbons feels like a massive waste of space. The tiger pavilion signage was sparser than usual. I hope they expand the tiger exhibit someday.
-Not anything new or anything but the Javan gibbons were very active and often walked bipedally, which fascinated a lot of visitors.
-I still uncritically like all of the Central Zoo renovations except the ambassador space. Feels like a waste to have a decent size exhibit space only in use twice a year.
-Ordered chicken tenders at the Australian restaurant, wasn’t expecting much. They were about the size of my hand and very good. I was impressed.
-The giant grouper is, well, giant now. Really solid trifecta of species with the adult blacktip reef sharks zooming around, the zebra shark occasionally showing up as a bigger shark, and the giant grouper swimming around. I think the visitors around me liked the grouper better than the sharks. I also saw feeding. The zebra shark and grouper struggled to get food with the faster blacktips snapping it up.
-The garter snake in the farm has more water than land in its exhibit. The snake seemed to be using them both, too. Is this normal for the species?
Overall it does feel like they’re tripling down on their status as a children’s zoo with a new playground, maze, ropes course, and plenty of new feeding encounters. I know that’s their target demographic and focus but it just feels… less than what it could be. Every time I visit Africa I expect it to be worse than I remember, but it’s always pretty spectacular with the landscaping, species list, and exhibit size. The Australia revamp was never as good. I’m starting to doubt the Asia one will be any better by the time it finishes.
Also not a huge fan of the sheer number of up charges there will be by the end of this summer. Feels like the industry as a whole is pivoting that way with private encounters and the like. Almost always rubs me the wrong way.
Sadly, the orangutan baby didn’t make it.
‘We are heartbroken’: Children’s zoo announces passing of baby orangutan
Rhino0118
Well-Known Member
Not a lot of details released, but it appears that the Sea Lions will indeed be receiving an upgraded home next year, and that some kind of Seal will be added as well.
Something NEW is swimming to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo! Opening Summer 2024, guests will hear sea lions bark and watch seals as they dive down deep... | By Fort Wayne Children's Zoo | Facebook
Something NEW is swimming to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo! Opening Summer 2024, guests will hear sea lions bark and watch seals as they dive down deep... | By Fort Wayne Children's Zoo | Facebook
BirdGirl45
New Member
Looks like there is still land left for that outdoor orang area idea and heard that is still in the works once other projects get done.
Jacob F
Well-Known Member
I think harbor seals will live with the sea lions.
Bactrian Deer
Well-Known Member
It is now confirmed that the seals will be harbor seals
In addition to the upcoming pinniped habitat (now called “Coastal Cove”), a few more features will debut in 2024: new lemur and binturong habitats (by the giraffes and red pandas respectively), and extended hours to try and be open for nine months per year.
New year brings new animals to Fort Wayne zoo
New year brings new animals to Fort Wayne zoo
Other Late 2023 News:
On September 30th, the zoo opened the Bamboo Forest Adventure Play to the public.
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
On October 3rd, the zoo announced that (0.1.1) eastern grey kangaroos were born.
Who's New at the Kid's Zoo: Joeys | Hop on over for a brand new Who’s New at the Kid’s Zoo! Learn about how the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is contributing to eastern Grey Kangaroo... | By Fort Wayne Children's Zoo | Facebook
On October 17th, the zoo announced that they acquired a (1.0) North American river otter named Benjamin which is on exhibit.
Meet Benjamin in the latest “Who’s New at the Kids Zoo?”! Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo Executive Director, Rick Schuiteman, and Keeper Lizzie introduce us... | By Fort Wayne Children's Zoo | Facebook
On September 30th, the zoo opened the Bamboo Forest Adventure Play to the public.
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
On October 3rd, the zoo announced that (0.1.1) eastern grey kangaroos were born.
Who's New at the Kid's Zoo: Joeys | Hop on over for a brand new Who’s New at the Kid’s Zoo! Learn about how the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is contributing to eastern Grey Kangaroo... | By Fort Wayne Children's Zoo | Facebook
On October 17th, the zoo announced that they acquired a (1.0) North American river otter named Benjamin which is on exhibit.
Meet Benjamin in the latest “Who’s New at the Kids Zoo?”! Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo Executive Director, Rick Schuiteman, and Keeper Lizzie introduce us... | By Fort Wayne Children's Zoo | Facebook
FWCZ will now offer a sitatunga feeding this season every day at 11 am. I'm curious how this will go, as they can sometimes be shy.
Plan Your Visit | Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
Plan Your Visit | Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
Nile Hippo Expert
Well-Known Member
Bahati, the zoo's male African Lion, has died.
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo mourns the loss of African lion, Bahati
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo mourns the loss of African lion, Bahati
Rhino0118
Well-Known Member
On April 28th, the zoo announced that two new Binturongs are now on display in the Red Panda Ridge.
Meet the two new binturongs at the... - Fort Wayne Children's Zoo | Facebook
Meet the two new binturongs at the... - Fort Wayne Children's Zoo | Facebook
2 Pieces of April 2024 News Not Mentioned:
On April 11th, it was mentioned that the zoo acquired (1.1) ring-tailed lemurs from The Maryland Zoo in Maryland*.
On April 25th, the zoo announced that they acquired a (1.0) African penguin named Neptune which is now on exhibit.
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
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On April 29th, the zoo announced they acquired a (0.0.1) lionfish (species not specified) which is now on display in The Reef tank in Australia Adventure.
Lionfish are Back! | Guess who's back, back again? Lionfish are back, tell a friend! Swim through The Reef in Australian Adventure to visit the new lionfish! | By Fort Wayne Children's ZooFacebook
* Information given by @Polar bear fan on The Maryland Zoo News 2024 thread (Page 3 Post #49).
On April 11th, it was mentioned that the zoo acquired (1.1) ring-tailed lemurs from The Maryland Zoo in Maryland*.
On April 25th, the zoo announced that they acquired a (1.0) African penguin named Neptune which is now on exhibit.
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On April 29th, the zoo announced they acquired a (0.0.1) lionfish (species not specified) which is now on display in The Reef tank in Australia Adventure.
Lionfish are Back! | Guess who's back, back again? Lionfish are back, tell a friend! Swim through The Reef in Australian Adventure to visit the new lionfish! | By Fort Wayne Children's ZooFacebook
* Information given by @Polar bear fan on The Maryland Zoo News 2024 thread (Page 3 Post #49).
Rhino0118
Well-Known Member
On May 1st, the zoo officially announced that Ring-tailed Lemurs Owyn and Murphy are now on Exhibit in the African Journey.
(1) After four years, ring-tailed lemurs... - Fort Wayne Children's Zoo | Facebook