tiger exhibit remodel - Feb 2012

The exhibit is currently empty - their lone male was sent out for breeding. Before they get a new pair they are remodeling the exhibit. The ground used to be all cement, but they have torn that out to create a dirt bottom and have added plants. Hopefully it will grow in more before the new tigers arrive.

Lack of plants and shade were my concern. Especially in the San Antonio summer heat. Also, is there a pool anywhere for them?

What really needs to happen is for this old grotto to be filled in, expanded, and then glass viewing added so that visitors will have a much closer, more intimate portrayal of a wonderful species of cat and the tigers will have much more space. Detroit Zoo spent $1 million to overhaul their lion grotto and these days that is a relatively inexpensive "new" exhibit.

No pool as far as I can tell, although it looks like maybe the rocks on the far right could be a new stream?

@Arizona Docent if I would rate the exhibit, I would give it a 4 out of 10 which looks low but I’m very strict in zoo exhibits. We talk about animal welfare and zoos have to keep a good name. I do actually like the design but it lacks plants, hiding and enrichment space. It’s also small. Design I would give it a 5/10, space 3/10, originality 4/10, inspiring 4/10 the stone wall and sandy ground are great, I like the theme of the exhibit. But it isn’t tiger worthy.

If I remember from my return visit a year or two after this, it was indeed more lushly planted. It looked much nicer than it does here.

@snowleopard I agree. While I feel moats (wet or dry) are indeed an effective way of keeping animals contained, I also more strongly feel that it is always wasted space. Once they were neccesary but now, with more advanced techniques of containing animals, I find them not worth the cost (I.e. giving up valuable space).