Today (Nov 4th) Da Mao was still out in this exhibit. He uses the Hammock as a way to get up on the wooden structure. Really hoping the cubs get moved to this yard, although if that happens, I feel like it'll happen in the Spring of 2017.
Personally, I like the additions to the exhibit. Da Mao looks good against them. Makes for great photos. However, the main reason I rather see them switch around exhibits, is due to the better viewing of Da Mao's exhibit. You'd think they'd put the bigger attraction in the better exhibit.
Now, I'm not saying Er Shun's exhibit is bad, but it's only adequate for a single adult Panda. Glass and fenced viewing doesn't help with visitors getting that immersive feeling like you get with Da Mao's exhibit. Plus, Er Shun's exhibit is smaller with more occupants. Makes no sense.
The only real upside to Er Shun's exhibit in comparison to Da Mao's, is that you can give the mother and cubs the option of going indoors, without having Keeper intervention. But at this point in the cub's development, I would think they can stay outdoors for the day, come spring.
I fully agree cypher.
Having the cubs in the larger outdoor exhibit would also provide a lot more opportunity for visitors to stay and watch the cubs on crowded days.
I also selfishly want the cubs in the larger exhibit as it would make for much better photos of them.
I wonder how much longer Er Shun's exhibit will be able to house mom and the cubs as the cubs continue to grow. For the three pandas, I would think it will be on the tighter side size wise sooner than later.
An interesting point on going in and out, I hadn't thought of that.
I agree that I selfishly also want the larger exhibit for better Photos of them. The Fencing, glass and dark indoors hinders my chances of getting a decent shot of them. Hell, I want better exhibits for a lot of the the animals, mainly the upcoming outdoor orangutan exhibit (Hoping for no/limited and fencing/glass viewing and for multiple vantage points).
Plus I truly think the lineups would move faster if the switch happened. More people can view at Da Mao's outdoor exhibit allowing less waiting, and shoving like we have now. I find that when the cubs are indoors, the line bottlenecks in the small viewing space leading to a complete halt in movement.
The cubs and Er Shun will likely make the move in 2017. Part of it could also be that Er Shun is just more comfortable in that exhibit. She's never really spent a lot of time in Da Mao's exhibit. She's always been the picker panda. With two young cubs she might just prefer to be where she is happiest. I would think once the zoo felt the cubs could handle the exhibit they would have preferred the large yard for exactly the reasons you have both stated. The only thing I can think of is Er Shun's comfort.
