When Zoo parking lots become obsolete?

[Jurek7]

By the way, if these self-driving cars will ever exist, they could park themselves packed tight. This would free at least 50% of the parking space.

It's a lawyer's dream - because once you go autonomous, it is no longer the "average driver" who is responsible, it is a mega-corporation who will likely settle cases quietly

You hinted at something many commenters don't realize. Self-driving cars are technically possible, barriers are in the legal system and economy.

One problem is that IT giants grew very much from entertainment. Technology giants routinely shun responsibility for functioning of their products. And if the software maker does not want to be responsible for accidents of his cars, who wants to be a beta-tester risking own life?

 

[SwampDonkey]

The only answer that I have seen is to build vertical multi-story parking structures to replace the lots. I am not aware of any zoo actually doing this beyond proposing it. Maybe there are examples.

Not a perfect example, but San Antonio Zoo recently completed their parking garage. I believe it is 5 floors tall. But I don't think they gained usable exhibit space due to building the garage.

 

[Riverdale Zoo]

By the way, if these self-driving cars will ever exist, they could park themselves packed tight. This would free at least 50% of the parking space…

If everybody rode motorcycles 50% would be reasonable, if cars park that tight nobody could get in and out of their non-autonomous car or truck parked next to them. Now you are suggesting a special parking lot dedicated to AV’s. … still a pipe dream.
Expensive cars driving around with no occupants will be great news for auto thieves an vandals, bad news for everyone that does not own one or ever want to own one like myself. This thread wasn’t derailed, it never stood a chance.