Another photo from a different angle(the viewing window?) shows there is in fact a substantial rocky area closer to roof height in one corner. I guess the animal(s) favour that as the rest of the enclosure does still look very empty. Perhaps just a simple platform( or log pile) placed in the centre would add a bit more topography and enhance the appearance. But looking at the other pictures on here it seems(?) there is another section to this enclosure which in fact is divided in half by a viewing tunnel? That part already has a big platform it seems.
I don't really have any better photos than these, but can try to explain the layout a little.
The enclosure is split in two by a perspex tunnel (the surface of which is terribly scratched and dirty). The cats can pass from the front half of the enclosure seen here, over the tunnel where zoogiraffe was standing to take his photo, and into the rear half. There, one wall is made up of mock rock-work so there are higher places for the cats to sit and a small, sheltered cave.
I thought it was a very odd set-up, part bus shelter, part public conveniences, part aquarium and none of it particularly cat-friendly. It's reminiscent of a third-world zoo layout, and another sad example of a sub-standard cat enclosure.
@SMR: thank you for the additional photos, and now there are quite a few images of this particular exhibit on ZooChat. Undoubtedly there are some folks who might stick up for this enclosure but the reality is that it is fairly basic and somewhat disappointing. No one is asking for this small zoo to construct an amazing snow leopard exhibit like the ones in New York (Bronx and Central Park), Zurich or Kolmarden. However, surely more could have been done besides a couple of ladders, a generic wood platform and an average-sized pile of rocks. At first it appears to be a bird aviary, especially with the arching metal roof.
It's not the worst collection I've seen, but I won't be going back in a hurry (particularly as Leighton Moss, my favourite RSPB reserve, is just a couple of miles away).
There is also a second enclosure that can't be seen in these photos, it has logs, trees and a big platform for the cats. In the photographed part of the exhibit there is a lot of rock work on the far side of the tunnel that includes 2 caves. Both cats have access to all parts of the enclosures.
I admit it isn't a great enclosure but the Leopards must be reasonably happy as they have just had 2 cubs. Or am I being naive in thinking that?
How do the young cubs get from one side of the enclosure to the other,or have they done that deliberately so the youngsters cant get to the water and possibly have an accident?
They are happy in there, as far as we can tell. A successful breeding this year means we can't be doing too bad with them!
The cubs have access to both enclosures and both bedrooms, there is a tunnel to the woodland side enclosure and the water feature has been filled in with rocks so there's no danger. The cubs are already climbing over the perspex tunnel and lounging in the cave through the day.
