My try at a spec zoo(gulp)

[antilio capra]

This is my try at a spec zoo. To be fair I have been designing with spec zoos for fun ever since I was a small child. Though I didn't always call them that, I called them zoo map zoos or made up yet realistic zoos and even at one point speculating zoos. Over the years I would take a look at my favorite areas in the wild and zoo habitats and blend them to make my perfect zoo exhibits. I want it to be as realistic yet immersive as possible. I also enjoyed making areas that visitors would look at and realize the many places we need to protect.
Though my biggest concern was welfare as it is animals who are the priority. We are just observers and we are on the animals time. Welfare was even one of the reasons I started becuase I disliked those many horrible roadsides zoos and the many that mistreat their animals. So my child self thought maybe if I could make the perfect zoo exhibt maybe those bad zoos could too or close down and leave it to the better zoos. I was naive but hopeful.

Please note that this may not be as good as other real life and spec zoos.
So without further delays... My concepts for the zoo


The zoos layout

The zoo is geographically organized into specific sub areas. Here is the list of areas.
Sub areas have transition paths which are relatively short with one exception and belong to both sub areas
Note: none of the areas nor subareas have zoo exhibit names. If anyone has suggestions feel free to suggest a name.

(UN) = unconfirmed
planned but not decided


Oceania

Australian outback

Australian grassland

Australian dry forest

Reefs of oceania (UN)

New zealand(may be smaller due to lack of acquirable wildlife)



Asia(in order of which you would see first)

Islands of southeast asia and oceania(a transition sub area between oceania and asia)

South east asia

Indian subcontinent

Himalayan

Far east forest

Africa

Africa in zoos has mostly been split into two regions. This has generalized and clumped most of Africa together. My goal is to organize Africa into more areas teaching visitors while having better theming.

Senegal and central africa

Ethiopia

East african savannah

African rainforest

South africa

Madagascar

South america

Costa Rica and Panama(UN)

Pantanal

Gran chacos

Andes mountains, woodland and coast



North America

Quick note: This represents temperate North America from the northern U.S and most of Canada

St lawrence and bay of fundy(UN)

Eastern woods and wetlands

Plains and wetlands

Rockies and woodlands

Western coast

Tundra



Antarctic coast(and what it once was)



About the zoo. The zoo is located in North America and is AZA accredited.

More specifically southern central or eastern Canada. This of course limits many species due to acquirability and in a few cases climate. Lighting takes up a lot of energy that doesn't have to be used. This is why when possible the zoo tries to utilize natural light
Entrance

The entrance is a pavement circular area with cement path to the zoo visitor center, most of the corner side and other areas are natural areas that have been there before the zoo was built and for the most part remains undisturbed habitat for wildlife. The center area beyond the wooden structure with a white metal mesh roof and recycled material sculpture is a line of local art installations signifying native wildlife. Mulch is the natural substrate in most areas except for cement areas. The area has circle shaped elevated area for native trees. The mulch area has many native sedges, shrubs and wildflowers.

The first area near the entrance and center of the zoo is unavoidable and leads to all other areas of the zoo. Eastern woods and wetlands, this is because most visitors skip north american and native wildlife areas. When finished in the smaller subarea they are given the choice to choose their next areas.

Other for==
There are also behind the scenes species which are behind the scenes for various purposes of which will be explained once I get through every other area of the zoo first.

If you have any feed back at all please feel free to post to desire. Unless it about the Geladas which will be justified when I get to it.(oops spoiler)

One more note: I'm thinking of having a desert area. Sahara or Sonoran? Which would be better for conservation and have more acquirable animals?

 

[Mr Gharial]

One more note: I'm thinking of having a desert area. Sahara or Sonoran? Which would be better for conservation and have more acquirable animals?

Well, that depends on what you want for your zoo. The Sahara has more large fauna with Dromedary camel, Addax, Scimitar-horned oryx, Dorcas gazelle and Auodad. While the Sonoran desert has more small animals, like Desert iguana, Gila monster, Rattlesnakes, Ringtail and Swift fox.

I'd say the Sonoran is more conservation-dependant though, especially in an America-based zoo

 

[antilio capra]

Thanks for your adivice I will make sure to keep that when I make my descision.

Key
*= off exhibit for the winter
@= animal ambassidor/ education animal

Starting at the zoos centre all paths lead to this area the paths a re extremlyey short with not a lot of walking and the main exhibit building is in site.

Right outside the main exhibit building is a medicinal plant garden with plants that are native and have medicinal purposes. Staff are there to explain and show visitors the vast collection. medicinal garden caring for many native plants with medicinal qualities. Visitors are encouraged to take a look at the zoo's ever expanding there native flora collection. Educators are also there to educate visitors of plant species and their medicinal properties. The educators are armed with maps in case visitors get lost and have biofacts to show the true floral biodiversity of the area. Note: tall pole with nest box is present for swallows decreasing flies and mosquitoes and increasing biodiversity.


Across the medicinal garden is a habitat where the rescued North american river otters(Lontra canadensis) 3.3* Outdoor exhibit is located. The Otters have a really large exhibit with a large rock mimicking the age old ones in the otter natural habitat. Moss and small shrubs grow on and in the rocks. A smaller pond area is closer in the center of the rocks. The front area with the largest land mass is gravel and sand with beach grass, smaller shorter grasses and a conifer to the left. This large land area has been untouched letting many native plants grow and become hardy. The barrier is tempered glass with a wooden border and frame.next to one of the many fallen logs that are partially in the water is a smaller open corridor exhibit and with a smaller pool and sandy substrate the smaller habitat is L shaped leading into the indoor exhibit. On the right side of the habitat on the path of which you came is underwater viewing of the otters. Aside from the three viewable exhibits they also always have access to the behind the scenes area and can come and go freely as they please. The smaller pool has a small monitored amount of pondweed and lots of enrichment which is switched with maintenance.
Note: There is also a pile of dead leaves to maximize as many natural substrates.
How are they being housed?

*two males| brother sister duo| orphaned females



Next to medicinal garden is a habitat for Red foxes(Vulpes vulpes)@
The spacious area is a wildflower patch with a sunken wheelbarrow making it seemingly like the foxes snuck into the garden. Two aspen trees are in the corner and climbing platforms are nearby. The soil is easily diggable so the barrier goes underground too. In order to prevent escapes. A large bush provides shade for the foxes in the sweltering summers. A small 30 cm pool is present so the foxes can cool off and relax. The water is drained a slight bit more in the winter for functional reasons and so the foxes paws don't freeze with the water. Reeds and cat grass are planted around the meter wide pool.
Right outside the exhibit is a lifelike pair of killdeer statues. Signage and staff explains how the killdeer protect their eggs.
Next to the foxes is a domed forested aviary for American kestrals(Falco sparverius)@
the kestrals have acess 24/7 to the behind the scenes aviary and particpate in the zoos bird shows. (The kesterals do not leave zoo grounds). The aviary is forested for the most part with a small meadow with a standing wood pole and multiple perches. The area closest to visitors is boggy with reeds and flag irises growing near. Tree cavities are highly present for perching and roosting. Prey is hidden within the reeds for "hovering" behavior.



Following the L shaped otter exhibit is an even larger aviary for rescued Bald eagles(Haliaeetus Leucocephalus)@ 2.3 The aviary is forested in some areas with sunlight shining in in other areas. There are multiple tree stumps and mock rock for the birds to perch on. A shallow 0.6-meter deep pool is present for the birds to get wet, cool off and where they are fed fish. The birds also are education animals and have a behind scenes aviary which is smaller but denser with conifers and acidic soil loving blueberries on the outside and mulch,rock and cement substrate on the inside area of the aviary. Giving the bird privacy



A similar sized aviary is provided to the rescued Eastern screech owl(Megascops asio)@ The owls habitat is vast with grasses sprouting out of the mulch. There is no pool and the aviary has a forested side and a wildflower patch with a nest box area. The owls have a standing dead tree with a cavity for the owls to roost in. Signage and recording reveals that the Screech owl does not only screech but whistle and whinny.



Next to the aviaries is the Bobcats(Lynx rufus)@ the exhibit has dappled light with lots of trees and a meshed top. There are climbing structures everywhere. The ground is soil, ferns, moss and large bushes and shrubs. Some rocksided areas are present and made of mock rock. The rocks have crevices for the cats to sleep in. Near the lowest area is a small 0.5 meter deep pool where the bobcats can play and get wet.

Cat scratching poles and toys are present to keep the careening, carefree wildcats happy. Hollowed logs(and regular logs) also present as enrichment.

Following back to the medicinal gardens are two indoor buildings. One has a paddock and within it is an area filled with biofacts. The zoo educates the public on what species the plants and animals are. They also give out zoo merchandise from time to time if you're lucky. The other building is the main exhibit building which is much larger. In front of the entrance is a pile of rocks and petrified logs with a model of a five lined skink hiding within. A species the zoo can only dream of housing. There is signage on how this is a threatened species in southern Canada and parts of the U.S.

This is the end of part one, part two has a lot more animal species. But I hope this can suffice for now. until then have a great week.

 

[antilio capra]

First I would like to thank all the people who answered my questions. I will have more in the future too.
Next I should apologize for the last post as it was rushed. This is because my computer kept reloading and deleting everything in the process. So I had to just rush and put things in as quickly as possible. But still it is flawed and that's my fault. But hopefully now it will be more stable so I could make this run a lot more smoothly. Who knows I may just be able to put the exhibit in my desired format. Maybe I could even give the zoo a history and a guide full of all the tips and info I gathered while planning, if anyone wants; just ask( I already have it saved ). Also to make it as great as possible it may take a few weeks to write.
One more thing: South and Central America may be surprising. So ignore the first posts sorting and subareas. Though a lot of it remains the same it will have a lot more surprises in store. Let's just say South and Central America is under construction.
One last thank you to everyone who gave me tips in the speculative design forum and those who like the first post, extremely thankful. Also how do I add photos. I can't for some reason?

Feedback is welcome. I would really enjoy it, so please give any form of feedback.

Without further delays part two.



The doors open and an indoor temperate forest is present. The roof and one wall is pure sunlight with windows. A few white lights are added. The nearest exhibit houses Smooth green snakes(Opheodrys vernalis)0.1.1.

Enclosure description
The enclosure has a few large boulders representing the age-old ones in some parts of its native habitat. The substrates vary from mulch to sand to rock with ferns and shrubs growing around the exhibit. As they are arboreal the exhibit has a thin wood platform on the tempered glass. Within the small amount of rock work. As they are on the windowed wall they have full indirect sunlight. Out of the bottom of the exhibit is windworks blowing the occasional breeze. This encourages the snakes to bob their heads like they would in the wild to mimic grass. Lush shrubs grow in the habitat and the non sand banked areas have layers of leaf litter. Refuge for this extremely shy and quick moving snake. The rocks have crevices that provide shelter and heat lamps to accompany the natural light. Small trees are present for climbing as the snake is arboreal. The Smooth green snakes habitat is in the most sunlit area with real vegetation as a result. Though some of the snakes at the zoo are ambassador animals, this snake species is finicky,shy and defensive so they do not participate in ambassador programs. A fake old rodent burrow and a nest of rotting vegetation both for shelter and if they breed. An educational sign and video is present on why this snake is not a great pet compared to its relatives. It also includes the habits and threats to this species. A thick path is present and leads to a cabin of what looks like a researcher residence. It has the words ``Know your neighbors. Who do you share this area with?". Large terrariums are present in non-behind the scenes parts of the cabin.
The largest and most spacious terrarium is home to Eastern massasaugas(Sistrurus catenatus) 2.3 .
Exhibit description The terrarium has a variety of leaf litter, sand, loam soil and mulch. A coconut husk and moss covered rocks provide cover. Printed rockwork in the background provides shelter and sun basking opportunities. As they are SSP and they, like most animals, need privacy. They have private holding areas with just as much complexity as the exhibit. Native perennial wildflowers have been grown in the habitat not only for massasauga but also as a nursery for younger wildflowers and ferns. The terrarium is 6 square meters in floor space, not including private holding areas. They are switched occasionally to one other viewing area. A fake pine is right outside the terrarium and hanging pine branches are present in the large terrarium.



The other exhibit is filled with grasses and bogs with sundew. Mulch, leaf litter and ferns hide the Eastern milksnake(Lampropeltis triangulum) 0.0.2 . Moss adorn the ground and large rocks printed and incorporated into the background and walls, providing sun basking areas. A sign asks if people can tell the difference between the two snake species and which is which afterwards. The sign and educational video also explains how to react if you see one of these snakes in the wild. It also explains how the milksnakes mimicry backfired on itself. When it is seen as a target being mistaken for massasaugas. A lower elevated area creates a small pool for the snake to cool, hide and drink from. Tree branches are there for climbing showing the snakes semi-arboreal behavior. One more habitat similar to the Massasauga except with more clay soil, miniature pools and a more lakeside themed habitat is for the Dekay brown snake(Storeria dekayi)
As you walk the vegetation thickens and before the cinematic clearing with platforms. Is a handful of herp habitats.





Is a huge cylinder shaped terrarium reaching up to the ceiling. The lush wet terrarium is home to Eastern newt(Notophthalmus viridescens)(unknown) also among the many roomates of the eastern newts is the Yellow-spotted salamander 3.4(Ambystoma maculatum), Blue spotted salamanders(Ambystoma laterale)6.5 and lastly Gray tree frog(Dryophytes versicolor)0.0.2.
Habitat description: The Terrarium is lush with mosses,soil and a tree base in the center for the climbing species(The frogs). A selection of fist sized rocks are in place as rest areas. Small pools of water are for wallowing especially for the newts. The habitat is full of plants, the plants may hide the many newts and frogs in the terrarium. Leaf litter provides refuge from screaming children and aquatic plants provide scenery for the underwater miniature pools. A fallen tree branch lets the frogs get a perch on the rest of the terrarium.

To the left is two huge naturalistic rotunda tanks with Northern water snakes(Nerodia sipedon)@0.0.2 and the American toads 3.3

The first habitat mimics a river ecosystem. The roundabout habitat's small stream leads continuously of which I will talk about later. Habitat 1(AKA watersnake) also features a land portion with long native grasses, flag iris and bog violets. A wide window also reveals the sandhill crane habitat outside. Acting as a background for the wetland. The habitat underwater is filled with sand and mud substrate and aquatic native plants. They also share the habitat with a variety of Minnows. Tree branches and a miniature shoreline provide resting area for the snakes.

The second habitat is a woodland habitat with large trees and small ponds with mulch and leaf litter as cover. Under the fallen logs are resident earthworms that may be eaten by the toads when hungry.
Now finally we reach the cinematic view of the sunlit glass domed indoor living temperate forest. Lush forest makes most of the walls barrier and part of the roof out of view. The path branches into multiple paths giving a labyrinth style. Just like for researchers in the wild. They must choose which path to glory and the wild shall they take. All paths ramp forward where the river from the snake habitat goes. 3 huge pool sized open topped lake habitats(and 3 smaller shallower ones). The largest pool with trees leaning over at it features the following: Bluegill, Bowfin, Freshwater Drum, Spotted Gar, Creek Chub, Lake Sturgeon, Paddlefish, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, White Bass, Black Crappie and Yellow Percy(numbers information only on animal stock pdf). The habitat underwater is sunlit due to the whole sunroof building. Making the water shimmer as the paddle fish swim by. Underwater vegetation is a mix of both fake and real plants. Large boulders are also placed at the bottom of the pool for lake sturgeons to rest. The substrate along the perimeter of the habitat is sand and gravel. An underwater view is featured in one of the labyrinth paths. There are three paths(that overlap) and each feature the same and exclusive animals. By now I can't add anymore pictures so it will be just text for the rest of the area.

Just for the sake of my sanity, let's only take one path. Path one branches off quite quickly and just in the first few meters the other giant lake habitat is in sight but it is home to a family of Beavers(Castor canadensis)3.4. The stream, unlike most, continues out throughout the building. But before you even think about following you see there is an underwater view from what looks like within the dam. Beautiful trees are planted within the exhibit and Brook trout(Salvelinus fontinalis) 1.1.8 share the habitat and live within the large pools. They also have outdoor access. A lifesize statue of the giant beavers that once lived in North America are compared to the living beavers in the enclosure. The rocks that are incorporated into the path we went down earlier has a whole open topped meadow habitat for Blue racers(Coluber constrictor foxii) 1.1(many offspring and individuals behind the scenes). A large walnut tree is present at the corner of the open topped habitat. A aviary mimicking the open woodland and grassland lets Loggerhead shrike(Lanius ludovicianus) fly freely. Grasses and shrubs dot the habitat. A 3 inch deep pool is filtered in the left corner. A string pulls prey items quickly across the habitat until the shrikes catch it. Bushes and shrubs give the oppertunity for the shrikes to butcher there prey. A small window showcases one of the many behind the scenes quarters. The vast expanse of the behind the scenes area encourages the birds to breed.
A door next to the habitat has a window showing the behind the scenes reptile room which serves as nursery for native herps(including the Blue racers and spiny softshell turtles) under the zoos conservation reintroduction and captive breeding programs. The hallway also leads to the behind scenes indoors area of the "know your neighbors building". This is one of the few exhibit buildings opened to the public that connect to the main behind the scenes building. Parts of the main building/center includes the wildlife hospital, behind the scenes animal ambassador habitats, quarantine barns, office for the zoos architecture, Incubator, offspring and reproductive lab, the Central and South american endangered parrot breeding center and a bunch of other behind the scenes species

Anyways before I get off topic we will be continuing.
In the smaller, elevated pool is a habitat for a breeding school of Redside dace(Clinostomus elongatus) that have glass underwater viewing or else no one would actually see them

As we move on there is a small circle shaped cement and mulch area. That acts as an education area to the summer camps and the public shows with the ambassador animals. As this whole area is in the sunlight the signage is switched to solar powered screens. As you pass this area you are envelloped into a walkthrough aviary with Cedar waxwings(Bombycilla cedrorum)2.2, Song sparrow(Melospiza melodia)0.0.7, Eastern bluebirds(Sialia sialis)1.4.1,White throated sparrow(Zonotrichia albicollis)2.2, Common yellowthroat(Geothlypis trichas)3.5, Dark eyed junco(Junco hyemalis)0.1.9 and White crowned sparrow (Junco hyemalis)3.4. As the birds dart around the exhibit you may find an indoor habitat for the zoo's trio of balloon popping (2.1) North American porcupines(Erethizon dorsatum). The north american porcupines also share the habitat with American crows(Corvus brachyrhynchos)

Exhibit description: The exhibit is just forested with hammocks and trees for the porcupines to climb. A small doggie door is the gateway to the outdoor exhibit and the porcupines have private areas in case the crows are too curious. Though the crows won't be pestering the porcupines when they have a variety of puzzle with food and toy rewards.

The aviary has small watering holes and lots of trees that act as perching and rocks that act as nesting area and poop deposits. Easily diggable soil for birds who dust bathe themselves. Fruiting plants are planted everywhere encouraging the birds to interact with the nicer zoo fanatics and/or regular zoo visitors

On your left side, reaching over to the center of the path. Is a indoor exhibit for 5 hyperactive Southern flying squirrel@(Glaucomys volans) 3.2

Exhibit description: A glass and meshed habitat with live trees and flying squirrels running across the canopy. A tunnel goes over the visitor path and outside, allowing the flying squirrel to glide and climb over visitors. The tunnel also branches to a cylinder enclosure with a large maple and multiple smaller species of trees. Black light in the cylinder exhibit highlights how this rodent glows red and pink as they scamper through the canopy.



Finally nearing the end is the indoor exhibit for the North American otter in the third large pool. Rocks and sedges pocket the area with aspens growing around the perimeter. The stream still continues to another exhibit for the otters that features underwater viewing. Small low growing shrubs grow in clay soil mimicking the shoreline of a lake. A small cage is prevalent for training and medical procedures. Though the otters are probably enjoying the great outdoors then be training. Other parts of the building is dedicated to the West Coast, Prairies and East Coast but that's only accessible via those subareas.

Now we are nearing the exit and are with the word "Extirpated '' Signage and educators are there to inform the public of extirpated species that once graced our region. It also highlights the reason many species have disappeared. Now leaving the building. The zoo shows its ingenuity by using recycled materials to create container gardens with as many native pollinators and host plants as possible. A little corner of recycled wooden crates provides a home for a multitude of sundew species. A huge meshed domed rocky aviary with a multitude of sandy shore and shrubs with a shallow area of wetland is exhibit for Sandhill cranes(Grus canadensis)1.1(breeding pair), Barnacle geese 5.7, Ruddy duck(Oxyura jamaicensis), Hooded merganser(Lophodytes cucullatus), Mallards( Anas platyrhynchos) 6.9, Wood ducks(Aix sponsa), Black crested night heron(Nycticorax nycticorax) 3.2, Turkey vultures(Cathartes aura)@ and Black vultures@(Coragyps atratus). Native grasses and wildflowers line the entire exhibit. The exhibit seems to look like it could go on forever. The water is shallow and nearby are pond exhibits for a multitude of native turtle species. The zoo cares for most of the native turle species. Exhibit one also leads behind the scenes with Wood turtles(Glyptemys insculpta), Midland painted turtles(Chrysemys picta) and Blanding turtles(Emydoidea blandingii). The other turtle exhibit is home to Musk turtles( Sternotherus odoratus), Spotted turtle( Clemmys guttata) and Northern Map turtles(Graptemys geographica).
A vast bordered area of the natural wetland is there habitat. No landscaping neeeded

A heavily vegetated enclosure with dappled light is home to a rescued Ruffed grouse@(Bonasa umbellus)1.0 Who has many holding areas behind the scenes. While another enclosure eqaully filled to the brim with plants is home to Grey foxes@(Urocyon cinereoargenteus). Life size plaster realistic models of exirpated butterflies such as the karner blue. Wild turkey's(Meleagris gallopavo) also have a grassy brush (unmowed) habitat that has a meshed dome so no unwanted diners eat the residents. As the turkey's be mean to the visitors and keepers; they also have the oppertunity to forage for food the keepers hide.

The habitats are next to each other and the grouse's habitat has a campsite within and a downed tree giving an oppertunity for the bird to explore and forage. Meanwhile the foxes habitat has a hill and with a glass barrier for the foxes to walk right up to. The exhibits have sumacs,climbing structures and a multitude of trees. Letting these semi arboreal canids an oppertunity to climb. Many of the shrubs are drought tolerant looking into the future climate.
The final habitat is home to a Barn owls(Tyto alba) its just wetland and forest in a domed area. As the birds silently enjoy there free flight habitat. Zoo horticulutrist and management get a break to be able to not worry about chaning this habitat anytime soon.

As we finish this subarea we've unlocked the rest of the zoo. Of course I don't know which area to go next. Any suggestions? The options are the behind the scenes area/tour or any of the larger areas other than South and Central america. Feel free to suggest the next area or specific sub area? Please note: This is my least themed area so hopefully, you can expect more. Part two of the transition path shall be revealed the next time we visit the North America area.
Also I decided to do a keeper count to see how many employees would be needed to keep all zoo areas running.
Keeper count: 3 as this a large area and not including the horticulturists. One takes care of the indoor species. One assigned to the aquatic species and birds And the last keeper trains and cares for the ambassador animals
Please anyone reading this remember to give feedback! Stay tuned.

 

[antilio capra]

Surpise: "Island Scales: Reptiles of Remote Realms"

Species list(so I don’t forget any species like the North america exhibits): Lau banded iguana, Komodo dragon, and Aldabra Tortoise. Species in exhibit: 3

Conservation message and concept: So many species of reptiles are in need of conservation help. With many residing on tropical islands with an array of conditions. From Komodo to Aldabra. In the heart of our exhibit lies a poignant message: countless species of reptiles, from the mighty Komodo dragon to the enigmatic Aldabra tortoise, are teetering on the edge of extinction. These ancient inhabitants of tropical islands face myriad threats, from habitat loss to invasive species, pushing them ever closer to the brink. People know about these species. But what of the habitats they live in. Or the biodiversity of their islands.

This exhibit is to highlight the plight of island reptiles and hopefully attempt to give justice to the true beauty of the cultures, geography and biodiversity of these islands. (And don’t worry the Caribbean, Papua and Madagascar have their own separate subareas or exhibit within a themed area)

Functionalities(Something new): Things that went into planning but couldn’t be put into concept. The exhibit itself is placed beside the center of the zoo with the other side of the exhibit being right before southeast asia. Another less important reason I made this exhibit is that. I had nowhere else to place a these island species. This gives them a place to belong. Without being an out of the ordinary species just standing out. In one of the asian exhibits or african.

Visitors begin their journey with an informative plaza of the exhibit's goals and themes. Interactive displays and informative panels provide background information on the importance of tropical islands for reptile diversity and the conservation challenges they face. The plaza is roofed by sun supporting the growth of plants from the southeast asian islands represented by the exhibit. A taste of what's to come.

Into the first exhibit. A panoramic view of what looks like one exhibit is split into two. Above the center of the circular viewing area is a glass domed roof. The habitat is as tall as a roof and surrounds visitors(oops sounds expensive) creating a bubble around the visitors. Perfect for supporting the growth of the plants native to Fiji. With the centerpiece plant being Pritchardia pacifica or Fijian fan palm As you can guess this is for Lau banded Iguanas 2.3. The complex is a curved glass enclosure. Lush with tropical plants creating a canopy for the iguanas to climb and watch from. Near The top of the domed exhibit are heat lamps giving additional warmth to the exhibit. A Hibiscus tiliaceus(a favorite of the iguana) tree or huge shrub is planted near the glass attracting the lizards to the view of the visitors.
Fijian (Lau) banded iguana
credits to: TheGerenuk
Continuing forward is a smaller room highlighting Fijian marine life though displays and panels on the wall and a model of fijian petrel remind visitors of the other endemic wildlife. Signage also indicates the many threats the wildlife is currently facing. Now going outside is a display of a Fijian outrigger canoe, symbolizing the traditional seafaring heritage. While woven mats and tapa cloth represent incredible craftsmanship and Fijian art.

Passing through a large moat by boardwalk with misters in the background are trying to match the coast and beaches of Komodo.
To both your left and right are enclosures for the star attraction Komodo dragons 2.2(housed separately). The enclosures are bordered by a metal barred fence. To your left is a continuous enclosure with a cliff wall providing both shade and keepers an area to observe the Komodos. Inside the cliff face is an area for keepers to train and observe the komodo dragons. A mesh door is present if keepers are to enter the exhibit. The actual exhibit is turfed with white sanded areas as if on the hills of Komodo. Near the visitors is a moat mimicking a small stream letting the dragons wade through the shallow water. Some Banana plants, Bird nest ferns and native shrubs provide cover for the lizards on hot days.(Tropical plants moved indoors with the Komodo dragons). On the right is a lawn of native grasses and a few surrounding rocks. The largest boulder has shackles holding a fake asian water buffalo carcass that food is put into. That is when they are not given large carcass feedings. The enclosure is also perfect for keeper talks and presentations. Further down the exhibit vegetation clears with a small pool with a white sand border and Curved tempered glass, replacing the metal and mesh fencing. As if the jungles and hillside have now faded into the coast. Signage tells of the Komodos venomous bite and the many habitats of the small island. On the visitors path is black tar and volcanic rock creating a volcanic feeling. Mimicking the volcanic terrain of the island.
Komodo Dragon
credits to: Pleistohorse
As the path continues so does the exhibit into the exhibit building. Within is a variety of multimedia educating people on the cannibalistic tendencies of the dragons, their excellent sense of smell and the rare occasions of parthenogenesis in the lizards. The actual exhibit is filled with both real and fake vegetation and windows on the side and roof create dappled light mimicking the forests of the Komodo and Flores. A fallen tree acts as enrichment and the perfect hiding spot. Visitors can view the habitat through three glass-fronted panels surrounding and enclosing the exhibit. Nearby are displays showcasing ongoing research and conservation efforts to protect Komodo dragons and their habitat, including habitat restoration projects, population monitoring, and community engagement initiatives. A donation area allows visitors to donate and help the Komodos.

To transition from Komodo to Aldabra,visitors walk through a lifesize small plane with the windows showing the islands of Aldabra atoll from above. Exiting the plane is a small research quarters with media explaining the effort to introduce Aldabras to Mauritius. Within the research quarters are pictures of the many environments the tortoises live in. Now leaving and going outside, An exhibit for Aldabra giant tortoises 3.2. On the exhibit’s railings are models of endemic Aldabra wildlife such as Aldabra island day gecko and Aldabra white throated rail. The enclosure is grassy with ivory sedge standing in for Tortoise turf. Small pools pockmark the enclosure allowing the tortoises to wallow in the shallow water. The exhibit is beach themed with sand and a few wallows that are surrounded by 7 ft glass panels. Long grasses and large boulders provide some cover for the tortoises. If the tortoises do need to go inside(during winter) a slide door allows the tortoises to go into a behind the scenes indoor enclosure. As the path curves back informative signage and activities allow visitors to learn of Aldabra’s many bird species and their nesting habitats. Just before leaving Aldabra a nest of fake tortoise eggs and statues of an adult tortoise remind visitors of the amazing tortoise inhabiting the island. This is also where educational workshops and keeper talks happen.
Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea gigantea), 2023-05-16
Credits to: KevinB
Note: I was going to include Domestic Asian water buffalo but they didn't make the final cut. Also the photos ended up as links. So next time I will have to find another way to add photos.