This zoo seems to revel in architectural monuments judging by this China exhibit, the recreation of the Yellowstone Lodge in the "Teton Trek" photos, and what seems to be an Egyptian temple at the zoo entrance.
I have no knowledge of the Memphis Zoo beyond these photos. I am wondering what these buildings do exactly for visitors? Do they help draw them into the "narrative" of the exhibit in learning about the animals and their habitat?
Are they misguided attempts to replicate Epcot? I'd be interested in whatever opinions people have on this.
@DAVID: you pose an interesting question, and the CHINA themed area is incredibly spectacular for visitors. I personally feel that the giant panda exhibit is average at best, the gibbon enclosure is disappointing for brachiating apes, and so the animal exhibits are at times okay but pale in comparison to the towering Chinese temples. In the Northwest Passage zone the entrance full of totem poles is fantastic and I love it...but the the polar bear and black bear exhibits are okay but nothing trend-setting. On a side note, the zoo should have pursued another pinniped species for its Northwest area rather than common and southern-based California sea lions.
