Does Central Park even really count, seeing as they closed up shop for a number of years and reopened a completely rebuilt zoo?
Philadelphia Zoo Philadelphia Zoo News 2009
- Thread starter Hix
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Does Central Park even really count, seeing as they closed up shop for a number of years and reopened a completely rebuilt zoo?
Zooplantman
Well-Known Member
Oldest zoo in America? Not so easy. Yes, Central Park opened before Philadelphia. But Central Park in 1864 was a bunch of sheds and sad cages - little more than the many traveling menageries of the time. Philadelphia in 1874 has impressive zoo buildings and more resembled a zoo.
There are no original buildings remaining at Philadelphia, but Central Park began in the basement of the Armory Building, which still stands. The oldest continually used zoo building in the US is the Cincinnati Zoo's Reptile House (started as the Monkey House).
So...what is a zoo?
Zoo Visitor
Well-Known Member
And the only zoo in the US with a breeding group of giant river Otters and the only two publically visable red-shanked douc langurs
I visited their site a lot about giant river otter news, where the first birth was a huge sensation (even on their site) and the last one was barely mentioned... funny
That's the way it always is, even with humans. The first is always most notable!
But I do believe the Zoo should promote all its animals more than it does on the website and elsewhere.
Unfortunately, the trend seems to be for all zoos to promote themselves as either conservation organizations or as family attractions.
I think your last paragraph is directly influenced by this:
AZA Mission Statement
AZA zoos and aquariums are places where people connect with animals. We are therefore dedicated to excellence in animal care and welfare, conservation, education, and research that collectively inspire respect for animals and nature. Our professional association’s mission is to:
Provide its members the best possible services.
Establish and maintain excellent professional standards in all AZA institutions through the accreditation program.
Establish and promote high standards of animal care and welfare.
Promote and facilitate collaborative conservation programs.
Advocate effective governmental policies for our members.
Strengthen and promoting conservation education programs for our public and professional development for our members.
Raising awareness of the collective impact of our members and their programs.
Zoo Visitor
Well-Known Member
My last paragraph was: "Unfortunately, the trend seems to be for all zoos to promote themselves as either conservation organizations or as family attractions."
I do believe the AZA guidelines have contributed to the trend toward promoting zoos in ways that seem to ignore the actual animals they exhibit.
But it doesn't matter what led to the trend. I just think it is the wrong way to promote zoos.
In most zoo promotions, it's as if they're saying, "Yes, we do exhibit wild animals so humans can be in the presence of, be fascinated by, and learn to value and appreciate wildlife - but that's not what really makes us valuable to society."
I do believe the AZA guidelines have contributed to the trend toward promoting zoos in ways that seem to ignore the actual animals they exhibit.
But it doesn't matter what led to the trend. I just think it is the wrong way to promote zoos.
In most zoo promotions, it's as if they're saying, "Yes, we do exhibit wild animals so humans can be in the presence of, be fascinated by, and learn to value and appreciate wildlife - but that's not what really makes us valuable to society."
Zoo Visitor
Well-Known Member
I believe there is no better way in the long run to preserve wildlife than to provide people of all ages and backgrounds with an opportunity to be safely in the presence of as many different species of animal as possible. I would prefer to see one million visitors per year each donate $1.00 or 1 hour of time to a specific cause than to see zoos each contribute $1000 per year to 30 different causes. (The paperwork alone for all that significantly reduces the benefit.)
But if you believe there are better and more effective ways to preserve wildlife, and if you believe zoos are successfully doing that, that's your opinion.
I do wish, though, that you would look closely at the various projects many zoos are involved in, determine for yourself exactly how effective the projects are, and then, in every case which you believe is successful, determine exactly how much of that success is attributable to a zoo's contributions.
Zoo Visitor
Well-Known Member
And that is what I like to see - organizations and agencies that focus on one thing and do it well.
But imagine if, in addition to the work you do, you had to add tasks that schools or universities should be doing, or that social service agencies should be doing, or that tourism bureaus should be doing, or that museums should be doing, or that ZOOS should be doing.
Thank you for whatever you are doing - hopefully nothing will happen to cause you to have to change the way you are doing it so you can continue to be successful and so that your efforts and contributions will continue to be meaningful.
Which is the point I hoped I was making by pasting the AZA mission statement! As for the family attraction bit I'm really on the fence over attractions at zoos, I dislike all the carousels etc and see them as distractions. But at Disney and Busch theme parks it also exposes kids to animals that may never be exposed to a zoo only and the gate revenue can lead to some new and innovative exhibits. There are many posters on here who have strong feelings for and against these parks so I will leave it at that,
Except that we cant do it without zoos. The programs that zoos have developed complement the programs at schools and universities, museums, etc. Because these insititutions and organizations cannot complete their programs without using the resources available at zoos. The captive exotic animals held at zoos are such a valuable resource, that it would be a tragedy to the continuing knowledge of biology and the conservation of our wild places if zoos maintained animals for only exhibition.
Question. In your mind what are zoos doing that should be done by social service agencies and tourism bureaus?
Question. In your mind what are zoos doing that should be done by social service agencies and tourism bureaus?
Zoo Visitor
Well-Known Member
Thanks - I'm glad we see eye to eye on this. This is something I feel VERY strongly about.
I guess I don't mind having an animal exhibit section in an amusement park as much as I mind having amusements in a zoo.
"Zoo", as everyone knows, is short for "zoological garden". And zoology is a very important, very fascinating, branch of science that most humans are born with an interest in. If zoos aren't attracting enough visitors to survive just by being zoos, even in tough financial times, that means the zoo marketers and promoters are not doing their job well.
That's what I think, anyway.
Zoo Visitor
Well-Known Member
What I love About the Philadelphia Zoo
(I do not work at the Zoo. I am just a visitor who has been a member of the Zoo since 1969)
The Philadelphia Zoo is 45 sq. acres - a perfect size for visitors of all categories - even visitors who can't walk far or easily can see the entire zoo in one visit.
Furthermore, the layout of the Zoo's paths makes it easy to move around the Zoo without getting lost, and to go back to see favorite exhibits again before leaving.
The Zoo is beautifully landscaped, with winding paths leading from area to area. There is always more than one path leading to each area, and along both sides of all paths, there are plenty of creatures to see. Unlike most zoos now, the number of animals has actually increased in the past two years after decreasing for five years in a row (but still not up to the number it once was)
The open-air exhibits of the African Plains area provide visitors with plenty of room to stand, or, in some places, to sit, and observe the animals (African wild dogs, cheetahs, ostriches, giraffes, zebras, white rhino, antelope, addax, and storks are some of the wildife in that area).
The modern, but not brand new buildings like the Rare Animal Conservation Center, the Reptile and Amphibian House, and the Primate Reserve, are filled with animals representing a wonderful variety of species from all over the world. Many, like the Douc langurs in the Rare Animal Conservation Center, are rare, even in zoos.
In all of these buildings, visitors can easily observe the animals, usually without feeling squeezed in a crowd. The Reptile and Amphibian House is the one exception to the crowding issue. But, because the Zoo opens early for members only on weekends during the summer, members can still spend time looking at all the snakes, lizards, monitors, newts, salamandars, frogs, crocodiles, and alligator without feeling like they have to quickly move on.
The Small Mammal House is old. It has yellow tiles, which apparently some people don't like. But the Nocturnal Room, with the vampire bats, the pygmy lorises, the echidnas, the striped possums, the sugar gliders, and the striped weasel, is a fascinating area where visitors can observe animals going about their "day", which is our night. It is also a place to teach people of all ages the meaning of "Shhhhh", because when the visitors are noisy, the animals stop moving. But, if visitors remain quiet for a while, the animals start moving around again.
Along the walls of the Small Mammal House, visitors can see mice, shrews, moles, chinchillas, marmosets, and pygmy hedgehogs. But my favorite part of the Small Mammal House is the aardvark/meerkat, sloth/agouti area, which is an open-air exhibit inside a building. Visitors could literally reach out and touch the sloths as they climb around upside down in their area. And several times the aardvarks have been so close to my camera that they left sniff drops on the lens.
I also like watching the animals in the Carnivore Kingdom outdoor exhibit, like the giant river otters, who swim gracefully all year round, the Amur leopard, who often is up close to the glass, the Canada lynxes, the fishing cat, and one of my special favorites, the dwarf caiman.
I do not like the newest exhibit, Big Cat Falls. The viewing areas are all too small for the summer crowds. The glass separating visitors from animals, and the piped-in animal sounds, defeat the purpose of a zoo, which I believe should be to provide a place for visitors to quietly, peacefully, and comfortably observe wildlife.
The McNeil Avian Center is scheduled to open May 30th. (Members can preview it May 16 - 18).
The Philadelphia Zoo keepers are experts, they are pleasant to talk to, and their love for the animals in their charge shows in everything they do, especially in all the unique and creative enrichment ideas they come up with.
In addition to what I have said above, the Zoo has a special atmosphere that some visitors feel the minute they enter the Zoo. Even those who may not consciously feel it, seem transformed. Visitors seem relaxed. They pay attention to the animals. They are friendly and polite with each other. As one of my friends says, "There is an atmosphere of visitor congeniality" at the Philadelphia Zoo that neither she nor I have noticed at any other zoo.
I believe the Zoo is very well managed. The new president took over in 2006, and so far, the Zoo has been able to sustain its exhibits and programs in this financially rough time without any major cuts, except to management salaries.
I visited Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Zoo the first time in 1967. Two years later I moved to Philadelphia because I loved the Zoo so much. It is my all-time favorite zoo.
(I do not work at the Zoo. I am just a visitor who has been a member of the Zoo since 1969)
The Philadelphia Zoo is 45 sq. acres - a perfect size for visitors of all categories - even visitors who can't walk far or easily can see the entire zoo in one visit.
Furthermore, the layout of the Zoo's paths makes it easy to move around the Zoo without getting lost, and to go back to see favorite exhibits again before leaving.
The Zoo is beautifully landscaped, with winding paths leading from area to area. There is always more than one path leading to each area, and along both sides of all paths, there are plenty of creatures to see. Unlike most zoos now, the number of animals has actually increased in the past two years after decreasing for five years in a row (but still not up to the number it once was)
The open-air exhibits of the African Plains area provide visitors with plenty of room to stand, or, in some places, to sit, and observe the animals (African wild dogs, cheetahs, ostriches, giraffes, zebras, white rhino, antelope, addax, and storks are some of the wildife in that area).
The modern, but not brand new buildings like the Rare Animal Conservation Center, the Reptile and Amphibian House, and the Primate Reserve, are filled with animals representing a wonderful variety of species from all over the world. Many, like the Douc langurs in the Rare Animal Conservation Center, are rare, even in zoos.
In all of these buildings, visitors can easily observe the animals, usually without feeling squeezed in a crowd. The Reptile and Amphibian House is the one exception to the crowding issue. But, because the Zoo opens early for members only on weekends during the summer, members can still spend time looking at all the snakes, lizards, monitors, newts, salamandars, frogs, crocodiles, and alligator without feeling like they have to quickly move on.
The Small Mammal House is old. It has yellow tiles, which apparently some people don't like. But the Nocturnal Room, with the vampire bats, the pygmy lorises, the echidnas, the striped possums, the sugar gliders, and the striped weasel, is a fascinating area where visitors can observe animals going about their "day", which is our night. It is also a place to teach people of all ages the meaning of "Shhhhh", because when the visitors are noisy, the animals stop moving. But, if visitors remain quiet for a while, the animals start moving around again.
Along the walls of the Small Mammal House, visitors can see mice, shrews, moles, chinchillas, marmosets, and pygmy hedgehogs. But my favorite part of the Small Mammal House is the aardvark/meerkat, sloth/agouti area, which is an open-air exhibit inside a building. Visitors could literally reach out and touch the sloths as they climb around upside down in their area. And several times the aardvarks have been so close to my camera that they left sniff drops on the lens.
I also like watching the animals in the Carnivore Kingdom outdoor exhibit, like the giant river otters, who swim gracefully all year round, the Amur leopard, who often is up close to the glass, the Canada lynxes, the fishing cat, and one of my special favorites, the dwarf caiman.
I do not like the newest exhibit, Big Cat Falls. The viewing areas are all too small for the summer crowds. The glass separating visitors from animals, and the piped-in animal sounds, defeat the purpose of a zoo, which I believe should be to provide a place for visitors to quietly, peacefully, and comfortably observe wildlife.
The McNeil Avian Center is scheduled to open May 30th. (Members can preview it May 16 - 18).
The Philadelphia Zoo keepers are experts, they are pleasant to talk to, and their love for the animals in their charge shows in everything they do, especially in all the unique and creative enrichment ideas they come up with.
In addition to what I have said above, the Zoo has a special atmosphere that some visitors feel the minute they enter the Zoo. Even those who may not consciously feel it, seem transformed. Visitors seem relaxed. They pay attention to the animals. They are friendly and polite with each other. As one of my friends says, "There is an atmosphere of visitor congeniality" at the Philadelphia Zoo that neither she nor I have noticed at any other zoo.
I believe the Zoo is very well managed. The new president took over in 2006, and so far, the Zoo has been able to sustain its exhibits and programs in this financially rough time without any major cuts, except to management salaries.
I visited Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Zoo the first time in 1967. Two years later I moved to Philadelphia because I loved the Zoo so much. It is my all-time favorite zoo.
Clearly you value the meagerie of animals that a zoo has than the exhibits. Big Cat Falls is actually the only reason why I would consider a visit to Philly Zoo.
Zoo Visitor
Well-Known Member
Classes, workshops, on-site promotional events for other local regional attractions ... things like that.
I want zoos to exhibit animals in a way that compels visitors without distractions. While at the Zoo, visitors should be focused on the animals in their presence.
Visitors should be inspired to learn at zoos by observing animals, and by observing keepers with the animals. And zoos should provide information and suggested resources for further learning in a centralized location, away from the animals, so visitors are not distracted. The schools, universities, social service agencies, and tourism bureaus should take over from there.
tigertiger
Well-Known Member
Great question! I've always thought of a zoo as one part seeing animals not natural to an area with another heavy part animal conversation.
Any other thoughts?
tigertiger
Well-Known Member
I liked Big Cat Falls. Nowhere near a great US cat exhibit, but entertaining and a good view. If zoos are a place to quietly observe animals, I sure do hope they'll be stopping all school trips and children under 12 will be checked at the door! I've never had a quiet day at any zoo I've been to minus winter trips to Queens & Bronx. In general, how do you feel about exhibits that loop in animal sounds? I can't think of many immersion exhibits (which I think you said your a fan of, right?) that don't do it. Personally, it drives me crazy because it makes me very aware that where I am is 'fake.' (Especially in exhibits with bird sound tracks but no birds in the exhibit! lol).
I don't know if 45 acres is 'perfect' for a zoo. My fiance has a condition where he needs to sit a good amount or he'll pass out and walks with a cane-chair as a result. He's had no trouble walking through Bronx or Columbus but finds Cincinnati's 66.4 acres acres harder. Sometimes it's not the space a place has but the exhibit spacing. Bronx and Columbus do a good job of exhibit spacing where you have to do more than step over a foot to look at a new animal.
There are some places where Philly does that nicely (like over by Children's Zoo side) but when you get to where Big Cat Falls, the Elephant and Reptile buildings, everything is very tightly packed. For me that, just reminds me that I'm in an inner city rather than in a zoo.
I think one of the things we agree on (Bronx and Philly aside ;P) is that zoos should be steps out of the ordinary. I should be able to go to a zoo and forget what city I am in and be immersed in a zoo. I personally love that feeling.
I agree with you tigertiger, and walking through CGF at Bronx Zoo one would never know they are in the middle of the nation's largest city!
Don't you think that exhibit is too small for a leopard? The other leopard got to move to Big Cat Falls (which I like), but this poor guy got the short end of the stick.
Zoo Visitor
Well-Known Member
Big Cat Falls is the only one of the Philadelphia Zoo's exhibit areas I really don't like because the lion and tiger viewing areas are so small and they get so crowded and overheated during the summer. And I don't like the artificial animal sounds, the theater, which takes space that could better be used to exhibit a few small cats, or the Base Camp area with computer stations.
If you like Big Cat Falls, you must have been lucky to be there on a day when the Zoo wasn't too crowded, and the sun wasn't causing a glare on the glass that makes it difficult to see the animals.
I agree with this, not just because it destroys the hoped for peaceful atmosphere during the time the school children are there, but also because during the time the school children are there, they are NOT learning as much as they could be because they are just too noisy, and distracted.
The best time to visit any zoo I think is on weekday afternoons in the late fall and winter.
Weekday afternoons are also the best time to visit during the spring and summer.
I HATE piped-in animal sounds, in all cases.
I want to be able to hear the sounds of animals breathing, or calling to each other, or eating, or digging ... I want to hear their footsteps, or the sounds of their wings flapping ...
Jungle World does not have any piped-in sounds.
True landscape immersion exhibits, and open-air exhibits do not have any.
I am surprised that your fiance can walk around the Bronx Zoo so easily. My son and I have no trouble walking far and/or fast, and my son has designed a route for seeing everything in one visit. To include the time we want to spend quietly observing animals, we must stay at least 5 hours.
Also, the way the paths are layed out, it is impossible to design a route that doesn't require some backtracking.
I understand what you mean. But the Zoo is relatively small at 45 sq. acres, so it can't really spread out.
I think the Reptile and Amphibian House is perfectly designed to showcase so many different species in attractive exhibits. I also very much liked the inside of Pachyderm House, which is no longer open to the public. With its high ceilings, and large exhibits, it was a kind of immersion exhibit, although not a modern, landscape immersion exhibit. But when you were inside, you could get close to the hippos, rhinos, okapi, and elephants, and there were no glass barriers between you and the animals.
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We 100% agree on that!
And if we could walk around the Bronx and the Philly Zoos together, we would probably realize we agree more than we think about them, too. I sounded much more critical of the Bronx Zoo than I meant to. The closing of the World of Darkness, which was also a kind of immersion (into night-time darkness) exhibit really upset me.
It was sort of like a last straw after the slow reduction in the number of animals over the past decade, and what I still believe to be an over-emphasis on conservation and education.
But, in fairness, it actually is only a part of the Wildlife Conservation Society, so at least it is true to its parent organization's name.
(I also like the open-air part of the Aquatic Bird House, where the roseatte spoonbills and scarlet ibises perch on the railing inches away from visitors.)