A Sumatran tiger can be seen in this exhibit, and the enclosure looks fairly lush and green with a small pool. The sway poles in the background are perfect for orangs and siamangs, but those apes also don't have a lot of opportunities to rest above ground level in the habitat. The rotation system in place at two major zoos in the United States (Louisville and Point Defiance) is interesting but far from flawless.
Are there other separate enclosures which can simultaneously exhibit the other species? Or will I only see one species at any given time?
Its an interesting concept, but the message that various species share the same ecological habitat is lost if visitors can only see one species at any given time.
Are there other separate enclosures which can simultaneously exhibit the other species? Or will I only see one species at any given time?
Its an interesting concept, but the message that various species share the same ecological habitat is lost if visitors can only see one species at any given time.
Thanks for the info and links Zooplantman. I realise now that Snowleopard mentioned "set of enclosures" in the original post, missed it completely when posting the question...
While I agree that it isn't very lush, considering babirusa and tapirs are being rotated through, the vegetation has held up decently. The apes do seem to get a bad deal with these enclosures though with insufficient climbing/brachiating opportunities.
Some of the other enclosures and particuarly the indoor one offer better climbing oppotunities.That is kinda the point that none of these rotating exhibits are alike or perfect to one given animal.We almost always find alot of activity from all species involved and feel the concept works pretty well.
I saw the babirusa in this exhibit in the AM and the Sumatran tiger in it in the PM. I feel the exhibit was great for the babirusa, good for the tapir, and decent for the tiger. For the apes, it's perhaps flawed.
