@kiang
The exhibit is quite larger than it seems in this picture. The animals also have some land area on the other side. According to official informations, the exhibit measures 1500 square meters, having a land area that is larger than the water area.
@Cat-Man
Having been at the place personally, I'd say it's a decent exhibit. Nothing spectacular though. I have to say the theming stuff helps a lot. The land space is probably twice larger than shown in this pic, and there's climatization devices and light regulators, as well as glass skylights.
It doesn't look any larger from the alternative angle shown in this picture and still seems too small frankly. I'm glad it's climate controlled (although I would not expect anything else), but where is the enrichment? Where is the natural substrate for the bears to roll around and play in? The theming looks 'natural' (although somewhat offset by the film studio ceiling) but that really doesn't make any difference to the bears. It might as well be grey concrete.
@Cat-Man
I agree with you, it's not actually a great exhibit. Despite being themed, the floor is 100% concrete (there's a snow machine that provides them some snow, but only in a small area of the exhibit), and the ceiling indeed has a quite industrial aspect... And yes, it's not bigger than shown in this picture you shared. I was reffering to this pic right here we're commenting at.
IMO, if an outdoor exhibit with natural substrate was built for them, having this present one as only an alternative for the animals to get in when they felt it was too hot outside, it would be much better; although I doubt they will be able to do it, due to lack of space.
