Many of the lawns are readily used by families for picnics. The one nearby Bsckyard to Bush is probably the most used, along with with the smaller one closer to the bull elephant paddock. There are also lawns used next to the Andean condors for picnics. The rest of any available space is a steep, forested(ish) area that you walk down to get to the bottom entrance/cableway, which is probably way too steep to build upon.
The large, empty space I think you are referring to is a very possible solution to expanding the gorilla exhibit (I didn't really think of it). However, this area includes the orangutan exhibit and indoor dens for orangs, but they could be relocated with a second phase of Wild Asia (if it happens). I guess you proved me wrong, there is room for expansion here!
I would ideally like to see sun bear replace malayan tapir, and add Sumatran tiger, snow leopard, Himalayan thar, orangutan and komodo dragon to Wild Asia. Who knows then with the rest of the zoo! Time will tell!
I wouldn't actually move the Tahr and Snow Leopard, I think Wild Asia could occupy that whole area anyway, although certainly enclosures could change significantly in that area. I really hope they don't get rid of the Malayan Tapir, far too interesting an animal! And I hope even more that Sun Bears do not get moved in there, as I don't think it is a big enough area (especially for two animals), they would be better off replacing Bethyl.
I wouldn't actually move the Tahr and Snow Leopard, I think Wild Asia could occupy that whole area anyway, although certainly enclosures could change significantly in that area. I really hope they don't get rid of the Malayan Tapir, far too interesting an animal! And I hope even more that Sun Bears do not get moved in there, as I don't think it is a big enough area (especially for two animals), they would be better off replacing Bethyl.
The malayan tapir, Berani, will probably live out his years in the exhibit. However, considering tapir cannot be imported anymore, and that malayan tapirs in Australia don't seem to do well due to sunlight, he will probably not be replaced. I would consider, when he dies, to renovate his exhibits to suit sun bear. This would include filling in the various pools, adding climbing structures and maybe even netting it over (for more vertical space). The tapir exhibits are certainly big enough, considering both can be permanantly joined. Even though there are two exhibits, both can be separated or linked to create two smaller or one larger exhibit. If you look carefully, the tapir has access to both exhibits through a door concealed next to the otter exhibit. I personally think that it would be great for sun bears with modification.
But who knows what could happen in the next 10 years!
Know what I would do? Fill in the Watermoat and have long glass windows adjacent to the pathways/viewing area instead. It would give them almost twice as much space. That is my main gripe about Watermoats- they use up so much space especially where its at a premium like here.
