I was quite surprised, it is almost the first thing you see and makes a really poor impression. Does it look any better when the moat isn't muddy and there's some growth?
With some better landscaping this enclosure could have a lot more usable space.
I was quite surprised, it is almost the first thing you see and makes a really poor impression. Does it look any better when the moat isn't muddy and there's some growth?
With some better landscaping this enclosure could have a lot more usable space.
Not a pretty exhibit, but you also got it in what may well be its least nice period of the year. If checking north European city zoo lion exhibits photographed in the same period you'll also find several others with large brown parts. Copenhagen looks much better when there is more green (see link below), but still needs an overhault and always has brown parts, especially in the rear half. I might be wrong, but believe the moat is drained during the period where there is a reasonable risk of sub-zero temperatures and ice. A lion could get "good" ideas and fancy a snack on the other side.
I like to compare Copenhagen's to the sometimes acclaimed Leipzig lion exhibit from 2001 because its accessible parts are only slightly larger (c. 15%). These are both fairly typical sized for West European city zoo lion exhibits where 500-1000 m2 seems to be the norm, although there are some (mainly quite new) that are above. However, the differences in the periods when the Copenhagen and Leipzig exhibits were made are obvious. Leipzig overall greener with better use of space (c. peak of green at Leipzig vs. Copenhagen - try comparing it to FunkyGibbon's photo too, but beware that the "hill" in the background has been expanded). Leipzig also has better cover of barriers, which the lions are unlikely to care about, but without the cover they can stand out like a sore thumb to visitors. Yes, I know Leipzig used plenty of fake rock and many zoo chatters absolutely hate that. It is still an interesting comparison when knowing that the lions is another place where there are plans, but unfortunately I don't know details or time. If they stay in this part of the zoo instead of being moved elsewhere, they could leave the water moat on only one side (as in Leipzig), in which case they'd also end up with a bit more space than Leipzig.... but I'm just speculating here.
You mean like Antwerpen or Paignton. Easily judged by a single photo too
Of course I'm joking, but if just looking at these photos it would be possible to make that statement. Actually, I do sometimes wonder how many people on this forum visit the same zoo at different times of the year. The differences can be striking, both in exhibit appearances, animal appearances and behavior. None of this changes my overall opinion of the Copenhagen lion exhibit, but I do think the above quoted wording was inaccurate (I would have agreed if my only basis was FunkyGibbon's photo). Overall a suitable and sufficient exhibit: Yes. Needs an upgrade: Yes.
Not that this should become a discussion over various zoos, but there are a number of other modern European zoos with lion exhibits that are below Copenhagen's. Both if looking at size, vegetation and overall appearence (based on actual visits at times where vegetation is comparable). You only have to take a fairly short trip south to a county neighbouring Denmark to visit a well-known modern zoo where their lion exhibit has less vegetation and is about half the size of Copenhagen's. In at least some of these I know there are plans for updates, but again I don't know the details.
Who knows, one day the remarkable 2,5 acre KatangaHill (←2 links) may be the standard
I didn't realise the moat is filled in summer! That is already an aesthetic improvement although I doubt it affects the lions. Having seen the photo with undergrowth I would agree with your assessment temp.
I know there is a loose plan that the lions will eventually end up on the other side of the road; are there any whispers about what could replace this enclosure?
I saw this exhibit in the depths of winter too, and it looked dreadful. But I do appreciate temp's points, and I have to say the enrichment (a llama) for the large pride was brilliant, and resulted in a very active and excited group.
That said, a new lion enclosure replacing the Australian exhibit on the other side of the zoo would be great, and a new exhibit here that links to the Flamingo aviary in some way could be a very nice entry exhibit.
I saw this exhibit in the depths of winter too, and it looked dreadful. But I do appreciate temp's points, and I have to say the enrichment (a llama) for the large pride was brilliant, and resulted in a very active and excited group.
That said, a new lion enclosure replacing the Australian exhibit on the other side of the zoo would be great, and a new exhibit here that links to the Flamingo aviary in some way could be a very nice entry exhibit.
