Having just seen this I noted an interesting element. Not only are the individual exhibits enclosed in mesh, but the entire visitor area is also covered in mesh. It is hard to see in the photo, but the middle part that looks like blue sky actually does have mesh stretched across. The sides of the entire complex however are fully open so the mesh is clearly not meant to keep birds out. I wonder if it will be covered with a tarp material for shade once the entire complex is open?
@Arizona Docent
I am mystified by this approach. It was explained as a way to minimize the structure (and visual clutter) of enclosing the individual animal exhibits, but from this photo the posts holding up the extensive (and expensive!) mesh canopy are quite prominent and ugly. As you noted, the fact that all of the mesh used in the complex is reflective, not black or bronze, makes viewing through it difficult. Someday vegetation may grow to fill in the space and minimize the presence of the canopy, but it doesn’t look like much has been planted yet to create a forest inside the structure.
And then there’s the matter of a 20-foot+ tall honey badger exhibit in “Madagascar.”
