I visited this zoo in 2012 and I realize that this photo does not show the entire exhibit, but the enclosure is not really suitable for lions. The murals on the huge walls obscure the fact that the lions have zero high viewpoints, and I'd like to see the zoo spend some money dividing the exhibit into sections and maintaining a diverse collection of smaller species rather than utilizing the space for big cats. The indoor area of the zoo already has many enclosures for small mammals and the lions stick out like sore thumbs.
It is a small Lion Exhibit, but you also must realize that the exhibit was part of the original makeover in the mid-80's, a lot has changed since then. It also was originally home to 2 Asiatic Lions not 3 African lions not that this is a justification for the size. Luckily it appears that in the zoo's new master plan the Lions could be moved to the Wildlife Trail across from the current Reindeer and future Giraffe exhibit. And the Plan also shows a new meerkat exhibit and entry exhibit in place of the lions. Thankfully this is still not the worst Lion exhibit I have ever seen and it at least attempts to be naturalistic for them.
