Well, that's what one of the zoo video blogs said at the SDZ, because they were showing how Santa Babara was building a new one. I didn't know it was finished yet (looking at photos now).
So let me understand, the world's most famous zoo created this exhibit for their iconic endangered species with a road and liquid gas tank to be seen behind and mastodon skull in foreground in order to help visitors.....ok that's where I get lost.
I recenley heard that it is called a borrowed landscape. The roads and gas tank are there to remind us that we are safe. The animals are in an enclosure. The public still has the power!....
Without being there, it is hard to be sure. But are these the most disapointing new exhibits in a very long time.
I recenley heard that it is called a borrowed landscape. The roads and gas tank are there to remind us that we are safe. The animals are in an enclosure. The public still has the power!....
Without being there, it is hard to be sure. But are these the most disapointing new exhibits in a very long time.
1. If it is borrowed then it ought to be returned.
If they are really trying to convey the message you suggest - in addition to the prehistoric message and in addition to the "Daddy, what's that big bird?" message - then they are confused about what zoo visitors get from a zoo visit. And the zoo ought to know better.
2. As near as I can discover, the zoo took the lead on design using a local architect. I can't find any of the known zoo design firms mentioned.
Maybe people in 200 years time will think that mammoths, condors, street lights and 2009. gas tank are all together one American past. One great animal odyssey.
I'd say its much better than this exhibit actually. Far more immersion, its pretty easy when the San Pasqual Mountains are in the background. The Santa Barbara Zoo also has a pretty nice exhibit for them with lots of viewpoints.
All I can say is that I am disappointed with this exhibit in lots of areas, but I don't totally hate it because it has that special "SDZ experience" that lets you see some good animals very close and very active. I drew up plans for a new "Horn and Hoof Mesa" because I was bored on time, its also accurate and takes up the right amount of space and everything. xD I really miss the Lowland Anoas, Sika Deer, Addax, Ankole, and Sable Antelope being really close. I'd like an area that takes me past these animals while going through Asia and Africa forests and savannas.
It seems that when a zoo designs a exhibit in house. It is the vegetation that lets down the exhibit. Suprising really considering the hort staff would of course be involved. Wouldn't they!!!
Is EO as good as it should be? No. But it is full of good to very good exhibits imo, and will look better in time when grass and plants grown in more.
This condor exhibit is very good imo, as is the jaguar exhibit, the capybara/guanaco/tapir exhibit, and the smaller reptile/amphibian exhibits.
The elephant exhibit could certainly look better, but it is great for the animals, gives people some close up views, has a great pool, and although I don't think it has been implemented yet, does have the potential to welcome some of it's neighbors into their area, which I think is exciting.
I also personally like the theme, but I'm into animals from the past more than most.
