@okapikpr: you are much more lenient than others when analyzing the old grottoes that are still utilized in many zoos. I suppose that many of these type of enclosures were originally pits where people looked down upon the poor animals. Now they are slightly more elevated and full of substrate, but I still for the most part cannot stand them. Haha.
As a keeper, no matter what all exhibits have 4 walls....only if there is a roof, then an animal should use them. Otherwise they are all barriers, physical or psychological; then the only important thing is that they keep the animal in and the public out.
The meat of the exhibit is the ground floor...what it is made of and what is in it. Unless the exhibit has a roof, then this is how exhibits should be judged for the animals' well-being. I understand you dont like the gunite...but that's your thing. I try to think what the animal can do in and with the exhibit.
This exhibit has various degrees of shade, various topography, good substrate (they do need some hard surfaces for their paws and claws), hiding oppurtunities...its a nice exhibit.
