November 2013. This exhibit is one of the old exhibits of the former Dog and Cat Canyon that is slated for demolition to make way for the new Africa Rocks exhibit complex.
November 2013. This exhibit is one of the old exhibits of the former Dog and Cat Canyon that is slated for demolition to make way for the new Africa Rocks exhibit complex.
I'm fairly certain that the 5 cage exhibits all in a row are from the 1920's or 1930's and the oldest existing enclosures at San Diego Zoo. However, since the huge new complex "Africa Rocks" is due to be built there is a sizable chunk of the zoo that will be demolished. Bring on the bulldozer!
I'm fairly certain that the 5 cage exhibits all in a row are from the 1920's or 1930's and the oldest existing enclosures at San Diego Zoo. However, since the huge new complex "Africa Rocks" is due to be built there is a sizable chunk of the zoo that will be demolished. Bring on the bulldozer!
Considering the age of theses cages, they are actually not too bad to be honest, they are functional for the species they contain, furnished and have natural foliage which is better than some newer examples in some zoos.
In this row of cages I saw my first Corsac Fox, Tayra, African Civet and, I think, Fossa, in 1998. And I've only seen African Civet twice since then. Happy memories.
Considering the age of theses cages, they are actually not too bad to be honest, they are functional for the species they contain, furnished and have natural foliage which is better than some newer examples in some zoos.
As Maguari has pointed out there are always some gems in these old 1930's cages and on my last visit in 2011 there was kinkajou, bat-eared fox, coati and fossa (two exhibits). I agree with the statement that the cages are functional and furnished and thus possibly okay for some of the inhabitants, but as a zoo exhibit they are complete failures. The enclosure in the photo shows what the public perceives as an odd-looking marsupial in a metal cage. In reality it would be much better if the tree kangaroo was placed in a biome or geographically-accurate setting amongst other species that inhabit the same ecosystem. A modern, naturalistic habitat replacing an ancient metal cage that aesthetically is an eyesore is a huge positive for the zoo. "Africa Rocks" is the new 8-acre complex going in here and other than the atrocious name it should be terrific. Time will tell.
