2006: Sea Lion Cove/Otter Creek = $6 million
2008: Rainforest Falls (indoor South American jungle) = $16 million
2009: Veterinary Hospital (renovation) = $1.5 million
2010: Delta Sonic Heritage Farm (kiddie zone)
2013: New entrance
2015: Arctic Edge (bears, seals, eagles, wolves) = $14 million
2017: Reptile House (renovation) = $3 million
What money problems????? Many smaller zoos would love to have such multi-million dollar problems. The real issue is that the zoo's gorillas have been inside a cement bunker for 35 years. Let's not even begin to discuss the elephant situation and although this zoo has dramatically improved in recent years the gorillas and elephants are two huge detriments against the facility.
According to the link below, an African Watering Hole and the West Plaza (featuring 4 large animal enclosures) are future developments.
The link indicates that a new gorilla exhibit is presumably planned, along with new tiger, lion, and crocodile exhibits if I read that correctly.
The West Plaza will be located adjacent to the Main Animal Building. Four large animal enclosures fronting the courtyard will feature popular “signature” species: gorilla, lion, tiger, and crocodile.
Are they planning on phasing out their elephants? It looks like they have a fairly small exhibit with older Asian elephant females if I see that correctly.
Ten years ago the zoo was in very serious financial trouble.
The Master Plan (no doubt) prioritized what improvements were to be made in what order. Donors often also have a big say in that.
It is not surprising that the first renovations were mostly about animals that could be seen all year (remember this is Buffalo!) and a vet center.
It may not be what we might wish but it really does make good sense.
You can't do everything all at once when fund raising is slow.
1.) I swear I read an article that said the reptile house is the next project, then after that it's an Asian section in the area where the Rocky bighorned sheep "blob" is located. I also heard gorillas may be one of the next projects too. I think African watering hole at this point is on the back burner. Although the giraffe house and yard could use an update.
2.) I don't think the zoo has any plans to relocate their elephants. There was an article written at least in the past year with the zoo's president insisting they are following all the guidelines to house elephants and mentioned the barn renovation done in the past few years. I think it was in the beginning of the year when the "Top 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants" article came out. I doubt they will acquire a third elephant so I am curious if they will get a waiver to phase out elephants once their two current ones pass away. However, neither are exhibited with each other anymore because they don't get along. The exhibit is a real eyesore right next to the new Arctic Edge. However, I'd love to see them renovate the elephant house into something similar with what Toledo Zoo did with their former big cat house.
@Fallax The gorillas are still there and in my opinion the AZA should revoke Buffalo Zoo's accreditation. It's appalling. There's a couple of people who stick up for this exhibit, but it's scandalous that the zoo is still accredited as between the gorillas and the giraffe barn, Buffalo has two major animal husbandry issues.
