This young female was put on exhibit less than a week ago. She was born at the Museum via in vitro fertilization just over a year ago. I saw her in this same viewing cave right by the window yesterday and today. The older male they have taken off exhibit usually hid behind branches in the very back. He did not make a good exhibit animal (according to staff) and the second viewing area with harp wire has been closed to the public for at least the last two years because of him (see photo here: ocelot viewing - ZooChat ). According to a keeper it is hoped that viewing area can be opened again once they are sure this ocelot is comfortable with the public.
I normally prefer to shoot through the harpwire, which as I said is closed (though the other one between bobcats and gray fox remains open). Thankfully the glass in these exhibits has no distortion so I can still get good shots. Some zoos use glass or acrylic that has a color cast and/or a waviness/haziness that makes sharp photos impossible.
Last night I went for their summer night opening and it was the first time I have been since I took this photo two months ago. The ocelot exhibit had a sign saying exhibit temporarily empty, so I am not sure what is going on. The former porcupine exhibit (to the left of ocelot exhibit) is still empty as well - it has been for a few months since they moved the porcupine next to mountain lion (former thick-billed parrot exhibit). However the empty porcupine exhibit (which also has a sign saying temporarily empty) now has a lot (I mean A LOT) of dead branches and logs strewn across the ground. They cover the entire exhibit. Does this mean something new is coming? Hmmm...
