Ah, that's interesting and makes a lot of sense. It's worked out quite well; they can be flexible with that area as it adjoins all the major areas (Asia, Africa, South America, Gondwanaland). Gives them options.
Exactly the point. The plan was that you would enter and leave Gondwanaland three times during your trip around the house so that each section (Asia, Africa and South America) would be in the same house but separate from each other. Here is a picture to help you understand (sorry about the poor quality):
Originally intended species also included common hippopotamus and siamang (with outdoor exhibits) as well as many others. The whole project ended up being somewhat more elaborate though.
Does Leipzig still have the exhibit in this photo?
It is interesting to see the many very good Visayan warty pig exhibits from zoos around the world, as I did a quick search on ZooChat and it turned up a number of great swine enclosures. However, Leipzig's pig yard is a whole world away from what Jacksonville Zoo just opened last week:
They certainly did during my visits in July 2013. I have found an updated picture for you:
I must admit I quite like this exhibit. Nothing fancy but the building style of the house doesn't clash with the Asian experience as much as you would think when there in person. The exhibit is located next to a lake and is lovely shady.
In the future is whole area is to be an "Islands of Asia" theme.
Does Leipzig still have the exhibit in this photo?
It is interesting to see the many very good Visayan warty pig exhibits from zoos around the world, as I did a quick search on ZooChat and it turned up a number of great swine enclosures. However, Leipzig's pig yard is a whole world away from what Jacksonville Zoo just opened last week:
Much as I enjoyed Jacksonville when I visited, the new pig exhibit loses points for the awful 'dried riverbank' barriers - a very expensive way of building what might as well be a wall and doesn't look much more natural!
