geomorph

Elephant Odyssey - African Lion Den

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This is the massive new exhibit complex, opened in May 2009, that is themed to interpreting Southern California during the Pleistocene through habitats for animals that are living examples of the descendants of extinct species from 12,000 years ago.
This is the massive new exhibit complex, opened in May 2009, that is themed to interpreting Southern California during the Pleistocene through habitats for animals that are living examples of the descendants of extinct species from 12,000 years ago.
 
Is there really much difference between this and the medieval cages of the Alexandria Zoo? Thanks to geomorph for the terrific series of photos of what must be the most confused, ugly and disappointing major exhibit complex to be built in recent memory.
 
I've been slow to criticize an exhibit that I haven't seen in person, but this photo is quite off-putting. I hope it's not representative of the entire complex.
 
They do have a large, naturalistic outdoor area, don't they?

Even so, this 'den' just sends the wrong message. If it's the nighthouse then it should not be open to the public.
 
And I imagine in San Diego the lions could be outside for all of the year so indoor exhibits on view seem totally unnecessary.
 
To me, this looks like they have tried to represent a cave with a sort of "modern twist" using the girders, much like the trees outside.
 
More important: It is functional! The best looking enclosure does no good if you cant feed the animals in a clean enviorement or seperate sick individuals.
And as long its good for the lion its good for me, never the less how it looks!
 
As geomorph explained in his review, the buildings in Elephant Odyssey were built to resemble temporary structures associated with a paleontological digsite. (I think anyway) I also think that this may be a cubbing area (but I'm not positive). Anyway, just a little bit of background for y'all.
 
As geomorph explained in his review, the buildings in Elephant Odyssey were built to resemble temporary structures associated with a paleontological digsite. (I think anyway) I also think that this may be a cubbing area (but I'm not positive). Anyway, just a little bit of background for y'all.

Well, should there be a nuclear attack I'd take my chances in the "temporary" structures of EO. That elephant management "barn" and "utilitrees" may outlast just about any building in existence today.

But can anyone really argue this "den" is anything but a nasty dark hole?
 
But can anyone really argue this "den" is anything but a nasty dark hole?

Were this the whole (or even a major part of) the exhibits, I'd agree with you. As it stands, (from the photos - I've not seen this in person) it's just a den. It's practical. I'm not going to argue it's without faults but it's scarcely the abomination some are making out. If this were the off-show den and there was a pretty-looking on-show den, would you still find this design objectionable? (not being snarky, genuinely interested!)
 

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