On August 1st, the zoo announced that a (1.0) Southdown Babydoll sheep named Franklin passed away at 10+ years due to a decline in health caused by age-related issues.
On June 14th, the zoo announced that a western grey plantain-eater hatched on April 24th which is on display in the Grigsby Aviary. It is the first successful breeding of the species for Zoo Atlanta.
On July 3rd, the zoo announced that 2+? red-and-yellow barbets hatched which are on display in the Living Treehouse Aviary. It is the first successful breeding/raising of the species for Zoo Atlanta.
On October 4th, the zoo officially announced they started renovations on the African lion exhibit, including the expansion of 1,200 square feet of habitat space, a new shade structure and rain structure, relocation of a pond inside the exhibit, and more viewing areas. Work is to be completed in early 2025.
Is there some sort of encouragement from the AZA for zoos to expand upon their lion habitats, or is it simply trendy to do so now? I know both Greenville and Riverbanks in SC have lion expansions in their plans, and Lincoln Park did a high profile remodel some years back. This is definitely a welcome trend, since so many zoos have historically been woefully unequipped for lions, I'm just curious about the impetus for it, or if I'm just seeing a pattern where there is none.
Is there some sort of encouragement from the AZA for zoos to expand upon their lion habitats, or is it simply trendy to do so now? I know both Greenville and Riverbanks in SC have lion expansions in their plans, and Lincoln Park did a high profile remodel some years back. This is definitely a welcome trend, since so many zoos have historically been woefully unequipped for lions, I'm just curious about the impetus for it, or if I'm just seeing a pattern where there is none.
It's probably coincidental. I agree that it's a welcome trend but I would much rather see zoos building larger leopard and cougar enclosures. Many of the ones I've seen seem woefully inadequate.
And an era ends. I'll miss them. It was always a treat to see these rare bears right here at my home zoo, and they really helped punch up Zoo Atlanta's sense of prestige. On to the future, though! I hope the pandas have a safe flight home, and I look forward to seeing what the zoo does with the free real estate.
I read in a news article that the zoo's president said there are no current plans for the habitat, but that they'd like to have pandas again in the future. Unfortunately I don't remember the exact source but they quoted him directly. Back in February I did a Panda Encounter and they basically said the ball is in Chengdu's court at this point.
