It was open as the zebras had been allowed into the rhinoceros area to get used to the paddock (but not yet to the rhinos themselves) and were at the time of my visit being coaxed back to the giraffe area.
@DelacoursLangur It is their intention to create a larger savanna exhibit by joining the two areas, and to mix most of the species. The rhinos and zebras would also get access to the giraffe area, though the giraffes would remain confined to their section. They also I believe plan to add more ungulates and perhaps also ostrich.
However, it remains to be seen how well everything will work out. I'm personally a little skeptical about mixing rhinos and giraffes, however, the connecting area doesn't seem to be constructed to not allow rhinos to use it.
