I would imagine perhaps the indoor housing is under the raised bank at the back? I don't know if the indoor areas for the other large Carnivores there are hidden or can be viewed by the public? I imagine they will have the same system throughout for them though.
Its interesting to reflect that new younger generations are almost totally unfamiliar with the Polar bear as a Zoo exhibit, have never had the opportunity to see one (without going to e.g. Scotland or Europe of course). From the old days when they were on exhibit in most of our urban zoos, I know they prefer their freedom and are often reluctant to be shut indoors, so visitors should not be disappointed by failing to see them- I think they will be 'out' by choice, and so viewable practically the whole time.
These are caves for shade during the day - the few glimpses of the housing during the One Show piece on Friday suggested it was broadly similar to the lion and tiger housing.
These are caves for shade during the day - the few glimpses of the housing during the One Show piece on Friday suggested it was broadly similar to the lion and tiger housing.
Given the huge size of this enclosure, I wonder how good the viewing opportunities will be for the public. Will he still be able to be seen when he's at the back of the exhibit? Not that I'm fussed really, the polar bear's welfare and privacy is more important than the viewing opportunities of the public. I'm hoping to visit next week, maybe I'll take my binoculars just in case!
