Philadelphia Zoo Philadelphia Zoo News 2015

blospz

Well-Known Member
15+ year member
I am not sure if it was posted here before, but the nocturnal wing of the Small Mammal House is being shut down. When I went, quite a few exhibits were already empty. A keeper told me they plan to move the bats to the main section of the building due to their popularity, but are unsure how they are going to do that with the lighting issue.

I got to experience Zoo 360 (Big Cat walkways) earlier this week. This is really a neat experience to see big cats right above you. It gives great vantage points for visitors. The rotation varies, but it helps allow the big cat to switch exhibits for enrichment. On the day I went, they had a snow leopard and Amur tiger in the walkways with no access to the main exhibit (they could not mix with the other big cat in the exhibit). However, I was told that the zookeeper keeps an eye on their behavior so if they seem to get restless, they will be given access to their indoor quarters as well. The zoo is constructing the walkways for the gorillas, which should open later this year. Next year, there will be walkways for the rhino, zebra, and giraffe. They used to have it planned for the hippos and and polar bears, but perhaps those plans got scratched. I'll go ahead and upload the zoo map showing where the trails will be. It looks like in the area where the old children section is, there will be pathways for other animals. I am guessing because of that, the previous plans to bring back elephants to that area will not be happening. But in honesty, I think this will be a better idea.

Outside work is being done on the Rare Species building, I think to be more environmental efficient.
 
First zoo to be incorporated, Central Park Zoo actually opened its doors first. I have some pictures taken last year and couldn't find a Philadelphia section to put them in. I'll add them and all the other zoo photos I haven't yet had a chance to upload!
I agree...
 
I am not sure if it was posted here before, but the nocturnal wing of the Small Mammal House is being shut down. When I went, quite a few exhibits were already empty. A keeper told me they plan to move the bats to the main section of the building due to their popularity, but are unsure how they are going to do that with the lighting issue.

WHAT!?:eek: The nocturnal section was the best part of that house and it had/has some amazing species! Why are they closing it down?

~Thylo:cool:
 
WHAT!?:eek: The nocturnal section was the best part of that house and it had/has some amazing species! Why are they closing it down?

~Thylo:cool:

I am not sure, I wouldn't be surprised if it had to do with a budget cut. She said nothing was to go in its place, not anytime soon anyway.
 
I am not sure, I wouldn't be surprised if it had to do with a budget cut. She said nothing was to go in its place, not anytime soon anyway.

Kinda a big blow to the collection in me opinion.. I wonder what will become of the Striped Possum, Feathertail Gliders, and echidnas....:(

~Thylo:cool:
 
The echidna was still there when I went and I think the striped possum may have been there, I think the feathertail gliders were gone.
 
Kayla, a Common Sloth Bear from San Diego Zoo has taken up residence at the Zoo. She is splitting time with their Sri Lankan female.
 
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Common/Indian Sloth Bear. Not sure how ssp manages them.

Interesting. I was led to believe the US managed the Sri Lankan ssp and Europe managed the Indian (apart from Whipsnade who keep non-breeding Sri Lankan).

Also, the zoo's website says she came from the Idaho Falls Zoo, not San Diego.

~Thylo:cool:
 
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