@Arizona Docent, what about Lion Camp makes it better than this one? I have seen Lion Camp, but not this exhibit. I think if I knew what you liked better about Lion Camp it would give me a good idea about the nature of Pride of the Plains. Thanks in advance.
@Arizona Docent, what about Lion Camp makes it better than this one? I have seen Lion Camp, but not this exhibit. I think if I knew what you liked better about Lion Camp it would give me a good idea about the nature of Pride of the Plains. Thanks in advance.
I like the varied terrain of Lion Camp. A rock outcropping and a sloping hillside, plus a choice of open moat viewing (like Wichita) or closeup glass viewing (which Wichita does not have).
As for the question of group size, SDWAP fluctuates. A couple years ago they had two females that gave birth within days so there were seven cubs plus the two females and one male on display. Now, I think it is a smaller group. I believe that male is now at San Diego Zoo (Elephant Odyssey) and most of the cubs were shipped off - one is at my zoo. Not sure what their current layout is, although when I was there a year ago they had two young males on exhibit (and likely another rotating group off exhibit).
I like the varied terrain of Lion Camp. A rock outcropping and a sloping hillside, plus a choice of open moat viewing (like Wichita) or closeup glass viewing (which Wichita does not have).
One other reason this would get my vote before Lion Camp: there's no ridiculous "safari vehicle with heated hood" sitting in the exhibit (or worse with a pane of glass set in the middle of the truck). Yawn....
Also, the original good Lion Camp sightlines have been compromised by the ugly new station for the new safari ride.
If I recall the Lion Camp sightlines weren't spectacular when it was built. You could see the back fence quite easily. The Cheetah exhibit in Heart of Africa was much more expertly crafted.
If I recall the Lion Camp sightlines weren't spectacular when it was built. You could see the back fence quite easily. The Cheetah exhibit in Heart of Africa was much more expertly crafted.
All true. But even the Cheetah exhibit was diminished when the giraffe feeding platform was built next to it, revealing all the previously-hidden fencing etc.
The whole Wild Animal Park (or whatever it is called today) seems to get built one step at a time without the guidance of a consistent plan, and even the good parts (e.g. Journey to Africa) become watered down by subsequent additions or "improvements."
