If I read the Oregon Zoo's master plan correctly they eventually want to phase out this sea lion exhibit and the sea otters. Does anybody know why that is? Are these exhibits decaying such that they cannot be maintained in the long-term future? These seem like strange species to be phasing out of a collection given their charisma.
Pacific Cove (sea lions and sea otters) is a top-notch complex that only just opened in 2000. I've visited the zoo at least 5 time and that section has always been a highlight and I was disappointed when I saw the master plan and understood that there would eventually be an overhaul of this section of the zoo. It appears that a South American zone will be constructed with tapirs eventually occupying a dramatically renovated sea lion pool.
If anyone is interested then on the link below if you scroll down to the bottom the master plan of Oregon Zoo can be downloaded and then enlarged to provide a wonderful overview of what the future will be like. Notice that the upcoming Asian elephant exhibit's 6 acres dominates the right-hand side of the zoo.
Thanks for the info and thoughts guys. It still seems somewhat odd that this complex is targeted for destruction. Too bad they can't put some solar panels or a windmill on it and generate some sustainable electricity for it.
I'm surprised they'd phase-out sea lions based on how popular they are. Also since the species they have- Steller Sea Lion- is getting increasingly rare in North American zoos. I've heard that only 4 NA zoos still hold the species. The only 2 I know of are Oregon and the Mystic Aquarium, does anyone know the other 2?
I'm surprised they'd phase-out sea lions based on how popular they are. Also since the species they have- Steller Sea Lion- is getting increasingly rare in North American zoos. I've heard that only 4 NA zoos still hold the species. The only 2 I know of are Oregon and the Mystic Aquarium, does anyone know the other 2?
