Houston Zoo Houston Zoo Master Plan Speculation

TheImmigrant1 said:
Thanks to fellow zoochatter ZooUnk we not only got a sneak peek at the species who will be part of this Bird Garden, but also an updated map of where it will be located. In this new map, we can see the new updated flamingo exhibit on the left alongside two new mixed species aviaries, one of which has been confirmed to be an African one. As well as a backstage building which I assume to be a hatchery/nursery for both bird and reptile eggs. The thing about this new map though is that the space designated for the original Ancient Relatives building has been cut by half, replaced by the two new outdoor aviaries, so it will end up much smaller than originally intended. Despite this though, I am still very much looking forward to this new bird garden as Houston's avian collection is sorely lacking after the closing of both of their bird gardens and the Tropical Bird House, so it's about time birds come back to Houston in a state-of-the-art enclosure. If everything remains the same as the concept art, the African aviary will house Grey Crowned Cranes, African Pygmy Goose, Multiple species of Vulture, and what I assume to be Blue Breasted Rollers. The second smaller one I've labeled as Asian Aviary, which I believe is the most likely possibility. A South American Aviary would be kind of pointless with the Pantanal right there, same with a North American one with the Whooping Cranes so close by. I feel as though this prediction isn't too crazy and would probably house Peafowl, pheasants, and other Asian birds, but it could also end up being a Cassowary enclosure, a species I saw labeled in the background of the Galapagos Islands concept art.
As for Ancient Relatives, I do believe the building will still be happening, in fact I believe it'll be next thing done after the Bird Garden. This would not only finish off the area but also clear out the old Reptile House in order to be destroyed, leaving the space open for the Elephant enclosure to expand. Seeing as many birds and reptiles are being exhibited outside of their respective areas now such as the anaconda, and aviaries of the Pantanal, therefore cutting down the total number of species in the Ancient Relatives building it should be easy to fit them all nicely into a building even if it is smaller than expected. What I do wonder though is if the previously planned outdoor exhibits for larger birds and reptiles are still happening, if so then I could see the second member of the tortoise trio the African Spurr Thighed Tortoise being exhibited as well as Saddle-Billed Storks, Red Crowned Cranes, Iguanas, and possibly even the Komodo Dragon if they don't end up in Asia.View attachment 615183 View attachment 615184
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Honestly the Designs of it look so amazing and I can also see the potential of Komodo Dragons In Asia's Aviary. I'm honestly excited to find out when it will open next year. I bet it will be the same experience I had in the zoos new Galapagos Islands exhibit. I honestly also agree there should be Cassowaries! It's been so dang long since we had those.
 
TheImmigrant1 said:
Asian Islands

“Long-term, we have some possibilities for doing some Southeast Asian animal exhibits that link with programs that we have here. For instance, our elephant breeding program, which is probably the most successful in the country right now.

“Then there are some of the primates and other animals from Southeast Asia that we have here at the zoo. These are not currently in state-of-the-art immersion habitats or linked together physically into a single experience like the Pantanal. So there is a whole tropical Asian component that we’d like to look at.”
Both of these quotes come directly from Lee Ehmke in the aforementioned interview, which gives us the insight that the Asian Islands will be focusing on Southeast Asia. The whole exhibit will be replacing the Wortham World of Primates and is designed like a circle giving off the appearance that each enclosure is truly isolated from the rest hence the islands name. Starting from the top, the existing Orangutan exhibit will be the last remnant of what was once the World of Primates, I expect it to stay the exact same as it is now with maybe minor adjustments to the glass viewing area. Continuing on down we arrive at a modest in size enclosure with what appears to be a barn, the perfect area for the Babirusa. A species that was unfortunately phased out of Houston and will now be returning for zoo nerds to gawk at and for visitors to confuse for a regular pig. Up next is an exhibit that confuses me, the large water area tells me otters, but it is WAY too big to be for otters alone, the climbing frames tell me Red Panda, but they'd be out of place is a Southeast Asian exhibit (and frankly if they aren't staying in their enclosure at the Bug House, I believe Red Pandas will be phased out of Houston entirely), so I'm going to go out on a limb and say that this will be an enclosure for one of the few new species this master plan will give us, a bear. Out of the Asian bears, we can rule out Pandas right away, they'd be expensive and out of place in this exhibit. That leaves us with the Sun Bear, or the Sloth Bear and I'd honestly be ecstatic to have either of them. Of course, I could be very wrong about this, but Houston is lacking in the bear department after losing both Andean and Grizzlies, so adding another bear besides the North American Black would be a welcome addition. Right in the middle of the whole area is an enclosure I believe will house gibbons, or siamangs. These animals are beloved by zoo guests for their endless energy and adorable appearances, a must have in the Asian Islands. Next is a little enclosure hidden in the corner with trees all over the place. What animal could live in such an area? Well, who else but the Clouded Leopard. At the moment their habitat is quite lackluster, they definitely got the short end of the stick when it comes to cats at the Houston Zoo, so they are definitely in store for an upgrade. A larger habitat where they can show off their climbing abilities to their full extent would be perfect for these cats. Finally, the main event (don't tell the elephants), finishing off strong with the Malayan Tiger, this exhibit is surrounded by rock walls hiding a large indoor shelter behind them, and is easily the largest in size of this batch, the ideal home for the largest big cat of all, the true king of the jungle. One last thing before moving on though, the zoo's master plan lists Small Clawed Otters as part of this area, yet I could not find any suitable in size enclosure with water in this map, and I doubt they'd just be thrown into a mixed exhibit with the bears or orangutan. I'd definitely still expect them to show up here once this expansion comes along.View attachment 615189
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Babirusa would defiantly be a big hit in Houston (since the old one was gone). It would be very nice if we could get babirusa once again. I think the exhibit next to the Orangutans could defiantly be a tiger's heaven. I pretty much think the tigers could use a bigger exhibit compared to the current one. If it's a reality that would be very awesome to go see them live happy. I even agree with the bears! I'm getting a little tired of seeing only one bear species but if Asian Islands gives us a bear species that would be also a very good option (Sloth bear of Sun Bear). Even the current gibbon exhibit totally needs an upgrade. I hope the gibbons can have the entire middle area to be swinging across. Maybe that will be in phase 2.
 
TheImmigrant1 said:
Asian Islands

“Long-term, we have some possibilities for doing some Southeast Asian animal exhibits that link with programs that we have here. For instance, our elephant breeding program, which is probably the most successful in the country right now.

“Then there are some of the primates and other animals from Southeast Asia that we have here at the zoo. These are not currently in state-of-the-art immersion habitats or linked together physically into a single experience like the Pantanal. So there is a whole tropical Asian component that we’d like to look at.”
Both of these quotes come directly from Lee Ehmke in the aforementioned interview, which gives us the insight that the Asian Islands will be focusing on Southeast Asia. The whole exhibit will be replacing the Wortham World of Primates and is designed like a circle giving off the appearance that each enclosure is truly isolated from the rest hence the islands name. Starting from the top, the existing Orangutan exhibit will be the last remnant of what was once the World of Primates, I expect it to stay the exact same as it is now with maybe minor adjustments to the glass viewing area. Continuing on down we arrive at a modest in size enclosure with what appears to be a barn, the perfect area for the Babirusa. A species that was unfortunately phased out of Houston and will now be returning for zoo nerds to gawk at and for visitors to confuse for a regular pig. Up next is an exhibit that confuses me, the large water area tells me otters, but it is WAY too big to be for otters alone, the climbing frames tell me Red Panda, but they'd be out of place is a Southeast Asian exhibit (and frankly if they aren't staying in their enclosure at the Bug House, I believe Red Pandas will be phased out of Houston entirely), so I'm going to go out on a limb and say that this will be an enclosure for one of the few new species this master plan will give us, a bear. Out of the Asian bears, we can rule out Pandas right away, they'd be expensive and out of place in this exhibit. That leaves us with the Sun Bear, or the Sloth Bear and I'd honestly be ecstatic to have either of them. Of course, I could be very wrong about this, but Houston is lacking in the bear department after losing both Andean and Grizzlies, so adding another bear besides the North American Black would be a welcome addition. Right in the middle of the whole area is an enclosure I believe will house gibbons, or siamangs. These animals are beloved by zoo guests for their endless energy and adorable appearances, a must have in the Asian Islands. Next is a little enclosure hidden in the corner with trees all over the place. What animal could live in such an area? Well, who else but the Clouded Leopard. At the moment their habitat is quite lackluster, they definitely got the short end of the stick when it comes to cats at the Houston Zoo, so they are definitely in store for an upgrade. A larger habitat where they can show off their climbing abilities to their full extent would be perfect for these cats. Finally, the main event (don't tell the elephants), finishing off strong with the Malayan Tiger, this exhibit is surrounded by rock walls hiding a large indoor shelter behind them, and is easily the largest in size of this batch, the ideal home for the largest big cat of all, the true king of the jungle. One last thing before moving on though, the zoo's master plan lists Small Clawed Otters as part of this area, yet I could not find any suitable in size enclosure with water in this map, and I doubt they'd just be thrown into a mixed exhibit with the bears or orangutan. I'd definitely still expect them to show up here once this expansion comes along.View attachment 615189
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Regardless if we get an actual pangolin or not I would love for the zoo to have a designated section for just the pangolin in the Asian Islands. Kind of what the Galápagos Islands has with the One Ocean Gallery (jellyfish/plastics).
 
LadyA91 said:
Regardless if we get an actual pangolin or not I would love for the zoo to have a designated section for just the pangolin in the Asian Islands. Kind of what the Galápagos Islands has with the One Ocean Gallery (jellyfish/plastics).
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With what you said I agree we could do the same with the pangolin in Asian Islands like Galapagos Islands with plastic and Jellies. The Pangolin in Asian Islands version could display a number status for the loss of forests (like Cleveland zoo on their Jungle Exhibit) even the statues (like Columbus Zoo's Asia Quest but rare and extinct Asian rainforest species). This would defiantly fit in Asian Islands really well with the other factors on the worlds forests, but besides that anyway the exhibit would be very nice.
 
Jordan Ingram said:
Babirusa would defiantly be a big hit in Houston (since the old one was gone). It would be very nice if we could get babirusa once again. I think the exhibit next to the Orangutans could defiantly be a tiger's heaven. I pretty much think the tigers could use a bigger exhibit compared to the current one. If it's a reality that would be very awesome to go see them live happy. I even agree with the bears! I'm getting a little tired of seeing only one bear species but if Asian Islands gives us a bear species that would be also a very good option (Sloth bear of Sun Bear). Even the current gibbon exhibit totally needs an upgrade. I hope the gibbons can have the entire middle area to be swinging across. Maybe that will be in phase 2.
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An idea I came up with is put in a large walk thru bird aviary in the grassy area right across from the current vulture exhibit.
 
LadyA91 said:
An idea I came up with is put in a large walk thru bird aviary in the grassy area right across from the current vulture exhibit.
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That would defiantly be a perfect idea for the new Asian Islands and get some birds in there (that can make up for the Asian Aviary that won't happen in BOTW). The walk thru Aviary in Asian Islands would be a perfect demonstration (showcase) to list out Asia's bird diversity in a lush Jungle aviary (and possibly slap some Muntjac Deer in there too (for popularity) I say this because there is a lot of Muntjac deer in Texas and the UK. Muntjacs would be a perfect fit for Houston weather since I heard about some in Florida (Blakes Exotic Animal Ranch). But if the Muntjacs aren't possible the Aviary would be a good as it will be.
 
Any news on any new master plan updates or future exhibits lately? Really live these speculative ideas, hope as many of them are accurate as possible.
 
BenFoxster said:
Any news on any new master plan updates or future exhibits lately? Really live these speculative ideas, hope as many of them are accurate as possible.
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Not anything I can share publicly, atleast not yet. I will say there is currently a big construction project covering the entire south entrance of the zoo, the water play area, as well as the left hand side of the path of the rhino enclosure of the African Forest. It’s meant to finally get rid of that useless water play area and second entrance that’s no longer in use and become a service road for employees to finally have a full loop around the zoo.
 
BenFoxster said:
Any news on any new master plan updates or future exhibits lately? Really live these speculative ideas, hope as many of them are accurate as possible.
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Lisa Peterson came aboard as the new president and CEO on June 2nd. So we just have to wait and see what she brings to the table. She launched Walkabout Australia and Elephant Valley exhibits at the San Diego Safari Park.
 
LadyA91 said:
Lisa Peterson came aboard as the new president and CEO on June 2nd. So we just have to wait and see what she brings to the table. She launched Walkabout Australia and Elephant Valley exhibits at the San Diego Safari Park.
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This is awesome news! I love Walkabout Australia, tells me she has a good taste in both immersion and incorporating rare species (like the platypus), and working/negotiating with other facilities to obtain said rare species. It matches Houston's vibe regarding recent exhibits being immersive, interactive, and high in exhibit quality (the Pantanal, Galapagos Islands, etc.).

Assuming they don't make major changes to the master plan, I bet the zoo will be able to make a truly immersive/interactive Texas! and Africa exhibits. Makes me more hopefull that the shoebills will really come to fruitition too.
 
TheImmigrant1 said:
Asian Islands

“Long-term, we have some possibilities for doing some Southeast Asian animal exhibits that link with programs that we have here. For instance, our elephant breeding program, which is probably the most successful in the country right now.

“Then there are some of the primates and other animals from Southeast Asia that we have here at the zoo. These are not currently in state-of-the-art immersion habitats or linked together physically into a single experience like the Pantanal. So there is a whole tropical Asian component that we’d like to look at.”
Both of these quotes come directly from Lee Ehmke in the aforementioned interview, which gives us the insight that the Asian Islands will be focusing on Southeast Asia. The whole exhibit will be replacing the Wortham World of Primates and is designed like a circle giving off the appearance that each enclosure is truly isolated from the rest hence the islands name. Starting from the top, the existing Orangutan exhibit will be the last remnant of what was once the World of Primates, I expect it to stay the exact same as it is now with maybe minor adjustments to the glass viewing area. Continuing on down we arrive at a modest in size enclosure with what appears to be a barn, the perfect area for the Babirusa. A species that was unfortunately phased out of Houston and will now be returning for zoo nerds to gawk at and for visitors to confuse for a regular pig. Up next is an exhibit that confuses me, the large water area tells me otters, but it is WAY too big to be for otters alone, the climbing frames tell me Red Panda, but they'd be out of place is a Southeast Asian exhibit (and frankly if they aren't staying in their enclosure at the Bug House, I believe Red Pandas will be phased out of Houston entirely), so I'm going to go out on a limb and say that this will be an enclosure for one of the few new species this master plan will give us, a bear. Out of the Asian bears, we can rule out Pandas right away, they'd be expensive and out of place in this exhibit. That leaves us with the Sun Bear, or the Sloth Bear and I'd honestly be ecstatic to have either of them. Of course, I could be very wrong about this, but Houston is lacking in the bear department after losing both Andean and Grizzlies, so adding another bear besides the North American Black would be a welcome addition. Right in the middle of the whole area is an enclosure I believe will house gibbons, or siamangs. These animals are beloved by zoo guests for their endless energy and adorable appearances, a must have in the Asian Islands. Next is a little enclosure hidden in the corner with trees all over the place. What animal could live in such an area? Well, who else but the Clouded Leopard. At the moment their habitat is quite lackluster, they definitely got the short end of the stick when it comes to cats at the Houston Zoo, so they are definitely in store for an upgrade. A larger habitat where they can show off their climbing abilities to their full extent would be perfect for these cats. Finally, the main event (don't tell the elephants), finishing off strong with the Malayan Tiger, this exhibit is surrounded by rock walls hiding a large indoor shelter behind them, and is easily the largest in size of this batch, the ideal home for the largest big cat of all, the true king of the jungle. One last thing before moving on though, the zoo's master plan lists Small Clawed Otters as part of this area, yet I could not find any suitable in size enclosure with water in this map, and I doubt they'd just be thrown into a mixed exhibit with the bears or orangutan. I'd definitely still expect them to show up here once this expansion comes along.View attachment 615189
Click to expand...

I wonder what the red line in the Asian islands is supposed to be? Doesn't seem like something related to the visitor path, it reminds me of orangutan O-Lines. Also, it looks like there are yellow bridges connecting multiple exhibits to one another? Perhaps rotational exhibits? Come to think of it, those yellow poles and the lines surrounding the potential babirusa exhibit look like O-lines too. SImilar to Singapore, Indianapolis, and National Zoo's orangutan lines that let them climb over visitor's heads.
 
I’ve done so many of these drawing ideas for how I would like the zoo to look like. Not sure how realistic it could be.
My idea for a large Africa savanna exhibit for Houston.

x = backstage, wavy lines = water, circle with dot in the middle = tree, shaded viewing area means shade structure (in this case it also means giraffe feeding area)

iCloud Photos - Apple iCloud

Species list: Maasai giraffes, ostriches, blue wildebeest, eland, and Thompson’s gazelles.

I drew the current backstage pathway as an idea of spacing in and around the area.
This habitat would have a covered area that keeps going after the current rock structure. The grassy area in front of shade structure would be water.

New giraffe feeding area would be out of people’s way and it’s placed over at the cheetah exhibit with a covered area.

The cafe near the restrooms would go away (personally I feel like we have one too many of these small snack areas). We can make good use of this current unused area by putting in backstage hoofstock. I feel like the zoo is lacking in amount of restrooms so keeping one in that spot would be good.

The walking areas near by would not be closed as the pathway along the Pygmy hippo, bongo, etc would stay open during this savanna construction. Of course for future drawing of this future Africa area the Pygmy hippo, okapi and bongo would go to a new spot I haven’t gotten that far yet.

The lion exhibit wouldn’t have any water in it or perhaps we can keep like a third of it in. Netting would be the new separation. No more lion tunnel as well. Also a future new pathway in front of lion exhibit.
 
BenFoxster said:
I wonder what the red line in the Asian islands is supposed to be? Doesn't seem like something related to the visitor path, it reminds me of orangutan O-Lines. Also, it looks like there are yellow bridges connecting multiple exhibits to one another? Perhaps rotational exhibits? Come to think of it, those yellow poles and the lines surrounding the potential babirusa exhibit look like O-lines too. SImilar to Singapore, Indianapolis, and National Zoo's orangutan lines that let them climb over visitor's heads.
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I am on the same boat as you! I never understood those lines. Especially the series of lines right in front of where the current ring tailed lemur habitat is.
 
BenFoxster said:
This is awesome news! I love Walkabout Australia, tells me she has a good taste in both immersion and incorporating rare species (like the platypus), and working/negotiating with other facilities to obtain said rare species. It matches Houston's vibe regarding recent exhibits being immersive, interactive, and high in exhibit quality (the Pantanal, Galapagos Islands, etc.).

Assuming they don't make major changes to the master plan, I bet the zoo will be able to make a truly immersive/interactive Texas! and Africa exhibits. Makes me more hopefull that the shoebills will really come to fruitition too.
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If Lisa Peterson did do the same projects bringing rare species like she did with Platypus in walkabout Australia, I imagine she'll do the same, but for example, in Asian Islands if It happens we could have Pangolins or Proboscis Monkeys in one area. Meanwhile in Madagascar there could be Aye-Ayes or Ring Tailed Mongooses then Africa phase 3 could have Shoebills or Grevys Zebras.
 
Lisa Peterson was not the one who worked to bring the platypus to San Diego — that was the curatorial staff at the time. Lisa Peterson is a people person, not an animal person — working previously for hotel groups and Apple. I would not immediately expect excitingly rare animals to come to Houston just because she happened to be the director at the time platypus arrived in San Diego.
 
Kudu21 said:
Lisa Peterson was not the one who worked to bring the platypus to San Diego — that was the curatorial staff at the time. Lisa Peterson is a people person, not an animal person — working previously for hotel groups and Apple. I would not immediately expect excitingly rare animals to come to Houston just because she happened to be the director at the time platypus arrived in San Diego.
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Only one I would really hold out any hope for is the shoebill honestly. The zoo is pretty adamant about getting them back, eventually.
 
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