Thanks for uploading some great 'exhibit shots' of the zoo, although I shake my head when I see this bear grotto that is almost entirely cement/gunite/mock-rock. Even a big chain-link cage with plenty of natural substrate would be way better than this grotto that is half a century old. With lots of dirt spread everywhere, this could one day be an above average exhibit for something like coatis or raccoons. I know that these old grottoes can become very hot in the summer, plus the hard surface is terrible for bears in terms of arthritis and joint issues.
Interestingly enough, this grotto in particular was planned to receive some extensive renovations a few years ago back when it held black bears. Unfortunately, it only ever had a few minor tweaks and this exhibit is still drastically outdated. Either way, this grotto and all of the other bear grottos in the zoo will either be replaced or extensively renovated within the next decade as the new alaskan exhibit starts to develop following the completion of the upcoming rhino/hippo complex.
I've often thought that even just putting up glass windows along the path and filling in the moats with dirt and grass would improve these grottos. Thankfully, as pachyderm pro said, these are being renovated/replaced.
@DelacoursLangur Ideally all the bear grottos (there are three in use) would all be fixed at the same time. As of now they're all slated to be renovated in a Cold Coast exhibit planned to start construction after the new rhino exhibit is done.
