Bronx Zoo Bronx Zoo News 2024

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AnActualFan

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Apologies if someone has already created this thread, but I searched and couldn't find anything. The most recent news is according to the map from the website, the second floor of WOB is opening in April, Congo Gorilla Forrest is closed through March, and there are closures for some of the houses for a few days each.
bz-winter-map-2024.png
 
Apologies if someone has already created this thread, but I searched and couldn't find anything. The most recent news is according to the map from the website, the second floor of WOB is opening in April, Congo Gorilla Forrest is closed through March, and there are closures for some of the houses for a few days each.
bz-winter-map-2024.png
I'd be curious to know why the closures are happening. I know this is a big year for the zoo (125th anniversary), so I wouldn't be surprised if they are using it as an opportunity to make some updates, and closing an area for a few days each could allow plenty of time for some more minor improvements (and minor improvements add up, of course).
 
I'd be curious to know why the closures are happening. I know this is a big year for the zoo (125th anniversary), so I wouldn't be surprised if they are using it as an opportunity to make some updates, and closing an area for a few days each could allow plenty of time for some more minor improvements (and minor improvements add up, of course).

Congo Gorilla Forest was closed for two months last winter too, despite usually being open in the winter. A lot of the closures may be for routine maintenance and small updates, with them doing this during the winter since there will be fewer visitors (meaning fewer people will be inconvenienced by the closures).
 
Apologies if someone has already created this thread, but I searched and couldn't find anything. The most recent news is according to the map from the website, the second floor of WOB is opening in April, Congo Gorilla Forrest is closed through March, and there are closures for some of the houses for a few days each.
bz-winter-map-2024.png
It’s a bit interesting to me that the Pheasant Aviaries aren’t on the list. They are one of the few opening day exhibits left relatively unchanged. While the exhibit could be too minor to note as I’m sure the general public isn’t too upset at the fact they can’t see a Red-Billed Blue Magpie or a Cabot’s Tragopan, this could also mean that area is going to be on an extended closure.
 
Apologies if someone has already created this thread, but I searched and couldn't find anything. The most recent news is according to the map from the website, the second floor of WOB is opening in April, Congo Gorilla Forrest is closed through March, and there are closures for some of the houses for a few days each.
bz-winter-map-2024.png
Nice to see a timeline for World of Birds finally! It's a bummer they are doing all these during the winter [specifically Congo for its length of closure] because the indoor spaces are the main draw in winter.
 
Nice to see a timeline for World of Birds finally! It's a bummer they are doing all these during the winter [specifically Congo for its length of closure] because the indoor spaces are the main draw in winter.
At the same time, winter's usually the best time for zoos to make upgrades to exhibits/galleries, Philly closes throughout January for that purpose.
 
It’s a bit interesting to me that the Pheasant Aviaries aren’t on the list. They are one of the few opening day exhibits left relatively unchanged. While the exhibit could be too minor to note as I’m sure the general public isn’t too upset at the fact they can’t see a Red-Billed Blue Magpie or a Cabot’s Tragopan, this could also mean that area is going to be on an extended closure.
Honestly, yeah, it's interesting it didn't even get a mention; I thought it would just be added in with CGF re-opening, but perhaps not?
 
I know that indoor exhibits tend to be the main draw in the winter, but I could see why the Congo Gorilla Forest might be different because for most of the exhibits, you're indoors but the animals are outdoors, and most of the animals in the CGF prefer warm weather. I know they technically have an indoor gorilla habitat that they have had on display in the winter. Maybe the closure of the CGF has to do with upgrades to the indoor habitat?

(They also just might not want to pay for as many staff during their off-peak winter months after probably having more staff for the winter lights events.)
 
I have to say, as a Brit I do find it bizarre how many enclosures bronx closes over winter. I admit the climate is slightly colder (and you do get more snow!) but overall it’s pretty comparable and we don’t see large scale closures here in the same way you see in the north east US. I’ll defer to the experts but it seems of our animals just get on with it - who wants to be stuck in doors!
 
I have to say, as a Brit I do find it bizarre how many enclosures bronx closes over winter. I admit the climate is slightly colder (and you do get more snow!) but overall it’s pretty comparable and we don’t see large scale closures here in the same way you see in the north east US. I’ll defer to the experts but it seems of our animals just get on with it - who wants to be stuck in doors!

The only things they always close are the monorail and children's zoo. The monorail can't be run when it's cold. For the children's zoo, I think it's more about closing off the access to the variety of playgrounds and such in that area, where kids could get injured, slip on ice, etc.
 
The only things they always close are the monorail and children's zoo. The monorail can't be run when it's cold. For the children's zoo, I think it's more about closing off the access to the variety of playgrounds and such in that area, where kids could get injured, slip on ice, etc.
But animals like the giraffe are confined to their indoor quarters for the whole of winter, are they not?
 
But animals like the giraffe are confined to their indoor quarters for the whole of winter, are they not?
"Whole of winter"? No. Most zoos will have written policies surrounding temperature guidelines for when animals have outdoor access. While I don't know the exact numbers for Bronx Zoo or the cold tolerance of giraffes, outdoor access would be determined based on those temperature guidelines geared at whether or not it is safe for the animals to be outside.

In some cases, there may be additional considerations regarding snow and ice too, for instance for many long-legged birds standing in snow poses a severe risk of frostbitten legs, even if the temperature would allow outdoor access.
 
But animals like the giraffe are confined to their indoor quarters for the whole of winter, are they not?
A majority of Bronx's animals can be seen throughout the winter. The hyenas, lions, ostriches, and painted dogs are out when it's around 45 and warmer, and NYC sees those temperatures frequently in the winter.

The main animals I do see very little of in winter are mainly African ungulates - okapi, slender-horned gazelle, giraffe, nyala - but that doesn't mean they can never go out in winter. I'm sure they have temperature guidelines as well. I am surprised that I see the tommies, the white rhinos and the zebra outside as much as I do in winter.
 
I know that indoor exhibits tend to be the main draw in the winter, but I could see why the Congo Gorilla Forest might be different because for most of the exhibits, you're indoors but the animals are outdoors, and most of the animals in the CGF prefer warm weather. I know they technically have an indoor gorilla habitat that they have had on display in the winter. Maybe the closure of the CGF has to do with upgrades to the indoor habitat?

(They also just might not want to pay for as many staff during their off-peak winter months after probably having more staff for the winter lights events.)
All good points. And, the indoor viewing for the gorillas is a single window with a very narrow view. It is, however, a great place for interactions with the animals. Tunko and I always wave to each other at that viewing. :)
 
Also looking at the Gorillas Land database and I don't see Barbara listed in Bronx's population. Does anyone know if she's still at the zoo?
 
Also looking at the Gorillas Land database and I don't see Barbara listed in Bronx's population. Does anyone know if she's still at the zoo?
She is, but she is also known as "Sia" which is what she is listed under on Gorillas Land
 
Update from today’s visit:

-There is a red panda in one of the outdoor mouse house enclosures now. It appears to be the one from the Himalaya exhibit, as that exhibit looks as though nothing has entered it in some time (no footprints in snow that has been there for days)
-The Pygmy falcon enclosure in the sea bird building is temporarily closed for maintenance
-Two exhibits in the reptile house are undergoing extensive maintenance, one to the left of the crocodilians, and one of the turtle tanks that experienced a leak months ago remains under repair
-The snow leopard cubs were not on exhibit today, and other regulars said they were not out a few days ago too. The main theory is they will be moved to the left side enclosure soon as they continue to grow and learn
-Both sides of Tiger Mountain were open today; usually one side has been closed for the past few weeks
 

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Update from today’s visit:

-There is a red panda in one of the outdoor mouse house enclosures now. It appears to be the one from the Himalaya exhibit, as that exhibit looks as though nothing has entered it in some time (no footprints in snow that has been there for days)
-The Pygmy falcon enclosure in the sea bird building is temporarily closed for maintenance
-Two exhibits in the reptile house are undergoing extensive maintenance, one to the left of the crocodilians, and one of the turtle tanks that experienced a leak months ago remains under repair
-The snow leopard cubs were not on exhibit today, and other regulars said they were not out a few days ago too. The main theory is they will be moved to the left side enclosure soon as they continue to grow and learn
-Both sides of Tiger Mountain were open today; usually one side has been closed for the past few weeks
Wonder if they are doing maintenance for the Red Panda exhibit in the Highlands?
 
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