I really don't like when zoos implement really non-natural elements such as mobiles and bright toys in exhibits where attempts were made to be fully naturalistic, at least in appearance if not in full function much like Bronx' Madagascar or Disney's Kilimanjaro Safaris. IMO there is a place for these enrichment items (behind the scenes). In short, either we're in the South American rainforest or we're not.
@Wyman I agree. I found the ones at this zoo particularly garish. It's great that they're providing so much enrichment (assuming they rotate things often), but it really stands out against the attempts at a more natural looking setting; even outside, where they're just fenced areas. Take the time to make these things blend in more. Some items looked like trash was just thrown in, like the bottom of one of those large fake Coca cola bottles in with the foxes.
@StoppableSan I dunno, this enclosure looks pretty nasty anyway to be honest. If it makes the animals lives better I see no reason why guest experience should be priority above it.
@TinoPup All concrete, fake plants, looks pretty tiny in this picture (maybe it isn't), super narrow, indoors. Yeah, the enrichment makes it look worse, but at this point its forgivable as there doesn't seem to be much to make the animals happy/healthy. I don't really see it coming off as naturalistic with or without toys etc.
@squatch It expands a bit at the end; it's mostly long and narrow vs rectangular like most zoos. The concrete isn't great but it's the same thing used by a lot of places, just maybe not as well done (though far from the worst I've seen). Given it's New York, I'd hope they would be indoors
