While the displays appear to be fairly basic, the ASDM always does a terrific job at exhibiting animals and I have faith that this new addition is of a very high quality. Interestingly enough the establishment had species such as Horn Shark and Green Sea Turtle around 30 years ago, and I'd be curious as to the size of their tanks and where exactly they were located. A tidepool display with small fish, crabs, anemones, starfish and sea urchins was also present during that era, and it is great to see that ASDM has reinvigorated its aquatic area. Now if the facility can finally break ground on the long-rumored Jaguar habitat...
The story on the jaguar is that a couple has left a one million dollar jaguar exhibit funded in their will. The husband has passed away but the wife is still with us. According to some inside info, there are two possibilites once the money becomes available.
Option one is to build a new jaguar exhibit near the cafe. (Exactly where, I am not sure, but there is a lot of open land directly below the outdoor eating area).
Option two is to house jaguars in the current mountain lion exhibit and to build a new mountain lion exhibit on the uplands trail (between Life On The Rocks and Coyote).
Personally I would vote for option one, as the mountain lion exhibit is already excellent and I think a new exhibit designed specifically for jaguars could be very exciting.
