Proposed plan for the renovation of the current African Lion exhibit at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Architecture by CLR Design, who also did the design for the recently opened African Elephant Crossing.
Proposed plan for the renovation of the current African Lion exhibit at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Architecture by CLR Design, who also did the design for the recently opened African Elephant Crossing.
Thanks for posting this photo, and it seems as if every new lion exhibit has some type of training/demonstration wall. I actually think that it is a great idea to overhaul the lion habitat, and the carousel is a money-maker that will provide extra funds for the zoo.
I like the improvements, but they will have to compensate some how for the lost seating at the food court. I would not be surprised that the flamingos are moved with the others at Waterfowl Lake. The zoo once mentioned adding holding buildings for the flamingos there so they would not have to move them as far for the winter.
Re: carousel - the CleZoo Society person I talked to said they were hoping for a Spring groundbreaking. However, I understand there are (were?) still some 'funding issues' between factions that didn't want a carousel. As mentioned in another ZooChat blog, I agree/know that it takes time for such a ride to be created once ordered (and I don't believe an 'order has been placed' yet), so I'm not sure how much can be done or what site prep is actually required. That said, my 'source' hasn't lied to me yet, so I take what was told to me at face value...
Re: lion exhibit - I've heard nothing concrete about the timetable, but will be at another Society function later this month and hope to gather more information. If I do, I will be happy to pass along...
Re: carousel - the CleZoo Society person I talked to said they were hoping for a Spring groundbreaking. However, I understand there are (were?) still some 'funding issues' between factions that didn't want a carousel. As mentioned in another ZooChat blog, I agree/know that it takes time for such a ride to be created once ordered (and I don't believe an 'order has been placed' yet), so I'm not sure how much can be done or what site prep is actually required. That said, my 'source' hasn't lied to me yet, so I take what was told to me at face value...
Re: lion exhibit - I've heard nothing concrete about the timetable, but will be at another Society function later this month and hope to gather more information. If I do, I will be happy to pass along...
@Tapir - from what I can ascertain, yes. From what I understand, the Zoo wants to focus on a few 'cheaper' projects (the carousel, lions, possible rhino expansion) before embarking upon a larger-scale, more-expensive project (whether that is the Main Gate relocation, Primate Forest or Northern Trek I believe is yet to be determined). I don't see them changing the ideas of the Master Plan (especially being released so recently), however, with due respect to Dr. Taylor, perhaps that agenda/order of events may change once a New Director is appointed next year.
