djaeon, have you seen any of the plans or concept for this exhibit? Do you know when it is going to be finished too? I heard June or July, but I don't have an exact date.
Hello, I'm sorry for the late reply. I've been on vacation this past week. I have seen plans, although it was a while ago so I don't remember many details. There is supposed to be an interaction area for guests/keepers/tortoises. I'm not sure about landscaping, but the majority of the layout won't change much. A large part of the renovation is behind the scenes because the tortoise barn was in serious need of renovation. It's supposed to re-open in July.
Sorry for late reply too. That's pretty much what I heard about it too and that's exactly what happened. I was open again when I went this week. There's pretty much no difference aesthetically aside from the new tortoise sized pools and interaction area. The new barn is great update for the tortoises and reptile staff there though, especially because it was much needed.
I agree. And I like that they made the wall in front of the exhibit ninety degrees to the ground instead of the slanted one they had before. Makes it a little harder for people to lean over and harass the tortoises. Not that it's a big problem, but I saw a spit puddle on the back of one once and that just disgusted me that someone would do that. The new walls make it a little harder. But, for all I know, that was a one time incident.
From what I've seen (only walked by a couple times) it's mainly just been improved to look better with the souvenir booth's there, and enclosed the food stand across from the reptile house. I don't think the updates serve too much of a purpose other than it looks a lot nicer.
There's also a new archway, consistent with the new map, that opens to the center of the house's hallways instead of on the side like the other entrances.
