I just re-read the Beijing Zoo review (by Chlidonias) and while the Reptile House comes off quite badly in it I feel compelled to state that the large exhibit in this photo appears to be spectacular. Often large constrictor-type snakes are relegated to tiny, dark cement tanks that are not at all appropriate, but perhaps the enclosure in this photo is the one really good reptile habitat in the building. Is that a fair assessment? Are there any other reptile displays as impressive as this one at the zoo?
I just re-read the Beijing Zoo review (by Chlidonias) and while the Reptile House comes off quite badly in it I feel compelled to state that the large exhibit in this photo appears to be spectacular. Often large constrictor-type snakes are relegated to tiny, dark cement tanks that are not at all appropriate, but perhaps the enclosure in this photo is the one really good reptile habitat in the building. Is that a fair assessment? Are there any other reptile displays as impressive as this one at the zoo?
this is a good tank. I think almost the whole house would look fine to a casual visitor (except some examples where the tanks are obviously far too small, like some of the turtles) but to an animal person -- not even necessarily a reptile enthusiast -- you can see the faults. Some tanks are alright, most are on the very poor side of average, some are really bad. From memory I would say this python tank is the best by far just due to its size.
Baboon may have different comments because he visits far more than me of course and is more familiar with the place.
this is a good tank. I think almost the whole house would look fine to a casual visitor (except some examples where the tanks are obviously far too small, like some of the turtles) but to an animal person -- not even necessarily a reptile enthusiast -- you can see the faults. Some tanks are alright, most are on the very poor side of average, some are really bad. From memory I would say this python tank is the best by far just due to its size.
Baboon may have different comments because he visits far more than me of course and is more familiar with the place.
As the Reptile House was built in 1979, it was definitely the best type they could built during that time. (Just image the inhuman and terrible Culture Revolution was ended only three years before then, i.e. 1976!) Some of the enclosures even had temperature and humidity systems, it was a miracle in 1979's China. For decades this house was among the best exhibits in Chinese zoos. But as it was designed 30 years ago, it was indeed unsuitable for many species's welfare. But they kept make improvements, too. Some of the outdoor enclosures were built in later times, and the woody debris had replaced the sand substrate for many snake's enclosures, and several large and well-planted enclosures were built inside the house. And since then many species successfully bred, including Chinese crocodile lizard, veiled chameleon, double-crested basilisk, fire skink (Lepidothyris fernandi), common wonder gecko, African fat-tailed gecko, Zhoushan cobra, both Burmese and reticulated python and so on.
Although it is still unsuitable and even terrible for many species, I think the zoo staff have try their best to make improvements with the limited condition I think the main problem is they want to exhibit too many species, well beyond the Reptile House's capacity. In fact there are more species off-exhibit and on rotation exhibit, such as chameleon, the male double-crested basilisk and many other lizard species.
