Much discussion has gone on here about the weird aesthetics of these "utilitrees" or whatever they are, but does anyone know if they are actually working and serving their intended purpose as designed?
Much discussion has gone on here about the weird aesthetics of these "utilitrees" or whatever they are, but does anyone know if they are actually working and serving their intended purpose as designed?
I think they are. They provide shade and misters when it is hot and heaters in the cold. The keepers can put food in different containers and hang them to provide enrichment. They can raise and lower the food by remote control so that the elephants don't know when and where they will be fed. I see the elephants using them frequently. When the keepers put hay inside near the bottom the elephants will blow air inside so that they can reach all of it.The plants on top were supposed to grow large enough to hang over the top which they haven't done yet. I still think they are kind of ugly though.
I think they are. They provide shade and misters when it is hot and heaters in the cold. The keepers can put food in different containers and hang them to provide enrichment. They can raise and lower the food by remote control so that the elephants don't know when and where they will be fed. I see the elephants using them frequently. When the keepers put hay inside near the bottom the elephants will blow air inside so that they can reach all of it.The plants on top were supposed to grow large enough to hang over the top which they haven't done yet. I still think they are kind of ugly though.
I have read in a San Diego Zoo publication that they are supposed to mimic the Baobab trees of Africa. Why they are in a Pleistocene exhibit for Californian Asian Elephants is another question, but a zookeeper has also told me that the plantings on the top are supposed to be a ground cover that is will eventually droop over the sides so that it looks similar to a real tree. Its just taking much longer than expected for the plant to grow, but I think the utilitrees don't accommodate enough space devoted to plant growth.
I have read in a San Diego Zoo publication that they are supposed to mimic the Baobab trees of Africa. Why they are in a Pleistocene exhibit for Californian Asian Elephants Is another question
That pretty much sums up what is wrong with this exhibit's concept.
Volumes could be written about the flaws in execution, but that's for another time.
I have read in a San Diego Zoo publication that they are supposed to mimic the Baobab trees of Africa. Why they are in a Pleistocene exhibit for Californian Asian Elephants is another question....
